Asylum in the Media Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 4500 words

Asylum in the Media - Essay Example Humanity has to be regarded to guarantee the wellbeing of individuals who have been influenced either by natural disasters back in their home countries or political instability making them to seek refuge. However, the kind of reception that asylum seekers have been receiving is much more worrying, considering factual reasons that have made them to flee their nation .This therefore means that such misconceptions by the media and the public at large have been baseless. In reality, asylum seekers are justified to seek refuge in any nation that they feel it’s secure for them as far as they do not contravene the laws governing that nation. In Britain, there has been media and public perceptions to try and lay bare issues of asylum seekers regarding their origin, race and their impacts on the economy of Britain. Growing misunderstanding on the level with which people and the media have been overestimating the number of asylum seekers who have been awarded the status of refugees in B ritain is evident. Speculations among the people on the number of asylum seekers who have been allowed refugee status left a lot to be desired when a survey conducted in 2009, which revealed that more than 100,000 of asylum seekers had been accepted as refugees with clear and credible sources reporting that only 4,175 people had been received as refugees. This point to the status accorded to asylum seekers with marginalization and skewed numbers evident in speculations. (Castillo, 2010). Compared with other destinations that asylum seekers target, UK is far much below in the acceptance rate for the haven seekers. During the period of 2001-2006 the acceptance rate for UK stood at 7.77 per cent compared to Canada which had an acceptance rate of 47 per cent during the same period. France, United States, Germany, Sweden and Canada are ranked as main countries that asylum seekers target with UK being sidelined on the verge of it low rate of giving room for asylum seekers. There has been conflicting views about asylum seekers in Britain, with a section of citizens expressing their views that it’s an identity of their country to accept asylum seekers. Others felt that the country had accepted too many of them back in 2008 with a bigger percentage believing that providing refuge to those people who have misfortunes had been a tradition among Britain. Trust in the process of accepting asylum seekers was faulted with many people speculating their uncertainness regarding the length through which the entire process was open to abuse by the authorities and the issue of UK being so accepting (Gant, 2007). This discussion will entail clear-cut assessment of the various issues that affect asylum seekers in UK and around the world, a justification of the claims and misconceptions that the media point to the asylum seekers and how international organizations and various groups of people have advised nations to reform their laws to ensure that asylum seekers are treated w ith all manners of humanity and respect as the international law and Conventions provide in their guidelines and deliberations which these countries are party to (Gilbert, 2006). Refugee Action and Asylum in the Media Journalists and media personnel have been keen to give reports that are conflicting and to some extent tainting the whole issue of asylum seekers. Many journalists give irresponsible reports about asylum and asylum seekers, attracting a lot of

Cash Management Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

Cash Management - Essay Example Over the course of the last couple of years many companies have faced some serious cash and inventory related problems, largely as the result of dramatically reduced or even negative sales growth. As a result, cash now represents only 5% of the total asset base for the typical distribution based company. It is a cash position that does not leave a lot of room for error and too much money left sunk in inventory. To offset the cash challenge, most firms have looked at ways to reduce their investment in other major asset categories. One category clearly stand out as being both large and controllable and that is inventor. As a result, serious efforts have been made to drain these assets that are considered as cash traps. While reducing inventory is a laudable effort, the action is fraught with danger. In both cases it is possible, and maybe even likely, that the drive to lower investment levels will trigger further sales declines. This would be because of a higher occurrence of out-of-st ock situations.

