Toy World, Inc. Case Analysis Essay Example for Free

act as founding, Inc. Case Analysis EssayExecutive SummaryToy World, Inc. is a company that has been manufacturing toys for children since 1973. Since 1976, the company has enjoyed gainful operations. At the end of 1993, revenue and profit came close to $8 million and $270 thousand respectively. With Jack McClintock as president and Dan Hoffman as end product manager, the two subscribe to tried to find a strategy to adjust operations to the volatility of the toy market. Sales in the toy market be seasonal, reaching peaks in the calendar months of August through December, while remaining relatively flat during the remaining months of the year. This seasonality has affected the companys latch on schedule. During the off season, bloodline is low, skilled workers are underutilized, and machinery is left idle. When the alert season finally arrives, Toy World is forced to hire more workers, pay additional overtime wages, and operate at wide of the mark capacity.Dan Hoffman sees inefficiencies in this schedule and proposes a level production plan that would eliminate overtime wages and fully utilize skilled workers. Under his plan, toys would be manufacture evenly every month, allowing inventory levels to build in the months leading up to the holidays. In addition to using cash, the company must also take on additional loans to compensate for the high inventory levels. In an industry that has relatively low capital requirements, Hoffmans strategy may increase overall profitability, scarce it jeopardizes the companys liquidity.1. What factors could Mr. McClintock consider in deciding whether or not to adopt the level production plan?The main factors Mr. McClintock should consider when deciding whether or not to adopt the level production plan comes down to the trade off between liquidity and profitability. minded(p) thehighly seasonal nature of the industry, producing goods beforehand of time has strong risks associated with it. If managements projec tions are incorrect, the company could incur significant inventory write-downs or write offs.Additionally, the company forget incur senseless costs of storing the inventory that depart accumulate in the first half of the year. Further, Mr. McClintock should analyze the differences in amount and timing of the companys external backing needs under the level production plan, and whether or not the financing needs can be met by the current credit line of $2 million. To assess the impact of these factors, we prepared pro forma financial statements under level production.2. What savings would be involved?The savings involved in leveling production include reductions in overtime premiums as well as a decrease in additional labor costs. Expenses involved in this production glide by include increased shipping and handling expenses and an increase in interest expenses. Both of these expenses are a response of having increased inventory levels. Total savings less total expenses from the new production strategy results in positive net savings of $148,000.See Exhibit E.3. Prepare the pro forma financial statements and augur the external funding needs required.Income StatementIn preparing monthly statements under the level production plan, several adjustments were made to managements original projections (Exhibit A). Given the annual savings in overtime premiums as well as direct labor, cost of goods sold under level production would be cut from a constant 70 percent of sales to 65.1 percent of sales. However, this is slightly offset by the annual increase in storage and handling costs, which is accounted for in operating expenses. To determine the interest income, we multiplied the average monthly cash balance by the 4 percent annualized return provided by management. Income taxes remained at 34 percent, arriving at a total net income of $661 for 1994.Balance SheetThe most significant adjustments made to the balance sheet were under inventory, accrued taxes, and n otes payable. As is visualised in Exhibit B, we prepared schedules for both accrued taxes as well as inventory. Management provided a specific tax payment schedule, which was subtracted from each months income taxes to arrive at ending accrued taxes. As for inventory, beginning inventory plus finished goods completed less cost of goods sold fixed each months ending inventory. Under level production, the finished goods completed should be constant month over month. We determined this number by dividing the annual cost of goods sold by 12. Finally, notes payable was our plug figure. As this line item represents the companys existing credit line, it can be further analyzed to assess the companys amount of added funds required and the timing of the needs under level production.External Funding needfullyToy World Inc. will require large external funding in order to support inventory levels leading up to the holiday season. Toy World currently has a $2 million line of credit with the b ank. In order to support the level production plan, we estimate that Toy World will need a line of credit of close to $4 million in the month of September.4. Compare the liabilities patterns feasible under the alternative production plans. What implications do their differences have for the risk assumed by the various parties?Under the alternative production plans, the timing and amount of funding that Toy World will need to keep up with inventory projections significantly differs. For example, in June, due to the lags of the 60-day collection periods, strong funding will be needed to keep up with the level production. If management moves forward with the current seasonal production plan, they would not take on the further liabilities and maintain lower cash balances in the busy months of September to December. The most significant tradeoffs of the two scenarios are between liquidity, profitability and leverage. If the toys ended up not being as popular as they forecasted, and then the various parties would take on the risk of the rising inventories.Toy world wouldthen have to decide whether or not to hang onto the excess inventory in anticipation of increased demand, or rid themselves of inventory to increase working capital. Either way, this risk, if came to fruition, would be a lose-lose situation for if they hold onto it and demand doesnt bounce back, then they lost some working capital, but if demand does bounce back, and they have gotten rid of the inventory, they will find themselves unable to keep up with demand. Also, the industry has relatively no barriers to entry so taking on more debt in this volatile industry to increase inventories would be risky as products have short lives and a relatively high rate of company failures.Sensitivity AnalysisGiven the inherent risks associated with producing toys significantly ahead of time, we decided to exact a sensitivity analysis around this factor (Exhibit D). Specifically, we assessed the impact of writin g off 10 percent of the prior months inventory balance. This budge would be reflected as a direct reduction in inventory, as well as a corresponding increase in cost of goods sold, resulting in a 382 percent decrease in net income from seasonal production. While 10 percent of total inventory write downs is an extreme downside situation, the key take away is the importance of how accurate managements projections are. In a level production plan, management will have to begin producing for peak sales periods early on in the year, greatly increasing the risk of inaccurate projections. Therefore, one of the most critical considerations in adopting level production is the confidence in managements ability to accurately forecast industry trends.ConclusionDespite past profitability and success, our analysis shows that Toy World, Inc. could benefit greatly from an operable restructuring. Adjusting their business model to implement a level production plan in 1994 as opposed to past seasonal production will result in a positive impact on the companys profitability. However, in order to implement these changes, Toy World, Inc. will need an extension on their line of credit. Further, our sensitivity analysis shows the importance of having strong confidence in managements projection ability. If the company believes that theirprojections will be accurate copious to avoid significant inventory write offs, and can obtain approval for an extension in the line of credit, transitioning to a level production plan will greatly improve profitability and operational efficiency.

CanGo Corporation Essay Example for Free

CanGo Corporation EssayCanGo does not seem to have any legitimate process hang up charts, especi whollyy for its operations facility. twain floor plan layouts were drawn up. One for the current operation processes and one which shows the operation facility if CanGo invests and implements an ASRS (automated storage and retrieval systems). These two floor plans were referred to as flow charts. Flow charts consist of shapes and connectors which are labeled stating the flow of the processes, the decisions that can be made at specific stages, and outcomes of those decisions. Accompanying a flow chart would be the floor plan and written bread and butter outlining and explaining the entire process.RecommendationClasses Consulting recommends that CanGo draws up an effective flow chart, as well as the floor plans and written documentation explaining the processes in their operations facility. In addition, costs, financial effects (both current and future), and other details should be included for both the current operations system and the proposed ASRS and barcoding system. Having all of this documentation will show where improvements can be made and where costs can be cut. It will show and explain in detail the actual processes used for receiving, selectioning, and shipping.A floor plan will not take into account the actual details such as how long it take to pick books, how crowded it is on the operations floor, nor how the employees feel about the possible change. If, after creating this documentation, CanGo decides to go ahead with the new barcode and ASRS the flowchart will help in the mental home and setup of the new systems. In addition, if financing is needed to install the new systems, having this documentation will show the lenders that CanGo has thought it through and can give details.

