The notion of a basic right Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

The notion of a basic right - Essay Example There is no law or declaration needed for him to enjoy that right. Nor can there be law or declaration that can stop him from enjoying that right as well. Another example is the basic right of a laborer to receive wages. As long as one is considered as an employee, the right to receive wage is already implied. Maybe a contract is needed to stipulate how much he will receive and how often he'll receive it, but no clause in a contract is needed to establish that right, nor can there be a clause depriving him of the right to receive wages. With or without a contract, one shall be paid for his labor. So we have established two aspects of basic right. First, it is automatic. And second, it is inalienable. It is automatic because as mentioned earlier, for as long as one has the status, one has the right - no need for a grant or declaration. It is inalienable because it cannot be taken away from him. He cannot be deprived of it, nor can he surrender it. As the clich goes, no man is an island. Therefore we have evolved not just into human beings but into social beings as well. We humans cannot live solely by ourselves. It doesn't matter how big or small our community is. It may only consist of our immediate families like in primitive tribes, or it may consist of millions of people like in a highly urbanized city. The point is; we have to co-exist with another. And because of this, civilization as we know it evolved. An important part in all forms of societies is the government, as it holds the society together. It may not be the complex form of government like the one we have now. It can be as simple as a group of elders in a tribe. The important thing is they provide order and security in the community. Since the government charts the course of the community, what now is the role of the individual members If a person is not a leader nor is part of the government, will he have any say on the way the community is being led Will he have any participation at all For example, in a democracy, though there is a central body governing the people, major decisions are made by all the members, like the act of voting during senatorial or presidential elections. Individuals may also give their views in forums or survey that will be considered by the people in their government. They may have rallies to convey their approval or disapproval in the way they are being led. Participation may come in different forms. The important thing is, the opinion of a member is considered. And such opinion may influence the direction of the nation. Government Participation as a Basic Right The community is composed of individuals; a country is composed of its citizens. Hence, whatever it is the government does, ultimately, it will affect the individuals composing it - its citizens. For example, a state chooses to impose a certain tax to be used to build infrastructures. Obviously, all the citizens will pay it. Everyone within its territory is affects. And because of this, it is but fair that individual members consulted or at least have a say in government activities. However can we consider government participation as a basic right First test: Is it Automatic We have said earlier, basic rights are automatic. As such, can we say that all humans have the right to participate in their corresponding governments If one is an American citizen, is he granted the basic right to particip

Descriptive Essay Example for Free

Descriptive Essay What do I do with my leisure time? Well that’s a funny question, because I don’t have much of it. When I get some extra time I enjoy flying with my good friend Sam. Since Sam is teaching me how to fly, I’ll be able to share all the wonderful and majestic views with you. There’s nothing like a little adrenaline rush at the end of the day. Before we get in the plane, we walk around it, check the oil, the tire pressure and climb up on the wing and open the gas cap on both wings to make sure there is enough fuel. We check the gauges to make sure they work; they always do but that’s all part of inspecting the plane. Once we are done with our preflight inspections we untie the plane and remove the chucks from under the tires. Then we get into the small cockpit. Then we adjust our green leather seats to the proper place, where the seat is comfortable for each one of us; since we do want to be comfortable when flying. The first thing that we do is grab the yoke(the steering wheel) and turn it left and right, and forward and back, to make sure the flight controls are free and correct. When all of that is complete we are ready to turn on the power. Sam turns on the master switch and all the electronics and avionics come on with a beeping or ringing noise. The dashboard looks like a Christmas tree all lit up. Next the key goes in the ignition. That’s when I have to turn the key past the right and left magneto position to start the propeller. Then the propeller goes around a couple of times, which sounds like an oversized fan being turned on, and the plane has been started. He then adjusts his gauges and we put on our head phones. As I put on my headphones I can hear other people talking on the radio. We then tune into the common traffic advisory frequency and we taxi for take-off. In order to take off properly, you have to take off into the wind; so we watch the flag to see which way the wind is blowing. That helps you to determine which runway to use and the direction we will be heading. Then we head to the runway for take-off. Once we are lined up with the proper runway he gives me the nod to let me know we are getting ready for take-off. I let him know that we are ready to go by giving him thumbs up for good luck and a great big cheesy smile. Then he gives the plane full throttle; that’s when the sound of the plane is at full blast. That’s when the fun starts. When our airspeed is around sixty MPH he pulls back on the yoke and we start to leave the smooth landing strip starting towards our beautiful destination. We usually climb out around 400 feet per minute; passing all the beautiful tree tops. On a clear day in about five minutes if we take off from Millville airport, we can see all the wonderful Atlantic City lights in one direction. We’ll also be able to see Philadelphia and Delaware too. When it’s a clear day, preferably almost time for sunset, we usually like to fly over the water. We always get the best views in the world that way of the sunset. Usually that day I’ll bring my camera so I can get some outstanding pictures; I could probably sell those pictures. The unbelievable colors from the water and the sun, it’s just priceless. When it’s a cloudy day we will try to fly up to the clouds and find an opening to fly above the clouds. That’s when the altimeter reads 5000 feet, that’s when I know we reached the place I enjoy the most. You just can’t imagine the beauty in the clouds until you’ve experienced it yourself. No words really can describe the views. That’s my favorite part, not