Robin Hood Case Study Essay Example for Free

Robin Hood Case Study Essay 1) Create a basic organization chart for Robin Hood and his men. Robin Hood organization has a centralized top-down management style structure. Robin Hood is the CEO of the organization; his four lieutenants are directors of specific departments which are responsible for providing research and gathering information, finances, training, and provisioning. 2) What problems does Robin Hood have? What top 4 issues need to be addressed? * Misalignment of goals of the top executives and the subordinates (Robin Hood’s primarily goal is the personal vendetta with the Sheriff, while the main purpose of the majority of Merrymen is to reallocate wealth from rich to the poor or simply to gain profits) * Obsolete strategy to generate revenues (Travelers started to avoid the forest not to have their goods confiscated) * Food shortage (the growing band started to exceed food capacities of the forest) * The growing strength of the rivals (The Sheriff was growing stronger and becoming better organized) 3) Do Robin Hood and the Merrymen need a new mission and plan? Is continuing with the present course of action an option or is that now obsolete? The old mission of the Robin Hood has become obsolete due to certain changes in the internal and external environment. The old ways to generate revenues do not yield the expected results any longer as the travelers started to avoid the forest. There is mounting evidence that the old strategy is not working as the organization is facing a financial crisis. The declining vigilance and discipline of the Merrymen represent a growing problem that need to be addressed immediately. The shared enmity against the Sheriff which united the Merrymen of the organization has become of secondary importance to the new members leading to misalignment of goals. Therefore, Robin Hood and Merrymen need a new mission in order to respond to both internal and external changes. 4) Do you think make sense to impose a fixed transit tax to counter the decline in revenues? Why or why not? Imposing a transit tax on the travelers as a part of a new strategy of the organization can yield numerous benefits to its members. The flow of customers will increase as rich members will prefer to pay a tax and reach their destination faster going through the Sherwood Forest. They will not be afraid to have their goods confiscated. Transit tax will help to generate constant revenues and provide sustainable income to the group. The problems of insufficient funding and scarce resources will be solved. In order to convince the Merrymen that it is a good idea and not to lose farmers and townspeople as the allies, tax collection should be given a good cause. The part of the imposed taxes can be donated to raise the ransom for popular king Richard. 5) What is your opinion about expanding the band’s operations to a larger area around Sherwood Forest as a way of solving these problems? Why or why not is this a good idea? Expansion of the raiding area is a good tactical move as it can solve some problems associated with financing, scarce recourses, and even discipline. Since travelers are avoiding the forest, the scope of the operations needs to be extended outside of the forest in order to generate revenues. The gang needs to be broken down into smaller units in order to cover the extended area. Consequently it will be easier to train, organize, an enforce discipline in smaller units of Merrymen supervised by managers. 6) Should they try and end the campaign by killing the sheriff? Why or why not? Killing the Sheriff would only satisfy the thirst for Robin Hood’s revenge; however, it is unlikely to solve all the problems that organization faces. In fact it could also worsen the matter. The Prince would appoint the next Sheriff who would be just as bad if not worse. The friends and allies of the Sheriff would seek revenge and put more efforts into capturing Robin Hood. One of the common goals that united Merrymen which is the shared enmity and hatred against the Sheriff will be lost with the death of the Sheriff. 7) What are the pros and cons of accepting the offer of the Barons to assist in securing King Richard’s release from prison? There are numerous advantages in accepting the offer of the barons: * The gang will be granted amnesty and will not face persecution from the authorities any longer. * Robin Hood and Merrymen will eventually end the campaign against the Sherriff. * If the rescue is successful, they will return their law abiding life, become national heroes, and will enjoy the benefits of the new position such as generous rewards and protection from the new king. * By putting a fair and intelligent king on the thrown, Merrymen will help to improve the socio-economic conditions of the population of England. However, accepting the offer is a dangerous and risky venture. * Robin Hood and Merrymen will face a very powerful rival, Prince John, who has an army of trained soldiers, numerous spies, and abundant recourses. * In case of failure of the new campaign, the revenge of t he Prince John can be detrimental and can put an end to Robin Hood and his organization. 8) What course of action of the above choices would you recommend to Robin? Be specific about why you chose this and how it addresses the problems you identified in question 2. Robin should accept the offer of the barons to help to rescue King Richard. As mentioned above the new strategy of the organization will provide numerous benefits and help to solve many existing problems. New mission will align the goals and objectives of the top executive and other members of the group, ensuring consistency in overall strategy. Imposing a transient tax to raise money for the ransom will help to achieve financial strength of the organization. The travelers, farmers and townspeople who are interested in overthrowing Prince John will be willing to help Robin Hood and provide them with provision and financial resources, resolving the problems of the food shortage. Forming strategic alliance with the baron will help to gain competitive edge over the rivals. 9) How should Robin implement your recommended strategy? Make a list of the top five specific action steps (tactics) that he needs to take in order to implement this plan. * Meet with the barons (Inform the barons about accepting the offer, obtain details about King Richard captivity) * Enforce security within the organization (Stop recruiting new agents and improve internal control over Merrymen not to let the spies of Prince John find out about the new plan) * Send spies to Prince John’s court to be aware of rivals’ actions * Introduce a transient tax in order to raise money for ransom * Form a team that will deliver ransom and free King Richard 10) Show a new organization chart for Robin Hood and his men, based on whatever new course of action you recommend in question 8.

