The Reign of Vlad Tepes

Table of Contents Introduction The Brutality of Vlad the Impaler The Result of His Actions Conclusion Reference Introduction Vlad Tepes (the Impaler) is a well know historical figure credited with brutally murdering well over 100,000 people by slowly impaling them in stakes stuck in ground. He is the basis for the blood thirsty legend of Count Dracula and as such this detail is indicative of the horrors he instituted during his 45 year reign (1431 – 1476) as ruler of Wallachia (located in the Balkans, present day Romania) (Florescu, 1977). Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on The Reign of Vlad Tepes specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Some consider him a monster while others think of him as a ruler that helped to stabilize a chaotic succession system rife with assassination, rebellion and brutal murder. It must also be noted that it was a direct result of Vlad the III’s brutal actions that invading Tur kish forces were so horrified at the sight of thousands of impaled corpses that they often turned back due to fright, horror and disgust (Florescu, 1977). Not only that, during the reign of Vlad the III there was a certain degree of internal stability within the country, unheard of at the time, due to his brutal murder of thousands of boyars (noblemen/ feudal lords) who were actually largely responsible for the hundreds of years of internal instability within the country due to their constant infighting and backstabbing. In a way it can be said that there was a method to his brutal madness since in the end if invading Turkish armies had not invaded Wallachia en masse then it would have been likely that the country could have experienced a prolonged degree of internal stability free from infighting and rebellion. The Brutality of Vlad the Impaler Any paper concerning Vlad the III would be incomplete without a thorough account of his various brutal and sadistic actions that have the earned him infamy throughout history and the modern world. The most proliferate of his brutal actions was the impaling of live victims upon stakes, this was done by tying the victims feet to the back of a horse while a semi blunt stake with the top slightly oiled was placed either on the victims anus of on his/her back until it slowly immerged through the person’s ass out their mouth or through back, piercing the heart and coming out through the front of the chest (Florescu, 1977). No one was exempt from such atrocities; men, women and children were also recorded as having been impaled with pregnant women not escaping his barbaric method of killing with their unborn fetus often sticking to the top of the spear. While there are no official records as to the exact number of victims brutally murdered in such a fashion it is estimated that roughly 100,000 or more will killed through impalement. Advertising Looking for essay on eastern europe? Let's see if we can help you! G et your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Other attrocities committed by Vlad Tepes are rife with accounts of dismemberment, skinning (removing the skin of a person while there were still alive), burning people alive, scalping as well as varied methods of regular torture (i.e. whipping, nailing hats to their heads and other similar accounts) (Florescu, 1977). It must also be noted that women during the reign of Vlad Tepes were expected to either be virginal before marriage, faithful and if a widow, chaste until her dying day. When some women didn’t comply to this standard their breasts were chopped off, their genitals mutilated or removed and in some particularly horrifying instances the tip of a spear was heated till it was red hot and the woman was impaled through her genitals till the spear poked out through her mouth. Vlad Tepes also showed no mercy to captured Turkish prisoners systematically impaling 20,000 captured Turkish prisoners outside the city of Tirg oviste in 1461 (Florescu, 1977). The Result of His Actions It is rather interesting to note that despite the utter brutality of his actions Vlad the III was actually largely successful in implementing internal stability within Wallachia. With the systematic mass murder of the boyar feudal class Vlad was able to install his own loyal followers into positions of power further cementing his rule within the country. Not only that his actions of impaling thousands of people and placing them out for display acted as an effective psychological deterrent towards any invading force and actually resulted in a several years of â€Å"peace† within Wallachia (Florescu, 1977). Furthermore his strict policies involving fidelity, honesty and the need to be hard working helped to create a society free from petty crime and actually ushered in a period of high productivity due to the local peasantry often fearing for their lives should they attempt to do any action that could be construed as â€Å"unproductive† or â€Å"dishonest†. While Vlad cannot truly be considered a hero due to his barbaric and atrocious actions he can be considered a smart and intelligent ruler that utilized barbarism and psychological warfare as efficient tools in ensuring the he was not usurped from his throne. In fact it can even be assumed that his actions of sheer brutality were actually a calculated farce in order for him to remain in power through the power of fear alone (Florescu, 1977).Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on The Reign of Vlad Tepes specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Conclusion Based on this paper it can be seen that Vlad Tepes was a monster, a brutal dictator and a ruler responsible for thousands of people dying in the most brutal ways possible. On the other hand he has left a mark on history as being one of its most remembered and infamous figures and as such his actions can actually be looked up upon as being impressive sine to this day he has been immortalized as the face of evil. Reference Florescu, R. R. (1977). American Historical Review, 82(5), 1286. Retrieved from EBSCOhost. This essay on The Reign of Vlad Tepes was written and submitted by user Mallory Oneil to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here.