that I don’t enjoy the whole ride, but it is absolutely the most majestic place in the sky, towering clouds everywhere. It’s almost like looking at snowy mountains. He will usually get on the radar at this point since we can’t really see anything around us but clouds. This way we can keep track of every other plane around us. Meanwhile, we are all telling each other over the radio how wonderful the views are. As we continue to take in our unbelievable views we notice it’s starting to get late and we are in need to get fuel also. As we come to the end of our plane ride, we start to head back. On our way back down from the majestic clouds we happen to have a few geese flying parallel with us. They were soaring thru the clouds and all around us. We call into the traffic advisory to make sure the runway is clear for our landing. They let us know we are all clear to make a landing. Then we circle the airport, so we can line up with the runway and get ready for our landing. We then start to descend from our majestic trip up to the clouds; we are coming in fast. We start to see the beautiful tree tops again. We hit the landing strip, it’s a little on the bumpy side, then it starts to smooth out. Then we start to slow down and come to a crawl. We then drive the plane slowly to our parking spot where we park the plane. Then we begin to shut the plane down. We turn the propellers off and all the electronics and avionics off. We then adjust our seats and get out of the plane. Now is the hard part of the whole day. We both have to push the plane back into its parking spot. Then we tie down the plane and put chucks under the wheels. We do this, so if a gust of wind comes through it doesn’t blow the plane away; since that does happen. I would have to say flying is best for leisure time, since this is what I enjoy doing the most when it comes to having leisure time. When it comes to leisure, you are supposed to do something you enjoy doing. That’s why I fly for leisure, since it’s a big adrenaline rush for me but it also is very relaxing for me at the same time. So if you ever want to take a ride with Sam and I just let me know and you’ll get to see all the wonderful things we have seen and some.

The Environmental Factor Impacting On Mcdonalds Commerce Essay

The Environmental Factor Impacting On Mcdonalds Commerce Essay McDonalds Corporation is the worlds leading food service organization. The corporation started out as a small drive-through in 1948 by two brothers, Dick and Mac McDonald. Raymond Albert Kroc, a salesman, saw a great opportunity in this market and advised Dick and Mac to expand their operation and open new restaurants. In 1961 Kroc bought out the McDonald brothers. By 1967 McDonalds expanded its operations to countries outside the U.S.A. This unyielding expansion led the Corporation to open 23,000 McDonalds restaurants in 110 countries in 1994, producing $3.4 bn in annual revenues. In addition, McDonalds opens a new restaurant every three hours. Also, McDonalds has twice the market share of its closest U.S. competitor, Burger King, representing 7% of total U.S. eating-out sales. Similarly, McDonalds serves about 1% of the worlds population on any given day through its 23,000 restaurants internationally. Big Mac, the worlds most sold hamburger was developed by Jim Delligutti in 1967 t o feed construction workers. Big Mac is the biggest attraction and backbone of the corporation. Moreover, McDonalds maintains its competitive advantage by constantly creating new items to add onto its menu. This shows us that McDonalds practices an analyzer type of strategy, introducing new items and defending its existing ones. McDonalds Corporation (NYSE:  MCD) is the worlds largest chain of hamburger fast food restaurants, serving nearly 47 million customers daily. At one time it was the largest global restaurant chain, but it has since been surpassed by multi-brand operator Yum! Brands (KFC, Taco Bell and others) and sandwich chain Subway. In addition to its signature restaurant chain, McDonalds Corporation held a minority interest in Pret A Manger until 2008, and owned the Chipotle Mexican Grill until 2006 and the restaurant chain Boston Market until 2007. The company has also expanded the McDonalds menu in recent decades to include alternative meal options, such as salads and snack wraps, in order to capitalize on growing consumer interest in health and wellness. A McDonalds restaurant is operated by either a franchisee, an affiliate, or the corporation itself. The corporations revenues come from the rent, royalties and fees paid by the franchisees, as well as sales in company-operated restaurants. McDonalds revenues grew 27% over the three years ending in 2007 to $22.8 billion, and 9% growth in operating income to $3.9 billion. McDonalds primarily sells hamburgers, cheeseburgers, chicken products, french fries, breakfast items, soft drinks, milkshakes, and desserts. In response to obesity trends in Western nations and in the face of criticism over the healthiness of its products, the company has modified its menu to include such healthier alternatives as salads, wraps and fruit. McDonalds MISSION AND VISION: They serve people with good quality food, fast and at low cost. McDonalds vision is to dominate the global food-service industry. Global dominance means, setting the performance standard for customer satisfaction and increases market share and profitability through successfully implementing our convenience, value and execution strategies. McDonalds brand mission is to be our customers favorite place and way to eat. Our worldwide operations have been aligned around a global strategy called the Plan to Win centering on the five basics of an exceptional customer experience People, Products, Place, Price and Promotion. We are committed to improving our operations and enhancing our customers experience. Main Body Analysis: Environmental Factor Impacting upon MacDonalds: The impact of environmental factors is far-reaching upon the Macdonalds which is being discussed below followed by environmental factor. Environmental Factor: The notion of environment in general systems thinking is a wild, all-embracing and woolly concept. Everything is in the environment. The environment is all yet we are interested in specifics. It is people who decide what is significant in the environment and what is not what the forces are that must (imperative language) be attended to. Thus prevailing pictures of what the environment is are socially constructed. Various definitions and concerns assume the characteristics of propaganda. They are not necessarily neutral definitions and the nature of the elements that supposedly are acting on us in the environment, are difficult to define and measure. Similarly environmental events have to be interpreted and we will often refer to environmental forces of various kinds in our post hoc rational and justification of the decisions we have made. We blame the environment for action we have taken and the results of that action. Finally people e.g. government and powerful decision-makers in