McDonalds, what does it mean to you? Essay -- essays research papers

Marketing Management 3-4:30 Current Issues Paper McDonald’s, What Does It Mean to You?   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  McDonald’s Corporation has held a prominent position in the fast-food market for much of its existence. A person would be hard pressed to find consumers who would not readily recognize the famous golden arches, as the company has expanded its market globally. However, as global consumer tastes shift to a more heath-conscious public which cares less about â€Å"super sizing† and more about â€Å"slenderizing† the popular burger chain has been experiencing a drop in sales. McDonald’s strategy for its globalization plan has included the concept of localizing their product (to a degree) for an international market; for example, local managers in British versions of the restaurant are able to make their own decisions that pertain to adapting to the current market. A difficult challenge for the corporation’s marketing team is how to reposition this wildly successful brand in a stagnant British market.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  McDonald’s, which has operated in London successfully for thirty years, has recently become aware of dropping sales which have been attributed to the country’s growing health concerns. The plan the British marketing team has developed includes sending the famous â€Å"golden arches† on hiatus while a new campaign will attempt to reposition the fast-food chain as a healthy choice for consumers. The theory is interesting, due to McDonald’s strong consu...

Marie and Meursault: Meant to Be or Want to Be Essay

â€Å"It occurred to me that anyway one more Sunday was over, that Mamam was buried now, that I was going back to work and that really, nothing had changed. †(1. 1. 15) These are some of the words that ran through Meursault’s mind after his mother’s death. He was very isolated from her so he felt as if nothing had changed. He was not the most outgoing person but the same cannot be said about his love interest, Marie. Throughout the novel, The Stranger, Meursault and Marie reveal just how many similarities and differences they share in the topics of emotion, actions and mannerism. To begin with, emotion was most certainly one of the main factors of the book. Emotion played such a big impact it potentially caused a death. Marie and Meursault very both similar and different in their ways of emotion. They were both very physically bonded to one another. They might not have always seen eye to eye, but when it came to contact, their emotions were hand in hand. Recently after Mamam lost her life, Meursault made a quick connection with Marie. â€Å"Together again, Marie and I swan out a ways, and we felt a closeness as we moved in unison and were happy. (1. 6. 7) Just from a line of Meursault’s thoughts, you could tell he had a serious emotional connection with Marie. For most of the novel, this couple seemed as they were formed together into one person, but on the other hand, their everyday feelings about common things were as different as black and white. Marie was a very energetic, romantic and passionate Mann 2 woman, while her other half rarely every showed any kind of emotion other than physically. Later on in, the Stranger, Marie asked Meursault if he loved her. By responding that it did not matter if he loved her, it put it right out in the open that he did not have a very wide emotion range. Meursault also never really showed any grief for the loss of his mother, especially while at her funeral. †Soon one of the women started crying.   I thought she’d never stop.   I wish I didn’t have to listen anymore. But I didn’t dare say anything. † (1. 1. 16) The way Meursault expresses himself surely reveals just how there are many more differences than similarities when it comes to Marie and his emotions. In addition to emotion, Marie and Meursault have very similar and different actions. As obviously pointed out I the novel, the both enjoy having feeling relations with each other. The both are very good at controlling their actions in the majority of the story. For example, even when Meursault is awaiting execution he does not panic or freak out with the exception of trying to be forced to pray. The two adults are not completely the same in their actions though, they are also very different. Meursault does not stay low key all of the time, sometimes he just has to let it out. While at the beach with Marie, and his friends, they come across the Arab that cause trouble for Raymond. Instead of just going with the flow, Meursault goes and takes charge of the situation. It may not have been his smartest action considering it took away someone’s life; it was a very different way to stand up for something. Meursault clearly had a great deal more of bravery than his girlfriend, Marie. Mann 3 Lastly, the similarities and differences between Marie and Meursault were also