Dunkin Donuts Target Market Demographic Segmentation

Dunkin Donuts Target Market Demographic Segmentation Dunkins Donut is Americas favorite food and all-day stop for coffee and baked goods. It is a leading retailer of hot and iced regular coffee by the cup in America and it also the largest coffee and baked goods chain in the world. The original Dunkins Donuts was a single cup of coffee with a donut. Now Dunkins Donut offers a wide range of coffee or coffee related beverages, baked goods and an expanding all day Oven Toasted menu. But they still use their original proprietary coffee blend recipe established by its founder (Franchise Update Media Group 2010). Throughout Dunkin Donuts Companys planning, they always keep the customers interests in mind. They frequently refer to their mission statement which is increase customer satisfaction and loyalty by providing the fastest and most accurate service, the freshest products in the friendliest and cleanest environment. They accomplish this through teamwork, communication, honesty, fun and sharing experiences as they all grow together (Riverside Management 2006). Today, this philosophy still holds true and it is the foundation that has enabled Dunkin Donuts to grow into Americas favorite everyday, all-day stop for coffee and baked goods (Dunkin Donuts 2009). Consumer Decision Process Consumer behavior looks at the many reasons why people buy things and later dispose of them. Diagram 1 is showing about consumer will go through distinct buying phases when they purchase products (Tanner, J. et al [No Date]) Dunkin Donuts has marketed itself as selling coffee for people on the go and their slogan is America runs on Dunkin. Dunkin Donuts coffee is what people drink on the way to work while on the car or on the subway (MightyStudents.com 2010). When people rush the time go to work but hungry, they will go to Dunkin Donuts because Dunkin Donuts easy take away and replenishing the energy of them. When consumer needs to buy something, they will do something information search and make automatic purchase decisions. It is because Dunkin Donuts coffee is a low-involvement product and it carries a low risk of failure and has a low price tag for a specific individual or group making the decision (Tanner, J. et al [No Date]). Consumer will receive the information of Dunkin Donuts from neighbors, colleagues, friend or advertisements. The outputs of information processing are the belief, attitude that shape decisions and the intentions that predispose certain actions. In beverage, consumers have many choices to choose which one coffee brand they want. The logo of Dunkin Donuts is pink and orange colour and these colour is memorable everywhere and also has a small cup of hot coffee (CBS Interactive 2010). The price of Dunkin Donuts coffee is less expensive pastry and beverage offerings are made to attract a fast on the move crowd (MightyStudents.com 2010). In beverage industry, Dunkin Donuts coffee will face many competitors and their largest competitor is Starbucks coffee. Consumer still will choose Dunkin Donuts coffee because they have good service for their customer. Besides that, Dunkin Donuts coffee has a reputation for brewing high quality coffee. It is because they use 100% Arabica coffee beans and has its own coffee specifications, which are recognized by the industry as a superior grade of coffee however Dunkin Donuts coffee still is less expenses for consumer (Alex Compton 2007). Finally, consumer will decide whether Dunkin Donuts coffee their purchased is everything it was cracked up to be. If not, they will like to suffer whats called post-purchase dissonance, so they will rethink their decision after purchasing products and wonder (Tanner, J. et al [No Date]). Dunkin Donuts need to try the prevent buyers remorse, so they have a customer service to help their customer to solve their problem. The customer service also will receive any suggestion from their customer and get the new idea to strengthen their business. In conclusion, consumer decision process does not end when a purchase has been made. The most important of all from a marketing viewpoint is whether the consumer will buy the selected brand again on a later purchase occasion (Baker, M.J. 1999, -). Consumer Buying Influences of Dunkin Donuts Consumers buying is influenced by four major psychological factors that are perception, learning, motivation and attitudes. Perception Perception is a process that begins with consumer exposure and attention to marketing stimuli and ends with consumer interpretation. Diagram 2 is showing about the nature of perception. Stimuli Exposure Attention Interpretation Memory Purchase Consumption Decision In Asia countries when people heard about Dunkin Donuts, they just know Dunkin Donuts is selling donuts. It is the donuts