Student Leaders Assembly Essay Example for Free

Student Leaders Assembly Essay Sunday, August 15 2010, marked the first day of the Student Leader’s Assembly of both the High School and College departments of the different Don Bosco schools who participated in the said event. They were composed of the student council and the different officers of the clubs and organizations of both levels in the different schools. It was a truly wonderful experience for them since it fostered team building and getting to know each other again after a long time. The event was held at Don Bosco Tarlac, since they were selected as the host of the said event. By the time the participants arrived at Don Bosco Tarlac, they were asked to register their names and put their bags in their assigned rooms. After the facilitators mentioned the rules, they already felt at home in the school since it brings an â€Å"aura† per se, of their school, since it the place was also a Don Bosco school. There was a time when the participants were given time to freshen up before they were ordered to go to the gym for the program to take place. The participants were asked to seat at a certain group according to the number designated on their ID’s. The program started with the raising of the Bosconian Insignias in the different Don Bosco schools while having someone who seemed to be a Bosconian â€Å"bunso† sing the song â€Å"Di Ka Nag-iisa†. It was a very breathtaking experience, because the people were astounded at what a Bosconian â€Å"bunso† could do, at such a young age. The raising of the insignias was followed by the singing of the National Anthem and the opening prayer entitled â€Å"The Prayer†, led by the two selected participants representing Don Bosco Technical College, Mandaluyong. The opening ceremonies of the different insignias ended with a basking applause from the participants. The actual program started with the game called â€Å"Blind Barthemeus†, where a leader would be in charge of asking the other participants some questions while the rest are blindfolded. After getting to know each other as a group, the next game called the â€Å"Game of Life†, was initiated shortly. The instructions were given, and a â€Å"map† of some sort was distributed to each group. They were assigned to make a 3-feet tall tower made of the materials they are going to gather at the different places that were designated in the map, from barbecue sticks and chewing gum to popsicle sticks and lumps of clay. Everything was going well, but after a short while, the rain fell down, slowly but surely. The participants didn’t stop, and so did the rain. But when the rain poured down heavily, most of them fled to the nearest building to take cover from the rain. This goes to show that Bosconians won’t be easily discouraged to abandon their duties just because of some minor distractions or disruptions. The rain still poured down heavily and the PA announced that all Bosconians should dry themselves and wash up, since most, if not all the participants, got wet during the game. The game was suspended, but they were asked to hold on to their materials for later use. It was nighttime when the participants finished perking up and eating dinner. They were requested to go to the Big Chapel for the continuation of the program, since the gym was flooded. The program resumed, and at that time, Mr. JC Delos Reyes was the speaker. He talked about the roles of a leader and what leaders should really do and symbolize. After the talk, the different Don Bosco schools presented their dance numbers and presentations. Everyone performed well. One of the performers even performed an impromptu script, because of the delayed performance of the whole group. Nevertheless, it was a â€Å"lo and behold† sight to see, since everyone gave it their best shot in the presentations. After the dance presentations, the students were asked to go outside the chapel for the fireworks display. After a while, numerous flashing and colorful displays of fireworks amazed the participants during that night. Finally, the students were asked to go to their designated rooms and sleep. It was morning when one of the songs of Don Bosco was played to wake the participants up, although some already did way before the PA played the song. Some took a bath, while others washed up to feel fresh. Breakfast was soon served, and the mass was then celebrated afterwards. The music ministry was led by the students of Don Bosco Technical College. After the mass, the principal, Fr. Jay, gave the closing remarks and then dismissed all the students. Of course, the merienda was served before they all left the school. Everyone left knowing that they learned something not only from their school but also from someone from a different setting. It is true that the best teacher that anyone could have is experience, but it really depends on the person. If the person is eager to learn, then he would strive to become successful by learning from his mistakes in the past, therefore making use of his experiences. If the person is unwilling, then his experiences would mean nothing since he did not apply what he had encountered in the past. That goes the same with the participants back then. They not only learned the true meaning of being a leader and what it takes to be one, they also learned the value of experiences through communication and camaraderie.