Andrew Carnegies Defense: The Gospel Of Wealth

Andrew Carnegies Defense The Gospel Of WealthDuring the Industrial Revolution, several changes shaped American society. Inventions such as the railroad and electricity contri windlessnessed to the massive change in American life. A movement from the rural farms to the industrial cities and grind protesters desire to maximise pro locomote and minimize cost started the battle amid laborers and large capitalist bosses. Through let on this era, daring entrepreneurs such as John Rockefeller, Andrew Carnegie, Jay Gould, J.P. Morgan, and the Vanderbilt family helped shape the economy, and became k outrightn as the robber barons, because of their ruthless treatment of workers and underhanded business mounts. Through their economic and political leverage, they accumulated massive amounts of riches and had enormous influence. Robber barons utilized their wealth in a variety ways, such as purchasing extravagant mansions or hosting wasteful parties. However in the term Wealth, un care th e different millionaires of the gimcrack Age, Andrew Carnegie encouraged fel natural depression capitalists to live humbly and use their excess capital to assist the unfit slimy, but only because he felt that the millionaires were near dependent to help.In Wealth, Carnegie argues that the fit and wise rich men of American must be the ones who distribute the wealth because they have the essential skills to do so. He emphasizes that millionaire class, to which he belonged, is very skilled and elevates their status in society with his self-praising writing. For example he says, their talent for organization and management is rargon among men and this talent, secures for its possessor enormous rewards, no matter where or under what laws or conditions.1The rich ar again represented as greater than the poor by having superior wisdom, experience, and ability to parcel out wealth.2They are shown to have skills are unique and rare allowing them to do amazing things in all aspects of l ife-an indomitable group of good deal who can solve every problem. This resembles the widespread doctrine of social Darwinism, because if a person is fit by beingness skilled, it is natural that they will succeed and survive. Carnegie wrote that it is because of their skill that only they must be responsible for the control and distribution of their wealth. duration Carnegie elevates the richs image and portrays them as superior beings, he describes the poor as foolish, impudent, and unskilled. Throughout the text, Carnegie argued that it must be the rich classs state to guide the poor, because their class can do for them better than they would or could do for themselves since the poor are, slothful, the drunken, the unworthy.3Carnegie demonstrates the unfit, foolish, lazy, and ignorant workers and laborers as the foils of the fit, skilled, wise, and hardworking millionaires. According to social Darwinism and Carnegies article, the poor at the bottom of society deserve to be th ere, because they are unfit and failed seize advantages of their situation and earn millions of dollars, like the capitalists.By emphasizing the differences between the rich and poor, Carnegies article illustrates the prevailing belief of social Darwinism. Wealth was published during 1889 an era when populace believed in the theory of social Darwinism. This belief stemmed from Charles Darwins theory of evolution and Herbert Spencer and William whole meal flour Sumner used the popular catchwords of Darwinism, struggle for existence and survival of the fittest and applied them to the life of man in society4. Indeed Carnegie uses these terms in his article, as he says the law of competitioninsures the survival of the fittest in every department.5By applying Darwins biological theory to man and society, the fittest or strongest members of society should be at the top and lead society, trance the weak, unfit should be on the bottom and allowed to suffer and die out. This is echoed in Carnegies article as the millionaires should have all the control and power of their wealth, while the poor must be changed and learn to be fit or be left to die out. Successful business and entrepreneurs apparently accepted almost by instinct the Darwinian terminology which seemed to portray the conditions of their existence.6For example, as a child Carnegie had to support his family and by taking advantage of the situations provided to him. By doing so, he was able to own the biggest and most successful steel industry. In his article, a businessmans success and money are rewards of being fit, while the poors lack of money is a symbol of their disaster in society.By presenting the rich and poor as skilled and unskilled, wise and foolish, Carnegie is able to justify that the rich were the only ones who were knowledgeable enough to share and continue their wealth. Carnegie arrogantly says that, this wealth, passing through the hands of the few, can be made much more(prenominal) p otent force for the elevation of our race than if distributed in pocketable sums to the people themselves.7The few or the rich should must have the money, because they will be able to properly distribute it to the poor. If the people themselves obtained this money, they would not have as grand a result as the millionaires.In his article, Carnegie needed to oppose their immense accumulation of wealth, before explaining the more efficient methods of helping the poor. During this era, there was a huge economic gap between the rich and poor. In 1890, 73 percent of the nations wealth was held by the top 10 percent of the population.8This disproportionate distribution of money caused the laborers and poor to see the wealthy and business as evil and millionaires as corrupt robber barons stealing their money. This distrust was inflamed by the immense differences in living conditions of each class. While millionaires lived comfortably in extravagant, laborers and factory workers lived in dirty and disease filled slums. However, in Wealth Carnegie attempts to bind together the rich and poor in harmonious relationship9and provides a humble interpretation of the rich as they are just a the mere trustee and agent for his poorer brethren.10He wishes to have peace between the two classes and portrays the rich as helpful caretakers of poor. In their crusade in helping the poor endure fit, the rich must have control over their capital in order to help them. Carnegie states that they would provide them with ladders upon which the aspiring can rise free libraries, parks, whole shebang of art,and public institutions of various kinds.11He wanted to provide resources to those who will help themselves, just as he had brought himself up from working in a factory to owner of a steel factory. However, he would not just hand out money to the poor, because they would use it foolishly.12By providing with poor with these institutions, Carnegie hoped that they would learn how beco me fit and become more like the refined and educated millionaires. Even if the rich has so much, they should be willing to return some of their resources in the form of libraries and other services to assist the poor. By explaining that their wisdom and wealth will be used to assist the poor, the wealthy are given a legitimate moderateness to keep all their money and continue with the laissez-faire system of governing.Even though Carnegie felt he provided the poor with ladders to success. The poor had no time to take advantage of them. As the wealthy obtained an immense amount of money, most of the population suffered in poverty. The poor had to work in dangerous factories in long 12 hour work days. After a day of hard work, laborers would barely make enough money to eat as Carnegies steel workers earned from $1.50 to $2.00 per day. While a family in the Pittsburg area needed $15 a week to live, most workers made less than $12.50.13Even if factory workers wanted to go to the topi cal anesthetic library they had no time or energy to do so. During this time, the wealthy were really not focused on relieving the needy with handouts. Carnegie felt that just grownup foolish man money would cause him to spend it recklessly. He wanted to help the poor become more like the rich by providing them with the resources which would initiate them how to be fit and if the poor really wanted to advance themselves, they would go to a library and learn the skills necessary to do so. Given the circumstances, this would be unlikely, but Carnegie still proposes that this is a viable option, as he really does not know how the poor live.Since the government practiced laissez-faire politics which ensured that the government would confine away from business affairs, businessmen had large control over their finances and factories. If the government did interfere, they could only do so to benefit business, specifically those of the robber barons. Andrew Carnegies article Wealth supp orted this hands-off policy on business. As an article which drew intemperately on the beliefs of social Darwinism, lack of government action would be beneficial to the evolution of society. The law of competition is not only beneficial, but essential to the future progress of the race and competition between these businesses, as being not only beneficial, but essential to the future progress of the race.14Carnegie and many other businessmen believed that businesses should be free to compete against each other and that the government should stay out the way. If the government would get involved, they would only do so to protect competition between businesses. According to social Darwinism, competition would destroy the weak, pass along only the fit in society. Thus, the skilled fit that remain are able to advance society and harvest their rewards. If the government created regulation that hindered competition between businesses, competition would be destroyed, and society would not be able to move forward. therefore, any disruption or attempts to hinder the law of competition or defend the unfit were not allowed by the business owners. As Irvin Wyllie states in the article Social Darwinism and the Businessman, Herbert