Hsbc Strategy Essay Example for Free

Hsbc Strategy Essay Proposal on HSBC’s strategic shift with the organization based growth model (410 words, 2011). Research topic: How HSBC’s changed its strategic direction using organization-driven growth model to achieve long-term economic and strategic success. Rationale and literature review The long-term economic success of an organization is dynamically associated with the organization’s ability to create new modes of production (Chandler 1990). A number of factors influence an organization’s ability to grow and achieve strategic success in today’s era of globalization. These are: * The dynamic processes that govern an organization’s operations are not uniform but diverse across different parts of the world (Martin Verdier 2008). * Organization’s changes and the dynamic process that influence do not necessarily have a consistently progressive development phase. i. e they go through a phase of high-development and low-development (Martin Verdier 2008). Organizations, like HSBC, who have recognized this, have invested resources to evolve their economic development over time. HSBC developed their organizational-driven growth model to successfully create a model for long-term sustainability, growth and profitability. The model is shown below: Figure: The HSBC organizational-growth model (Image source: Deans Kroeger 2004) HSBC was founded by Thomas Sutherland in 1865 in Hong Kong and for many years was a small-sized bank that operated in Asia (Ahlstrom Bruton 2009). In the 1980’s, the management developed the organizational growth-model to address the need for HSBC to become global and diversify in the long-term. This model led to the development of the ‘HSBC character’, which is the cornerstone of HSBC’s growth strategy today (Deans Kroeger 2004). By implementing this model effectively across all areas of HSBC holdings, HSBC was able add scale to its business such as insurance, leasing and fund management and be cautious and thrifty while using their international experience to acquire or merge with a myriad of businesses (Syrett 2007). Using the model, training systems for employees were put in place that encouraged a growth culture within the organization (Syrett 2007).

Bacolod Public Plaza Essay Example for Free

Bacolod Public Plaza Essay * The Bacolod Public Plaza is one of the notable landmarks of Bacolod City, the capital of Negros Occidental, Philippines. It is located in the heart of the downtown area, near the city hall and across from the San Sebastian Cathedral. The plaza is a trapezoidal park with a belt of trees around the periphery and a gazebo at the center. Scattered within the trees are four circular fountains. * The plaza was constructed in 1927 as a place for recreation, political, spiritual and cultural activities. It is quite a popular site for outdoor picnics and concerts. The gazebo is often used to house a bandstand and inscribed along the sides of the roof are the names of Western classical musiccomposers Beethoven, Wagner, Haydn, and Mozart. The plaza is the heart of the MassKara Festival celebration.[1] The MassKara Festival is a week-long celebration held each year in Bacolod City every third weekend of October nearest October 19, the citys Charter Anniversary. The Bacolod public plaza is the final destination of MassKara street dancing competition which is the highlight of the celebration. Capitol Park and Lagoon * The Capitol Park and Lagoon is a provincial park located in Bacolod City, Negros Occidental, in Philippines. One of the features of the park is matching sculptures depicting a woman standing alongside a water buffalo and that of a man pulling another water buffalo. * These sculptures are located at the northern and southern ends of the lagoon. These figures were executed by Italian sculpture Francesco Riccardo Monti who also did the sculptures of the Metropolitan Manila Theater and the University of the Philippines Visayas Iloilo campus. * Guillermo Tolentino also contributed as a sculptor of the figures.Popular activities at the park include jogging, aerobics, school dance rehearsals, promenading, Arnis and martial arts practice and feeding the tilapias of the lagoon. * The main landmark in the park is the Negros Occidental Provincial Capitol building. It is the official seat of the Governor of the province. Different government offices of the province serving its thirteen cities and municipalities are also located in the vicinity of the park. San Sebastian Cathedral * Cathedral of San Sebastian was founded in April 27, 1876 by Bishop Mariano Cuartero but the cornerstone was laid and it was inaugurated in the January 20 in the year 1882. Now, referred to as the Bacolod Cathedral is located along the Rizal Street across the Bacolod City Public Plaza. * The structure of cathedral is made up of coral stones and lime quarried of Guimaras Island and Palawan wood. Visitors of the cathedral will instantly notice the baroque architectural style as the pillar, walls; foundations of the church are coral stones. * The statue of Our Lady of the Holy Rosary of Bacolod is there on one side of the faà §ade while the resurrected Jesus Christ is there in the mid section of the faà §ade. The statue of San Sabestian is there inside the church on the main altar. Other highlights of the church are the flag stand with the logo of Recoletos and the old Stations of the Cross made up of plaster of Paris. Negros Museum * Visit to Negros Museum of Bacolod is the best way of getting acquainted with the history of this city. This museum is a perfect blend of artwork, relics and artifacts which enables you to understand the present and past of the city. * The museum exhibits several must see galleries such as JGM Gallery of International Folk Art and Folk Toys. This is an excellent place to visit with children as it focuses on playing items from all round the World. * There are around three thousand toys for playing. Other must visit sections of the museum for children include The TUKLAS Childrens Library, Resource and Activity Center etc. * The workshop is also organized by the museum where children can learn paintings, sculpting and to experience their hands on various forms of pottery. The museum also exhibits numerous other must see exhibits such as the Iron Dinosaurs, fifty boat, sugar industry and much more. THE BALAY NEGRENSE * The Balay Negrense is a museum in Silay City, Negros Occidental