My best friend essay writing
Writing A Debate Paper
Monday, August 24, 2020
Establishment of a Public Relations Department within a Holiday Resort Essay - 2
Foundation of a Public Relations Department inside a Holiday Resort in the Flinders Ranges Promoting Eco-Tourism - Essay Example This paper represents that the objective of PR by an organization is to convince the speculators, open, workers, accomplices, and partners to maintain a perspective about advertising, its items, initiative or political choices. à Activities including open connection incorporate talking at meetings, working with the press, representative correspondence and winning industry grants. As indicated by Danish Public Relations Association, PR is an administration work that organizes open perspectives; characterize the interests, techniques, and approaches of an organization followed by executing a program of activity to win open acknowledgment and comprehension. A foundation of PR division is basic in building the relationship that advance, advantage and advances the notoriety of the Holiday Resort. Being an eco-the travel industry part, picking up the certainty of its customers is critical, and this is encouraged through advertising the companyââ¬â¢s administrations and item. Improving notoriety is a key target of most associations. In that capacity, a PR office makes a mechanical organization and solid network meaning expanded profitability. The open connection will be imperative in keeping up the Holiday Resortââ¬â¢s picture and passing on its data to the overall population, speculators, and clients. A positive view of Holiday Resort is probably going to build the quantity of vacationers both locally and globally as it improves its main concern. The open Relation experts will work intimately with the CEO to create an outline of how the Holiday Resort will be seen and help with intending to structure a positive picture. Not at all like in advertising, the open connection experts target sorting out meetings with customers, composing the official statement and giving data on the companyââ¬â¢s accomplishments.
Saturday, August 22, 2020
Ethical Problems in Corruption
Chapter by chapter guide Introduction Ethically-educated choices Ethical Breaches Noble Cause Corruption Responses Ethically-solid direct Conclusion Reference List Introduction Allegations of debasement mean various things to various individuals. Generally, has been characterized as the utilization of position or status for individual addition. This could be as a monetary or different favors which may incorporate sexual favors, among others (Martinelli Thomas, 2006).Advertising We will compose a custom research project test on Ethical Problems in Corruption explicitly for you for just $16.05 $11/page Learn More This implies debasement is a type of maltreatment of intensity. There are different types of defilement in the police power, including pay off, manufacture of proof, savagery and fierceness, preference, nepotism and even bigotry. What's more, others are engaged with medicate coops. At whatever point police are brought in, it is ordinarily expected that they will give answers f or the social issues or violations. Notwithstanding, one type of defilement that undermines the direct of those engaged with law requirement is the honorable purpose debasement. The police are regularly depended by the general public to give security yet at whatever point they go past the forces and authority vested upon them in attempting to achieve authentic closures, it is ordinarily alluded to as ââ¬Å"noble cause corruptionâ⬠(Martinelli Thomas, 2006). Respectable motivation debasement is defilement dedicated by the law requirement officials with honest goals so as to accomplish great finishes (Martinelli Thomas, 2006). It regularly happens when cops care particularly about their work and in this manner abuse the set moral and legitimate gauges so as to seek after what they consider to be to the greatest advantage of the general public. This infers they include in unscrupulous practices so as to evacuate the trouble makers in the general public from the lanes. Morally edu cated choices Noble aim defilement is ordinarily planned for securing people in general and the police for the most part go out their direction and include each potential way to guarantee wellbeing of networks and avenues. This may occur in situations where the law requirement officials expect to evacuate suspected bad-to-the-bone and hazardous hoodlums from the boulevards and there is restricted or no immediate proof connecting them to the present crimes.Advertising Looking for research project on open organization? We should check whether we can support you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More The law implementation officials along these lines may have occupied with proof creation so as to guarantee that such criminal is indicted. Consequently Baconââ¬â¢s officials may have offered pay-offs to witnesses or judges for the ethical great of the general public. The law implementation officials may have associated with lying in courts or proof manufactures so as to forestal l approaching future violations. The police may have had hints about genuine wrongdoing going to be carried out since they can capture interchanges and in this manner catch those they think to be answerable for the plotting of the violations. This, they may have managed without gaining capture warrants because of the speedy reaction that they required. This empowered the police to disperse the plans by the hoodlums and henceforth secured general society. Since they probably won't have had the option to assemble the measure of proof required to convict such people they were accordingly compelled to utilize tribute trickery so as to challenge the people in question and their attorneys and secure conviction for such people. Baconââ¬â¢s officials may have offered pay-offs to other government authorities to demonstrate claims of debasement against the people. They may have utilized under spread cops to help pay off such people as a feature of hostile to defilement techniques. This emp owered the police to help convict such people who should offer administrations to the general population yet rather had decided to utilize their situations for individual increase. This infers the police at her area of expertise may have applied respectable purpose defilement to accomplish moral useful for the general public. Cops may have offered pay-offs to regular folks or other government authorities so as to obtain urgent proof important for conviction of hoodlums in the general public. This in itself may have been off-base however it empowered her cops to gather verifiable proof that was utilized to demonstrate criminal acts that such people may have been locked in in.Advertising We will compose a custom research project test on Ethical Problems in Corruption explicitly for you for just $16.05 $11/page Learn More Bribes may have likewise been offered to regular folks to help capture risky crooks in the general public. People who had significant data about the whereabouts of so me presumed lawbreakers or who may have been in control of data that could prompt the capture of suspects may have been paid off to help ensure the general public. The law authorization officials may have drawn in honorable motivation debasement exercises, for example, torment so as to gain indispensable data from the speculated hoodlums or even proof from them. This may have included tormenting the associated crooks to find the whereabouts with different lawbreakers, who were probably going to cause mischief, murder or take from honest individuals. They may have additionally occupied with torment of associated lawbreakers to find the area with a bomb or the bomb targets in order to help emptying people in general from the focused on zones or to pulverize the bomb before it detonates. Baconââ¬â¢s officials may have occupied with respectable defilement in attempting to make sure about arrival of blameless regular folks from the hands of ruffians. Moral Breaches The thought that in a courtroom, it is regularly the suspectsââ¬â¢ contentions against the measure of prove introduced under the watchful eye of the courts have incredibly added to honorable purpose defilement (FritzPatrick, 2006). Notwithstanding, this prompts moral penetrates in the legal executive and the police. Respectable purpose defilement prompts the topic of good duty of the police power. Proceeded with respectable purpose debasement may get constant in the police power and in this manner prompting moral inadequacy in the division. In addition, those ordinarily ruined to give bogus proof, to give essential data that can be utilized as proof or help follow lawbreakers typically figure out how to legitimize degenerate acts since those depended with power to battle debasement are engaged with defilement. Furthermore, every individual has a privilege to a private and secret life. This infers the measures of training applied in gathering proof against associated lawbreakers by use with respecta ble aim debasement may encroach these rights. This might be in such situations where the police pay off others to furnish them with the individualââ¬â¢s private life. Cops likewise once in a while break into suspects homes without gaining capture warrants to gather pivotal proof against the suspects. Nosy reconnaissance to gather proof on the speculated criminal additionally encroaches the suspectsââ¬â¢ privileges of confidentiality.Advertising Searching for research project on open organization? How about we check whether we can support you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Find out More Each resident including the criminal suspects have the privilege of independence. All the types of compulsion that the law authorization officials utilize to get proof or data from lawbreakers are ethically deceptive and may hurt the suspect since they may include the utilization of dangerous power (Klockars, 1980). Paying off people to give bogus proof against associates in a court with law is against the moral gauges of training set by the legislature. The standard moral standards necessitate that representatives be straightforward in playing out their obligations. Anyway demonstrations of respectable defilement include untruthfulness. Additionally, demonstrations of respectable defilement are demonstrations of fair treatment of suspects which is against the governmentââ¬â¢s measures of moral practice. Respectable motivation debasement acts likewise deny suspects the opportunity to live in a free society without terrorizing since the greater part of the suspects are generally se ntenced for longer terms. Respectable Cause Corruption Responses The inquiry typically emerge regarding while accomplishing the ethically great outcomes to the general public legitimizes the utilization dishonest or legitimate yet risky methods. Somewhat the perplexing circumstances that require jest reactions will undoubtedly place the police in solid circumstances that expect them to include messy methods. Anyway as indicated by Klockars (1980), the more the police need the hoodlums to be rebuffed, the more they ought to comply with the law. Besides, those heading the division need to take out any types of captures portions that put focus on the law authorizations officials to misrepresent or alter the proof so as to guarantee conviction of hoodlums in their endeavors to satisfy their managers (U.S. Branch of Justice, 2001). It is likewise significant that police administrators encourage in the cops a worth driven culture that guarantees consistence with the law. The directors nee d to that guarantee that the police regard the privileges everything being equal. The law authorization officials likewise should be prepared to work inside the law regardless of how trading off the circumstances may be (U.S. Division of Justice, 2001). In any case, the test is the means by which to persuade cops who really trust in and utilize their qualities to control them in accomplishing the ethical great of the general public that they can bargain their qualities as a result of the guidelines. As indicated by Klockars, (1980), the issue emerges in situations when the current laws baffle accomplishment of ethically alluring results. Besides, it might expand the quantity of genuine hoodlums who go free because of deficient proof or absence of appropriate proof connecting the lawbreakers to the wrongdoings. This would genuine trade off security circumstances in the nation. It would likewise prompt more grumblings and fights fr