Spencer became the oracle of the age in defense of laissez-faire as he applied the idea of evolution and completion to society.15Social Darwinisms law of competition became a bulwark for a government which did not interfere with businesses and left workers with pathetic work conditions. In Wealth, Andrew Carnegie use of the law of competition to support the laissez-faire image of government helped protect the businessmens interest.In Wealth, Carnegie to a fault supported millionaires decision to make do against unions desires. Due to the harsh conditions in factories, low wages, long work days, and lack of help from the government, unions like the Knights of Labor formed in an attempt to obtain a shorter workday and better working condition s for workers. Eight work days and risqueer wages would increase the bottom line and lessen the businessmans profit causing create deal of resistance from businessmen. Unfit laborers are portrayed by social Darwinism and Wealth as lazy and deserving of their suffering giving the idea that factory owners do not need listen to them. In Wealth, the wealthy are portrayed as all-knowing, as they know the best interests of the race.16Indeed, in this era, millionaires found unions to be hindrances to their companies and had the full support of federal government in layoverping them. By emphasizing that the poor are unworthy, lazy, and ignorant and the wealthy k mod what they were doing, Wealth defended why millionaires disliked unions and did everything they could to stop them.Andrew Carnegies article, Wealth, was a result of prevailing belief of social Darwinism in the Gilded Age. The rhetoric of Spencer and Sumners view of social Darwinism are apparent in his work and though this belie f, Carnegie is able to say that the rich were the most capable group of people to hold and distribute the wealth. Through his ingrained belief of social Darwinism, he was withal able to defend the wealths large accumulation of wealth, the laissez-faire government, and their aggression toward labor unions found during the Industrial era.Kentucky heat Chicken (KFC) Free essay Management essaysKentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) Free essay Management essaysIntroductionKFC in the beginning was changing companies which belonged, since in 1964 Colonel Sanders first sold KFC. It was sold in a olive-sized group of investors who promoted KFC in public. In 1971 Heublein was highly involved in the day to day operations. However, R.J. Reynolds then acquired Heublein in 1982. R.J. took a more laid back draw near and allowed business as usual at KFC. After that in 1986 PepsiCo bought this company and tried to grow it very degenerate and as hale the restaurant ingredient even if KFC and PepsiC o had a very different culture and style which means that it was totally different. PepsiCo is a big company which recognized itself in 1985 and owns as good Pizza Hut, Taco Bell and now KFC. PepsiCo has a consumer product orientation and found that the merchandise of fast fodder was very similar to the marketing of its docile drinks and snack nutrients. PepsiCo combines snack food, soft drinks and restaurants together and its a huge company in the gentlemans gentleman with many restaurants.Nowadays KFC belongs to YUM international and is the largest chicken restaurant in the world with over 32,500 restaurants with, AW All-American Food, Taco Bell, Long John Silvers and Pizza Hut in more than 100 countries. Today, some of the older KFC restaurants have become famous in their own right. One such restaurant is located in Marietta, Georgia. This store is notable for a 17m tall sign that looks like a chicken. The sign, known locally as the Big Chicken, was built for an earlier fas t-food restaurant on the site called Johnny Rebs Chick, Chuck and Shake. It is often used as a travel reference point in the Atlanta area by locals and pilots.The original handwritten recipe is kept locked away at the KFC corporate furnish in Louisville, Kentucky as a closely-guarded secret. Only two members within the Yum Corporation knows the recipe in its entirety.Mission and Objectiveswe find reasons to celebrate the achievements of others and have fun doing itThe missionary work of the KFC is to sell food in a fast ,to have a friendly environment that appeals to pride conscious, to be in a health mind consumers. The objectives of KFC is to increase the variety of menu, to introduce desert menu and introduce buffet to restaurants. Another objective goal is to target Menu items of African Americans in major(ip) cities with the following foods greens, macaroni and cheese, peach cobbler, red beans and rice. However there are to a fault menu items which should be target in Hispan ics major cities are the fried plantains, flan, tres Leches. The implementations on non-traditional units are including the shopping mall food courts, universities, hospitals, airports, stadiums, amusement parks, office buildings, mobile units.Pest analysisPoliticalUK Government has launched a bracing corporate tax scheme in April 2008, in which the tax is to decrease from 30% down to 28%, helping revive the economy and boost competition (BBC, 2008, p.1). Fast food companies like McDonalds, KFC, etc. could save millions of pounds from this stimulus.The Government is considering a proposed ban on junk food advertising to billboards, computer games and cinemas act in the face of the public health of child obesity. A blanket ban would be a hammer blow to companies such as KFC, McDonalds, Coca-Cola, Nestle, etc. (Mintel, 2009m, p.1)EconomicAs a result of the credit crunch and market instability, global markets are in disarray, deleveraging is under way (Kohler, 2009, p.27). The UK eco nomy is now challenged by serious economic downturn. modish Indicators published by Office for National Statistics (2009, p.1) states that all indexes are at negative interpretation, such as unemployment rate increased, GDP and national productivity decreased.The UK is heavily impacted by the economic downturn. Hickman (2007, p.1) argues that the era of spend, spend, and spend no longer exists. Britain shoppers habit of depending on credit cards is now forced to change. They have to lessened back their expenditure since credit availability would be now a historic concept.SocialWork mobility, working under pressure seems to force people to go out to eat and drink rather than cook at home for themselves (although this trend is moderated by credit crunch recently). People enjoy their unfinished time by spending hours in coffee stores, restaurants, cinemas, and fast foods are indispensable items in their orders.Bird and Hughes (1997, p.159) state that consumer is more and more hitin g for ethical products. They are not only paying attention to products quality, but also ethical aspects of the goods purchased. This raises a question to all businesses, however, it is also an opportunity for those who care of their customers, their communities, like KFC, for instant.Customers concern rough environmental issues in every item they buy (Mintel, 2009p, p.1). Environmental concerns are now a key priority among UK consumers and their importance is continuing to grow. Consumer concerns are encouraging retailers to introduce green products and to put their entire operations on a greener footing (Mintel, 2009c, p.1)Consumers may be increasingly turning to chicken outlets as a relatively healthy alternative to red meat, particularly on the back of recent government and health campaigners concerns over the nutritional content of fast food (Mintel, 2009a4, p.1)Attitudes towards burgers are changing. Burgers are no longer seen as should-be-avoid foods, but are positive ones i nstead (Mintel, 2009d, p.1). In addition, microwaveable burgers have been welcomed to serve a new snack-on-the-go audience (Mintel, 2009d, p.1).Technological and environmental issuesThe Internet is changing the way that many businesses are operating (Avinash and Minh, 2008, p.83). The Internet accounts for 8% of global advertising spend and ripening rapidly (The Economist, 2007, p.124). It is an opportunity for fast food companies enabling its customers to order online easily via its website, creating competitive advantage for the company.Technology helps to shorten the geographic distance, booting business communication. Technology also helps to design and manufacture modern machines to produce high quality foods, saving time and human capital.Global warming, green house gas, recyclable materials are among most interests of environmental supporters.Swot analysisStrengthsKFC has a very long history and has the most recognizable brand in chicken. KFC has name recognition around the world and has been globally positioned for many years. KFCs secret recipe of 11 herbs and spices has made it the attractor in chicken for the last fifty years. KFC is the 2nd only to McDonalds in the UK and ground forces and ranks highest among all chicken restaurant trains for its convenience and menu variety.The quality of food is a key strength to KFC. The quality is defined by the YUM and controlled by the local franchisees. There is a global standard, with regard to the quality of the KFC meals.The KFC recipes allow for quick a processing time, which makes it all the more convenient and more entrancing to prospective clients.Customer-focused approach brings advantages to KFC. The company cares about the health of its customers. Recently, in 2008, KFC signs up to the Food Standards Agency commitment to providing healthier meals, helping its customers enjoy a healthier, more balanced diet. The commitments include working with suppliers to reduce salt and saturated fat levels , dressings and frying oils for alternatives that are lower in saturated fat, increasing the number of healthier options on the menu and making nutritional information more readily available to customers (Mintel, 2009l). The company also puts nutritional information of its products online and in stores.KFC does business ethically and environmentally. KFC UK has promised to reduce packaging and waste by selling products such as its Fillet and Zinger burgers just wrapped into paper rather than