influenced by mannerism. Meursault and Marie made very clear throughout their time together that they had a different way of doing things than we do now. In their relationship, they did not take things as slowly as we do now-a-days. Considering they were very close together just on the first day of seeing one another in a great deal of time, you can tell they are not the type of people to kiss and hide. Individually, the two people had extremely different ways of doing things. Meursault was not the type of person to hide in the back while everyone else fought the war. Meursault was the make it happen kind of man. When he took the matters of the Arab into his own hands, it completely spiraled out of control, but still, he took a step forward, not back. Very differently from her mate, Marie was the gal that would wait for someone else to take the first step. Either or, Meursault and Marie had some similarities alongside their differences in mannerism. In conclusion, Marie and Meursault showed many similarities and differences in mannerism, action and emotion. This statement was easily expressed by Meursault’s mind thinking, â€Å"It occurs to me that anyway, one more Sunday, was over, Mamam was buried now, that I was going back to work, and that nothing had really changed. †

Iron Crowned Chapter 16

Kiyo asked no questions when I called Enrique back and told him I'd be out of town and out of contact for a while – but that I trusted him to carry on. Really, Kiyo said little at all as we hurried back to my house. Within minutes, I had a small satchel packed, and then we were off to the Otherworldly crossing. No matter what ups and downs had occurred in our relationship, he knew me well. He knew I had to act on this immediately. The questions began once I reached my castle. â€Å"How the hell,† I began, â€Å"did this happen?† I was in one of the receiving rooms, Kiyo by my side as I stared down Shaya and some of the soldiers who manned the grounds. Rurik was with them, which gave me mixed feelings. I was glad he was back from Dorian's. I trusted him more than any other military guy around here. That being said, there was a petty part of me that held him responsible. How could someone as capable as him have let this happen? He grimaced, as though guessing my thoughts. â€Å"A small group sneaked onto our grounds, overpowered her guards †¦ and took her.† He hesitated. â€Å"She only had two with her, Your Majesty. As you'll recall, her escort was lightened. Still. There is no excuse.† I hadn't witnessed this kind of diplomacy and respect from Rurik since †¦ well, actually, I'd never really witnessed it. With Dorian? Yes. Not with me. Jasmine's abduction had really gotten to Rurik, no question. I was pretty sure he was taking it personally. But I'd also caught the slight meaning in his carefully worded comment about her lightened guard. That had been my call. I had done it in response to her good behavior and had let her outside more. I'd known it was a potential security risk – but not one that involved her leaving against her will. â€Å"We're at war,† I said. â€Å"Regardless of her guard, this whole place should have been under lock-down.† He nodded, face growing grimmer. â€Å"As I said, there's no excuse. I take full responsibility.† I waved a hand dismissively. â€Å"It's too late now. I know you're doing your job. Don't lay yourself out for the slaughter. Volusian said there was a note?† Shaya handed me a piece of rolled parchment. Kiyo leaned over my shoulder as I read it silently to myself: To Eugenie, Usurper Queen of the Thorn Land, Daughter of Tirigan Stormi, King: As you no doubt know by now, I have your sister within my custody. If you wish her returned to you alive, you and the Oak King will surrender unconditionally to me. You will cease hostilities immediately, withdraw your armies, and cede your lands. Additionally, you will turn over the alleged Iron Crown to me. If you do not comply with these terms, your sister will be executed at noon, three days from the receipt of this letter. For now, she is alive, and I have given her into the keeping of my nephew Cassius. I await your response. Sincerely, Katrice, Queen of the Rowan Land, Beloved of the Gods I looked up at the many watching eyes. â€Å"‘Given her into the keeping of my nephew Cassius.' Does that mean what I think it does?† Shaya grimaced. â€Å"That is the nephew she wanted you to marry.† â€Å"Why execute Jasmine then?† I demanded. â€Å"Why not marry her off to Cassius? Isn't that a waste of one of Storm King's daughters?† â€Å"Katrice hates you,† said Kiyo softly. â€Å"At this point, she probably doesn't even care about the prophecy. She wants to get back at you, hurt you, and if that means killing Jasmine, then it's probably an acceptable loss – especially if she tries to then give you to Cassius after this ‘surrender.'† â€Å"So I'd get to live?† Kiyo shrugged. â€Å"Longer suffering.† â€Å"Why choose her as a hostage though?