Marketing project Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 2

Marketing project - Essay Example The product spread to these countries due to the high population of the Islamic people who believe in their religion and cannot question their faith. The focus will be how to penetrate into the European country. The target market for the â€Å"HALAL† brand will be the Muslim people who believe in what is stipulated in the Quran to constitute a lawful meet among the Muslim religion. The brand position to be adopted is pricing the product high to presage the quality of the product (Cadogan, 2009). Messages would be sent to respective consumers telling them how the product is of high value to their health. In Qatar, the target customers have got different social-economic status as well as the variance in consumption rates due to the difference in preference and tastes. In this case, American will produce varieties of Halal meat putting into consideration the multinational diversity of the market segmentation. The current price of the Halal meat brand products like Baklava range is approximately $15.99. Though it can be seen as expensive, the underlying pricing objectives for the increase in price are to generate more profit from the sales, to meet the production and distribution costs and finally to demonstrate the products superior quality. The company will lower the price in future to increase further the demand as the law of demand and supply dictates. The objectives underlining the product promotion will be to increase the number of sales, attraction of more consumers, enhance the brand identity and recognition of the brand in the market. The company will select the best segment and design effective and sufficient strategies to facilitate the creation of consumers’ value and profitable customer relationships. American will utilize psychographic segmentation where it will target its client based on beliefs, religion, lifestyles, personal characteristics and

The Euro Zone Economic Crisis Article Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

The Euro Zone Economic Crisis - Article Example Companies affected by the crisis have had to lay off workers, reduce their productivity, foreclose, or wind up. One of the countries that have seriously been affected by the crises in Greece. The crisis in Greece was prompted by an unreasonably high wage bill and pension commitment that saw the European country amass great debt. To save the situation in the countries affected by the crisis, bailouts have been issued and government bonds released. There are several long-term measures that have been proposed to avoid a similar situation in the future including the write off of debts (Steinhauser par. 10), reviewing the European fiscal union, and establishing a European Monetary Fund. Despite the economic crisis that threatens business in Europe a few companies have found their ways to weather the storm and come up on top. In days that Greece is ravaged by civil conflict, companies are cutting down on workforce and economic times are definitely hard, nobody would expect anyone to do it like they are doing it on both domestic and the global arena to even prompt the European Business Awards to cite them as examples. Mega disposables S.A, Lamda Hellix and Gaea have succeeded where their peers would fear to venture. Lamda Hellix a data centre service provider is spread out across South Eastern Europe, backed up by a team that works relentlessly to achieve success in providing the best customer service in the industry. Their main focus is integration and consultant services, besides they also maintain data for their party data service centres. The company boasts of winning several awards in the past 10 years that includes Best European Data Center Facilities Management Award (2011), Best European Green Initiative Award (2010), Best Regional Data Centre Operator in Europe (2009), Best Workplace in Greece in 2012.  The latter award is not just a confirmation that employees work in a safer place but that they share goals that are common enabling them to be excellent in their personal and cooperate levels; an adventure of success that has seen it being cited on the Wall Street Journal (Lamda Hellix, 2012).  Ã‚  

Outsourcing HR, How advisable is this move during a recession Dissertation

Outsourcing HR, How advisable is this move during a recession - Dissertation Example However, the change to an outsourced resource for HR functions can be a risky proposition, creating a deficit in employee motivation and morale that can cost in productivity. During an economic recession cycle, the funds to fully integrate a new form of HR service to employees can be limited, thus creating an irreversibility of the decision if new strategies include outsourcing HR in order to cut costs. The sustainability of the company is in jeopardy if all of the circumstances have not been measured for potentials, both negatives and positives and if the risks are at an irreparable level, the company may not survive the transition. While a useful tool for creating a better structure within the organization, when faced as a form of cost cutting during a recession period, the long term risks may negate any savings that could have been realized. Outsourcing HR during a Recession Chapter One: Introduction 1. ... Various business research surveys have shown that as much as 70% of all human resources is now done through outside firms who function as specialists in the area in order to consolidate specialization over several firms, rather than each firm having in-house specialists in this area (Heneman 2002, p. 58). There are numerous benefits to hosting HR services through an outside source. The nature of the savings involved can be seen through improved economies of scales, more flexibility, higher levels of expertise, and higher levels of performance within core competencies (Heneman 2002). However, on the converse side of the discourse on the topic, it is possible that the de-personalization through standardization creates a lowered level of efficiency, thus decreasing overall firm performance. The reasons for outsourcing any part of a firm’s required resources is usually based on financial reasons. The unfortunate problem with firms that exist in a shareholder model of governance is that the abstract, sometimes intangible costs of doing business from the perspective of an owner responsibility based position end up costing the business more in the long run. Short term goals are considered a higher priority than long term in the shareholder model, thus using outsourced HR is a part of this framework. According to Armstrong (2009, p. 93), â€Å"Managements are facing Tom Peters’ (1988) challenge ‘prove it can’t be subcontracted’. The formal policy of a major global manufacturer reads: ‘Manufacture only those items – internal source only those supportive services – that directly contribute to, or help to maintain, our competitive advantage â€Å". This perspective suggests that all concerns that are not directly involved with making money should be outsourced. The

Marketing project Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 2

Marketing project - Essay Example The product spread to these countries due to the high population of the Islamic people who believe in their religion and cannot question their faith. The focus will be how to penetrate into the European country. The target market for the â€Å"HALAL† brand will be the Muslim people who believe in what is stipulated in the Quran to constitute a lawful meet among the Muslim religion. The brand position to be adopted is pricing the product high to presage the quality of the product (Cadogan, 2009). Messages would be sent to respective consumers telling them how the product is of high value to their health. In Qatar, the target customers have got different social-economic status as well as the variance in consumption rates due to the difference in preference and tastes. In this case, American will produce varieties of Halal meat putting into consideration the multinational diversity of the market segmentation. The current price of the Halal meat brand products like Baklava range is approximately $15.99. Though it can be seen as expensive, the underlying pricing objectives for the increase in price are to generate more profit from the sales, to meet the production and distribution costs and finally to demonstrate the products superior quality. The company will lower the price in future to increase further the demand as the law of demand and supply dictates. The objectives underlining the product promotion will be to increase the number of sales, attraction of more consumers, enhance the brand identity and recognition of the brand in the market. The company will select the best segment and design effective and sufficient strategies to facilitate the creation of consumers’ value and profitable customer relationships. American will utilize psychographic segmentation where it will target its client based on beliefs, religion, lifestyles, personal characteristics and

