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Sunday, March 31, 2019

Impact of Shale Gas Extraction on Business

Impact of Shale Gas Extraction on crinkleResearch Question and Research methodologyThis study was commissi unmatchedd by Stolthaven Terminals (ST) to explore the potential economic continue of US shale fumble beginning on STs line training strategy. The business development aggroups preliminary estimate of the impact of US shale gas on STs business demonstrates a possibility for US LPG exports to fill unmet international LPG demand, primarily in Asia. This paper generates a strategical approach to selecting an optimal location for a new Stolthaven LPG terminal.Stolthaven Terminals offers storage for petroleum, chemical products, and gas. The implications of any ripe commercial production process, such as commercial shale gas extraction, should be evaluated carefully. Currently, the company is not active in the LPG storage separate. One of the STs objectives is to actively drop the LPG storage merchandise, which is highly influenced by the US shale gas production. Shal e gas extraction is presumed to be the main catalyst for LPG production and the development of related technologies. The LPG market transformation is believed to be facilitated by the growing US exports of shale NGL-derived LPG, the wider Panama Canal opening in 2015 and a significant LPG tape transport capacity increase by 2015. This chapter frames the methodology that leave behind answer the query questionWhich enthronisation opportunities does the impact of the US shale gas extraction upon the global LPG market bring to an independent storage operators (in employment to Stolthaven Terminals) business development?The studied problem can be define as a managerial optimization problem. The current business should be optimised to reflect the reality of industry developments under the US shale extraction influence. The methodology modifies Chopra and Meindls (2013) theoretical mannequin for network design ends into a merged strategy for LPG network design and LPG storage ca pacity location so that it can be applied to the studied problem and in swan to develop a recommendation for Stolthaven Terminals on the optimal location of a new LPG terminal in 2015.The supply chain related managerial decision making principles are established by Chopra and Meindl. They derive some(prenominal) factors that influence an optimised decision making process strategic factors, technological factors, macroeconomics factors, and policy-making factors (Chopra and Meindl, 2013). This chapter leave establish the germane(predicate) methodology and introduce the research sub-questions.MethodologyManagement science and the academic world agree on quad stagecoachs that determine a location for independent storage. Chopra and Meindl describe these phases and a strategic decision making process for a facility location. mannikin champion contains strategy and requires determination upon development and growth strategy, adequate competition military rank, and keen constra ints. Phase two requires a regional demand analytic thinking, identification of risks and competitors, rating of local policy and tax environments, identification of possible trade restrictions. Phase number triplet implies selection of potential situations for a facility, and phase intravenous feeding is a final location choice that is based on aggregated and analysed information of previous phases. It is understood that a decision of such a nature is predicated by an executive decision to evaluate the feasibility of the investment. such(prenominal) an executive decision, with a high degree of likelihood, is triggered by a market balance shift or a market transformation.In my case, the US shale development is a trigger that facilitated LPG market changes and attracted attention to possible imbalances. If I apply Chopra and Meindls (2013) framework to Stolthaven Terminals intention to reckon the LPG storage market, then the first phase revolves around the strategy considerati ons with a goal to identify and understand the strategy for the entry. The company is willing to enter the market and the financial decision is assumed to be positive if an investment decision is developed. To establish objectives and define strategy, an initial market analysis and evaluation of potential changes in the market is carried out to fulfil phase one of the framework. Chapter 3 determines the strategic approach and conclusion of the initial market assessment while Chapter 4 analyses the strategic implications and develops a specific areas of applications for the strategy.The third chapter will access the LPG market dynamics in position to narrow the freehanded market activities down to a specific area that potentially contains business opportunities Stolthaven Terminals and is relevant for the established framework. It concludes with identification of the most opportunistic LPG market segment and answers the first sub-questionFrom a chemical storage operators perspectiv e, in which area of the LPG market will the US-shale impact be the most unvarnished for a chemical storage operating company?Further, the fourth chapter will finalise the phase one and concludes on strategic action that is relevant to Stolthaven Terminals in the identified LPG market segment to answer the sub-question 2What is the impact of the shale-driven growth of low-cost LPG exports from the US on the global petrochemical industry and which strategic implications for Stolthaven Terminals can be derived from it?The second phase brings consideration of the configuration of the regional facility location (Chopra and Meindl, 2013). Here, fulfilling the strategic implications, the product flows are modelled in order to identify the regions where the exported from the US product optimally bulges in future.Next, inside the fifth chapter, the 2015 forecasting network optimisation model is constructed to answer the sub-question 3How will the US LPG exports be optimally allocated to t he LPG demand nations in 2015?Next, when the optimal regions of disport are identified, the transformed 2015 LPG market structure is applied to relevant locations at bottom each optimal region so that an unmet storage demand is geographically sited. The third phase contains an assessment of the existing business environment, which includes competition bodily process assessment, customers, and potential joint venture opportunities evaluation. This phase also includes analysis of the soft variables of decision making, such as geographical location, proximity to major diffusion centres, hinterland connectivity, and areal demand localisation. Chapter 5 concludes phase two of the framework with a network optimization model for the product, which identifies specific regions for the third phase analysis. Chapter 6 focuses on the third phase of the market entry site selection process. Chapter 6 answers the sub-question 4In which specific optimal locations within each optimal nation wil l the unmet demand for LPG feedstock storage emerge?Next, the fourth phase challenges the selected specific location to assess costs, estimate training and scheduling, and establish pricing policy. Upon the completion of the last phase, an educated investment decision and financial decision could be made and the further strategic run of action could be established. I stop at phase three with a concluding list of potentially attractive locations for an LPG terminal location. A significant number of assumptions and lack of reliable data lead to a necessity to explore the impact of these uncertainties upon the outcomes of the research. Chapter 7 introduces the qualitative aesthesia analysis of the research uncertainties and assumptions as well as evaluates the reliability of the outcomes of economic evaluations. The sensitivity analysis also investigates the potential impact of implemented forecasting assumptions upon the results of the quantitative model.

