Death Of A Salesman Charatcer Dvelpomnet Essay Essays -

Death Of A Salesman Charatcer Dvelpomnet Essay A persons attitude is mostly what everyone around him or her will view them as. From this they can tell many things. Whether it is if the person is funny or down to earth or even irresponsible. Many times people change personalities often and they would be classified as being a dynamic type of person. A person who is doesnt change is classified as being a static character. Willy, from Death of a Salesman written by Arthur Miller, is a static character for his inability to grasp reality, his poor parenting and his constant lying to his wife. Foremost, Willy has a problem with his inability to grasp reality. As he grows older his mind is starting to slip. For example, when he talks to the woman and his brother Ben. Throughout the story, Willy dreams of talking to the woman, because the woman is a person that he was dating in when he went to Boston. He was cheating behind his wifes back. Willy basically uses her as a scapegoat when hes hallucinating about her. He blames all of his problems on the woman. For instance Willy says, Cause you do Theres so much I want to make for. (38) This is the evidence right here. Also he dreams about his brother Ben. Willy wishes could be more like his brother who has just passed away a couple of months previously to the story. He also wishes he didnt have to work and could be rich like Ben. He respects Ben for not really working and making a lot of money. Another example of Willys hallucinations are when he says, How are you all? (45) This occurs when Willy is talking with Charley and he starts thinking about Ben. Willys inability to grasp reality never changed throughout the story. Willy also has very poor parenting skills. He has two children Biff and Happy. Willy excuses Biff for a lot of events when he was younger. If Biff stole something, Willy just brushes it off and says that is was no big deal. He didnt even care when Biff failed math and did not graduate from high school. He measured success in how many people you knew not what your grades are. In one breath Willy would say that Biff is lazy and then in the next say hes not. A perfect example of this is when Willy says, Biff is a lazy bum! (16). It is actually chilling at times what he says. To Willy, Happy was not a success and he always thought that Biff was superior to Happy. Even though Happy has a good job and gets all of the women, Willy still doesnt care for Happy. Happy is a womanizer and he gets this from his father. Happy uses women just as his father does to the woman. On page 31 Willy says, You and Hap and I This summer, Heh? (31) This is perhaps the one time Willy is going to make peace wi th Happy and Biff. It is scary that there are fathers just like Willy out there throughout the world. Lastly, Willy has a very bad problem of lying to his wife. Most of the time it is about money and how much he makes. He tells her that he makes all this money but in actuality its nothing. Not even enough to pay the bills. Willy says, Well I- I did whole trip. (35) Linda however, still makes excuses for him and smoothes things over, just as Willy does for Biff. Willy also never tells Linda about the woman in Boston. To him its not important and thinks that if things stay the same everything will be okay. He also lies about Biff to her. She doesnt even know the truth about her own son. Also, he contradicts what he says to her. Linda says, And Willy take lunch. (18) These are prime examples of whats wrong with the family. In conclusion, Willy is a static character. He remains the same throughout the whole play. Which once again means that he is a static character, which means that his attitude doesnt change throughout the course of the story.