Saturday, July 25, 2020
Types of Borderline Personality Disorder Medications
Types of Borderline Personality Disorder Medications BPD Treatment Print Types of Borderline Personality Disorder Medications By Kristalyn Salters-Pedneault, PhD Kristalyn Salters-Pedneault, PhD, is a clinical psychologist and associate professor of psychology at Eastern Connecticut State University. Learn about our editorial policy Kristalyn Salters-Pedneault, PhD Reviewed by Reviewed by Amy Morin, LCSW on July 01, 2019 facebook twitter instagram Amy Morin, LCSW, is a psychotherapist, author of the bestselling book 13 Things Mentally Strong People Dont Do, and a highly sought-after speaker. Learn about our Wellness Board Amy Morin, LCSW Updated on July 17, 2019 sturti/Getty Images More in BPD Treatment Diagnosis Living With BPD Related Conditions In This Article Table of Contents Expand Antidepressants Antipsychotics Mood Stabilizers/Anticonvulsants Anxiolytics Other Medications View All Back To Top Borderline personality disorder is sometimes treated with medications for anxiety or depression, which have been shown to reduce some of the symptoms of borderline personality disorder (BPD). While there are currently no medications approved by the FDA to treat BPD, they have been found to be effective in some cases.?? Also, medications may be used to treat psychological conditions that frequently co-occur with BPD, such as major depressive disorder. Medications may be particularly effective for BPD when they are used in conjunction with psychotherapy and other treatments. Learning more about the different options will help you find the right medication choice for you. Borderline Personality Disorder Discussion Guide Get our printable guide to help you ask the right questions at your next doctors appointment. Download PDF Antidepressants While antidepressants were specifically developed for individuals with major depressive disorder and other disorders characterized by low mood, many individuals with BPD are treated with these medications.?? There are several types of antidepressants that have been studied for use with BPD, including tricyclic and tetracyclic antidepressants, monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).?? Research has shown that these medications may help with the sadness, low mood, anxiety, and emotional reactivity often experienced by people with BPD, but they do not seem to have a strong effect on other symptoms of the disorder (e.g., anger, impulsivity). Common antidepressants include: Nardil (phenelzine)Prozac (fluoxetine)Zoloft (sertraline)Effexor (venlafaxine)Wellbutrin (bupropion) Antipsychotics The term borderline was coined because early psychiatrists believed that the symptoms of BPD were on the border between neurosis and psychosis. For this reason, some of the first medications tested for BPD were antipsychotics. Since this time, it has been found that antipsychotics can have a positive effect on a variety of non-psychotic disorders, including BPD. Antipsychotics have been shown to reduce anxiety, paranoid thinking, anger/hostility, and impulsivity in patients with BPD.?? Common antipsychotics include: Haldol (haloperidol)Zyprexa (olanzapine)Clozaril (clozapine)Seroquel (quetiapine)Risperdal (risperidone) (Risperdal) Mood Stabilizers/Anticonvulsants Medications with mood stabilizing properties, such as lithium, and some anticonvulsant (anti-seizure) medications, have been used to treat the impulsive behavior and rapid changes in emotion that are associated with BPD.?? There is research to suggest that these classes of drugs may be useful in BPD. Common mood stabilizers/anticonvulsants include: Lithobid (lithium carbonate)Depakote (valproate)Lamictal (lamotrigine)Tegretol or Carbatrol (carbamazepine) Anxiolytics (Anti-Anxiety) Because individuals with BPD also often experience intense anxiety, medications to reduce anxiety are sometimes prescribed. Unfortunately, there is very little research to support the use of anti-anxiety medication to treat BPD. Also, there is some evidence that uses of a particular class of anxiolytics, benzodiazepines (e.g., Ativan, Klonopin), may actually cause a worsening of symptoms for some individuals with BPD, and should be prescribed with caution.?? Benzodiazepines are particularly dangerous for use by individuals with co-occurring substance use disorders because they can be habit-forming. Buspar, an anxiolytic that is not habit-forming, is an alternative to medications from the benzodiazepine family. Common anxiolytics include: Ativan (lorazepam)Klonopin (clonazepam)Xanax (alprazolam)Valium (diazepam)Buspar (buspirone) Other Borderline Personality Disorder Medications As we learn more about the biological causes of BPD, new medications are being developed and tested for the disorder. For example, findings from one study suggest that an omega-3-fatty acid supplement can lead to decreased aggression and feelings of hostility in people with BPD.
Friday, May 22, 2020
Crime Theories Strain Theory, Social Bond Theory, and...
Criminologists are scientists who study crime. In order to do this they attempt to use the scientific method whenever possible. In the scientific method an individual first puts through a hypothesis to explain why something happens or even why something is. In the case of criminology the main question being asked is ââ¬Å"why does crime occur?â⬠, but some theories also attempt to answer another equally interesting question ââ¬Å"if being a criminal is the easy choice, why are so many people law abiding?â⬠in order to understand criminal behavior. In order for a hypothesis to be moved forward into the category of a theory it must first be tested, and those tests must be able to be reconfirmed. In the case of criminology most of this testing isâ⬠¦show more contentâ⬠¦These retreatists will include addicts, homeless and those who commit suicide. These individuals ââ¬Å"have withdrawn from society mentally, socially, or bothâ⬠(Eve, Segal, and Stevens, Ch. 6 Sec. 4). The last truly deviant adaptation is the rebel. This individual not only gives up on the cultural goal and creates a new goal, but also gives up on legal means of meeting the new goal. Examples of rebels are eco-terrorist organizations, cult religions and white supremacist groups. One last adaptation is the ritualist. This individual has accepted the fact that the cultural goal is unobtainable, but still tries to reach the goal through legal channels. ââ¬Å"This isnââ¬â¢t really a deviant adaptation to strain. In fact, we are more likely to see it as a sad situation -- as someone who has given up hope, but isnââ¬â¢t breaking the lawâ⬠(Lycan, Lecture W-4). This theory is supported by the statistics of inner city poverty in which individuals are likely to experience strain in large numbers. This theory supports policies that create opportunities for all individuals such as access to education and good paying jobs. Hirschiââ¬â¢s theory of social bond , sometimes referred to as control theory is different from the other theories in criminology because it assumes that people would be deviant when left to their own devices and looks to discover why the individual chooses to stay within the social confines of the law when illegal methods would be more beneficial. The social bond theoryShow MoreRelatedThe Reasons Why People Commit Crime1659 Words à |à 7 PagesSocial Environment Theory There are many reason why people commit crime. Many people have created theories on why people commit crime and how to reduce the crime rates. People commit crime due to constant strain. They, also, commit crime because they are constantly exposed to definitions that favor crime. For example, some people have parents that are criminal due to their parents being criminals and still around them the child would not view crime as bad or harmful. People, also, may commit crimeRead MoreSocial Theories: Gang Violence1704 Words à |à 6 Pagesï » ¿ Social Theories: How It Relates to Gangs Gang Violence By Stuart Brown Criminology is a complex subject chock-full of theories that attempt to explain crime and criminal behavior. Each base theory has several branches of theory which expand upon and compliment their predecessors. Even some of the sub-theories have branches of theories. This paper is going to discuss two social theories; social structure and social process. It is also going to cover someRead MoreDeviance Theory Analysis Essay1564 Words à |à 7 PagesDeviance Theory Analysis - Identify Deviance for situations and explain Within any given society, individuals are expected to behave and or conduct themselves in a given acceptable manner. However, there are instances when particular individuals act contrary to the set standards and violate the cultural norms. Such acts may include acts of crime, theft, defiance, breaking of rules, and truancy just to mention a few. Deviance could thus be viewed as the intentional or accidental violation of theRead MoreIp3 Crime Causation1535 Words à |à 7 PagesUnit 3 Crime Causation CRJS105-1201A-03 By Erika.Esquer1 1/22/2012 American InterContinental University Online Abstract This essay will focus on sociological theories of crime and their description, the strengths and weaknesses of each; sociological control theory, strain theory, differential association theory and neutralization theory. This essay will also focus on Rajartnam who was convicted for inside trading in 2011. Introduction A different approach to criminological theory was takenRead MoreWhite Collar Crime Coined By Edwin Sutherland2133 Words à |à 9 PagesCrime can occur on various platforms such as the streets of a neighborhood or at a corporation on Wall Street. As a result, crime and criminal behaviour can be explained using a broad set of theories presented by scholars with the focus ranging from the individual offender to the offenderââ¬â¢s environment and external influences. White-collar crime coined by Edwin Sutherland, for example, is a crime committed by a person of respectability and high social status in the course of his occupation (TathamRead MoreThe General Strain Theory, And General Integrated Theory853 Words à |à 4 PagesThis final theory is an extension of Hirschi s (1979) original idea of micro and macro dimensions which are called cross-level or multilevel integrations (Barak, 2002). The general strain theory is also known as cross-level or multilevel integrations including the reintegrative shaming theory, power control theory, control balance theory and general integrated theory (Barak, 2002). These theories combine theories like social bonding and social learning theories with structural theories such as socialRead MoreSocial Structure And Social Processes Essay1535 Words à |à 7 PagesSOCIAL STRUCTURE AND SOCIAL PROCESS 5 Environmental influences, socialization, and traditional and accepted patterns of behavior are all used by social structuralists to portray the criminal as a product of his or social environment (Siegel, 2000). There are three types of social structure theories. First, Disorganization theory describes conflict, change and the lack of consensus, as the main cause of deviance and crime. During the 1900ââ¬â¢s some of the communities that were prospering couldRead MoreThe Effects Of School Generated Strains Teachers Physical And Emotional Punishment And Examination Related Strain On Bullying1204 Words à |à 5 Pagescultural differencesâ⬠(McCluskey, 2014). There are many leading criminological theories on how bullying can be connected to crime in or society and how it is effecting todays youth (general theory of crime, differential association theory, and general strain theory). However, the findings show the significant effects of school-generated strains teachersââ¬â¢ physical and emotional punishment and examination related strain on bullying. Directions for future research and policy implications of these findingsRead MoreDeviance vs Crime1016 Words à |à 5 PagesSociology 1 Terms and Concepts Paper Due September 29, 2009 All Crime is not Deviance and all Deviance is not Crime In my years growing up has been a whirlwind of events and fast growing to adulthood. I believe that all crime is not deviance and all deviance is not crime.. At a young age I wanted to get a move on with life I wanted to be an adult therefore I was employed with a fulltime job at fifteen years old, while still attending school fulltimeRead MoreThe Relationship Between Homicide And The Varying Theories Of Criminology2794 Words à |à 12 PagesThis paper will attempt to prove the relationship between homicide and the varying theories of Criminology which attempt to explain it. It will provide an introduction that will detail the legal definition of homicide, statistics related to its occurrence, evident behavioral patterns behind homicide in the United States, as well as a description of theories that may best describe the reasons for the occurrence of homicide. It will provide public policy prescriptions to attempt to lower the incidence