Intersectionality in Third-wave Feminism

Intersectionality in Third- roll out womens liberation discernmentIntersectionality as the Main Concept of Third-wave womens libThird-wave womens lib which follows Second-wave of womens liberationist movement began in the mid-nineties with the mixture of disgruntled, and unsure libbers, and womens liberationists born into the world where feminist movement had already existed. The movement of third-wave feminism has a microscopic focus on laws or political processes, tho more on a someones identicalness. This wave of feminism is the most diverse and individua attendic feminist wave society bemuse ever seen. It is considered to be a general feminist wave because its main idea is to show the world that women be of m each colors, religions, ethnicities, and cultural backgrounds. First two waves of feminism have do so umpteen changes in different aspects of our life. Besides the amend to vote, the right to get an education, and the right to work, women, who lived during t hird wave of feminist, required to change the stereotypes and speech communication that was used to describe a woman. Third-wave feminists had a desire to challenge or avoid the assumption that in that respect is a universal female identity and over-emphasizing of the arrest of the upper-middle class exsanguine women. What is most important is that the roots of Intersectional Feminism were born together with third-wave feminism. Intersectional feminism is much more than the Feminism itself because it is an soul of how womens overlapping identities- including race, class ethnicity, and sexual orientation- impact the expression they envision oppression and discrimination. (Dastagir)Rebecca Solnit is an author of the book Men explain things to me who touches the problem of marginalizing women by silencing them and talks close to consequences that can lead female because of this issue. She ends on a serious none- because the ultimate problem is the silencing of women who have s omething to say, including those saying things like, Hes exhausting to kill me (Solnit) Rebecca Solnit states that men explain things to me, and another(prenominal) women, whether or not they know what theyre talking about. It is a presumption that depicts it hard, at times, for any woman in any field that keeps women from speaking up and from existence heard when they d atomic number 18 that crushes young women into silence by indicating, the way agony on the street does, that this is not their world. It trains us in self-doubt and self-limitation moreover as it exercises mens unsupported overconfidence. (Solnit) Violence is one way to silence plenty, to deny their voice and their credibility, to assert womens right to inhibit over their right to exist. Rebecca Solnit says that things gotten better today comp ared to what was happening 30 eld ago. This war wont end in my lifetime. I am simmer down fighting it, for myself certainly, scarcely excessively for all those yo unger women who have something to say, in the hope that they leave get to say it. (Solnit)Third shake feminism is a feminist wave that attends todeal with race, racism, and the experience of non gabardine women who do not freeequal in our society. Intersectionality, therefore, has an intense focus onidentity and particularly on racial and ethnic identity. The mutual positionsare We are here for women of color, trans people, lesbian, gay and bi peopleand the differently abled and take care to women, listen to people of color. (Pluckrose)A big issue is that intersectionalitybecomes inaccessible to withal more people. As Mariana Ortega mentions in herarticle colour Feminism and Women of Color the list of respected women ofcolor is so short. In her essay, she tries to figure out the reason ofintersectionality, asking so many questions, such as Why is it that feminists quiet down scramble to fill out the spot for the respected, well-knownwoman-of-color, speaker that will bring in a crowd? Why is it that there is just a small percentage of books and articles written by women of color in thegrowing lists of feminist publications? Why is it that I or any of the few womenof color who are involved in feminist work could issue lists of all theexperiences that make us invisible, misunders to a faultd, homogenized, and victimizedwhile dealing with sinlessness feminists. (Ortega) Women of color are marginalizedin many ways and different aspects. Tobe intersectional is to focus on many different categories of marginalizedidentity at once, be convinced that they are marginalized and be concernedabout them all. To expand this rehearsal more, marginalize means to pushpeople to the edge of the society not allowing them a target within it. Asociety that labels an outside the norm- weird, scary, hateful, or useless-marginalize those people, edging them out. Women of color are great example ofmarginalized people who are pushed away from the rest of society, are oppressed, and discriminated just because of their color, race, religion, and otherfactors. White Feminism is usedto describe the feminist movement that only focuses on white and straightwomen. Usually, their fight focuses on rape culture, equal pay, and change magnitudepatriarchy. White feminists have reached success in different aspects for whitewomen, but what about women of color? It is still problematic because whitefeminists refuse to allow women of color, women with disabilities, and womenwho are not in a good body form. As a matter of fact, they used to ignore theirissues and their identities as well. Although they are trying to close the wagegap between men and women, they do not have it away that Latina and Black womenearn even less than white women do. Gloria Steinem is a famous American feminist, who became nationally recognized as a attraction and a spokeswoman forthe feminist movement in the late 1960s. Steinem does not recognize such thingas White Feminism. She was adamant a bout the fact that white feminism as aterm has no discourse about sexual activity inequality. (Zarya) As Steinem mentioned inone of her interviews, there is no such thing as white feminism. If you callit white, its not feminism. It either includes all women, or its notfeminism, she said. (Zarya) We are not allowed to forget that basically blackwomen were the major tweet of the feminist movement, particularly during the1970s. For this reason, and many others, white feminism has no place in currentsociety and should be eliminated as soon as possible. In the face of callsfor a more intersectional feminism, there are even White feminists who claimthe whole concept of intersectionality is just academic slang expression that doesntconnect with the real world. Many people do not really understand what isWhite Feminism. Everyday feminism magazine publisher defines White Feminism as a tick ofbeliefs that allows for the exclusion of issues that specifically affect womenof color. It is on e size-fits all feminism, where middle class White womenare the mold that others must fit. It is a method of practicing feminism, notan indictment of every(prenominal) individual White feminism, everywhere, always.(Uwujaren) White Feminism marginalize women of color that causes them to transmutation of shun effects. For example, White Feminism refuses to givefeminists of color an ability to handle their biggest issue, such as racialinequality which relates to gender inequality. It keeps reminding society that spectator standard in our culture is to be thin, blonde, and white. In addition ofexcluding women of color, it excludes women who are not straight or well-builtas well. White Feminists are as well knownas women of privilege in our society. Big issue is that sometimes they donteven realize that they are excluding other marginalized groups. This is not anexcuse for their behavior. Everyone should agree that it is a chance for womenof color to honestly specialize feminists of privilege how their lack of self-awarenessaffects other women, such as Black or Latin women. Existing problem could bechanged by helping each other to recognize that women of different races,sexual orientations, and economic class experience gender inequalitydifferently. People should be recognized and acknowledged gibe to theirskills, knowledges, contributions, and talents, not according to their sex,skin color, or appearance. Everyone can become a better feminist if he willchange this point in his head and mind. Maria Lugones is anArgentine feminist philosopher, also an author of Peregrinajes/Pilgrimages Theorizing nuclear fusion Against MultipleOppressions book where she is taking readers through her understanding ofwhite/Angla feminist theories, and is trying to answer the question What isthe problem of difference between white women and women of color, and howdoes the problem of difference affect non-white female? Lugones states that womenof color always knew that white wome n and women of color were different white womenall knew that they were different from women of color. White women neverconsidered the difference important, because they did not really notice us.(Lugones) White women used to unproblematic and straightforwardly ignore thedifference. But U.S. women of color heard and uttered an assail on whiteracism. Racist feminism does not see the delirium done to women of color bydenying that they are women. In her essay, Lugones compares women of color tothe beings with a peculiar lack of substance or lack of credibility, or toofrightening and intimidating, too dramatic, with too much or too littleauthority all out of proportion, not fully real. (Lungones)Third wave feminism respects not only differences between women based on race, color, religion, and economic standing, but also makes allowance for different identities within a single person. Third-wave feminism responds to the category of women debates of the late 1980s and early 1990s that b egan with a critique of the insurgent wave contention that women share something in common as women a common gender identity and set of experiences. The concept of woman and experiences are closely connected within the second and, along with personal politics, form the three core concepts of that movement. Third-wave feminists rightly pooh-pooh the universalist claim that all women share a set of common experiences, but they do not discard the concept of experience altogether. Women still look to personal experiences to provide knowledge about how the world operates and misgiving sovereign narratives about how things should be. Many third-wave stories strive to demonstrate the gaps between dominant discourses and the reality of womens lives. Some third-wavers use their own experiences growing up in interracial or multicultural families to illustrate how the politics of race, class, and gender play out in peoples lives. For example, Cristina Tzintzun writes, I worry about dating whites, especially white menI see what a white man did to my beautiful, brown, Mexican mother. He colonize her. (Snyder) What Snyder states in his essay has direct connection with Rebecca Solnits book which also raises the problem of marginalized women and mens unfair attitude to women.Both premier and second-wave feminists have made huge contributions to the history of feminist movement but for third-wavers there were still lots of things to do and improve. Even though many laws were designed to protect women from rape, sexual harassment, gender discrimination, wage disparity, domestic violence, and other atrocities, women were still marginalized in the way of silencing. The ultimate problem that was present during third-wave feminism is silencing of women who have something to say. Womens voices are as multiple and diverse as our cultural and personal histories, the meaning of silence- being unwilling or otiose to speak- can be seen as the complex of issues for women that resul ts in different negative concepts. Anthropologist Susan Gal points out that womens historians, similarly, have justified their work on the basis of recapturing the silence past In this writing, silence is generally deplored as a symbol of passivity and powerlessness those who are denied speech cannot make their experience known and thus cannot influence the course of their lives or history. (Mahoney) looking unable or unwilling to speak, and feeling bad about it, conveys the apprehension that silence is the sign of inauthenticity, of failure to be a real. train Cited Dastagir, Alai E. What Is Intersectional Feminism?USA Today19 Jan. 2017 n. pag. Web. 26 Apr. 2017.Lugones,Maria. On the logic of Pluralist Feminism.Pilgrimages/Peregrinajes Theorizing Coalition Against Multiple Oppressions.Maryland Rowman & Littlefield, 2003. 65-75. Print.Mahoney,Maureen A. The Problem of Silence in Feminist Psychology. The Problem of Silence in FeministPsychology 22 (1996) 603-625. Feminist Studies, Inc., 1996. Web. 15 Apr.2017.Otrega,Mariana. Being Lovingly, Knowingly Ignorant White Feminism and Women ofColor. be after Muse (2006) 56-74.Indiana University Press, 2006. Web. 15 Apr. 2017.Pluckrose,Helen. The Problem with Intersectional Feminism. Areo Magazine. N.p., 15 Feb. 2017. Web. 15 Apr. 2017.Snyder,R. Claire. What Is Third-Wave Feminism. moolahJournal 31 (n.d.) 175-196. The University of Chicago Press, 2008. Web 15Apr. 2017.Solnit,Rebecca. Men inform Things to Me. Men Explain Things to Me.Canada Publishers Group, 2014. 1-14. PrintUwujaren,Jarune. Why Our Feminism Must Be Intersectional. Everyday Feminism. N.p., 11 Jan. 2015. Web. 15 Apr. 2017.Zarya, Valentina. Most Powerful Women. Fortune. Valentina Zarya, 10 Mar. 2017. Web. 26 Apr. 2017.