Descarte and Pierce Essays

Descarte and Pierce Essays Descarte and Pierce Essay Descarte and Pierce Essay Descartes and Peirce both believe in belief and doubt. However, Peirce argument and determination to find a solution to overcome doubt is much stronger than Descartes’. Peirce also makes it known that he is aware of belief in which Descartes does not. Their beliefs result from the notion of clear and distinct ideas. Peirce and Descartes are both rationalists who believe that there is an independent truth and they know it when they see it. The problem that exists is that Descartes and Peirce realize that their senses and ideas could lead to rejection and doubt. The difference between Peirce and Descartes argument is that Peirce argues that to understand the effects of something is to understand what it is. Peirce uses the example of objects which I think is very clever. From the notes it is stated, â€Å"Peirce asks if a hard thing is always hard or only hard when it comes in contact with an object†¦Ã¢â‚¬  Even though Peirce was confused as to what the answer or explanation was, he gave a good justification and explained that one has to understand the effects of things. Descartes believes in the method of hyperbolic doubt which expresses the doubt of any belief that he finds reason to do so. The reason why Descartes believes in the method of hyperbolic doubt is because his senses seemed to have failed him in the past. Therefore, he is not sure if he can trust his senses. Unlike Peirce, Descartes was always skeptical of what he was trying to find. However, his goal was to get rid of the beliefs that caused him to be so doubtful. Peirce has four methods that he tested to lead to belief over doubt. He uses these methods through the concept of inquiry which is to settle doubt. The method of tenacity explains that one should chose to belief whatever they want no matter what the odds may be. The second method that Peirce explains is authority which is the process of believing what is told believe and having to stick to it. The method of rationality is the process of believing what is reasonable. Peirce decided that none of these methods that he tested led to belief over doubt. He realized that the method of empirical investigation was the best method that resulted in belief over doubt. Empirical investigation is to be tested along with a belief and presented (21-22). He explains that this method proves that in reality we can have reasoning of how things really are according to perception. I think that Descartes would say that he agrees with Peirce to a certain extent. Peirce seems more determined to fight for belief than Descartes. However, I think that Descartes would argue that he is encouraged to avoid skepticism. Descartes defines senses as a part of the process of thinking. He also explains that we can use our senses to help us understand the true nature of things. Descartes struggled with doubt and his senses when he used his ontological proof that God existed. For example, he explains that he is aware that he is not perfect and he makes mistakes. He understands that he must know what perfect is in order to give someone the title. He knew that something perfect lead him to have these ideas and that it must exist. His definition of perfect is unique without the knowledge of anyone else and he defined it as God. For example, Descartes believes that God is perfect and deception is a sign of imperfection. Therefore, Descartes came to the conclusion that God cannot deceive. This example shows that Descartes did struggle to accept his own belief without doubting himself. His ontological argument proved, to Descartes, that through God everything must be true. However, he also starts to question whether existing is even through. He even explained that he had a dream and it turned out to be real. In reality, dreams are not real. Unlike Descartes, Peirce believes that with tenacity people can come to a conclusion of what is true rather than be doubtful. Peirce and Descartes both seem to believe that doubt and belief have different effects on humans but they are positive at the same time. For example, in the book Pragmatism in the section The Fixation of Belief by Louis Menand he states, â€Å"Belief does not make us act at once, but put us into such condition that we shall behave in a certain way, when the occasion arises† (13). In this section, Peirce continues on to explain that doubt can lead one to struggle to believe the truth. My position on the issue at stake is that Peirce and Descartes both have some similarities in their positions about belief and doubt. However, Descartes gives me every reason to continue to think that he is confused with life. First, he doubts his existence on earth. Second, he doubts the existence of God and his own physical being. The reason why I am more so on Peirce’s side is because he basically explains that one must have a clear perception on how to believe and have a belief so that they one can eventually understand the meaning of reasoning. It is clear that Descartes and Peirce have different concepts of belief. However, I feel that Peirce is more concerned with reality. I also feel that Descartes has to prove that his thoughts on belief are clear and meaningful to others while he continues to doubt himself. On the other hand, Peirce seems to let his thoughts speak alone. Moreover, Peirce also explains that he is determined to find out how does one come to find that something is true whereas Descartes is in the stage where he needs to find a ‘foundation’ and get rid of doubt as I mentioned before. In reference to Descartes hyperbolic doubt, personally, I think that Descartes focus is for one to automatically doubt everything and eventually notice that there are ideas and assumptions to face. I am uncertain of whether he wants people to doubt everything even when we are thinking of ideas but I do know that he sends a very confusing message especially compared to Peirce’s thoughts. I question Descartes theory of belief and doubt because how can he have a thought or theory about belief if cant make up his own mind about whether or not God exists? Why would the majority who believes in a god believe anything that he proposes after that? I most certainly would not. I understand that one has to go through trial and error in order to succeed and prove one’s point. However, I think that Descartes points are very weak because he jumps back and forth with every proposal or argument that he presents. He also confuses himself as to whether or not he wants to believe in existing, God, belief, doubt, and truth. In conclusion, I think that Peirce’s argument was presented the best. All of his arguments were strong and made a lot of sense. It is clear that he ended his argument with the belief in empirical investigation. From the notes, Peirce states that he believes that if investigation could possibly continue to its ultimate resolution, opinion would settle on one explanation of things. That explanation is what is real and true. He also makes it very clear that one cannot come up with a conclusion nor have a thought without knowing the foundation. Throughout the entire paper I have criticized Descartes work. However, I do believe that one argument that he presented made a lot of sense to me, believe it or not. He explained that even though he is a thinking thing and he can exist without physically being, he believes that he was a mind and body joined together and that one affects the other. I agree with this statement because, as we mentioned in class, I believe that the mind and body have to work together in order for both of them to function properly.

