Military National and International Security Studies Essay

Military National and International Security Studies - Essay Example It is stated by the researcher that today the interests of the security forces are centered on attainment of security, peace and prosperity among all the citizens of the nation and other nations with a similar focus to that of the U.S.A. The national security of the United States of America has been revolutionized through the promulgation of a security strategy document entitled, â€Å"National military strategy of the united nations (2011).† This was launched by the chairman of the joint security staff and endorsed by the president and the minister of state for defense. To succeed in its mission, the joint security forces were keen to overemphasize on the importance of integrating its security visions with those of the other elements of power in the state. The revolutionized American security strategy, that was a main focus of the discussion of the essay recognizes the application of principled leadership in the military intervention strategy with only a small allowance left for the use of force and coercion when diplomacy fails. The researcher mentiones that the success of this particular strategy requires that the security forces of the state are integrated well with the Americas’ power structure to facilitate its effectiveness. In conclusion, the researcher sums uo his study on the topic and states that American security agencies emphasize on the use of a more humble attitude with regards to other states relationships. Diplomacy is emphasized more and soft power such as foreign aid and less use of coercion and force.

Strategic Analysis Of Mcdonald In India Business Essay

Strategic Analysis Of Mcdonald In India Business Essay McDonald in India is a joint-venture under the ownership and management of two Indians, Amit Jatia and Vikram Bakshi . Amit Jatia is managing director of Hardcastle Restaurants Pvt. Ltd. owns and spearheads McDonalds in west south India. However, McDonald in North and East India are managed and owned by Vikram Bakshi who is the owner of Connaught Plaza Ltd as well (McDonalds India, 2009). With success and leadership spanning over 12 years in the Indian Industry, McDonald is having a network of over 170 restaurants in India, with initiation of its business in the country in 1996. Company spent four years in developing its unique cold chain, resulting in bringing a revolution in the industry in terms of food handling. This investment benefited farmers in terms of avoiding risks associated with food handling and consumers in terms of provision of fresh and quality food products at great value (McDonalds India, 2009). McDonalds Business Model in India Business model, according to McDonald (2009), is based on four main pillars. And these pillars are fresh food, affordable prices, fast service and limited menu. As per McDonalds India (2009), first pillar, fresh food is the outcome of the initial investment in the development of unique cold chain. In fact, the companys integrated supply chain and its focus on centralized customers service are the among the key core competencies. Similarly, affordable prices distinguish the company from its competitors. However, the trust of the company on limited menu needs to be changed because of the demands and eating habits and preferences of the Indian customers. SWOT Analysis In the growing market of India, following are believed strengths of McDonald. Strengths Flexibility and Innovation in products Adaption to the market of India, particularly, meeting the religious and cultural demands of the customers. According to Jauhari (2007) initially McDonald dropped mutton, beef and ham burgers from its menu in India keeping in view the life style, religion and eating habits of the customers, and introduced vegetarian products. In case of sauces, the company provides 100% vegetarian sauces. The company understands of the consumers preferences and its ability to respond quickly through innovative ways is one of its strengths. This is what helps the company to successfully work on its strategy of think global and act local. Jauhari (2007: 135) states that McDonald stays ahead of its competitors by being innovative and looking for new opportunities. Jahuri (2007) states that company has introduced innovative ideas such as various packages for family and children and these innovative product offerings have created intimacy with customers. Further, its use of local people in its staff helps the company to create trust among the customers and to avoid any political pressures and issues (McDonald, 2009). Supply Chain Management Supply Chain is amongst important aspects that ensures success in the current era of competition. And according to McDonald (2009), Supply Chain model is amongst the utmost precisions. This matchless supply chain structure not only ascertain on time raw materials and supplies delivery but also helps the company reduce its cost, resulting in maximizing profits along with enabling the company to maintain high quality standards (McDonald (2009). The commitment level of the company can be seen from the huge amount in its supply chain model even before the start of business in the country in order to establish its delivery mechanism (Kulkarni, 2009). The companys efforts to develop a well-organized supply chain structure and set up modern technologies brought enormous changes in the entire fast food industry in India, raising the performance standards which seem to match international levels (Kulkarni, 2009). Kulkarni (2009) further states that the companys joint ventures with local suppliers and distributers helps the company to act proactively through the use of these information channels and these long term relations help the company to reduce its costs, improve quality and create intimacy in the market as well. Hence, supply chain integration is one of the strengths of the company. Cold Chain has been amongst the unique ideas initiated by McDonald in India after the efforts of six years efforts (Kulkarni, 2009). In fact, McDonald (2009) states that this revolutionary system offers immense advantage to farmer on the one hand by reducing the risks on perishables, and provides advantage to the customers on the other hand by offering them quality and fresh products at great value. Kulkarni (2009) also mentions the benefits of the cold chain stating that cold chain has enabled the company to