Outsourcing HR, How advisable is this move during a recession Dissertation

Outsourcing HR, How advisable is this move during a recession - Dissertation Example However, the change to an outsourced resource for HR functions can be a risky proposition, creating a deficit in employee motivation and morale that can cost in productivity. During an economic recession cycle, the funds to fully integrate a new form of HR service to employees can be limited, thus creating an irreversibility of the decision if new strategies include outsourcing HR in order to cut costs. The sustainability of the company is in jeopardy if all of the circumstances have not been measured for potentials, both negatives and positives and if the risks are at an irreparable level, the company may not survive the transition. While a useful tool for creating a better structure within the organization, when faced as a form of cost cutting during a recession period, the long term risks may negate any savings that could have been realized. Outsourcing HR during a Recession Chapter One: Introduction 1. ... Various business research surveys have shown that as much as 70% of all human resources is now done through outside firms who function as specialists in the area in order to consolidate specialization over several firms, rather than each firm having in-house specialists in this area (Heneman 2002, p. 58). There are numerous benefits to hosting HR services through an outside source. The nature of the savings involved can be seen through improved economies of scales, more flexibility, higher levels of expertise, and higher levels of performance within core competencies (Heneman 2002). However, on the converse side of the discourse on the topic, it is possible that the de-personalization through standardization creates a lowered level of efficiency, thus decreasing overall firm performance. The reasons for outsourcing any part of a firm’s required resources is usually based on financial reasons. The unfortunate problem with firms that exist in a shareholder model of governance is that the abstract, sometimes intangible costs of doing business from the perspective of an owner responsibility based position end up costing the business more in the long run. Short term goals are considered a higher priority than long term in the shareholder model, thus using outsourced HR is a part of this framework. According to Armstrong (2009, p. 93), â€Å"Managements are facing Tom Peters’ (1988) challenge ‘prove it can’t be subcontracted’. The formal policy of a major global manufacturer reads: ‘Manufacture only those items – internal source only those supportive services – that directly contribute to, or help to maintain, our competitive advantage â€Å". This perspective suggests that all concerns that are not directly involved with making money should be outsourced. The

Automobile Industry Essay Example for Free

Automobile Industry Essay †¢Key drivers of the automobile sector are economic conditions, governments and regulations, consumer demands and interests, globalization and technological innovations †¢Generally, if the economic conditions are constant and good, people will seems willing to buy vehicles more than ever in all around world. In contrast, if economic conditions are bad, sales graphs will reverse and companies start to lose money. Firms should decide right production numbers in every condition and this capacity exactly depends on economic circumstances. †¢People are more conscious about what they except from a car and firms must satisfy these needs to survive in this sector. Even luxury automotive brands start to produce low fuel consumptions engines, otherwise they will collapse rapidly. †¢As usual, globalization is one of the crucial key drivers of automobile industry like every sector. After the globalization, brands start to do partnerships with each other to enter the different markets and they develop new technological innovations more cheap and useful all around the world. †¢In addition to these factors, governments’ regulations are one of the major determinants of global auto industry. The country’s’ legislation about emissions, environment and recycling are the key factors of brands investments. In European Union, the mutual regulations order that emission rate is lower than other regions and as a result of that firms should produce accordingly to these legislations. The Automobile Market †¢The automobile industry has become important after the globalization because people want to travel with more comfortably, safely and rapidly with their cars. Concordantly, while automobile sector is developing in every part of it, the global transportation sector benefit from positively. For instance; Rolls-Royce is producing both plane and car motors and Volvo is producing car and sea boats engines too. So, firms help to enlarge and develop in every transportation tools, not only cars. †¢The automobile industry consists of fuel, tire, and insurance firms. Also, mostly the luxurious brands are working with ranking fashion companies such as; Gucci(Fiat) and Hermes(Bugatti) and sound system companies like as; Bang Olufsen (Audi, Mercedes, BMW, Aston Martin) and Naim (Bentley). †¢On the other hand, after the globalization, automobile brands start to work together in some regions all around the world. They invest more money on RD departments and sharing their knowledge to improve all transportation vehicles. †¢Germany, United States, Japan and Korean producers are the bestsellers all around the world. These countries mostly take control all over the world. Such as: Volkswagen is one of the biggest companies in automobile sector and it has got several brands such as; Audi, Lamborghini, Bentley, Bugatti and Seat. Company produces car for every segment. †¢In addition, especially for the last decade, market start to tend to produce more clean motors which do not harm to the environment. Also, they try to produce completely using electricity engines for all vehicles and using solar panels. As a result of that, the concept of climate change cause occurs a new market in automobile sector. Key Country Markets †¢In this chapter of report, I will mention about Japan, United States, Germany and Korean automotive producers because Toyota and Honda from Japan are the best and most well-known brands, Volkswagen from Germany is the head of locomotive in this industry for all parts of it, GM and Ford are the biggest companies from United states and Hyundai, which is becoming more powerful in everyday from Korea. †¢Volkswagen is the second best seller in 2012 after the GM and they are in front of Toyota. Generally, German cars are best vehicles that showed by automobile specialists from all over the word in every segment. Volkswagen, (if we look at the Exhibit 1) has got several different brands like; Lamborghini, Bentley, Audi, Bugatti, Skoda and Seat. They have product range from low-consumption cars to the luxury vehicles, as a result of that they are producing well- quality vehicles. †¢Toyota and Honda are the most favorable brands from Japan against to American and German manufacturers. Toyota Corolla is the world’s best seller mass production model and Toyota has got successful models as like Corolla too. In addition, Honda is one of the biggest and accomplished gasoline engine producers. Also, these two Japan brands are investing their money on hybrid and electric motor more than ever other brands. †¢GM is best seller brand in 2011, they sold approximately ten million cars and they have got various vehicle models. GM has got various brands such as; Chevrolet, Opel, Vauxhall, GMC, Buick and Cadillac. Also Ford is the one of the biggest key driver of the market. †¢Hyundai is one of the most developing auto brands for last decade. They start to produce well engines, comfortable and good looking cars. On the other hand, Hyundai is one of the biggest partnerships of Kia (%49. 