Anthropology. write an essay (3000 words maximum) on the development

Anthropology. write an (3000 words maximum) on the development of writing - Essay Example One of the oldest written references to King Solomon’s Temple is in form of inscription on a slice of clay. There are different types of writing systems which include logography, syllabaries, alphabets and featured scripts. The grapheme which represents a word or morpheme is called a logograph. They are commonly known as hieroglyphics. However, hieroglyphics represent ideas more than words (Brown, 1998: Pg 63). They are visual symbols rather than phonemes. All logographic scripts rely on the principle of rebus. This writing system includes Logoconsonantal scripts and logosyllabic scripts. It is a set of symbols that represents syllables. It is phonetic system of writing. Syllabaries are best suited to language with basic syllable structure, for example Japanese (Carter, 1984: Pg 123). Normally it is made of a consonant and a vowel or just a single vowel. The Inuktitut orientation the symbols are used to indentify vowels and small symbols are used to write syllable consonants. Alphabets can be defined as small set of symbols, each one historically represents phoneme of a particular language. A perfect phonological alphabet is the one in which letters correspond perfectly in different directions (Christin, 2002: Pg 87). Writers can predict the spelling of a word easily provided its pronunciation is given. Many languages often evolve of their writing systems and similarly the writing system have been borrowed other systems from different languages. The extent to which letters of an alphabet correspond with the phonemes varies from one language system to another. The featured scripts are the building blocks of phonemes which make up a language. For example the sound pronounced with lips can have some elements in common. It represents finer details than an alphabet. The history of written communication follows the path of civilization which in turn, moves in reaction to changing cultural norms. The transfer of information and

Research proposal Dissertation Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

Research proposal - Dissertation Example The errors encountered while trying to understand a second language are dependent on the method (s) of acquisition. Learning is not as faster as being taught in class. On the best possible way to teach a second language, several errors are realized while teaching a second language and thus the context should be set through the adoption of several teachings methods with more emphasis on the topic, the presenter and the setting. There is very little evidence on the errors experienced while trying to learn a second language. Statement of the Problem There is very little literature if any on errors of learning a second language and hence this proposal. However, Krashen, S. D. (1981) in his research study title principles and practice in second language learning points out that learning a new language depends on the feeling of correctness. Krashen developed several hypotheses and tried to prove them qualitatively arguing that quantitative research design may not give all that it is expect ed as directed by the research questions. To Krashen, the errors encountered while trying to understand a second language are dependent on the method (s) of acquisition. Learning is not as faster as being taught in class. Cook, V. (2000) in support of Krashen’s arguments points that learning a second language with success depends on the willingness and ability to graps the first language. To Cook, the in-ability to learn the first language means that learning a second language may be difficult. To gain a deeper understanding of the perceived errors in learning a second language, Cook employed the use of a sample from an entire population of non-English students in a linguist setting using stratified sampling for uniformity of the results. They were then required to read aloud several English words while recording their different scents. Cook was able to detect that, those that had acquired the English language by being taught has grasped it with finality while those that had learned on themselves were not that proficient. Banes (2002) in his research on the best possible way to teach a second language sums up saying that several errors are realized while teaching a second language and thus the context should be set through the adoption of several teachings methods with more emphasis on the topic, the presenter and the setting. The above citations are proof that there is very little evidence on the errors experienced while trying to learn a second language. Aims and Objectives The aims of the proposed study include; Establishing the impact of second language learning among Saudis; and Gauging perceptions of Saudis in relation to second language learning. This will be aimed at; Identifying the errors involved in learning a second language; Enabling policy makers to take a holistic approach in the learning systems; Identify key hindrances to second learning; and Proposing strategies/policies to the education sector; Sensitizing Saudis on the advantages of second language learning and the common errors made. Research Questions In the conducting the research, the researcher aims at answering the following research questions; Are Saudis aware of the advantages of learning a second