Saturday, March 30, 2019

Mpact Of Facebook On Consumer Buying Marketing Essay

Mpact Of Facebook On Consumer bargain foring grocerying Essay at that place has been a noniceable change in the technological developments and innovation in the last few years. Undoubtedly, engine room plays an important part in our lives. roughly of people search on the internet in nearly of their pretend(a) lives much(prenominal) as sending emails, searching for training come more(prenominal) than or less with their family and friends, recital the latest hotfounds and so on. That development in technology reaches antithetic sectors analogous wrinkle brasss, academic sectors, and governmental fields.In condemnation where technology plays a great role in peoples lives, marketers atomic number 18 doing their best to pull back any chance that could bring consumers to their crossings and dishs. At the end of the 19th s at iodine date and the beginning of the 20th century, researchers predicted that the internet would alter the comparisonship between con sumers and trade organization (Lord, 2000 Hamel and Sampler,1998). Ward and his colleagues in 1998 predicted that in the first quarter of the xx first century, the main channel for shopping for most consumers would be the synergetic technologies (Ward et al, 1998). De K atomic number 18-Silver (2000) discusses the same idea that this technology will go with consumers postulate to haggle shops, as it will make it easy for people to buy their start come to the fore any time without going to the actual place for these results. Many business companies that provide serves or physical goods believe that exploitation the electronic resources in their merchandising is vital to their mastery. Porter (2001) urges that if companies insufficiency to remain competitors, they expect to rely on technology. Using technology in trade eachows give aways and companies to act with its customers in individual basis as it provides immediate and quick act without time limitation (All an and Chudry, 2000).One type of technology that people and marketers depend on is mixer networking sites. In these affable sites, people usuall(a)y communicate with each other(a) and during these conversations, they send result messages to each other without nonicing that. The come in of people who uptake these sites argon profit day by day. In the United States around 55.6 million people choose usanced these favorable sited daily in 2009 (Ostrow, 2009). Globally, Facebook, one of the main accessible sites, accounts for 750.000.000 registrations, chitter has 200.000.000 pursual (Qualman, 2011).In business sector, these genial sites play an important role in consumers buy behavior. In these sites, people usually shargon opinion and purplish information near their view on marks they buy and religious operate they accustom (Jones, 2010). Consumers use to recommend a brand or merchandising organization to friends and followers. In some eccentric, fans of a spe cific brands establish a pageboy in these loving sites where they write their opinion astir(predicate) this brand, upload and transfer photos of the product that the brand sell.Investigating the relation between these kindly sites and consumer purchasing behavior is a new trend that encourages researcher to search about. That relation affects two sides, marketers and consumers. For marketers, it swear outs to create a strong traffichip with customers, developing a new idea for new product, and answering common daily inquires from consumers (Dsilva et al, 2011). Moreover, in investigating the effect of these sites on consumers purchasing behavior, some studies shoot been do to find out the relation between these sides. Most of these studies modify that there is a positive relation between kindly sites and consumer purchasing behavior that the majority of people believe in this statements and buy at that by some cases where they rely on these social sites in some stage s in their purchasing exhibit much(prenominal) as searching for information and evaluating their choices (Constantinides and Fountain, 2008). well-disposed media usage is growing rapidly amongst marketing professionals and organisations and fast becoming a new outlet that can potentially be apply to help join on customers interest in a product or service. As it becomes widespread it brings about involving customers and facilitating exchange of information bringing about gear in consumer conduct.Through social media, information, enticing advertisement ar made available to consumers easily watch and read and at the same time allowing consumers to post their own opinions and sacramental manduction it with friends. For many brands, social media appears as a way to reach new customers and to reflect their feelings and this explains the reason for which many companies ar currently working on developing fond Strategies to outline the stage of interactivity that they want to ing est with their customers that will help consumers to make a purchasing determination.Successful firms use consumer attitudes and behaviors to segment markets and design marketing strategies. Today, however, consumer trust in corporations is declining while the influence of online communities on buyer behavior is growing. loving media programmes yield completely changed the nature of the interaction between brands and their customers, directly touching upon the contemporary consumer finis dish up.Laurens (2010) argued that while social media is non the silver bullet that some pundits maintain it to be, it is an extremely important and relatively low cost touch pose that has a direct adjoin on sales and positive joint of mouth and supporting this argument Glynn and David (2009) utter that Companies not combat-readyly savory the social media be missing a huge opportunity of aspect something to consumers intentionally or unintentionally about how willing they ar to mesh on consumers terms. Therefore, its necessary for retailers to come across how social media is affecting current consumers and how they atomic number 18 going to react.During the economic downturn, more and more companies bring in reduced their communion budget but they birth increased expenses for social media by 30%. It is now a priority for big companies but they need overly to change their global marketing strategy. It is also important to reach the remedy customer at the beginning of a social media strategy because opinion leaders, such as bloggers, argon the ultimate key to a brands success (The Conversation Group 2012). As the marketing power of social media grows, it no longer makes sense to treat it as an experiment. harmonize to Tamba (2012) friendly media has a big impact on how people shop. A quarter of all gets of FMCGs are influenced by exposure to one form of social media or another and this proportion is growing. Shoppers are weaving their interaction with social and agile marketing into their everyday lives As a result, big brands are increasing their social media investment. Social media can influence both impulse purchases and repair shopping habits when it comes to FMCGs. The trick is to understand where, when and how customers want to interact with your brand, and with your products. Social marketing for regular purchases is about strengthening and deepening the customers connection with the brand.Impulse buys are also increasingly mediated by social media especially now that so many consumers can access Facebook, chitter and Pinterest from their planetary phones.1.1 relation of Problem.Most often than never, companies do not benefit from social media in a way they should have benefited from it due to their lack of strategic efforts to managing it and survey it success. Through media hypes that emphasis the ease of achieving success with social media, many companies have the believe that what they need to do to achieve success with Facebook is by in force(p) launching Facebook page and such companies get disappointed when they check into no activities occurring on the page and thus they abandon the page. Common mistakes companies make is devoting a little time for social media and measuring it success on whether sense of hearing is conversing or not about their brands on their social media. Nevertheless, companies make mistakes by believing they are in total control of conversations about their companies, brands products or services on social media and they spend heavily on PR to hype their newest hires and new products whereas they forget that social media weapons platform is all about speaking with people but not at people and more of a community of audience that discuss about companies, their products, services or brands in a way they feel they benefit them or do not (Evans 2010).1.2 Purpose of StudyThis research is carried out with the tendency of pass judgment the impact of Facebook on Consumer buying Behaviour in the UK Grocery Market with Tesco Plc as a case muse. This is to determine the effect of social media (Facebook) on the consumer buying deportment of groceries in the UK.1.3. Research QuestionWhat are the impacts of Facebook on consumer buying deportment in the UK Grocery Market?1.4 Research Objectives pursual from the above mellowedlighted aim, the chase objectives have been set to achieve the above aim and followed by the research questions.To identify Facebook usage figs among UK consumers in grocery market. evaluate how Facebook effectively changes consumers attitude towards groceries.Investigating and evaluating the role of Facebook website as influencers on Tesco customers in UK at stages of buying termination-making process.Identify if Facebook is the social medium that has the greatest impact on consumer buying variety of Tesco in UK.Recommendation on how Tesco should use Facebook to encourage consumers to buy their products.1.5 The Signif icance of the ResearchThis research work was undertaken to take a critical case at the impacts of a social media cal conduct Facebook on consumer buying doings in the UK grocery market where Tesco was employ as a case study. This research therefore became imperative to undertake as a result of a noticeably new development in the UK market that aro employ the interest on the issue surrounding Facebook impact on consumer buying behaviour in the UK and a well know ordinary FMCG trading company in UK was chosen as a case study to identify these effects of Facebook on consumer buying flesh in the UK Grocery market.Furthermore, the impact of Facebook on consumer buying pattern in grocery markets has not been looked into by researchers thus sledding a spread to identify whether social media (Facebook) really has a authoritative impact on consumer buying patterns in the grocery market apart form other commodities.Nevertheless, this research has also been undergone due to the keen in terest the researcher has, following up to date on the social media impacts on marketing activities in this 20th century and it cogency to completely erode the traditional administration of marketing communication.1.6. Scope and Limitations of the study.In investigating the impact of Facebook on consumer buying pattern in UK grocery markets, this study was completely exceptional to Facebook which is not the further social media that consumers use to purchase groceries. The research is not relevant to other social media platforms.Furthermore, the case study adopted was only limited to one of the FMCG companies in UK and thus do not provide a sufficient information about the impact of Facebook on the consumer buying pattern in UK grocery markets1.7 OverviewThe overall structure of this research consist of 5 chapters, each dwelling on a specific aspect of the outcome under recapThis first chapter comprises of the introduction, research problem, purpose of the study, research qu estion and objectives of the study. The rational and overview of the proposal have also been covered in this part. The books review covers the chapter 2 of this research. This part reviews critically the impacts of social media on the buying pattern of consumers in the UK grocery markets from scholarly perspective. Conceptual framework also featured in this part of the research.Chapter 3 focuses on the methodology used in the entire research processes. The research method adopted both quantitative using closed questionnaire and qualitative method using case study approach will be adopted to collect selective information (Mixed method).The fourth chapter dealt with the analysis and findings of the research while then fifth chapter focus on summary of conclusion and the implications of this research.CHAPTER 2LITERATURE REVIEW.2.0 IntroductionThe publications review in chapter 2 will provide discussions from published information and an account of what has been published on the topi c of this study. It explains body of text that aims to review the critical points of current knowledge including substantive findings as well as theoretical and methodological contributions to Impact of Facebook on Consumer buying Behaviour in the UK Grocery Market.In this chapter, various textbooks, articles, journals, blogs, dailies and websites were consulted to obtain related information, thoughts and quotes of various writers, authors and scholars.2.1. Consumer Buying BehaviourIn marketing, deep understanding of the behaviour of marketing is a very important tool for business success. Consumer buying behaviour is all about the determination of how consumers make decisions on the product or service they want to buy and the eventors that are responsible for this decision. According to studies conducted in UK, 56% out of 11,000 new products that are launched by 77 companies in the UK are present after 5 years of new product launch. Also, studies revealed that only 8% of new produ cts concept from 112 leading companies reached that market where 83% where inefficient to meet marketing objectives. Consumer buying behaviour tends to study these reasons why companies need to have a deep understanding of why consumers make the purchase they do and the factors that influence their decision to purchase (Hitesh, 2010). Because consumers are the drivers of marketing, the need to fake well suitable marketing plans that that will critically examine consumer behavioural attributes and needs, life styles and purchase process in order to make a nearly perfect marketing mix decisions. Studying what consumers buy, the reason they buy, the way they buy, time they buy, the location and frequency at which they buy are key things to understand when undertaken the study of consumer behaviour (Hitesh, 2010).Wayne et al., 2008, defined consumer buying behaviour is the reflection of the summation of consumers decisions regarding acquisition, consumption, and disposition of produ cts and services, activities, people, ideas and experiences. Also, Dibb and simkin (2001) defined the buying behaviour of consumers as an act and decision making process of people that are involved purchasing and using products or services for personal or household consumptions. Theoretical approaches have been used by researchers to have an in-depth understanding of consumer behaviour and these approaches have been inbuilt in 3 psychological orientations Reinforcement possible action, Cognitive theory and Freuds psycho-analytical theory (Fill,2006), with the most fashionable and current approach to consumer behaviour out of the 3 approaches been the cognitive theory (Berkman and Gilson, 1986), where cognitive theory states that people use and process information they derived from internal and out-of-door sources to identify problems and make decisions. The major elements sketch by the cognitive theory for problem solving among consumers in their buying behaviour have been per ception, learning, attitudes, and personality (Fill, 2006).Consumer behaviour goes beyond the method by which consumers purchase tangible products like groceries, clothing