Internal And Task Environment Analysis

Internal And Task Environment Analysis The purpose of this paper is to discuss environmental factors affecting upon McDonalds management functions. And current strategy the company currently using to tackle this environmental impact. This will be achieved by exploring how McDonalds tackle with all of the external and internal environmental factors. There are mainly three factors that were selected to outline the achievement of McDonalds corporation. The first factor is globalization, which is define as closer contact between different parts of the world, with increasing possibilities of personal exchange, mutual understanding and friendship between world populations. Diversity, the difference among people and cultures, is the second factor discussed in the paper. The final factor is ethics, which can be defined as a set of principles of right conduct. This paper explains how the McDonald Corporations uses the factors to conduct business around the world. There are many different values to the dollar around the world, many issues that have occurred in many of those regions/websites, and about 120 countries served by McDonalds that Rely on the functions of management to succeed. Finally, short and long term strategic and tactical recommendations were outlined in order to enhance McDonalds competitive position within the global fast-food industry. These recommendations are both realistic and well supported, based upon the evaluation of their current strategy and activities. 1.0 Introduction McDonalds fast food restaurant is one of the largest franchises in the United States as well as aboard. Their top menu items include: hamburgers, cheeseburgers, McNuggets, and French fries. They are also known for one of their popular desserts: the apple pie and their breakfast sandwich: the Egg McMuffin. There are more than 32,000 McDonalds restaurants serving in 117 countries. More than 75% of McDonalds restaurants worldwide are owned and operated by independent owners. McDonalds has several ethical and social responsibility policies in place throughout their solely owned and franchised companies. These policies include placing the customer experience at the core of what they do, committing to their employees by nurturing their talent and rewarding their achievements, maintaining high standards regarding the conduct for business, and giving back to the communities in which they are established. All of these values are infiltrated through all levels of the company, which keeps McDonalds thriving as a successful fast food chain restaurant. Moreover, as visited McDonalds stores all over the country, it became clear to me that the drive-through business was successful priority one. Risk management is imperative to McDonalds. They have a risk assessment tool that they use to determine the country risk: which pertains to the specific country/region they are located in; industry risk: pertains to supplies produce; and facility risk: which is a combination of both country and risk groundwork. These factors are all part of the risk assessment tool that is used in each of their companies to help them with risk management. Security features in McDonalds includes their security camera systems within the facilities to continuously monitor all activity in and around the restaurants to ensure the safety for the workers as well as customers. Thus, McDonalds use these security cameras also in regards to workers compensation claims or liability lawsuit claims from consumers. McDonalds also monitors their computer software systems with an ACS system that monitors the technological factors of their business. 2.0 Internal and Task Environment Analysis 2.1 McDonalds Mission The mission statement of McDonalds fast food restaurants around the world is not much different from any restaurant chain McDonalds brand mission is to be our customers favorite place and way to eat. McDonalds vision is to be the worlds best quick service restaurant experience. Being the best means providing outstanding quality policy QCSV that is a quality, cleanliness, service and value, so that we make every customer in every restaurant smile. Moreover, have provided its customers with the opportunity to dine and mingle with family and friends too. That broad and common mission statement is more clearly defined by the McDonalds good Values for money food to its customers and to make its product offering available to a wide customer base. Currently McDonalds is implementing a global strategy that it calls Play to Win, which is designed to create a consistently excellent customer experience in McDonalds restaurants. The five key facets of that McDonalds experience are people, products, place, price, and promotion (4P). Importantly, to ensure that each customer receives prompt, professional, friendly and courteous service. Additionally, to maintain a clean, comfortable and well maintained premises for its guests and staff. The price provided at fair, nutritional using only quality ingredients well prepared meals as well. Which reflects the experience those customers can expect when walking into a McDonalds fast food restaurant no matter where it is located. Eventually, ensure that guests and staff are treated with the respect and dignity they deserve and thanks each guest for the opportunity to serve them. By maintaining these objectives, aims to be assured of a fair profit that will allow it to contribute to the community it serve. 2.2 McDonalds Objectives A marketing plan must be created to meet clear objectives. Objectives guide marketing actions and are used to measure how well a plan is working. These can be related to market share, sales, and goals, reaching the target audience and creating awareness in the marketplace. The objectives communicate what marketers want to achieve. Long-term objectives are broken down into shorter-term measurable targets, which McDonalds uses as milestones along the way. Results can be analyzed regularly to see whether objectives are being met. This type of feedback allows the company to change plans. It gives flexibility. Once marketing objectives are set the next stage is to define how they will be achieved. The marketing strategy is the statement of how objectives will be delivered. It explains what marketing actions and resources will be used and how they will work together. However, wish to provide tasty foods and drink we sell meets the highest standards of quality, freshness, seasonality, combines both modern-creative and traditional southern styles of cooking for their customers. Making Money is the main objective of any business and without it the company would go bust. To consistently provide customers with impeccable service by demonstrating warmth, graciousness, efficiency, knowledge, professionalism