in the Philippines, showcasing the lifestyle of a late 19th-century Negrense sugar baron. It is notable for being the first museum to be established in the province of Negros Occidental. * The house is of the type called bahay na bato, literally house of stone, however, reflecting American colonial influences, the lower storey is not constructed of stone but of concrete. The foundation posts are made out of trunks of the balayong tree, a local hardwood; the floorboards are of the same material. Bacolod-Silay International Airport * Bacolod-Silay International Airport (IATA: BCD, ICAO: RPVB) is the main airport serving the general area of Bacolod City, the capital city of Negros Occidental in the Philippines. This airport replaced the Bacolod City Domestic Airport in 2007. The Bacolod-Silay International Airport inherited its IATA and ICAO airport codes from the former. * The airport is located fifteen kilometers northeast of Bacolod City on a 181-hectare site in Barangay Bagtic, Silay City. The airport, which is built to handle international traffic, is expected to become the primary gateway to Negros Island. It is one of the three international airports envisioned to serve the Western Visayas region, alongside Kalibo International Airport and the New Iloilo Airport. * The Bacolod-Silay International Airport is designated as an International Airport by the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines, a body of the Department of Transportation and Communications that is responsible for the operations of not only this airport but also of all other airports in the Philippines except the major international airports. POPE JOHN PAUL II TOWER * The John Paul II Tower stands at the Bacolod Real Estate Development Corp. reclaimed area where the Pope held a Mass in February 20, 1981. It was built to commemorate the event that happened twenty-nine years ago when the late Pope John Paul II visited Bacolod City. * At the entrance of the tower stands an eight-foot sculpture of John Paul made of synthetic bronze and fiberglass created by Brother Tagoy Jakosalem. On top of the tower is a 12-foot stainless steel lighted cross made and donated by Architect Ramiro Garcia, former vice mayor of Bacolod. * This eight-story glass tower was inaugurated on February 18, 2010 with the holy presence of Archbishop Joseph Edward Adams, Papal Nuncio to the Philippines, assisted by the Bishop of the Diocese of Bacolod, his Excellency, Msgr. Vicente Navarra. * The donor of the 700 square-meter lot at the reclamation area and the eight-story building just a few steps away from SM City Bacolod is lawyer Simplicio Palanca. It is covered in glass panels and houses personal possessions of John Paul. * On top of the tower is a breathtaking view of Bacolod City and the Guimaras Strait. It is also equipped with a glass enclosed elevator, a water system and a generating set. The JPII Tower will not just be Bacolods fine tourist attraction but a testament on how strong our catholic faith is. ARANETA AND LACSON ST. * Lacson Street is one of the major streets in the city of Bacolod. It is the main artery leading to the north part of Negros. * Its counterpart is the Araneta St., which will lead you to the south. Here in Bacolod, Lacson Street is regarded as the chic side of the City.It is where Banks, Hotels, Malls, first class Restaurants, Park, coffee shops and bars are located. * Because of its potential to be one of the center of activities, Mayor Bing transformed this place into a Huge party arena. It is now called as the Festival Strip during Masskara and Bacolaodiat festivals for 2 years now. * During festival season, the road is totally blocked (from 4th st. all the way to Ramos intersection.) Bars and Restaurants are placing tables and chairs on the street, Bandstands are everywhere, Party lights in every corners and people are simply enjoying. * Party starts at 7pm and ends in the wee hours of the morning. Who would have thought that Lacson street would come this far? I actually never thought it will be a hit until i went there and partied with my friends during the electric masskara which happened last October. * The atmosphere is so festive, police are everywhere which makes the place more safe. It was totally awesome and worth for an experience. LA SALLE AVENUE: * The University of St. La Salle (USLS), located in La Salle Avenue, Bacolod City, Philippines, is a Catholic private university run by the De La Salle Brothers. Established in 1952 as La Salle College Bacolod, it is the second oldest campus originally founded by the congregation in the country.The university is a member of De La Salle Philippines, a network established in 2006 comprising 17 Lasallian institutions in the country. * USLS was founded by Br. Dennis Ruland FSC, Br. Hugh Wester FSC, and Br. V. Felix Masson FSC. La Salle College-Bacolod opened with 175 male students from Prep to Grade 5, under seven faculty members. The school building was unimpressive, built amidst sprawling muddy grounds and borded by cane fields of adjoining lands. * In the 1960s La Salle College-Bacolod expanded from Grade School to College. This was made possible through donations by alumni, parents and benefactors. The school became co-educational in 1966. On July 5, 1988, La Salle College-Bacolod was formally elevated to university status and christened University of St. La Salle during rites graced by then Honorable Secretary of Education Lourdes Quisumbing. CINCO DE NOVIEMBRE: * IT WAS a tour-de-force performance as sugarcane ‘trabajadores’ and ‘hacendados’ played their roles for one day only as members of the Negros Revolutionary Movement. The ‘hacendados’ promoted themselves (or were told) to become captains of the army. The ‘obreros’ were excited (because of their devotion to the landlords) to act as soldiers. * There was also the obligatory dose of cheesy humor and wisecracks because the soldiers trained in the cane fields were only armed with bolos and spears. Some of the ‘hacendados’ managed to ride on their own horse. The adventurous few had their carabaos as if going to a royal tournament. Some references mentioned Nicolas Golez, Leandro Rama Locsin, Timoteo Unson, Melecio Severino and Vicente GamboayBenedicto as the potent leaders of Silay revolution. * The preparation had a cocktail of ornate finesse because the lords of the haciendas put on their gallant uniform like swaggering sword-wielding stars. The most important characters were the ‘jornaleros’ who gave their iconic cinematic hugs to their wives and parents as if they would be facing dramatic imminent doom in their attack at the garrison of the Spaniards. My creative amalgamation takes an egalitarian stand as I picture out hundreds of Silaynons in assault formation in front of Farmacia Locsin owned by Leandro Locsin (now, the Cinco de Noviembre Marker). * Melecio Severino and Nicolas Golez could have followed the advice of Sun Tzu in his book The Art of War. â€Å"In war, the general receives his commands from the sovereign, collects his army and concentrates his forces. . . . If we wish to wrest an advantage from the enemy, we must not fix our minds on that alone, but allow for the possibility of the enemy also doing some harm to us, and let this enter as a factor into our calculations.