and automobiles but rather, consumer buying behaviour also involve consumers use of services, experiences, activities, and ideas such as going to see a General Practitioner (GP), signing up for a secondary school screen, donating to charity, voting for politicians, seeing movies featured by certain actors etc. Consumer behaviour was also expressed as activities people get involved in when collecting, utilising and disposing products and services (Blackwell et al.,2001) or environmental factors that are aimed at creating actual behaviour (Jim,2008). Four factors namely psychological core, process of decision making, consumers culture and consumer behaviour outcomes have been identified to affect the buying behaviour of consumers (Wayne et al., 2008) while Haydon (2009) sort factors that affect consumer buying be haviour into 3 group namely external influences (firms marketing effort and consumers culture), internal processes (psychological processes and decision making) and post decision processes. Choices are been made by consumers daily and buying behaviour is said to be influenced by the characteristics (cultural, social and psychological) and the decision process that buyers make (Khursia, 2012). Furthermore, several research have been undertaken to identify the buying behaviour of consumer by dint of social psychology and personality (Ajzen, 1987), marital status and responsibilities (Goldman and Johansson, 1978), and consumer loyalty (Suen and Wei, 2009).2.11 Psychology of buyersPsychology of buyers mustiness(prenominal) be determined by manufacturers finished identification of buyers need when marketing a product to target group of customers. Buyers most often look for sense of safety and belonging, although other customers want to gain self respectfulness in the presence of th eir peers. The perception of a product by buyers must be understood when providing information about the product to buyers as there are possibilities that buyers could interpret information provided by buyers about a product on the basis of their previous beliefs and knowledge, although learning about such product may change behavior of buyers (Jeff 2012).2.12 Behaviour of consumersAlso, buyers could also buy products depending on their personalities and lifestyles. For example individual buyer that seeks to life a healthy lifestyle could go for organic foods while avoiding foods that are sun-tanned. In family situation, buying decisions are often based on what buyers perceived to be best for their family. abstruse cognisance on who makes decisions for family product must be understood by marketers. Among newly weds with no children, purchasing is the product of decision made by husband and wife, while the stay at home parent makes the decision in a family with young children (Je ff 2012).2.13 Characteristics of ConsumerSocial class and culture up to some completion determines types, spirit and quantity of products that buyers buy or use. In clothing, social class may determine the type of clothes buyers buy. finishing also greatly impacts on food where deep-fried food may be easier to sell in the south than in California. The buying process begins with a step where consumers recognise a need, or a unlikeness between what they possess and what they need to buy to change their condition. Also, decision to buy a product can also be based on elements such as packaging, payment methods and the features and of the product (Jeff 2012).Firms Marketing Efforts1. Product2. promotion3. Price4. PlaceThe Consumers Culture1. Religion2. Ethnicity3. Reference Groups4. Social classPsychological Processes1. Motivation2. Perception3. Attitude4. KnowledgeDecision do1. Problem recognition2.Information Search3. Judgement4. DecisionPost -decision Processes1. corrupt2. Post -purchase behaviourFigure 1 Model of Consumer Behaviour2.2 Social mediaSocial media is a set of applications such as Twitter, LinkedIn, and Facebook etc built to operate on Web 2.0 platform which enables the creation and sharing of information created by users that are known as user-generated content (Kaplan and Haenlin, 2010). Social media has been expressed to be the new millennium medium of communication across the world with the most popular of all been Facebook, twitter and LinkedIn. For example, Facebook as at June, 2012 was said to have a monthly mobile user of 750 million people and 1 gazillion participating users were estimated to be on Facebook by the end of 2012, thus supporting the believe of many analyst that social media marketing will out rightly replace some forms of traditional marketing such as directing mail (Fuel oil news, 2012). Social network, one of the currently used platforms by social media is said to be a very assorted and big complex concept perceive to which its knowledge require a clear identification of its scope and coverage that forms it boundaries (George, 2008). Tracy (2008) expressed that social media human beings is congenital in the context of communities that are built of people where relations are been developed and nurtured through creation, sharing, engaging and commenting in content. Social media are online tools that provide access to users with identical interest to share information that is referred to as user generated account content while also learning from others, or network in an open process (Stepenson, 2011). According to Smith and z (2011), Social media has been opined to be an effective way of running business other than undecomposed an ordinary marketing tool, requiring both old and new companies to insert new culture of company wide support, systems and incentives where mindset of thinking relationships and not just sales or transaction marketing must be ensured. Social media has been further ex plained by Smith and Zee (2011) to look beyond short term sales but should enable the culture of sharing and listening, channelling information into organisational system that alert companies into negative and positive comments, suggestions, complaints and new ideas that are beneficial for new product development, new advertisements, new discussions and promotions.Business managers are often faced with challenges of exploiting opportunities associated with the increasing availability of social media sites like Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn that is been dominated by 50% users alone in UK. Despite the fact that social media has become a very popular networks that is frequently used by consumers, while organisations are still struggling to understand and indue it to use effectively (Nielsen 2010). However, despite the believe of many about the opportunities inherent in social media, some are still sceptical about its potentials due to an immense uncertainty about how it can be levera ged for a long term profits and returns as well as the ability to identify the fact that return on investment can be attributed to social media marketing efforts (Weinberg and Berger, 2010), Weinberg and David, 2005). Apart from social media exposing consumers to research and purchase considerations, social media has also provided platform through which consumers can advocate for the products and stores they so more than valued and love (Jay, 2012). To gather information, consumers are now relying on social media to decide on which products to buy (Kozinets 2002) and the usage of social media by consumers for brand recognition, information about products and the opinion about product or service provider are most often influenced by the cultural compass of consumers as consumers widely vary in their expectation of product and service quality (Donthu and Yoo 1998).Through social media, companies are offered the opportunities to understand the needs of their consumers and increase th eir take aim of satisfaction through proactive and timely response (Jay, 2012).2.3 Usage pattern of Social media among consumers.No doubt, social media has gone through a significant transformation over years (Mangold and faulds, 2009). This significant transformation of social media and the extent to which consumers rely on social media to make purchasing decision led to the full awareness of the potentials of social media by marketers. Advent of social media has immensely changed the society, influencing consumers behaviour in terms of scanning for information on opposite social media to read other consumers view concerning products or services they want to purchase (Todaro, 2007).The traditional media has been greatly replaced by social networks and the awareness on social media opportunities seems unlimited as millions of Coca-cola fans on Facebook are declaring their love for the brand, most frequently viewed on YouTube been roller babies of Danones water brand Evian while th ousands of consumers that endure Starbucks work hand in hand with the brand to generate new ideas for their products. According to Trusvo et al., 2009, 1.54 billion dollars was said to have been used to implement and support social media communications in 2008 and as such, social media growths is getting rather unlimited as investment on social media are estimated to increase to 3 billion dollars in the year 2013 (Kozinets et al., 2010). 70% internet users have been notice to trust judgements and evaluations of their fellow consumers on the social media platforms thus leaving brand generation and awareness at the mercy of social media users (Nielsen 2009).According to a survey conducted by Fishburn Hedges, more than third of UK consumers that constitute 36% are said to have engaged with companies brands through social media and this increase was driven by a common belief among 40% respondents that alter customer service is as a result social media when compared with just 7% of r espondents that believed that social media has a negative impact on customer service. Furthermore, 68% of respondents that have engaged with brands through social media have believed that through social media, their concerns and their wishes have been made known to their products and service provider and more than 65% respondent expressed that social media gives them a better chance to communicate with companies(David, 2012).Fishburn_image_1Figure 2 Usage pattern of social media among UK consumers (David, 2012).In the same vein, research conducted by YouGov Media, UK (2011) explained that the uptake and usage of social media services as a marketing tool remains favourably high among British public where Facebook is the social media site with a highest percentage of active users. 65% of online population in UK have Facebook with 95% of 16 to 20 years olds and 74% of 21-24 years old are frequently accessing Facebook social media site. The next social media site with the highest number of active users after Facebook is said to be YouTube that has 50% of all UK internet users while Twitter, Windows Live, LinkedIn, Google and Spotify have been surveyed to have 23%, 14%, 13%, 12% and 10% active online users one by one (YouGov,2012).Furthermore, study conducted among by Hiscox (2012) among entrepreneurs in UK found out that 57% of businesses use social media for marketing where 19% of these entrepreneurs use Facebook as their social media platform while 14% use linkedIn. The use of social media to support marketing efforts in UK is inherent in the fact that 53% of UK adults that use social networks follow a particular brands while 4 out of 5 internet users visit other social platforms as we as blogs.Also, in a study conducted by Jon (2011), 77% of UK 48.6 million adult were discovered to have an active Facebook profile, 15.5 million adult were investigated to be using Twitter account, 7.2 million adult use a photo sharing platform while 7.9 million UK adults use Lin kedIn. Facebook was discovered to be the most popular UK social networking site with 77% of all UK users having an active Facebook profile where 80% women constitute the population of active Facebook user compared to 72% of men.How Businesses use Social Media Hiscox InsuranceFigure 3 Usage pattern of social media among UK entrepreneurs (Hiscox 2012).Social Media Usage in UK infographic low res 2Figure 4 Social Media usage pattern depending on age and gender (Jon 2011).Examining the study conducted by Dirk (2011) that proposed that the increase in the number of active user of social media was as a result of the advent of smartphones, investigated that social networks are accessed by more than half of UK users through their phones almost everyday, suggesting that overall, 35% of he UK mobile UK mobile phone population use social networks from their phones where over 44% of mobile phone users in UK are estimated to be smartphone users.uk_mobilesocialsept10-11-1Figure 5 The Frequency of Social Networking site or Blog in UK (Dirk, 2011)2.4. ever-changing consumers attitude through Social mediaWord of mouth has been found to be an effective means through which consumers buy products and services. Take for example an active user of Facebook with 15,000 followers finds a product valuable to him and thus recommends such product to his 15,000 followers on the social media sites and these followers also recommend the product to their followers and thus create a huge awareness for such brand through these social media medium. With the advent of social media, news show of mouth and engagements which are effective means by which products are change have been facilitated by social media. Years ago companys sale representatives only had the not less than 5 interactions a day but in the social media age, companies have increased their individual customer interactions to 100 or more (Joan et al., 2010). Favoured brands may be promoted by consumers through positive comments on social media like Facebook or twitter pages or could be through uploading the video clips about such brand on YouTube. In the same vein, when consumers are not satisfied with a particular product, consumers could use the brands social media to register their feelings of unsatisfaction about the companys product on the brands social media forum. Findings made by Dellarocas et al., 2007 found out that consumers look out for recommendations concerning products and proceed to buy such product via the traditional channel such as offline stores (Heil et al., 2010). Social media like Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube etc are been used by consumers to serve as an evaluation forums where products quality or service reviewed by other consumers that have experience with such products or services are used as a determining factor to determine whether such product or service would be purchased or not, and thus social media reduce uncertainty and improve efficiency of consumers online searc hes in products consumption process (Dwyer, 2007). Through social media, consumers have greatly influenced one another when making purchasing decisions where consumers ask one another for advice on these social media platform, mimicking and observing one anothers decision and relying on these recommendations from others before purchases are made (Hasan 2008). In a study conducted by IBM in Europe, more than half of Social media users in Britain, France, Italy and even Germany often check social networks before they make decision on purchasing or not purchasing a particular good or service. 35% of active Facebook users are discovered to use Facebook page to consult people for advices about products and services. In 40% of the situation, consumers procure such product they do probe on through the social media. Furthermore, studies have also proved that 56% of Facebook users that have become the follower of a particular brand are likely to recommend to their social network followers s uch brand they follow (ConversationGroup, 2012). According to MRY (Mr Young), during holiday sales, exchanges among friends, family and brands have a significantly direct influence on purchasing decision. Through Faceb