Stages of Disorganization Theory

Stages of Disorganization Theory Free Online Research Papers â€Å"We the People of the United States, in Order to for a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United Stated Of America.† On September 17, 1787 thirty-nine men gathered in Philadelphia to sign their names on a document. A document that would bring forth more national growth and knowledge the world has ever witnessed. The Peoples intimate link to the thoughts and ideas of the Framers and the common citizen generate the kind of civic bond that is vital for good government. Sadly, today that link between citizen and Founder is less common and the systems that govern our country are becoming less equal in enforcing laws and consequences. The Preamble of the Constitution of the United States is followed by 7 articles: Article 1- The Legislative Branch Article 2- The Executive Branch Article 3- The Judicial Branch Article 4- The States Article 5- Amendment Article 6- Debts, Supremacy, Oaths Article 7- Ratification Now I could go all into what each branch does and what the States and Debts are but I’m going to trust you know a little bit about our Constitution. Next is our Amendments or better known as the Bill of Rights. They are exactly what the name says. A bill, meaning document, of rights We, the People of the United States are entitled to from birth. The rights we are granted by this are sometimes disregarded by officers of corrections in any field. For example, Amendment 5 states, â€Å"No person shall be held to answer for a capital, or otherwise infamous crime, unless on a presentment or indictment of a Grand Jury, except in cases arising in the land or naval forces, or in the Militia, when in actual service in time of War or public danger; nor shall any person be subject for the same offense to be twice put in jeopardy of life or limb; nor shall be compelled in any criminal case to be a witness against himself, nor be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor shall private property be taken for public use, without just compensation.† You are innocent until proven guilty. In most cases the suspected criminal is put behind bars for twelve months awaiting a trial and is not even guilty once a trial has ended. The suspected criminal gets no form of reimbursement in any way for losing a year of his life. After all, how can you give a person back a year of their lives? Another example I would like to bring to the table is the Stages of Disorganization Theory. The Stages of Disorganization Theory states, â€Å"Poverty leads to Social Disorganization leads to Breakdown of Social Control leads to Criminal Areas leads to Cultural Transmission leads to Criminal Careers.† This basically means once a criminal always a criminal. The American Legal System understands criminals will always be around, causing jobs in law enforcement to around. Recently a lot of police lost jobs due to economic crises, but if you pay attention to the news you can count down the days till the state prisons will start a population cut. It is obvious to see that jobs in law enforcement will rise again on a count that there will be convicted criminals in the street categorized under the Stages of Disorganization Theory. And remember, once a criminal always a criminal right? Quid pro quo indicates a more-or-less equal exchange or substitution of goods or services. English speakers often use the term to mean a favor for a favor and the phrases with almost identical meaning include: what for what, give and take, tit for tat, this for that, and you scratch my back, and Ill scratch yours. People are often excused from the law under this act. For example, prostitution is an illegal act but it remains common and lawful to use gifts, expensive meals and so on, as a means of attracting a sexual partner. In this case the term prostitution is not even considered. The enticing act would be more along the line as wine and dining. The Station fire in the Angeles National Forest that is burning right now as we speak has claimed over eighteen homes and two lives. The fire was thought at first to be accidental but now proved to be self started. Whoever started the fire is now in more trouble then they can imagine. It started off with simple arson, and led up to murder or manslaughter. This is another example on how the law works in mysterious ways. However, yes the guy or girl did start the fire, but they had no participation in telling the fire fighters whose lives were taken by the fire to go and join in putting the fire out. The suspected criminal obviously has no ties or ways to communicate with the firemen and did not commit murder in a face to face malicious act. To tell you the truth, if you have money or great political ties, you’re innocent nine out of ten times. If by some chance you are guilty, you will get charged with simply a misdemeanor or a charge far less deserving of what you did. You have to think about this, a public attorney sees about 160 people at a time, when will he or she have enough time for you? People that are more financially equipped can get private attorneys and actually have a fighting chance at a case without being put in debt. See it’s quite simple, once a criminal always a criminal. Well that’s at least what the United States of America believes. U.S. Const. (September 17, 1787) art. I-VIIPublished: Sep. 17, 1787 consource.org/index.asp?bid=529 U.S. Constitution Online Published: April 1997 http://rccd.blackboard.com/webct/urw/lc5116001.tp0/cobaltMainFrame.dowebct Research Papers on Stages of Disorganization TheoryThe Effects of Illegal ImmigrationCapital PunishmentNever Been Kicked Out of a Place This NicePETSTEL analysis of IndiaThe Relationship Between Delinquency and Drug UseEffects of Television Violence on Children19 Century Society: A Deeply Divided EraUnreasonable Searches and SeizuresPersonal Experience with Teen PregnancyTwilight of the UAW