Friday, May 8, 2020
Use of Power Blade Runner vs. The Handmaids Tale
Compare the ways in which the authors of two texts you studied this year explore the use of power. The Handmaidââ¬â¢s Tale by Margaret Atwood and Blade Runner: Directorââ¬â¢s Cut by Ridley Scott both explore the use of power albeit in similar and dissimilar ways. Power in both texts is portrayed as humankindââ¬â¢s power over the natural world, power over those considered inferior in society, and power over women. In Blade Runner, the human race is seen to have abused an outstanding amount of power over the natural world, as seen by the environmental decrepitude in the 2019 Los Angeles city. There is a large amount of photochemical smog from which the constant acidic rain falls, deteriorating the large buildings. Costuming such as umbrellasâ⬠¦show more contentâ⬠¦Handmaids also suffer similar inequality and powerlessness. This is largely evident as the Aunts in the Red Centre are explained to have ââ¬Å"scriptural precedentâ⬠to hit the handmaids. Offred communicates the power over those considered substandard in society by explaining that ââ¬Å"Better never means better for everyoneâ⬠¦ It always means worse for someone.â⬠Atwood and Scott both explore power over those considered inferior in order to enhance the already dystopic worlds, and to evoke a strong emotional response from their audience. Power over women in both texts is a significant area explored by both Atwood and Scott. In Blade Runner, women are sexualised and objectified for the pleasures of men, which indicates male dominance. Zhora, who works as an exotic dancer ââ¬Å"taking pleasures from the snakeâ⬠is highly sexualised to the point of ridiculousness, for example, her see-through, impractical rain jacket ââ¬â paired with knee high heeled boots. Camera techniques also illustrate her objectification as a sex toy. For example, the camera imposes on her privacy by following her into the shower, despite Deckard being the only one talking at the time. Additionally, the framing tends to focus on her body. Pris similarly is an example of menââ¬â¢s power over women in the Blade Runner world. Although she is
Wednesday, May 6, 2020
Telstra and Mcdonalds Free Essays
string(156) " the current operating philosophy and Jim Skinner, in his address, refers to ââ¬ËOur System partnersââ¬â¢ with the motto of ââ¬ËYour Success is Our Successââ¬â¢\." Exam cases: â⬠¢ McDonaldââ¬â¢s â⬠¢ Telstra Pre-seen exam information Semester 1 2013 CPA Program professional level Global Strategy and Leadership à © CPA Australia Ltd 2013 Case Study 1 McDonaldââ¬â¢s case facts McDonaldââ¬â¢s Corporation: A strategic approach to global growth McDonaldââ¬â¢s Corporation (McDonaldââ¬â¢s) is the worldââ¬â¢s leading global foodservice retailer with more than 33 500 restaurants serving nearly 68 million people in 119 countries each day (McDonaldââ¬â¢s 2012a). In 2011 the company generated USD 27 billion in revenue from its global operations and USD 8. 5 billion of operating profit. We will write a custom essay sample on Telstra and Mcdonalds or any similar topic only for you Order Now Headquartered in the United States, McDonaldââ¬â¢s Bar-B-Q restaurant was opened in California in 1940 by brothers Richard (Dick) and Maurice (Mac) McDonald as a typical drive-in featuring a large menu and car hop service (where customers stay in their car and are served their food). In 1948 the brothers closed the business for three months of renovations and reorganised the business as a hamburger restaurant, using production line principles and featuring a simple menu of nine items including the staple 15 cent hamburger, cheeseburger, soft drinks, milk, coffee, potato chips and a slice of pie. In 1954 Ray Kroc, a salesman for Prince Castle Multi-Mixer, visited the restaurant intending to sell the brothers some items. Kroc was fascinated by the operations and learned that the brothers were looking for a franchising agent to expand their restaurant chain nationally. Kroc joined the company in 1955 as National Franchising Agent, and opened his first McDonaldââ¬â¢s in Illinois. He subsequently purchased the chain from the McDonald brothers. McDonaldââ¬â¢s Corporation was created in 1965 when the company had its first public stock offering on the New York Stock Exchange at USD 22. 50 per share (McDonaldââ¬â¢s 2012b). The famous ââ¬Ëgolden archesââ¬â¢ of McDonaldââ¬â¢s were created in 1969 when the companyââ¬â¢s logo underwent a major change, and remodelling of the restaurants was also undertaken to re-brand the company. The original red-and-white tiled buildings were replaced by more contemporary buildings emphasising the golden arches as the companyââ¬â¢s branding. Under Krocââ¬â¢s leadership McDonaldââ¬â¢s expanded quickly across the United States. International expansion commenced in 1967 with restaurants opened in Canada and Puerto Rico. In the next 10 years the company would grow rapidly, such that the 1978 opening in Japan marked the 5000th restaurant. By 1983 the company had an interest in 7778 restaurants in 32 countries (McDonaldââ¬â¢s 2012b). Although Kroc died in 1984, he left a lasting legacy with the company continuing to grow to date. In addition to outlet expansion, McDonaldââ¬â¢s has constantly trialled and introduced new product items and categories in order to increase the companyââ¬â¢s share of food consumption and meet changing customer tastes and needs. The company has also extended into complementary product categories, such as the launch of McCafe in 2003. More recently, the company has introduced more premium offerings such as the Angus beef burger in Australia which is made of premium Angus beef, and a higher price is charged compared to its core burger range. McDonaldââ¬â¢s is expected to face stronger competition in the future, given the rising popularity of healthier fast-food operators such as Subway, which has a larger number of franchise stores across the world and recently eclipsed McDonaldââ¬â¢s as the worldââ¬â¢s largest fast-food operator in terms of establishments. This will increase pressure on McDonaldââ¬â¢s to promote and expand its new healthier product options and to improve the nutritional content of its food if the company wants to stay the market leader. The following information is based on a number of McDonaldââ¬â¢s corporate publications. Part A provides an overview of McDonaldââ¬â¢s strategic direction and operating model. Part B provides a review of the 2011 Chairman and CEO reports. Part C provides a summary of the franchising model used by McDonaldââ¬â¢s for its restaurants. Part D is a timeline of the development of McDonaldââ¬â¢s. Part A: McDonaldââ¬â¢s strategic direction, operating model and global priorities Strategic roadmap: The Plan to Win Jim Skinner, Vice Chairman and CEO, states in the 2011 Annual Report: ââ¬ËOur performance is driven by two key factors. The first is our ongoing commitment to [our strategic framework] the Plan to Win which was launched in 2003 and has served as our operations roadmap for nine years. The Plan focuses on the core drivers of our businessââ¬âPeople, Products, Place, Price and Promotion â⬠¦ It keeps us disciplined around our brand holistically and enhancing the customer experience across our entire businessââ¬âfrom our menu and service to our value and convenienceââ¬â¢ (McDonaldââ¬â¢s 2011, p. 1). Global Strategy and Leadership Page 1 of 20 McDonaldââ¬â¢s has ââ¬Ëenhanced the restaurant experience for customers worldwide and grown comparable * sales and customer visits in each in eachââ¬â¢ year to 2011 (McDonaldââ¬â¢s 2011, p. 10). This framework has also delivered strong results for the companyââ¬â¢s shareholders. McDonaldââ¬â¢s has exceeded its long-term ââ¬Ëfinancial targets of average annual â⬠¦ sales growth of 3 to 5%; average annual operating income growth of 6 to 7%; and annual returns on incremental invested capital in the high teens every year since the Plan to Win was implementedââ¬â¢ (McDonaldââ¬â¢s 2011, p. 0). Operating model: Our System partners The 2011 Annual Report goes on to describe the second factor: ââ¬Ëthe collaboration of Our System partners. From our worldclass franchisees, who are dedicated to running great restaurants and being leaders in their communities; to our unparalleled global suppliers, who provide us with safe and high quality products each and every d ay; to our talented company employees led by President and Chief Operating Officer Don Thompson and our â⬠¦ global leadership team. And, of course, our restaurant managers and crewââ¬âthe 1. 7 million men and women who work to deliver the best experience every dayââ¬â¢ (McDonaldââ¬â¢s 2011, p. 2). Also known as the ââ¬Ëthree-legged stoolââ¬â¢ business model, the philosophy set by founder Ray Kroc, this business model balances the interests of all three key stakeholder groups, and provides a foundation only as strong and as stable as each of the three legs. Each leg represents the company, the franchises and the suppliers respectively. This model is embedded in the current operating philosophy and Jim Skinner, in his address, refers to ââ¬ËOur System partnersââ¬â¢ with the motto of ââ¬ËYour Success is Our Successââ¬â¢. You read "Telstra and Mcdonalds" in category "Papers" All three groups are strongly aligned around common goals. ââ¬ËThe strength of the alignment between the Company, its franchisees and suppliers â⬠¦ has been key to McDonaldââ¬â¢s successââ¬â¢ (McDonaldââ¬â¢s 2011, p. 10). Three global priorities ââ¬ËWe hold a strong competitive position in the market place, and we intend to further differentiate our brand by striving to become our customersââ¬â¢ favourite place and way to eat and drink. Growing market share will continue to be a focus as we execute our three global prioritiesââ¬â¢ (McDonaldââ¬â¢s 2011, p. 11). 1 Optimising our menuââ¬âââ¬Ëdelivering even greater excitement around our food, beginning with our iconic core favoritesââ¬âBig Mac, Chicken McNuggets and French Friesââ¬âand evolving our menu with new innovative local offerings. Weââ¬â¢ll continue by growing McCafe beverages, from specialty coffees to real fruit smoothies, differentiating our brand as a beverage destination. Weââ¬â¢ll stay focused on adding greater choice and balanced options around the world [to enhance our food image], from wraps to oatmeal to new Happy Meal alternatives, as we stay in step with our customersââ¬â¢ needsââ¬â¢ (McDonaldââ¬â¢s 2011, p. 2). Modernising our customer experienceââ¬âââ¬Ëcontinuing to modernize our restaurants to provide a superior experience for our customers, as well as our managers and crew. Weââ¬â¢re adding new features and technologies that are making the drive-thru, ordering and payment processes easier. In addition, weââ¬â¢re moving ahead on our reimaging efforts, remodeling a growing number of restaurants with our contemporary new designs. With roughly 45% of our interiors and 25% of our exteriors reimaged around the world, we still have ample opportunity to keep reshaping our brand and delighting our guests with our updated restaurantsââ¬â¢ (McDonaldââ¬â¢s 2011, p. 2). ââ¬ËThe customer experience efforts will include accelerating our interior and exterior reimaging efforts and providing our restaurant teams with the appropriate tools, training, technology and staffingââ¬â¢ (McDonaldââ¬â¢s 2011, p. 1). 