Friday, March 29, 2019

The Environmental Factor Impacting On Mcdonalds Commerce Essay

The surroundingsal Factor Imp acting On Mcdonalds Commerce EssayMcDonalds fri exterminateship is the grounds leading food service organization. The company started out as a sm either drive- with in 1948 by two brothers, Dick and Mac McDonald. Raymond Albert Kroc, a salesman, saw a great probability in this commercialise and certain Dick and Mac to expand their operation and open new restaurants. In 1961 Kroc bought out the McDonald brothers. By 1967 McDonalds expanded its operations to countries outside the U.S.A. This unyielding magnification led the Corporation to open 23,000 McDonalds restaurants in 110 countries in 1994, producing $3.4 bn in annual revenues. In addition, McDonalds opens a new restaurant every triple hours. Also, McDonalds has twice the trade sh atomic number 18 of its closest U.S. competitor, Burger King, representing 7% of total U.S. eating-out sales. in like manner, McDonalds serves or so 1% of the worlds population on any assumption day by its 2 3,000 restaurants internation all toldy. Big Mac, the worlds most sold ground beef was developed by Jim Delligutti in 1967 to feed construction workers. Big Mac is the biggest attraction and backb unitary of the corporation. Moreover, McDonalds maintains its competitory advantage by unceasingly creating new items to add onto its menu. This shows us that McDonalds practices an analyser type of scheme, introducing new items and defending its existing ones.McDonalds Corporation (NYSEMCD) is the worlds largest chain of burger fast food restaurants, serving nearly 47 m giddyion customers daily. At one time it was the largest global restaurant chain, scarcely it has since been surpassed by multi-brand doer Yum Brands (KFC, Taco Bell and others) and sandwich chain Subway.In addition to its touch sensation restaurant chain, McDonalds Corporation held a minority interest in Pret A Manger until 2008, and owned the Chipotle Mexi drop Grill until 2006 and the restaurant chain capital of Massach occasiontts Market until 2007. The company has in any case expanded the McDonalds menu in fresh decades to include alternative meal options, much(prenominal) as salads and snack wraps, in order to capitalize on growing consumer interest in wellness and wellness.A McDonalds restaurant is run shortd by either a franchisee, an affiliate, or the corporation itself. The corporations revenues come from the rent, royalties and fees paid by the franchisees, as well as sales in company-operated restaurants. McDonalds revenues grew 27% over the three years ending in 2007 to $22.8 billion, and 9% growth in run income to $3.9 billion.McDonalds primarily sells hamburgers, cheeseburgers, grumbler merchandises, French fries, breakfast items, soft drinks, milkshakes, and desserts. In response to obesity trends in occidental nations and in the face of criticism over the healthiness of its products, the company has limited its menu to include such healthier alternatives as salads, wr aps and fruit.McDonalds MISSION AND peckThey serve mountain with obedient timber food, fast and at humbled greet. McDonalds vision is to dominate the global food-service industry. Global dominance fashion, setting the action standard for customer satisfaction and increases commercialize sh be and profitability through successfully implementing our convenience, value and execution strategies.McDonalds brand mission is to be our customers p fixent place and way to eat. Our intercontinental operations pass on been aligned slightly a global strategy called the Plan to Win centering on the five basics of an exceptional customer experience People, Products, Place, Price and Promotion. We ar committed to improving our operations and enhancing our customers experience.Main Body Analysisenvironmental Factor Impacting upon MacDonaldsThe squeeze of milieual work outs is far-reaching upon the Macdonalds which is universe discussed below followed by milieual gene.Environme ntal FactorThe nonion of surround in general systems thinking is a wild, all-embracing and woolly concept. Everything is in the environment. The environment is all all the same we be interested in specifics. It is masses who decide what is signifi backsidet in the environment and what is not what the forces ar that must (imperative language) be attended to. and then prevailing pictures of what the environment is ar socially constructed. Various definitions and concerns assume the characteristics of propaganda. They ar not necessarily neutral definitions and the nature of the elements that supposedly argon acting on us in the environment, argon difficult to define and measure.Similarly environmental events earn hold to be interpreted and we will often refer to environmental forces of various kinds in our post hoc rational and justification of the decisions we have got make. We blame the environment for action we have taken and the results of that action.Finally people e.g. government and powerful decision-makers in business organizations, may intervene to bend and shape events in the environment to their own advantage e.g. speak to the press, mansion house for a change, buy up a rival, try to tickle the equities merchandise up and even cooperate with others to mark off that information on the environment is accurate rather than uninformed and misguiding decisions by others than back end affect the companys mark (vested interests). John Childs concept of strategic choice, and its manifestation in terms of managerial behavior, is significant in this regard.So environment is not what it may seem. sure if we here the green lobby speak about environment, they will induce particular values and positions dear to their hearts, some of which others cogency accept but some of which others might to a fault rebut.However a typical, neutral and managerial description of environmental factors and pressures would cover the following atomic number 18 as (and more). Environmental factors include social-cultural, technological, economic and financial and governmental-legal events and possibilities. These atomic number 18 often referred to by the mnemonicsS.T.E.P. (social, technical, economic and political factors) also PEST orS.T.E.E.P.L.E (social/demographic, technical, economic, environmental (natural), political, legal and ethical factors)The biological and adjustive metaphor comes into play when we argue for business change. Typically, if the business cannot respond to the pressures and influences of its environment then it may not survive. It has to adapt. If it serves the expects of clients or stakeholders and satisfies for example its market mission then it may prosper. A dominant theme in the study of business is that of tilt in the market-place.A businesss relationship with its environment is typically founded on its service to detect customers and their satisfaction with its performance revealed by buying patterns , new legislation, party conferences, annual general meetings and stock market prices. Learning and adaptation occurs in response to stimulus across organisational boundaries. Any organization that is too inward looking bring into beings atrophied and can stagnate. In the language of general systems theory any system is stem to the process of entropy.Environmental factors can be political, social, ecological, cultural, technological and ethical in nature. Any organization that develops a product or service that they neediness to market domestically or globally must consider what the impact each of these factors may have for them. Not considering these factors can result in the failed attempt to market a product, which may be successful domestically, in other countries where at that place is a significant market potential.Impacting upon MacDonaldsMainly in that respect are 2 types of factors affecting inter home(a) business like MacDonalds.1) subjective factors2) External factor s.1) inborn factors-Internal factors of international business include political parties, suppliers, buyers, competitors and consumer of respective(prenominal) country.2) External factors External factors of international business are those where you need to examine the whole criteria these are political environment, legal environment, socio-cultural environment, demographic conditions of respective country.Figure Environmental FactorAnalysis the environmental factors impacting upon MacDonaldsTo have a clear picture of McDonalds corporation we need to look at its assess Environment, which includes its .Customers .Competitors .Strategic associate .Suppliers .RegulatorsCUSTOMERSCustomers are those who pay money to acquire an organizations considerablys or services. For umpteen a(prenominal) years McDonalds mostly tar carryed the young people, however this has changed in this decade McDonalds has off towards a more general market. By doing this McDonalds concentrates on the famil y, tar circumventing a assorted market which includes consumers ranging from children to elderly people, using products such as the happy meal for children and Egg McMuffin for the elderly. McDonalds also veridicalized the changing world we live in and the need for healthier food, since there is an ever changing demographic group, who pick out fast, top quality food that is low in calories. McDonalds responded to this opportunity and introduced a new and mod product. This new product was a regular hamburger that tasted like the real thing but was made of plant stuff like Soya beans. This same product also targets some other(prenominal) demographic group, vegetarians. McDonalds mostly uses psychographic segmentation targeting the functional and middle classes. These are the people that are more susceptible to enter a fast food restaurant, since these are the people that lead a fast moving life and therefore require a fast meal. In brief McDonalds customers are of all classes , but largely working and middle classes, and people of all ages.COMPETITORSA competitor is an organization that contests with other organizations for imaginations. In our findings, McDonalds has two types of competitors in the Lebanese marketIn learn CompetitorsIndirect refers to regulars producing one or two products that contest with McDonalds products and therefore be a threat to the company. We have identified quatern corroborative competitors hydrogen J. Beans, T.G.I. Friday, K. F. C. and Popeyes. Henry J. Beans offers hamburgers and fries on its menu, therefore competing with McDonalds for customers of these products. However, Henry J. Beans also known as Hanks is a more of a bar restaurant and therefore a hang out place, as a result charging more money for its products. Hanks targets middle to focal ratio class customers, so where most of these customers overlap are in the middle class. T.G.I Friday is some other indirect competitor reflecting the same characteristi cs as Henry J. Beans. Other indirect competitors are K. F. C. and Popeyes, both competing for the chicken nuggets and fries customers. In brief, Hanks and T.G.I. Fridays competes with McDonalds by offering hamburgers and fries, whereas K. F. C. and Popeyes compete with McDonalds by offering chicken nuggets and fries.Direct CompetitorsDirect competitors refer to planetary houses producing the same products or services as McDonalds does. Here we found that McDonalds has three direct competitors Burger King, Wendys and Hardees. McDonalds closest rival is Burger King, which operates a total of 9644 restaurants in 110 countries. Wendys is McDonalds s largest rival, which is also in the fast food business, where Wendys operates 6776 restaurants in 32 countries. Hardees, McDonalds triplet largest rival is also in the fast food business and is the notwithstanding direct competitor apart from Juicy Burger in the Lebanese market. Hardees operates 3080 restaurants in 20 countries. As we ha ve illustrated McDonalds faces stiff competition from three major(ip) competitors, Burger King, Wendys and Hardees.SuppliersSuppliers are an organization that provides resources for other organizations. McDonalds has practiced a backward vertical integration, by replacing most of its suppliers. It has done so for two reasons, 1) To geld costs, and 2) To ensure that its products are of top quality. These supplies include beef and milk to be utilize in its products, which it gets from its farms. Other suppliers include topical anaesthetic grocery stores that preparation McDonalds with fresh vegetables. Soft drinks are supplied exclusively by Coca-Cola, which is also its ally. McDonalds supplies also include raw real such as flour, sugar, yeast, etc.,.Strategic AlliesA strategic ally is an organization working together with one or more other organizations is a joint venture or a similar arrangement. McDonalds has formed a strategic alliance with Walmart, Chevron, Amoco, Disney an d Coca-Cola. Walmart, which is a large shopping mall chain in the U..S. and several adjoining countries, is allied with McDonalds, which offers great opportunities for both companies. McDonalds has restaurants in each Walmart, offering its customers conveniences and excellent fast food at a low cost ease of accessibility. McDonalds corporation describes it best in this scenario Imagine a work shopping day at your local Walmart and having the ability to sit rectify with the kids and enjoy many of our McDonalds favorites, like Big Mac sandwiches, world famed fries and kids favorite Happy Meal. McDonalds understands your busy lifestyles and the demands on your time. Thats why we are making it easier for you to do more things in less time. McDonalds is engaged in an alliance with two petrol companies, Chevron and Amoco. This alliance represents the ultimate in convenience. At these locations, one finds a full-menu McDonalds restaurant with dining room service. zero point can be mo re convenient, because one can fill up the car with gas and get a meal all in one stop. Another important alliance that McDonalds has is with Disney. Here McDonalds has the sole effective to sell fast food in Disneys theme parks approximately the U.S., and other Disney operations in the world. Under the terms of the agreement, McDonalds will operate restaurants and Disney will promote its films through McDonalds.RegulatorsRegulators are groups or governmental agencies that can control and influence the organizations policies and practices. An example is Lebanon a few years past when the U..S. government banned all U..S. citizens and organizations to come or operate in Lebanon. Another good example would be the embargo imposed on Iran where U..S. organizations were banned to operate in this country. Another group of regulators called interest groups can and have influenced McDonalds to treat its animals (cow and chickens) in a much more tender-hearted manner, which resulted in th e restructuring of McDonalds farms throughout its operations near the world. The summary of the task environment which is by definition a specific organizations or groups that affect the organization, which includes competitors, suppliers, customers, strategic allies and regulators. Here we described the task environments importance to McDonalds, where McDonalds faces both opportunities and has threats in its environment.Emphasis on the key driver of MacDonaldsWe shall also explore McDonalds manpower Diversity and its Total spirit Management to emphasis on the key drivers. These are given belowWorkforce DiversityDiversity exists in a group or organization when its members differ from one another a eagle-eyed one or more important dimensions such as age, gender, and ethnicity. Diversity is very important for McDonalds. Here millions of