† * The basest instincts were at their best and the nationalistic Silaynons enthusiastically marched towards the Spanish garrison while chanting ‘Binangon,’ the hymn of the Negros revolution written by Kabayao of Sagay. Silaynons could be heroes after death but it was not a biopic where they were thinking of their lives as heroes after the historic surge. That could also be their grandest, nuttiest scheme yet. Silaynons were out to prove that they got nuts. As fighters for freedom, our ancestors were visionaries, dreamers, people who would consider victory in another shape. * The agony for the Spaniards did not last long. The rickety old garrison was already surrounded with a lavish cast prepared for a high-octane scene and the few civil guards inside under the command of Lt. Maximiano Correa had no way to avert disaster. Juan Viaplana, a local Spaniard and ‘empresario’, explained to Correa that the only way to stay alive was to surrender peacefully. * That was it, but the agreement papers mentioned that the civil guards gave up only after a heroic resistance against overwhelming odds. There was a bloody man-to-man combat and the civil guards stood their ground with Correa. That was nefarious and the dull, plodding scene of what could have been the ‘First Bloodless Revolution’ in Philippine history was made popcorn to save Spanish honor. November 5, 1898; Saturday. Before the day ended, The Philippine flag made by Olympia Severino, Eutropia Yorac and Perpetua Severino was raised for the first time at Silay plaza. The one-day revolution flows with a vibrant kinetic energy loaded with high-speed maneuvers. It ended like a Silay piaya—crisp outside, sweet inside. Happy Negros Day! OLD CITY HALL: * Bacolod City, situated on the northwestern part of the island of Negros, is bounded by the Guimaras Strait on the west, the municipality of Talisay on the north, the municipality of Murcia on the east, and Bago City on the South. * The City has land area of 156.1 kilometers. In 1970, it had a population of 187,300. It has a cool invigorating climate with abundant rainfall. The majority of the people speak Ilonggo and the rest speak Cebuano. * Bacolod, the Sugar City in the Philippines, is one of the most progressive and elite cities in the country. Along its highway, sugarcane plantation is a typical scene; coconut and rice are also grown. The people are engaged in livestock, fishing and pottery. * Bacolod was derived from the Ilonggo word bakolod meaning stonehill since the settlement was founded in 1770 on a stonehill area, now the district of Granada and the former site of the Bacolod Murcia Milling Company. * Due to the Muslin raids in 1787, Bacolod was transferred towards the shorline. The old site was called Da-an Banwa, meaning old town. * In 1894, by order of Governor General Claveria, through Negros Island Governor Manuel Valdeviseo Morquecho, Bacolod was made the capital of the Province of Negros. Bernardino de los Santos became the first gobernadorcillo and Fray Julian Gonzaga the first parish priest. * The succes of the revolution in Bacolod was attributed to the low morale of the local Spanish detahcment-due to its defeat in Panay and Luzon and to the psychological warfare of Generals Aniceto Lacson and Juan Araneta. In 1897, a battle in Bacolod was fought in Matab-ang River. * A year later, on November 5, 1898, the Negrense Revolucionarios, armed with knives, bolos, spears, and rifle-like nipa stems, and pieces of sawali mounted in carts, captured the convento where Coronel de Castro y Cisneros, well-armed casadores and platoons of civil guards, surrendered. * Two days later, on the 17th, most of the revolutionary army gathered together to establish a Provisional Junta and to confirm the elections of Aniceto Lacson as president, Juan Araneta as war-delegate, as well as the other officials. * On March 1899, the American forces led by Colonel James G. Smith occupied Bacolod, the revolutionary capital of the Provisional Republic of Negros. * Bacolod City was occupied by the Japanese forces on May 21, 1942. Three years after, it was liberated by the American forces on May 29, 1945. * By virtue of Commonwealth Act No. 326, enacted by the National Assembly, the City of Bacolod was created on June 18, 1938. NEGROS NIGHT LIFE: Bacolod Nightlife * Are you planning a visit to Bacolod City and wondering what to do for fun at night in Bacolod? Participating in the local nightlife scene can be a lot of fun when you travel to a new city, but figuring out where the locals go isnt always easy. Here are 5 of the best Bacolod nightlife options for you to consider. Bacolod locals enjoy these top nightlife activities and if youre here for a visit, you will too! 1. Begin with a drink and dinner at one of Bacolods restaurants. Because so many people live and work right in the city, Bacolod restaurants are a big part of the Bacolod nightlife scene and tend to be full every night of the week. 2. Spend part of your evening at one of the many Bacolod comedy club. Youll have your choice of stand-up, improv, ensembles, open mic, and other formats. You can also find national headliners as well as local talent. 3. Or, spend the evening at the movies. In addition to a few theaters that show first-run movies such as the SM Cinema, youll find lots of other theaters and other venues for watching foreign language, indie, classic, experimental, and other film genres. 