2) which is the second biggest brand from Korea. †¢As we can see clearly, these 6 brands from 4 country of the world are the leaders of this sector. Also, they own various brands in their group and they are using this superiority against to the other brands. Sector Trends †¢Brands should produce low-consumption engines and obey emission and governments’ regulations to survive. †¢Nearly all automotive producers are using same technology on their vehicles; they need to work on these researches together to be more beneficial for humanity. For instance; Mercedes-Benz and BMW are sharing RD departments studies with each other and both of them working together to develop new technologies. †¢People are expecting more useful cars from producers like, they want both athletic and reliable vehicles, as a result of that firms has got new opportunities to create new model segments based on these requirements. †¢Transportation vehicles are developing in every day and automobiles is one of the crucial parts of this situation. Firms are increasing their sales number in every year and they need to satisfy their customers’ requirements in a perfect way. †¢Climate change is one of the determinants of this sector, so firms should pay attention to this issue seriously, they need to obey governments’ regulations and produce new technologies which will be not harmful for nature. †¢Hybrid and electric engines will be the most popular trends in this sector next decades; people would prefer clean engines and low-priced energy, so sector must be improved itself rapidly. Key Success Factor. †¢In this sector there are several success factor which is decided by people and worlds’ requirements; †¢Firms must produce more secure cars because, if we compare transportation systems, motorway is the most dangerous one and, the number of accidents’ proofs it. Brands should work together on security services. For instance; Volvo which is one of the securest brand on the world, claims that after 2020, any people will die in a traffic accident that drive a Volvo. †¢Engines success based on the fuel-efficiency, not harmful for the environment and being long-life. These conditions should be priority for brands RD departments. †¢Practicality needs to be developing parallel with previous items. People do not want to send various tools in the future; they will only buy contently vehicles. The Future Outlook and Expectations of Automobile Sector †¢People will need cars in the future more than now, producers’ need to satisfy this demand with new technology engines, they should create alternative energy resources which will be not harmful for the environment and firms need to develop safety features to prevent traffic accidents. †¢In the future people need transportation systems because of the longer distances, in every transportation way need to develop it. †¢Brands need to improve driverless vehicles because market will tend in that way. INTRODUCTION AND OVERVIEW The Automotive Industry Overview The automotive industry is one of the crucial sectors for humanity and it has been developing from industrial revolution to now. After the first engine was discovered in 1885 by Karl Benz, engineers found various inventions to make easier of people life. Industry had developed too much nowadays, engineers work on different technological tools and they need to show pay attention many different regulations in today’s world. At the beginning, the most important part was the engine but now automotive industry involves a wide range of business lines such as; manufacture, design, development, marketing and selling motor vehicles, motorcycles. Last year, there were approximately one billion cars which are registered on the world and this number is increasing sharply year by year. Parallel with that, consumes gasoline and diesel fuel multiply with every new car addict to the traffic. On the other hand, this sector employees thousands of people and creates new opportunities to undeveloped countries. In addition to these information’s about automobile sector, we should absolutely mention about the economy of which it creates and process. Currently, mostly the all automotive brands are owned by developed countries and they made their substructure investments all around the world, especially undeveloped countries. After the globalization, firms decide to set-up their factories at low skilled labor force countries. However, this decision affects both sides positively, producer’s limits cost and undeveloped countries’ economies start to develop. According to the OICA (The International Organization of Motor Vehicle Manufacturers that, â€Å"If vehicle manufacturing was a country it would be sixth largest economy in the world. † in 2007. This shows that the contribution of automobile industry to the undeveloped countries’ economies. Also, the industries turnover 2 trillion dollars and if we comparing of this turnover of GDP with other economies in the world, proof that it can compete economic power of Italy, France or the UK. India is one of the greatest examples of the success at their economic improvement. Tata Motors, which Indian automobile brand owned Jaguar and Land Rover last year and they developed it perfectly in 2 years. After these 2 years, Jaguar and Land Rover increased their profitability nearly in half and when we think about these two brands are luxury brands, these numbers are spectacular. On the other hand, firms expanding nearly 85 billion dollars on Research Development departments. These budgets shaped by customer’s demand, so this sector is one of the innovative ones and it still produce new technologies. However, automobile sector has got unfavorable situations like; economic crises. If we make a research about when firms sales numbers decreased or companies made loss we will realize that on that era, world or the some regions is in economic crises. For instance; last biggest economic crises in 2008, when we look at the production number, it will decrease nearly %12. 7 compare to the previous year. These numbers are same with the other economic crises and automobile sector affect from them firstly. Key Country Markets United States. Todays’ world America is the one of the world’s biggest automotive producer with two brand; GM and Ford. GM has got various sub-brands in itself from different segments. These two brands sell their cars all over the world and both of them are most knowable automobile producers. However, in 2008, worlds’ biggest economic crises occurred GM was nearly bankrupt in an unbelievable way. This means, world would lost one of the old and essential brands, thousands of people would lost their job and American economy got hurt again after the Lehman Brothers. Hopefully; government decided to help GM and they saved the firm quickly. Japan Toyota is the most valuable automobile producer in the world; its net value is 131 billion dollars. Also one of the models, Corolla is the best seller model one the world and it has been sold nearly forty million from 1966 to 2012. In addition to the Toyota, Honda is another successful Japan auto brand too. They have got accomplished sales numbers and firm is producing one of the best gasoline engines. According to the consumers, Toyota could be the best competitor against to the German auto makers. Firm is producing in same quality with Germans but they are selling them cheaper than German brands. This is Toyotas’ major successful strategy also, company uses Japans’ engineering and technology which is the worlds’ best ones. They produced worlds’ first hybrid car and investing a huge part of their money on electric, clean and cheap motors. Germany The locomotive of the industry is Volkswagen right now and it will not change for two or three decades. Only the Volkswagens’ value is 76. 3 billion dollars and company has got several brands like; Audi (28. 