word will let them link to this beverage food main product is donuts not the coffee. But expect Asia country, they will know the Dunkin Donuts main product is coffee. This is why they need communication to reach consumers first and resulting in activating one or more senses, therefore consumer exposure is the start of preliminary processing. Dunkin Donuts coffee is well-known for their advertising and become popular culture references (WorldLingo Translations LLC 2010). Dunkin Donuts will through different ways to promote their coffee such as billboards, television adverts, magazines, sides of bus and the others. It is because they need to generate increased consumption their coffee. For example, Dunkin Donuts use the bus advertising to promote their coffee. They choose this advertising because it is large advertisement areas, novelty interest, high mobility and it can available for corporate hire (Bus Advertising 2006). Nowadays, most people live in an environment that is filled with sensory stimuli but their capacity to handle this information is limited (OpenLearningWorld 2010). So, Dunkin Donuts try to exploit that situation to their advantage before to leave an impact in their consumer (Himansu, S.M. 2009). It is why Dunkin Donuts have their own graphic logo and their shows a tall coffee cup and hot pink and orange colour company name. These two colour are energetic, dynamic and fast, consumer will easy pay attention in their coffee when consumer see these two colour (Logo Design Works 2010). On the other hand, the often situation, condition, environment or the surrounding of the consumer have an effect on its attention of certain stimuli. In America, Dunkin Donuts consumption object type is office worker and normal worker. So, Dunkin Donuts stores with limited seating as well as its less expensive pastry and beverage offerings are made to attract a fast, on the move crowd (MightyStudents.com 2010). When consumer rush the time go to work, then they remind Dunkin Donuts coffee and go to buy it. Interpretation is Dunkin Donuts coffees message which to attention the attracted and further analyses in terms of categories of meaning stored in memory (Lombard, A. 2007). Dunkin Donuts and their coffee are symbolic value for consumer and they will attempt to preserve or enhance Dunkin Donuts coffee. Hence, product and service image is very important for Dunkin Donuts in their business. Motivation In the motivation theory, we can use Abraham Maslows Hierarchy for Dunkin Donuts coffee because this theory is driven by the existence of unsatisfied needs. Through about Maslows theory, Dunkin Donuts coffee is belong to physiological needs. Food and water are very important for all of people and Dunkin Donuts is providing coffee and donut to consumer. Therefore, they can get the energy from Dunkin Donuts coffee and carry on their activity. Figure 3 is an advertisement which is cognitive preservation motive in McGuires psychological motives and it is the need for objectification of consumer. In this advertisement have a person who wear Dunkin Donuts coffee cup and run on the ways. This action is mating about Dunkin Donuts slogan and promotes their coffee, then can strengthen consumer impression Learning, Memory and Retrieval Learning is a behavioral modification that occurs through experience or conditioning and it included with thinking, conditioning and modeling (IBS Center for Management Research 2010). Advertising is a method which will be use by all of business because advertising will easy let consumer to remember their product. Consumer will easy pay attention for this advertisement because this advertisement is colourful and quite especial, then they will want know what is the mean about the America Runs on Dunkin. After that, consumer will start to analysis the product is good or not. They will use different method to measure the value of the product with other same type product. After that, consumer will remember Dunkin Donuts coffee in their mind. When consumer see people running, they will quickly association Dunkin Donuts slogan then they will got desire need to drink the coffee and go to buy. Attitudes Consumer attitudes are composite of a consumers beliefs, feeling and behavioral intentions toward some object. All of them are viewed together since they are highly interdependent and together represent forces that influence how the consumer will react to the object (Lars Perner 2010). Consumer belief Dunkin Donuts coffee can come from newspapers, television, listening radio, internet and cognitive process. America is a busy country and Dunkin Donuts coffee is what you drink when you are on the go, so consumer will go to buy Dunkin Donuts coffee when they rush their time to work or else. After consumers consume Dunkin Donuts coffee, they will get some feeling