Macro And Micro Environment Analysis Of Ford Motors

Macro And Micro Environment Analysis Of Ford Motors Introduction Ford Motor Company (Ford) is the largest automotive manufacturers in the world, operating in 200 markets across six continents. The brand includes Ford, Lincoln, Mazda, Mercury and Volvo. Ford also sells luxury sport car Aston Martin. The company primarily based in the US and Europe and employs 246,000 people as on Dec 2007. The goal of Ford is to build products that are immensely desirable so that they get profit. They also do this by increasing number of new product from around the world. On 2007 fiscal year, the company recorded $172,455 mill revenue, increase of 7.7% over 2006. But however, the net loss was $2723 mill in 2007, compared to $12,613 mill in 2006, with operating profit of $5631 mill in 2007 as comparison of $8,190 mill in 2006( datamonitor). Macro and Micro Environment Analysis Industry Analysis: Overall the industry is segmented by the type of vehicles; Motorcycles 5.8%, Passengers cars 69.5% and light truck 24.7%. The faces tough competition with Daimler, Chryster AG, Fiat, General Motor, Honda, Nissan, Mitsubishi, Toyota, Suzuki. In which Ford motor company has the market share of 9.4% ( datamonitor, 2009). The industry fluctuated over 2004-2007 affected by global economic downturn and declined in 2008. However, the performance is predicted to accelerate with compound annual growth rate of 4.4% for 5 yr period of 2008-2013 to a value of $1,831 billion by end of 2013. Despite US Govt. providing billions of dollars to Fords rival GM and Chrysler, Ford is OK with the situation. Despite its loss in 2008 and dwindling cash supply, Ford is widely expressed in media as financially stable  [1]  . PEST Analysis: Political: The Company has to go with rules and regulations formulated by the government such as CO2 Tailpipe Regulation. Companies get respect from government for powered IWO wheelers. Ford has to go through the European Union vehicle approval. Economic: Depression hits the Automobile industry. Ford, GM and Chrysler face problem in this situation. Factors such as Central London congestion charge, call to become all gas guzzlers , European union reduced pollution certificate and London low emission zone affect the manufacturing of the Ford cars. Social: There has been growth in road traffic slowing. Society is concerned with more green cars to be sold. Road safety for everyone should be considered by Ford. Technology: New technologies like using bio-fuels and digital radio should be considered. Ford has invested in car safety. Similarly, Ford also invested in CO2 reducing technology. SWOT Analysis: The companys strong brand portfolio gives it a competitive advantage. Strengths: Ford has a strong brand portfolio and engineering capabilities. Ford has wide network of distributors and dealers and high employee productivity. Ford operates in an industry which has customer who highly value brands who believe strong portfolio of established brand gives competitive advantage which helps in brand equity. This helps in launching new product range and penetrating in new automobile markets. Weaknesses: Ford faces continued decline in market share in US from 20.5 % in 2003 to 15.6% in 2007 similarly in UK 19.5% (0.3% down from previous year in 2006). This was due to increased competition, industry moving away from traditionally stronger segment, reduced vehicle sales, daily rental companies, and discontinuation of companys vehicle lines. Likewise Ford got 3 complaints on leaking fuel or oil ignition. Several product recalls inadequate quality assurance and quality control system and declining operating efficiency and weak returns (datamonitor). Opportunities: Ford Company has the opportunity to expand in India and China. Company launches new models often now and then according to the choices of customers. They can produce hybrid vehicles. They face increasing demand of dual fuel vehicle. Threats: The profitability of the business relies on performance of the economy in which the company operates. If EU and US shows economic slowdown continuously the companys business will face negative impact. Similarly, sluggish light vehicle produced in the developed market also acts as a threat. The company also need to consider EU vehicle regulations. Porters Five Forces Analysis: Buyers in the automotive industry are large with significant financial power. Buyers power of dealers is affected by brand strength of top market players. An increase in raw materials costs put pressure in both market players and suppliers. Barriers of government regulations high fixed costs exit barrier puts new entrants into difficulties. Competition arises as a result of economic downturn. Buyer Power: Buyers in this industry have financial strength, if its high, they can make large purchase and put pressure to reduce prices. But Brand strength weakens buyer power. Retailers like distributor have one market player and thus buyer power is reduced. Overall the buyer power is moderate. Supplier Power: Supplier of raw material, assembled