The Triple Pillar of the World Transformed into a Strumpets Fool Essay Example

The Triple Pillar of the World Transformed into a Strumpets Fool Paper Shakespeares chief source for Antony and Cleopatra was Plutarchs Lives of the Noble Grecians and Romanes translated by Thomas North (1579). Plutarch largely portrayed Mark Antony as a vain and dissolute character, juxtaposed against the heroism and virtues of his compatriots. Shakespeare plays down these attributes for more dramatic effect, choosing to make Antony a more complex, three-dimensional, and ultimately flawed character. Antony could be said to be the object of focus throughout the whole play, as his time on stage is spent always in the middle, and while his presence is absent, he is constantly the subject of conversation. Through this we are able to make our own judgements of whether Antony becomes his flow, or whether we agree with Cleopatras description of him as a Herculean Roman. Cleopatra humiliates Antony in front of Demetrius, Philo, Charmian, Iris, eunuchs and Cleopatras ladies by scalding Antony with her harsh words: Thou blushest, Antony, and that blood of thine is Caesars homager. The domestic arguing in the presence of those of lower status is somewhat embarrassing for a Herculean Roman, and transforms Antony into a strumpets fool. In addition to this, Antony surrenders to Cleopatra: Let Rome in Tiber melt and the wide arch of the ranged empire fall! Antony is defeated by Cleopatra, which demonstrates him as weak, and clearly expresses no intentions of returning to his duty, and therefore encourages the audience to see him as a strumpets fool. We will write a custom essay sample on The Triple Pillar of the World Transformed into a Strumpets Fool specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on The Triple Pillar of the World Transformed into a Strumpets Fool specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on The Triple Pillar of the World Transformed into a Strumpets Fool specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer As Antony is a frequent source of conversation, different characters opinions of him become apparent and are influential to the audience. For example, Scarus refers to him as a Noble ruin that claps on his sea wing, and like a doting mallard, leaving the fight in height, flies after her, which suggests Antony considers his sexual engagements to be priority over his role of a world ruler. Scarus is a follower of Antonys, meaning that he is likely to make such remarks out of concern or pure observation, rather than out of disapproval, therefore increases the probability that it is true. Through Caesars complaints that Antony fishes, drinks, and wastes the lamps of night in a revel-is not more manlike than Cleopatra, nor the Queen of Ptolemy more womanly than he, we can gather from a Roman point of view, Antony is not favoured in his reputation, and the insulting language used about Antonys behaviour implies that Antony is foolish. The Herculean Roman image is also insulted here, by being compared as not more manlike than Cleopatra, which leaves no element in defence of Antony. Pompey, who is further away at most, shows his awareness that Antony is not performing as he should perhaps: I know they are in Rome together, looking for Antony The fact that Pompey assumes that the whereabouts of Antony is not known indicates to the audience that Antony is a hindrance when serious matters like war arise, and cannot be found when he is needed. Antonys lasting pride throughout the play, contributes to the foolish title, by ignoring wise and practical advise from Enobarbus: Your ships are not well manned. Your mariners are muleteers, reapers, people engrossed by swift impress No disgrace shall fall you for refusing him at sea, being prepared for land. In this situation Antony fulfils the image of a strumpets fool, as he knows his skills lie fighting on land, but his pride leads him to accept the challenge by sea, only to lose to Caesar. Cleopatra talks about Antony as if he were her prey and she his predator: My bended hook shall pierce their slimy jaws and as I draw them up, Ill think them every one an Antony, and say Ah, ha! Yare caught! This imagery of Antony as a defenceless fish mocks him in front of the audience, and creates the sense that Cleopatra is totally in control over him. This is continued through the way Cleopatra tells the tales of her times with Antony: I laughed him out of patience, and that night I laughed him into patience I drunk him to his bed Whilst I wave his sword Philippan Cleopatra is constantly the active part in her speech, which suggests that everything is done for Antony, as he is the indirect object in each case. Shakespeare cleverly displays Antonys many attempts to attract Cleopatras attention: I am sorry to give breathing to my purpose- Now, my dearest Queen- The Gods best know- Cleopatra- Most sweet Queen- How now lady! Hear me, Queen. Here Antony is put up against Cleopatra, and we as the audience see him dominated, or rather ignored by her majesty, which from an observing eye would seem as if he were inferior or unable to be heard. This situation would be quite ridiculous, for the triple pillar of the world to be granted so little respect, therefore making him a laughing