with this coffee. They will think why Dunkin Donuts coffee is so nice and the price also cheap. In addition, the advertising and another consumer comment, it can reinforce the Dunkin Donuts coffee image. Finally, they will choose Dunkin Donuts coffee because they got the affirmation from Dunkin Donuts coffee. Consumer Environment of Dunkin Donuts Culture and Subculture America is a coffee culture and American need drink coffee every morning before they start their work. Besides that, America is freedom country because all of national of America is very recognition of personal freedom. In consumption, they got entitlement to choose anything they want or need. In order to suitable this culture, Dunkin Donuts coffee given their customer many choice in their menu. Dunkin Donuts not only have different type of coffee, they also have different type of donuts, fancies, munchkins and sticks. Therefore, consumer got many different choices to choose when they need to consumption in Dunkin Donuts. Group Age group can be analyzed as subculture because they often have distinctive values and behaviors. American teenage population has been gaining affluence and fluctuating in size (Peter, J.P., et al 1999, pg304). Dunkin Donuts coffee will be flourishing in teen market because price of them very cheap but high quality. It is because its easy, filling and convenient. Nowadays in America, teenagers parent is busy in their work and they not more extra time to prepare home-cooking meal for them. Teenager also the limited budget and Dunkin Donuts is less expensive then they got the consume power. Lifestyle America is a busy country, so for the most part they want their food to be quick, convenient and cheap. Americans like thing that are fast and easy, requiring minimal personal or economic sacrifice, regardless of whether they buy it at supermarket or fast food franchise (The Kerr Center, 2010). Dunkin Donuts coffee is let people drink on the way to work, while on the car or on the subway, so Dunkin Donuts coffee is what you drink when you are on the go. Hence, Dunkin Donuts stores with limited seating as well as its less expensive pastry and beverage offerings are made to attract a fast, on the move crowd (MightyStudents.com 2010). PEST Analysis of Dunkin Donuts (P)olitical Americas government will establish Environment Protection Agency to charge with protecting human health and the environment (KOSMIXTM CORPORATION 2010). Dunkin Donuts unveiled its first LEED certified restaurant in Florida and LEED is recognized as the standard for green construction in America. LEED features are energy-efficient insulated concrete foam walls to reduce air conditioning, energy-efficient lighting, including motion sensors for restrooms and offices. They also identifying designated areas within the restaurant for storage/collection of recyclable materials. It is because they want going to do it in a way that is environmentally friendly for the people who live and work in America (DD IP Holder LLC 2010). (E)conomic America has an advanced industrial economy that is highly mechanized and the gross national product is the largest in the world. They more than meet its own economic needs and is the worlds leading exporter of food. The vast majority of businesses in America are clustered within the service industry, especially fast food business (Advameg Inc 2010). Therefore, Dunkin Donuts coffee in America will face many competitors such as McDonald, Starbucks and the other. It is because they marketing strategy are similar and all of them are attach importance to their service attitude and speed. (S)ocial The social classes for consumer analysis are upper Americans (14%), middle class (32%), working class (38%) and lower Americans (16%). Working Americans are family folk depending heavily on relatives for economic and emotional support (Peter, J.P., et al 1999, pg318). Dunkin Donuts coffee is what you drink when you are on the go, so they can save many times to do another things. It also is high quality but low cost of pastry and beverage offering are made to attract a fast on the crowd (MightyStudents.com 2010). Hence, all of American social class can consume. (T)echnological America is a technologically advanced country and it becomes an opportunity for Dunkin Donuts coffee in their business. Therefore, Dunkin Donuts coffee should always look forward to develop and improve its technological facilities in order to differentiate themselves in their use of technology. Dunkin Donuts unveiled Dunkin Run, an interactive Website and iPhone application the chain and it will enable customers to solicit and place Dunkin Donuts group orders in just a few clicks with unprecedented ease, speed, accuracy and fun. Consumers can a group to order with www.DunkinRun.com through their computer or mobile device