CyberSecurity Profile on the CIA Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

CyberSecurity Profile on the CIA - Essay Example G-1 – G-2, F-51; National Archives and Records Administration, 2000; Central Intelligence Agency, 2012). The available data suggests that the CIA strictly categorizes data and information systems in accordance with the laws, directives and guidelines attendant to the critical nature of the work of the CIA and the confidential nature of such data and systems. The data suggests formal documentation, as evident from the rigor of the categorization, though formal documentation is not available from the sources. The assumption is that categorization approval is embedded in the CIA policies and procedures, and emanates from the very top of the organization (National Institute of Standards and Technology, 2010, pp. G-1 – G-2. F-226; Clift, 2007; Clift, 2007; Thibodeau, 2009). The CIA does appoint a senior information security officer to take charge of information security program coordination, development, implementation and maintenance across the whole organization, in the person of the Chief Information Officer or CIO. The CIO is empowered with the appropriate mandate, coming from the US President and the organization, as well as with the appropriate resources for the purpose (National Institute of Standards and Technology, 2010, pp. G-1 – G-2 ,F-207, Office of the Director of National Intelligence, 2012). From the available literature, and from the example of its evolving cloud architecture, the functional architecture exists with the corresponding external interfaces, the appropriate security clearances and levels, information storage and transmission compliant with the laws, and level of priority for restoration of the information and related services (National Institute of Standards and Technology, 2010, pp. G-1 – G-2, F-201; Clift, 2007; Central Intelligence Agency, 2012; Thibodeau, 2009). There are appropriate screening procedures prior to access

Risk management in Toyota Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

Risk management in Toyota - Essay Example The quality of the Toyota cars, introduction of premium brands like Lexus in tune with the tastes and fashions prevailing in the American markets, its collaboration with the leading player General Motors subsequently, entrenched the brand ‘Toyota’ firmly into the USA. The success story of Toyota could be summed up from one of its slogans in the 1980s â€Å"Who could ask for anything more†. The product profile of the company has undergone changes to include larger and luxurious vehicles. The corruption charges leveled against the UJF Bank, one of the largest shareholders of Toyota with Toyota’s Chairman as a director was a setback to the company’s diversification strategy into financial services. Also, the over concentration in the already developed American and European markets over the period of time could strategically affect its leadership position in the global market in future. The financial risk is related predominantly to the issue of capital structure and leverage, but the business risk largely dependent upon the economic conditions, and the study of risk management in relation to a company like Toyota needs to focus on the macro economic factors. This paper seeks to analyze risk management perspective of the company in relation to the prevailing global economic conditions, its strategic outlook to changes in the environmental factors globally and other internal factors related to risk management. Currents status and evaluation of risk management The international economy has undergone drastic changes in the recent years consequent upon the stupendous growth of emerging economies, especially the BRIC (Brazil, Russia, China and India) countries and the credit squeeze in the aftermath of subprime crises in the developed nations. However, it is pertinent to note that the emerging economies have not been affected by the subprime crisis, as these countries have been insulated from the world economy by virtue of the continuin g regulations in these countries, especially in the financial services sectors, and their exposure to international banking system has been very limited. A cursory glance of US Vehicle Sales from 1984 to 2010 from Penton Media (2011), as given in Appendix I and II, which more or less coincides with Toyota’s establishment in the USA reveals the growth (or lack of growth) over the period of time. Competition The market for Toyota is very competitive. For example, Toyota’s competitors Suzuki of Japan and Hyundai of South Korea have well established facilities for manufacturing, marketing and servicing in India. The local manufacturer Tata Motors has aggressively priced its small car Nano around INR 100,000 which works out to just US$ 2400 approximately. Volume is going to be the name of the game in the emerging economies like India, China and Brazil. Jie, R. (2010) reports: â€Å"China has overtaken the United States and Japan to become the world's largest car manufactur ing country in 2009.† While Toyota was concentrating more and more on developed markets, its competitors have made inroads into the emerging markets, where Toyota is lagging behind the local as well as the international players. Realizing the potential in the small car segment in India, Chevrolet has introduced the model ‘Spark’ at INR 279,000 which works out to US$ 6200 approximately since ‘value for money’ or pricing is a crucial factor in influencing the consumers’