5 billion$), Porsche (15.3billion$), Lamborghini, Bentley, Bugatti, Seat and Skoda. This German brand is producing most usable models with low-consumption engines, low prices and the safety of German engineering. Volkswagen is shaping the trends of the industry and other brands are following it right now. Firm has got different models from every consumer group and they make it an opportunity to be successful in the future. Korean Asia’s’ economy is the world’s fastest growing economy in nowadays. They are growing better than Europe and United States, as a result of those brands of this region are developing too. Hyundai is only the one of them; they are creating new models, developing current models and enter new markets. The firm move considerably forward when we compare a decade ago, their substructure and technological systems improver very well, also; they are producing more reliable and comfortable vehicles. This Korean brand will be one of the serious auto brands in the future if they are going in that way. Economic Impact of Automobile Sector The automotive industry has a big impact on every economy, it consist nearly every economy in the world. Every country in the world has got a part from this sector and thousands of people work in this industry. It is really crucial for transportation sector because, firms are using or developing same motors on different transportation vehicles. On the other hand, auto sector has got great impact on countries economy. If a country has got a factory or some service area about this sector, it will include a huge part of country’s’ economy. For instance; America worked really hard to save GM from the 2008 economic crises, they spend too much money because, if GM bankrupted, America’s economy will affect in deeply (if we look at Exhibit 3). Also, Ford decide to sale Aston Martin and Volvo at this era, these two brand had not good sales number and they will be harmful for the company if they do not sale them. Automobile brands have a great impact on country’s economy just like banks, executives should be careful about this issue seriously because it can be affect from economic crises easily so, they need to take a decision in long-term. Market Segmentation The automobile industry has a got long operation process; it has various segments in it. Firstly, R D department research what people need or what they want from a vehicle. After that, this part start to make prototypes or create stereotypes which engineers and designers can build on these examples. Designers work on cars aerodynamic, shape and how it looks. In addition, engineers work on substructure parts of the car such as; lights, engine, transmission and safety systems. While they are producing this prototype, they do various tests on car and finally they can send it to the dealers. Dealers, order number of cars and they prepare launches to introduce cars to the customers. After the sale of car, the service department starts to interest with car. They call them to the services periodically and customers can visit them anytime they have a problem with their car. Consequently, this industry has got major segment such as; R D department, designing and crating new technologies, before sale and bring together with market and customers. Finally, service department take care about our cars problem. Five Force Analyses Threats of New Entrants The automobile sector is could be most risky market on the world because you need to much money to invest on it, heritage is really important for customers and this sector is the first sector that affected from economic crises. Otherwise, without any new technology or price policy you will not survive much long and if someone decides to build up an automobile company, he/she will definitely work with local government. On the other hand, if someone wants to get this sector, he/she has got a change with new technological features. For instance; Fisker and Tesla are the new entrants at this sector and they invest their money on clean, hybrid and electrical engines. They also try to design good-looking car with solar panels and other recyclable energies. Bargaining Power of Suppliers In this case bargaining power of suppliers is not really strong. It is not powerful as healthcare sector or another sector because if people do not want to buy a private car, they can choose other transportation ways or the can choose nothing. However, in healthcare sector people absolutely need doctors, hospitals or medicine to survive but it is not same for this sector. In addition, globalization affect make peoples’ life easier and humans are used to it and buying a private car became a priority after purchasing a house. Generally, if a person owns a house, he/she will buy a car with how much money he/she got. This is the strongest part of the sector; unfortunately it has got negatives parts too. Bargaining Power of Buyers These sectors’ trends and demand is shaped by customer’s preferences, so the bargaining power of buyers is really strong. If humans do not like a model, they will not buy it and producers stop to produce it but if they like it producer need to produce it as much as it can to be successful. Right now, the demand on this sector is low-consumption engines and be not harmful to the environment so producers start to produce models and engines in this way, otherwise they cannot be able to sell a car. Availability of Substitutes In automobile industry, the availability of substitutes is not actually but there is only one way to change it is create new substructure concepts in the sector. For instance; Tesla and Fisker do that in a perfect way, they only focus on hybrid and electric engines and people recognize them with these concepts at everywhere. You cannot change industry but you can be able to change its direction. Intensity of Existing Rivalry There are many brands on the market, even in one country own more than one automobile brand, as a result of that the intensity of existing rivalry is really high. As I mentioned before that, there are five leader brands in the market but other big or small brands are successful as like them too. The most important think is the design of the automobile but now it has got no meaning because firms are usually work with same designers and models are not changing too much even in different brands. However, the most competitive concept is price policy according to the government’s tax payments systems. Key Success Factors for Automobile Sector There are different types of key success factor for automobile sector are based on the region, substructure features, purchase power. Producers need to show pay attention to these factors because it will determinate their sales numbers and profitability. The most important factor knows the region very well. I mean dealers and head quarter of the brand should be aware of the consumers’ requirements. Also they need to sale cars which are not be against to the governments’ legislations. For instance; European Union has got sharp and certain laws about carbon dioxide emission, so dealers need to focus on engines which are consuming few. However, United States not sign Kyoto Protocol, so they do not have any legislation for emissions right now, dealers can focus on high mass engines. In addition to the region, substructure features are crucial for auto makers because people always want to buy a car which has got advanced features even they will never use them. However, conscious consumer will demand low-consumption engines and brands need to produce engines according to that demand. In other words, firms need to decide their target audience perfectly and producing substructure features with these conditions. Lastly, the third factor is purchase power. In my opinion, this factor is the most crucial determinant in this sector because every brand starts to produce in same quality vehicles. However they need to know country’s economies and sale their models in that way (if we look at Exhibit 4). For instance; America one of the highest purchase power countries in the world and they really like to own cool, luxurious and spectacular cars, they can buy two three or even more than these number cars. In contrast, European nations have got the same purchase power but they want to buy one or two cars and they are looking to being useful, low consumption and quality vehicles. The Future of Automobile Sector In the future, transportation systems will be developing in all around the world because people want to move from A to B faster, comfortably, safely and cheaply. Producers need to know these requirements and produce car with these features. Firstly, brands need to focus on low-consumption cars, I mean hybrid and electric engines because they are cheaper than current technology and governments provide laws for this situation. Secondly, they need to produce safety cars than now because people will demand on secure system in the future. On the other hand, they need to produce usable cars such as Audis’ All Road, they have been developed for all road conditions and you can use them only in one car. Consequently, people will never forget or reject driving a car but producers need to answer climate, people and governments requirements. If someone produce a car with low price and costs with cover a long distance in a comfortably they will become the most successful brand in the world.