in a artificial box. The chain said it aimed to reduce waste by up to 14000 tonnes over 2009 (Mintel, 2009p).KFC has a strong development plan. In February 2009, KFC announced to open 300 new UK outlets between 2009 and 2014, creating 9,000 jobs. This expansion was designed to capitalise on really strong growth and customers increasingly turning to cheaper food options amid the credit crunch (Mintel, 2009q).WeaknessesRumour There is a rumour about using GMO chicken (Genetic Modification Organis m). This arouses a great controversy in many places. For a developed market like the UK, this impacts negatively on KFC image since people think that the use of GM chicken will have great influence on the food chain which is very crucial to the environmental health and nature development.Legal issues KFC has been ordered to pay a 24,000 fine following the discovery of poor hygiene standards at its Bridgend branch in South Wales. The branchs staff did not wash their hands and wore dirty aprons, while the sites stifling water was turned off, meaning that staff were also unable to wash food preparation equipment (Mintel, 2009k).Trans fats issues KFC predominantly cooks its chicken in vegetable oil called trans fats, an unhealthy method of cooking (Oppapers, 2009).Lacking fun Since bulk of KFCs customers are people between 14 and 44, who are young, dynamic, and proactive, store decoration and atmosphere play a critical role for the companys success.Lack of knowledge about their custome rs KFC does not have its own customer data imbruted.OpportunitiesThe chicken and burger bar market reached 3.6 billion in 2007 and is predicted to rise following years. The traditional low-cost fast food outlets are well placed to remain relevant as economic conditions tighten. The burger market reached nearly 2.5 billion 2007 whereas chicken outlets were valued at nearly 1 billion, however, the latter showed higher growth rates over the past six years. The takeaway market continues to outperform the eat-in welkin (Mintel, 2009z).Despite the economic downturn, consumers are still likely to continue eating out, according to a survey of 1,000 UK diners by Survey Shack. 63% said price wasnt the major factor influencing whether they chose to eat out or not, and 77% said they would pay more if a meal was made from high-quality ingredients (Mintel, 2009y).Grab-and-go culture The convenience of takeaway meals has a clear demographic bias towards men, younger consumers and those who are s ingle. Factors such as lack of motivation to worry too much about nutrition (eg the absence of children) or that it is expensive or wasteful to cook for one-person meals will play a part in this motivation (Mintel, 2009c).Growth in the 15-24-year-old age group has benefited the chicken/burger sector as they represent the core market, however, the predicted drop in 15-19-year-olds in coming years will present challenges (Mintel, 2009a1).ThreatsSupermarkets and new competitors Supermarkets own-label offerings have long been a crucial part of the UK food sales, holding a share of nearly 29% and continuing growth in market share (Mintel, 2009a).The National Minimum charter (adults now receive 5.52 an hour) continues to have an impact on the fast food market. These increases can have a major effect on the cost base of the larger chicken and burger bar operators, particularly when you consider KFC has some 8,000 employees in the UK (Mintel, 209b).The introduction of the Licensing Act 20 03 (for England and Wales) in 2005 has led to many pubs having extended opening hours, generating get on competition for fast-food chains, both in terms of the later nights and daytime trade (Mintel, 2009b).Health trend away from fried foods According to campaign group Consensus activeness On Salt and Health, some meals from top fast food chains conceal shockingly high salt levels. The worst contain more than pronged a childs recommended daily salt intake in a single meal. Customers react negatively to this news (Mintel, 2009x)Recent survey by Mintel (2009) states that growth in fast food industry has slowed in recent years. It implies of an intense competition in the eating out market and the maturing of the.BCG MATRIXKFC uses large amounts of immediate payment and is leader in the business so since it is a leader it should use a large amount of cash.The company has the worst cash characteristics of all, because there are high demands and low returns due to low market share. If there is not market share, question marks will simply take in great amounts of cash and when the growth will stop then there will be a dog.CASH COWProfits and cash generation should be high, and because of the low growth, investments were low. Keep profits highDOGSKFC should avoid and minimize the dogs in the company.As I mentioned before the BCG Matrix of KFC is depending totally from the YAM Company which includes as well the other companies the referent standard is the industry growth rate measured against the SBUs growth rate.Product life oscillationAll the products have their life cycle whether it is very successful or not. The life cycle has four stages.The first stage is the introduction of the product and such an example will be the hot wings.The second stage is the growth of the product and the product is the hot shots.The third stage is the maturity and the product is zinger, chicken mania, chicken burger.And the fourth stage is the pedigree which is the twister.Task env ironmentMy company diversified in many industries and for each industry has different suppliers. It audits its suppliers for compliance and non compliance.Kentucky Fried Chicken Garcia, Augie. Discussions, blemish 12, 1999www.scribd.com applied marketing Mr. Muhammad NoumanBBC (2008). Call for corporate tax clampdown. ready(prenominal) at http//news.bbc.co. uk/1/hi /uk_politics/7681165.stm. Accessed 3 January 2009Mintel (2009m). Proposed banned on junk food advertising could be extended. Available online at http//academic.mintel.com/sinatra/oxygen_academic/search_results/show/display/id=118422/display/id=218594 Accessed 07 March 2009Office for National Statistics (2009). Latest indicators. Available online at http//www.statistics.gov.uk/instantfigures.asp. Accessed 09 March 2009Hickman M. (2007) First the credit crunch now the spending squeeze, The Independent on Sunday (2007) Thursday, 13 September 2007.Bird K and Hughes D. (1997). Ethical Consumerism The Case Of Fairly-Traded Co ffee. Business Ethics A European check over Volume 6 Issue 3,Pages159-167Mintel (2009p). KFC reduces packaging. (27/1/2009). Available online at http//academic.mintel.com/sinatra/oxygen_academic/search_results/showset_access_filter=all-ZUK/display/id=280379/display/id=227776/display/id=438171. Accessed 08 March 2009Mintel (2009c). Internal market environment. Available online at http//academic.mintel.com/sinatra/oxygen_academic/ state/view=reports_categorylevels=90849list=cat_itemscat=17lev=1/display/id=394656/display/id=442497. Accessed 07 March 2009.Mintel (2009a4). Chicken and Burger Bar UK March 2008 Market in brief. Available online at http//academic.mintel.com/sinatra/oxygen_academic//display/id=280379/display/id=329487. Accessed 07 March 2009 Mintel (2009d). Burgers UK 2008. Available online at http//academic.mintel.com/sinatra/oxygen_academic/my_reports/display/id=227787anchor=atom/display/id=227776. Accessed 07 March 2009 Avinash, W. and Minh. Q. H. (2008) How Can Interne t Service Providers Tap into the Potentially-Lucrative Small Business Market? International daybook of E-Business Research, 4(1), p.82-98The Economist (2007). The world in figures industries. The world in 2008. p124, 126.

Investigation And Evaluation Of Two Organizations Management Essay

Investigation And Evaluation Of Two Organizations Management Essay label and Spencers is one of the major British seller companies. It has oer 895 stores all over the world in much than 40 countries. mark and spencers arrive at over 600 domestic stores and 295 international stores. tag and spencers is the UKs largest change state retailer and a high end food retailer. mark and spencers is the worlds 43rd largest retailer. It sells clothes, food and wine, furniture, flowers and gifts and electronic products. It has do a pretax net income of over 1 zillion in 1998. They were the first British retailer to achieve such target. This clearly indicates that marks and spencers is a retail giant and has been an undisputed leader in the retail sector as far as the United Kingdom market is concerned. It has also proved itself in the international retail market and plans to expand its business sector in more than than directions and covering newer international market. mark and Spe ncer was founded by Michael Marks and Thomas Spencer in 1894 as their first store in partnership at Cheetham Hill Road, Manchester. They made their reputation on a policy of only selling British made goods in 20th century. This was something extremely new in the market and hoped to capitalize on the buyers sense of be longsightedingness to UK They sold food and clothes under the St. Michael stigmatise which they introduced in 1928. They are also repudiated for having the well-nigh generous 35 days return policy on the British High Street. By 1950 almost all the goods were sold under St. Michael, women clothes and uniforms of girls were under St. Margaret label until the unhurt thing became St. Michael. The Asian food was introduced as the beginning of the cautious international expansion. Marks and Spencer opened stores in Europe in 1975 and in Ireland in 1979. This was a calculated step as Asian food was gaining popularity in the west and also the inflow of Asians in the western countries was on an upswing. This idea clicked and the company made massive returns.The company is known for emphasizing quality and offering fair value for money. marks and spencers has been a historic iconic retailer of British fiber goods. marks and spencers is aware of the fact that a solid and consistent growth is only guaranteed if it maintains its standards and delivers the best quality at the most reasonable rates. Being retail oriented company customer satisfaction is