5. Stop by one of the many Bacolod bars. If youre interested in exploring Bacolod nightlife, youll probably end up in one (or more) of our popular bars, where a lot of Bacolod locals have fun at night in the city. 6. End your evening at one of Bacolods disco clubs Where do you go toward the end of the evening? Thats easy a Bacolod disco club. Bacolod has a wide range of choices from casual to dress, all featuring DJs and every kind of music that you can imagine. Most of these popular Bacolod nightlife spots get going around 10pm and then close at 2am after last call. RAMOS DIZON MUSEUM: * Housed in the ancestral home of Raymundo L. Dizon and Hermelinda V. Ramos, the Dizon-Ramos Museum is one of the many reasons you will visit Bacolod, Philippines. It was constructed in 1950 and shows the architecture of after-war Bacolod. The house is a blend of modern and neo-classic which makes anyone appreciate its past. The visitors get a sense of how upper-middle class lived in Bacolod in the 1950s. * In 2007, the house of Ramos and Dizon was converted into a museum, thus the name Dizon-Ramos Museum, a year after Hermelinda meet her creator. The museum was blessed andinaugurated on August 15, 2007. Among the artifacts deemed worthy to preserve for posterity are immense collections of naff ceramics, glassware, and religious knick-knacks. The first floor of the museum comprises of the Main Exhibit Hall which boasts a collection of a hundred pictorial reproductions which tried tocaptivate the rich history of Bacolod City and the prominent family, the Dizon-Ramos. Some of the photographs were taken in 1937 when Raymundo, also known as â€Å"Munding† and Hermelinda, also known as â€Å"Ermy† were wed. The photographs are ordered chronologically by decades, thus giving the visitors a coup d’oeil into the city’s baronial past and their family. There are three bedrooms on the left side of the house. It contains some memorabilia of the family. PANAAD PARK AND STEDIUM: * The Panaad Stadium is a multi-purpose stadium located inside the Panaad Park and Sports Complex in Bacolod, Philippines. Owned by theNegros Occidental provincial government, it is used for football matches, and is the adopted home of the Philippines national football team. * It played host to football at the 2005 Southeast Asian Games and was later the venue of the qualifiers of the 2007 ASEAN Football Championship or ASEAN Cup, in which the Philippines, Cambodia, Timor Leste, Brunei and Laos participated. The stadium has a seating capacity of 15,500 at the bleachers, but holds approximately 20,000 people with standing areas. * Aside from the football field, the stadium features a rubberized track, and the Sports Complex features an Olympic-size swimming pool, basketball court and other sports facilities. Surrounding these structures are cabanas. * The stadium is also the home of Panaad sa Negros Festival, a week-long celebration participated in by all cities and municipalities in the province held annually during the summer. The festival is highlighted by merry-making and field demonstrations at the stadium. The stadium itself features replicas of the landmarks of the thirteen cities and municipalities of Negros Occidental. * The stadium was recently considered to host the semifinal matches of the 2010 AFF Suzuki Cupbetween the Philippines and Indonesia, but was disqualified for not satisfying the standards of theASEAN Football Federation. On February 9, 2011, the stadium hosted a match between thePhilippines national football team and Mongolia in the 2012 AFC Challenge Cup qualification with an attendance of 20,000 people. CAPITOL SHOPPING AREA: * The Bacolod Capitol Shopping Center is known as the Chinatown of Bacolod City because of the numerous Chinese business establishments in the area. Perhaps, only a few Bacolodnons, especially the younger generations, knew that it is a tragedy which gave birth to Shopping. * In 1955, a big fire gutted the area bounded by Araneta, Gonzaga, Locsin and Luzuriaga which is growing commercial center where most Chinese business establishments were located. The business establishments also doubled as residents so these Chinese were also displaced because of the fire. * Alfredo Montelibano Sr. saw an opportunity to attract the displaced Chinese businessmen so he developed the 27-hectare property north of Bacolod which gave way to the Capitol Shopping Center. Mr. Montelibano also donated a half-hectare property to the Bacolod Chinese Catholic Association where Hua Ming School and church are now located. * The Montelibano family has already transformed what used to be cogonland into Villamonte Subdivision and the upscale Capitolville Subdivision. During the time that the Capitol Shopping Center was being constructed, the exclusive boy’s school La Salle Bacolod and St. Scholastica Academy were already operating not far from Shopping. It’ not surprising then that the area became a prominent commercial center in Bacolod after its completion. * However, through the years, various business establishments re-opened in Bacolod downtown area and big malls opened in the city which took away customers from the Shopping area. Years of neglect have deteriorated most establishments in the Shopping area and even parts of the roads need to be rehabilitated. Capitol Shopping Center has lost its luster as a business center and no longer attracted investments and only a few new establishments located in the area in recent years. * In the hope of reviving the once prime commercial district, Bacolod City Mayor Bing Leonardia recently signed City Ordinance no. 576 naming the Capitol Shopping Center as the Bacolod City Chinatown. * The ordinance was authored by Councilor Dindo Ramos and co-authored by Councilor Em Ang stipulated that the city government will appropriate at least P15 million initial funding for the improvement of the infrastructure such as the welcome arch, greening and landscaping as well as road concreting. * The city government, through theordinance, hoped to attract investors by returning up to 70% of the cost of a project that will be put up at the Chinatown Center in the form of tax credits spread over five years. * The revival of the Capitol Shopping as the Bacolod Chinatown was lauded by the Filipino-Chinese Community since the Chinatown has been an important economic, cultural and spiritual hub for the Filipino-Chinese in Bacolod City. * Just like the way the Filipino-Chinese has risen from the ashes of the great fire of 1955, the renewal of interest in the Bacolod Chinatown Center will hopefully give way to the rebirth of the once robust business center.