The pest control repeller

The pest control repeller CHAPTER 1: Introduction The Pest Control Repeller is a device designed to eliminate undesired animals to be appeared in our residential area. These undesired animals are such as rodents, bats and even birds like swallow. Rodents appear in the house not only give rise to hygienes problem, but also causing damage to the properties; they bite clothes and furniture that reside in the house. Bats, on the other hand produce excrements on the roof which may jeopardize the health of the residents stay inside the house, they also make noises during night time and affect residents to sleep. Apart from rodents and bats, birds like swallow which the amount has increases dramatically recently has also causes problem to the residents in a residential area. The great profit and demand of the bird nest in the market has attracted more and more people to invest in this business. Some of the nest farming even built up illegally in a residential area. This indirectly causes other side effects such as hygiene problem, sound po llution and damage to the property. Besides, it was also found that there are more than 60 different transmissible diseases have been associated with birds and their feces. Droppings cost money, both in the daily cleaning process and in lost of business from customers who prefer a dropping-free environment [1]. With the existence of Pest Control Repeller, the problem mentioned can be solved easily without causing negative side effect to the human. In this chapter, there will be a short introduction regarding to the objectives and overview of this project. 1.1 Objective The main objective of the project is to design and construct a Pest Control Repeller which will have the following fundamental features: Able to generate a digital harassment sound which will drive away some selected animals such as rodents, bats and birds. Able to implement the device in a large coverage area. Upon successful implementation of these fundamental features, enhancements are added to the device for better efficiency and effectiveness, this include causing the minimum effects to the human during the operation of the device. Besides, the Pest Control Repeller is designed to produces an intermittent sound so that the undesired animals would not get used to the repetitious sound. The developed product also can be used in a large and open outdoor area as well, such as under the bridge or on the telecommunication towers. This is because cliff swallows frequently colonize these structures and their nests cannot be disturbed until the nesting season has passed. As Swallows and their nests are fully protected under the Wildlife Protection Ordinance 1990 in Malaysia and it is unethical to destroy the nest of a swallow, maintenance and repairing process is force to delay to other periods where swallows have migrated to other places. In a nutshell, the designed Pest Control Repeller is ha ving the objective to help mankind in driving these annoying animals away from causing bad sleeping condition, properties damage, health and safety hazards. 1.3 Project Overview Basically, the Pest Control Repeller is categorized into three major functions, which are rodent repellent, bat repellent and bird repellent. These functions are then further classified into three different modes; where in the first mode; only the rodent and bat repellent are activated, for the second mode, the rodent and bat repellent are activated together with the bird repellent, where the bird repellent will only be triggered if the sensor is activated. Whereas for the third mode, the rodent and bat repellent are activated together with bird repellent and control by manual operation of a user. All of the operations are controlled by a microcontroller named PIC16F877A; the PIC microcontroller generates a series of pulses with different frequencies to drive away certain undesired animals. The series of pulses are formed by a specific period of square wave with alternating high and low condition, by varying the period of this square wave, the desired frequency for the Pest Control Repeller can be achieved. The PIC microcontroller used in the Pest Control Repeller also acts as a media to receive signal from PIR sensor which is later to be processed and produces the respective output signal to trigger the tweeter and strobe light. Besides, the PIC microcontroller also functions to send an output signal to trigger the servo motor which is mounted under the tweeter. Last but not least, the PIC microcontroller also used to produces the alphanumerical character which will be shown on the LCD. The specific frequency signals produced by the PIC Microcontroller are sending to the amplifiers prior to the tweeters. An amplifier is a device for increasing the power of a signal by taking energy from a power supply and controlling the output to match the input signal shape but with larger amplitude. In the designed Pest Control Repeller, a Class B amplifier is used for amplifying the different frequency signal. Class B amplifier circuits are the most general design type found in the audio power amplifiers. The amplified frequency signals are then send to the respective tweeter to produce the specific frequency sound wave for the pest repelling purpose. Apart from the frequency sound waves generated, the Pest Control Repeller can trigger a functioning strobe light and flashing super LED when a pest is detected within the device operating range. A LCD display of 216 characters is used in the project to display the operating modes. Besides, the LCD display also shows the numbers of pest detected within a certain period; this function allows a user to make a statistic to measure the effectiveness of the Pest Control Repeller installed in an area. 1.4 Project Scope and Methodology This project is a combination of hardware prototype with software implementation. In the hardware prototype construction, Express SCH and Express PCB are used for the designation purpose. Express SCH is used to draw a schematic diagram which represents the electrical component used in the Pest Control Repeller system by using graphic symbols rather than realistic pictures. Whereas, Express PCB is used to design the electrical conductive pathways from copper sheets laminated onto a non-conductive substrate which will then mechanically support and electrically connect all the electronic components require in the Pest Control Repeller system. For the software implementation, MPLAB which serves as a single, unified graphical user interface for C programming is used to program the require instruction into the PIC microcontroller, PICKit 2, which has been an interesting PIC programmer from Microchip, can be use to program the PIC microcontroller. During the designation of hardware prototype, electronic components and device are chosen base on their cost and effectiveness to ensure that the functionality of the Pest Control Repeller to be optimized at the lowest cost. After the components and devices selection are finalized, a primary configuration of the selected components are done on a bread board, testing and debugging process are then performed to ensure the functionality. After ensuring the functionality, the circuit layout is printed on a PCB and the components are soldered on the respective position, the implementation of circuit on a PCB increase the effectiveness of the circuit and reduce the chance of errors to occur. After the hardware fabrication, a program is written to tests and calibrates the prototype to make it functions in a precise and accurate mode. At the last stage of project, debugging process is carrying out to alter and correct the errors. Debugging is a methodical procedure of finding and reducing the number of bugs, or defects in an electronic hardware to make it behave as expected [2]. Debugging is very time consuming since it detects and corrects the errors instead of merely writing a program. Debugging process will take longer time if the program is written in an improper way. Thus, following the common established rules and good practice when writing a program will greatly reduce the time use in debugging process. More attention is needed when writing a program to make the subsystems independent of each other; this is because debugging tends to be harder when various subsystems are tightly coupled, and changes in one subsystem may cause errors to emerge in another subsystem. 