and integrity in its work. To have every customer who comes through its doors leave impressed by McDonalds and excited to come back again. Most people can find a McDonalds in any metropolitan city anywhere in the world. McDonalds global success can be attributed to company objectives. When consumers are aware of McDonalds objectives, they better understood the value of such a large, global franchise in helping people find employment and in offering a cheap, sustainable product to their consumers. To create and maintain a restaurant that is comprehensive and exceptional in its attention to every detail of operation. Moreover, can provide all who work with them a friendly, cooperative and rewarding environment which encourages long- term, satisfying, growth employment so simple to able make their customers happy. They also need and have trained staff who are supposed to put a smile on the customers faces and who deal with the business side of the company e.g. profits etc. Additionally to provide a consistent and steady source of revenue and income for its shareholders and all related stakeholders. Besides, also to be a responsible corporate citizen and to be an exemplary corporate member in the countries in which it operates. 2.3 McDonalds Social Responsibility Being aware of and act on its responsibilities as a good corporate citizen. McDonalds firmly believes in giving back to the communities in. We love to provide support and encouragement to the people who need it the most. All our restaurants approach to charities and sponsorships. We believe these help inspire the people of Pakistan, especially the underprivileged ones, to live a better life. We are dedicated to delivering great experiences through our ongoing community support programs. Undertake meaningful involvement of McDonalds restaurants in selected charitable activities in its community and region. As supported a school activity recently for Compass-a school for the under privileged children also extended support by providing free food for students at the carnival arranged by the school. All McDonalds products shall be of the highest quality and value, be healthy, nutritious and provided with outstanding personal services at the lowest possible prices consistent with a fair return on investment for shareholders, job enhancement/security for employees and a level of community involvement by everyone connected with its business. Therefore, all products and services shall be delivered consistently and measured one satisfied customer at a time, whether by company-owned or franchised operations, in superior, clean, convenient, fun and friendly neighborhood environments. Eventually, and make McDonalds the best place to eat and the best place to work. To make people realize that the worlds natural resources are fast diminishing and something must be done about it, McDonalds has created a public awareness program called McSaviors.McSaviors has certainly helped in bringing about a sense of awareness in adults that Pakistan faces a shortage of water and electricity and that good care must be taken of these precious resources. All school children are eligible to join McSaviors. They can become members by visiting any McDonalds Restaurant and filling out the registration form. It is also planned to seek the support of schools in further promoting the program. Question 2 Investigate the external environment factors in which this organization is operating. (E.g. using PESTLED tools to analyses the external environment.) 3.0 External Environment Analysis The PESTLE Analysis is a framework used to scan the organizations external environment factor. PESTLE stands for Political, Economical, Social, Technological, Legal and Environmental. 3.1. PESTEL Analysis and Environmental Impact Matrix (Macro Environment) A PESTLE analysis should feed into a SWOT analysis as it helps to determine the threats and opportunities represented by macro-environment forces that the organization usually cannot control. Hence, below table provides an analysis of the external international marketing environment as well as the threats and opportunities of each factor of the fast-food industry. 3.1.1 Political Alarmed by links between poor diet and disease, as well as striking increases in obesity, policymakers, the public, and health professionals have challenged food industry practices. Although many forces contribute to obesity and poor diet, food industry behaviors such as marketing unhealthy foods to children, promoting large portions and between-meal snacks, and exploiting schools for commercial gain have raised calls for government regulation and paved the path for actions such as requiring calorie labeling in restaurants. The menu of McDonald in the pass do not label the nutritions of the food. Hence customers do not aware unhealthy food of fast food that provided by cDonald. Starting in 2006, the fast food behemoth promises to place nutrition information on the packaging of most menu items(R1). Recently, While millions of Americans working low-paying jobs, President Barack Obamas call for a $9 minimum hourly wage were successful in February 2013 (R2). This regulation makes McDonal d not happy because it would reduce revenue of the company and it is a threat to McDonald business. 3.1.2 Economical McDonalds, the worlds largest fast-food chain, reported a decline in an important global sales figure, the first such drop in almost a decade by November 2012(R3). It is an unexpected sharp drop in sales which some restaurants sales fell 2.2 percent in the United States and Europe and declined 2.4 percent in the Asia Pacific, Africa and Middle East regions (R3). However, Global Fast Food Restaurants global market research report provides the latest industry statistics and industry trends, major fast food retailers have responded by expanding the number of healthy options on their menus, the general trend toward health awareness has hurt demand for the typically greasy food provided by the these restaurants. However, the industry experienced steady and growing demand from emerging economies, which boosted the industrys overall performance. Over the five years to 2012, industry revenue will grow at an average annual rate of 2.2% to $499.5 billion(R4). Therefore,the industry report identifies the leading companies globally and offers strategic industry analysis of the key factors influencing the market. Furthermore the unemployment rate of McDonald is decreasing over the five years to 2012 (R5) and the figure is shown in Appendix. Hence, McDonalds is going on a hiring blitz for thousands of jobs in Canada has been announced on 9th April 2013(R6). 