Case study McDonalds Business Plan

Case study McDonalds Business Plan In view of the current issues facing the company as well as the result of the SWOT analysis and Porters Five Forces Analysis, McDonalds may find it compelling to enter new offshore markets. Consequently, the Asia-Pacific region, more particularly China has been considered a promising market for McDonalds. The SWOT analysis revealed that McDonalds has the internal capabilities to enter new market and that external threats make it imperative for the company to enter new markets. In addition, Porters Five Forces Analysis also confirms that McDonalds initiative to expand to China could benefit the company to a large extent. Finally, the PESTEL Analysis also suggest that China is potentially a good new market for McDonalds. 1.0 Introduction A news article by Nicholas (2010) featured McDonalds voluntary recall of tumblers sold in its store. As revealed in the article, the tumblers were sold at McDonalds as part of the promotional tie up with a new film. According to the news article, the tumblers contained cadmium, which is a toxic substance that is extremely dangerous to the developmental health of children (Nicholas 2010). In response to the issue, the Consumer Product Safety Commission called on fast food companies for a stricter and thorough review of domestic and international supply chains in order to prevent products with potentially dangerous elements to reach its stores (Nicholas 2010). Consequently, this issue could add to the list of challenges being faced by the company. To recall, McDonalds has also been held responsible for obesity among children in the US and the UK (Kilkenny, 2010), which may so far be considered as the most disastrous issue facing the company. In view of the issues facing the company, Mc Donalds may find it vital to launch new business initiatives. This paper presents a business plan for McDonalds, which centers on the strategic issues facing the company and on the result of the SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats) Analysis, Porters Five Forces Analysis, and PESTEL (political, economic, social, technological, environmental, and legal) Analysis conducted on the company. 2.0 McDonalds Company: Business Overview According to Adams (2007), McDonalds is a popular destination for fifty million customers every day, making the company one of the largest fast food restaurants in the world. McDonalds is considered as the worlds leading fast-food Company in terms of revenues and number of restaurants. At present, there are about 32,500 McDonalds stores in over 100 countries across the globe, employing a total of 385,000 employees worldwide (McDonalds 2010). The company is headquartered in Oak Brook, Illinois, but its operations span from the United States to Europe to the Middle East and to the Asia Pacific region (McDonalds 2010). McDonalds stores sell a standardized menu, but there are slight variations depending on the country where the store operates. For example, aside from its standard menu, McDonalds sell coconut water in Brazil, rice burgers in Taiwan, and porridge in the UK to suit the local taste of the customers (Adams 2007). The key or standard products served at McDonalds stores include hamburgers and cheeseburgers, chicken sandwiches, French fries, wraps, chicken nuggets, salads, desserts, sundaes, soft served cones, pies, as well as cookies. Furthermore, McDonalds also serves a wide range of beverages including milk shakes, soft drinks, coffee, and flavored tea. In addition, McDonalds also sells breakfast items especially in the US and many international markets, whereby breakfast offerings include muffins, biscuits, hotcakes, and bagel sandwiches. McDonalds markets its products under the following global brands: Big Mac, Big N Tasty, Filet-O-Fish, McNuggets, McFlurry, McMuffin, and the McGriddle s (McDonalds, 2010). McDonalds Head Quarters 3.0 SWOT Analysis 3.1 Strengths Strong Brand: As mentioned in Leong and Lwin (2006) brands are valuable symbols that magnify the image of the company. In the case of McDonalds, strong brands may be considered one of the greatest strengths of the company. As a proof, McDonalds was included in the list of the best global brands in the annual ranking of the Business Week magazine for 2009 (Holbrook, 2009). In relation, McDonalds brand equity for 2009 was valued at around $32,000 million (Holbrook, 2009). As a strong global brand, McDonalds is very well known in the informal-eating out market in almost all countries where it operates. Strong Global Presence: Aside from a strong brand, McDonalds strong global, diversified presence may also be considered a major strength of the company. At present, McDonalds has more than 32,000 stores in key geographic locations, such as, the US, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East, and Africa (McDonalds, 2010). Furthermore, McDonalds operations span across 118 countries across the globe (McDonalds 2010). Consequently, McDonalds operations tend to be relatively larger compared to rivals. Large Scale of Operation and Product Customization: Given that McDonalds is the worlds largest food service retailing chain, it could leverage on its size to compete effectively in the market. Furthermore, McDonalds has bigger economies of scale in terms of sales or revenues to compete with rivals. For example in fiscal year 2009, McDonalds generated revenues totaling to $22,744.7 million, which is significantly higher compared to the revenues of Wendys ($3,580.8 million) and Burger King Corporation ($2,537.8 million). Low-Cost Foods: McDonalds has been popular in the market due to its dollar menu, which includes fruit and yogurt parfait, cheeseburger, and fries (Dunlop, 2009). McDonalds low cost food has been considered a major strength to the extent that the company still managed to increase sales by 6.8 percent over the previous year in spite of the economic downturn. Aside from the regular menu, McDonalds also sell specialty coffee such as those sold at Starbucks but a lower cost. To illustrate, Huglett (2009) noted that prices of espresso-based coffee sold at McDonalds costs about 75 cents cheaper than Starbucks coffee. Generally, Holbrook (2009) noted that fast food companies flourished even in a struggling economy due to its cheap menu items. Good Community Reputation: McDonalds sponsors the Ronald McDonald House of Charities, which is an integral aspect of the companys corporate social responsibility programs. As part of the program, McDonalds sponsors various community outreach programs that aim to benefit children especially those who come from poor families in various communities where McDonalds operates (Adams, 2009). For example, the Ronald McDonald Care Mobile aims to provide free screenings and treatments to children all around the United States (McDonalds, 2010). McDonalds corporate social responsibility program has helped create a positive company image. McDonalds mascot, Ronald McDonald has become a symbol of goodwill among customers, most especially to the children. Progressive External Orientation: As part of the companys commitment to total customer satisfaction, McDonalds offers free Wi-Fi services in over 15,000 stores across the globe (McDonalds, 2010). The free Wi-Fi access is intended to meet the personal and professional needs of McDonalds customers (McDonalds, 2010). 