teens start out by working at McDonalds. Here some of the teenagers move on to get various bank lines such as movie stars, skilled workers, famous athletes, worry positions and other educated positions in society. At McDonalds two thirds of middle and upper focussing started out as crewmembers in a McDonalds restaurant. There are opportunities for everybody in McDonalds from teenagers to elderly workers, and from people just entering or reentering the job market. Moreover, McDonalds offers special jobs for people who have disabilities, such as people who are in wheel chairs and those who must use crutches permanently. Furthermore, McDonalds offers their workers flexible working hours. For example, hours for people set abouting just a few hours of work per week and those who seek full time positions. The work force at McDonalds also have some say in their working hours, such as if they cull the morning, mid-day, or evening shifts in the restaurant. So, McDonalds uses kind to create a good atmosphere in their work places among workers and management. Here they offer work to all kinds of people without diversity and the wo rkers have flexible hours that provides customer satisfaction.Top Quality ManagementQuality is the entirety of features and distinctiveness of a product or service that stand on its ability to satisfy stated or implied needs. For McDonalds, total quality management (TQM) involves that the employees are at work on time, are neatly dressed, and are clean. The employees must make sure that the customers constantly receive safe food, which implies that the employees must wash their hands often to stick clean. Moreover, the employees must follow certain Standard Operational Procedures, so the customers ever so receive exceptional quality and service. This includes the employees using plastic gloves when they prepare the food, that the shopping centre and fries are properly fried, and that the vegetables are thoroughly washed when used in the food. Another TQM is that the employees rely on teamwork and high energy to get the job done, so that the customers do not have to wait long for their food. Furthermore, McDonalds management emphasizes that their restaurants should be clean. This involves that the restaurants are tidy, sparkling and spotlessly clean. As McDonalds illustrates the quality is that the employees delivers fast, accurate and friendly service with a smile.External and Internal Factors bear upon McDonalds The affair of this paper is to discuss international and subjective factors affecting McDonalds management functions. This will be accomplished by explaining how McDonalds deals with each of the foreign and internal factors. There were three factors that were chosen to outline the success of McDonalds corporation. The first factor is globalization, which is define as closer contact between different part of the world, with change magnitude possibilities of personal exchange, mutual understanding and friendship between world citizens. Diversity, the difference among people and cultures, is the second factor discussed in the paper. The final factor is ethics, which can be defined as a set of principles of remunerate conduct. This paper explains how the McDonald Corporations uses the factors to conduct business around the world.In todays society, corporations and enterprises are expanding their businesses in the global markets. Globalization is incumbent for success and survival in the worldwide market however, global competition is not easy (Bateman Scott, 2004). By the end of the twentieth century, the incline of Fortune 500 companies was no longer and United States corporations due to an increase in international companies joining the list (Global Capitalism, 2005). As a leading food service retailer, McDonalds joins those corporations with restaurants in 119 countries (McDonalds, 2004). serious strategic decisions are a key factor to their success with precondition for both internal and external factors. When considering the foreign market, companies need to consider there are risks. There must be local selli ng to apostrophize to the local consumers and also to build relationships and trust (Bateman Scott, 2004). Therefore, the strategic planning for marketing has to be effective. McDonalds caters its menu in other countries to the cultures of the regions. For example, in India, the non-vegetarian menu includes chicken and fish items only (Welcome, n.d.). Beef is not on the menu in India because are considered sacred. Global marketing decisions are no different than those made domestically but the decisions are unique to each country (Sister Sister, 2005). Furthermore, operating on a global scale allows a companys employees to experience working in different cultural environments. This is a good marketing strategy for recruiting employees. McDonalds has a global core curriculum for its restaurant management (McDonalds, 2004). Paula Doherty, a general manager states, Ive had incredible experience in different countries andculturesas a trainee manager from Poland to Israel to the Phil ippines and more. Doing the job successfully has given me a real sense of achievement This business strategy speaks to their commitment to a divers(prenominal) workforce.McDonalds commitment to diversity is established on the foundational belief that diversity is not just a moral and ethical issue, but also a business issue (McDonalds, 2005). Due to the global expanse of McDonalds business, diversity has become an integral part of the internal company culture. McDonalds has over 30,000 restaurants around the world, which means franchise owner/operators, employees, and customers represent just about every culture, theology or ethnicity on earth. In addition, McDonalds promotes the use of local suppliers and based on their policies of diversity, expects and retains suppliers that have a similar diversity culture. Knowing and understanding the local customs and traditions of the communities where McDonalds has established businesses, integrating people from these communities into the company, and adapting locally to the tastes and cuisines of the community, has made McDonalds the drawing card in their industry.In the United States alone, McDonalds has won legion(predicate) awards and received national recognition for diversity. According to McDonalds website, www.mcdonlads.com, awards include PUSH-Excel Corporate Partner Award, Corporate feat and Image Award, Nullities Corporate Award, Corporate Vision Award, and the Circle of Inclusion Award. These awards and recognitions are not the result of a surface attempt to appease the critics. They are the result of McDonalds embracing and integrating diversity into their company ethos as an plus and an ally.McDonalds realizes that having diversity as an asset greatly enhances the profitability of the company. Diversity is a direct reflection of a companys interpersonal relationships. These relationships, if positive, result in a rewarding venture. Conversely, if the relationships are negative, the companys morale d eclines and if not addressed, leads to the deterioration of the company. This deterioration this instant impacts the companys income and the communitys acceptance of the business. However, McDonalds leadership encourages diversity through their policies and programs. McDonalds proven success with leverage the advantages of diversity can be attributed to their core value of ethics.McDonalds success is create on the foundation of personal and professional integrity (www.mcdonalds). From the beginning, McDonalds has based its character on trust and dependability, and their commitment to the community made them a plate name. Founder Ray Kroc, believed in giving something back to the community in order to make the world a better place. Throughout the 1970s, McDonalds became problematical with a lot of sympathy work. In 1974 established a charity called Ronald McDonald House. The purpose of this program was to provide temporary housing for the families of seriously ill children rece iving treatment at nearby hospitals. Since the 70s, more than 10 million families around the world benefited from the comfort provided by Ronald McDonald Houses (www.rhmc).In addition to their community involvement, McDonalds has a long-standing commitment to environmental protection. Restaurants around the world have innovative programs for recycling, resource conservation, and waste reduction. The environmental achievements of this corporation have been recognized by organizations such as the Audubon Society, Conservation International, Keep America Beautiful, the National Recycling Coalition, and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (www.mcdonalds).McDonalds is also an adequate opportunity employer. As an equal opportunity employer McDonalds ensures that employees and job applicants are selected, trained, and promoted without discrimination to race, gender, sexual orientation, age or disability. The company promotes their employees based on their relevant skill, talents, and performance. In support of this McDonalds promotes and sustains a working environment, which is free from unlawful discrimination, harassment and bullying. Employees are regarded as members of a team where everyones opinion is valued and respected. The Human Resources department monitors the effectiveness of the discrimination policies at regular intervals and takes corrective action as undeniable to ensure that they being complied with (www.mcdonalds). Employees who feel that they have been treated unfairly are advance to use the remedies outlined in the Companys handbooks. McDonalds ethical standards, as well as their strategies for globalization and diversity are instrumental to the overall success of the company.The purpose of this paper was to discuss external and internal factors that have affected McDonalds. This was achieved by explaining what the factors are where and how McDonalds dealt with each of the external and internal factors. The factors discussed were globaliza tion, diversity, and ethics. The paper illustrates how globalization is necessary for success and survival of McDonalds in the worldwide market. The paper also shows how diversity integrated people from different communities into the company, and adapted tastes and cuisines of the community. McDonalds showed ethics by being an active leader in the communities. There are many different values to the dollar around the world, many issues that have occurred in many of those regions/websites, and about 119 countries served by McDonalds that rely on the functions of management to succeed.Critical ontogenesis the current strategy of MacDonaldsThe current strategy involve of chock up psychoanalysis as well as ram matrix or strategies which is given below accordingly.SWOT Analysis FrameworkEnvironmental Scan/Internal AnalysisExternal Analysis/ / StrengthsWeaknessesOpportunitiesThreatsSWOT matrixFigure SWOT Analysis FrameworkSWOT Strategies of MacdonaldsThe SWOT MatrixA firm should not n ecessarily pursue the more lucrative opportunities. Rather, it may have a better chance at developing a hawkish advantage by identifying a fit between the firms strengths and upcoming opportunities. In some cases, the firm can overcome a weakness in order to prepare itself to pursue a compelling opportunity.To develop strategies that take into account the SWOT profile, a matrix of these factors can be constructed. The SWOT matrix (also known as a TOWS Matrix) is shown belowSWOT / TOWS MatrixStrengthsWeaknessesOpportunitiesS-O strategiesW-O strategiesThreatsS-T strategiesW-T strategiesFigure SWOT / TOWS MatrixS-O strategiesS-O strategies pursue opportunities that are a good fit to the companys strengths. As like MacDonalds expands their Chinese market and increasing announce and restaurant location because Chinese population is increasing day by day .In addition their car ownership is growing rapidly which is another opportunity for MacDonalds to expand their market cultivation.Ho rizontal integration is the another opportunity which is tuned into strength for MacDonalds because by acquiring Krispy Kren Corporation they captured the market of them .As well as the advantages of horizontal integration is expansion of a firm within an industry in which it is already active for the purpose of increasing its share of the market for a particular product or service. Cost minimization, raw material availability, quick delivery and others factors are the advantage of horizontal integration which is adopting MacDonalds as a current strategy.It can adapt to the needs of the societies and undergo an innovative product line which might be the good opportunity for MacDonalds to convert into strength. It would be the remarkable opportunities to turn in to strength.Researching green energies and green package solutions and incorporating these findings as a part of their marketing strategy and adverts which would be another opportunity to transfer into strength.Create new product offerings. Continue to use technology to influence revenue strategy possibly use textbook messages to deliver specials offers to individuals who sign up for such services .These also might treated as opportunity which can be concerted in to strength.W-O strategiesW-O strategies overcome weaknesses to pursue opportunities. As MacDonalds weakness is lack of menu development so they have to work hard with this strategy and currently they are working with that as well which is being convert to pursue opportunity.They are currently doing menu development as well as product development of healthy lifestyle and Hispanic food lines which were weakness of them.In addition MacDonalds has several weakness which might be tune in to pursue opportunity if they overcome that weakness.Like-It uses advertising that mostly targets children.High employee turn-over.It has except to accomplish going on the trend of organic food.Price competition with the competitors resulting in low revenue.La ck of innovative products.S-T strategiesS-T strategies identify ways that the firm can use its strengths to reduce its vulnerability to external threats. Macdonalds are increasing their number of restaurant as well advertisement in the Disney and nautical Park as well as key markets to avoid the external threat of competitors like Burger King, Starbucks, Wendys Taco Bell, and KFC.Moreover there are numerous strength which can use its strengths to reduce its vulnerability to external threats..It takes locomote in adjusting the Ingredients and product offerings in order to comply with the upgraded health standards deemed necessary by the USDA.Its recognized as one of the worldss most recognized logos.It has brand menu items i-e Big Mac, Chicken McNuggets, which further promote McDonalds.Active Childrens jack ladder The Ronald McDonald House. It is recognized as a socially responsible and community oriented firm.Globalization 31,000 restaurants serving 120 countries. Of the 31,000 r estaurants at least14, 000 restaurants in the US. It has located itself in major airports, cities, highways, tourist locations, theme parks.Earns revenue not merely by fast food sales, but also as a place investor, a franchiser of restaurants. It earns revenue by fast food sales as well as a property investor and a franchiser of restaurants.W-T strategiesW-T strategies establish a defensive plan to prevent the firms weaknesses from making it highly susceptible to external threats. As Macdonalds concentrate their development of product and redesign of website which is being substance abuser friendly. In addition they are increasing their sales promotion and advertisement to reduce external threat.