and semi assembled, energy like- steel, aluminium. The power of suppliers is strengthened further by the necessities of the automobile industry requirement of raw materials of high quality. Reliance of supplier is minimized by different companies. The power over all is moderate. New Entrants: Small firms are unlikely to enter in this industry which needs intellectual property. Entry is further made difficult by getting distribution channels. Similarly, company has to meet government requirements and invest on continuous development. The threat is moderate. Substitute: Used cars acts as substitutes. However, affordable power diminishes used cars. Awareness of environmental issues and climate change might lead people to walk, cycle and use public transport. The companies are making hybrid( petrol, electric) cars. Overall the threat is weak. Rivalry: Competition in this industry remains fierce, among the top 4 market players 38% of market value. Toyota, GM , Daimler and Ford. High fixed price exit barriers raw materials costs lead to unpredictable production costs and post pressure on market players. Most company produce diverse range of cars .The rivalry is very strong. Marketing strategy option for Ford Motors Social Responsibility and Ethical Marketing Communication: Ford emphasises on being a good corporate citizen, by focusing on the global community by understanding envirionmental issues and investing on people. Similarly, organise programmes to promote tolerance and equal opportunities and support social and environmental protection programmes. In 2006, Ford was the first automotive manufacturer to produce dedicated hydrogen fuel V-10 engines. (datamonitor). Ford introduces new vehicles which offer fuel economy and reduced environmental impact. In Britain, from April 2009, the government encourage the manufacturer to produce cleaner cars, and Ford should adopt the policy and motivate customers to opt for least polluting cats  [2]  . In short- run, they focus on clean diesel engines, hybrids, flexible fuel vehicle ethanol vehicles and turbo charged direct injection Eco Boast- Superior performance, which provide 20 % better fuel economy, 15% fewer CO2 emissions. In the long run Ford has invested in plug in hybrids, fuel cells, hydrogen internal combustion engines, advanced technology. Ford believes that these are right and responsible things which would give customers better goods. Target Markets and Segmentations: Ford has broken down its diverse markets into two manageable segments, Financial and Automotive services. Inside these more segments on geographic and organisational structure. Similarly Ford attracts younger demographic. Automotive: Ford segments its customers based on the car types- passenger cars, trucks, buses and vans, sports vehicles, accessories, after sale parts, maintenance and vehicle repair services. This business division consists of design, development, manufacture, sale and service of trucks, cars and service parts. Hence make small, medium, large and premium ranges. This segment is further divided into geographically, Ford North America, Ford South America, Ford Europe, Premier Automotive group, ford Asia Pacific and Africa Mazda. Each has their own manufacturing process, like- Ford North America- design, develop, manufacture and service vehicle ad parts. They have servicing as maintenance and light repair, collision, vehicle accessories and service warranty. Financing Service Segments: These include financing products to and through automotive dealers. Three categories- retail financing, purchase retail instalment sale contracts and retail lease contract from dealers and offering financing to commercial customers. Similarly, they offer loans to dealers to finance the purchase of vehicle inventory. External marketing communication: Ford develops advertising, sales promotion, sponsorship and merchandising programs  [3]  . Fords advertising policy is do best by building and selling the most innovative cars and trucks  [4]  . Ford adopted Bold Moves campaign, a form of transparent marketing( via webisodes , the assessment of past and present performances), emotional appeals (interview with employees) and product oriented work with an emphasis on drivers than steel metal. Ford has done Sync campaigns  [5]  which deals with TV and radio commercials, print and online advertisement, a promotional tone and dealership training which targets Black and Hispanic consumers. Chris Brown appeal young urban consumers. Give radio commercials Online sync with chrisbrown.com- launched Nov 12, 2007. Columbian Rocker Jaunes Multicultural marketing communications Emphasis on digital promotion. Ford adopts mantra of Change or Die which has reached the parent company of its largest advertising agencies  [6]  . The company hires best talented employees, consultants and contract workers, who are devoted to administrative, media and band experience service. Using ad agencies for delivery would promote the most stunning product. Mark Fields, Fords President of America, focus on customers needs and brands. Ford spends $757.5 