stock, and a strumpets fool. Compared to Caesar, Antony appears to be always behind and considerably slower in his actions, and this can be seen through a number of areas. Firstly, when making preparations to go to war, Antony is amazed to discover that Caesar has taken Toryne, thinks Tis impossible and strange that his power should be. Secondly, when Antony finally arrives in Rome on the brink of war, he reveals his ignorance of the situation by asking Caesar the following information about Pompey: Where lies he? About the Mount Misena What is his strength? By land, great and increasing; but by sea he is an absolute master. Thirdly, we learn from the text that Caesar has even been with Cleopatra before Antony: A certain Queen to Caesar in a mattress. From this information Antonys manhood is damaged, as the impression is felt, that Antony has Caesars leftovers, illustrating him as once again a strumpets fool. Certainly the historical view of Antony would have been of a man potentially virtuous, but ultimately seduced by the charms and wiles of Cleopatra, thus the strumpets fool. This is probably the way Plutarch would have him painted. But it could also be argued that, by portraying Antony in such complex and contradictory terms Shakespeare ensures that he sustains a nobility throughout the play. Certainly to the audience of the day the apparent paradox of this man would have appeared intriguing and attractive. The fact that several of the leading characters sustain their loyalty to Antony throughout goes to uphold this view. For example, Eros is asked by Antony to carry out his sworn duty to kill his master after the debacle of the failed military campaign. Eros, however, commits suicide rather than fulfil his duty out of loyalty to Antony, an act that would serve to ennoble him to an Elizabethan audience. Also Antonys relationship with Enobartus, although ultimately tragic, reflects the latters deep respect for his nobility. When Enobartus realises that Antony has lost all reason in embarking on the final battle, he is forced to leave his friend and leader: Now hell outstare the lightning. To be furious Is to be frightened out of fear, and in that mood The dove will peck the estridge The fact that Enobartus later dies of grief for the failure of it all would have generated a huge amount of sympathy from the audience. To conclude, the view that Mark Antony is a triple pillar of the world transformed into a Strumpets fool is only a partly accurate view. The Marcus Antonius of Plutarchs works may well be just that, but Shakespeare evolves the character into a much more tragic and human persona, ultimately ennobled by the loyalty of his fr iends and servants.

Strategic Analysis of Burger King The WritePass Journal

Strategic Analysis of Burger King Introduction Strategic Analysis of Burger King IntroductionBackgroundBurger King History Changes in Leadership – Burger King HistorySignificant Strategic Business decisions in Burger King HistorySignificance in history1)  Ã‚  OFFENSIVE STRATEGY2)  Ã‚  DEFENSIVE STRATEGY3)   GUERILLA/ NICHE STRATEGYCONCLUSIONBIBLIOGRAPHYRelated Introduction The following report is an analysis of case study of Burger King fast food chain till date 2006. It primarily takes into considerations, significant changes over the years. And , also the strategic business decisions that led to, or formed a basis, of these changes. Moreover it helps us to identify the company’s core competencies and the competitive advantage it gained. It also highlights the issues faced by the company. A small comparison with McDonald’s helps to benchmark Burger King’s performance. Following the critical analysis of case study, it follows necessary recommendations for the Burger King Company in UK market and lastly comparioson with ‘Schools of Strategy’ which are prominent in its history. A personal conclusion that evaluates the case – study and various comparisons throughout the report. Background   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The company of Burger King Corporation was formed by Miami entrepreneurs James McLamore and David Edgerton in 1954. The Burger King Holdings is the parent company of Burger king, however in U.S. it operates as Burger Kings Brands title;   whereas internationally as Burger King Corporation. Today (as of year 2006, referring to case study), it is world’s 2nd largest fast food chain based on locations (behind Mcdonalds). The company has presence in more than 70 countries and runs more than 12000 restaurants. Thus, we can see that the brand rules one whopper of whole fast food chain empire. The company is presently run by Mr. John Chidsey who acts as a CEO and chairman of the parent company. The brand has a $2.54 billion and boasts of handling more than 38000 employees successfully catering to 11.4 million customers. Burger King History   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Burger king is a predecessor to a company called Insta-Burger King. The Insta –Burger King was founded in 1953 in Jacksonville, Florida by owners named Keith.J .Cramer and Matthew Burns. The found the company after inspired by McDonald’s efficiency, in food preparation, delivery and architectural layout. The company Insta-Burger King was launched on the basis on an equipment