1.5 Thesis Overview The report is divided into 6 chapters where Chapter 1 is a simple introduction that includes with the objective, project overview, project scope and methodology. The report is then followed by Chapter 2, where the theoretical background for this project is discussed in details, such as the animals behavior and effect of digital harassment sound to these animals. Literature review of similar project and improvement of these projects will also be discussed in further. In Chapter 3, the hardware prototype of the components and devices selected are discussed in details. A comparison between similar components and devices is also made to achieve a better effectiveness system at a lower cost. Besides, the function of the selected components and device will be elaborated for better understanding. For Chapter 4, the process in software development is discussed. Flow chart for the programs is shown and explained in details. Besides, software and tools used in the program writing is described for a better understanding. Presentation of data and discussion are combined in chapter 5 where the interpretation of data gathered is discussed. Besides, the problems encountered during conducting the project in both hardware and software also will be elaborate in details. Lastly, conclusion ends the report by providing a summary to the content in the report. It indicates significance, advantages and limitations of the work. The applications of the project and recommendations for future work are included for further reference. Chapter 2: Theoretical Background and Literature Review In this chapter, there will be an introduction to the background of the pests and major issues caused by these pests. Products and techniques used by people in repelling the pests also will be discussed. Their advantages and limitation are being investigated in details so that a comparison can be made between these techniques to further implement the project. Besides, the benefits of the project after the implementation also will be discussed in the last part of this chapter. 2.1 Classical Animal Behavior 2.1.1 Birds Birds play an important role in balancing the ecology by controlling the number of insects and pests in a particular area. However the increasing amounts of birds in a particular area will bring up problems to the residents, this problems are such as hygienes problem, sound pollution, damage to the property and even ecological imbalance. This problem has becomes significant recently when more and more people start to invest in swallow nest farming due to its great profit in the market. Swallows are categorized as gregarious bird species, they tend to breed and build nest at a particular area together. This characteristic has made them become a threat for the residents when they breed in a residential area. The problem even becomes worse when the Cliff Swallows build their nest at telecommunication tower and public construction such as bridge and highway structure. As stated by Jaclyn S.C et al, Cliff swallows (Petrochelidon pyrrhonota) are migratory birds that breed in colonies and f requently nest on highway structures [3]. According to Wildlife Protection Ordinance 1990 in Malaysia, this migrated swallows are consider as endanger species and fully protected under any circumstances. This causes the construction and maintenance process cannot be performed during the nesting season and indirectly leads to economic lost. Besides, it was also found that the excrements of birds like pigeon are the carrier of most fatal diseases. Coghlan (1990) in his article named Pigeons, Pests and People refers birds asrats with wings for the speed of them which can affect an area and transmit diseased spores through their excrements. Diseases such as Toxoplasmosis, Listeriosis, Viral Meningitis, Encephalitis, Salmonella and Paratyphoid are readily spread in places of high pigeon population due to the amount of droppings produced [4]. Apart from causing fatal diseases to mankind, the excrements of birds will also bring down the aesthetic value of buildings due to the large amounts of droppings from the bird habitation and added noise made during the early hours of the morning. Moreover, research also found that bird causes more damage to farms and orchards than any other creature. Each year birds destroy crops and bring significant economic damage to the farmers. For these reasons, humans have been trying to deter bi rds from building, public structure and farm with devices such as scarecrows which were first used in 1592. 2.1.2 Rats Rats are categorized under the rodent family; they cause problems to mankind since decades ago. Rats are found to be an amazing climber on the roof and have good hearing compared to many species. However, rats are colour blind and have poor vision, this causes them have to move their eyesight from side to side in order to see better. Rats are found to be a threat for mankind due to their strong vitality and fast fertility. A female rat is only pregnant for about three weeks, yet they can give birth to 12 babies in one time. Though the hairless babies look very weak, they grow up in a very fast rate and can be independent from their mother in about a month. The average female rat can give birth for 4 to 6 times a year [95]. So it is not surprise when they cause damages to the properties in a short period of time. Rats bite everything they see in the house, this is because they need to grind their teeth from preventing the growth of the sharp teeth and injured themselves. This causes g reat damage to the properties especially for expensive electrical. Rats are found to be the carrier of most fatal diseases; they are the primary carriers of Murine typhus, Leptospirosis, Trichinosis, salmonella, Ratbite fever and plague [95]. The disease caused by rats can spread in a fast rate and very hard to control in a short period of time. Humans are infected by these diseases when they come into contact with food or water which contains the urine of the infected rats. Besides the disease may also be infected to humans when they are bite by a rat. The symptoms of these diseases are fever, flu and soon will soon develop into liver failure or meningitis. Plague is a rat disease spread to mankind by a sick rats fleas or contact with a sick rats bodily secretions. Various kinds of plague can attack the lymph glands, blood and lungs of a human. The Black Death which caused by rats plague was one of the deadliest pandemics in human history, peaking in Europe between 1348 and 1350. The Black Death is estimated to have killed 30% to 60% of Europes pop ulation, reducing the worlds population from an estimated 450million to between 350 and 375million in 1400. It took 150years for Europes population to recover [94]. Apart from this, rats also causes damage to the agriculture crops, they consume the fruits and crop, such as coconut, cocoa and so forth [93]. 