reduce the costs and minimize wastage of perishables, on one hand and on the other hand, this cold chain helped the company to satisfy its customers by maintaining freshness and nutritional value of the products and relevant raw material. Affordable Prices In fact, this is again one of the innovative strategies that have widened the customer base of McDonald in India. McDonald used various price strategies for its customers and offered different food to match the target market (Kulkarni, 2009). McDonald initially was believed to have high prices in India and therefore, expansion outside the metros was unlikely because of affordability problems. But the company changed the perception through its flexible and innovative offers (Kulkarni, 2009). Centralized Customers Support Service Similarly, joining hands with vCustomer Corporation has helped the company to deliver the services to its customers through a centralized system, providing the customers support services and helping them to place an order (Kirkland, 2008). However, one of the main benefits this partnership provides is the information about the desires and demands of the customers by separating order and non-order calls (Kirkland, 2008). This helps the company to take corrective actions. Hence, focussing on customers with every possible way is amongst the strength that helps the company to understand and respond to the target market demands. Weaknesses Limited Menu The menu McDonald offers, however, is limited which can be argued not to fulfil the market demands (See Kulkarni., 2009). The fast food concept of Indian people can be deemed different than that of its European market (Goyal and Singh, 2007). For instance, Indians generally prefer spicy tandoori and curry food (McDonald, 2009) and Hindus do not eat meat (Cow particularly) and Muslims do not eat pork due to their religious restrictions (McDonald, 2009; Goyal and Singh, 2007). Further, according to Kulkarni (2009), Indian culture is diversified and different regions have different regions and such differences have been a challenge and demand the company new markets regularly in the market Inefficiencies in Home delivery The company has weakness in its delivery of orders in the Indian market (www.mcdonaldsindia.com). This weakness in fact is the lack of speed in its delivery and unavailability of delivery service in many of outlets. This is hampering its sales and gives its competitor to get the attention of its customers by offering the service in more efficient way. Global Warming The company uses material in its packaging which is harmful to the environment, causing damages to the Ozone layer and contributing to global warming (Kulkarni, 2009). In this way, McDonald is not fulfilling its social responsibility and this is one of the weaknesses in the business environment where governments, agencies and media are focusing on such issues and consumers are becoming aware of such phenomena. Opportunities Expansion India is a huge market (Jauhuri, 2003). Expansion strategies of McDonald and its current business model of expansion provide an opportunity to enhance its market share by opening its outlets in other areas of the country (See McDonald, 2009). According to (www.mcdonaldsindia.com), huge potential of growth exist in the market because there are many areas or cities in India which are currently not served by the company. Changing gender roles, paucity of time, customer sophistication and confidence, double income group and large population of India in them can be argued as opportunities for McDonalds (Keshwani et al., 2009). Out-of-Home Breakfast According McDonald (2009), research indicates that a large percentage of people in big cities have a desire to have breakfast out of their home if suitable breakfast is available. And changing gender role (McDonald, 2009) can be believed one of its reasons. This is another opportunity for the company to increase its sales by capturing such market segment by serving breakfast in its outlets. Better Home Delivery As discussed earlier, inefficiencies in home delivery provides another opportunity to enhance its customer base. This includes, both, provision of faster delivery and expansion of their home delivery across all outlets in India. Environmental Friendly Packaging If company uses other type of packages that do not affect the environment, it can be an opportunity to create a positive image and to avoid any future embarrassment from any of the agencies and government. Threats Religious and political confrontation As mentioned by McDonald (2009), in 2001, the company has faced such challenges. Many outlets in Mumbai were in face of having problems from the anti-American elements in the country. Similar threats are from the religious groups as well if there is any mistrust in the companys products which are against the religious codes of Hindus and Muslims in the country. As said earlier, the company in Western markets uses pork and meet and this matter was politicised in early 2000 and hence if mistrust is created, it can harm the companys image and can negatively affect is sales and market share. Changing Customers preferences Changing customers lifestyle and may tend to eat different and more healthy food (Sharma, 2005). The current concept of fast food may be replaced by new trends in food such as use of genetically modified food (Onyango et al., 2004). According to Goyal and Singh (2007) in India, there is high concern of healthy food because Indian people are facing the issues of Obesity and one reason for this problem is use of fast food which is high on calories and fats. The role of Media has been vital for such awareness among the consumers. Competition from Local Food Companies As suggested by Kulkarni (2009), though currently none of the local food companies can be said to be national, yet they have been growing with a speed that can be a threat to the multinationals such as McDonald. Given the opportunities in the market, local companies such as Nirulas can be potential threat in future. Nevertheless, given the innovative strategies in its product offerings, pricing, supply chain model, focus on understanding the demands and desires of customers, and flexibility, McDonald can be believed to overcome its future threats and convert its weaknesses into its strengths, eventually helping itself to grow in the huge market of India. Porters five forces Analysis Porters five forces model is founded on the idea that