known as the Insta – Broiler. The device proved as a very successful oven for cooking burgers. Changes in Leadership – Burger King History   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The Burger King Company saw changes in management from the first year over more than 50 years since its establishment. The names (CEO) and significant decisions of them over the years are as follows: Year Name Former position Significant change in Burger King 1954-1970 James W. McLamore, David Edgerton President and chairman – Burger King Founders, bought Insta-Burger King from Keith G.Cramer (owner of Keith’s Drive-In restaurant) Introduced an improved version of ‘Insta-Broiler’(which had a capacity of 400 burgers an hour) called ‘flame broiler’ Launched ‘Whopper’ sandwich – the company’s signature product By 1961, had 45 restaurants in Florida and South-east US; which they increased to 274 restaurants all over the world mainly through franchising. Year Name Former position Significant change in Burger King 1970-1976 Rosewall W. Leslie Not known Faced problems in company such as unhealthy relationship with the franchises confused advertising stale menus shabby restaurants competition to change in customer preferences 1976-1977 Pazat W. Leslie Not known Continued problem facing 1977-1980 Donald Smith McDonald’s executive Increased problems between franchises and the management Introduced a new corporate structure and developed a new management attitude Solved the inconsistency problem in both food by providing widespread menu and services were managed by greater control over the franchises. Year Name Former position Significant change in Burger King 1980-1982 Lou P. Neeb Not known Followed former Smith’s directions, the company moved from the third position to the second in the fast food industry by 1982. 1982-1983 Norman Brinker Bennigan’s ( part of Pillsbury) Company struggled to re-establish brand image 1983-1985 Jaffery J. Campbell Corporate Executive of Burger king Hired different agencies to promote brand but failed and send confused messages about the products. 1989-1989 Jerry W. Levin Haagen Dazs Completed a deal of Pillsbury to Grand Metropolitan PLC (Grand Met) – a British alcoholic beverage manufacturer and distributor 1989-1993 Barry J. Gibbons Not known Concentrated on improving menu and the brand image. Introduced the BK broiler – a broiler chicken sandwich. Successfully increased company profits by $75 million during tenure at Burger King. Year Name Former position Significant change in Burger King 1993-1995 James B. Adamson Chairman of Denny’s Attempted to increase the quality of food by introducing ‘value menus’ which consisted of extensive combination from menu under a dollar. Simplified menu and focussed on burgers and other products 1995-1995 David Nash Not known Increased sales by 6.6% by combination of the right product with the right marketing message. 1995-1997 Robert C. Lowes Chief Executive – European foods The company launched a $70 million French Fry Advertising campaign. 1997-1999 Dennis N. Malmatinnas Not known Decrease in market share. Grand Metropolitan merges with Guinness to form Diageo PLC 2001-2002 John H. Dasburg CEO – Northwest Airlines Planned to revitalise and reorganise the company, mainly through forming a new corporate structure. 2002-2004 Bradley Blum Headed Olive Garden unit of Darden restaurants The company faced stiff competition and sales dropped by $0.6 million. Year Name Former position Significant change in Burger King 2004-2006 Gregory Brenneman Presidant and COO of Continental Airlines Created ‘a turnaround’ plan named as ‘Go Forward Plan’ which included – 1)  Ã‚  Ã‚   Grow profitably, 2)  Ã‚  Ã‚   Fire up the customer, 3)  Ã‚  Ã‚   Fund the future, and 4)  Ã‚  Ã‚   Work together. Focussed on cutting costs as ‘Drive-thrus’ generated 70% of company’s business. Secondly, introduced a new set of products to push sales. 2006 till date John Chidsey Chairman and CEO of Cendant Corporation The company faced a situation of state recession in US economy. Significant Strategic Business decisions in Burger King History Considering the growth of company over more than 50 years, its significant strategic decisions and success or failure of the same is listed below: Years Significance Business strategy Measure of strategy 1954 To   1967 Launch of signature product ‘Whopper’ and created brand image as ‘Home of the Whopper’ Growth of company through minimum investment Expansion Franchising Successful Company had moved from 45 restaurants within US in 1961 to 274 restaurants across the world, by the end of 1967. 