3 Broadening our accessibilityââ¬âââ¬Ëmaking the McDonaldââ¬â¢s brand more accessible is another important priority. Continuing to deliver strong value across every price tier, extending our operating hours at more locations and strategically opening new restaurants in both emerging and mature markets will make us more available more often, when and where our customers want usââ¬â¢ (McDonaldââ¬â¢s 2011, p. 3). 2 ââ¬ËAs we keep elevating all of these aspects of our business, weââ¬â¢re strengthening our brand as well. We will continue to use our size, scope and esources to make a positive difference for children, families, and communities around the world. Giving back is a part of our heritage, so we remain committed to taking leadership action across the broad spectrum of sustainabilityââ¬â including nutrition and well-being, a sustainable supply chain, environmental responsibility, employee experience, and the communityââ¬â¢ (McDonaldââ¬â¢s 2011, p. 3). * ââ¬ËComparableââ¬â¢ refers to same stores. That is, stores that were opened in both years, so as to remove the effect of store openings and closures. This is a common method for monitoring store performance in retail networks. Global Strategy and Leadership Page 2 of 20 Part B: McDonaldââ¬â¢s 2011 performance Jim Skinner, Vice Chairman and CEO, states in the 2011 Annual Report: ââ¬Ë2011 was another strong year for McDonaldââ¬â¢s. Global comparable sales increased 5. 6%, our ninth consecutive year of same store sales growth. Operating income grew by 10% in constant currencies and we continued to extend our market share lead around the world. In addition â⬠¦ we delivered a 35% total return to investors, making us the top performing company in the Dow Jones Industrial Average for 2011ââ¬â¢ (McDonaldââ¬â¢s 2011, p. ). ââ¬ËSpecific menu pricing actions across our system reflect local market conditions as well as other factors, notably the food away from home and food at home inflation indices. In our Company-operated restaurants, we manage menu board prices to ensure value at all price points, increase profitability and mitigate inflation, all while trying to maintain guest visit momentum. In order to accomplish these objectives, we utilize a strategic pricing tool that balances prices, product mix and promotion. Franchisees also have access to, and many utilize, this â⬠¦ tool. In general, we believe many franchisees employ a similar pricing strategy. In 2011, we increased average price at Company-operated restaurants in each area of the world, although increases varied by market and region. We look to optimize product mix by utilizing a menu with entry-point value, core and premium and fourthtier (a range of tasty and appealing items in smaller portion sizes) offerings. We also introduce new products that meet customer needs, which can expand average purchase and increase our visitor countsââ¬â¢ (McDonaldââ¬â¢s 2011, p. 10). ââ¬ËOur success continues to be truly global, with all areas of the world contributing. Such balanced growth highlights our deepening connection with customers everywhere, as well as the underlying strength of our business in todayââ¬â¢s ever increasing global economyââ¬â¢ (McDonaldââ¬â¢s 2011, p. 1). The company is organised into three key regions being ââ¬Ëthe United States (U. S. ), Europe and Asia/Pacific, Middle East and Africa (APMEA)ââ¬â¢. The companyââ¬â¢s three global priorities ââ¬Ërepresent areas where we are intensifying our efforts to drive â⬠¦ sales and customer visits despite challenging economies and a contracting Informal Eating Out (IEO) segment in many marketsââ¬â¢ (McDonaldââ¬â¢s 2011, pp. 10). Tables 1 and 2 provide a summary of the performance of McDonaldââ¬â¢s for the years 2009 to 2011. Table 1: McDonaldââ¬â¢s financial performance, 2009 to 2011 (USD in millions) 2011 US Europe APMEA Other countries and corporate Total revenue US Europe APMEA Other countries and corporate Total operating income US Europe APME A Other countries and corporate Total assets US Europe APMEA Other countries and corporate Total capital expenditure 8 528. 2 10 886. 4 6 019. 5 1 571. 9 27 006. 0 3 666. 2 3 226. 7 1 525. 8 111. 0 8 529. 7 10 865. 5 12 015. 5 824. 2 4 285. 1 32 989. 9 786. 5 1 130. 1 614. 1 199. 1 2 729. 8 2010 8 111. 6 9 569. 2 5 065. 5 1 328. 3 24 074. 6 3 446. 5 2 796. 8 1 199. 9 29. 9 7 473. 1 10 467. 7 11 360. 7 5 374. 0 4 772. 8 31 975. 2 530. 5 978. 5 493. 1 133. 4 2135. 5 2009 7 943. 8 9 273. 8 4 337. 0 1 190. 1 22 744. 7 3 231. 7 2 588. 1 989. 5 31. 7 6 841. 0 10 429. 3 11 494. 4 4 409. 0 3 892. 2 30 224. 9 659. 4 859. 3 354. 6 78. 8 1 952. 1 Source: Adapted from McDonaldââ¬â¢s (2011), 2011 Annual Report, ââ¬ËSegment and geographic informationââ¬â¢, p. 38. Global Strategy and Leadership Page 3 of 20 McDonaldââ¬â¢s ââ¬Ërevenues consist of sales by Company-owned restaurants and fees from restaurants operated by its various franchiseesââ¬â¢. Revenues from franchised, licensed and affiliate restaurants include rent and royalties based on a percentage of sales along with minimum rent payments, and initial fees. ââ¬ËFees vary by type of site, amount of Company investment, if any, and local business conditions. These fees, along with occupancy and operating rights, are stipulated in the franchise/license agreementsââ¬â¢ (McDonaldââ¬â¢s 2011, p. 9). Table 2: McDonaldââ¬â¢s revenue by store type, 2009 to 2011 (USD in millions) 2011 US Europe APMEA Other countries and corporate Company-operated revenues US Europe APMEA Other countries and corporate Franchised revenues US Europe APMEA Other countries and corporate Total revenues 4 433 7 852 5 061 947 18 293 4 096 3 034 958 625 8 713 8 529 10 886 6 019 1 572 27 006 2010 4 229 6 932 4 297 775 16 233 3 883 2 637 769 553 7 842 8 112 9 569 5 066 1 328 24 075 2009 4 295 6 721 3 714 729 15 459 3 649 2 553 623 461 7 286 7 944 9 274 4 337 1 190 22 745 Source: Adapted from McDonaldââ¬â¢s (2011), 2011 Annual Report, ââ¬ËRevenuesââ¬â¢, p. 14. Regional highlights for 2011 United States â⬠¢ â⬠¢ â⬠¢ Grew customer ââ¬Ëcounts and market share with comparable sales up for the ninth consecutive year, rising 4. 8% in 2011, while comparable customer counts rose 3. 3%, despite a slight decline in the IEO segmentââ¬â¢. ââ¬ËRemained focused on maximizing our core business while providing customers with affordable products and value throughout our menu including options available on the Dollar Menu at breakfast and the rest of the dayââ¬â¢. Highlighted core menu items like Chicken McNuggets that feature new sauces, breakfast products including new Fruit Maple Oatmeal, additions to the McCafe beverage line and limited-time offerings such as the McRib Sandwich. ââ¬ËNational launch of the McCafe Frozen Strawberry Lemonade and Mango Pineapple real-fruit smoothie provided â⬠¦ extensions to the McCafe beverage l ineââ¬â¢. ââ¬ËConvenient locations also continued to provide a competitive advantage with extended hours and efficient drive-thru serviceââ¬â¢. Modernizing the customer experience â⬠¦ with the expansion of our major remodeling program to enhance the appearance and functionality of our restaurants and make our restaurants more relevant to our customersââ¬â¢ daily lives. Over 900 existing restaurants were remodeled during 2011 with the majority adding drive-thru capacity to capture additional customer visitsââ¬â¢. ââ¬ËCompleted our two-year, Systemwide roll-out of a new point-of-sale system. This allows us to continue expanding our menu offerings while making it easier for our crew to fulfill every order accuratelyââ¬â¢ (McDonaldââ¬â¢s 2011, p. 10). â⬠¢ â⬠¢ â⬠¢ â⬠¢ Global Strategy and Leadership Page 4 of 20 Europe â⬠¢ â⬠¢ Comparable ââ¬Ësales rose by 5. 9%, marking the eighth consecutive yearââ¬â¢ of growth, with comparable customer visits increasing by 3. 4%. ââ¬ËMajor contributors were the U. K. , France, Russia and Germanyââ¬â¢. ââ¬ËInitiatives that helped drive our business included â⬠¦ our tiered menu featuring everyday affordable prices, menu variety including new and limited-time offerings, and reimaging over 900 restaurantsââ¬â¢. We also ââ¬Ëoffered new premium menu items such as the 1955 burger and expanded McWraps across several European marketsââ¬â¢. And we ââ¬Ëcontinued to offer a fourth-tier platformââ¬âsuch as Little Tasters in the U. K. ââ¬â¢. Expanded ââ¬Ëour coffee business and have over 1500 McCafe locations, which in Europe are generally separate areas inside the restaurants that serve specialty coffees, indulgent desserts and snacksââ¬â¢. Increased ââ¬Ëaccessibility and convenienceââ¬â¢ with the completion of ââ¬Ëthe rollout of the new drive-thru customer order display system in over 4500 restaurantsââ¬â¢ and ââ¬Ëextended operating hoursââ¬â¢. Continued ââ¬Ëbuilding customer trust in our brand through communications that emphasized the quality and origin of McDonaldââ¬â¢s food and our commitment to sustainable business practicesââ¬â¢ (McDonaldââ¬â¢s 2011, p. 0). â⬠¢ â⬠¢ â⬠¢ APMEA â⬠¢ â⬠¢ ââ¬ËOur momentum continued with nearly every country delivering positive comparable sales, led by China and Australia. Comparable sales rose 4. 7% and comparable guest counts by 4. 3%ââ¬â¢. Performance was ââ¬Ëdriven by strategies emphasizing value, breakfas t, convenience, core menu extensions, desserts and promotional food events. Australia launched a Value Lunch program that features meals at discounted price points for certain hours while China and Japan concentrated on affordability by continuing their Value Lunchââ¬â¢ programs. New menu items such as real-fruit smoothies and frappes in Australia and the extension of the Value Breakfast program in China were popular with customersââ¬â¢. ââ¬ËJapan executed another successful U. S. themed burger promotion and celebrated its 40th anniversary by offering popular core menu items at reduced pricesââ¬â¢. ââ¬ËDesserts continue to play a meaningful role as we seek to deliver on customersââ¬â¢ menu expectations through products such as the McFlurry and unique storefronts like the dessert kiosks in China, where we are now one of the largest ice-cream retailersââ¬â¢ (McDonaldââ¬â¢s 2011, pp. 10ââ¬â11). â⬠¢ â⬠¢ â⬠¢ Part C: McDonaldââ¬â¢s franchising approach McDonaldââ¬â¢s believes ââ¬Ëfranchising is important to delivering great, locally-relevant customer experiences and driving profitability. However, directly operating restaurants is paramount to being a credible franchisor and is essential to providing Company personnel with restaurant operations experience. In our Company-operated restaurants, and in collaboration with franchisees, we further develop and refine operating standards, marketing concepts and product and pricing strategies, so that only those that we believe are most beneficial are introducedââ¬â¢ (McDonaldââ¬â¢s 2011, p. ). The company continually reviews, and as appropriate adjusts, the mix of company-operated and franchised (conventional franchised, developmental licensed and foreign affiliated) restaurants with the ââ¬Ëgoal of improving local relevance, profits and returnsââ¬â¢, while maintaining a strong presence through company-owned restaurants seen as important to success (McDonaldââ¬â¢s 2011, p. 16). As a franchisor McDonaldââ¬â¢s sees its role as providing clear and positive leadership with vision, competence and integrity, to ultimately protect the strategic vision of the brand. Listening and responding to customersââ¬â¢ wants and needs through constant innovation has been a key driver to success. This success places pressure on all Partner System parties who have a responsibility to consistently rise to the occasion each time and deliver an exceptional customer experience. As McDonaldââ¬â¢s must deliver this leadership as the franchisor, it needs its franchisees to do the same for the companyââ¬â¢s continued success. The mix of McDonaldââ¬â¢s franchises and company-operated McDonaldââ¬â¢s restaurants is set out in Table 3. The difference between types of franchise stores is outlined in the ââ¬ËFranchise investmentââ¬â¢ section below, and is dependent on how much capital investment McDonaldââ¬â¢s has in the business. Global Strategy and Leadership Page 5 of 20 Table 3: Summary of McDonaldââ¬â¢s stores in 2011 Store type Conventional franchise Company operated Licensed to foreign affiliates (primarily in Japan) Development franchise Total worldwide stores Number of stores 19 527 6 435 3 929 3 619 33 510 Franchise ââ¬Ësales are not recorded as revenuesââ¬â¢ by McDonaldââ¬â¢s, but ââ¬Ëare the basis on which the Company calculates and records franchised revenues and are indicative of the health of the franchise baseââ¬â¢ (McDonaldââ¬â¢s 2011, p. 9). ââ¬ËFranchised margin dollars represent revenues from franchised restaurants less the Companyââ¬â¢s occupancy costs (rent and depreciation) associated with those sites â⬠¦ The franchised margin percent in APMEA and Other Countries â⬠¦ is higher relative to the U. S. nd Europe due to a larger proportion of developmental franchises and/or affiliate restaurants where the Company receives royalty income with no corresponding occupancy costsââ¬â¢ (McDonaldââ¬â¢s 2011, pp. 15ââ¬â16). Table 4 presents franchised sales and margins for the years 2009 to 2011. Table 4: McDonaldââ¬â¢s franchised store sales and margins, 2009 to 2011 (USD in millions) 2011 US Europe APMEA Other countries and corporate Total franchised sales US Europe APMEA Other countries and corporate Franchised margins Source: Adapted from McDonaldââ¬â¢s (2011), 2011 Annual Report, p. 5. 