3.1.3 Social In the last few decades the number of so-called civilization diseases has dramatically increased. Research has proved that the main cause for these diseases is the change in way of life, including rising stress in a fast paced world and a lack of attention to physical activity and good nutrition. Nutrition and bad dietary habits have the greatest influence on weight gain and obesity, which are serious public health problems because the increased risk of premature death and civilization diseases like heart diseases, high blood pressure and diabetes. The state of health in the European countries was examined, with special focus on Hungary, regarding public health indicators and nutrition habits (R7). The fast-food industry is a favour restaurant for nowadays peoples and has been criticised for providing unhealthy food to consumers and caused obesity in the country. 3.1.4 Technological McDonalds has adopted the use of technology in delivering its fast food to their consumers. The most recent McDonalds technology development has been installing WI-FI hotspots in most of their restaurants globally (R8). This model is made to introduce more young and tech-people into the restaurants creating some what of a starbucks feel, which by the way is free. Besides, Mcdonalds uses a 100% biodiesel technology (R8). Doing this has helped reduce carbon emissions with the truck making the deliveries. Moreover, McDonalds uses Nintendo DS system as a e-learning training tool for their new recruit staff in over 3,000 of their restaurants. These gaming systems train the recruits and grade them on their performance, in which they can compare with other colleagues and view their progress. There are many types of information systems used in McDonalds too such as Transaction Processing System (TPS), Decision support system (DSS), Management Information Systems (MIS), Made for you system, POS system Scale of Point system and Hyperactive Bob system(R9). Transaction system is important to answer routine questions, and it helps to conduct business such as payroll, employee record keeping or paying an employee. Decision support system is used to model data and make quality decision based on the data , making the right decision is usually based on the quality of the data and ones ability to analyze the data. Management information system is a system that provides information needed to manage organizations effectively. In Made for you system when a customer places an order , the sandwich item will immediately appears in the computer monitor in the kitchen and a tone sound to alert the kitchen staff . Point of scale system to ensure fast and accurate order , because this system is used to speed the business process, it can track massive amounts of data in seconds. The Hyperactive Bob system used computers and rooftop cameras to monitor traffic entering a restaurants parking lot and drive-thru. All these technologies used by McDonald are helping in daily business and ensure the business delivers smooth to customers. 3.1.5 Legal McDonalds has been involved in certain of lawsuits and other legal cases in their fast food business. Defamation in the McLibel case was an English lawsuit happened by McDonalds Corporation against environmental activists Helen Steel and David over a pamphlet critical of the company(R10). McDonald was won in the English court. McDonald has been sued a restaurant MacJoy in Phillipines for using a similar restaurant name with McDonald(R11). This is to keep the name of McDonald as their company trademark and copyright in the regulation. McDonald complies with the global operators regulation which are opening hours, taxation and employment in all business country such as real case happened between McDonald and Coalition of Immokalee workers in US (R11). Besides, all global countries are required to meet national food standards such as the requirements set out by the Malaysia Ministry of Health, McDonald food must Halal in Malaysia(R12). Advertisement of McDonald must honour and cannot mislead the consumers (R11). Furthermore, health and safety law is important to ensure workers are working in the safe working environment, McDonald restaurant (R11). 3.1.6 Environmental Environmental activists are promoting go green as well as it is encouraged by most countries governments so McDonald has been introduced go green program such as REDUCE, RE-USE, RECYCLE, DISPOSE. Its better to recycle trash than to throw it away, better to re-use a bottle or bag directly than to recycle it, and best of all to reduce garbage by not generating it in the first place. McDonalds has been whittling away at the thickness of its polystyrene burger containers, straws, and cold drink lids, reducing them on average by 12 percents (R13). McDonald is welcome in every step toward environmental responsibility such as above organized program. 4.0 McDonalds Internal and External Analysis The following framework identifies McDonalds review of the Corrective Action System. For SWOT steps and flow. STRENGHS 1.Ranks very high on the Forture Magazines food service companies that are most admired list. 2.One of the best brand recognition in the world,the golden arches and Ronald McDonald. 3.Global operations all over the world. 4.Cultural diversity in the foods that are provided based on location of the restaurant. 5.Excellent locations in theme parks,airports,Wal-Mart store,and along most well traveled roads. 6.Efficient operating guidelines in the assembly line fashion. 7.Food safety guidelines are strictly adhered to. WEAKNESSES 1.Failing pizza test market thus limiting their ability to complete with fast food pizza providers. 2.Training costs are elevated due to high 3.Very minimal concentration on providing organic foods. 4.Large fluctuations in their net and operating profits making impacts on the investors. 5.Not much variation in seasonal products that are affered. 6.Quality concerns due to franchised operations. 7.Focus on burgers and grease fried foods and not on healthier option for their customers. OPPORTUNITIES 1.Opening more joint ventures with several different retailers. 2.Being more responsive to the social changes to healthier options. 3.advertising the capabilities of Wifi internet services in the branches. 4.Expanding on the advertising in regards to being more socially responsible in the environment. 5.Expansions of business into newly developed parts of the world. 6.Open product up to allergen free options such as peanut free and gluten free foods. 7.Continue to venture into more enticing beverage choices. THREATS 1.Their marketing strategies that entice people from small children all the way to adults and the criticism that they take beause of it. 2.Lawsuts for offering unhealthy foods that have alleged addictive additives. 3.Contamination risks that include the threat of e-coli containments. 4.The vast amount of eat in fast food restaurants that are open as competition. 