million to advertising in US media on 2005. Automakers like Ford, GM are the biggest budget cutters in media and advertising. Ford cut their spending on Hispanic media more deeply in fourth quarter which feel 31.2% last year to $46 .7 million, but according to RNS it is still continuing a long tradition as the executive car sponsor for Univision blockbuster Sabado Ginate show. In April 4, in this show the Host Francisco drive the new 2010 ford Fusion to the studio and hosted Ford Fusion game to give away a new car to a winner in the studio audience  [7]  . In UK, Ford sponsors events like UEFA champions- football tournaments and charities. They sponsor various events and organisations from family fantasy, Disneyland Paris to 60 year old musical and military prowess, the Edinbrugh Tattoo. The sponsorship focus on all the target markets form children to elderly, which shows that company is building image in the community as a form of goodwill for the company itself. Recently Ford Company launched Ford Focus, the commercial is beautifully made. The Ford Focus Orchestra- in which musicians are shown playing the instrument made from the real car parts. The main aim of this advertisement is to show customers that all the car parts are important and has best quality. The journey made with this car would never make you feel long with the experience of comfort cabin with striking exterior and improved technology. Primary Survey Analysis: Customers: As research done on the customers of Ford Cars, most customers are influenced by friends and family. They are likely to buy cars which are recommended by peers. Thus company can focus on giving best service and product to all target customers and also positive word of mouth communication (message is transmitted from the sender to many receivers, Pickton and Broderik). Similarly, customers look after the style and comfort of the cars, like size- 4 wheelers, small for single individual. What they look for is the use of cars like vans, trucks and their storage, capacity, fuel, engine, warranty. So, what Ford needs to understand is the needs and wants of the customers. Likewise, customers are influenced by the advertisement in the cars and magazines. Advertisements which use celebrities are likely to influence more customers. Ford uses cars in James Bond movies, science fiction drama Fringe  [8]  . Ford can adopt celebrity endorsement, using celebrity as a spokes person for project (Pickton and Broderick). Customers are also influenced by the established brand name. They look after the brand loyalty and its strength in the market (Allan K). Sales person influence the most when customers visit showrooms, the form of direct marketing- persuading and informing customers at the spot. Therefore, Ford can invest in best customer service personnel and give training to employees. Recommendations Klara Roberts argues that even though all the promotional activities Ford have done so far, will not help sales grow  [9]  . There are more marketing communications mix (internet advertising, direct marketing and e- commerce, sales promotions, sponsorship etc.) to be adopted to communicate directly with target markets (Seminik R. J.). Managing Corporate Identity: Ford can maintain the image of being dynamic, goal- orientated, attention-getting, active and pioneering .According to the Chris Fill, 2002, Ford has many stakeholders and small corporate gap and hence can adopt incremental process in maintaining this gap. Similarly, Ford should try to be a good corporate citizen, by managing corporate identity among various stakeholders, like- employees, local community and government. All the promotional and marketing activities done by the companies are based on maintaining corporate image. Push Promotional Strategy: Ford can adopt this strategy, a form of promotional effort by the manufacturer or suppliers to encourage trade channel members to promote and sell their products (Pickton and Broderick). Sales forces, internal part of communication, can be targeted as the main form of push strategy. Pull Promotional Strategy: Ford can also adopt pull strategy, a form of promotional effort to end customers and consumers to demand more by adding benefits and other activities (Pickton and Broderick). Such as discount promotion- a process of discounting the price for the product so that customers are encouraged to buy however this involves financial aspects (Hans and Duncan) . Similarly, they can improve on their weaknesses to minimize product recall and improve product efficiency which adds benefits. Relationship Marketing: Ford can put its emphasis on relationship marketing, between various stakeholders. They can focus on delivering more to the target customers by being more specific. As researched on the consumers, they are affected by the positive word of mouth marketing. Ford should focus on customer relationship management (positive communication and long term customer relationship management, Hans and Duncan). Even though they give services like financing, service and maintenance, they can add more features like style