3.2 Weaknesses Health Issues: One of the weaknesses of McDonalds is that its core products were considered unhealthy (Adams, 2009). For example, McDonalds French fries was feared to have more Trans fat, which could cause obesity among consumers. Legal Suits Filed Against the Company: McDonalds is party to several litigations around the world. McDonalds have faced charges of violation of state consumer fraud acts, unfair competition or deceptive trade practices acts, strict liability, failure to warn, negligence, breach of express and implied warranties, fraud and fraudulent concealment, negligent misrepresentation and concealment, unjust enrichment, and false advertising (Brown, 2003). Additionally, McDonalds have admitted to 20 offenses of illegally employing children aged 15 and 16 at two restaurants in Surrey, UK (Brown, 2003). Furthermore, the company also received more than 2,750 recorded customer complaints of food poisoning a year (Brown, 2003). Consequently, these issues have tarnished McDonalds reputation in the market. 3.3 Opportunities Adding Healthy Food Options: Studies reveal that consumers are becoming more particular of the health implications of their consumption, whereby consumers now tend to demand healthy food options (Taylor, 2006). For McDonalds, this trend could create an opportunity for McDonalds to expand its menu to include healthy food varieties such as salads and fruits. Improving the Transaction and Service Delivery Processes: Improvements in technology provide a way for more efficient ordering and paying processes. Technologies that could improve transactions at fast food restaurants include the following: touch-screen ordering system, which makes order taking faster and more efficient; timing systems, which aims to monitor meal progress and hence ensure that orders are delivered accordingly; reservation systems, which aims to maintain good flow of traffic within the restaurant; inventory management system, which allows restaurants to effectively track supply levels and reduce wastes from over stocking and spoilage; and hand-held point of sale devices, which allows servers to place orders and print checks at the tableside. 3.4 Threats Slowing Economy: As mentioned in Horovitz (2009), businesses, including fast food restaurants are vulnerable to economic downturns. Generally, the economic slow down has negative implications to the business reflected in slightly depressed sales growth of restaurants. Consumer Eating Out Less: Surveys reveal that consumers are beginning to eat out less relevant to the economic downturn. In relation, a survey conducted by the Nielsen Company revealed that about 46 percent of American households have begun to eat out less (Panian, 2010). Increasing Competition: Competition in the fast food industry has intensified over time, thereby putting pressure on McDonalds. McDonalds does not only compete with rival companies in the industry, but also with formal restaurants and easy-prepare meals sold at supermarkets (Zwolak, 2010). Increasing Regulations: The fast food industry is under strict regulation from the government due to health issues associated to products sold at fast food restaurants. For example, some states in the US have required fast food restaurants to print calorie and nutrition information on their menu and at the same time placed restrictions on selling snack food and soda (Hirsh, 2009). 4.0 Industry Analysis 4.1 Size and Growth According to Data Monitor industry report, the US fast food market generated total revenues of $68.2 billion in 2008, equivalent to a compound annual growth rate of 5.5% for the periods between 2004 to 2008. Furthermore, the industry is highly fragmented, with the four top players holding only 35 percent of the available market share (Zwolak, 2010). Furthermore, 48 percent of establishments are small business operators with nine or fewer employees, while the other 52 percent have between 10 and 99 employees. 4.2 Trends The fast food industry is in the mature phase of its industry life cycle (Zwolak 2010). In this regard, growth may still be expected but at a slower pace and has the possibility of reaching saturation point in the domestic market. For the fast food industry, annual growth is expected to be around 2.5% over the next five years (Zwolak, 2010). 5.0 Porters Five Forces Analysis 5.1 Buyer Power Buyer power is assessed as moderate to the extent that buyer power within the fast food market is weakened by the fact that while not everyone enjoys fast food, large numbers of people are patronizing fast food. Buyer power is strong as such fast food companies are compelled to offer low prizing scheme. 5.2 Supplier Power Supplier power is assessed as strong to the extent that the supplier market is quite consolidated whereby few supply companies have substantial market shares and have other customers in the cost foodservice sector and in other segments of the profit food sector, hence decreases their dependence on fast food companies. 5.3 New Entrants Entry to the fast food market does not require huge capital outlay, allowing small business owners to establish single, independent fast food outlets. Furthermore, franchising agreements are common in the industry. As a proof, franchisees run the majority of McDonalds outlets in the US. In this regard, there is a strong likelihood of new entrants. 5.4 Substitutes Generally, substitutes present a strong threat to companies operating in the fast food industry. At present, substitutes for fast food include other forms of profit food service, and also food retail such as ready meals or easy-to-prepare meals (i.e., frozen meals) for home cooking. 5.5 Rivalry Rivalry in the fast food industry is relatively strong, given that the industry is highly fragmented. As mentioned before, the top four players in the industry hold only 35 percent of the total market share. 6.0 Business Expansion Plan: Entering New Market In view of the current issues facing the company as well as the result of the SWOT analysis and Porters Five Forces Analysis, McDonalds may find it compelling to enter new offshore markets. Consequently, the Asia-Pacific region, more particularly China has been considered a promising market for McDonalds. In relation, the Data Monitor market research found that the Asia-Pacific fast food market has posted strong, generating total revenues of $47.1 billion in 2008, equivalent to a compound annual growth rate of 10.3 percent for the period spanning 2004 to 2008, with the Chinese and South Korean markets having compound annual growth rates of 14.5% and 5.6% respectively. 