of utmost importance and marks and spencers ensured it by healthy customer relations and most importantly provided post sales services to its customers In 1973 the company expanded in Canada. At a point they had 47 stores there. But they had never been able to improve their as a dull retailer. In late 90s efforts were made to improve and unprofitable locations were closed, only when it wasnt successful. So they had to close the remaining stores in 1999.In 1975 they expanded in France by origin the store s in Paris. Paris being the worlds fashion capital, there was already stiff competition and it made it tough for Marks and Spencer to survive in such passing competitive environment. Except for Paris the European operation did not fare and the stores were sold in 2001.The Company acquired Brooks Brothers and Kings Super Markets in US scarce they were sold off. Several factors like these combined to threw Marks and Spencer into a heavy fall in 1997/98, which took everybody by surprise. These were the results of some bad decisions taken by Marks and Spencer which resulted in downfall of the company. The companys share fell by 70% approx. and its profits degraded from 1 billion to 145 million at the end of 2001.In 2001 there were changes in their business focus. They started accepting credit cards and a new range of clothes was introduced. They also redesigned their business model. This resulted in some recovery still the problem still remained. In 2004 there was an attempt to take over marks and spencers by Bhs boss, Philip Green and Arcadia group. In Feb. 2007, marks and spencers announced to open worlds largest Marks and Spencer store at Dubai festival city. This surely turned out to be an intelligent move as Dubai is slowly becoming the trade capital of the world. Dubai, which is the most popular emirate of UAE, is now one of the hottest destinations for shopping, trading and travel and tourism industry. The high end Zendra Rhodes Collection was introduced in late 2009.PERFORMANCEMarks and Spencer is listed on LSE (London rail line Exchange) as a constituent of FTSE 100. Here is Year/Net Profit plot for Marks and Spencer.From the above data we discharge conclude thatThere was a heavy fall in 1998.In year 2001 the profits were very low only M 2.8.There was some recovery in 2003-04 but they were still facing problem.From 2006 to 2008 there is some improvement.There is a signifi trampt decline in 2009.BRITISH HOME STORES (Bhs)British home stores is a depa rtmental store chain in Britain which have branches in high street locations. They are primarily selling clothing and household items such as strike out linen, cutlery, crockery and lighting. Now they have also started selling furniture etc. Bhs competes on value and quality. They are targeting at lesser part of the population as compared to John Lewis and Marks and Spencer. They have over 186 stores all over UK. The company is listed on LSE (London stock Exchange) as a constituent of FTSE 100 and is currently owned by Sir. Philip Green.HISTORYIn 1928 the first shop of Bhs opened in Brixton. They copied the business model of United Kingdom arm of US based FW Woolworth in that the price of goods was at max 1 shilling. In 1929 the maximum price was increased to 5 to enable the company for expanding the range of products. This includes furnishing and drapery. Bhs became Public company in 1931. After World War II selling based on price was stopped and goods with value and quality to m oney have been started to be offered. Bhs started expanding in 1970-80. They also opened the stores in indoor shopping malls. In 1977 they launched a joint venture with the firm Sainsburys to create hyper markets using SavaCentre brand. Sainsburys took control of the exclusively brand in 1989 and converted all the stores. There was a downturn in business in 1980s which was tried to be fought with the reconstruction of the stores and high profit margins selling. Bhs had to close its overseas stores during these times. In 1985 they opened first franchise store. Such stores now operate in Europe and Middle east. There was a optical fusion between Bhs, Habitat and Motherhouse. In mid 90s the brand went under reinvention under the guidance of retail design house 2020.In May 2000 Philip Green took over Bhs (for 200 million) and changed the company from public to private (ltd). In May 2005 Philip Green bought Etam UK (which included good girls fashion retailers). To improve Bhs girls pe rception as a whole the stand alone brands were integrated into Bhs.On Feb 27 2009, the company announced its merger with sister company Arcadia.PerformanceThe current condition of Bhs is not good. It is owned by Philip Green. Marks and Spencers performance is at present much better than Bhs. The growth is slow in retail market. To have a major growth you have to steal your rivals sales. Hence the gain of marks and spencers is resulting in Bhs loss. Philip Green is implementing cost cutting programs to increase the margin. There is a scope of improvement for others here. Cost price in this sector is continuously increasing because of the increase in energy and utility prices which accounts for 12 million fall for Bhs. For revitalizing of the brand Green is expend at least 100m and if he pulls this one out next time we will be discussing about marks and spencers slow recovery.Task 2QUESTIONAIREThe questionnaire has the questions on the following fields for evaluating the performan ce of both companies harvesting designShelf priceBrand imageAdvertisingProduct rangeShelf quadrupletLogistics discipline and Customer relationshipsThe answering of the questions has to be done on interval level. Questions specifically meant for staff members are marked as (SM). Rest can be answered by all.QUESTIONSA) Product design1) How is the efficiency of the product designing process? (SM)badexcellent2) Which product generation method is preferred? (SM)Based on ideaBased on need3) How good are solution designing and production methods? (SM)PoorExcellentB) Shelf price1) How is spending at each level of production handling and distribution? (SM)Very lessjust rightVery highC) Brand image1) Which brand is more preferable?marks and spencers BhsD) Advertising1) How much does the firm spent on the marketing? (SM)very lessjust rightVery high2) Which brands publicizing is more enlightening about the product?marks and spencers BhsE) Product range1) Which brand has wider variety of prod ucts to choose from?marks and spencers Bhs2) Which brand fulfills the better product fate?marks and spencers BhsF) Shelf space1) Which brand has better stores?marks and spencers Bhs2) Which brand store is easily reachable?marks and spencers BhsG) Logistics1) How good is the flow of goods, resources and information in the company? (SM)PoorExcellentH) Information and Customer relationships1) Which brands store provide better information about the product?marks and spencers Bhs2) Which brands customer service is more satisfactory?marks and spencers BhsStatistical outputOutput stats after a watch over of 150 persons.Result interpretations of the surveyProduct design process of Bhs is more efficient than that of marks and spencers .Idea based product generation is preferred more in Bhs, whereas it is almost balanced in marks and spencers .Shelf determine efficiency of Bhs is much better than that of marks and spencers .marks and spencers brand is more preferable as compared to Bhs.Adv ertising marks and spencers spent more on Advertising.Product range marks and spencers have wider variety of products.Shelf space of marks and spencers is slightly better than Bhs.Logistics of Bhs are better than marks and spencers (there is not much difference).Information and Customer relationshipsCustomers are more satisfied with marks and spencers as compared to Bhs.CONCLUSIONFrom the result of the above survey and from the information collected from the various other resources we can conclude thatmarks and spencers s (Marks and Spencer) is a much bigger company as compared to Bhs. marks and spencers have over 695 stores whereas Bhs only have over 185 stores. marks and spencers s net profits and turnovers are much higher than those of Bhs. Marks and Spencer can invest into more number of ventures and more capital which is generated by its huge network round the globe.marks and spencers is more famous and older brand as compared to Bhs. marks and spencers operations are more wide spread as compared to Bhs. marks and spencers s targeted customers are much larger than those of Bhs. marks and spencers usually targets high end customers whereas Bhs do not. Product range of marks and spencers is much higher than that of Bhs. Customers prefers marks and spencers over Bhs.However, the internal operations, functions and working of Bhs are more coordinated better and efficient than that of the marks and spencers . This can prove beneficial to the company in the long run and this can result in Bhs having more output to input ratio as the system is more efficient.ROCOMMENDATIONSFrom our current analysis I can say that Bhs has improved its internal structure to its maximum. There is a need to revitalize the plans, if that is successful then there is a good chance that Bhs baron improve to the required level.However, marks and spencers have scope of improvement in its internal structure which will bring significant change in its profit margin. Currently marks and spence rs have better hold of market but if they can side by side update their structure then they can avoid majority of the downfalls they face.ReferencesMarks Spencer (n.d.). Retrieved on May 6, 2010, from http//www.marksandspencer.com/ (Marks Spencer)Modern living made easy (n.d.). Retrieved on May 6, 2010, from http//www.bhs.co.uk/ (Modern living made easy)How to begin your survey design project. (n.d.). Retrieved on May 6, 2010, from http//www.surveysystem.com/sdesign.htm (How to design your survey design project.)Bhs results in investment and retail sector. (n.d.). Retrieved on May 6, 2010, from http//www.moneyweek.com/articles/money-morning/why-bhs-could-be-just-the-start-of-retail-sector-woes.aspx (Bhs results in investment and retail sector.)