† I didn't know why I was arguing the logic here. None of it mattered. Only the outcome did. â€Å"Everyone knows we don't get along.† â€Å"Everyone also probably knows that's been changing a little,† said Kiyo. â€Å"You brought her to Dorian's.† â€Å"And,† added Shaya, â€Å"a royal family member usually makes the best hostage in these situations.† These situations. For a moment, I nearly swayed on my feet, wanting to close my eyes and pass out. It had nothing to do with the heat. It was this. All of this. This situation always repeating itself. Me and Jasmine, cursed by our blood, always to be used and captured as possessions in a greater game. I'd hated Aeson, but at least he'd lured Jasmine into some pretense of love before taking advantage of her. But what about this Cassius? He'd make no attempts at kindness. This was all about punishment and revenge, after all. Had he already raped Jasmine? Was he doing it now? A sickening memory of Leith came to mind, one sharp and clear in spite of the drugged state I'd been in during my ordeal with him. Moments later, it was replaced by an image of this faceless Cassius lowering himself over a cowering Jasmine†¦. I pushed my weakness aside, steadying myself and bringing the world back into focus. I turned to Rurik. â€Å"How far are our armies spread out? How soon could we get them together and march on her? I want to raze that bitch's lands and burn her castle to the ground! I want to have the fucking wrath of heaven rain down on her and – â€Å" I cut myself off, as startled at my words as the others were. Where had that rage come from? Well, the situation, obviously. I wouldn't want anyone thrown to Katrice's nephew before facing execution. But it occurred to me in that moment that my reaction was also †¦ personal. Somewhere, in the ups and downs of our dysfunctional family, I'd come to care about Jasmine. My anger came from the loss of her. â€Å"Easy, Eug,† said Kiyo, resting a hand on my arm. There was a nervous note in his voice, mirrored by the others' expressions. I'd once been told that when I was angry, I resembled my father. I took a deep breath and pushed back any further outbursts. â€Å"Leading a massive army in – while deserved – wouldn't be †¦Ã¢â‚¬  Rurik was still treading lightly, still choosing words carefully. â€Å"Well, Katrice was already in wartime mode, heavily guarded. After this? The lands outside her home probably have triple the guard they did before.† â€Å"But if our force was large enough †¦Ã¢â‚¬  I began. Rurik nodded. â€Å"True. It's possible. Especially if †¦ especially if my lord Dorian's armies were involved.† He looked uneasy at mentioning Dorian, but I could see a considering look on Rurik's face. I had a feeling we shared the same puzzle. Would Dorian lend forces to help me? Possibly not, not if his anger overrode any devotion to me. On the other hand, Dorian was still in this war, and I knew him well enough to think he might welcome a full-out march on her castle. Rurik knew that too. â€Å"With his forces, it's possible,† Rurik said at last. â€Å"But Katrice's would be defending. It would be bloody. It would be ugly.† He didn't sound opposed to that, per se. He was a military man; ugly battles were the way of the world. But we all knew that wasn't ideal. My mind spun. Part of me wanted that large force to beat on Katrice because I thought she deserved it. This was about more than revenge, however. It was about Jasmine. I needed to go with the plan most likely to get her back, and an invading army wasn't it. It would take a smaller group, just as she'd no doubt sent here, one that could slip in. We were heavily guarded, but with the assorted petitioners and refugees always coming and going, it was no wonder Jasmine's kidnappers had slipped in. Katrice undoubtedly had a similar stream of people coming to her in these times, but she'd probably be on high alert with them too. â€Å"Imanuelle,† I said, realizing too many moments of silence had passed. â€Å"Can you get me Imanuelle?† It was this, finally, that took the group's eyes off me – because they all exchanged astonished looks. Kiyo's face grew troubled. â€Å"That's your plan?† Kiyo asked. â€Å"Assassinate Katrice? Eugenie, you're better than that.† He'd apparently heard of Imanuelle. â€Å"I am,† I agreed. â€Å"And smarter. Get her for me.† That was to Shaya, who nodded and then shot a look at a hovering servant. He gave a hasty bob of his head and darted out of the room. â€Å"Ready to repeat history?† I asked Kiyo. â€Å"It'll be like raiding Aeson's all over again.† â€Å"You're going †¦ No. Eugenie, you can't go there.† I gestured to Rurik and began moving for the exit. â€Å"You heard him. We can't get in with a large force – not easily.† â€Å"Yes, I get that,† said Kiyo, following after me. â€Å"But you can't go.† â€Å"I have to go,† I countered. Rurik had hurried along after us. â€Å"He's right. Send someone else. I'll go. We'll sneak in and take her.