Values and Meaning of Attending College Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Values and Meaning of Attending College - Essay Example In contrast to an individualist purpose for attending college, Boyer believes the college has an obligation to teach â€Å"a more coherent view of knowledge and a more integrated life† (Steltenpohl & J. Shipton, 1995, p. 18). In addition, he warns that we must be â€Å"mindful of the consequences of selfishness† (p. 18). Boyer does not provide a defense of individualism, even though he says it is â€Å"necessary† (p. 18). Instead, Boyer relies only on his defense of community in making his case for two essential goals. The problem is that Boyer does not actually believe in individualism when he claims colleges have an obligation (or duty) to enforce this idea of a more â€Å"coherent† or â€Å"integrated† life. A perspective that believes in individuals to develop their own views on knowledge or life would advocate for an obligation or duty for colleges to present knowledge to students and to allow them to form their own judgments. The purpose, or g oal, of college is not to give students a passage, but rather to present facts and objective information. A â€Å"passage† sounds inherently biased toward whatever values the college seeks to supply their students with. While this kind of education—such as that provided by Christian private colleges—has a demand, but that demand is specific and does not represent the general purpose of college. Indeed, having students personally powered and committed to the common good is potentially valuable, but not if that commitment undermines their autonomy. The result of Boyer’s perspective is clearly laid out by Perkinson in his essay â€Å"The Educated Person: A Changing Ideal,† specifically in his treatment of John Dewey and socialization (Steltenpohl & J. Shipton, 1995, p. 36). Dewey and pragmatist philosophers advocated schools as tools for producing intelligent decision-makers in a participant democracy. In reality, what this meant was that loyal citize ns coming out of public schools were not â€Å"leaders, but functionaries† (p. 36). Everyone coming out of schools was equipped with common values, beliefs, and attitudes serving the American status quo. Economically, every child was prepared to accept his or her role as a cog in a production system. This is the logical result of the kind of solution that Boyer seeks by telling colleges that they have an obligation to teach their students how to be members of a community. However, Boyer and Dewey have been influential enough to change American education at their core. One can see this influence even in our Brandman catalog, which withholds degrees from students who have not completed the sometimes-irrelevant education requirements. The opposite perspective—that we ought to be honoring the role of the individual in education—is borne out by Whitehead in â€Å"Universities and their Function† (Steltenpohl & J. Shipton, 1995, p. 38). Whitehead locates the â €Å"proper function of a university† in â€Å"the imaginative acquisition of knowledge† (p. 39). Imagination is an individual ability and does not depend on a community. When one looks around a college classroom, one does not see a group of people engaged in the attempt to better their community through the process of learning. While Boyer would think this is a problem, Whitehead is more concerned with whether individuals are involved in an imaginative acquisition of knowledge. The imaginative pursuit of knowledge, one would suspect, might lead to an individual developing his own

Starbucks Strategy and Planning Analysis

Starbucks Strategy and Planning Analysis Starbucks Corporation is a mulitinational coffee chain store first setup in Seattle, Washington, United States. It is the biggest coffeehouse through out the world with more than 17000 restaurants in 55 countries including Australia, U K, New Zealand, Canada, and Brazil. It has more than 128,800 employees. It is the public based industrywhich established by Zev Siegl, Jerry Baldwin and Gordon Bowker in 1971. Other key people which are linked with Starbucks are Howard Schultz (Chairman), Troy Alstead who is President and CEO and Stephen Gillett who is Chief Financial Officer. Starbucks which main products are Whole bean coffee, boxed tea, Bottled beverages, baked good, Merchandise, and Frappuccino beverages. Its incomes for the fiscal year 2010 is US $10.7 Billion. Brief History of Starbucks 1970s: The first Ever Starbucks established with a name came from Herman Melvilles Mob Dick, a classic American novel. 1980s: The industrialist Howard Schultz attached the Starbucks as a Director of Retail operations and marketing. 1990s: In this term the demand for Starbucks coffee improved so they thought to increase it beyond Seattle. 2000s: Starbucks came with 15,000 restaurants through out world wide. What is Strategy and Strategic Planning? Strategy means a plan of action which designed to achieve a particular goals and Strategic planning is an organizations process of defining its strategy, or direction, and making decisions on allocating its resources to pursue this tactic, including its investment and people. Why Strategy is Important? In each field of life there is a road map according to which we work or spend our life to get at the specific targets and goals. Like wise in any business, there needs to be a pre plan for success for a business to b successful. This strategic plan gives the direction for the goal to be achieved. A strategic plan also helps the different work units within the organization to keep themselves with common goals. Past Strategies of Starbucks (1990-2004) Mission Statement In early 1990 the management planed to introduce a mission statement which clearly discribe the company goal and targets so each of the workers could work well and communicate in a better way to customers and investors too, so mission statement is: Provide great work environment and treat each other with respect and dignity Embrace diversity as an essential component in the ay we do business Apply the highest standard of excellence to the purchasing, roasting and