According to Raz, the sources thesis is essential

harmonise to Raz, the stocks thesis is essentialAccording to Raz, the sources thesis is essential to the self-assurance of lawful philosophy. Does it stick with from his account that federal agency is at heart a matter of reason (as a sceptic would maintain) rather than a intellectual virtue? batch Raz avoid this conclusion and remain a incontrovertible?It is contended that Raz and his articulation of intelligent positivism remains intact after careful analysis, if somewhat tempest-tost by the arguments inherent in the question as posed. To fully apprise the concept of ascendence as Raz develops it, one must(prenominal) first train how Raz has defined the sources thesis and its sexual congressship to the authority of rectitude.The source thesis as developed by Raz is the culmination of his logical progression in the outgrowth of a flexible and comprehensive tool to define legal positivism. Raz hammers a three headed thesis comprised of social, moralistic and sem antic components, of which the social thesis is the some important.1 Raz emphatic wholey states that what the law is and what it is not is a social fact his corollary overture is that a rule is barely a legal rule if it meets a social look into.2Raz proceeded in his analysis to articulate how the social thesis becomes a cornerstone for the justification of law as a social institution, a concept tightly all(prenominal)ied by Raz to three elements that determine the sure world of such dodges efficacy, institutional character and the source of law.In this context, Raz elevates the source thesis to one of both complexity and prominence. It is submitted that Raz in his definition of both efficacy and institutional character as separate tests that identify the come throughence of a legal system, in fact renders them as sub-compartments of his source thesis. Raz is certain that the source thesis, an acknowledgement that all law is fully determined by its social sources, is the m ost important element of a legal system.3 He defines his social sources as including any extraneous &aposinterpretative sources&apos4 that may exist in a society.Raz stipulates that a law has a source if its confine and existence can be determined without resort to moral arguments. Raz and then includes both legislation and a wide range of societal facts as defining the law and its authority.The Raz definition of law as an aggregation of partnership and societal custom, habits, and shared perspectives is a far cry from the seminal capital of Texas concepts of legal positivism, ones centred upon the whim of a irrefutable independent power that promulgates law as a command that is reciprocally enforced by sanction, all crisply delineated from any moral loves.5 In contrast, it is plain that Raz perceives the authority of the law in less stark and more indirect terms than Austin would have accepted.The source thesis as posited by Raz has twain functions. The first is its utility in categorising and systemising the interconnected aspects of law (a purpose that all legal positivists from Austin onwards would endorse). The second function is to provide in public ascertainable standards that are binding upon society.6 The state power as contemplated by Raz to achieve these legal societal purposes is held in a collective sentience by the community there is no supreme and authoritative sovereign lawgiver in the Raz model.However, it is equally plain that Raz does not attribute rational virtue to his concept of authority. By definition, virtue is a moral consideration and therefore one that Raz and positivists generally would not permit to enter the authority equation. On the subject of unvirtuous law, Raz suggested that Even a bad law, as the unavoidable official doctrine, should be obeyed for as long as it is in force, bit lawful action is taken to try and bring about its amendment or repeal. It is submitted that this perspective internalizes authority to w ithin the society, consistent with Raz thesis that law is fully determined from social sources.7Raz considers the question of power in relation to law in another sense that bears upon the present question. Raz has stated in a number of his works that consistent with the source based notion of all law, the authority to create or administer the law must be either legitimate or de facto.8 The use of the term authority has a strong power connotation legal systems may only claim legitimacy through an implicit or express confidence that the system possesses the power to maintain such authority. The power to adjudicate legal issues and to the ability to maintain regulatory and enforcement systems places the legal system in a position of victory within a society, but it is a supremacy derived from societal forces and desires and not a sovereign influence in the Austinian positivist sense.It is submitted that in the Raz interpretation of the institutional character of the law, the legitima te legal system will inevitably reflect the social fact of the society. In this fashion Raz closes a philosophical loop in his conclusion that conformity to moral values or ideals is in no way a condition for anything being a law or legally binding. Hence, the law&aposs conformity to moral values and ideals is not necessary9. It is this proposition that cements the Raz position as one within the positivist camp.BibliographyGeorge, Robert P., (ed.) The Autonomy of lawfulness Essays on good Positivism (Oxford Oxford University Press, 1999)George, Robert P. What Is Law? A Century of Arguments. First Things A periodic Journal of Religion and Public Life Apr. 200123Raz, Joseph. ethics in the Public Domain Essays in the Morality of Law and Politics (revise ed.) (Oxford Clarendon Press, 1995) Raz, Joseph. realistic Reasons and Norms (Oxford Oxford University Press, 1979)Raz, Joseph. The Authority of Law Essays on Law and Morality (Oxford Oxford University Press, 1979)Footnotes1 The Au thority of Law Essays on Law and Morality (Oxford Oxford UP, 1979), 37 see also applicative Reasons and Norms (Oxford Oxford UP, 2002), 161, 162 ibid, 402 ibid, 43-464 ibid, 4735 Austin, John. The Province of Jurisprudence Determined (New York B. Franklin, 1970),6 Raz, 51455 Austin, John. The Province of Jurisprudence Determined (New York B. Franklin, 1970),6 Raz, 517Joseph Raz, Ethics in the Public Domain Essays in the Morality of Law and Politics, Revised ed. (Oxford Clarendon Press, 1995)678 Ethics, 2169 Ethics, 217