Diabetes Article Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 1

Diabetes - Article Example When conducting this research, I noticed that the methodology employed was representative because it employed random sampling thus avoided any instance of bias, the sample size of 190 participants was essential in minimizing the margin of error, and the study was approved the board of the university of Hawaii hence making it a professional research endeavor. The qualitative nature of design was essential in understanding the real effects of diabetes and offered the participants with an opportunity to offer their views.The data collection and analysis techniques were above standard because I noticed that a third layer analysis managed to examine the main subjects of the responses and identified the barriers to service needs of diabetes. When conducting the research, I found out that the results of the research fulfilled the objectives of the study. I discovered that the disease had pervasive effects on the lives of participants who had diabetic, there were a number of barriers to management of the conditions,participants needed psychological and social support to deal with emotional impacts of the disease, and need for monetary support was addressed. From my analysis and study, the conclusion managed to cover all issue involved in the findings and how they can be applied to the society in general. The study offered an insight on challenges of diabetes, how the challenges can be handled and future initiatives to combat the disease.As such, the conclusion is relevant to the study. My7 study does not have a clear implication of study how I can recommend that diabetes being a metabolic disease needs to be given much attention by healthcare fraternity, policy makers and the society in general. Landry Fukunaga, Denise Uehara and Tammy Tom.(2011).Perceptions of Diabetes, Barriers to Disease Management, and Service Needs: A Focus Group Study of Working Adults with Diabetes in

Case study McDonalds Business Plan

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

Biofuels Essay -- Environment, Fossil Fuels

In recent years environmental problems, especially the use of fossil fuels, has become one of the most commonly debated issues. It is widely known that fossil fuels are non-renewable resources and the use of fossil fuels harm the environment, such as the combustion process of fossil fuels that leads to global warming. However, current societies are still dependent on fossil fuels. Because of the environmental problems and in order to decrease the wide-ranging consumption of fossil fuels, researches argue that agricultural based fuel or bio-fuel is one alternative to replace fossil fuels and apply it as a new energy source. In general, bio-fuels are fuels that predominantly are produced from bio-renewable or renewable feedstock, such as corn, sugarcane, wheat and so on. There are many kinds of bio-fuels and each country develops different types. For instance, Brazil produces sugarcane based bio-fuels. Global development of bio-fuels is required; however, the effectiveness and the sus tainability of bio-fuels compared to fossil fuels should be addressed. This essay asserts that the utilization of bio-fuels in the world is not a viable alternative to fossil fuels because it confronts difficulties and results in disadvantages in the future. The arguments to against bio-fuels which will be assessed are related to social structure, economic development and the cost of production, as well as the arguments concerning agriculture and environment. Firstly, an important issue that should be considered is the use of bio-fuels and the problems posed in the social structure. Because bio-fuels benefit for the environment, bio-fuels production and the fuel market will grow rapidly; therefore, the availability of resources is an important factor.... ... and nitrous oxide in the atmosphere, which are associated with the greenhouse gas and three hundred times more effect upon the global warming (Cockerill & Martin, 2008; Murphy, 2009). In conclusion, the development of bio-fuels as a viable alternative to replace fossil fuels is still not promising. Although bio-fuels are made from renewable resources, bio-fuels are not effective enough due to the disadvantages that will arise, such as the shrinkage of food, the production expenses and the environmental drawbacks. On account of the difficulties and the disadvantages that result from the wide-ranging use of bio-fuels, management and policies of bio-fuels are needed as solutions to obtain a well-managed agricultural supply so that it has a sustainable production; likewise, large scale bio-fuels production should be adjourned until adequate solutions are discovered.