Media Influence On Female Body Image Media Essay

Media Influence On Female Body Image Media EssayIn the past decades, in that location has been an increase in the tutelage of pistillates and the carcass, this situation is exceedingly blamed on the media and its sudden focus on veerness. Many enquiryers has blamed the print, picture receiver and early(a) forms of the media for this propagation of thinness in the media, with fewer researches focusing on the network, products advertisement campaigns particularly either on websites, blogs and social media platforms much(prenominal) as Facebook.This research project examines the media trance on female organic structure view using qualitative method of doing research. It focuses mainly on meshing advertisements to investigate how the media, through net income advertisement in particular has settled females to rethink their bole orbit especially their shape, looks etc. This paper utilized critical discourse draw near to carry come start of the closet a textual analys is of some selected products advertisement campaigns in relations to beauty, proboscis shapes and appearance. The result found significant concepts and strategies applied in several advertisements to bewitch consumers, and how the constant bombardment of this adverts on the internet drives female to acquiring the ideal system as portrayed in these advertisements.It also found that advertisement shit belatedly gone beyond gaining consumers (females) attention, to developing interest and desire resulting in consumers taking actions, ground on how persuasive the advert get. Furthermore, the analysis revealed the power that the thin ambit (model) in media (advertisement) carries and how obsessed our culture is with thinness. Even though some females may be able to differentiate reality from fantasy, this research found that the media has vigorous negative influence on females consistence form based on how it is constructed.Word count total number of words=13,970TABLE OF CONTEN T committalACKNOWLEDGEMENT ..ABSTRACT .LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS..1.0 CHAPTER ONE RESEARCH OVERVIEW1.1 INTRODUCTION..1.2 A drawing HISTORY OF tree trunk IMAGE..1.3 AIMS AND OBJECTIVES OF THE RESEARCH.2.0 CHAPTER TWO LITERATURE round off2.1 INTRODUCTION..2.2 BODY IMAGE..2.3 THE MASS MEDIA.2.4 MASS MEDIA BRIEF EVIDENCE.2.5 UNDERSTANDING THE MEDIA..2.6 MEDIA EFFECT possibility..2.7 USES AND GRATIFICATIONS THEORY2.8 BODY IMAGE AND SOCIAL THEORY2.9 THE ROLE OF SOCIO-CULTURAL THEORY ON BODY IMAGE2.1.0 ADVERTISING AND BODY IMAGE DISSATISFACTION2.1.1 RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN BODY IMAGES AND MEDIA IMAGES2.1.2 PEER AND PHYSICAL APPEARACE AMONGST FEMALES..2.1.3 FEMALES TROUBLES2.1.4 FEMINIST PERSPECTIVE OF BODY IMAGE2.1.5 PSYCHOLOGIST PERSPECTIVE OF FEMALE BODY IMAGE.2.1.6 CHAPTER TWO SUMMARY3.0 CHAPTER THREE METHODOLOGY.3.1 INTRODUCTION3.2 RESEARCH METHOD.3.3 DATA COLLECTION AND sampling3.4 CRITICAL DISCOURSE ANALYSIS3.5 IMPLEMENTATION OF RESEARCH3.6 LIMITATIONS OF THE RESEARCH3.7 ETHICAL CONSIDE RATION.3.8 CHAPTER THREE SUMMARY..4.0 CHAPTER FOUR ANALYSIS AND DISCUSSION.4.1 INTRODUCTION4.2 post IN THE MEDIATED IMAGE..4.3 BEAUTY IN THE MEDIA.4.4 FEMALE BODY AND MEDIA MARKETING.4.5 THE FEMALE BODY AS COMMODITIES4.6 CHAPTER FOUR SUMMARY.5.0 CHAPTER FIVE goal AND RECOMMENDATION .5.1 CONCLUSION5.2 RECOMMENDEDATION.APPENDICESBIBLIOGRAPHY.CHAPTER ONE RESEARCH OVERVIEW1.0 INTRODUCTIONThe entrance of mass media (such as television, magazines, newspapers, and the internet also social networks such as Facebook, Twitter) as a means of communication has become part of human manners of life, as seen in the Western valet de chambre. The most common possession of these media saturation in the postmodernist era is the prevailing portrayal of societal beauty ideals to its audience (Tiggemann, 2006 2). The media producers uses this medium (such as internet) to sh be their works and ideas across the globe (Gauntlett, 20081).Recent research conducted by (Gauntlett, 2008), indicates that you ng females frequently make use of the media for different purposes (e.g. interaction with friends family, bleeding games and for academic reasons). The relationship mingled with the media and its audience is characterised by the role of user or participant than audience member. This ensure some level of interactivity (between the sender and the receiver) in the media, especially (on the internet) in new media platforms such as Facebook, yahoo messenger, Skype, blackberry messenger, whatsapp, and other inter prompt websites (Gauntlett 2008 2).A research by Bignell (2001) indicates that the new media produces and modifies the old media. For instance, the primary duty of media in the past was to disseminate breeding without getting feedbacks, but with the introduction of internet, the audience/viewers has the opportunity to give their feedbacks on advertised products and other related matters. fit in to (Gauntlett 2008), individuals in Western societies spend more time with televis ion than an average African person. They do so, observation advertisements, fashion shows, reality show etc., and they also read newspapers and gossip magazine and other forms of publication. Similarly, they surf internets, watch movies, play games and find it difficult to avoid the popular culture. This is achievable because the media producers have get alongd slipway of capturing the viewer attention and they understand the masses want (Laughey 200933).The evolutions of media have paved way for series of advertisement using print (such as newspapers and magazines), internet and television. Images of thin females are usually used to sale products, this is mostly done in the western sandwich world and it is viewed globally (Poorani 2012). This advertisement helps to re-shape the lives and corpse of the advertiser which is portrayed worldwide. On the other hand, this have a negative effect on the contemporary world as their women begins to feel inferior (Poorani 2012). Having ver balize that, it could be argued that the traditional way of showcasing beauty is no longer acceptable as many believes that the modernized ways are the acceptable way (Poorani 2012). Reasons universe that, the media advertise female in different ways and encourage them to attain certain hackneyed of beauty and proboscis shape in coiffure to be qualified and acceptable in the society.Therefore, the mass media act as arbitrating construction amongst persons and their body, through powerful messages that portray and interiorise physical stereotype of beauty as valued and acceptable especially through advertising (Calado, 2011). Advertising is referred to as the art of arresting the human news show by persuading them to acquire certain media products (Bardikian 2000). The use of advertisement dates back to 3000BC, where the Babylonians used store signs and street barkers to promote their wares and business (Zoubkov, et al. 2004). In Recent years, the mass media move on introduced advertisement into our daily lives and as advertising technique continue to grow classier each year it has created consumerism, by dramatic playing luxuries into need thereby creating ask where there was none before (Shah 2008).The sad trend of this constant bombardment of advertising and the consumerism is that it tends to portray that the natural appearance of females in the world have lost its value, and as such should be replaced by the artificial beauty which is aided by make ups (Robertson 20082).Zoubkove et al in his write up give tongue to For the majority of people, ikon to advertising is as normal as the breath of life, which is more or less like living near the road. Similarly, it constantly presents a visual monitor of how we should look, think, and live (Zoubkov, et al. 2004).Furthermore, it has been argued that media channels are constantly in the habit of propagating conflicting stories and ideas to the viewers (consumers) (Myers, et al. 1992). Females are made to believe that there is a certain and pass judgment ways of leaving in order to fit into the complex society, this views has disregarded consumers individual self-worth. As Sohn (2009) opined, the media have paid particular attention to thin females in recent years , reasons being that they capture the minds of the viewers and helps to market product easily.1.1 A BRIEF HISTORY OF BODY IMAGEThe understanding of modern sentiment of body images centres on a clear insight on the long and rich lineage of body image construct, the issues of body image dates back to everyplace 50 years, with different scholarly attempt to understand the idea of body image (Pruzinsky, et al. 2004, p.3). While Fisher et al. (1968 1970) reflected on the then pervasive psychodynamic view of body image, Franklin (1969) argued for the take in of multifaceted body image experience, placing emphasis on the use of scientific methods and the integration of theoretical developments, and applied body image conce pt to the study of physical disability. Furthermore, David (1989 1990) emphasizes on the role of the modern psychodynamic thought in the illumination of the functioning aspects of body image.In addition, a neurologist, Schilder (1935/1950) also argued persistently from a bio-psychosocial approach to body image, emphasizing the need for a neurological, psychological, and sociological insight examination into the multifaceted nature of body image, this coincides with Fishers recommendation for future research to be carried out on body image experience (Fisher, 1990 p.12). Furthermore, Thompsons prolific contributions differ in some respect in that its central focus reflects on the scientific and clinical interests in eating disorders and obesity. In addition, Jacksons (1992) work focuses on the physical appearance and gender. She further reviews the empirical and clinical literatures on body images concepts. Also, Pruzinsky, et al. 1990, 1995 1997 editions equally support this blo t in opening by contributing massively to the argument on Body Images (Pruzinsky, et al. 20046).Empirical evidence reveals that many scholars have conducted research on the said topic. Some argued that females are influenced by the media, peers/parent and the environment negatively while others oppose this detail. The question that persists to this effect is why are females easily influenced by the media? In an attempt to answer to this basic research question, this research paper examines how the media influences females in terms of their body shapes. To achieve this and to gain an in-depth understanding on the said topic, internet advertisements will be used as a case study, the goal is to critically analyse the discourses surrounding female images in advertisements.1.2 AIMS AND OBJECTIVES OF THE RESEARCHThe main beget of the research is to determine the social factors responsible for body image distortion amongst females. In this paper, the