business organizations, may intervene to influence and shape events in the environment to their own advantage e.g. speak to the press, lobby for a change, buy up a rival, try to tickle the equities market up and even cooperate with others to ensure that information on the environment is accurate rather than uninformed and misguiding decisions by others than can affect the companys position (vested interests). John Childs concept of strategic choice, and its manifestation in terms of managerial behavior, is significant in this regard. So environment is not what it may seem. Certainly if we here the green lobby speak about environment, they will hold particular values and positions dear to their hearts, some of which others might accept but some of which others might also rebut. However a typical, neutral and managerial description of environmental factors and pressures would cover the following areas (and more). Environmental factors include social-cultural, technological, economic and financial and political-legal events and possibilities. These are often referred to by the mnemonics S.T.E.P. (social, technical, economic and political factors) also PEST or S.T.E.E.P.L.E (social/demographic, technical, economic, environmental (natural), political, legal and ethical factors) The biological and adaptive metaphor comes into play when we argue for business change. Typically, if the business cannot respond to the pressures and influences of its environment then it may not survive. It has to adapt. If it serves the needs of clients or stakeholders and satisfies for example its market mission then it may prosper. A dominant theme in the study of business is that of competition in the market-place. A businesss relationship with its environment is typically founded on its service to key customers and their satisfaction with its performance revealed by buying patterns, new legislation, party conferences, annual general meetings and stock market prices. Learning and adaptation occurs in response to stimulus across organizational boundaries. Any organization that is too inward looking becomes atrophied and can stagnate. In the language of general systems theory any system is subject to the process of entropy. Environmental factors can be political, social, ecological, cultural, technological and ethical in nature. Any organization that develops a product or service that they want to market domestically or globally must consider what the impact each of these factors may have for them. Not considering these factors can result in the failed attempt to market a product, which may be successful domestically, in other countries where there is a significant market potential. Impacting upon MacDonalds: Mainly there are 2 types of factors affecting international business like MacDonalds. 1) Internal factors 2) External factors. 1) Internal factors:- Internal factors of international business include political parties, suppliers, buyers, competitors and consumer of respective country. 2) External factors: External factors of international business are those where you need to examine the whole criteria these are political environment, legal environment, socio-cultural environment, demographic conditions of respective country. Figure: Environmental Factor Analysis the environmental factors impacting upon MacDonalds: To have a clear picture of McDonalds corporation we need to look at its Task Environment, which includes its: .Customers .Competitors .Strategic Allies .Suppliers .Regulators CUSTOMERS: Customers are those who pay money to acquire an organizations goods or services. For many years McDonalds mostly targeted the young people, however this has changed in this decade; McDonalds has turned towards a more general market. By doing this McDonalds concentrates on the family, targeting a diverse market which includes consumers ranging from children to elderly people, using products such as the happy Meal for children and Egg McMuffin for the elderly. McDonalds also realized the changing world we live in and the need for healthier food, since there is an ever changing demographic group, who demand fast, top quality food that is low in calories. McDonalds responded to this opportunity and introduced a new and innovative product. This new product was a regular hamburger that tasted like the real thing but was made of plant material like Soya beans. This same product also targets another demographic group, vegetarians. McDonalds mostly uses psychographic segmentation targeting th e working and middle classes. These are the people that are more susceptible to enter a fast food restaurant, since these are the people that lead a fast moving life and thus require a fast meal. In brief McDonalds customers are of all classes, but largely working and middle classes, and people of all ages. COMPETITORS: A competitor is an organization that competes with other organizations for resources. In our findings, McDonalds has two types of competitors in the Lebanese market: Indirect Competitors: Indirect refers to firms producing one or two products that compete with McDonalds products and therefore be a threat to the company. We have identified four indirect competitors: Henry J. Beans, T.G.I. Friday, K. F. C. and Popeyes. Henry J. Beans offers hamburgers and fries on its menu, therefore competing with McDonalds for customers of these products. However, Henry J. Beans also known as Hanks is a more of a bar restaurant and therefore a hang out place, as a result charging more money for its products. Hanks targets middle to upper class customers, so where most of these customers overlap are in the middle class. T.G.I Friday is another indirect competitor reflecting the same characteristics as Henry J. Beans. Other indirect competitors are K. F. C. and Popeyes, both competing for the chicken nuggets and fries customers. In brief, Hanks and T.G.I. Fridays competes with McDonalds by offering hamburgers and fries, whereas K. F. C. and Popeyes compete with McDonalds by offering chi cken nuggets and fries. Direct Competitors: Direct competitors refer to firms producing the same products or services as McDonalds does. Here we found that McDonalds has three direct competitors: Burger King, Wendys and Hardees. McDonalds closest rival is Burger King, which operates a total of 9644 restaurants in 110 countries. Wendys is McDonalds second largest rival, which is also in the fast food business, where Wendys operates 6776 restaurants in 32 countries. Hardees, McDonalds third largest rival is also in the fast food business and is the only direct competitor apart from Juicy Burger in the Lebanese market. Hardees operates 3080 restaurants in 20 countries. As we have illustrated McDonalds faces stiff competition from three major competitors, Burger King, Wendys and Hardees. Suppliers: Suppliers are an organization that provides resources for other organizations. McDonalds has practiced a backward vertical integration, by replacing most of its suppliers. It has done so for two reasons, 1) To reduce costs, and 2) To ensure that its products are of top