fresh delivery of our coffee Develop enthusiastically satisfied customers all the time Contribute to our communities and our environment Recognize the profitability is essential to our future success Innovation Strategy From the very early Starbucks kept the innovation as its constant value. Schultz brought the place-like-home between the office and home so people would get together at the best quality coffees and teas. After that Starbucks launched an effort with its business partners like PepsiCo for the cold Frappuccino drink. In the year of 1995 Starbucks developed a team named Stores of the future to complete a research for the designs of next generation stores and other coffee related concerns. Then this team made four different ideas for the each stage of coffee making. These sorts of innovations made the Starbucks to decrease the enormous cost of store opening. Starbucks also brought the fresh pastries and other food items such as juices, sodas and coffee related machines like Starbucks Barista home espresso machine. Meanwhile they also launched coffee mugs and glasses.C:UsersNew UserDesktopAhmadStrategystar buckse574603984362fed77cb3b8064721dd9.jpg Quality Strategy Schultz always kept a keen eye on the quality of the products and services and what the customer expectation from Starbucks. Quality in Starbucks was launched in a very strict manner. Starbucks also banned the smoking inside the shop and ordered its employees to refrain from having perfumed there selves. Starbucks was broadly known for its better quality of product and services. Howard Schultz Expansion strategy In the period of 1993 company brought an expansion strategy based on targeting areas with demographic profiles which is favourable together with the Starbuckss policy to carry and entertain them. For each area a big city was selected to work as a central unit like hub where a team would complete the target of opening 20 or more shops in the first 2 years. Starbucks hired professionals with immense operating and marketing experience in chain store retailing as new area vice presidents. Another strategy was also set up to increase the goodwill of Starbucks brand, which made its target to some extent. In 1991 Starbucks developed a group of specialists to form a store development process depends upon a six month opening timetable. In which it is asked to build every store in different shape, size and infrastructure. Cost lessening was also got by centralized buying, by fixed fees for some products and by work under contractors with best cost control practices. Starbucks expansion strategy depended on a limited number of agreements for region where there is no ability to open its own shops. Starbucks also opened stores in airports and university campuses by the help of licensed like Marriot Host International and Aramark. Coffee was also started to serve on flights like Horizon Airlines and in United Airlines. Special sales portion of Starbucks made sales 12.20% of total revenue in 1997. In 1995 company made its real development with international exposure which was based on two strategies, are as follow: Enabling local company with retail know how in target region Creating a joint venture with reputable companies In 1995 Starbucks International was setup to coordinate the international development, which originally started operations in Hawaii, Japan, Philippines, Taiwan, Korea and Singapore. IPO and Stock performance Starbucks had build its foundation till 1992 but now it was set to play a part in the race of developing market, as it was predicted by speciality coffee association oa America that from 1992 to 1999 number of coffee cafes would raise 500 to 10,000. To stimulate its expansion strategy Starbucks go heat to most successful publicizing in 1992, in result its stock price moved growing from $5.50 in 1992 to $58 till today. Its stock has been divided four times (1993, 1996 and 2001) to balance its equity among shareholders. These division also prohibited high prices from determining small investors as the share value moved upwards. Financing As there was no leading threat from competitors, company was capable to finance its expansion entirely by avoiding debt till 1996 with equity capital and revenues, minimizing its overall cost. But essential for high degree financing forced Schultz in 1996 to understand the significance of debt and take it as lawful option to meet the need of market extension. Star bucks infrastructure for growth strategy was to increase the profits in same series by growing the no of stores which was clearly shown by its financial statement. Starbucks managed its foremost expansion stages across us in 1992-93 and overseas in 1995 by deviating to debt. High P/E ratio in the early hours of the company public life in1992 1993 shows high degree of confidence by its investors but with the passage of time it diminish till 1995 and today its constant around 60 due to financing. Starbucks historical growth analysis A reliable coffee shop atmosphere linked with the developed sound management; these were the things on which Starbucks past growth based. For this purpose they crafted the strategy to drench quickly key geographic areas, particularly in an industry with low entry barriers. Its competitive advantage was greater people recruitment, training and management. Continuous development has been measured at all levels of Starbucks stores organization and design, coffees and teas. Organized marketing structure is another key success factor to deal its expansion (real estate group, store development group, retail operation group). Four As Strategy Starbucks success enormously depends upon its Four As Strategy: Acceptability Affordability Availability Awareness The Company site published the following Charts: Starbucks at present (2005-2009) Financial highlights of Starbucks as per annual report 2009: Michael Porters 5 Forces Model To understand the current specialty coffee industry I apply Porters five forces model to its instant environment of Starbucks. Rivalry Among Competing Firm High Other coffee chains. Examples include Coffee Bean Tea Leaf, Gloria Jeans Coffee, Peets, and San Francisco Coffee House Due to great competition in coffee industry, local competitors are offering specials packages and opening of new restaurants to attract potential customers. Low Potential of new competitors High Due to low start up cost entry of potential rival is a great risk. To increase the value in Specialty coffee McDonald is trying to add specialty coffee in their current services. Potential revenue will be $125,000 per year by every store if they are effectively enter in specialty coffee market No special knowledge is required Low Capital requirement Low Potential development of Substitute products High Potential alternate of coffee are soda, fruit juice, smoothes, beer and Water. As we be known with water is healthy for human beings and most of all this its free and option cost to buy bottled water in also cheap as compared to coffee. So Water is the final choice of health conscious customer. Other quick grab foods apart from pastries, muffins, doughnuts, etc sold at Starbucks are also substitutes. E.g. burgers, burritos, tacos, sushi snack food. Low Bargaining power of suppliers High As Starbucks is a enormous giant of coffee market, suppliers are forced to adjust their prices according to it so bargaining power of coffee beans supplier is low. As there are not a lot suppliers of technological innovated coffee beans machines such as automated coffee machines, latte and Espresso machines, etc, bargaining power of suppliers is high. But in case of glass, napkin, lids, cups suppliers bargaining power is low because of wide competition in this industry and Starbucks have different contracts with them. Low Bargaining power of consumers High Bargaining power of Customers is very low when they came to best coffee such as Starbucks. So bargaining power of any single group of buyer has been reduces due to complete scale of Starbuck. While new entrant have improved the bargaining power of buyers by offering sensible quality at cheaper price. . Low Pest Analysis Political/Legal: Due to increase in clash between United States and rest of the world like southeast Asia and Middle East, Companies has to face severe scenarios e.g. refuse of American products like Starbuck, burger King, coca cola etc. Change in import laws is a big risk for Starbucks as they are the only importer of coffee beans. If import process becomes difficult it will finally change the price of Starbucks and level of use will be affected. Two class action suits of Starbucks are awaiting since 2001, Carr vs. Starbucks and Sheilds vs. Starbucks. In start Co refuted all the liabilities in these cases but to avoid any further participation in any delayed proceeding it agreed to settle the plaintiffs claims. Economic: Consumer become more aware concerning their flexible spending due to increase in Unemployment and individual debt after economic recession of 2008. In addition due to financial crises worldwide, further recession is projected which may affect companys result approximately. Starbucks also faced criticism from NGOs that persist the company to acquire specialized coffee beans, ensuring that those coffee beans were grown and marketed under certain economic and social conditions. Social/cultural: Environmental Mission Statement Starbucks is very loyal for playing a role of environmental leadership in all facets of its business. These are the principles that shows the companys fulfillment toward environmental issues. More concerned about environmental issues Motivated toward environmental friendly products buying and selling Developing innovation to bring change Information sharing attitude toward associates taking into account environmental responsibility as corporate worth Encouragement of associates to share in companys mission. monitor the progress of each project of company regular people do not only go to coffee shops to drink a coffee but to make themselves calm down so they are ready to spent more and more money on coffee (UK: Tea:  £623m, Coffee:  £738m) Now a days coffee companies are more concerned about their ways of producing coffee beans, designing their supply chain and the ways of organizing and selling their products due to raise in environmental consciousness. Technological: http://reviews.carreview.com/files/2007/11/starbucks_sirena_bmw_med.jpg For providing incessantly better customer services Starbucks launched cards to make customers visit more suitable and faster. Mostly Starbucks location has WI-FI for consumer needs. Technical Coffee machines are now available at Better and cheaper rates for home usage (Senseo). SWOT Analysis A SWOT analysis provides us an imminent on what the company is good at, and in what areas Starbucks could use assistance. Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats (SWOT) are described below: Strengths: Global coffee brand built upon a reputation for well products and services Value workers Economies of scale in purchasing Big Chain of stores: 17,000 stores in 49 countries. Strong ethical values, friendly environment, and community activists. Low turnover Very Good relationship with its suppliers Weaknesses: High prices More dependent on coffee and coffee related products. Too much focus on expansion Need of Strong competitive Position for more Expansion to reduce the Business risk Continuous improvement may weaken over time and finally product acceptance will come toward slow growth. Opportunity Investment cost for New market is very low International Expansion to the company has the chance to expand its operation Diversification in product range toward other food and drinks. Potential