† I came to an abrupt halt, nearly causing both men to run into me. â€Å"I'm going. This is my responsibility. Besides, who else around here can match me magically?† I peered back and forth between their faces, daring them to challenge me. â€Å"Even so,† said Rurik, â€Å"if you're discovered, you'll be outnumbered. And you're an enemy queen. In wartime. Walking right into your enemy's stronghold. I can't allow this.† â€Å"It's not your place to allow me to do anything!† I snapped. â€Å"Or you either.† I turned to Kiyo for that, guessing his words. â€Å"We won't be discovered. Not if Imanuelle's as good as she claims.† I was so tired of men telling me what I could and couldn't do. I left them and stalked off down the hallway toward my bedroom. Neither followed me right away, but I just barely heard Rurik mutter to Kiyo, â€Å"Well, if she's caught, she will get a massive army descending on Katrice, at least. My lord Dorian wouldn't permit anything less.† The flaw in my plan, as it turned out, was waiting on Imanuelle. After our last meeting, she'd left my kingdom, and finding her wasn't easy. You couldn't just openly summon a famed assassin. Girard was at my court, however, and apparently had secret ways of sending messages to his sister. I didn't ask any questions about his means, so long as she showed up. Waiting for her gave us time to plan strategy. Once my advisors grudgingly accepted that I'd be going personally – and once Rurik accepted that he would not be accompanying me – they fell in line to pool their knowledge about Katrice's castle. I'd joked earlier to Kiyo about this being like our break-in to Aeson's †¦ but really, it was true. This time, we had no guide personally to take us in. We had to rely on anecdotal knowledge from those who had been there and could make best guesses at where Jasmine might be held. And that was presuming Katrice was actually keeping her on-hand. Perhaps the most surprising part of all of this was Kiyo's acquiescence. I'd expected protests about my safety or perhaps a diplomatic solution. But, no. He realized the importance of saving Jasmine. And he too knew this was probably our best shot – at least on such short notice. â€Å"You should know,† Rurik told us later, â€Å"that you aren't going to be able to bring Volusian.† He, Kiyo, Shaya, and I were in my bedroom, which I'd made my makeshift war headquarters. â€Å"Why not?† I asked. That was a surprise. I'd been counting on his muscle, something I had to admit I'd missed while fighting for the crown. What was the point of an undead minion if I couldn't put him to good use? â€Å"He can go in with us invisibly.† Rurik shook his head. â€Å"Everyone knows about him. Katrice does. She'll have people on-hand who can sense him. She'll also probably have those with the power to banish him. Enough of them united together could.† â€Å"You have a lot of faith in her,† I noted dryly. Volusian was hard to banish – I couldn't do it – but Rurik had a point. Get enough magic-users together, and they could eventually pull it off. He gave me a twisted smile. â€Å"She's not stupid. And she has advisors. Not as good as yours, of course, but they would have thought everything over before kidnapping Jasmine.† A knock on the door interrupted any response I might have made, and after I called entry, a servant showed Imanuelle in. â€Å"Finally,† I said. She swept in, clad in billowing red silk pants and a matching, midriff-showing top. The assassin arched an eyebrow and gave me an amused look as she put her hands on her hips. â€Å"I don't wait around on your every command, Thorn Queen. And last time we spoke, you made it pretty clear, you didn't want me around. Have you finally come to your senses? From what I hear, now's a pretty good time to get rid of Katrice.† Imanuelle paused carefully. â€Å"Although, getting rid of her before now would have been even better. Would have saved you and your sister a lot of trouble.† I bit off any snide remarks. â€Å"We can't have Katrice killed. I'm pretty sure the instant her people found her dead, Jasmine would be next. I need you to sneak in and get Jasmine out of there.† Imanuelle's cocky smile dropped. â€Å"That's not what I do. I kill. I don't rescue.† â€Å"I'll do the rescuing. You need to get me and Kiyo in. Disguise us with this so-called power you keep bragging about. Or is masking more than one person out of your skill-set?† â€Å"I can do it,† she said, narrowing her eyes. â€Å"But it'll cost you.† â€Å"We can afford it,† I said, trying to ignore the pained look crossing Shaya's face as she no doubt added up mental ledgers. Imanuelle said nothing for several moments as she pondered it all. â€Å"Just you two?† â€Å"Yes. And you, of course,† I added. â€Å"Do you have any idea where you're going in there?† she asked. Kiyo and I exchanged looks. â€Å"Kind of,† I said. â€Å"Kind of.† Imanuelle snorted. â€Å"Fine. I'll do it. But I'm only there to disguise you. I'm not fighting if you get caught.† â€Å"You don't have to,† I assured her. â€Å"We'll protect you.† This brought another scoff and a haughty curl of her lip. â€Å"If they detect us, I can get myself out of there, believe me. You'll be on your own.†