quality. These supplies include beef and milk to be used in its products, which it gets from its farms. Other suppliers include local grocery stores that supply McDonalds with fresh vegetables. Soft drinks are supplied exclusively by Coca-Cola, which is also its ally. McDonalds supplies also include raw material such as flour, sugar, yeast, etc.,. Strategic Allies: A strategic ally is an organization working together with one or more other organizations is a joint venture or a similar arrangement. McDonalds has formed a strategic alliance with: Walmart, Chevron, Amoco, Disney and Coca-Cola. Walmart, which is a large shopping mall chain in the U..S. and several neighboring countries, is allied with McDonalds, which offers great opportunities for both companies. McDonalds has restaurants in each Walmart, offering its customers conveniences and excellent fast food at a low cost ease of accessibility. McDonalds corporation describes it best in this scenario: Imagine a busy shopping day at your local Walmart and having the ability to sit down with the kids and enjoy many of our McDonalds favorites, like Big Mac sandwiches, world famous fries and kids favorite Happy Meal. McDonalds understands your busy lifestyles and the demands on your time. Thats why we are making it easier for you to do more things in less time. McDonalds is engaged in an allianc e with two petrol companies, Chevron and Amoco. This alliance represents the ultimate in convenience. At these locations, one finds a full-menu McDonalds restaurant with dining room service. Nothing can be more convenient, because one can fill up the car with gas and get a meal all in one stop. Another important alliance that McDonalds has is with Disney. Here McDonalds has the sole right to sell fast food in Disneys theme parks around the U.S., and other Disney operations in the world. Under the terms of the agreement, McDonalds will operate restaurants and Disney will promote its films through McDonalds. Regulators: Regulators are groups or governmental agencies that can control and influence the organizations policies and practices. An example is Lebanon a few years ago when the U..S. government banned all U..S. citizens and organizations to come or operate in Lebanon. Another good example would be the embargo imposed on Iran where U..S. organizations were banned to operate in this country. Another group of regulators called interest groups can and have influenced McDonalds to treat its animals (cow and chickens) in a much more humane manner, which resulted in the restructuring of McDonalds farms throughout its operations around the world. The summary of the task environment which is by definition a specific organizations or groups that affect the organization, which includes competitors, suppliers, customers, strategic allies and regulators. Here we described the task environments importance to McDonalds, where McDonalds faces both opportunities and has threats in its environment. Emphasis on the key driver of MacDonalds: We shall also explore McDonalds Workforce Diversity and its Total Quality Management to emphasis on the key drivers. These are given below: Workforce Diversity: Diversity exists in a group or organization when its members differ from one another along one or more important dimensions such as age, gender, and ethnicity. Diversity is very important for McDonalds. Here millions of teens start out by working at McDonalds. Here some of the teenagers move on to get various jobs such as movie stars, skilled workers, famous athletes, management positions and other educated positions in society. At McDonalds two thirds of middle and upper management started out as crewmembers in a McDonalds restaurant. There are opportunities for everybody in McDonalds from teenagers to elderly workers, and from people just entering or reentering the job market. Moreover, McDonalds offers special jobs for people who have disabilities, such as people who are in wheel chairs and those who must use crutches permanently. Furthermore, McDonalds offers their workers flexible working hours. For example, hours for people seeking just a few hours of work per week and those wh o seek full time positions. The work force at McDonalds also have some say in their working hours, such as if they prefer the morning, mid-day, or evening shifts in the restaurant. So, McDonalds uses diversity to create a good atmosphere in their work places among workers and management. Here they offer work to all kinds of people without discrimination and the workers have flexible hours that provides customer satisfaction. Top Quality Management: Quality is the entirety of features and distinctiveness of a product or service that stand on its ability to satisfy stated or implied needs. For McDonalds, total quality management (TQM) involves that the employees are at work on time, are neatly dressed, and are clean. The employees must make sure that the customers constantly receive safe food, which implies that the employees must wash their hands often to remain clean. Moreover, the employees must follow certain Standard Operational Procedures, so the customers always receive exceptional quality and service. This includes the employees using plastic gloves when they prepare the food, that the meat and fries are properly fried, and that the vegetables are thoroughly washed when used in the food. Another TQM is that the employees rely on teamwork and high energy to get the job done, so that the customers do not have to wait long for their food. Furthermore, McDonalds management emphasizes that their restaurants should be clean. Th is involves that the restaurants are tidy, sparkling and spotlessly clean. As McDonalds illustrates the quality is that the employees delivers fast, accurate and friendly service with a smile. External and Internal Factors Affecting McDonalds The purpose of this paper is to discuss external and internal factors affecting McDonalds management functions. This will be accomplished by explaining how McDonalds deals with each of the external and internal factors. There were three factors that were chosen to outline the success 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 citizens. 