to view the Dunkin Donuts coffee menu. All Dunkin Donuts core coffee, foods and beverages are presented using interactive product images to make personalizing an order all of them is simple and fun (Stagnito Media 2010). Global In global, many country people such as Asian will not consume on Dunkin Donuts. It is because in their first image Dunkin Donuts is selling donuts, so they will not want to consume. They prefer like to drink tea, Nescafe, Milo and others. Marketing Mix of Dunkin Donuts Dunkin Donuts adopted marketing strategies in four main areas, namely product, price, promotion, and place in America market. Table 1 is showing about Marketing Mix of Dunkin Donuts coffee in America. Product Dunkin Donuts is the largest coffee and baked goods chain in the world. They use high quality of their coffee and they have many choice can let their customer to choose. Starbucks is the largest competitor for Dunkin Donuts in the beverage business. Price In price, Dunkin Donuts is less expenses and their customer base is middle class people. Therefore, most of people can consume it. Promotion In promotion, they offer a holiday coupon in the month of December and they have their own logo and slogan. Besides that, they will prepare set lunch for their customer. Their other promotion method: television, newspaper, website, and the others. Place Dunkin Donuts is LEED certified restaurant and their stores is limited seating. STP Statement Market Segmentation As of 2009, America claimed 307,006,550 inhabitants within the area of 79.6 sq.km (US Census Bureau 2010). Besides that, America is a very urbanized population with 81% residing in cities. Dunkin Donuts key market segments are student, worker, kids and families. Location of Dunkin Donuts is restaurant outlet in the shopping mall at orchard road. Targeting Characteristics of target consumer for Dunkin Donuts coffee have three characteristics and it is age 18-25 years old, age 25 years old above and family. Table 3 is showing about characteristics of target consumer. Characteristics of target consumer Reasons for targeting: Age 18-25 years old This entire group is teenager student and young worker and they are limited budget Age 25 years old above They are heavy restaurant user group due to busy working lifestyles and they have relatively high incomes and are more flexible in their budgets. Businessman This group do not perceive Dunkin Donuts coffee is a luxury food and it is easy take away food when they rush the time go to work. Positioning Dunkin Donuts is positioning itself as a brand of choice nationally and internationally. The companys philosophy is make and serve the freshest, most delicious coffee and donuts quickly and courteously in modern, well-merchandised stores (DD IP Holder LLC, 2010). This philosophy enabled Dunkin Donuts coffee to grow into Americas favorite everyday and all day stop for coffee and baked good. It is leading retailer of hot and iced regular coffee by the cup in America and the largest coffee and baked goods chain in the world (Dunkin Donuts 2009). Today, more than 50% of Americans consume coffee on a daily basis and drink an average of 3 cups per day. Dunkin Donuts coffee is the most popular coffee franchise in America and helps to support this habit by serving nearly 1 billion cups coffee each year (Natural Bias 2009). Branding In Asia countries, when people heard about Dunkin Donuts, they just know Dunkin Donuts is selling donuts. It is because this brand calls Dunkin Donuts and the donuts word will let them link to this beverage food main product is donuts not the coffee. Dunkin Donuts brand has traditionally stood for hot coffee. Today, Dunkin Donuts is a global conglomerate that houses its own brand as well as quick service restaurant brands Baskin Robbins and Togos (Brand Channel 2010). It operates as a quick service restaurant franchiser in the coffee, bakery and ice-cream segments in the America and internationally (Bloomberg L.P 2010). In addition, their internal compass points toward their core values of honesty, transparency, humility, integrity, respect, fairness and responsibility (DD IP Holder LLC 2010). Hence, Dunkin Donuts franchiser boats high brand awareness and it ranked the first in customer loyalty in the coffee category in the Brand Keys Customer Loyalty Engagement Index (AllBusiness 2009). Conclusion As a conclusion, with the launching of Starbucks, they are opening a new window towards a better future for their customer and also the company. This is why Starbucks can be leading the world in the America fast coffee market. On the other hand, Dunkin Donuts coffee has used their consumer information to determine the market trend and new ways to grow their company. This is why Dunkin Donuts will be in a better position to target their products and services at them.