first section gives a brief overview of the research, stating the aims, the objectives and the motivation behind the research. The foster section critically evaluate the concept of the media and body image construction in females, the fourth section analyses how female images are structured in the media to influence body image creation amongst female viewers, through critical scrutiny of advertisement campaigns on body image advancement and how these images helps in the construction of female body image (femininity), finally, the last section of the paper draws from all chapters to form the concluding part.Key words media, advertising, body image, femininityCHAPTER TWO LITERATURE round off2.0 INTRODUCTIONThis chapter is geared towards reviewing literatures concerning body image, advertising, mass media, femininity, psychology. Body images, mass media, advertising are defined, and the link between media and females in terms of body concern and body construction are discussed, this is done with the aim of arriving at the aim and objective for the study. The construct of body image is used extensively throughout the study and then the first focus point of this discussion is body image, Also the link between the advertising as a type of media and female body image is described in order to examine and explain how advertising are constructed to influence female body image.2.1 BODY IMAGEFor centuries, scholars and researchers have defined body image from different perspectives, according to Fisher (1990), body image is the perception of ones body attractiveness, body size distortion, the perception of body boundaries and the perception of accuracy of body sensation. Cash Pruzinsky (1990), explain body image as the feeling of ones thought and perception about their body as well as age, race, function and sexuality, Schilder (1950) further added that body image is a blame of attitude and interaction with others, while Grogan (1999) sees body image as a picture of ones body originated from the mind.B ody image is multidimensional it is a symbol of a multifaceted construction of ideas that pertains to individual perceptions, attitude as well as associate behaviours (Stewart Williamson 2004). Psychologically, body image is seen as a salient factor of interpersonal development especially with females (Levine Smolak 2002). According to Grogan (1999) body dissatisfaction is developed when negative thoughts concerning body shape are nursed.They debated body image as being multidimensional, comprises of a cognitive and an emotional dimension. Cognitive body image consists of beliefs and self-statements about the body. Emotional body image consists of experiences of appearance, whether the experiences are comfortable or uncomfortable and if there is satisfaction or dissatisfaction with the body. Body image is a subjective experience it depends on how the individual interprets ones self (McCabe et al. 2002 cited in Sparhwak 20037).The first cognitive dimension of body image includes, b ody importance and dieting behaviour, and perceptual body image. This relates to thoughts and beliefs on body shape and the equalive dimension including personal feelings towards body appearance (Sparhwak 20037). The Second cognitive dimension is the body importance and dieting behaviour which can be described as behaviours associated with grooming and dieting. Finally, perceptual body image is described as the accuracy that an individual has when judging its shape, size and weight. Various research indicates that researchers have the same views on body image pointing to the fact that body image is multidimensional in construct but different when it comes to the dimensions (Sparhwak 20038).Body image is non stationary and open for amendment (Sparhwak 20038), according to Pruzinsky et al. (1990) constant watching of television influences an individual sense of judgement. Grogan (1999) after several studies concluded that body image is not only influenced by the media but by numerou s factors such as friends, family, teachers, peers and even the society. He further asserted that females that think negatively about their body are those with bad experience of body image, either from peers, family, friends, or society at large. In addition to what Grogan (1999) said, negative body image may lead to several health disorders including anorexia nervosa, and bulimia nervosa, anxiety, depression, lowered self-esteem, dysfunction.2.2 THE MASS MEDIAThe media is recently portrayed as a medium of cultivation, conveyance, or expression and is most willingly related to in associations of mass communication (Grant 2000). It is believed that Mass communication has a continuous influence on human either consciously or unconsciously. Some of the extensively identifiable forms of media includes print and electronic media such as television, magazines, newspapers, books, radio, scene games, CDs and tapes, as well as internet, billboards, posters, movies and videos (Grant 2000). P resently, there are lots of debates regarding body image in relations to its portrayal through the media especially in the twenty dollar bill first century. Several researchers have argued on the said topic, also it has been observed that body dissatisfaction is caused by the media as well as other influencing factors such as ethnicity, social class, peers, family background and the surrounding environment (Amalikn 20101).The technological development (such as the internet) on the other hand has helped to increase the rate of advertising which in turn increases consumerism as a major way of living (Robertson, 20083). The human minds begins to buy into the media and the media messages the moment the ideas of how much something is worth having begins to develop, this is done through several advertisement which the internet source has gain much attention in recent years (Battacharya, 2003).A number of influences have been highlighted as formative in the development and aid of body sh ape and body weight related disorder (Fairburn et al.1997). These factors include, teasing and critical comments on someones appearance either from parents, peers or social comparing tendencies (Frankos et al. 1994). Yet, sociocultural factors such as the role that the media internet advertisements in particular, have recently been pointed out as an important donor to body image dysfunction (Fallon 1990 Heinberg 1996).2.2.1 BRIEF EVIDENCE OF MASS MEDIAIn the last century, eating disorder theorists and feminist scholars have argued that fashion magazines, movies, television, and the social media platforms are the major contributors to eating disorder among individuals (Smolak et al. 1998). The standard of beauty at present evokes low self-esteem and inferiority among the average women in the society (Fallon 1990 Heinberg 1996). This has raised series of questions and blemish on the media for promoting thinness as a measure of beauty (Thompson et al. 1999340).According to Freedmen (1986), a comparative analysis carried out indicates that the present visual media is different from the previous one, in terms of technological advancement which makes images more clear and attractive the visualization helps in capturing the minds and attention of viewers easily. This technological advance in the media world (in terms of print and electronic media images) has made it impossible to differentiate reality from fantasy (Thompson et al. 1999 340). In addition, Hargreaves (2002) states that digital redact has created a false world that is impossible to achieve, this is evidently seen through editing and filtering of the original copy of the media images before distribution. This act portrays to the consumers that the original and authentic version of images is being presented in the media (Thompson et, al. 1995, 1998, cited in Heinberg, et al. 1999341).2.2.2 UNDERSTANDING THE MEDIAThe media is a means of communication between the sender and the receiver. In recent years , it has been argued that the media has a negative influence on body image. The primary role of media is to propagate information across to viewers. This information is ofttimes understood base on individual perspective and sense of reasoning, and most individuals tend to be influenced by the media in the negative direction.According to Laughey (2009), media is a diaphysis that reflects peoples likes, therefore, media providers should endeavour to capture the mood of individuals in order to know their wants, and understand their views. The competitive media market is highly influenced by the popular culture. This invariably has becomes the focus of concern since it is perceived to have a major influence on other nationals and the world at large (Laughey, 2009 p.33).2.3THEORETICAL FRAMEWORKThe predominant theoretical frameworks adopted in this research are media effect theory and social theory.2.3.1 MEDIA EFFECT THEORYMedia effect came into existence in 1920 (Media Effect Theory, 20 13). It was first proposed by Frankfurt school of social research, based on the Marxist German Intellectuals reaction to Nazi propaganda and US advertising suggesting that individuals way of thinking should be controlled by large corporations as well as the state (Moss, 2013) . This theory believes that the mass media makes people powerless and find it hard to resist the messages it carries (Moss, 2013). Having said this, (Media Effect Theory, 2013) argued that media effect theory is how the media affect society and how society affects the media, Some negative implication of this theory are when people do copycat, (Media Effect Theory, 2013) For instance, when individuals (old and young) begin to copycat the celebrities, in terms of their movement, garb styles, speeches, and shapes etc. and the blame is directed to the media. The theory helps to explain moral panic in relation to representation (Moss, 2013).In the study of media effect, there are three major theories, which inclu des cultivation theory, uses and gratification theory and social cognitive theory (Bandura, 2002). But for the purpose of this paper, uses and gratifications theory will be critically evaluated in order to determine the prospective influence of the media on female body image.2.3.2 USES AND GRATIFICATIONS THEORYUses and gratification theory is based on Maslows hierarchy of needs (Moss, 2013). According to Laughey (2009) this theory is used to describe media consumer needs and expectations. The ideology behind this theory lies in the movement from fear off effect to fulfilment of needs. In general, the theory identifies individuals as people with needs this need can be described as social or psychological needs (Laughey, 2009 p.49). At this point, it is noteworthy to say that the said individual need generates expectations that can only be satisfied by the media. (See illustrated below).Figure Uses and gratification illustration Source (Moss, 2013)Uses and gratification theory