and safety. Brand Strategy: Most customers considers brand before making purchase decision. What Ford can invest in establish long term brand image by using more of communications mix which are explained further. This will help as a source of competitive advantage and create entry barrier. Brand strategy helps in improving the product by introducing innovative technology (Semenik). Similarly, Ford can also look for brand future, by adjusting in future changes in legislation, technology consumer patterns (Pickton and Broderick). Business 2 Business Marketing: This form of marketing acts as a lead generator, brand awareness and relationship development. If Ford fails to recognize the trade customers, they looses the first line customers. The agencies should change their cultures break down barriers and generate new marketing initiatives and creative ad content. Promotional Mix/ Intergrating Marketing Communication Mix: Analysing Ford Company, we can see that they have adopted various forms of promotional mix such as advertising, sponsorship. However, they can invest more on these factors and decide on what to adopt ( Kotler and Keller). Advertising Expenditure: Ford can also expend on intermedia (options for deciding media such as cinema, TV, press posters, magazines etc). Ford can target TV commercials (Ford Orchestra) as lots of people see TV everyday during free period. Buying a car is high involvement product where more risk is involved in buying decision (Hierarchy of Effects Model). People look for the best advertisement and are influenced by the positive aspects of commercials. Thus Ford could be more focused on creative advertising procedures. Public Relations: Ford can make an effort in this field by having sound relations with employees during the time of redundancy and closure, which is happening at the current economic downturn. Similarly, Ford can invest in ethical marketing, doing best for the public, like donations, conserving environment. All these helps in dealing with the negative publicity and crisis management and develop to make the corporate image (Pickton and Broderick) and helps brand signatures( Kotler and Keller). Internet Advertising: In Sept. 2008, Google was criticised for charging companies like Ford, for their share of profit in return of internet advertising  [10]  . There are various negative consequences that are faced by company in internet advertising such as fraud and scam. However, Ford can invest in internet advertising through websites which acts as an agent for the car companies. Personal Selling and Sales Management: As a research done on the customers, they are influenced by the presentation of customer service advisors. Similarly, the role of distributor is very important as they act as the main source to deal with the sales and marketing effort (Pickton and Broderick). Future Marketing communications: The form of media is always changing. The generation of use of media depends on the innovation and technology ( Broderick and Pickton). Firstly, there was a use of newspapers, then radio, television and internet. Future is based on the electronic marketing, known as ecommerce. Ford needs to go along with the change in media adaptation by the consumer and thus invest in communication via such medium.

Fall of Berlin Wall

Ashley McCutcheon 2nd 10-27-12 The fall of the berlin wall as a turning point in history 1. â€Å"The Rise and Fall of the Berlin Wall (Part 2). † About. com 20th Century History. N. p. , n. d. Web. 28 Oct. 2012. . This article describes that the berlin wall was put up to divide between the west and east, which were democracy vs. communism at that point. Then later on the communist wanted a subtle change where as the german citizens did not agree, they wanted all of it ended.During 1988 and 1989 communism still weakened in Poland, Czechoslovakia and Hungary, then on the 9th of November in 1989, east german officials made a call to open the gates ultimately giving a sort of freedom to the people. 2. â€Å"Fall of Communism. † Fall of Communism. N. p. , n. d. Web. 28 Oct. 2012. . This article is helpful, because it explains an outcome of the berlin wall falling which was that communism also fell as resultant.Citizens gained power leading to reforms in the east and thus th e government decided to try different ways of ruling the people in order to make an attempt at saving communism. Eventually communism officially fell in 1991 when Gorbachev was forced to give power to Boris Yeltsin who diminished communism. 3. Goldenberg, Phyllis. â€Å"The Fall of the Berlin Wall: A Personal Account. † The Fall of the Berlin Wall. N. p. , 1994. Web. 27 Oct. 2012. . In this article, a personal account of how the event affected the people of berlin is presented. Phyllis Golden burg, a middle aged man living in Denmark, describes how him, among his friends and many others traveled from their homes to go see the Berlin wall after hearing of its supposed removal. The wall was being torn down by everyone and people were pouring through to the other side, a sort of revolution like no other could be.