The Effect of Language in Vladimir Nabokovs Lolita Essay -- Nabokov L

The Effect of Language in Lolita      Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   What really is reality? How can we define reality? The very nature of such a subjective subject means that there are as many answers as there are questioning minds on the planet. Therefore, reality can only be defined as what it means to each of us. We learn particular ways of looking at life from our experiences, which we gain from our interactions with others. This is the basis of an elaborate theory called "the social construction of reality." In modern America, one of the largest social groups to which we can belong, certain values are instilled into our impressionable minds; for example, not many of us would accept pedophilia. Or would we? What if our interactions with others molded our susceptible minds so well, and so discreetly, that we came to casually accept pedophilia without knowing we were being deftly manipulated? This is the magic of Lolita, which does just that. The richness and playfulness of Humbert's prose; prominent allusions; foresha dowing; and eloquence; makes it difficult to relate to Humbert as anything less than a masterful lyricist, much less a pedophilic murderer, and pushes the reader to twist ethics until the situation is no longer seen from society's eyes, but from Humbert's. In fact, the complex riddles that Vladimir Nabokov employs beyond Humbert's own words, which further include such devices as foreshadowing and obscure jokes, cause us to become so absorbed in the cleverness of the book and its author that we nearly dismiss pedophilia as second nature to the intricate use of language. Once our morals are firmly in place, it's difficult for us to imagine them being warped or even forgotten, but Lolita manages to make us question th... ...ook down and feel pity for Humbert when Lolita runs away, then realize that we felt pity when we should have felt vengeance. Works Cited Couturier, Maurice. "The Poerotic Novel: Nabokov's Lolita and Ada." 27 Jan. 2002. <http://www.libraries.psu.edu/iasweb/nabokov/coutur1.htm> Nabokov, Vladimir. Lolita. New York: Vintage, 1955. Rivers, J.E., Charles Nicol. Nabokov's Fifth Arc: Nabokov and Others on his Life's Work. Austin: University of Texas Press, 1982. Wood, Michael. The Magician's Doubts: Nabokov and the Risks of Fiction. Princeton: Princeton University Press, 1994. Poe, Edgar Allen. "Edgar Allen Poe - The Academy of American Poets." 16 Mar. 2002. <http://www.poets.org/poems/poems.cfm?prmID=2212> Eliot, T.S. "Ash Wednesday by T.S. Eliot." 16 Mar. 2002. <http://web.mit.edu/ashah/www/ashwed.html>   

Physical Networking Essay

When installing a cabling system there are a number of factors that come into play. Choosing the appropriate LAN device, cost of the whole job which is a major factor, and device interconnections. Knowing your codes are very important as well. When it comes to choosing the appropriate LAN device this is extremely important. Choosing the right router plays a part, some routers only work with certain types of operation systems. Choosing the right switch is important. You would want to choose a switch that has a mixture of both UTP and fiber ports. People sometimes routers depending on their price or speed. Cost are determined by the type of LAN and WAN networks you are trying to setup when setting up a network you need to consider 4 physical areas. Work area, telecommunications room, backbone cabling, and distribution cabling. Work areas are locations devoted to end devices used by individual users. Telecommunications room is where connection to intermediary devices take place. Horizontal cabling connects the telecommunications rooms with the work areas. While backbone cabling is used to connect the telecommunications rooms to the equipment rooms, where the servers are often located. If you don’t know the fire codes when it comes to wiring you shouldn’t be installing or attempting to even make wires for the network you are developing. (Cabling and Planning Networks, 2015) Works Cited Cabling and Planning Networks. (2015, January 25). Retrieved from High Tech : http://www.hightech.net

Business Research Methods -Starbucks Essay

Starbucks Coffee Company originated in 1971 as a small coffee house in SeattleWashington. Over the years, Starbucks has grown into a global company offering its exclusive brand coffees in domestic and international markets. Unfortunately in recent years, increased competition and market saturation has caused the company to re-evaluate its business strategies often leading to the closure of many of its stores in many recently expanded areas. This business problem and optional proposal is designed to address the issues Starbucks is facing as a result of the increased competition and market saturation in the coffee industry. Using statistics to remedy the issue, Team C will develop a hypothesis to study using an appropriate sample pool as well as primary and secondary data sources. The outcome of the research will result in a final recommendation related to the problem and the hypothesis that was tested. Subject ProblemIncreased competition and market saturation has caused Starbucks Coffee Company to reevaluate its business strategies in order to eliminate the closure of many of its stores in recentlyexpanded areas. Consumers are