5.Social changes to a more balanced meal in cluding fruits and vegetables in servings of five per day. 6.Focus on healthier dieting by consumers. 7.Down turn in economy affecting the ability to eat out as much. 4.1 Internal Analysis 4.1.1 Resources and Capabilities A firms resources and capabilities can be measured through identifying its tangible andintangible resources and capabilities within. Tangible and intangible resources aresignificant in implementing firms strategies. It ranges from financial, physical,technological and organizational; while intangible can be human, innovation andreputational assets. Incase of Macdonalds, is the worlds largest chain of hamburgersfast food restaurants, serving nearly 47 million customers daily.The restaurants arefound in 119 countries and territories around the world. McDonalds operates over 31,000restaurants worldwide, employing more than 1.5 million people. Looking at theincreasing popularity especially in South-Asian region it is predicted Macdonalds wouldexpand even further in new countries and unexplored territories. 4.2 External Analysis McDonalds has many opportunities in the external environment due to an increase in eating out, and growth of the hot drinks market. During the recession, McDonalds Informal Eating Out (IEO) market share increased to a record high of 11.5% and a quarter of surveyed teenagers said they purchase fast-food at least once a week (Mintel, 2011). They are a global company operating more than 23,500 restaurants in 109 countries. By being spread out in different regions, this gives them the ability to weather economic fluctuations which are localized by country. They can also operate effectively in an economic downturn due to the social need to seek out comfort foods. Health consciousness trends are a global threat, as McDonalds has been traditionally perceived as offering only fatty food. Recently, some healthier options have been introduced, i.e. salads and wraps, in efforts to shift their position in the consumer eye. However, the brand is still perceived as unhealthy and this poses a continual threat. McDonalds uses only 100% pure USDA inspected beef, no fillers or additives. Additionally the produce is farm fresh. McDonalds serves 100% farm raised chicken no fillers or additives and only grade-A eggs. McDonalds foods are purchased from only certified and inspected suppliers. McDonalds works closely with ranchers, growers and suppliers to ensure food quality and freshness. 5.0 Recommendations Strategic and tactical recommendations for McDonalds. The following table outlines the strategic and tactical recommendations for the future success: Short term (6 months- 1 year) Long-term (1- 5 Years) Developing and expanding business in developing countries with the middle classes Promoting recycling and environmentally friendly program in the internal working environment Adapting the foods according to the cultural and regional taste as well as provide healthy food Encourage social responsibility program for health awareness Loyalty program such as provide discount in happy hour and give free items with loyalty sticker or card Expand business with other healthy food brand 5.1 Short Term Recommendations (6 months 1 year) Growing middle classes in developing country give an opportunity for expanding the business since many western markets are saturated. Besides, McDonald has been focused on the taste of the food according to regional and emerging economies offer multiple opportunities for product adaptation. For example, pastry options in Brazil and cheese products in India could increase sales. Further adaptation of meal size and price will cater for a larger market demographic as well as introduce healthy food in all franchises since health awareness is strictly important around the world. A loyalty program could be used to increase frequency of a customers purchasing. This could be introduced discounts in certain happy hours, or given free items with loyalty sticker or card when over a purchase limit to encourage more purchase. 5.2 Long Term Recommendations (1 5 years) Awareness of environment, environmentally-friendly and ethically-sourced packaging are activated by most global countries. This encourages McDonald provides this knowledge among the workers in a working environment to show difference McDonald culture compare to their competitors. Although McDonalds every year supports social responsibility in ophanant houses, old folks, blind houses in various charities to help weak peoples, further emphasis on charitable work could positively alter customers perception of the brand. Besides, promote health awareness to them with McDonalds products. Expanding the health-conscious fast-food market under the guise of a different brand would secure a larger market share and diversify their business, spreading the risk of failure. 6.0 Conclusion It is argued that effective marketing strategies and tactics cannot be developed withoutfirstly analysing the environment in which the company operates. A number of uncontrollable elements affect McDonalds international marketing strategy and tacticalimplementation. These groups of elements include the PESTLE (political, economic,social, technological, legal and environmental), structure of the market and competition being faced (Porters (1980) five forces analysis) as well as analysis of its stakeholders,customers and product adaptation within its internationalisation strategy. All of theseaspects are crucial to a companys strategic decision making. The level of understandingthat exists in these relationships will determine the success of a company. McDonalds is not making a one-time standardised global choice but it is striking tofind a balance. This is not a straightforward task, as identifying the balance betweenstandardisation and adaptation is a challenge and very difficult to achieve. The goals of reducing costs and complexity lead McDonalds to consider standardisation, whilecustomer orientation sways it towards adaptation. It is evident through the analysis thatMcDonalds is adapting its marketing mix elements in order to go in line with the externalenvironment. At the same time, it should be noted that the company is also standardisingwhen and where possible in its desire to achieve economies of scale and global uniformityand image.With respect to McDonalds internationalisation strategy, the companys effectivenessand profitability is obviously well supported by their strong competitive position andmarket share in their primary product market. Its international success is achieved by thecompanys strategy and tactics, which complement each other and work in harmony, providing the optimum return bounded by efficiency. The company is thriving as it is botheffective (doing