Quain Lawn and Garden, Inc. Case Analysis Essay

After a false retirement Bill and Jeanne Quain realized their destined action in the plant and shrub business. The need for a high-quality commercial fertilizer prompted the innovation of a blended fertilizer called â€Å"Quain-Grow†. Working with chemists at Rutgers University, a mixture was constructed from four compounds, C-30, C-92, D-21 and E-11. Specifications (i.e constraints) for the mixture demanded that Chemical E-11 must constitute for at least 15% of the blend, C-92 and C-30 must together constitute at least 45% of the blend, and D-21 and C-92 can together constitute no more than 30% of the blend. Lastly, Quain-Grow is packaged and sold in 50-pound bags. The objective of this analysis is to determine what blend of the four chemicals will allow Quain to minimize the cost of a 50-lb bag of the fertilizer. To do this we have used Linear Programming (LP) – a technique specifically designed to help managers make decisions relative to the allocation of resources. In this case, C-30 = , C-92 = , D-21 = , and E-11 = . The constraints for this case were translated into linear equations (i.e. inequalities) to mathematically express their meaning. The first constraint  that C-11 must constitute for at least 15% of the blend can be expressed as: . The second constraint that C-92 and C-30 must together constitute at least 45% of the blend can be expressed as: . The third constraint that D-21 and C-92 can together constitute no more than 30% of the blend can be expressed as: . Lastly, the fourth constraint is that Quain-Grow is packaged and sold in 50-lb bags can be expressed as: . These equations were obtained and entered into a POM LP a s a minimizing function. The objective function of this case was calculated and expressed as . These results show that we can recommend the following ratios of C-30, C-92, D-21 and E-11 respectively so that the cost of a 50-lb bag of fertilizer is minimized: 7.5 lbs, 15 lbs, 0 lbs and 27.5 lbs. In checking to see if these align with the given restraints we found the following to be true; ; ; and . The actually cost result of this minimization analysis was calculated to be $3.35 per 50 lb bag of fertilizer. The equation for this result is as follows: . Additionally, we performed a sensitivity analysis to project how much our recommendation may change if there are changes in the variables or input data. This type of analysis is also called postoptimality analysis. There are two approaches to determining just how sensitive an optimal solution is to changes: (1) a trial-and-error approach and (2) the analytic postoptimality method. In this case analysis we used the analytic postoptimality method. After we had solved the LP problem, we used the POM software to determine a range of changes in problem parameters that would not affect the optimal solution or change the variables in the solution. While using the information in the sensitivity report, it is pertinent to assume the consideration of a change to only a single input data value at a time. This is because the sensitivity information does not generally apply to simultaneous changes in several input data values. Our main objective when performing this analysis was to obtain a shadow price (or dual value) –  the value of one additional unit of a scarce resource in LP. In any scenario, the shadow price is valid as long as the right-hand side of the constraint stays in a range within which all current corner points continue to exist. The information to compute the upper and lower limits of this range is given by the entries labeled Allowable Increase and Allowable Decrease in the sensitivity report. Our results from the sensitivity analysis were produced in two parts. The first shows the impact of changing the objective function coefficients on the optimal solution and gives the range of values (lower and upper bound) for which the optimal solution remains unchanged. The second part of the report shows the impact of changing the R.H.S of the constraints of the objective function value, with the help of Dual Value (Shadow Price), with the lower and upper bounds for which the shadow price is valid. Lastly, these results explain that the price of C-30 can vary within the range of .09 to Infinity without affecting the optimal solution. Likewise the range for C-92 is between –Infinity and .12, the range for D-21 is between 15 and 42.5, and the range for E-11 is between 30 and Infinity. The second part of this sensitivity analysis show the ranges for which the shadow prices are valid. Constraint 1 has a dual value of 0 and is valid between –Infinity and 27.5. Constraint 2 has a dual value of -.08 and is valid between 15 and 42.5. Constraint 3 has a dual value of .03 and is valid between 0 and 22.5. Finally, Constraint 4 has a dual value of -.04 and is valid between 30 and Infinity.