strategy of an organization should be according to the threats and opportunities in the external environment of the organization. Particularly, competitive strategy is needed to be based on understanding structures of the industry and the ways these structures transform (Porter, 1985). In fact, Porter recognized five competitive forces which, according to him, form every market and industry (Porter, 1985). The five competitive forces, together, shape competition and its intensity, therefore industry attractiveness and its profitability. According Porters model of five forces, the purpose of firm strategy is to transform the constituent forces in order to make them work in the favor of the company and strengthen the position of the firm in the industry. According to Chapman (2005), on the basis of obtained information from this model, decisions should be made to affect or to manipulate certain features the industry. An analysis of the industry to help McDonalds management to benefit from the industry has been provided below. Competition This industry is very competitive. Many large and small companies exist in this industry, fighting for improving the customer base by offering a range of products and services. Same is the situation with McDonalds in all over the world and India is not an exception. Presence of Dominos, Pizza corner, KFC, Barista and many of the local food companies in India are the threat for McDonald in India (Jauhari, 2003). High exit barriers, and low switching costs are also the part of the factors that increase the threats because high exit costs, on one hand, can force the companies to compete and survive in the same industry. On the other hand, low switching costs for consumers in the industry is a serious threat for McDonald because availability of choices can mean more buyer power and loss of customers. Entry It is tough to come into this industry as it is difficult to create a distinctive brand name. Further, cost of entry associated with high research and development cost makes it difficult for the new entrants. Large reputable names in the industry such as McDonald make it hard for the new companies to enter and succeed in a given market. Similarly, high fixed and storage costs for perishable also are barriers to entry of the new firms in the industry (Jauhri, 2003). However, in case of McDonald in India, it can be seen that though new entrants are not the major threat, yet expansion of existing local restaurants such as Nirulas (Kulkarini, 2009), are amongst the threats. Substitutes Though as discussed earlier, McDonald has its own ways of surviving and growing in the markets including India, yet many substitutes from local and other multinationals are available in form of traditional Indian food including North-Indian and South-Indian, other Asian and Western (Keshwani, 2009). And this can result as a threat for McDonald and these foods can be replaced with MDC Burgers, Beverages, dairy products, and others or with some new foods, low in calories and fats (Onyango et al., 2004). Strength of Suppliers As discussed earlier, focus of McDonald on supply chain and its current supply chain structure and its relationship with suppliers of various ingredients of food are the factors which can be believed as strengths for the company (Kulkarni, 2009). Seen this way, company does not seem to have any such challenge from the strength of suppliers. Strength of Buyers Relatively strength of buyers is less threatening, but it does not mean that it is not there. Increasing competition and increasing substitute pose a threat for McDonalds. As already stated the presence of Domino, Pizza corner, Pizza hut and local food companies, competition and threat of substitution is increasing (Kulakarni, 2009; Goyal and Singh, 2007). Hence, the strength of the buyer is also on increase. Core Competencies of McDonalds in India According to McDonald (2009), four pillars or core competencies of the company are given above. These include fresh food, affordable prices, fast service and limited menu. These four areas which are believed by McDonald (2009) as their four pillars in India are core competencies of the company with the exception of limited menu. Fresh food provision because of unique cold chain of the company is amongst the core competencies (Kulkarni, 2009). Similarly, as discussed earlier, various price offers suitable to various segments of the target market are also believed that pricing of McDonald have significant positive impact in its current position in India (Kulkarni, 2009; Jauhari, 2003). Fast service also is one of the core competencies of the company if this is the case of the customer service inside the outlets and customer support and ordering service in collaboration with vCustomers corporation. However as stated in weaknesses part of SWOT analysis, home delivery to the customers is not that efficient. Hence, in this case, it is not the core competency. If the company really wants to work on this area to overcome these delays, it can become its core competency. Similar, doubts can arise by claiming limited menu as a pillar because with this limited menu, meeting the requirement of the diverse market seems difficult and when competition from the rivals is enhancing and when customers eating habits are different than the previous markets of the company. Recommendations Given the information from SWOT analysis, Porters five forces analysis and discussion on core competencies, a few recommendations are given below to help management understand current issues and the issues in future, eventually helping the management designing their strategies accordingly. Improved Product Home Delivery This is one of the areas of urgent focus because unavailability and delay in products can negatively impact the sales and market share of the company. Expansion and Variety As Indian market is a big and growing market and McDonald (Sharma, 2005) has its brand name, it should expand business and open many outlets in the areas which are still not served by the company. This will help to serve more areas and availability of outlets can help in reducing the delivery time as well. Similarly, keeping in view the population and diversity in population in terms of religion, income etc, it is suggested to add more variety to the menu in order to hit more market segments. Global Warming More focus on the products, packaging, and other activities which do not harm the environment is needed.