Daignosis of Pi in Life of Pi Essay

Piscine Molitor Patel, after floating on the ocean for 227 days, was discovered exhausted and pale. There is no abnormalities in vital signs discovered, which indicates that with proper cares and rest, his body will function well. In spite of his physical health, his mental health should be particularly examined in detail. Without precedent case, more details and aspects should be included to consider, when evaluating if Pi is suitable to integrate to society again. Furthermore, since the incredible survival is told by Pi in first person point of view, we have reason to take a skeptical attitude on the truth of the story. It is best to present both pros and cons before jumping into the judgment. Regarding the opinion of pi developing an even stronger personality, evidences are obvious. The survival fully proves that Pi kept wisdom and logic under such terrible condition. Being with the fiercest animals and floating on the ocean for 227 days, most people can not suffer the mental pressure, and collapse even before they get to land. People are defeated by loneliness, desperation and mental disorder caused by physical illness. Pi is not one of them. Base on the fact that he not only survived but also is able to tell and remember the whole experience, it is unquestionable that Pi went through the hardship with an active and positive attitude. He himself even claimed that â€Å"with time and experience, I became a better hunter. I grew bolder and more agile. I developed an instinct, a feel, for what to do. (Chapter66)† In addition, Pi thought about helping others in the future, while his own destiny was still a mystery. In Chapter 71, he provided nine advices for those who should ever be in the same circumstance as he did. It suggests that Pi was sober enough to even consider contributing back to the society in the future. Although Pi underwent miseries and adversity, he overcame all the challenges and developed a stronger personality to face the life in modern society. Nevertheless, more worries and suspicions are discovered. Pi will face the grief of losing the whole family, which he ignored due to the desire for survival. Meanwhile, he also has to envisage the fact that being a vegetarian; he committed the unpardonable crime, killing animals. Moreover, aking into the consideration of mental disorder; some parts of the dictation would be doubted as psychological disorder, such as delusional disorder. To begin with, when he saw the death of zebra, it reminds him again of his family’s death. He was over whelmed when he mourned his family, as he said â€Å"It is like losing—I’m sorry, I would rather not go on. I lay down on the tarpaulin and spent the whole night weeping and grieving, my face hurried in my arms. (Chpater46)† Losing family is hard and cruel to accept. When he was on the boat, life was on the top of the list. However when he came back to modern society, without accompany, the horrible memory would torture him to death. To make the situation even worse, Pi still held hope that his family somehow is alive when he saw the ship. Hope collapses when he discovers the truth. Not only he has to face the fact that everyone he loved and loved him dead, but also, he as a vegetarian inevitably has to confess his guilty of killing animals. No matter whether he keeps being a vegetarian or not, Pi suffers from repentance and ambivalence. After getting used to kill, he repented by saying â€Å"To think that when I was a child I always shuddered when I snapped open a banana because it sounded to me like the breaking of an animal’s neck. I descended to a level of savagery. † When Pi returns to modern society, how should he persist what he used to believe? Above all, according to the dictation of Pi, he suffered from the illness during the drifting; it is likely that Pi developed delusional disorder. When Pi cheered for the appearance of a ship, he blazed with joy. However the ship missed them and even bore down on them. It is had to believe that such conspicuous lifeboat could be missed as there was a tiger on it. As people lost in desert see mirage, Pi might also saw the ship because his desire for survival was so strong that it drove him crazy temporarily. Based on the diagnosis criteria of delusional disorder, â€Å"Apart from the impact of the delusion(s) or its ramifications, functioning is not markedly impaired and behavior is not obviously odd or bizarre. †(1), we suggest that Pi take a series of examination to determine whether he is mentally healthy. As was previously stated, such experience with no doubt is a life-changing experience. Although adversity stiffened his spine, Pi’s psychological health was unconsciously devastated. The sudden change of environment would result in the failure of self recognition. His formal value of life was destroyed during the disaster. However he himself also can not accept the way of life in wild. We conclude that bring Pi back to society requires a series of procedures and treatment. With proper Psychological counseling, Pi would be able to reconstruct his life and value, until then, we do not suggest Pi get back to society immediately.