Basic Elements in Research Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Basic Elements in Research - Assignment Example On the other hand when conclusions about societies, groups and nations are made through evidences gathered from individuals then it gives rise to individualistic fallacy (Frankfort-Nachmias, 2008). 6. Write three researchable hypotheses, identifying their independent, dependent, and control variables. Clearly indicate the expected change in the magnitude and direction of the dependent and independent variables. A relationship that can be defined by variables in addition to those mentioned in the hypothesis is called a spurious relationship. Control variables are used to experiment that an observed relationship between dependent and independent variables is actually influenced by the independent variable mentioned in hypothesis (Frankfort-Nachmias, 2008). Co-variation is defined as those characteristics which are common in the two related variables, for instance, individuals with higher income have better lifestyle. This helps the social scientists to conduct research and determine whether the characteristics of one research variable are related to the characteristics of other variables (Frankfort-Nachmias, 2008). 9. when we speak of direction in social science research, what do we mean? What is the difference between positive and negative relations? What is meant by magnitude and by zero versus perfect relations?   When we speak about a particular direction in social science research we refer to the variable relationships which are either negative or positive. A positive relationship defines that when the value of one variable increases then other values also increase. Contrary to this a negative relationship explains that if value of one variable increases then all other values decrease. Magnitude defines the positive or negative co-variation of variables. The lowest magnitude is called zero relation and highest magnitude is known as perfect relation (Frankfort-Nachmias, 2008). Hypotheses are

THE LECTORAL SYSTEM OF GERMANY Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 10000 words

THE LECTORAL SYSTEM OF GERMANY - Essay Example The parliament is usually given fourteen days to elect its chancellor officially after the final election results. Normally, elections happen after every four years and the same process begins all over again. There are no by-elections in Germany - if members of the Bundestag die or resign in office, those next on the list of the party in the appropriate State/Land automatically succeed them (Welle, 2009, para13). 30 Like all countries in Western Europe that have adopted the proportional system, Germany has more than twenty percent female parliamentarians, which clearly indicates a strong correlation between the type of electoral system and the level of female representation. As expounded earlier on, Germany uses a mixed or double electoral system with both a proportional representation system and single member constituencies and each of them selects half of the Bundestag members. However, the election of the majority of German female politicians is through the proportional representation list. Unlike in other countries such as the United Kingdom where voters and local parties object to having imposition of all-women shortlists on them, the list system in Germany has enabled parties to increase the proportion of female members of parliament in the Bundestag quickly.   38 The system of proportional representation also includes a quota that requires from each province, a minimum of two female delegates. This means that the parliament body will be at least twenty-five percent women. In full representation, there is an increase in the access of greater number of candidates. Sun argues that holding all other factors constant, under proportional representation system, the likelihood of electing women is almost twice as compared to majoritarian systems. Furthermore, under full representation system, measures such as quotas for minimum number of candidates aimed at increasing the representation of women are much easier to implement since the