things right) and efficient (doing the right thing).McDonalds portfolio of products is well managed and ensures the best fit between thecompanys strengths and weaknesses and for offsetting the threats found in its competitiveenvironment. In considering the strong competitive position of the firm in a highlyattractive market, it is suggested that McDonalds should protect its position (Mckinseymatrix). This can be achieved by concentrating efforts on maintaining its existing strength by investing to grow at maximum digestible rate. It is recommended that McDonalds continue this approach, that is: simultaneouslyfocus its attention on aspects of the business that require global standardisation and aspectsthat demand local responsiveness. When appropriate, processes should be standardised,however, operation in local markets necessitates the maintenance of the appropriate localflexibility.McDonalds is adopting differentiation and cost leadership strategies (genericstrategies). In terms of differentiation, the firm attempts to be diverse from its competitors by adding something to its product that will provide a unique value to its customers. 7.0 References 1) http://www.commondreams.org/views05/1103-23.htm. Last accessed on 12/04/2012 2) http://money.msn.com/now/post.aspx?post=d184c64e-c231-426c-bb2e-8935ebd3ee06. Last accessed on 12/03/2012 3)http://www.nytimes.com/2012/11/09/business/mcdonalds-reports-global-decline-in-sales.html?ref=mcdonaldscorporation. Last accessed on 12/03/2012 4) http://www.ibisworld.com/industry/global/global-fast-food-restaurants.html. Last accessed on 12/03/2012 5) http://research.stlouisfed.org/fred2/series/MOMCDO9URN. Last accessed on 13/03/2012 6) http://www.chch.com/home/item/12412-mcdonalds-hiring-day. Last accessed on 13/03/2012 7) http://ageconsearch.umn.edu/bitstream/44325/2/460.pdf. Last accessed on 13/03/2012 8) http://mcdonaldsteam3.blogspot.com/2010/05/mcdonalds-corp.html. Last accessed on 13/03/2012 9) http://mcdonaldsmis.blogspot.com/p/mcdonalds-is_04.html. Last accessed on 14/03/2012 10) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/McLibel_Case. Last accessed on 14/03/2012 11) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/McDonalds_legal_cases. Last accessed on 14/03/2012 12) http://www.mcdonalds.com.my/abtus/CSR.pdf. Last accessed on 15/03/2012 13) http://www.sustainer.org/dhm_archive/index.php?display_article=vn304mcdonaldsed 8.0 Bibliography http://www.aboutmcdonalds.com/mcd/our_company/mission_and_values.html.Last accessed on 8/04/2012 http://retailindustry.about.com/od/retailbestpractices/ig/Company-Mission-Statements/McDonald-s-Restaurants-Mission-Statement.htm. Last accessed on 8/04/2012 http://wiki.answers.com/Q/What_are_the_aims_and_objectives_of_McDonalds.Last accessed on 10/04/2012 http://businesscasestudies.co.uk/mcdonalds-restaurants/the-marketing-process/marketing-objectives.html#axzz2Prg92Wds. Last accessed on 10/04/2012 http://www.mcdonalds.com.pk/page/corporate-social-responsibility. Last accessed on 10/04/2012 http://www.mcdonalds.com.pk/page/corporate-social-resp

Timeline of American Literature and Events Essay -- english colonies,

King James I granted the Virginia Company of London a charter to create an English settlement in North America in June 1606. Their goals were to find gold and determine a waterway which would take them to the Orient. The Virginia Company set foot on Jamestown on May 14, 1607 to form the Virginia English Colony. Approximately one third of the colonists survived the winter of the â€Å"Starving Time† in 1609, and fifteen years later in 1624, Virginia became a crown colony when the king dismissed the Virginia Company Charter due to the Algonquians attack which killed over 300 settlers. Jamestown only survived because of a last minute warning but burned down in 1698. Many colonists that survived celebrated May Day on May 1, 1628 with Thomas Morton dancing around a maypole, but the Plymouth Pilgrims were against this display of celebration, and Captain Miles Standish sent Thomas Morton back to England. Intolerance continued when Anne Hutchinson was forced to leave Boston beca use of her religious beliefs and influence to help establish Rhode Island in 1638. Five years later, Native Americans murdered Anne and her family. Quakers were the next to be forced to leave during the time between 1655 and 1656. Those that refused to leave suffered by being whipped or imprisoned, and the legislature ruled against Quaker services two years later. Parliament ordered the suspension of Quaker corporal punishment in 1661 after three years of Quakers being hanged for refusing to leave Massachusetts. English law in the colonies also severely affected slaves. Those who converted to Christianity and became legal residents of Maryland were granted freedom—until 1664. It was then that Maryland passed a law dictating servitude of life for black slave... ...rr/social%20studies/05/0101firstwi.html Quidor, J. (2011). In Encyclopà ¦dia Britannica. Web. 14 Nov. 2015. http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/487273/John-Quidor Starwinar. (2010. Herman or Henry. Web. 29 Nov. 2015. http://starwinar.wordpress.com/daily-short-story/herman-or-henry/ The Virtual Union. (2011). Scrape T.V. the world on your side. Web. 18 Nov. 2015. http://scrapetv.com/News/News%20Pages/Health/Pages/Doctor-pioneering-use-of-Comas-on- demand-Scrape-TV-The-World-on-your-side.html Wikipedia. (2011). Mayflower compact. Web. 21 Nov. 2015. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mayflower_Compact Wikispaces. (2011). The scarlet letter. Web. 25 Nov. 2015. http://amsu-english11-8.wikispaces.com/The+Scarlet+Letter WordPress. (2007). Young Goodman Brown. Web. 29 Nov. 2015. http://garble.wordpress.com/2007/11/27/young-goodman-brown/

Magnet Therapy Essay -- essays research papers fc