1967 To 1977 Company sold to prepared foods giant ‘Pillsbury’ Expansion Franchising Failure Inconsistency in food and service among the franchises 1977 To   1980 New leadership by hiring McDonald’s executive Donald Smith Company enters UK market Restructuring New team management Control over franchises Successful Increase in customer traffic by 15% and increase in ownership by 8 % showing effective and greater control over franchises. Years Significance Business strategy Measure of strategy 1980   To   1990 1983 – Successful increase in competitive breakfast market 1985 $100 million to restructure company 1988 – Company plans to market as independent entity and in consequent year 1989 bought by Grand Metropolitan Hard sell approach Trade –off   or spin –off   proposal in late 80’s as an independent entity Success Sales up by 19% by $9 million and pre-tax profits up by 9 %    Failure Inconsistency in operations and downfall in sales 1990   To   2000 1990 – Reorganisation plan and launch of BURGER KING Kids Club program 1991 to 1995 – Expansion   in international countries 1997- Infamous change of their fry recipe Targeting kids segment Expansion Success Sales up by $6 million in kids program    Failure Inconsistency in operations and downfall in sales Year Significance Business Strategy Measure of strategy 2001 till   date 2001- Forced sell of Burger King by franchises 2002 Texas Pacific Group takes over 2002 – Revamped broiler, introducing ‘Chicken Whopper’ 2004 – Turnaround plan called as ‘Go Forward Plan’ Expansion Effective advertising and marketing campaign Failure $0.4 billion fall in sales revenue from 2002 to 2003. Customer traffic decreased by 22 % from 1998-2004. Success Increased store sale in 2004 by 7.5 %. Significance in history   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Consider the above span of Burger king’s history of more than 50 years some of the prominent features can be well justified by ‘three sigma’ Competitive strategy model. The model is explained, considering Burger King’s strategies as follows: 1)  Ã‚  OFFENSIVE STRATEGY The strategy formulates overcoming the barriers to goal achievement by changing the systemic relationships creating them.  Ã‚  This strategy often requires significant capital investment and includes the following options – Changing or altering the competitive structure or environment in your industry (forward or backward integration, acquiring competitors, etc.). EXAMPLE – In the span of 1954 to 1967, Burger King History marks a significant approach of increasing its number of branches from 45 outlets in US to 274 outlets across the world. This was achieved through maximum approach towards franchising and expansion with limited investment, thus creating a forward integration. Anticipating industry competitive structural change and positioning your organization to exploit this change before others recognizes it (developing substitute products, changing the mode of sale or distribution, etc.). EXAMPLE – The span of years from 1977-1980 and since 2000, Burger King company adapted new structure with new corporate aptitude in order to control the franchises and improve products. Diversifying into more attractive markets EXAMPLE – Launch of Burger King Kids Club program marked its focus into an attractive children market. The results produced were significant in boosting sales and creating a loyalty and brand image in the new market segment. 2)  Ã‚  DEFENSIVE STRATEGY The strategy is about accepting the industry competitive forces as a given and positioning your organization to best defend against them. This could include harvesting and selling the business before competitive conditions cause its value to drop. EXAMPLE – The history also identifies two major deals of the company respectively Sold to ‘Pillsbury – prepared food giants’ in late 60’s Takeover by Grand Metropolitan PLC in early 1990’s The main reasons accounted were increase in credit burden on the franchises and unhealthy as well as inconsistent relation with franchises. 3)   GUERILLA/ NICHE STRATEGY The strategy involves minimizing or neutralizing barriers by reducing the size of the playing field and taking an offensive or defensive position in a smaller, more attractive market segment. EXAMPLE The Company decided to trade-off as an individual business entity as it failed and showed a remarkable downfall re-building the brand image in 1983 to 1993. The key factor that consistently affected strategy formulation is the continuous changes in leadership/management affecting relationship with franchises and loyal customer. Burger King CORE COMPETENCIES   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Core competencies are points of leverage for gaining competitive advantage.  They are organizational competencies that are unique to your organization or are performed better than your competitors and make a significant contribution to customer perceived value or create a significant cost advantage. Core competency is best explained as the competitiveness of a range of products or services. It can also be explained as the co-ordination of diverse production skills and integration of multiple streams of technologies. Considering Burger King, a global renowned brand and chain of fast food, the core competencies can be generalised as follows: Operational Difference Major company stake is owned by franchises As I went through the historical span of Burger King History, the franchises of Burger King played a major part in expansion of the parent company from the early 1960’s till date. The relation of franchises and management has always been influential and significant in success and failures of Burger King History. Primarily, the company operated with major investment from franchises and minimal from the company, so the decisions and relationship with franchises was crucial. Flame broiler a unique device that improved with decades in Burger King history The company was