Genealogy in France How to Research Your French Ancestry

If you are one of those people who have avoided delving into your French ancestry due to fears that the research would be too difficult, then wait no more! France is a country with excellent genealogical records, and it is very likely that you will be able to trace your French roots back several generations once you understand how and where the records are kept. Where are the Records? To appreciate the French record-keeping system, you must first become familiar with its system of territorial administration. Prior to the French Revolution, France was divided into provinces, now known as regions. Then, in 1789, the French revolutionary government reorganized France into new territorial divisions called dà ©partements. There are 100 departments in France - 96 within the borders of France, and 4 overseas (Guadeloupe, Guyana, Martinique, and Rà ©union). Each of these departments has its own archives that is separate from those of the national government. Most French records of genealogical value are kept at these departmental archives, so it is important to know the department in which your ancestor lived. Genealogical records are also kept at local town halls (mairie). Large towns and cities, such as Paris, are often further divided into arondissements - each with its own town hall and archives. Where to Start? The best genealogical resource to start off your French family tree is the registres dà ©tat-civil (records of civil registration), which mostly date from 1792. These records of birth, marriage, and death (naissances, mariages, dà ©cà ¨s) are held in registries at the La Mairie (town hall/mayors office) where the event took place. After 100 years a duplicate of these records is transferred to the Archives Dà ©partementales. This country-wide system of record keeping allows for all information on a person to be collected in one place, as the registers include wide page margins for additional information to be added at the time of later events. Therefore, a birth record will often include a notation of the individuals marriage or death, including the location where the said event took place. The local mairie and the archives both also maintain duplicates of the decennial tables (starting in 1793). A decennial table is basically a ten-year alphabetical index to births, marriages, and deaths which have been registered by the Mairie. These tables give the day of registration of the event, which is not necessarily the same date that the event took place. Civil registers are the most important genealogical resource in France. Civil authorities began registering births, deaths, and marriages in France in 1792. Some communities were slow at putting this into motion, but soon after 1792 all individuals who lived in France were recorded. Because these records cover the entire population, are easily accessible and indexed, and cover people of all denominations, they are crucial to French genealogy research. Records of civil registration  are typically held in registries in local town halls (mairie). Copies of these registries are deposited each year with the local magistrates court and then, when they are 100 years old, are placed in the archives for the towns Department. Due to privacy regulations, only records over 100 years old may be consulted by the public. It is possible to obtain access to the more recent records, but you will generally be required to prove, through the use of birth certificates, your direct descent from the person in question. Birth, death, and marriage records in France are full of wonderful genealogical information, though this information varies by time period. The later records usually provide more complete information than the earlier ones. Most civil registers are written in French, though this doesnt present a great difficulty to non-French speaking researchers as the format is basically the same for most records. All you need to do is learn a few basic French words (i.e.  naissancebirth) and you can read pretty much any French civil register. This  French Genealogical Word List  includes many of the common genealogy terms in English, along with their French equivalents. One more bonus of French civil records, is that birth records often include what is known as margin entries. References to other documents on an individual (name changes, court judgments, etc.) are often noted in the margins of the page containing the original birth registration. From 1897, these margin entries will also often include marriages. Youll also find divorces from 1939, deaths from 1945, and legal separations from 1958. Births (Naissances) Births were usually registered within two or three days of a childs birth, usually by the father. These records will typically provide the place, date and time of registration; the date and place of birth; the childs surname and forenames, the parents names (with mothers maiden name), and the names, ages, and professions of two witnesses. If the mother was single, her parents were often listed as well. Depending upon the time period and locality, the records may also provide additional details such as the age of the parents, the fathers occupation, the birthplace of the parents, and the relationship of the witnesses to the child (if any). Marriages (Mariages) After 1792, marriages had to be performed by civil authorities before couples could be married in the church. While church ceremonies were usually held in the town where the bride resided, civil registration of the marriage may have taken place elsewhere (such as the grooms place of residence). The civil marriage registers give many details, such as date and place (mairie) of the marriage, full names of the bride and groom, the names of their parents (including mothers maiden surname), the date and place of death for a deceased parent, the addresses and occupations of the bride and groom, details of any previous marriages, and the names, addresses, and occupations of at least two witnesses. There will also usually be an acknowledgement of any children born before the marriage. Deaths (Dà ©cà ¨s) Deaths were usually registered within a day or two in the town or city where the person died. These records can be especially useful for people born and/or married after 1792, because they may be the only existing records for these individuals. The very early death records often only include the full name of the deceased and the date and place of death. Most death records will also usually include the age and birthplace of the deceased as well as the parents names (including mothers maiden surname) and whether or not the parents are also deceased.  