Academia Barilla Essay -- Marketing, Food Industry

Born of the idea to preserve authentic Italian cuisine, Academia Barilla has faced strategic issues to increase profitability and growth. Offering not only high quality food products, but an education on Italian gastronomy, Academia relies on a differentiated marketing message of authenticity, with the quality to prove it. While striving to teach buyers of the difference between imitation and true Italian cuisine, Academia must continue to seek new strategies to reach a broader customer base. By studying the firm’s core competencies, and performing analysis on the industry, Academia has the tools necessary to meet their objectives. Academia Barilla’s consumers are still a specialized target, despite recent efforts for expansion and growth. For its gourmet foods product line, demographics of consumers in major markets tend to be upper middle to high class citizens of middle to older age. Italy represents the major market for Academia Barilla, with Europe and North America showing promising growth. However, recent severe economic troubles in Italy, Europe, and the United States are a major cause of concern and must be monitored. Regulatory bodies in the countries which market Academia Barilla do not tend to interfere with production. Current consumer trends for healthier, more organic products should be monitored. Whole-wheat and low-carbohydrate products have increased in demand during the past half-decade. Recent developments in the IT field have helped bring e-commerce to new heights. Finally, emerging economies in countries such as Brazil, China, India, and Russia may be targets for possible future hig h growth opportunities. Academia Barilla’s industry comprises of not only fine Italian cuisine artisans, but culinary academi... ...umers, thus gaining new consumer, and building value. Educating the consumers to appreciate what Academia products offer will lead to future profits and long-term gains. A strategy of stressing Italian fundamentals will help differentiate Academia from its competitors, and at the same time increasing their target market. Italian food is continually becoming more popular around the world, and Academia’s potential to expand will increase by protecting their brand loyalty. Academia should continue to participate in culinary events such as the annual Aspen Food and Wine Festival to promote publicity. Academia should also look to advertise in broader food magazines, such as Zagat. Cookbooks would be another way to reach more consumers. With high quality products, these strategy maneuvers will help management reinforce core competencies and stay ahead of competition.