2010 28 166 15 049 11 373 6 559 61 147 3 239 2 063 686 476 6 464 2009 26 737 14 573 9 871 5 747 56 928 3 031 1 998 559 397 5 985 29 739 17 243 13 041 7 625 67 648 3 436 2 400 858 538 7 232 Selection of franchisees for a cultural fit with McDonaldââ¬â¢s One of the key reasons McDonaldââ¬â¢s believes it is successful is that it maintains the highest standards of operational excellence while creating individual opportunities. Having dynamic individuals who are able to create high performance environments within their local stores is crucial for franchisee success. Franchisees must also be great brand ambassadors and run outstanding restaurants to deliver on the McDonaldââ¬â¢s brand promise. Global Strategy and Leadership Page 6 of 20 For example, great care is taken in recruiting, screening, training, developing and retaining qualified franchisees. When considering potential franchisees, the company looks for people who â⬠¢ â⬠¢ â⬠¢ â⬠¢ â⬠¢ â⬠¢ â⬠¢ are looking to make a 20-year commitment; aspire to become an integral part of the community as an employer, service provider and local business leader; are energetic and take a hands-on approach; have had a successful business or career, demonstrated significant team leadership and know how to get the most out of people; accept that McDonaldââ¬â¢s will be the franchiseeââ¬â¢s only business, and the franchisee must be prepared to put in hard work and long hours to make it a success; will commit themselves to being full time in the business rather than an absentee investor; and are able to make a significant financial investment. McDonaldââ¬â¢s provides extensive training and ongoing support to franchisees. Franchisee candidates must complete the McDonaldââ¬â¢s Applicant Training Program which goes for a minimum of nine months full time and is un paid. This is a comprehensive program designed to provide training in all aspects of operating a McDonaldââ¬â¢s restaurant and to assist McDonaldââ¬â¢s in evaluating a franchisee applicant. It also allows the applicant to evaluate McDonaldââ¬â¢s and get a true understanding of what it takes to run a restaurant. Most of this training takes place in a restaurant, with some formal classroom sessions which include seminars, conferences and one-on-one sessions with corporate staff. It is essential that they agree to the philosophy of working within the framework of the McDonaldââ¬â¢s system. McDonaldââ¬â¢s is looking for people who are prepared to follow a proven systemââ¬âone based on 50 years of experience. Franchisees are advised that if they are not good at taking advice, they should not become a McDonaldââ¬â¢s franchisee. McDonaldââ¬â¢s does not ââ¬Ëexpect franchisees to re-invent the wheelââ¬â¢, but ââ¬Ëto make it turn fasterââ¬â¢ (McDonaldââ¬â¢s NZ 2012, p. 3). Franchisees must operate the franchise according to McDonaldââ¬â¢s quality, service, cleanliness and value standards. In addition, franchisees must use McDonaldââ¬â¢s â⬠¢ â⬠¢ â⬠¢ â⬠¢ â⬠¢ formulae and specifications for menu items; methods of operation, approved suppliers, inventory control, bookkeeping, accounting and marketing; trademarks; concepts and restaurant design, signage and equipment layout; and information systems. Franchise investment Under the conventional franchise agreement, franchisees provide a portion of the capital required by initially investing in the equipment, signs, seating and decor of their restaurant business, and by reinvesting in the business over time. The company owns the land and building or secures long-term leases for both company-operated and conventional franchised restaurant sites. This maintains long-term occupancy rights, helps control related costs and assists in alignment with franchisees. In certain circumstances, the company participates in reinvestment for conventional franchise restaurants. Under developmental franchise arrangements, franchisees provide capital for the entire business, including the real estate interest, and the Company has no capital invested. In addition, the company has an equity investment in a limited number of affiliates that invest in real estate and operate and/or franchise restaurants within a particular market where foreign ownership may be restricted, such as Japan and China. As a matter of policy, McDonaldââ¬â¢s does not make direct sales of food or materials to franchisees, instead organising the supply of food and materials to restaurants through approved third-party logistics operators. For successful applicants, the franchisee must make a substantial financial contribution to the business, summarised as follows in Table 5 for an Australian franchise. Global Strategy and Leadership Page 7 of 20 Table 5: Example of McDonaldââ¬â¢s Australia franchisee investment and ongoing contribution Term of franchise Ongoing fees 20 Years A monthly service/royalty fee based on a percentage of the restaurantââ¬â¢s gross sales (currently 5%). A monthly rental, being a fixed base rent and a percentage of the restaurantââ¬â¢s gross sales. A monthly advertising contribution of not less than 4% of gross sales. All outgoings including rates and utilities. Initial costs Licence fee paid to McDonaldââ¬â¢s on or prior to the commencement of the franchise. Stamp duty may be payable on the documentation (stamp duty laws vary from state to state so franchisees must obtain their own legal advice). Security deposit for the performance of the franchise. Documentation fee. Approximate cost of staff training, salaries, purchase of trading stock, living expenses whilst training and other start-up expenses. Approximate cost of kitchen equipment, signage, seating, decor, air conditioning and landscaping (paid to suppliers). AUD 15 000 AUD 3 000 AUD 160 000ââ¬âAUD 200 000 (indicative) AUD 1. 7 million (indicative) AUD 60 000 plus GST Source: Adapted from McDonaldââ¬â¢s Australia (2012), ââ¬ËBecoming a key ingredient in our success: McDonaldââ¬â¢s Australia franchising overviewââ¬â¢, p. 6. In addition, a franchisee must maintain a maximum of 75 per cent debt to assets ratio for the entire term of their franchise agreement. Hence, McDonaldââ¬â¢s will not allow borrowings to be more than 75 per cent of the total asset value of the restaurant. If purchasing an existing restaurant, McDonaldââ¬â¢s will not permit the purchaser to borrow more than 75 per cent of the McDonaldââ¬â¢s agreed valuation. These stringent financial requirements are to ensure a sustainable return for the franchisee and the long-term viability of the restaurant for McDonaldââ¬â¢s. In 2011, McDonaldââ¬â¢s total revenue from franchisees was USD 8. 7 billion, comprised as follows in Table 6. Table 6: McDonaldââ¬â¢s Corporation revenues from franchised restaurants, 2009 to 2011 2011 Rents Royalties Initial fees Total franchised sales 5 718. 5 2 929. 8 64. 9 8 713. 2 2010 5 198. 4 2 579. 2 63. 7 7 841. 3 2009 4 841. 0 2 379. 8 65. 4 7 286. 2 Source: Adapted from McDonaldââ¬â¢s (2011), 2011 Annual Report, p. 35. Global Strategy and Leadership Page 8 of 20 Part D: A timeline of McDonaldââ¬â¢s development When 1940 1948 1949 1955 1958 1959 1962 1963 1965 1966 1967 1968 1971 1973 1974 1975 1978 1979 1981 1983 1987 1990 1996 2000 2002 2003 2006 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 Milestone Dick and Mac McDonald open McDonaldââ¬â¢s Bar-B-Q restaurant in California, US, with a large menu and car hop service Restaurant closes for three months of renovations and re-opens as a self-service, drive-in restaurant French fries replace potato chips on the menu, triple-thick milkshakes make their debut Ray Kroc becomes National Franchising Agent and opens McDonaldââ¬â¢s franchise in Illinois, US The 100 millionth hamburger is sold The 100th restaurant is opened in Wisconsin, US McDonaldââ¬â¢s in Denver, Colorado, US, becomes the first restaurant with inside seating The 500th McDonaldââ¬â¢s opens in Ohio, US First public stock offering at USD 22. 50 per share; 700 McDonaldââ¬â¢s restaurants throughout the US First TV commercial. Ronald McDonald appears in his first US TV commercial, appearing o n a flying hamburger in one-minute colour spots on the NBC and CBS networks McDonaldââ¬â¢s goes internationalââ¬âthe first international restaurants open in Canada and Puerto Rico The Big Mac, developed by an owner/operator in Illinios, US, is added to the national menu Ronald McDonald gets new friendsââ¬âHamburglar, Grimace, Mayor McCheese, Captain Crook and the Big Mac join Ronald McDonald in McDonaldLand Quarter Pounder with heese is added to the menu First Ronald McDonald House opens in Philadelphia, US Breakfast at McDonaldââ¬â¢sââ¬âthe Egg McMuffin, created by owner/operator from Santa Barbara, California, US, added to national menu The 5000th restaurant opens in Japan Happy Meals debut to coincide with the International Year of the Child First restaurants open in Spain, Denmark and the Philippines 7778 restaurants by year end in 32 countries Fresh salads added Moscow, Russia, restaurant opens McDonalds. com launched Fruit ââ¬â¢n Yoghurt Parfait introduced McHappy Day first heldââ¬â20 November 2002 designated as World Childrenââ¬â¢s Day, with McDonaldââ¬â¢s donating USD 1 from every Big Mac sold to childrenââ¬â¢s charities worldwide Plan to Win strategic framework launched Snack Wrap introducedââ¬âgrilled and crispy chicken wraps Global packaging redesign, focused on environmentally friendly and common packaging worldwide McCafe goes national in US. McCafe coffees including lattes, cappuccinos and mochas added to menu McCafe Real Fruit Smoothies and Frappes introduced Opens restaurants in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Trinidad and Tobagoââ¬ânow operates in 119 countries Shamrock Shake, a mint green milkshake which was launched in 1970 and sold on St Patrickââ¬â¢s Day only, now added to menu and sold all year round in US Source: Adapted from McDonaldââ¬â¢s (2012b), ââ¬ËOur company, McDonaldââ¬â¢s historyââ¬â¢ (accessed February 2013). End of Case Study 1 case facts. Global Strategy and Leadership Page 9 of 20 Case Study 2 Upwardly mobile: The Australian mobile telecommunications carrier industry A Introductionââ¬âMobile telecommunications around the world The global mobile telecommunications carrier industry is one of the largest global communication sectors, with global revenue growing at around 5 per cent annually. Mobile telecommunications is now an established industry separate from the broader telecommunicat ions industry. This industry has over six billion users worldwide and about USD 970 billion in annual revenue (Vodafone 2012). The industry comprises companies, known as carriers, who provide