set-up on the basis of the oven called ‘Insta-broiler’ for cooking burgers. The purpose had been inspired from McDonald’s speedy service. It was further mechanised into a gas grill without changing patties and self functional by means of a conveyor belt. Further, the device was also customised and technologically advanced to produce Chicken sandwich, Chicken Whopper, Veggie burger, etc. Drive –thru service The company though was working hard on franchises and unique device to meet operational needs; it was mainly oriented to meet demand of production at ‘Drive-thru’ restaurants. This was because the company had major part of its sales revenue i.e. 70 % from ‘Drive-thru’ operations. Later this competence was adapted by McDonald and other competitors as well. However the effectiveness and efficiency of Burger King’s ‘Drive-thru’ was easily highlighted.   Competitive methods of Burger King   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The purpose of its competitive strategy is to build a sustainable competitive advantage over the organization’s rivals.  Ã‚  It defines the fundamental decisions that guide the organization’s marketing, financial management and operating strategies. As there were many significant changes in the history of Burger King, eventually there were different competitive methods used in different span in history. Some of the significant competitive methods are listed as follows: 1} Initial decade in Burger king’s history, ‘Insta-broiler’ a device competitive in making burgers and technological advancements in the same gave it a competitive advantage. 2} High amount of franchises worldwide executed major ownership stake and customised operations in the outlets. This was tightened and a new company structure was formed, followed by a new competitive aptitude. [Year 1963 -1967] 3} Push sale approach led increase in competitive breakfast market and thus improve in position in market. Burger King moved to second position in US fast food market after McDonald. [Year 1982-1985] 4} Launched a Burger King Kids Club program that help the company to increase sales and successful entry into a new market segment. [Year 1990-1995] 5} Introduction of a TURNAROUND PLAN named ‘Go Forward Plan’, which was significant to attain objectives like increasing profit, create a customer image, teamwork, etc.[Year 2000]. One more advantage Burger King introduced was ‘Revamped Chicken Whopper’, helpful to compete with other competitors. Burger King  Ã‚     Ã‚   McDonald’s   (BK is simply not as big as McD) Some of the basic company facts and objectives of both the companies, help us understand how Burger King is not as big as McDonald’s in global terms. Facts Burger King McDonald Founder 1941 by Richard and Maurice McDonald 1953 by Keith J.Cramer Present chain 12,150 outlets in 50 states and US territories and 74 countries More than 31,000 outlets in 119 countries Revenue $2.5 Billion Number of employees 360,000 employees 1,500,000 employees (1.5 million) Customers 11.8 million customers daily worldwide 58 million customers across the globe Products offered Flame-broiled burgers including the Whopper, Burger King also offers chicken sandwiches, fish sandwiches, French fries, onion rings, salads, chicken fries and Croissanwiches for breakfast. McDonalds predominantly sells  hamburgers, various types of  chicken  sandwiches  and products,  French fries,  soft drinks,  breakfast  items, and desserts. In most markets, McDonalds offers  salads  and  vegetarian  items,   wraps Calorie content A Burger King Double Whopper has around 920 calories A McDonalds Big Mac consists of 540 calories Objectives Burger King McDonalds Market share 21.9 % in US fast food industry 44% in US fast food industry Value for money More bigger product for reasonable price Product size is smaller with inexpensive price Franchising More than 90 % of the outlets are franchised A little less than 30 % Suppliers The suppliers vary with various franchise in different locations worldwide. McDonald chooses best suppliers and type and quality of meat varies with country culture. Advertising The BK adverts were quite confusing and sending wrong messages in potential market which affected cultural values and also brand image at times. McDonalds often had appropriate ways of advertising and were supportive to increase sales and popularity of the brand. Issues relating to Burger King   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚     The case study is very critical in understanding the issues related with Burger King’s history. Some of the prominent issues from past to present can be listed as follows: Franchise management – The company found it difficult to manage more than 90% franchise in the business of Burger King products and services. Crucial reason was also the percentage of stake ownership , which was initially 38% and was improved to 42% by Donald Smith, former McDonald executive. Changes in leadership – The history of Burger King marked approximately 20 changes in management. The changes in short term span affected oragnisation focus over goals and objectives, affected brand image adversely and lacked consistency in operation. Unhealthy food – The Company came prominently in highlight during the era from 2003 as potential customers