Cyrano de Bergerac vs Romeo & Juliet Balcony Scenes Essay

Shakespeare and Rostand employ unique writing methods in order to show the battle the characters in each of their plays, Romeo and Juliet and Cyrano de Bergerac partake in to express their true feelings for one another. Each play utilizes the motifs and themes of light versus dark and societal views that work against or shows the true meaning behind their love for one another through a balcony setting which resembles each other well. Settings are important components in any piece of literature, they set the mood and atmosphere for the particular scene. In both plays the balcony scenes occur at night under the cover of darkness, which plays an important similarity in the plays as well. While the scenes occur at night both Romeo and Cyrano compare their lovers to light. In act three of Cyrano de Bergerac Cyrano agrees to help Christian court Roxane and by doing so he must hide underneath the balcony to conceal his identity. Eventually Cyrano takes over for Christian because he wishes to express his fondness for Roxane himself, but still hidden by the darkness. Night, making all things dimly beautiful, one veil over us both†¦ and I [see] the whiteness of a summer gown, you are all light- I am all shadows. † Cyrano is comparing his repulsive nose to Roxane’s beauty, calling himself the darkness of the night which cannot be described or mentioned, versus Roxane’s exquisiteness which reminds Cyrano of summer. Not only does he compare her to light but he calls her the light of his life, that without her his life would be dismal. Technically Cyrano is supposed to be speaking for Christian in this situation but he is in fact speaking from the heart. He is concerned that Roxane will not love and respect him because of his nose, and because of this he keeps himself in the dark literally and metaphorically. Whereas Cyrano has loved his dear cousin all his life, but hidden his true feelings, Romeo falls in love at first sight and takes no hesitation to express his love for Juliet. While hiding in the gardens surrounding Juliet’s window, Romeo states, â€Å"But soft, what light through yonder window breaks? It is the east and Juliet is the sun! † (II, ii 2-3). This scene initiates one of the plays most beautiful and famous sequences, it is a prime example of the light and dark motif that runs throughout the play. The beauty of the night, with the moon rays shinning, adds to the romantic nature of the scene and seems to â€Å"light up† the act. Shakespeare uses a metaphor here to express Romeo’s love for Juliet. He has such belief in her that he knows she has the power to banish the night and turn it into day with her beauty. They both feel as if the other is the bright light in the darkness, and that they will guide each other through the dark obstacles to a life of pure love and happiness. Through out the plays society also fights against each set of lovers, society has taught them that it is not reality for them to spend their lives together. Rostand expresses through the play that society during the 1600’s did not consider a person for their inner personality but only judged them for their outer appearance. During Cyrano’s speech to Roxane in the third act he says, â€Å"Is it not so to be myself to you, and have no fear of moving you to laughter? In this situation Cyrano does not feel confidence in himself and almost lets his hidden identity to become discovered. He does not feel he is worthy of Roxane’s attention so he hides behind the poetry he reads to her. Because Cyrano doesn’t think that Roxane will have him, he enters into the deceptive relationship with Christian, who is society’s standard of physical beauty in a man. Cyrano verbalizes his innermost thoughts to Roxane through Christian’s name which reveals his true love for her. He successfully woos her with his words, and Christian and Roxane eventually marry. Thus, he loses the love of his life because he can’t approach her due to his lack of confidence based on society’s views of him and his rather large nose. Much of Romeo and Juliet involves the lovers’ struggles against social standards that oppose the existence of their love. Without knowing that Romeo is below her window, Juliet speaks, â€Å"O Romeo, Romeo, wherefore art thou Romeo? Deny thy father and refuse thy name. And I’ll no longer be a Capulet† (II, ii 33-35). Juliet knows that not only society but the raging families would not approve of their love, but that does not stop her from caring for Romeo. She asks him to deny his family for her love but adds that if he will not, she will deny her family in order to be with him if he merely tells her that he loves her. There is clearly tension between family names and personal identity. Juliet believes that love comes from one’s inner identity, and that the feud between the Montague’s and the Capulet’s is based only on names. She later states, â€Å"What’s in a name that which we call a rose by any other word would smell as sweet† (II, ii 42-43). Her love for Romeo surpasses her family’s hatred for the Montague name. She says that if Romeo were not called Romeo he would still be the person she loves and that societal views will not deteriorate their love. The characters within each play express true feelings and work hard and fight the odds in a balcony scene in order to live with one another, expressing their love eternally. Rostand paralleled Shakespeare’s balcony scene in order to convey the true love Cyrano held for Roxane the way Romeo expressed his love for Juliet.

Misrepresentation of Canadian First Nations People

One can argue that the 2010 Olympics committee has edited and re-packaged native culture — which has also been ripped out of its traditional contexts. The Committee is highlighting Arctic indigenous imagery — yet Vancouver, the centre of the Games, is a temperate city. Arctic indigenous peoples did not live there — or on the nearby Whistler and Cypress mountains, where some Olympic events will be held. Other BC First Nations tribes who did live in that area of British Columbia also were not represented in the marketing iconography. One First Nations man who was asked to be a participant in the 2010 opening ceremonies, was told when he came to the fitting room in his own traditional regalia, to put them aside and instead done some sort of costume, â€Å"like you see the king and the queen have in Europe – those big long robes that drag on the floor.† It was not remotely authentic at the least. This misrepresentation of the First Nations people doesn’t show the world â€Å"who [they] really are as First Nations people.† When I watched the Olympics opening ceremonies on February 12th 2010, after the original broadcast I felt proud of my country for finally including and celebrating Native peoples in the production. I was also happy that it is the first time that First Nations have been recognized by the International Olympic Committee as official host partners in any games. Take a minute and try to understand the Indigenous plight. This is not something that is so far in the past it has no effect today. It has a very strong effect. Colonization and residential schools has influenced my friend’s father's suicide and has in turn affected her entire life. The pain is still present, it is still here. I would ask that you just listen, and ponder, and learn the real Native history that has been hidden from all of us.