mobile telephone services to business and consumer customers. The global industry has several major segments including mobile voice, text and data services. Having experienced fast growth over the last 30 years, mobile voice and text services have reached maturity in the developed markets of Europe and the United States. This maturation is primarily due to increasing competitive and regulatory pressures 1 that have lowered prices, together with the slower pace of economic activity. Global emerging markets, such as those in Asia and Africa, are experiencing strong demand for traditional voice and text services as mobile phone penetration grows in tandem with economic growth. In contrast, the increasing demand for data services is providing strong growth in the developed markets. For example, in 2006, data services accounted for 6 per cent of mobile telecommunications carrier revenue, whereas in 2011 they accounted for 20 per cent and are expected to rise further over the medium term. Demand for data services is driven by the higher penetration of ââ¬Ësmartphonesââ¬â¢ that integrate voice, text and multimedia messages, with internet, music and social networking (e. g. iPhones), combined with significant enhancements to network data speed and coverage, and an increased range of mobile applications (Vodafone 2012). Data services are forecast to be the strongest growing segment of the global mobile telecommunications carrier industry, with estimates that, from 2011 to 2016, worldwide mobile data revenue will grow by USD 142 billion, compared to a USD 27 billion decline in voice revenue over the same period (Vodafone 2012). Another key driver of growth in developed markets globally is technological innovation in the form of upgraded networks 2 and innovative products and services. Innovations in technology are also bringing new competitors in the form of internet service providers (ISPs) and software companies who offer converged services such as Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP; services (e. g. Skype) which provide internet transmission of voice communications). Japan is a global leader in many aspects of telecommunications, and the Japanese Government has played a strong role in shaping the development of the telecommunications industry. Japan has ââ¬Ëone of the worldââ¬â¢s leading mobile telecommunication markets, not only in terms of size but also in terms of innovation and its ability to be early with the introduction of advanced technologiesââ¬â¢ (Budde 2012a). The trends in the Japanese market suggest ongoing competition on price and the importance of continual product and service innovation such as cloud-computing services and online storage, which encourage greater data usage by allowing users to store data on shared (ââ¬Ëcloudââ¬â¢) servers rather than mobile devices. Similarly, South Korea is a leader in the global mobile telecommunications industry, with strong government support to help transform that country into the knowledge era. The industry has experienced strong growth and a trend toward value-added products and services. This growth is coming at the decline of traditional fixed line services. For example, in the United States about 22 per cent of households are mobile only and do not have a fixed line, whereas in Australia about 14 per cent of households are mobile onlyââ¬âup 2 per cent from the previous year and suggesting an ongoing trend away from fixed line to mobile-only households (Bartholomeusz 2012). 1 2 Regulators continue to impose policies to lower the cost of access to mobile networks through setting lower mobile termination rates (the fees mobile companies charge for calls received from other companiesââ¬â¢ networks) and to limit the amount that operators can charge for mobile roaming servicesââ¬â¢ (Vodafone 2012, p. 18). A mobile network is a number of transceivers or base stations located across an area of land that provide radio frequency coverage for the transmission of voice and data signals between communication devices such as smartphones. Global Strategy and Leadership Page 10 of 20 B The Australian mobile telecommunications carrier industry Australiaââ¬â¢s mobile telecommunications carrier (AMTC) industry is one of the most profitable industries in the broader Australian telecommunications sector, with revenue of AUD 20 billion in 2011ââ¬â12. The industry is made up of carriers who supply, operate and maintain mobile telecommunication network services that deliver communications through the airwaves rather than through fixed copper or fibre cables. Consistent with the trend in the global industry, the AMTC industry is moving toward the maturity stage of its life cycle, with some segments in the industry expanding faster than the Australian economy as technology drives growth through network upgrades and innovative products. The industry currently has over 30 million mobile phone subscribers in Australia, with mobile phone penetration level at around 90 per cent (ACMA 2011a), or 130 per cent when customers with multiple SIM and mobile broadband cards 3 are included (Shulman 2012b, p. 7). 1 AMTC industry products and services Growth in the industry has shifted from mobile voice communications to data transmission services, such as multimedia messaging service (MMS), mobile TV and internet, music streaming, interactive gaming and global positioning system (GPS) mapping. Smartphones have enabled the convergence of the industry with this growing range of products and services functional on the one device. Revenue for the major segments is set out in Table 1, with key segments discussed. Table 1: AMTC industry revenue by segment (AUD in millions) Year 2005ââ¬â06 (a) 2006ââ¬â07 (a) 2007ââ¬â08 (a) 2008ââ¬â09 (a) 2009ââ¬â10 (a) 2010ââ¬â11 (a) 2011ââ¬â12 (a) 2012ââ¬â13 (f) 2013ââ¬â14 (f) 2014ââ¬â15 (f) 2015ââ¬â16 (f) 2016ââ¬â17 (f) Equipment 990 1 190 1 330 1 650 1 990 2 090 2 603 2 750 2 810 2 900 3 100 3 300 Voice 10 010 9 790 9 490 9 150 8 800 8 450 7 210 6 120 5 450 4 690 4 010 3 450 Messaging 1 090 1 450 1 862 2 060 2 450 2 940 3 405 3 450 4 040 4 600 4 900 5 450 Non-messaging data 320 650 1 290 2 100 3 020 4 050 5 608 6 420 7 300 8 200 8 990 10 032 Mobile commerce 310 390 560 760 900 1 010 1 204 2 270 2 550 3 800 4 280 5 349 Total industry 12 720 13 470 14 532 15 720 17 160 18 540 20 030 21 010 22 150 24 190 25 280 27 581 Note: (a) = actual, (f) = forecast. The figures provided in this table are simulated. a Equipment The sale of handsets and other mobile devices provides a significant and growing share of industry revenue, driven by innovations in high-value smartphones and tablets (mobile computers such as iPads and Kindles that are operated primarily by touchscreen). b Voice Voice services, made up of call charges and access fees, generated the largest source of revenue in the industry in 2011ââ¬â12. This segment has benefited from the migration of consumers from fixed services (landlines) to mobile services as adoption of mobile technology has become widely accepted. However, the segment has become saturated and commoditised, 4 and is now in the decline stage of its product life cycle. In order to reduce customer ââ¬Ëchurnââ¬â¢ (loss of customers to rival carriers), there has been a trend to offer capped plans with free call minutes and message services. This trend has resulted in decreasing average revenue per user (ARPU) and hence voice revenue as a 3 4 SIM (subscriber identity module) and mobile broadband cards store and verify the identity of the mobile phone user. ââ¬ËCommoditisedââ¬â¢ means the price of a product or service falls as it become widely available and standardised. Global Strategy and Leadership Page 11 of 20 proportion of total mobile revenue has fallen during the last five years. This decrease is expected to continue as competition in the voice segment continues to intensify, and as consumers continue to switch to mobile VoIP and the Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMax 5) mobile broadband system. Messaging The increasing demand for text/SMS (short message service) and MMS has provided major growth for the industry over the last five years, as consumers switch from voice calls to these types of communications. As well as individual use, businesses are increasingly using SMS as a form of cus tomer communication. d Non-messaging data Technological innovations in the form of new generation networks and integrated handset products have driven strong growth in the demand for, and use of, non-messaging data (ACMA 2011b). Non-messaging data includes mobile internet, media updates, music streaming, mobile TV, gaming and GPS mapping (Shulman 2012b, p. 15). This growth is expected to continue through to 2016ââ¬â17, boosted by the proliferation of high data usage devices such as smartphones and tablets (Shulman 2012b, p. 15). Mobile carriers have enabled the growth of non-messaging data through the provision of mobile broadband that has enabled high-speed internet access to mobile devices, increased data usage allowances, and access to a variety of content. e Mobile commerce Mobile commerce (M-commerce) refers to commercial transactions, typically payment services, between customers and merchants that are operated on mobile devices such as smartphones or tablets. M-commerce provides customers with a convenient and accessible service for making transactions. Applications include mobile banking services, buying goods and services, and paying for car parking, flights and concert tickets (Shulman 2012b, pp. 15ââ¬â16). M-commerce is predicted to provide a source of revenue growth in the AMTC industry, as consumers increasingly make these transactions using their mobile devices rather than desktop or laptop computers. 2 AMTC industry trends Australia is an advanced country in terms of mobile telecommunications. About 90 per cent of adults own a mobile phone, with a high level of smartphone penetration with about 37 per cent of mobile phone subscribers using a smartphone (ACMA 2011b). Following in the steps of the global industry, the AMTC industry is transforming into a digital era of new generation networks, increasing data usage, and innovative mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets. Industry growth is underpinned by the fact that mobile phones, and in particular smartphones, have become the primary means of communication in Australia. This growth has also been driven by lower prices that have commoditised voice services and tightened business margins. a Network upgrades Mobile network technologies and infrastructures provide a set of standards for mobile devices and telecommunication services that comply with international standards. Periodically these network technologies are upgraded to a new generation. Each new generation of mobile technology is typically characterised by different frequency bands, wider bandwidth and improved data transmission rates. The improving availability and coverage of upgraded carrier networks has driven increased demand in the industry. The progression from second generation (2G) to third generation (3G) networks, and the rollout of fourth generation (4G) from 2011, continues to invigorate industry growth with superior functionality and lower data transmission prices, leading to increased demand. 6 The rollout of 4G technology will enable a variety of data services, such that revenue from data is forecast to outweigh revenue from voice over the years to 2016ââ¬â17 (Shulman 2012a, p. 4). 5 6 WiMax is a fourth generation mobile broadband system that provides data speeds of up to 1 gigabyte per second, and data exchanges across greater distances. WiMax applications include mobile broadband connectivity between cities and countries, and are an alternative to cable and digital subscriber line (DSL) for ââ¬Ëlast mileââ¬â¢ broadband access to customers. G, introduced in Australia in 1987, was an analogue network that was superseded by the 2G digital network from 1993. 2G offered data services (e. g. texting), and improved network capacity and data security. 