Death records  will also usually include the names, ages, occupations, and residences of two witnesses. Later death records provide the marital status of the deceased, the name of the spouse, and whether the spouse is still alive. Women are usually listed under their  maiden name, so you will want to search under both their married name and their maiden name to increase your chances of locating the record. Before you begin your search for a civil record in France, you will need some basic information - the name of the person, the place where the event took place (town/village), and the date of the event. In large cities, such as Paris or Lyon, you will also need to know the Arrondissement (district) where the event took place. If you are not certain of the year of the event, you will have to conduct a search in the tables dà ©cennales (ten-year indexes). These indexes usually index births, marriage, and deaths separately, and are alphabetical by surname. From these indexes you can obtain the given name(s), document number, and date of the civil register entry. French Genealogy Records Online A large number of French departmental archives have digitized many of their older records and made them available online - generally at no cost for access. Quite a few have their birth, marriage and death records (actes detat civil) online, or at least the decennial indexes. Generally you should expect to find digital images of the original books, but no searchable database or index. This is no more work than viewing the same records on microfilm, however, and you can search from the comfort of home! Explore this list of  Online French Genealogy Records  for links, or check the website of the Archives Departmentales which holds the records for your ancestors town. Do not expect to find records less than 100 years online, however. Some  genealogical societies  and other organizations have published online indexes, transcriptions and abstracts taken from French civil registers.  Subscription-based access to transcribed pre-1903 actes detat civil from a variety of genealogical societies and organizations is available through the French site Geneanet.org at  Actes de naissance, de mariage et de dà ©cà ¨s. At this site you can search by surname across all departments and results generally provide enough information that you can determine whether a particular record is the one you seek before you pay to view the full record. From the Family History Library One of the best sources for civil records for researchers living outside of France is the Family History Library in Salt Lake City. They have microfilmed  civil registration records  from about half of the departments in France up to 1870, and some departments up to 1890. You will generally find nothing microfilmed from the 1900s due to the 100 year privacy law. The Family History Library also has microfilm copies of the decennial indexes for almost every town in France. To determine if the Family History Library has microfilmed the registers for your town or village, just search for the town/village in the online  Family History Library Catalog. If the microfilms exist, you can borrow them for a nominal fee and have them sent to your local Family History center (available in all 50 U.S. states and in countries around the world) for viewing. At the Local Mairie If the Family History Library doesnt have the records you seek, then youll have to obtain civil record copies from the local registrars office (bureau de là ©tat civil) for your ancestors town. This office, usually located in the town hall (mairie) will usually mail one or two birth, marriage, or death certificates at no charge. They are very busy, however, and are under no obligation to respond to your request. To help ensure a response, please request no more than two certificates at one time and include as much information as possible. It is also a good idea to include a donation for their time and expense. See How to Request French Genealogy Records by Mail for more information. The local registrars office is basically your only resource if you are searching for records which are less than 100 years old. These records are confidential and will only be sent to direct descendants. To support such cases you will need to provide birth certificates for yourself and each of the ancestors above you in a direct line to the individual for which you are requesting the record. It is also recommended that you provide a simple family tree diagram showing your relationship to the individual, which will help the registrar in checking that you have provided all of the necessary supporting documents. If you plan to visit the Mairie in person, then call or write in advance to establish that they have the registers that you are looking for and to confirm their hours of operation. Be sure to bring along at least two forms of photo ID, including your passport if you live outside of France. If you will be searching for records of less than 100 years, be sure to bring along all necessary supporting documentation as described above. Parish registers, or church records, in France are an extemely valuable resource for genealogy, espeically prior to 1792 when civil registration went into effect. What are Parish Registers? The Catholic religion was the state religion of France until 1787, with the exception of the period of Tolerance of Protestantism from 1592-1685. The Catholic parish registers (Registres Paroissiaux  or  Registres de Catholicit) were the only method of recording births, deaths, and marriages in France prior to the introduction of state registration in September 1792. Parish registers date back to as early as 1334, though the majority of surviving records date from the mid-1600s. These early records were kept in French and sometimes in Latin. They also include not only baptisms, marriages, and burials, but also confirmations and banns. The information recorded in parish registers varied over time. Most church records will, at a minimum, include the names of the people involved, the date of the event, and sometimes the names of the parents. Later records include more details such as ages, occupations, and witnesses. Where to Find French Parish Registers The majority of church records prior to 1792 are held by the Archives Dà ©partementales, though a few small parish churches still retain these old registers. Libraries