feeling the prices in their pocket and are mindful of the next dollar they spend. Dependent and Independent VariablesA recent slump in sales and revenue has forced the coffee powerhouse company Starbucks to close several hundred stored over the last year and upcoming moths. The new sales plummet will be the dependent variable in our research of the independent variables and their effect of the overall sales. When looking at Starbucks many recent events can be attributed to its sales drought such as the huge unemployment which can be defined as our independent variables. The first independent variable to consider is the over saturation of Starbucks’s locations across the country. Each Starbucks location needs a certain amount of profit to stay open, thus several locations will have to resort to closing their doors. With Starbucks popularity early on it opened the door for other competitors such as  McDonald’s to serve a premium roasted ice coffee for a cheaper price. Also with the gas prices being steady and the economy trying to rebuild itself from this financial state it doesn’t seem economically to purchase a $4-$8 cup of coffee when you can get a similar product from McDonald’s or your local convenience store. Populations of InterestsThe two populations of interest that Learning Team C will be focusing on will be the consumers for cold coffee. The cold coffee market has grown with Starbucks being on the higher end and McDonald’s cold coffee being on the lower end of the market. We will show the comparison of these two companies’ consumers and how the overall market has been effective by the economy. Proposed Sources/Resources for Data CollectionFor a primary research source for Starbucks, data can be collected from market surveys,teleconferencing interviews, consumer questionnaires and focus group sessions by directlycontacting customers. Other information can be derived from sampling techniques and statisticalmethodologies which are documented to be 1 percent of the market profitable value. Secondaryresearch sources are in the form of data which has already been collected in preceding researchstudies. Examples include reports, press released articles, and initial market research projectsthat eventually arrive at a conclusion, governmental agency studies, and trade associations. Sampling methods to be used in researching the two hypotheses will be in simple random sampling and cluster sampling. Samples of customers will be asked to take a survey in different regions and areas of the market. The samples will include an assortment of populations including various age, race, career and education levels. Primary and Secondary DataPrimary resource data includes Starbucks’ mission statement that indicates â€Å"Our Commitment to Being a Deeply Responsible Company Contributing positively to our communities and environment is so important to Starbucks that it’s one of the six guiding principles of our mission statement.† (Starbucks, 2008) The effort that Starbucks exudes is a  positive one and working together with each employee helps them to create the above-average approach that they are known for. Analyzing surveys that were generated at the local Starbucks indicated that even though the price of Starbucks has rose in price, consumers are still willing to buy that product, especially when a competitor like McDonald’s sells it, as long as it bears the name Starbucks. The observations that have been analyzed are that Starbucks is known for providing a relaxing experience which can rival those of fast food restaurants. Starbucks has been known to modify their stores to embrace the coffee experience to entice consumers from every walk of life in local communities and throughout the world. â€Å"One of the benefits of combining primary research with secondary research is in the area of data triangulation. Data triangulation is when a piece of data, a finding, or a generalization is able to be verified with several different research methods.† (Driscoll, 2006) For example, when conducting a study on how many college students drink Starbucks coffee, results indicate that â€Å"Coffee drinking appears to be on the rise, and this might not be a fad. The Dallas Morning News recently wrote an article about a specific new trend in cold coffee. In a Sept. 4 article, staff writer Teresa Gubbins says we have a â€Å"love affair with hot coffee.†(Cooper, 2003)In this experiment, of the students interviewed, 57 percent of them reported to be coffee drinkers. Fifty-five percent had not been regular coffee consumers before college, and admitted they picked up the habit once they arrived at SMU. Because college is such a drastic change in atmosphere, schedules, class loads and stress, many students rely upon coffee as a solution to get them through the day. â€Å"I started drinking coffee because I cannot stay awake in class without it,† sophomore Shunta Richardson said. Fifty-nine percent of students said they prefer Starbucks coffee. â€Å"I drink Starbucks coffee because there are so many stores all around the country. No matter where I go I can trust that my favorite drink will be there,† junior Tyler Torres said. â€Å"(Cooper, 2003)Using secondary data sources, it is necessary to look at what kind of future Starbucks is facing. They also need to ask themselves some questions,  such as should they launch new products considering the trend of the health conscious? How will Starbucks market new products and continue to keep the price down? Starbucks must also look at the demographics of the target market to ensure the validity of concern. Starbucks must also research and use forecasting in an effort to predict future revenue. â€Å"Forecasting long-range predictions are essential to allow sufficient time for the procurement, manufacturing, sales, finance, and other departments of a company to develop plans for possible new plants, financing, development of new products, and new methods of assembling.