A. Introduction and Definition: Magnet therapy is an alternative treatment which has been gaining ground in recent years. Magnet therapy is related to biomagnetism which is a branch of biology that studies the effects of magnetism in living beings as well as magnetism and electromagnetism. Many experiments have been conducted in the world. Over time, practitioners have kept records of what has and has not worked. Precautionary measures are now known to use with magnet therapy. It has been known to promote magnet therapy as a very safe and effective treatment when used correctly. B. Historical Aspects and Background: The origin of biomagnetism started centuries ago by the people of India, China, the eastern Mediterranean basin, and Australian aborigines and native Africans. Around 200 B.C., the Greek physician Galen noted magnetism was being used for it’s purgative powers. A persian physician named Ali Abbas was using magnetism to treat "spasms" and "gout" around A.D. 1000. Also, in the 16th century, Paracelsus, an innovative Swiss physician claimed to cure "hernias, gout, and jaundice" through the use of magnets. To understand the history of biomagnetism, it is necessary to examine the earlier history of magnetism and electromagnetism. Only a few hundred years ago did electromagnetism emerge, but the knowledge of magnetism goes back to ancient times. Legends say that a shepard named Magus discovered a mineral that attracted the nails of his sandals as he crossed Mount Ida in Asia Minor about twenty-five hundred years ago. The mineral today is known as ma gnetite. Some sources say that the word "magnetism" comes from Magnesia, a city in Asia Minor where the stone can be found. It has been observed when a magnet is left free to spin, it always rests in the same position. In 1269, Pierre de Maricourt had differentiated the two poles. He called the poles "north" and "south." "North" was the pole that points to the geographic north pole and "South" the pole that points to the geographic south pole. Later, it was observed that opposite poles attract and same type poles repel. In this case, "North" the pole of magnet pointing to the geographic south and "South" the pole pointing to the geographic north. ... ...essages to the brain when stimulated. Nerve cells have a negative internal charge and a positive external charge unlike blood cells. When the north pole of a magnet is applied to the skin next to the nerve endings, the negative energy of the magnet and positive energy of the nerve cells attract each other. There are many more positive effects of magnet therapy that relate to the endocrine system, joints, muscles, and the blood. Personally, I have gone to massage therapy, for my back, as long as 6 months or so. I have had little to no relief at all. I have though about the use of magnet therapy quite a bit. If magnet therapy could be an alternative in treatment of my back, I would definitely have to say yes! Magnet therapy has many positive effects and more and more research is being conducted to this day. F. Bibliography: 1. Healing With Magnets, Gary Null, Ph.D. Carroll and Graf Publishers, Inc. 1998. 2. Magnet Therapy: The Gentle and Effective Way to Balance Body Systems, Ghanshyam Singh Birla and Colette Hemlin, Healing Arts Press, 1999. 3. Magnet Therapy: The Pain Cure Alternative, Ron Lawrence, M.D., Ph.D., Paul J. Rosch, M.D., F.A.C.P., and Judith Plowden

Romance in Shakespeares Comedy of Errors Essay -- Shakespeare Comedy

Comedy of Errors - Romance What is so interesting about Shakespeare's first play, The Comedy of Errors, are the elements it shares with his last plays. The romances of his final period (Pericles, Cymbeline, The Winter's Tale, The Tempest) all borrowed from the romantic tradition, particularly the Plautine romances. So here, as in the later plays, we have reunions of lost children and parents, husbands and wives; we have adventures and wanderings, and the danger of death (which in this play is not as real to us as it is in the romances). Yet, for all these similarities, the plot of The Comedy of Errors is as simple as the plots of the later plays are complex. It is as though Shakespeare's odyssey through the human psyche in tragedy and comedy brought him back to his beginnings with a sharper sense of yearning, poignancy, and the feeling of loss. But to dismiss this play as merely a simplistic romp through a complicated set of maneuvers is to miss the pure theatrical feast it offers on the stage - the wit and hu mor of a master wordsmith, the improbability of a plot that sweeps...

Gender Disparity a Menace in Society Essay

Gender Disparity a Menace in our society. â€Å"All men were created equal.† How about women then? It is a sad reality that gender is still a basis for inequality in many parts of the world, especially in our nation. India remains the lowest ranked among BRIC countries in the Global Gender Gap index. It ranks 105 out of 135 countries. Health, Education, and Economic participation of women have India at its worst among BRIC countries. It ranks among the lowest when it comes to infant mortality and malnutrition among girls. Almost 8 million and more missing girls with demographers projecting that by the year 2020 there would be 28 to 31 million surplus males in the 15 – 35 age group. The roots of this lie in the very ego men have been holding since the dawn of civilization. Women are equated with sensitive, nurturing, cunning or wily and men with strength, courage, aggressiveness and Dominance amongst others. At least in India, a woman still needs the anchor of a husband. India has witnessed gender inequality from its early history due to its socio-economic and religious practices that resulted in a wide gap between the position of men and women in the society. Clearly, then gender gaps that are widespread in access to basic rights, access to and control of resources, in economic opportunities and also in power and political voice are an impediment to development. There are so many Crimes happening against Women and yet they are to be blamed for the crimes. Rape, sexual harassment even extreme violence is blamed on the woman, for travelling alone, for wearing â€Å"inappropriate† clothes, for daring to cross invisible boundaries. Women have always been considered to carry on the domestic work in our society. From cooking food to caring for the children and old of the house, from washing clothes to cleaning the house†¦. these are the things that our society expects and has been expecting from women. The men are considered the â€Å"Alpha† of the house, they are the only one fit to earn, step out of the doorsteps and experience the â€Å"Masculine† world as we say. But there is another side of the coin, well not so severe as with the women but still, nowadays even men fall prey to this gender disparity. Here are some examples, ridiculing of Male nurses, Stay at home dads, Male domestic servants etc. All of this just makes me think, what have we actually become? Is this what God created us for? To discriminate and subjugate women under such orthodox beliefs, Can women never enjoy the same freedom and security that men have? What we need today are trends where girls are able not only to break out of the culturally determined patterns of employment but also to offer advice about career possibilities that look beyond the traditional pail of Jobs. It is surprising that in spite of so many laws, women still continue to live under stress and strain. To ensure equality of status for our women we still have miles to go, but as it’s said, â€Å"A spark is all that’s needed to ignite a fire, to ignite a revolution of change†. Thus, it is rightly said – Man and Woman are like two wheels of a carriage. The life of one without the other is incomplete.