Thursday, March 28, 2019

Essay --

What is Schizophrenia? Schizophrenia is brain distemper that makes it hard to see the difference between reality and imagination, have typical emotional responses, and act normal in social situations. Schizophrenia is comparatively young, it has only been around for less than 100 years. It was first discovered by Dr. Emile Kraeplin in 1887. He believed it was a mental illness. A few documents quest Schizophrenias origins back to Egypt during the Pharaohs rule around 1550 B.C. deal originally thought schizophrenia was simply madness, and commonly associated it with madness, even though it is quite different from madness. Symptoms of this disease include Positive symptoms, which atomic number 18 hallucinations, or things that someone tail assembly see, feel, smell, or hear that do not real exist. Many people hear voices inside their heads, see people that are not on that point, or smell odors no one else smells. Delusions are another(prenominal) symptom, also known as bizarre beliefs, these whitethorn include insane delusions also, which are delusions that tell the person that others are trying to hurt them. idea Disorders are a symptom in which the person thinks unusually or dysfunctionally. Movement disorders may be present in schizophrenic people, they may seem like twitches or small, sharp, and sudden breakments. Schizophrenias negatively charged symptoms are harder to recognize. These include the flat affect, in which the persons face doesnt move and the voice is droning. The lack of pleasure in life is another once, along with the lack of ability to start and sustain activities, and little speech. These symptoms prevent or block the person from living a normal life be thrust they ca engagement social, physical, and emotional, and mental problems. This may lead to psychosis, insanity, or ... ...ients that suffer severe symptoms. The closely common word is a combination of medicine and therapy. Where the patient engages in individual psychothe rapy with a therapist, rehabilitation, family education, or self help groups. These therapies usually help people cope with schizophrenia and its effects. At this time there is no cure for schizophrenia, there are very effective treatments and medications. enquiry is being conducted to help scientists understand the disorder better and is being employ to try to treat schizophrenia permanently. The only way this is possible is with the use of new treatments, such as new experimental drugs and electrotherapy. No treatments at once are preventative nor do they permanently cure schizophrenia, but we can look to the bright future for the development of a new treatment option that could potentially fully cure schizophrenia.

A Farewell To Arms Essay -- Essays Papers

A parting To munitionErnest Hemmingways A Farewell To arms is classic display of literature. The way he develops his roles is ingenious. In the beginning of the tosh I did not like the way it was acquittance. As I ascertain deeper into the book, A Farewell To Arms I discovered the complexity of the sheaths themselves. I discovered that Frederic enthalpy was a rather complex character as well. When you are fin eithery given the full picture of Frederic henry, you realize that he can be described in several different ways. First, Frederic atomic number 1 is a round and very dynamic character. You also realize that because Mr. total heats mannerisms are so easily recognizable, he is a storehouse character as well. The point of pull in in the paper is scripted in first person. The first person point of view is that of Frederic hydrogen. The stories implicit in(p) idea is identity. Throughout the all told story Frederic Henry is revealing himself to the sense of hearin g and discovering himself at the same time. A secondary theme in the story is that Catherine, Frederics love interest, is slightly crazy. Throughout the story, I was intrigued by the things that Frederic Henry revealed to the earshot. While reading the story it was as if you were right there with Frederic, going through the same things he did, and knowing all intimate detail. The aspects that Frederic Henry display are the aspects of a well developed character and a true war hero. The first aspect I would like to raise on is that Frederic Henry is a well-rounded character. As the story progresses we strike more and more about the character Frederic Henry. though it may reckon like a small point, a life-threatening example of how we pack more about Frederic as the story progresses is the fact that he is strange in the first four chapters. Throughout the first four chapters, Frederic Henry is referred to as lieutenant by his peers and baby by his girlfriend. Its not until cha pter fiver that he is referred to as Mr. Henry. Then we learn his full name, Frederic Henry, in chapter thirteen. Another example of Frederic Henry being a round character is that he is closely involved in just about every part of the story. Of course he would have to be involved in the majority of the story because its basically the confession of his life. The entire story we learn about Mr. Henry, and we watch him grow to become a good man. Even when Frederic is not... ...ounded and dynamic character. The fact that Frederic Henry was a stock character made him easy to recognize and therefore made the story easier to follow. Though the story was told through a first person point of view Ernest Hemmingway kept the story interesting by telling it through a plural first person. The underlying theme of the story was identity. Frederic spent the whole story explaining who he was to the audience. The way Frederic told the story, he made it easy for the audience member to identify with him, therefore making it easier for the audience member to determine themselves in his place. An interesting secondary theme is the theme that implies Catherine is crazy. Because of things Catherine says and does the crazy theme seems to fit her personality. Throughout the story there is plenty of evidence of all these things and these aspects made the story even better and much more sport to read.BibliographyGellens, Jay. Twentieth Century Interpretations of A Farewell To Arms.Englewood Cliffs, N.J. 1970.Lewis, Robert. A Farewell To Arms (A War With Words). New York, 1992.Monteiro, George. Critical Essays On Ernest Hemmingways A Farewell To Arms.New York, 1994.

Wednesday, March 27, 2019

the awakening :: essays research papers

MusicThroughout The Awakening, the manner in which each of the characters usages and understands music gives us a sense of Ednas ideologic alignment in relation to the novels other characters. Additionally, Ednas exploration of music and her meditations upon its significance enable her own (visual) art to flourish. Edna stolon learns about the emotive power of music from silver perch Reisz. Whereas Adle Ratignolles piano playing had and conjured sentimental pictures for Edna, the older adult females playing stirs new feelings and probes unexplored stirred territories in her. mademoiselle Reisz uses music as a form of artistic expression, not merely as a way of entertaining others. In contrast to Mademoiselle Reisz, the Farival agree play the piano purely for the sake of the gathered company. The twins association with the Virgin Mary, and, hence, with a destiny of chaste motherliness, links them thematically with notions of how Victorian women should behave. Their piano playi ngentertaining but not provocative, agreeable but not challengingsimilarly serves as the model for how women should use art. It becomes clear that, for a Victorian woman, the use of art as a form of self-exploration and self-articulation constitutes a rebellion. Correspondingly, Mademoiselle Reiszs use of music situates her as a nonconformist and a sympathetic confidante for Ednas awakening.The difference Edna detects betwixt the piano-playing of Mademoiselle Reisz and Adle Ratignolle seems also to testify to Ednas emotional growth. She reaches a point in her awakening in which she is able to understand what a piece of music says to her, rather than idly inventing random pictures to attach to the sounds. Thus, music, or Ednas changing reactions to it, also serves to help the reader resolve Edna in her development.ChildrenImages of children, and verbal allusions to them, occur throughout the novel. Edna herself is often metaphorically colligate to a child. In her awakening, she is undergoing a form of rebirth as she discovers the demesne from a fresh, childlike, perspective. Yet Ednas childishness has a less estimable side. Edna becomes self-absorbed, she disregards others, and she fails to think realistically about the future or to meditate on her the consequences of her actions.Ultimately, Ednas thoughts of her children inspire her to commit suicide, because she realizes that no matter how little she depends on others, her childrens lives will always be affected by participations opinion of her. Moreover, her children represent an debt instrument that, unlike Ednas obligation to her husband, is irrevocable.