3G commenced in 2005, with enhanced speed and services, including internet connectivity, MMS and music/video downloads. (Next G is a Telstra 3G network. ) 4G commenced rollout in 2011 and is designed especially for data transmission, with faster speeds and reduced network congestion that let users access fast internet connection, high definition TV and video conferencing from their mobile devices. GSM is one of the early, very basic, networks. Global Strategy and Leadership Page 12 of 20 Wireless networks now cover 99 per cent of the Australian population. Telstra was the first telecommunications company in the world to build a nationwide 3G network. More broadly, the rollout of 4G, combined with the implementation of the Australian Governmentââ¬â¢s AUD 43 billion National Broadband Network (NBN), 7 will speed the entry of the Australian economy into the digital era. This in turn will embed the importance of telecommunication services in the activities of consumers and businesses. b Data consumption Improvements in mobile and smartphone technologies have underscored a shift in demand from voice traffic to data traffic, 8 including messaging, non-messaging data and M-commerce. The development and widespread uptake of applications for mobile devices, in particular smartphones, has generated large revenue gains in non-messaging data. Australia has the third highest penetration of 3G handsets, behind only Japan and South Korea (ACMA 2011a). Online banking, internet browsing and video streaming from sites such as YouTube and live sports websites have contributed significantly. According to Shulman (2012a, p. 4), this trend will continue to 2016ââ¬â17, with data becoming the primary source of industry revenue. A second key driver of this trend to data traffic is improved network capacity and functionality and cheaper data prices, which are helping to drive strong growth in data consumption. Faster speeds and lower data prices are supporting ââ¬Ënew value added features for mobile phones and will improve the functionality of Internet connectivity via a wireless data card. This will further increase bandwidth usage as internet browsing, mobile applications (apps [software that allows users direct access to content or websites such as as banking, shopping, entertainment, and social networking]), mobile TV and M-commerce are all forecast to grow concurrently with accelerating network speedsââ¬â¢ (Shulman 2012b, p. 9). The rollout of 4G is expected to provide a further boost to data consumption from mobile and data cards, with the advent of demand for super-fast mobile services. c Convergence Advances in technology have broken down industry barriers in the telecommunication sector. The bundling of products and services is now an industry standard. Voice, video, transaction, media and information services are packaged together on mobile devices. Smartphones in particular have driven the convergence of communication products and services in the AMTC industry. Overseas trends suggest that industry convergence will continue as the importance of data increases and the distinction between ISPs and mobile telecommunication carriers dissolves. The global trend is for companies that previously operated in non-telecommunication industries, such as cable operators, mobile-TV technology providers, content owners and search providers, to look to move into the telecommunications sector. To gain greater control over the supply chain major market, participants will want to fully integrate and operate across key distribution channels. This will necessitate that the wired and mobile markets coexist within the media, IT and communications sectors (Shulman 2012a, p. 10). While convergence will drive growth in the AMTC industry, it will also increase the level of competition and hence have a neutral impact on profitability. d Consumer behaviour As the segment composition of the industry has changed over time, so has customer behaviour towards carriers. Mobile communication consumers select a carrier to provide their mobile telecommunication needs. Portability of mobile phone numbers means that a consumer can take their number with them if they change from one carrier to another. Consumers can sign up with a carrier with either a prepaid or postpaid plan. 9 With the proliferation of higher functionality smartphones, there is a trend from prepaid to postpaid subscription by consumers. This shift will increase ARPU, which is currently AUD 61 for postpaid subscribers versus AUD 18 for prepaid subscribers. The Generation Y demographic (18ââ¬â35 year olds) will produce increasing ARPU over the years to 2016ââ¬â17 as they take up postpaid contracts for access to high cost and high value 3G- and 4G-enabled smartphones and use significant data services. Growing consumer understanding and acceptance of mobile devices, and the variety of mobile data services available, will support greater demand in the industry. Smartphone penetration and turnover is higher in the Generation X and Y demographics (people born between 1966 and 1994), as these groups look for new features and products. These trends are significant, given that the Generation X and Y demographics are the largest in Australia, making up over one-third of the population. 7 8 9 The NBN involves the rollout of fibre-to-the-home (FTTH), or high-speed fixed-wire broadband, to 93 per cent of premises in Australia. Data traffic is a term used to describe the transmission and flow of data. This includes messaging, non-messaging data and mobile commerce. Prepaid plans have a contract period (e. g. 4 months) and the consumer pays in advance per month for a set amount of value for calls, SMS and mobile internet data. When the limit is reached, usage is restricted or charged at substa ntially higher rates. Postpaid plans are usually monthly contracts that provide a set amount of value which can be exceeded and charged at the same rate and which the customer pays in arrears. Global Strategy and Leadership Page 13 of 20 An increasing proportion of Australians now have a range of communication devices and options, with a shift from fixed to mobile voice and data. Young Australians in particular are choosing to communicate using mobile devices or social networking via their computers or laptops, smartphones and VoIP. According to ACMA, ââ¬Ëgender, age and location appear to be primary drivers of the shift towards mobile phone-only living, with males, those aged 25ââ¬â34 years, and people residing in metropolitan areas of Australia most likely to not have a fixed-line telephone in the homeââ¬â¢ (ACMA 2011a, p. 17). With the growing range of voice and data communication devices comes a greater dependency of households and businesses as they subscribe to these mobile services: ââ¬ËThe all-encompassing product range is allowing a growing number of consumers, sole proprietors and small businesses to rely solely on wireless services for delivering all their communication needs. Such dependency is facilitating a boom in mobile usageââ¬â¢ (Shulman 2012a, p. 7). Government oversight Historically, the Australian telecommunications sector was subject to strong government controls and monopoly structures protected by legislation in the form of Telstra (formerly Telecom Australia, renamed Tels tra Corporation Ltd in 1993), the previously government-controlled telecommunications company (Shulman 2012). Since 1989, the sector has been progressively deregulated and opened to competition. The Telecommunications Act 1991 (Cwlth) issued two additional mobile network licences, granted to Optus and Vodafone Hutchison Australia (VHA), which has set up a tripartite market. Legislation in 1997 established a regulatory framework and industry codes and standards, and provided greater scope for industry self-regulation. Pricing, spectrum licensing and access are the three main areas of regulatory control, as described below. The Australian Consumer and Competition Commission (ACCC) has the power to set the pricing that carriers can charge for access to their networks. This pricing power encourages competition in the industry and acts to limit the power and profitability of the three main carriers. Telstra notes that ââ¬Ëwe are required to provide certain services to our competitors using our networks based on the ACCC calculation of the efficient costs of providing these services. In many cases we believe that the ACCC proposes prices that are below our efficient cost of supply â⬠¦ There is no right to a merits review of ACCC decisionsââ¬â¢ (Telstra 2012a, p. 16). The Australian Government controls the availability of the spectrum licences that assign the specific airspace on which mobile signals are transmitted and which operators require to provide mobile services within geographic areas and frequencies. 10 According to Shulman (2012b, p. 27), government policy decisions are required to reissue spectrum licences, and release new spectrum licences. Access to spectrum is a key factor in supporting the rollout of new mobile devices and services. The regulation of access to mobile network services is a third critical factor in the AMTC industry: ââ¬ËUnder the Trade Practices Amendment (Telecommunications) Act 1997, network services can be ââ¬Å"declaredâ⬠whereupon carriers supplying network services are under an obligation to supply the services to requesting service providers. Thus, once a service has been declared, it is essentially under the control of the regulatory frameworkââ¬â¢ (Shulman 2012, p. 39). Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) and Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) 11 services are declared services subject to regulated access pricing, while the 3G network is not subject to regulation. The potential for the government to mandate the opening up of a carrierââ¬â¢s mobile network to rivals is likely to increase competition and reduce the profitability of one or other of the three main carriers. There is speculation, for example, that the Australian Government may make the 4G network a declared service. 3 AMTC industry competition Strong industry growth, combined with industry deregulation, contributed to the globalisation of the AMTC industry with the entrance of competitors, most notably Optus and Vodafone Hutchison Australia (VHA). a Industry competitors As at 2012, the AMTC industry is highly concentrated with the three major competitorsââ¬âTelstra, Optus and VHAââ¬â accounting for about 90 per cent of industry revenue (Shulman 2012b, p. 22). Over the last seven years the market shares of these competitors have not changed significantly, with Telstra at about 40 per cent, Optus 30 per cent, and VHA 25 per cent. Competition is intense among these carriers, each of which has its own full-coverage mobile networks. VHA and Optus introduced strong price competition to the market with capped plans (prepaid and postpaid) and handset subsidies that give consumers low-price handsets as part of their contract. Shulman (2012b, p. 24) estimates that prices have fallen by around 5 per cent per annum over the past five years. 10 11 This airspace is becoming scarce due to the boom in mobile data transmission. CDMA is a transmission method that allows multiple users to use the same channel. Global Strategy and Leadership Page 14 of 20 The level of competition in the AMTC industry is high, given the regulated access to networks and the commoditised nature of voice and messaging services in which competition based on price is very strong. The three major carriers compete against telecommunication resellers who buy capacity on their network services then resell it to consumers, and they also compete against mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs) such as Virgin Mobile. MVNOs use an existing mobile network to sell a service linked to other branded services. For example, Woolworths, an Australian listed company with a significant presence in the retail sector, established an MVNO with Optus (Shulman 2012b, p. 26). Telstra The largest industry competitor, Telstra, is discussed in detail in Section C of this case study. Optus Optus is an integrated communications company that provides mobile, national and international services, local telephony and internet services to 9. 