had responded to be health conscious. The period marked spread of mad-cow disease and obesity levels among children was a rising concern. Market recession – The US economy faced economic recession from 2006 and needs brand to take effective measures to sustain and avoid losing loyal customers to competitors. Recommendations for future development in UK   The Burger King opened its first branch/outlet in UK in 1977 on Coventry Street in London. Since then till date Burger King has 654 restaurants in UK ( out of which 73 are owned) whereas it has 139 ‘drive-through’ restaurants. Considering the present fast food environment in UK, following recommendations come in lime-light: HEALTHY FOOD – Burger King UK has currently many problems within the environment in company and surrounding, however one of the prime concern is healthy food. The company needs to produce fast food with less saturated fats and salt content. The problem of obesity in UK is high as well and addressing to this concern is the need of demand to survive over the competitors. PRIME LOCATIONS and EVENTS – Burger King needs to increase its influence and market share in UK, by serving at prime hot spots as well as at travel destinations. The presence of Burger King on high streets and at various national rail stations and airport is reasonable, however it needs to be accessible at hot tourist spots and business oriented commercial areas. SPEED – Burger King needs to increase its speed of delivering products and services to customers, as it has been competing with McDonalds over more than 50 years and still lacks speed during peak periods. Speed in operations helps to generate revenue in coping zone. Schools of strategy – Burger King’s evolution (analyse critically)   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Strategy formation is judgmental designing, intuitive visioning, and emergent learning; it is about transformation as well as perpetuation; it has to include analyzing before and programming after as well as negotiating during †¦Ã¢â‚¬ Ã‚  Ã¢â‚¬â€œ Henry Mintzberg However there is a difference in perspective leading to strategy arguments. Mintzberg identified this and tried to debate and answer different perspectives through his 10 Schools of Strategy/Thinking. The burger King History prominently highlights two of them, explained as follows: 1] The Power School Strategy Systems as Processes of Negotiation According to the power school, strategy systems are described to be mainly shaped by power and politics, whether as a process inside the enterprise itself or as the behaviour of the enterprise as a whole within its external environment. Strategies that may result from such processes tend to be emergent in nature, and take the forms of positions and actions more than perspectives. On the one hand parts of the power school (‘micro power’) see strategy making as the interplay, through persuasion, bargaining, and sometimes through direct confrontation, among narrow scope interests and shifting coalitions, with none dominant for any significant period. On the other hand other parts of power school (‘macro power’) see the enterprise as promoting its own welfare by controlling or cooperating with other enterprise (such as Franchises), through the use of strategic manipulation as well as collective strategies in various kinds of networks and alliances. EXAMPLE – Burger King at different period in history, tried to take control over franchises by executing greater control over their operations and direct confrontation with various industry giants/ suppliers. These various processes implemented to achieve power through strategy highlights ‘THE POWER SCHOOL’. 2] The Configuration School – Strategy Systems as Process of Transformation   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The school follows a formation approach wherein the organisation is transforming into one type of decision making structure into another. The school interrupts the period of stability by some process of transformation.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   It has configuration of strategy formation from other nine schools which are – Design school – Strategy formation as an   architecture process Planning school – Strategy formation as a formal process Positioning school Strategy formation as an   analytical process Entrepreneurial school Strategy formation as a visionary process Cognitive school Strategy formation as a mental process Learning (or Emergent) school Strategy formation as an emergent process Power school Strategy formation as a process of negotiation Cultural school Strategy formation as a collective process Environmental school Strategy formation as a reactive process The school recognises a appropriate combination of any one or more of them taking into context a particular type. EXAMPLE – Burger King history marks use of Positioning school in year 1980 -1983 to create a brand image and achieve second position in US fast food market.    