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. In todays society, corporations and enterprises are expanding their businesses in the global markets. Globalization is necessary for success and survival in the worldwide market; however, global competition is not easy (Bateman Scott, 2004). By the end of the twentieth century, the list of Fortune 500 companies was no longer only United States corporations due to an increase in international companies joining the list (Global Capitalism, 2005). As a leading food service retailer, McDonalds joins those corporations with restaurants in 119 countries (McDonalds, 2004). Important strategic decisions are a key factor to their success with consideration for both internal and external factors. When considering the foreign market, companies need to consider there are risks. There must be local marketing to appeal to the local consumers and also to build relationships and trust (Bateman Scott, 2004). Therefore, the strategic planning for marketing has to be effective. McDonalds caters its m enu in other countries to the cultures of the regions. For example, in India, the non-vegetarian menu includes chicken and fish items only (Welcome, n.d.). Beef is not on the menu in India because are considered sacred. Global marketing decisions are no different than those made domestically but the decisions are unique to each country (Sister Sister, 2005). Furthermore, operating on a global scale allows a companys employees to experience working in different cultural environments. This is a good marketing strategy for recruiting employees. McDonalds has a global core curriculum for its restaurant management (McDonalds, 2004). Paula Doherty, a general manager states, Ive had incredible experience in different countries andà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦culturesà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦as a trainee manager from Poland to Israel to the Philippines and more. Doing the job successfully has given me a real sense of achievement This business strategy speaks to their commitment to a diverse workforce. McDonalds commitment to diversity is established on the foundational belief that diversity is not just a moral and ethical issue, but also a business issue (McDonalds, 2005). Due to the global expanse of McDonalds business, diversity has become an integral part of the internal company culture. McDonalds has over 30,000 restaurants around the world, which means franchise owner/operators, employees, and customers represent just about every culture, religion or ethnicity on earth. In addition, McDonalds promotes the use of local suppliers and based on their policies of diversity, expects and retains suppliers that have a similar diversity culture. Knowing and understanding the local customs and traditions of the communities where McDonalds has established businesses, integrating people from these communities into the company, and adapting locally to the tastes and cuisines of the community, has made McDonalds the leader in their industry. In the United States alone, McDonalds has won numerous awards and received national recognition for diversity. According to McDonalds website, www.mcdonlads.com, awards include; PUSH-Excel Corporate Partner Award, Corporate Achievement and Image Award, Nullities Corporate Award, Corporate Vision Award, and the Circle of Inclusion Award. These awards and recognitions are not the result of a surface attempt to appease the critics. They are the result of McDonalds embracing and integrating diversity into their company ethos as an asset and an ally. McDonalds realizes that having diversity as an asset greatly enhances the profitability of the company. Diversity is a direct reflection of a companys interpersonal relationships. These relationships, if positive, result in a rewarding venture. Conversely, if the relationships are negative, the companys morale declines and if not addressed, leads to the deterioration of the company. This deterioration directly impacts the companys income and the communitys acceptance of the business. However, McDonalds leadership encourages diversity through their policies and programs. McDonalds proven success with leveraging the advantages of diversity can be attributed to their core value of ethics. McDonalds success is built on the foundation of personal and professional integrity (www.mcdonalds). From the beginning, McDonalds has based its reputation on trust and dependability, and their commitment to the community made them a household name. Founder Ray Kroc, believed in giving something back to the community in order to make the world a better place. Throughout the 1970s, McDonalds became involved with a lot of charity work. In 1974 established a charity called Ronald McDonald House. The purpose of this program was to provide temporary housing for the families of seriously ill children receiving treatment at nearby hospitals. Since the 70s, more than 10 million families around the world benefited from the comfort provided by Ronald McDonald Houses (www.rhmc). In addition to their community involvement, McDonalds has a long-standing commitment to environmental protection. Restaurants around the world have innovative programs for recycling, resource conservation, and waste reduction. The environmental achievements of this corporation have been recognized by organizations such as the Audubon Society, Conservation International, Keep America Beautiful, the National Recycling Coalition, and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (www.mcdonalds). McDonalds is also an equal opportunity employer. As an equal opportunity employer McDonalds ensures that employees and job applicants are selected, trained, and promoted without discrimination to race, gender, sexual orientation, age or disability. The company promotes their employees based on their relevant skill, talents, and performance. In support of this McDonalds promotes and sustains a working environment, which is free from unlawful discrimination, harassment and bullying. Employees are regarded as members of a team where everyones opinion is valued and respected. The Human Resources department monitors the effectiveness of the discrimination policies at regular intervals and takes corrective action as necessary to ensure that they being complied with (www.mcdonalds). Employees who feel that they have been treated unfairly are encouraged to use the remedies outlined in the Companys handbooks. McDonalds ethical standards, as well as their strategies for globalization and diver sity are instrumental to the overall success of the company. The purpose of this paper was to discuss external and internal factors that have affected McDonalds. This was achieved by explaining what the factors are where and how McDonalds dealt with each of the external and internal factors. The factors discussed were globalization, diversity, and ethics. The paper illustrates how globalization is necessary for success and survival of McDonalds in the worldwide market. The paper also shows how diversity integrated people from different communities into the company, and adapted tastes and cuisines of the community. McDonalds showed ethics by being an active leader in the communities. There are many different values to the dollar around the world, many issues that have occurred in many of those regions/websites, and about 119 countries served by McDonalds that rely on the functions of management to succeed. Critical Evolution the current strategy of MacDonalds: The current strategy involve of SWOT analysis as well as SWOT matrix or strategies which is given below accordingly. SWOT Analysis Framework Environmental Scan   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  / Internal Analysis  Ã‚  Ã‚     Ã‚  Ã‚  External Analysis /   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚     Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  / Strengths  Ã‚  Ã‚  Weaknesses  Ã‚  Ã‚     Ã‚  Ã‚  Opportunities  Ã‚  Ã‚  Threats | SWOT Matrix Figure: SWOT Analysis Framework SWOT Strategies of Macdonalds: The SWOT Matrix A firm should not necessarily pursue the more lucrative opportunities. Rather, it may have a better chance at developing a competitive advantage by identifying a fit between the firms strengths and upcoming opportunities. In some cases, the firm can overcome a weakness in order to prepare itself to pursue a compelling opportunity. To develop strategies that take into account the SWOT profile, a matrix of these factors can be constructed. The SWOT matrix (also known as a TOWS Matrix) is shown below: SWOT / TOWS Matrix Strengths Weaknesses Opportunities S-O strategies W-O strategies Threats S-T strategies W-T strategies Figure: SWOT / TOWS Matrix S-O strategies: S-O strategies pursue opportunities that are a good fit to the companys strengths. As like MacDonalds expands their Chinese market and increasing advertising and restaurant location because Chinese population is increasing day by day .In addition their car ownership is growing rapidly which is another opportunity for MacDonalds to expand their market development. Horizontal integration is the another opportunity which is tuned into strength for MacDonalds because by acquiring Krispy Kren Corporation they captured the market of them .As well as the advantages of horizontal integration is expansion of a firm within an industry in which it is already active for the purpose of increasing its share of the market for a particular product or service. Cost minimization, raw material availability, quick delivery and others factors are the advantage of horizontal integration which is adopting MacDonalds as a current strategy. It can adapt to the needs of the societies and undergo an innovative product line which might be the good opportunity for MacDonalds to transform into strength. It would be the remarkable opportunities to turn in to strength. Researching green energies and green packaging solutions and incorporating these findings as a part of their marketing strategy and advertisements which would be another opportunity to transfer into strength. Create new product offerings. Continue to use technology to influence revenue strategy: possibly use text messages to deliver specials offers to individuals who sign up for such services .These also might treated as opportunity which can be concerted in to strength. W-O strategies: W-O strategies overcome weaknesses to pursue opportunities. As MacDonalds weakness is lack of menu development so they have to work hard with this strategy and currently they are working with that as well which is being convert to pursue opportunity. They are currently doing menu development as well as product development of healthy lifestyle and Hispanic food lines which were weakness of them. In addition MacDonalds has several weakness which might be tune in to pursue opportunity if they overcome that weakness.Like- It uses advertising that mostly targets children. High employee turn-over. It has yet to accomplish going on the trend of organic food. Price competition with the competitors resulting in low revenue. Lack of innovative products. S-T strategies: S-T strategies identify ways that the firm can use its strengths to reduce its vulnerability to external threats. Macdonalds are increasing their number of restaurant as well advertisement in the Disney and Ocean Park as well as key markets to avoid the external threat of competitors like Burger King, Starbucks, Wendys Taco Bell, and KFC. Moreover there are numerous strength which can use its strengths to reduce its vulnerability to external threats. . It takes steps in adjusting the Ingredients and product offerings in order to comply with the upgraded health standards deemed necessary by the USDA. Its recognized as one of the worldss most recognized logos.It has branded menu items i-e Big Mac, Chicken McNuggets, which further promote McDonalds. Active Childrens Charity: The Ronald McDonald House. It is recognized as a socially responsible and community oriented firm. Globalization: 31,000 restaurants serving 120 countries. Of the 31,000 restaurants at least14, 000 restaurants in the US. It has located itself in major airports, cities, highways, tourist locations, theme parks. Earns revenue not merely by fast food sales, but also as a property investor, a franchiser of restaurants. It earns revenue by fast food sales as well as a property investor and a franchiser of restaurants. W-T strategies: W-T strategies establish a defensive plan to prevent the firms weaknesses from making it highly susceptible to external threats. As Macdonalds concentrate their development of product and redesign of website which is being user friendly. In addition they are increasing their sales promotion and advertisement to reduce external threat.

Dialogue Essays - The Bar :: Dialogue Conversation Essays

Dialogue Essays - The Bar It doesn’t take long for lives to come together or to come apart. Just a few short moments in time, time that is subjective, objective, judging or not judging. Nobody really cares about it. It just happens. It doesn’t take long. It is happening all over the world and no one even notices. No one wants to notice. Because they all have their own secrets that they’ll never tell. She meets him in a bar. She is languishing at the scuffed up bar, one of those places where the work weary retreat after they put in their eight hours, or ten hours, or twelve, depending on the person, depending on the job. She sips her Bud Light from the bottle because it gives her a sense of sought after strength, the kind of strength she doesn’t possess and she can only achieve through illusory enactment. She has no interest in meeting a man, or a woman, or any breathing entity at all. She just wants to be left to her own thoughts, thoughts which she doesn’t care to share with herself let alone another human being. She can’t escape the nagging feeling that time is running out and she better damn well do something quick about the situation. â€Å"Take me home with you.† â€Å"Why should I?† â€Å"Because I give a killer massage and you look as if you need one.† Overheard conversation. Will she step into it? Suddenly, she doesn’t want to be alone anymore. The dark night outside is closing in on her, reminding her of all the empty spaces in the universe. She pictures in her head the vastness of the Grand Canyon, only to have it metamorphosis into her own kitchen. The kitchen with the floor tiles the color of dead lemons and peeling in the corners. In the center of it is the table that rocks when you lean on it, even though she keeps cramming the thrice-folded Queen of Hearts under its leg. At the table sits her husband of twenty-one years working diligently on the daily crossword puzzle. Occasionally he flips ashes from his constant cigarette on the dead lemon floor. She tries to push her mind back to the red rock canyon, tries to conjure up the feeling of vastness and purity and silence of nature doing its thing. It is too late. She reaches for her briefcase and stands up unsteadily on her black pumps.