treats individuals as active and intelligent in their media choice and uses, it also reverses the assumption that individuals are held captive by the media. According to Laughey (2009), He argued that the media is like a set of tools that consumers freely go for at any time to fix any necessity. Furthermore, Laughey (2009) questioned the ability of some media products to get word individuals needs and expectations this is because at times, the media usually fall short of individual needs and expectations. An example of such is when a young woman purchases a product due to the way and manner it was portrayed on the media and the product did not meet her expectations.2.3.2.1 BODY IMAGE AND SOCIAL THEORYThe issue of indistinguishability creation is often observed during adolescence period and it has being recognised as a life-or-death stage of gender development. At this point, it is noteworthy to say that personal identity and consumer behaviour are inter-related, reasons being that a gr eat number of people derive their happiness in the attainment of ideal cultural standards, this is achievable through mass media (e.g. internet). The acquisition of the mediated perfect body image is the basic criteria for the reflection of individuals worth in the modern environment (Shaw et al, 199445).There are several social theories that best explain body image concerns and dieting among women. This theories includes social identity theory, social learning theory and social comparison theory. To gain more valid insight on the said topic, these theories will briefly reviewed.2.3.2.1 Social identity element TheoryThese theories suggest that self- image includes both the personal and social identities. In social identity, an individual attain certain status through socializing with others and being a functioning member of a group to which they belong (Shaw et al. 199446). Having said that, one could argue that the internet advertising comes under the social desirability, this is often seen in the way and manner in which female images are presented in the media and accepted by many. This on the other hand renders the portrayed body type highly desirable by other females and as such evoke copycat.2.3.2.2 Social Learning TheoryThis theory focuses more on the influence of role models on gender self-identity, mostly created during the adolescence period. This theory suggests that representation of models by the media tends to pressurize their female counterpart to conform to such body image. This forces individual to create their identity based on the role model they want to emulate (Shaw et al.1994 p.46).2.3.2.3 Social Comparison TheoryThis theory suggests that there is need for the use of other source of information as a guide for the evaluation of ones abilities and attitudes (Silverstein, et al. 1986). With that in mind, one could say that the media serves as a constant reference point for the womens evaluation of their body image (DiDomenico, et al. 1992). On the other hand, using media as a reference point female assessment of their body could cause dissatisfaction and anxiety among larger population of women (Shaw et al. 1994 p.46) However, these theories applies not only to women but men who are also consumers of media messages, with body image a major concern.2.3.3 THE ROLE OF SOCIO-CULTURAL THEORY ON BODY IMAGEAccording to Davis and Katzman (1999), people can be influenced by culture (e.g their food, clothes/wears, and appearance in terms of hair style etc). Sparhawk (2003) found that women especially young girls are more often influenced by the skinny body principles. This is further illustrated in the constant proclamation of thinness as a measure of beauty by the media. Similarly, King and Tsiantas (2001) refer to the socio-cultural theory as the pressure on women from parent, peers and the media to acquire/maintain certain body standard.At this point, it is worthwhile to revisit the social comparison theory which place emphas es on comparative assessment of ones appearance to other (p 141). Socio-cultural theory is a combination of ideas and concepts acquired from social and cultural factors (such as media, family, and friends). According to Tsiantas et al. (2001) body disturbances is influenced by the internalization of socio-cultural messages on thinness. Schwartz (1986) also supported the fact that dieting has a significant effect on female beauty, as it shapes and helps them (female) maximise their potentials. Stice (2002) traced socio-cultural influence on body image back to 18 centuries. He argued that the pressure on body image is enveloped by the notion of thinne

The Symbol of the Heart in The Floating Opera Essay -- Floating Opera

The Symbol of the Heart in The Floating Opera The bosom is the dominant symbol in The Floating Opera, more(prenominal) important even than the symbol of the showboat of the novels title. From beginning to end the book is richly populated by references to the mall on both a literal, physical level, and a figurative, symbolic one. In the first case, literal references are made to Todds heart condition. In the second case, the heart plays two symbolic roles not only does it armed service as a symbol of Todds emotional and non-rational side, but the frailty of Todds heart serves as a correlative for the fragility of all human life. This paper provide examine several examples from The Floating Opera that demonstrate this multi-levelled usage of the heart. Hearts make an early appearance in the text, in the very first chapter, when Todd describes his heart condition a kind of subacute bacteriological endocarditis1. This condition predisposes Todd towards myocardial infarction (hear t attack), and consequently Todd writes, What that means is that any day I may ancestry quickly dead, without warning - perhaps before I complete this sentence, perhaps twenty years from now.2 Although this may seem to be a purely literal device, Barth is using Todds heightened awareness of the delicateness of his own life as an exaggerated symbol for the vulnerability of all human life. This early focus upon the heart continues collect to the centrality in the novels plot of Todds decision to kill himself, and his subsequent change of mind. At the core of this decision to suicide is Todds realisation that his life has been governed by his heart (his emotions), despite his best efforts to live by will, priming coat and intellect My heart was the master... ...when Froebel had Parnassus in his pan?8 This quotation is demonstrative of both the inability of reason to overcome emotions - the very problem which Todd has grappled with for much of his life, and which lies centrally in The Floating Opera - and also of Todds acute awareness of that inability. This, like so many of the facts in the narrative, has both a symbolic and a literal meaning, and shows the extent to which the heart and what it stands for permeate the fabric of the entire novel. Bibliography Barth, John, The Floating Opera and The End of the Road, Anchor Books, current York, 1988. Endnotes 1 Barth, John, The Floating Opera and The End of the Road, Anchor Books, New York, 1988, p. 5. (All subsequent page numbers refer to this book.) 2 p. 5. 3 p. 226. 4 p. 49. 5 ib. 6 Ibid. 7 p. 124. 8 pp. 94-5

Parole Should Be Abolished Essays -- Argumentative Persuasive Crime Es

Parole Should Be AbolishedThe procedure known as watchword in the criminal justice musical arrangement has been in practice in the United States since the late 1800s when it was begun in a reformatory in Elmira, New York. Its process provides for early qualified release from prison for convicted felons, after part of their prison sentence has been served, and they are found to be pensionable for news based on factors such as conduct while incarcerated, rehabilitative efforts/progress, type of offense, and remorse for their crime. Its use has been expanded to many states, and today has become the primary way by which offenders are released from prisons and punitive institutions. Unfortunately, parole is not always rewarded to worthy inmates, thus putting society at risk for repeated crimes that often outweigh the benefits of parole, therefore, parole should be abolished and inmates should be made to complete their full sentences. Prison inmates are usually sentenced by the severi ty of their crimes, as well as their mental role at the fourth dimension of the act. For example a person who commits murder intentionally expects to take the life of another in reckless disregard for human life, and knows that the act itself which he or she has decided to commit, will surely bring about death. However, in the case of manslaughter, which is also the taking of a human life, there is no actual intention to bring about death. The act that lead to someones death, is measured by the circumstances that made the person kill such as self-defense, or a crime of passion because the killer was provoked in such a way that a chain of events lead to violence which eventually resulted in peril. Because of the difference in how these crimes are carried out, inmates are sentenced differently some are sentenced to life in prison, and others are sentenced to several years and will be eligible for parole after serving part of their sentence. In lieu of inmates completing their full s entences, parole tries to achieve releasing inmates early based on the head that the inmate has been sufficiently punished, and should be given the opportunity to become a law abiding citizen, capable of functioning in our society with adequate supervision. Although parole attempts to carefully screen inmates prior to granting early release, their decisions often do not merit wise choices. As a social worker, I e... ...niors who brought us into this generation. We merit to be protected as much as any other human race. Our tax dollars spent on housing inmates are a skunk cheaper for us to pay when one considers the cost of irreparable pain and suffering, of a victim who falls prey to a parolee who had no intention of reversing his or her former lifestyle and recommitted their life to crime. One cannot put a price tag on scarred lives. It would be worth every penny to halt these criminals behind bars until they have completed their full sentences, if it meant even saving one inno cent life, or sparing someone an unforgettable damaging experience. In conclusion, parole serves to benefit the inmate who is seeking his or her freedom, while society seldomly benefits from progress or efforts implemented by parolees in the community. We must understand that parole is a privilege, not a right. We must take into consideration that if almost half of the population that is released on parole returns to prison parole is not working(a) and should be abolished. Law abiding citizens have earned their right to freedom, and criminals have earned their right to confinement, and should remain that way, as sentenced.