7.0 PESTEL Analysis The PESTEL analysis will be used to validate the attractiveness of China as the target market for McDonalds. The goal of the PESTEL analysis is to analyze how political, economic, social, technological, environmental, and legal factors will interfere with the organization in entering the Chinese market. 7.1 Political Factors China adopts the open door reform policy, which aimed to decentralize the economic system and to attract overseas investment. In this regard, McDonalds would not have difficulties in entering the Chinese market, as the political structure of the economy supports foreign direct investment. 7.2 Economic Factors China is one of the fastest growing economies in the world today and growth forecasts for the subsequent years are fairly high. For McDonalds the booming economy and increasing gross and disposable income of the population in China suggest higher revenues in the future. 7.3 Social Factors The population of China was estimated at 1,328,020,000 as of 2008 and is expected to grow at a slower pace, given the one-child policy being adopted by the country. For McDonalds the large number of population in China opens opportunity for higher sales potentials. 7.4 Technological Factors Chinese government has placed significant investments on science and technology, leading to significant improvements in technology in the country. For McDonalds, improvements in technology could offer significant opportunities for businesses in managing different aspects of the business. Companies could leverage on newly introduced software to increase productivity and efficiency. 7.5 Environmental Factors The Chinese government has committed to reducing its carbon footprint in the future. In this regard, stricter environmental restrictions on businesses may be expected. 7.6 Legal Factors The Chinese labor force is highly regulated compared with other countries in the Asian region, whereby regulations are tighter for dismissing workers than on hiring. 8.0 Customer Analysis The target market segment of McDonalds in the new market includes mostly of busy, working people, to the elderly and young. Convenience may be considered as the main factor that attracts busy, working people to fast food as well as to the elderly and the young. Additionally, value for money may be considered as the greatest factor that would attract low to middle income households to fast foods. Finally, the childrens meal offered at McDonalds would appeal to children. 9.0 Competitor Analysis McDonalds major competitors in the international fast food market are: Wendys International and Yum Brands Inc. Focusing first on Wendys International, the company is engaged in the operation, development, and franchising of restaurants, operating a total of 6,645 restaurants in the US and in 19 other countries and territories (Data Monitor, 2009). Same with McDonalds, Wendys also offer a standardized menu, comprised of hamburgers and chicken sandwiches, as well as chicken nuggets, chili, baked and French fried potatoes, freshly prepared salads, milk, frosty dessert, floats, and kids meals. In FY 2008, the company reported revenues totaling to $1,822.8 million and net losses amounting to 413.6 million (Data Monitor, 2009). Meanwhile, Yum Brands Inc., similarly develops, operates, franchises, and licenses a system of restaurants. The company operates under five branded restaurant concepts, namely KFC, Pizza Hut, Taco Bell, LJS, and AW (Data Monitor, 2009). Yum Brands operates a total of 36,000 restaurants in more than 110 countries. Yum Brands generated total revenues of $11,279 million in the financial year ended December 2008, equivalent to an 8.3% compared to the previous year. 10.0 Conclusion McDonalds is considered as the worlds leading fast-food company in terms of revenues and number of restaurants. However, in view of the current issues facing the company as well as the result of the SWOT analysis and Porters Five Forces Analysis, McDonalds may find it compelling to enter new offshore markets. Consequently, the Asia-Pacific region, more particularly China has been considered a promising market for McDonalds. In relation, the PESTEL analysis confirms that China is potentially a good new market for McDonalds.

The Pagoda Restaurant Essay -- Chinese China Food Essays

The Pagoda Restaurant Chinese food is very famous around the world. Almost every country has Chinese food restaurants. Almost all the people like Chinese food including people in the US. Today, there are many Chinese food restaurants in the US. The Pagoda restaurant is the one of the Chinese food restaurants in the US. It provides variety of Chinese food. In order to inform people about the restaurant, the Pagoda restaurant creates some advertisements like brochures and a website. The word â€Å"Pagoda† came from China. In China, Pagoda is the place for worship. The Pagoda restaurant has been around since 1961, after the Hun family emigrated from China to the United States in the early 1900's. The founder of the Pagoda, Hun, had a dream to share some of his customs and traditions with those in the west. Creating this restaurant was the ideal way to do so, since his family was known for their excellent cooking skills. On September 17 of 1961, his dream became a reality when finally he opened the Pagoda restaurant to the public. From the start, the Pagoda restaurant has been a Chinese dinning sensation. The atmosphere is cozy and relaxing and depicts images of Hun as well as other Chinese history. The traditional red and golden colors are used to create an ambiance that is unmistakably Asian. â€Å"Co-operation is the force† is the Pagoda restaurant’s philosophy. A group is stronger than an individual. In other words, the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. Those who can become team players will benefit from Pagoda's policy of promoting from within. The Pagoda restaurant offers everyone equal opportunity to maximize their talents and to be promoted to positions of responsibility and even to a managing partnership. Ever... ...contact and reach the Pagoda restaurant easily. In conclusion, the Pagoda restaurant is one of the Chinese food restaurants in the US. It was established by Hun who wanted to share his customs and traditions to those in the west. The Pagoda offers everyone equal opportunity to maximize their talents and to be promoted to positions of responsibility and even to a managing partnership. The restaurant consists of two floors with a unique and attractive shape, like the Pagoda in China. It is located in a strategic place, near highway 35 and between City of Ames and Des Moines. It serves the customers by walk-in and reservation. The restaurant offers many choices of appetizers, soups, entrees, house specialties and special diet menu. Finally, it provides a website and brochures in order to advertise and to give more information about the restaurant to the customers.