CONCLUSION Considering the massive history of Burger King and number of changes in leadership, the main highlight of the case study is instability in management. The factor was highly influential in changes and differences in relation of parent company with franchises and staff. Also a prominent feature that needs a remarkable control is franchises management. The company has highest percentage of franchises ( more than 90 %) but less control by only 42% ownership in most of the outlets. The company has a signature product as ‘WHOPPER’ which needs to be promoted all the time and offered with variations, to keep attracting new as well as loyal customers.    BIBLIOGRAPHY Available: mcdonalds.com/us/en/our_story/our_history.html. Last accessed 11th Nov.2010 Available: bk.com/en/us/company-info/index.html. Last accessed 11th Nov.2010. Henry Mintzberg, Bruce Ahlstrand and Joseph Lampel (1987).  Strategy Safari: A Guided Tour Through the Wilds of Strategic Management. 15th ed. New York: Prentice Hall. Oscar Suris. (1988). Burger King seen as takeover target after its spin-off.  Miami News. 8th Nov, page 11. Unknown. (2003).  A competitive strategy model.  Available: threesigma.com/competitive_model.htm. Last accessed 10th Noveber

Packaging for Export 342 wk 7 forum Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

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Children with HIV in the U.S - Research Proposal Example ed States got the virus through mother to child transmission; through labor, pregnancy, through breastfeeding or during delivery - as opposed to other modes of transmission. The information in this undated source is published by Avert.Org. The source provides general overview of the state of the United States in terms of the number of people, by categories, affected by HIV and AIDS. The statistics in this source are those provided by CDC among other reputable organizations, the data being of more recent years. The source also provides statistics of deaths that have resulted from HIV and AIDS with focus being on the US. This fact sheet, authored by the Kaiser Family Foundation in 2006, provides statistics of HIV/AIDS infections although it mainly contains information related to HIV/AIDS infection among women in the United States. This book, published in 1998, gives a detailed discussion of HIV and AIDS. The book provides up-to-date information regarding HIV including its history, mode of transmission, symptoms and the various means that have been applied to control the virus and prevent its attack. To acquire reliable data, an interview with a medical practitioner from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is proposed. CDC, as an institution has the most current data that relates to HIV in the USA as a whole. Such an interview is expected to give insights into the current infection levels among children of various ages, and in different

Character Analysis of Connie Essay Example for Free

Character Analysis of Connie Essay Then one day her family leaves her alone and she notices the boy in the car comes to her house and she finds out that he seems to know everything about her. He demands that Connie come to him and in then th story ends as Connie walks out the house toward the mysterious boy. Connie is sexually active, scared, and deceitful. Connie is sexually active. Oates states how Connie knows she is beautiful and she gets a great deal of attention from boys. Connie knows she is gorgeous, so when she goes out, she shows off her body more. When Connie meets the older boy in the resturant, she spends hours with him, and they went in an abandoned alley. Connie often states that she believes sex is a beautiful and fun feeling. Going with this stranger Connie has just met for hours implies she is sexually active in some way. What Oates is trying to say about young girls in general is that by showing off their bodies and meeting with older boys, sex will be pressured onto them. More young females will want to become more sexually active by assuming sex is all good and fun. Connie is scared. Connie does not seem to be afraid of anything. However, once this stranger appears at her house, she becomes a bit more frightened. Connie was always used to doing what she wanted with whomever she wanted. Along came Arnold, who commanded her to come to him and do things with him. Suddenly, Connie does not have the choice anymore. He threatens to harm her family so she is scared and cannot bring herself to even call for help. What Oates is trying to say about being scared is that one will not be scared until the option of deciding for ones self gets taken away. Connie is deceitful. Connies mother often degrades Connie for being vain. Her mother does this because she is worried about Connie and knows Connie gets a great deal of attention from males. Connies mother knows what can happen to her if she does not start being careful. Connie still goes out grabbing the attention of boys even though her mother says otherwise. What Oates is trying to say is that children should always listen to their parents, or they may end up in danger. Oates tries to get the reader to understand that parents have been through it all, and children should learn to listen more. In the short story Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been? Oates shows that Connie is sexually active. She is sexually active because she shows off her body and is curious about sex. Connie is scared because she had no choice in what she wanted to do. Connie is deceitful because she did not care or listen to her mother.