5 million customers in Australia. It is the second largest competitor in the AMTC industry. Optus is now a 100 per-cent-owned subsidiary of Singapore Telecommunications Ltd (SingTel), the biggest Asian-based communications group, with operations in over 20 countries and about 470 million mobile customers. SingTel is restructuring Optus following a drop in sales and revenue in 2012. ââ¬ËSingTel â⬠¦ reduced the workforce at Optus in Australia by about 10 per cent and is changing how it sells to consumers â⬠¦ Customers will see more Optusbranded distribution channels â⬠¦ Optus is cutting licensing to other retailers and adding its own stores to compete with its rival [Telstra], which has rolled out faster mobile-phone networks to expand market shareââ¬â¢ (Chen 2012). Optus was the second carrier in Australia to commence the rollout of a 4G network in some of Australiaââ¬â¢s metropolitan areas in September 2012: ââ¬ËOptus has revealed prices that are cheaper, with larger download limits, than Telstraââ¬â¢s plans â⬠¦ [However] Optus cannot extend its 4G network into regional areas for several years because it does not yet have suitable low-frequency spectrum availableââ¬â¢ (Battersby 2012). With the slowdown in customer growth in the Australian market, Optus is now focusing on improving the customer experience in order to achieve more profitable growth. VHA VHA is a joint venture between the Vodafone Group and Hutchison Whampoa. The Vodafone Group is one of the worldââ¬â¢s largest mobile companies with a well-known brand, operations in over 70 countries and over 400 million customers. The large scale of the Vodafone Group provides strong economies of scale in purchasing and the rationalisation of operations, as well as off-shoring shared services to lower-cost locations such as India and Hungary. A key part of the Vodafone Group strategy is to achieve growth in mobile data services, particularly in the developed markets. The Vodafone Group aims to grow revenue from data services by upgrading and improving its networks to lead the market. This entails providing a faster and more reliable service, greater network coverage and capacity, and enhanced customer service. To enable this growth, the Vodafone Group plans to stimulate demand by informing and encouraging customers to take up the range of data services that are available now and that are being developed as networks are upgraded and new mobile devices released: ââ¬ËVodafone, together with a number of other leading operators, has developed the next wave in personal mobile communications known as rich communication services which will enable data services such as instant messaging or live chat, live video sharing and file transfer across any device and on any network â⬠¦ Vodafone is also developing a range of new services to generate additional revenue and enhance the customer experience such as mobile commerce, machine-to-machine and operator billingââ¬â¢ (Vodafone 2012, p. 19). Hutchison Whampoa, the other partner in the VHA joint venture, is also a leading global operator of mobile telecommunications and data services, with over 60 million customers and a strong focus on innovative mobile technology. VHA operates the Vodafone, 3, and Crazy Johnââ¬â¢s brands, and has nearly seven million customers. VHA provides 3G coverage to 94 per cent of Australians. VHA has performed poorly in recent times due to network coverage difficulties, delays to network upgrades, and poor customer service that has resulted in the loss of one million customers in the two years to July 2012. In the first half of 2012 Bill Morrow was appointed as the new chief executive officer (CEO), with a focus on improving network coverage, capacity, speed and reliability, and improving customer experience. VHA has invested AUD 1 billion in upgrading its network with the rollout of a new 3G network, and in 2013 plans to commence the rollout of 4G in an effort to match Telstra and Optus: ââ¬ËFor Vodafone customers, this is translating into better coverage, better call quality and an improved mobile data experience on smartphones, tablets and mobile broadband devicesââ¬â¢ (Hutchison Telecoms 2012). Global Strategy and Leadership Page 15 of 20 b Alternative products and services The relatively high pricing of 3G and 4G network use has enabled competition from alternative services that operate on lower cost bases. This is offset by the carrierââ¬â¢s substantial investment to improve the availability and coverage of their networks. 1 2 Fixed telecommunications. This product has been in strong decline as consumers have terminated their fixed line phones and switched to mobiles as their first means of communication. Mobile and fixed VoIP. With the growth of the data services segment it is expected that: ââ¬Ëinternet service providers â⬠¦ that offer mobile connectivity via fixed networks will become direct competitive threats â⬠¦ For example, Skype allows users located in hotspots [sites (e. g. cafes and libraries) with wireless internet access for customers] to make free calls and send text messages via their mobile phone while completely bypassing traditional mobile networksââ¬â¢ (Shulman 2012b, p. 11). Wi-Fi 12 and WiMax. These fixed wireless networks provide data services at cheaper prices than the mobile networks. The use of these services is growing and they are predicted to become a profitable niche, particularly as the mobile networks are likely to struggle to cope with increased demands on their capacity. As the importance and usage of data transmission increases, ISPs offering WiMax technologies are forecast to pose a greater competitive threat to the AMTC industry. 3 c Barriers to entry There is a range of barriers to entry to the industry. The AMTC industry is capital intensive. According to Shulman (2012b, p. 27): ââ¬ËUpfront investment costs involved in the rollout of a network can be substantial; for example each GSM network station can cost up to $500 000 on top o How to cite Telstra and Mcdonalds, Papers
Monday, April 27, 2020
Where is the Childââ¬â¢s Environment A Group Socialization Theory of Development by Judith Rich Harris Essay Example
Where is the Childââ¬â¢s Environment? A Group Socialization Theory of Development by Judith Rich Harris Essay Judith Rich Harris maintains that children are more often than not, influenced by their peers more than their parents. Her article Where Is the Childs Environment? A Group Socialization Theory of Development, published in Psychological Review expounds on this theory. She starts right off as she recounts the history of what she calls the ââ¬Å"nurture assumption.â⬠The nurture assumption presupposes that parents give the environment where most of the childââ¬â¢s personality develops. Before Freud, the role of parents was not that emphasized. However, as time progressed, the assumption then became implanted in oneââ¬â¢s social consciousness. According to Harris, parents spend years loving and raising children. Children turn out to be much like their parents but the environment, especially his peer groups are big influencers of a personââ¬â¢s actions. Some experts elucidate the issue deeper by asking why siblings turn out to be different from one another if they have the same parents with whom they grow up with. If the parents do not influence much, Harris maintains that the ââ¬Å"group socialization theoryâ⬠posits that children do not necessarily bring the learned behavior from one context to another. The author argues that children are able to fit their personalities depending upon the context to where they are exposed. This only goes to show that children naturally imitate adults where they imitate their actions and become happy when they receive approval. In the homes, parents are in charge, but when children go out into their schools and see their classmates, they prefer to play with them than their parents . We will write a custom essay sample on Where is the Childââ¬â¢s Environment? A Group Socialization Theory of Development by Judith Rich Harris specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on Where is the Childââ¬â¢s Environment? A Group Socialization Theory of Development by Judith Rich Harris specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on Where is the Childââ¬â¢s Environment? A Group Socialization Theory of Development by Judith Rich Harris specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer After some time, these children find that socialization becomes more sophisticated. They usually adopt the groupââ¬â¢s styles of speaking and dressing. The author even states that older children are able to find some children in school with whom they pattern their actions. Even the academic performance of a child changes to fit the group to where he or she belongs. Thus, this contrasts with the view that the home environment is the main determinant of academic performance. The urge for independence and achievement can be a highly motivating drive for a child. When children challenge themselves and each other, during their socialization, they usually will go only as high as they feel safe. Wise teachers stay close by when one child is encouraging another child to go beyond where that child feels safe, because this is a situation that often creates fear, and the child may let go if scared. Adults should avoid motivating one child to achieve heights or speed just because another has. à If a child is prone to show off to other children or to adults, this too is a situation of danger. Once a child learns a skill, they need to find a new feat that is now appropriate. The parent or the teacher can then help their children to develop the foundation upon which good values are built. The guidance of the teacher should be very personalââ¬âgiven directly to the child in quiet, reassuring tones. Shouts across the play yard are usually totally ineffective. Children do not know that one means the shouts for them, and they may actually not hear what is said. Harrisââ¬â¢ belief that peer influences are now more than what parents show can have several implications.à The author maintains that the children are able to blend in a group and learn many things from individuals in that context.à Children play a role in their own socialization. As most parents will say, children are sometimes the ones responsible for how they are treated by others. One knows that if he smiles, he is more likely to get a smile back. The way one socializes with children often is influenced by their reaction to the other person.à They respond differently physiologically to various experiences. This is evident because children have individual differences in activity level, adapting to new situations. How other children respond to another childââ¬â¢s temperaments influences the socialization process. If there is a ââ¬Å"goodness of fitâ⬠between a childââ¬â¢s temperament and his or her caregivers, then socialization is likely to proceed smoothly . An example is if the child does not get used to new things slowly, then socialization is likely to be smooth. If, on the other hand, the fit between the childââ¬â¢s temperament and the caregiversââ¬â¢ is poor, socialization is likely to be rough. For example if the child is very active, responds intensely to people and things, and is moody, and the caregivers force him or her to sit still, punish him or her for crying or being frightened, and demandà a smile most of the time, then socialization may turn out to be a battleground of wills. As infants become children, adolescents and then adults, they interact with more people and have more experiences. In so doing, they acquire skills, knowledge, à à attitudes, values, motives, habits, beliefs, interests, morals and ideals. One may learn to read from the first-grade teacher. Thus, from the point of view of society, individuals are socialized to fit into an organized way of life. And from a personal point of view, socialization has enabled them to discover their selvesââ¬âtheir potentialities for personal growth and fulfillment. By going to school, children not only gain knowledge; they also find out in what subjects they do best. As members of a peer group, they not only learn to cooperate; they find out whether they are leaders or followers.
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