in franchising with manufacturers of other goods and services Distribution agreement like hotels airlines Threats Saturation in coffee market Economic recession and Financial Crises Competition with new entrants and copycat brands. Rise in cost of coffee and dairy products. Rise in Cost of beans in near future Possessiveness of consumer regarding healthful fare SWOT Analysis Internal Factor Strengths S1 Brand Equity is high S2 Employees are more satisfied S4 Economies of scale in Purchasing. Weaknesses W1 prices are high W2 More dependent on coffee and coffee related products W3 Deficiency of internal focus (too much focus on expansion) External Factor Opportunities O1 Investment cost of New market is low O2 Scope of Coffee Market Is rising Worldwide O3 Diversification of Product range toward food and non food items SO Strategies 1-Vertical growth to other low cost regions using superior brand. 2- To diversify in other related businesses hire the qualified employees WO Strategies 1- To overcome the too much dependency on coffee and coffee related products increase the product range through Diversification in related businesses. 2- Get benefit from growing markets through reducing costs to reduce prices in low investment markets. Threats T2 Economic recession and Financial Crises. T3 Domestic competition is increasing T4 coffee and dairy products are volatile ST strategies 1- Avoid domestic competition by using high brand through differentiation. 2- To avoid volatile coffee and dairy use the economies of scale through backward vertical addition. WT Strategies 1- To face the current financial crises and economic resources cost should be reduced to reduce the prices. 2- To avoid competition in domestic market depend on international alliance in the international stores as it is the main source of revenue. Future Strategies of Starbucks According to Starbucks current state of dealings, extensive competition, economic scenarios (at least in America) a question comes in mind about how Starbucks can turns itself around to show it profitable and most preferable choice for its customers? Following are some key success factors and strategies which should be considered while making Company policies so that Starbucks can attain its original successful position. What should Starbucks do? Starbucks didnt face any competitors which would have given it a sharp competition for a longer time. But after the entry of competitors in to the market Starbucks is no longer a sole player now. This is a huge threat for Starbucks because other companies are also providing premium coffees which can be compared to Starbucks level. Despite of the fact of competitors came into the market Starbucks is offering luxury coffee but at the high price as compare to competitors. If we compare Starbucks coffee with McDonalds or Dunkin Donuts than it would not be something to think about because they are also providing good taste and quality. Below are some potential strategies that Starbucks should adopt to overcome its threats and weaknesses. Advertising and promotion: It is the general perception in the mind of people that the McDonalds coffee is compare able and most probably better than the Starbucks so before renewing the name of brand Starbucks should equip peoples mind with the fact that Starbucks coffee is superior to all other coffee and beverages brands. For this Starbucks need to be more aggressive in there promotion strategy. In 2006 Starbucks allocated only $38Million for its marketing and promotion strategy as compared to its closest competitor McDonalds $782 Million and Dunkin Donuts $116Million. So by this figure it is clear that Starbucks should make a huge effort for its promotion and advertising strategy and should allocate more funds where needed, to reach at peak level and to keep the leadership.http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3039/2926840497_2a8dc5f460.jpg Product Differentiation Strategy: Starbucks should also work on product differentiation strategy. McDonalds is offering premium coffee at lower price although but it would not suit to the Starbucks to start the price war. If Starbucks start a price war than it will minimize the brand goodwill and it would also not be profitable for both the organizations. Starbucks should also research something new which adds more taste and quality to coffee which maximize the customers and capture more market. If Starbucks make something new than it should distribute free sample for a limited time so the people come to know and if the response is good than they should make it available to all its stores. Quality control strategy: Starbucks need to introduce more coffee variety with a maximised quality. Starbucks offering one type of coffee to consumers while its competitors like Peets is offering multiple types. Starbucks needs to ensure that the coffee which is offered to customer having a high quality if it is not than the customer is not going to pay such a premium price for its coffee. Cost Efficient Strategies: Starbucks should also work on reducing its price with a high quality to attract more customers which will add more to its profit and growth. Store Expansion decisions: Starbucks should think now to put a halt on its strategy of opening new branches. In 2007 only Starbucks opened 1650 new stores which came to the total of more than 15000 stores and thought to reach at 40000 in future. It would also be better for Starbucks to stop opening new branches in US now and start thinking to open branches in small regions. Becoming more environmentally friendly: Although Starbucks is renowned for its environment friendly image and they are continuously trying to boost their efforts in this regard, still there is room to develop so they can further discriminate themselves. Starbucks should save their capital by use of porcelain cup rather than