Art Classes in Schools: To be, or not to be? Essay -- Education

Most people would agree that music and art programs in schools have a huge impact on students not only academically, but in just about every aspect of their lives. Studies have shown that students who are involved in music and art programs have an overall higher IQ and show signs of many other academic benefits. Participating in such programs also allow students the opportunity to express themselves artistically and show the world their perhaps otherwise hidden potential. We all know how fun it can be to show the world your unexpected abilities, and what better way to show those off than the place where we spend most of our day-to-day lives? Unfortunately, even with all these obvious benefits, when the school budget is short, the first things to go are the art programs. Because of this, opportunities become more limited. Creative expression is cut short. Higher potential for success in math and science shrinks. Enjoyable, informative, and influential elective classes disappear. Art p rograms really are not the best choice when deciding which classes to cut in order to have enough money for those extra textbooks or new desks. Time and time again, the issue has been tested and has proven that benefits are very real and art programs are largely effective. The University of Michigan exalts music and art programs and portrays them as essential classes (Murphy). The university considers art programs to be ways to develop imagination, which helps build an understanding of the real world. It sees the connections between arts, math, and science: both â€Å"require imagination and aesthetic judgment †¦ [and] call on discipline in the acquisition and application of skills, along with intellectual strictness in the pursuit of both formal and conce... ...p>. Davidson, Benjamin. National Arts Education Public Awareness Campaign Survey. July 2001. PDF. Murphy, Shannon. "Music and the Arts Education.†. University of Michigan, 2000. Web. 5 May 2012. . Paris, K. "Summary of Goals 2000: Educate America Act." Summary of Goals 2000: Educate America Act. North Central Regional Educational Laboratory, 1994. Web. 06 May 2012. . Smith, Fran. "Why Arts Education is Crucial, and Who's Doing it Best.†. The George Lucas Educational Foundation, 28 Jan 2009. Web. 5 May 2012. . Tsioulcas, Anastasia. "'Kinshasa Symphony': An Ode To Musical Joy In Central Africa." Deceptive Cadence from NPR Classical. NPR, Washington DC, 07 Mar. 2012. Radio.

The Struggle of Revolutions Essay -- War American History Government E

The Struggle of Revolutions _ Have you ever wondered why were revolutions fought for? Why in some cases they had to risk millions of lives in order to have a successful revolution? And how does these turnovers that were fought in our past affect us today? If we look at the history of revolutions, we can find revolutions almost in any country on earth. But three of them were a main revolutions that on their steps, and by the influence of them, other revolutions had been fought. They are: The Glorious Revolution, The American Revolution, and The French Revolution. But when we look at these three in History, By studying them we can find lots of similarities and correspondences. As these three shakeups were closely followed by each other. We can find similarities in every two of them; as follows: The Glorious Revolution which was the first, shared some consequences, and issues with the American Revolution. And for the French Revolution which followed the American Revolution and influenced by it, had also some in common. And same as for both The Glorious, and French Revolution. No one could ever expected the extreme impact of the Glorious revolution over the American revolution and their similarities. In 1685 the Glorious Revolution occurred. In 1776 the American Revolution had begun after announcing The Declaration of Independence. Even though, the Glorious Revolution shared so many similarities; there was a slight difference about it. But these issues that have been shared in between, were amazingly straight to the eye. â€Å"A continuation of the struggle between the crown and parliament, sums up the powers that parliament had been seeking since the petition of rights† _The English Bill of Rights document. â€Å"By authority of the god people of these colonies, solemnly publish and declare, that these United Colonies are, and of right ought to be free and Independent States†_The declaration of Independence document. Studying these quotes; there is an obvious similarity, both their chiefs achieved their point, and they were successful in the conclusion. â€Å"The English Bill of Rights ensured the superiority of Parliament over the King and Queen.† _English Bill of Rights document. â€Å" Americans protest British Policies† -Enlightenment document. Americans decided to ‘mobilize colonial opinion against parliamentary interference in American affair... ...reat revolutions, as it seemed; there were some communications. The Glorious Revolution had obvious similarities with the American Revolution, the American Revolution strongly affected the French Revolution, Glorious Revolution also shared; even though little similarities with the french Revolution. They all communicate with each other, they influence one another, as they were all one by one came after another. All these Revolutions were fought in the process of making and getting a better government and democracy for the people. And we ask ourselves; Did it all stopped over getting a better government and winning the democratic principles and rights? And why were Revolutions an important point and emphasis where it changes and effects the lives of the people of the future generations in the history of the people and nations? Some answers may be found in these lines that I wrote, but still there are plenty of reasons why Revolutions are still fought for. Even in our world today there are still people dying in their countries struggling to achieve Democracy. Blood still the price in the people’s conquest to gain their rights and democracy. For better Government; for better Life.

George Washington Proclamation Of Neutrality

Washington's Proclamation of Neutrality George Washington's decision to announce a policy of neutrality benefited the e nation because it protected them from foreign enemies and it prevented riots and in correction between political parties. The proclamation of neutrality, issued in 1 793, was published to Stay neutral between the French and British during their war and became the foundation f American policy toward Europe until the twentieth century.Both American political parties ink ewe that they were too weak to get involved in a war and too dependent on British trade. They gag reed that the United States could bankrupt the federal government if they entered the con flick. This policy of neutrality prevented the nation from being too attached to another, as stated in Washington's Farewell Address, â€Å"so likewise, a passionate attachment Of one nation for anon her produces a variety of evils. This decision also prevented the United States from creating enemies with the opposin g nation. Washington also wanted to announce a policy of neutrality b teen political parties. He states in the Farewell Address, â€Å"It agitates the community with LIFO ended jealousies and false alarms, kindles the animosity of one part against another, foments occasionally riot and insurrection.It opens the door to foreign influence and corruption, which find s a facilitated access to the government itself through the channels of party passions. Thus the policy and the will of one country are subjected to the policy and will of another†¦ † This pass age explains how the dispute between the political parties will create riots between the people. Washington's decision to announce a policy of neutrality benefited the nation in numerous ways.