Nowadays :: Business and Management Studies

Nowadays Nowadays, analysing competition is crucial for managers in order to understand the environment in which the business evolves, its competitors (their goals, plans etc) as well as implement strategies and position their companies. They can use a wide variety of techniques, each having its strengths and weaknesses. According to Prescott and Grant (1988), to select the appropriate techniques, managers have to know the different techniques available, how they are related to each other, the focus and scope of the area and the constraints limiting the extent of analysis. To analyse competition efficiently, they have to combine some of the different techniques available as they all have a specific aim. However, there are limitations that managers have to take into consideration in order to provide a clear and effective work. This essay outlines and evaluates the main weaknesses when understanding the business environment. They vary by nature. They can come from the interpretation of the managers and from the models themselves. However, they are in relation to each other, one flaw leading to another one. When analysing competition, the starting point is to precisely define the industry the firm belongs to and its boundaries. Managers may focus on the market of their company, narrowing their definition of the industry. They then forget or less consider other segments that can change quickly and have impact on the whole industry. According to Zahra and Chaples( 1993) â€Å"an effective definition of industry boundaries requires consideration of four interrelated issues: domain (where does the industry begin and end), customer group (sector to be served and their specific needs), customer functions (customer need and specific patterns) and critical technology (production, marketing and administrative system)†. Each point enables to define the competition more and more precisely. In addition to these issues, managers have to take time into consideration. Reviewing their business’ definition, the shape of the industry and the market over the time is crucial as industries change. Prahalad (1995) states that â€Å"many industries are undergoing massive transformation. Deregulation, global excess capacity, global competition, mergers and acquisitions, changing customer expectations, technological discontinuities [†¦] are changing industries, creating new industries and opening up new and large growth markets for existing businesses.† For instance, chemical companies enter the pharmaceutical industry by making alliances with young biotechnology companies, not considered as a threat by the pharmaceutical companies. This change in the industry led the pharmaceutical companies to redefine the industry and its boundaries as well as their strategy. Managers need to be vigilant in identifying its competitors. A poor identification leads to a wrong positioning and a possible long time response to the different actions coming from those undetected rivals. This identification is dependent on the managers’ perceptions and how

Johannes Vermeer’s “Woman Holding a Balance” Essay

The nationalgalleryofart.gov website features an artist by the name of Johannes Vermeer. Johannes Vermeer’s â€Å"Woman Holding a Balance† exhibit consists of that single art piece, which was created in 1664 with oil on canvas. This realistic piece of art shows a woman holding a balance, seemingly lost in her thoughts. In the background is a painting of â€Å"The Last Judgment†. Vermeer made it hard to perceive what the woman may be balancing, whether it is the gold chains and the strings of pearls that are lying on the table in front of her, or if it’s her thoughts that she is trying to balance out. That idea is up to the audience to decipher and debate. Looking at the basic characteristics determines the artist’s style. Vermeer distinctly places background lines that fade into the vanishing which happens to be the woman’s finger, which helps in balancing the painting. In another attempt to balance the painting, Vermeer placed the balance point precisely in the middle of the painting. He also makes the woman a positive shape, meaning she is at the for-front of the painting, while the work of art and jewelry are perceived as negative shapes, meaning they are in the background. Vermeer also uses light to enhance this painting. The light seems to aggrandize the woman, making her the focal point of this work. He uses different types of paints to create wool like texture of the woman’s orange dress. He understood the concepts of different colors; for example, using the lighter color orange dress under the dark blue shawl, gave him a chance to lighten the painting. The size of the painting behind the woman suggests that the woman is small, actually making everything in the work smaller than it. Implied motion is shown in the painting also, by the woman holding the balance, in the process of waiting for it to reach equality. By combining these characteristics, one can determine the style Johannes Vermeer uses in this painting. Realism is the style of this work. Because everything in this painting could have really happened in his time of the 17th century, concludes the fact that the style is realism. In this work of art, I see a pregnant woman holding a balance contemplating something. I can be certain she is holding a balance, but it is what she is balancing could be up for debate. I think she is balancing her thoughts about the future of being a new mom vs. just a wife, or maybe the thought her religion and what is to come of it. The painting of â€Å"The Last Judgment† inquires this thought process. These symbols that Vermeer uses serve to support the message being conceived as the balancing of life-what religion holds for her, and what the real world holds for her. Vermeer’s biography explains that he grew up, settled, and died in Delft. He was raised as a Protestant, but before marrying he converted to Catholicism. In the 1600’s religion was a big part of life, which supports the logic about the symbolism, and their meaning of the painting. His culture is relayed in the painting, by the clothing the woman is wearing, and the artifact she is holding. His style seemed to be realistic historical or realistic religious. This fact is also supports the idea of this painting being about religion. The art of the 17th century was â€Å"Baroque† which communicated religious themes. The Catholic Church was a big influence at this time, and seemed to encourage art relating to religion. I found that minute details in a painting can help one understand it better. The biography of the artist can help a lot also. When looking at a piece of art , one has to literally pick it apart, and then look at it all together because the smallest thing could change the meaning being portrayed. The most important information I embarked on was everyone has a different opinion of what a painting is implying, and no one is wrong. Works Cited Johannes Vermeer, Woman Holding a Balance, c. 1664, National Gallery of Art, Widener Collection