Id, Ego and Superego in Literature Essay

Within Joseph Conrad’s Heart of Darkness, Marlow asserts that â€Å"the mind of man is capable of anything–because everything is in it, all the past as well as all the future† (HOD 109.) As Marlow journeys deeper into the Congo he is forced to adapt to the jungle environment and in the process he begins to lose his understanding of societal rules and ideals. His â€Å"psychological self† is coerced into adapting to the rustic environment of the Congo hence disturbing the balance between his id, ego and superego. William Golding’s Lord of the Flies similarly deals with this deteriorating awareness of societal standards in foreign environments, but does so with a group of young boys on an uninhabited island. Throughout Joseph Conrad’s Heart of Darkness and William Golding’s Lord of the Flies Marlow, Kurtz and the boys clearly demonstrate the capacity of the human mind in reflection to the principles of Sigmund Freud according to his defi nition of the id, ego and superego. Read more: Jack quotes lord of the flies essay In Heart of Darkness, Marlow demonstrates the capability of the human mind as he makes his journey up the Congo River and adapts to the savage environment that surrounds him. While adapting to his environment, Marlow begins to disregard societal standards and hence his â€Å"psychological sense† is altered in that Marlow’s ego and super ego subside in his overall nature, resorting to the â€Å"pleasure principle† that we now call the id. Marlow’s id begins to cease control of his personality and his innate instinctive nature is released. It is this imbalance of his â€Å"psychological self† which acts as an instigator for the evil found in him and all men. When Marlow states that â€Å"Going up that river was like traveling back to the earliest beginnings of the world,† (HOD 105) he is trying to depict his journey up the river as a representation of his discovery of the innate wickedness present in all mankind. The disappearance of Marlowâ₠¬â„¢s super ego is imminent throughout his journey up the Congo. The presence of authority, society, and civilized people begin to fade just as his concepts of right and wrong are lost as he journeys further on and thus the innate wickedness of man emerges. Marlow’s savagery is the result of adaptation and the growing disproportion of his id to his ego and super ego. His disregarding of his ego and super ego can be seen when he says, â€Å"but if you try to shout I’ll smash your head with’†¦Ã¢â‚¬â„¢I will throttle you for good† (HOD 148.) This statement confirms that Marlow  is straying further from the ideals of society and shows that Marlow’s perceived self is making a transition from being civilized (superego) to becoming a savage (id.) When Marlow meets Kurtz, he finds a man that has totally thrown off the restraints of his own ego/superego and has deteriorated into the primitive state of the id. Therefore Kurtz serves as an excellent example of Marlow’s assertion in that he has forgotten society to such an extent that he does not even remember his life in Europe. Kurtz’s isolation in Africa as well as his unbelievable power over the natives corrupted him and drove him to condone unspeakable acts such as cannibalism and human sacrifice (destruction/Thanatos=pleasure for Kurtz.) In Heart of Darkness, Kurtz’s last words depict his terror and his realization of his final fate, â€Å"The horror! The horror!† (HOD 154) Kurtz realizes how far he has strayed from society, and finally admits to his evil acts in Africa. Hence, it was the imbalance of the characters â€Å"psychological selves† due to displacement from society (society gave them the sense of right and wrong) that caused the innate evil to reveal itself in the characters Marlow and Kurtz. The augmented id created a disproportion between the other counterparts of the â€Å"psychological self† and thus facilitated the intrinsically evil nature of all men including Marlow and Kurtz. In William Golding’s Lord of the Flies, the boys are reduced to an instinctive and almost animalistic state due to the lack of authority and society, as well as the need to adapt to a new primordial surrounding. The boys are stranded on an island by themselves and must adapt in order to assure their survival. When they first arrive the boys act in an orderly fashion, and begin the construction of a governmental system to parallel a functional society. This system is representative of the boy’s super egos. This system soon fails however, when the boys learn that they must revert to their animal instincts (id) in order to survive. This transition from being civilized to becoming savage is revealed in the book when the narrator states, â€Å"They bumped Piggy, who was burnt and yelled and danced. Immediately, Ralph and the crowd of boys were united and relieved by a storm of laughter† (LOTF 149.) This example simply depicts the great change that has occurred among t he boys in that they further hurt Piggy’s burn wound on the account of carelessness while playing a savage like game. The fact that  none of the children apologize for their acts further prove the transition of the boys from being civilized to becoming savage-like. The simple fact that a group of choirboys, who were exemplary individuals, could change into savages that kill one another further proves Marlow’s assertion that the mind is capable of anything. At the end of Lord of the Flies, the boys come to realize the transformation of their initial choirboy natures when they are confronted with authority in the form of a naval officer. The narrator states that â€Å"One of them came close to the officer and looked up. I’m†¦I’m; but there was no more to come† (LOTF 201.) Percival has changed so much throughout his time on the island that he cannot even recall his own name. On the whole, three characters can be linked with each of the three