in larger towns and cities may hold duplicate copies of these archives. Even some town halls hold collections of parish registers. Many of the old parishes have closed, and their records have been combined with those of a nearby church. Several small towns/villages did not have their own church, and their records will usually be found in a parish of a nearby town. A village may have even belonged to different parishes during different periods of time. If you cant find your ancestors in the church where you think they should be, then make sure to check neighboring parishes. Most departmental archives will not do research in parish registers for you, though they will respond to written inquiries regarding the whereabouts of the parish registers of a specific locality. In most cases, you will have to visit the archives in person or hire a professional researcher to obtain the records for you. The Family History Library also has Catholic Church records on microfilm for over 60% of the departments in France. Some deparmental archives, such as Yvelines, have digitized their parish registers and put them online. See  Online French Genealogy Records. Parish records from 1793 are held by the parish, with a copy in the Diocesan archives. These records will usually not contain as much information as the civil records of the time, but are still an important source of genealogical information. Most parish priests will respond to written requests for record copies if provided with full details of the names, dates, and type of event. Sometimes these records will be in the form of photocopies, though often the information will only be transcribed to save wear and tear on the precious documents. Many churches will require donations of about 50-100 francs ($7-15), so include this in your letter for best results. While civil and parish registers provide the largest body of records for French ancestral research, there are other sources which can provide details on your past. Census Records Censuses were taken every five years in France beginning in 1836, and contain the names (first and surname) of all members living in the household with their dates and places of birth (or their ages), nationality and professions. Two exceptions to the five year rule include the 1871 census which was actually taken in 1872, and the 1916 census which was skipped due to the First World War. Some communities also have an earlier census for 1817. Census records in France actually date back to 1772 but prior to 1836 usually only noted numbers of people per household, though sometimes they would include the head of household as well. Census records in France are not often used for genealogical research because they are not indexed making it difficult to locate a name in them. They work well for smaller towns and villages, but locating a city-dwelling family in a census without a street address can be very time consuming. When available, however, census records can provide a number of helpful clues about French families. French census records are located in departmental archives, a few of which have made them available online in digital format (see  Online French Genealogy Records). Some census records have also been microfilmed by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (Mormon church) and are available through your Local Family History center. Voting lists from 1848 (women are not listed until 1945) may also contain useful information such as names, addresses, occupations and places of birth. Cemeteries In France, tombstones with legible inscriptions can be found from as early as the 18th century. Cemetery management is considered a public concern, so most French cemeteries are well maintained. France also has laws regulating the reuse of graves after a set time period. In most cases the grave is leased for a given period - usually up to 100 years - and then it is available for reuse. Cemetery records in France are usually kept at the local town hall and may include the name and age of the deceased, the birth date, death date, and place of residence. The cemetery keeper may also have records with detailed information and even relationships. Please contact the keeper for any local cemetery before  taking pictures, as it is illegal to photograph French tombstones without permission. Military Records An important source of information for men who served in the French armed services is the military records held by the Army and Navy Historical Services in Vincennes, France. Records survive from as early as the 17th century and may include information on a mans wife, children, date of marriage, names and addresses for next of kin, a physical description of the man, and details of his service. These military records are kept confidential for 120 years from the date of a soldiers birth and, therefore, are rarely used in French genealogical research. Archivists in Vincennes will occasionally answer written requests, but you must include the exact name of the person, time period, rank, and regiment or ship. Most young men in France were required to register for military service, and these conscription records can also provide valuable genealogical information. These records are located at the departmental archives and are not indexed. Notarial Records Notarial records are very important sources of genealogical information in France. These are documents prepared by notaries which can include such records as marriage settlements, wills, inventories, guardianship agreements, and property transfers (other land and court records are held in the National Archives (Archives nationales), mairies, or Departmental archives. They include some of the oldest available records in France, with some dating all the way back to the 1300s. Most French notarial records are not indexed, which can make research in them difficult. The majority of these records are located in the departmental archives arranged by the name of the notary and his town of residence. It is almost impossible to research these records without visiting the archives in person, or hiring a professional researcher to do so for you. Jewish and Protestant Records Early Protestant and Jewish records in France can be a little harder to find than most. Many Protestants fled from France in the 16th and 17th centuries to escape religious persecution which also discouraged the keeping of registers. Some Protestant registers may be found at local churches, town halls, the Departmental Archives, or the Protestant Historical Society in Paris.