2.1.3 Bats Bats are having the same behavior with migrated birds such as swallows; they usually breed in season and nest in the roof for a period of about four to five months of the year. Same like a bird, bats also bring problems to mankind especially when the quantity is significant. Bats stay in the roof causes sound pollution to the resident stay inside the house, the problem of noise can occurs occasionally and this is always the main problems that caused by the bats. The problem even becomes worse when they stay on the roof of a bedroom. Besides, it was found that some bats have been detected with a rabies-like virus named European Bat Lyssavirus, although this virus is not serious, but it will infects human when a human is bite by the infected bats. Sometimes bats that flying around a building can trigger on a burglar alarms, including those that use passive infrared motion detector, light beams, microwave or ultrasonic detectors. Last but not least, bats also causes damage to the agricu lture crops like birds, some species of the bats will consume fruits and agriculture crops that planted in a farm. 2.2 Literature Review The purpose of the project is to design a Pest Control Repeller system that is effective in repelling the undesired animals to be appeared in the residential area as well as outdoor area such as public structure. In order to achieve the objectives stated, a study is conducted to examine the cost and effectiveness of the available existing products. The advantages and limitations of these existing products are taken into consideration and the most effective criteria of the system will be selected and combined with other advantages in order to construct a more effective Pest Control Repeller. 2.2.1 Bird Repeller Typically, the types of bird repeller are classified into 4 major classes; there are visual system, audio system, light system and chemical system. Apart from the 4 major classes, there are also other bird repelling techniques like habitat modification, electric track system and so forth. Each of the repeller system will be studied and their advantages and limitations are being reviewed. Visual bird repeller is a visual object that is designed to represent a predator to surrounding birds as either a human or a larger bird [99]. Normally, the most common items used in the visual bird repeller system are scarecrows, kites and even corpses of birds. A scarecrow is a physical human-like mannequin which dressed in human attire and place in the farm for deter birds like crows from disturbing and consuming the fruits in the farm. Apart from this, it was also found that any species of bird are naturally afraid of predators such as birds of prey. Hawk Kites are then designed to fly in the sky for protection from the birds infringement. The use of model or actual dead birds in the farm also target to illustrate the signal of danger to other birds. At first, birds will approach the corpse out of curiosity but usually they leave it when they see the unnatural position of the bird. This approach has been widely used in the airport to deter sea gull from approaching the flying are a. Despite of low cost and common used of the visual systems, it was found that they are inefficient in driving the birds away, especially after a long term of period. Once the birds in the surrounding area realize that there is no danger of the visual system, they start to approach the particular area and soon the visual system becomes useless. As a conclusion, most visual deterrents system is found to be efficient within a short term of period; it is recommended that this device is used in conjunction with other device or techniques to be successful for a significant period of time. The audio deterrent system is found to be the most common device that use widely around the world. The audio bird repeller system functions by emitting sounds that will cause stress to the birds. These sounds are such as distress sound recorded from the birds, noises that are audible to the birds, or even loud bang with decibel more than 150dB, this loud bang with decibel of 150dB can be produced from a propane cannons, or also referred as propane gas gun which is controlled by a controller or a motion detector. But, the problem with this gas gun is that the loud and irritating sound may disturb the resident living in the nearby area. Besides, birds will also adapt quickly to the sound which has the same magnitude, pitch and time interval all the time. Propane cannons become ineffective after a period. Apart from this, it was also found that ultrasonic devices are used by some of the people in repelling birds from their residential area. An ultrasonic device can emits ultrasonic soun d range above 22 KHz, which the frequency is not audible by human being, thus many of the manufacturers claimed that the device is suitable for home use since it is inaudible to human. Despite of the superior features provided by this system, there is no evidence shows that ultrasonic devices are capable to drive birds away, and there are plenty of studies show that most species of birds are having the same audible frequency range as human, but do not hear the frequencies above 20kHz. This is the reason why human can hears bird chirping everyday in the morning. Therefore ultrasonic systems are ineffective in deterring birds and should be avoided. Compared to the two methods mentioned above, bio-acoustic devices are found to be the most popular and efficient device among the audio deterrent systems. Bio-Acoustic deterrents are devices that transmit biological significant sounds such as bird alarm and distress calls [99]. In nature, birds use alarm calls when they perceive danger, whi lst distress calls are used when birds are captured, restrained or injured, each call is species specific, however some distress and alarm calls are known to get a response from other species [98]. Besides from using distress call from birds, noises with vary frequencies may also be used as the audio deterrent system. The light deterrent system is widely used in the airport for bird repelling purpose; this system can be classified into strobe light system and laser light system. For strobe light bird deterrent, a rotating or flashing search light is used to stimulus the visual of a bird and causes an unwanted situation for them. Although a static light in the night may attract birds to approach the particular area, a flashing one, however will causes confusion to them and thus achieve the purpose in repelling birds. Studies conducted on light systems have shown that high intensity strobe lights caused birds to take evasive action and move away from some airfields. In the same study it was found that a randomized selection of two strobe frequencies increased the effectiveness over a range of species and that the strobes stopped all bird habitation [99]. The laser light system, on the other hand also represents a well-established method in deterring birds. Diode laser is ideal for bird repelling bec ause of many of its advantages, such as small size, lower power consumption and lower cost [96]. Although the laser repelling system is efficient in drive away the birds, but the equipments needed are expensive. And also, the effectiveness of the lasers are found to be decreased with the increase of light levels, therefore, this repelling method is suitable to use during night time or at a place which is not cover by sunlight. Chemical deterrent system drive birds away by causing an unwanted living environment for birds or by killing them in a direct way by using poison. For the first method, chemical substance is placed at the habitat of birds to make them feel offensive or causes irritation to them. This can be in the form of tactile or in the form of odor. After a period of time, these birds will find that the place is not suitable for habitation or nesting and will soon move to another habitat. For the second method, poison is used to kill the birds from nesting in a particular area and scare away other birds in the same habitat. However, both of the methods are found to be inefficient for a long term period and may lead to other environmental issue. Therefore, the chemical deterrent system is not encouraged to be used in repelling birds either in a housing area or at outside an outdoor area. There are many more other repelling techniques being implement throughout