psychodynamic principles: Jack represents the id with his constant desire to hunt and kill (death drive,) Ralph represents the ego with his attempts to satisfy both sides of his own mind and others on a greater level while keeping in touch with reality, and Piggy represents the superego by acting as the conscience for the group, maintaining the very principles that the boys have lost. If one were to look at this novel as an analysis of the individuals one would perhaps miss out on the greater picture. By combining the characteristics and actions of all the characters you can really see the greater picture of what Freud describes in his theories. Both Joseph Conrad’s Heart of Darkness and William Golding’s Lord of the Flies contain characters that are changed from civilized beings, that are able to balance the urges of the id and constraints of the ego/superego, into savages. Within the novels the lack of authority and society as well as the presence of a primeval surrounding causes the innate evil within man to awaken. By removing societal pressures and surroundings, the instinctive id nature overpowers mans ego and super ego. This disturbance in equilibrium causes the innate evil found in all people to manifest itself. Freud’s conception of the human psyche illustrated that the majority of what we experience in our lives, the underlying emotions, beliefs, feelings, and impulses are not available to us at a conscious level. He believed that most of what drives us is buried in our unconscious. Like mentioned above, these choirboys and sophisticated Europeans never imagined that they would be  acting as they did when they reached their respective destinations. The immense unconscious id took over in many of the characters but when brought back into society returned to their previous balances. Books used William Golding’s Lord of the Flies, published in 1959 by Perigee Trade Joseph Conrad’s Heart of Darkness, published in 1997 by Mass Market Paperback

Free Essays on The Loyalty Of Love

Turner i The Loyalty of Love Thesis Statement: Catherine Sloper chooses to love her father and her lover who both misjudge her loyalty of love, out of their own vanity. I. Plot Summary of Washington Square A. Austin Sloper, the domineering father B. Catherine Sloper, a simple minded daughter II. The Character’s Goals A. The Positive Feel of Satisfaction B. The Future Hopes and Dreams III. Catherine’s Loyalty of Love A. The Nature of Catherine 1. Father’s Avoidance 2. Lack of Acceptance 3. Into the hands of Townsend IV. Manipulation A. Morris Townsend, the immortal villain B. Aunt Penniman V. Resolve to Change Turner ii A. Victim and Victimizer The Loyalty of Love Washington Square by Henry James tackles love and loyalty on his very complex character, Catherine Sloper. The novel is set in Washington Square, New York in the mid 1800s. In the house, Catherine lives with her domineering father, Doctor Austin Sloper and his sister Lavinia Penniman. Doctor Sloper is a rich and popular physician while his sister is a widow starving for romance who is financially dependent upon her brother. Mrs. Penniman was left without a fortune and is prone to romantic fantasies unlike their pragmatic sister Mrs. Almond. She however is Doctor Sloper’s favorite sister and confidante. Austin Sloper, himself is a widower. His wife Mrs. Catherine Sloper first gave birth to a baby boy of extraordinary promise who died at three years of age. Two years later Mrs. Sloper gave birth to a second baby. This baby was not a little boy of extraordinary promise like the first, which the Doctor promised himself he would make an admirable man. Instead the sex would render the poor child in the Doctor’s sense. The little girl was a disappointment and that was not the worst. The young mother would die just a week after giving birth (James). She was named Catherine after her mother but did not take her mother’s beau... Free Essays on The Loyalty Of Love Free Essays on The Loyalty Of Love Turner i The Loyalty of Love Thesis Statement: Catherine Sloper chooses to love her father and her lover who both misjudge her loyalty of love, out of their own vanity. I. Plot Summary of Washington Square A. Austin Sloper, the domineering father B. Catherine Sloper, a simple minded daughter II. The Character’s Goals A. The Positive Feel of Satisfaction B. The Future Hopes and Dreams III. Catherine’s Loyalty of Love A. The Nature of Catherine 1. Father’s Avoidance 2. Lack of Acceptance 3. Into the hands of Townsend IV. Manipulation A. Morris Townsend, the immortal villain B. Aunt Penniman V. Resolve to Change Turner ii A. Victim and Victimizer The Loyalty of Love Washington Square by Henry James tackles love and loyalty on his very complex character, Catherine Sloper. The novel is set in Washington Square, New York in the mid 1800s. In the house, Catherine lives with her domineering father, Doctor Austin Sloper and his sister Lavinia Penniman. Doctor Sloper is a rich and popular physician while his sister is a widow starving for romance who is financially dependent upon her brother. Mrs. Penniman was left without a fortune and is prone to romantic fantasies unlike their pragmatic sister Mrs. Almond. She however is Doctor Sloper’s favorite sister and confidante. Austin Sloper, himself is a widower. His wife Mrs. Catherine Sloper first gave birth to a baby boy of extraordinary promise who died at three years of age. Two years later Mrs. Sloper gave birth to a second baby. This baby was not a little boy of extraordinary promise like the first, which the Doctor promised himself he would make an admirable man. Instead the sex would render the poor child in the Doctor’s sense. The little girl was a disappointment and that was not the worst. The young mother would die just a week after giving birth (James). She was named Catherine after her mother but did not take her mother’s beau...