disposable cups, if customer wants to take their coffee in the cafe. Renewal of this practice will show them more environments friendly. Starbucks should offer in-house drinkers who prefer porcelain cups at discount to push this strategy. Selling of mugs at reasonable prices, implementation of recycling bins process of food waste, Use the financial inducement encourage the customers to revive the plastic cups rather than to purchase a new one are some ways to enhance its image as more environment friendly. These all things would help the Starbucks to differentiate it from its competitors and improve its image of corporate responsibility. Finally this should be the continual process of company to analyze themselves, encouragement of employees suggestions regarding environmentally beneficial initiatives and should make the continuous improvement in this part so that their green logo seems appropriate for the company. Starbucks Driveà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ Through Expansion is the main focus of Starbucks but it has been noticed from various reports, surveys and people opinions that during peak hours of the day specifically in mid morning, there become the lack of tables and seats due to which customers move toward some other place in result Starbucks loses its potential customers. In addition, although Starbucks store are placed at every street corner but people face difficulty in parking especially in peak hours. As they are giving attention toward increasing of store space to hold the crowd in peak hours but not marketed it aggressively, though it would not be cost effective as expanding market campaign requires big investment but to keep customers preference its necessary. Focus on their Neglecting Customer Starbucks is distinguished for its coffee specialty and avoiding a big target market of tea, it should also think about researching into the tea specialty drinks market. As Tea has some perceived value of healthy benefits it will increase brand attractiveness. For this purpose they should continually revived their company policies to enhance their customer relations. Reward Programs Currently Starbucks is offering rewards in form of Starbucks Card programs where customer can refill its credit online and use it as Cash card at any Starbucks outlet. It doesnt differentiate it from its competitors as now they are providing the same reward programs for its customer. To take an edge over its competitor Starbucks should give some distinct reward programs like corporate with the large retail companies and airlines and merge their reward programs at Starbucks to make its first and foremost choice of its targeted customers as it will provide them an opportunity of wealth maximization . Conclusion Although there are some deficiencies in company policies but it doesnt show that Co is diminished much at all, it can get back on its previous original successful track by capitalizing its strengths. The existing economic situations which are contributing to its slouch market share should be keenly observed and noticed so that in future Co can stimulate it and make it brand strong and preferable choice for its customers.

Women Essay examples -- Gender Roles, Inequalities Between Men and Wom

Through the involvement of government legislature and the evolving demeanor of today’s society, inequalities between men and women in the workplace have dwindled to an all time low. However, while it is inevitable that progress continues, the struggle remains for women to gain the full equality they deserve. Many individuals are in error, believing that the war against gender discrimination has come to a victorious halt, however, this is not the case. It is essential to constitute the degree of validity, or ambiguity concerning the pervasive affirmations of a decrease in discrimination against women in the work force. Women endure a constant struggle as they fight to acquire, in all aspects, equality at work. Female news anchor certainly partake in this particular struggle. The road to news anchoring is an imperious one; survival is seldom and flourishing in the profession is less than common. As of today, the numbers of women who succeed as anchors is deficient due to the in conspicuous discrimination that hinders women’s progress in the profession. There exists a plethora of men who have succeeded in the alluring yet demanding occupation of news anchoring, however, women, on the other hand, are avidly awaiting not only progress, but prosperity. heir lack of ascendancy continues to be impeded by the strict standards for beauty set for women in the industry, contrasted by the looser requirements expected of men. To succeed as newscasters women must surpass men in all aspects, their work ethic must be more efficient, their appearance must be flawless and they must go beyond their limits, testing their capabilities. While critical steps have been taken by women in televised broadcasting, equality is remote since men are a domina... ... has been demonstrated that women are more than willing to confront these situation in order to succeed as anchorwomen. Though there is much progress to be made before equality among men and women on the news desk is attained, women continue to stand firmly on their views concerning discrimination and don’t go down without a fight. The incompetence society deems of women as news anchors is unjust; women are more than qualified and their potential to thrive is beyond what one can imagine. Though the role physical appearance plays among male and female news anchors is a crucial one, especially for women, it should not interfere with a woman’s professional progress. Discrimination severely limits a woman’s advancement in their profession, which is greatly unjust; opportunities to ascend should be given to all and anything that inhibits this should be terminated.