the world, such as habitat modification, electric track, water sprayer and so forth. For habitat modification technique, Spikes deterrents made of strips of plastic or metal with upward pointing stainless steel or plastic spikes can be attached to ledges of buildings [99]. Besides, habitat modification for bird deterrent also often involves in eliminating the roosting or nesting locations of birds. For example, in the control of cliff swallow at public structure like bridge, the habitat of interest is the nesting location. Cliff swallows prefer a nesting place with rough and unpainted surfaces. So, modification can be done based on these criteria, such as anti-perching spines, smooth strips mounted at an angle of at least 45 degree, panels of glass, sheet metal, or paint to create a surface unfavorable for cliff swallow nesting [3]. An evaluation had been carry out by Timothy L.C. in his report named An Autonomous Bird Deterrent System to evaluate the effectiveness of these deterrent system based on their cost, physical requirements, stealth, automation ability and area covered. A ranked positional method was used in the evaluation with each category being weighted out of a total of ten points by its importance and then a rating being given under each category out of five for each individual deterrent. In the result shown below, it was found that the light deterrent system is having the highest score compared to other system with laser deterrent represent the most effective repeller. The ranking is then followed by the audio deterrent system. 2.2.2 Mouse Repeller Typically, People use mouse trap to catch mouse appears in the house, however, it is not the efficient way to repel them away if the quantity is significant, since the mouse trap only can trick them for once but not for a long term period. Mouse poison, on the other hand, also use widely by people in controlling the undesired mouse. Poisons works fine in killing mouse since it plays to what a mouse is searching for, such as food and water. There are two types of mouse poison available in the market; with the first type are having the immediate reaction and the second type that takes effect after some time. However, both kinds of poisons contain fatal elements such as warfarin, diphacinone, pival, chlorophacinone, or fumarin. Besides, chemical substances also used to drive mouse away by causing them an unwanted situation in their habitat. These chemical substances will make them feel offensive or irritating and soon they will leave the habitat due to the unpleasant living environment. In the farm or some agriculture land, predators are used by the farmer to reduce the consumption of agriculture crops by mouse and thus repelling them away. Predators are one of natures methods in control and repel mouse away from the farm. There are many native and domestic predators that feed on rat and mouse, such as snake, owl, hawk and so forth, it was found that hawk and owl parents kill many more rodents when they are feeding their hungry broods [92]. Domestic cats, dogs, and ferrets help in controlling and repelling rodents in some situations. In general, dogs and cats are the most effective predator at preventing an infestation than eliminating a current population. This is because they are better able to catch and kill an invading rodent that does not know any escape routes, than an established animal that knows various escape points [92]. Recently, the ultrasonic mouse repeller has becomes popular for home use application. These ultrasonic mouse repellers are selling like hot cake in the market due to their advantages compared to other traditional repellers. It is well know that pests such as rats and mouse are repelled by ultrasonic frequency in the range of 30 kHz to 50 kHz. An Ultrasonic mouse repeller utilizes advanced state of the art technology and functions by transmitting an influential range of ultrasonic sound in the frequency of 45 KHz. The intermittent, high intensity frequencies and pulse sequences were created to output at known hearing sensitivity ranges of pests, such as rat and mouse. It was found that rodents, like mouse or rat, will leave the environment where the ultrasonic device is installed for a less stressful area. These sound wave frequencies are inaudible to humans and pets like cat and dog [91]. A research named Efficacy Test Protocols for Evaluation of Ultrasonic Rodent Repellent was conducted by Stephen A. Schumake et al. from Denver Wildlife Research Center in examining the efficiency of the ultrasonic device. In the test mentioned, controlled laboratory and field test protocols were developed to assess the repellent efficacies of six commercially manufactured ultrasonic rodent repellent devices. The laboratory test structure (68.7 sq m) was divided into two rooms (32.5 sq m each) with a central harborage area (3.5 sq m) containing a colony of 12 wild Norway rats (Rattus orvegicus). For each test, an ultrasonic device was attached to the end of one room and rat activity (oat consumption, packet damage, photocell counts) is measured during 1-week baseline and 2-1/2-week test periods. Field test structures varied in floor area (6.5 to 197 sq m) and were either made by metal or wood construction. All contained existing Norway rat, house mouse (Mus musculus), or field mouse ( Peromyscus maniculatus) infestations. No other rodent control techniques were conducted at these sites other than the application of selected ultrasonic devices. Rodent activities (packet damage, food consumption, rodent tracks) were measured twice per week during three successive 3-week intervals with devices operating only during the second interval. Repeated measurement of variance and chi square were used to statistically evaluate the reliability of ultrasound effects. In the end of the test rodents under test could either leave the buildings or move to alternate non-ultrasonically treated areas in all the cases stated [90]. Apart from that, light system or strobe light may also repel the mouse away from the house since rodent families prefer a darker living environment and they usually move in darkness. As a conclusion, an ultrasonic mouse repeller works more efficient and better compared to other repelling method. The use of poison which causes the death of the mouse may lead to environmental issue when a predator or a pet consume the death mouse. Additionally, neither traps nor poisons provide a long-term solution; mouse will simply increase breeding to replace rodents lost to poisons or traps. 2.2.3 Bats Repeller The generally accepted method to prevent bats from invasion is exclusion by netting or trapping. Netting and trapping, however, has resulted in the occasional inadvertent killing of bats. Similar to bird and mouses repelling cases; chemical repellent is also used by people in repelling bats. Naphthalene (crystals or flakes) is the only registered chemical which can be used as a bat repellent for indoor roosts. Naphthalene should be spread on the floor or applied between the walls, using about 2.3 kg (5 lb) for every 60 m ³ (2,000 ft ³) which should be adequate to treat an average attic [89]. Light illumination, on the other hand also shows a better effect in repelling the bats away from the house. This is because bats need a gloomy place for habitation during day time. This characteristic of bats makes them easily get repelled by a strong flashing light or strobe light. Last but not least, an ultrasonic device also being used by people in repelling bats. It is believed that the ultrasonic high frequency sound waves can interfere the bats ability to navigate and causing confusion to them. It was evident to shows that an ultrasonic bats repeller did agitate, confuse and disorient the bats causing them to fly more erratically and to relocate away from the device [89]. As a conclusion, light illumination and ultrasonic devices are found to be an efficient wa