† (Lind, Marchal & Wathen, 2004)Sample SizeStarbucks has become a well-known company for selling the highest quality coffee beans and best tasting coffee products around the world. Starbucks was one of the first companies to realize that the real money to be made was in beverage retailing, not just coffee beans. What makes Starbucks coffee stands out from the other corporations is the roasters of Starbucks coffees are extensively trained for one year before they start the production of the coffee. Starbucks is the only competitor in the coffee market that has a recognized brand image. Starbucks have introduced gourmet flavored decaffeinated coffees as well as specialty flavors and whole bean coffees for their faithful coffee drinkers. Starbucks stores operated in most metropolitan areas of the United States and have a direct mail business to serve customers in every state. One of Starbucks competitors for the premium roast coffee is McDonalds which they offer a similar product for less than the cost of Starbucks. This has posed a problem for a great deal of Starbucks retailers because customers these days are very conscious of their spending habits and figure why pay the cost of Starbucks when they can get the same product from McDonalds for a lesser cost. The sample sizing consisted of a group of 100 which the first group of 50 is Starbucks customers and the other 50 were McDonald customers. Customer surveys are one of the tools that can quantify the process and use of such tools are important to determine the need for a product and changes. The surveys can measure whether or not the marketing plan is effective, or if it needs to be repackaged and delivered in a different fashion. The initial choice of a quick, yet descriptive questionnaire is paramount to  gather needed information. Starbucks and McDonalds need to identify their customers, what are they willing to pay for this product and how do they rate the premium roast coffee. For each customer at Starbucks and McDonalds every 10th customer can complete the survey and receive 10% off their next purchase. Below would be questions that would be included in the survey for Starbucks and McDonalds customers:†¢How often is premium roast coffee purchased? (daily/weekly/monthly)†¢What is your specific age bracket? (under 18/ 18-24/ 25-44/ over 45)  Ã¢â‚¬ ¢Where do you make your purchases? (restaurant/grocery store/mail order)†¢What is the cost that you are willing to pay for premium roast coffee? (less than $2/ $2 – $4/ Over $4)†¢What brand of premium roast coffee do you purchase? (Starbucks/McDonalds/other competitor)As you can see statistics can play an important role when making decisions. A manager at one of these companies can reduce the unexpected, and potentially costly, variances when making business decisions. Starbucks coffee is much expensive than McDonalds but Starbucks puts time and money into their product which ultimately increases the cost. Most consumers are excited about the competition of premium roast coffee such as McDonalds because of the lo w cost yet faithful customers to Starbucks because of the quality. When uncertainty is reduced better conclusions can be drawn that will minimize risk and maximize profit gain. Sample SelectionThe team examined secondary data within this business problem analysis, which can save a firm time and money by using publicly available information as well as information already in the firm’s database. If the company had already conducted research of the best markets within its regions and area of influence, the company would be smart to use this when deciding how to downsize its stores. While using secondary information is cost effective, the use of secondary data must be carefully considered and used only when applicable to the research question. Starbucks will need to gather accurate and reliable secondary information, which can either be sub-contracted out to a firm that specializes in market research or it can form an internal research team to explore opportunities which will start to present themselves as the company begins to downsize. A key concern for the validity of data is the age of the data. All the data is sensitive to the effect of time so any action being taken by the company must account for the  changing nature of the environmental landscape. One questions that Starbucks should ask its internal or external research team is, â€Å"How does the coffee market change once the Starbucks brand is not as strong as it used to be?† Another question would be, â€Å"What types of aftermath will come with coffee saturation in the fast food markets, will customers want quality over quantity?† Starbucks should use accurate, reliable and timely data in its decision-making processes going further. The company would be surprised to see that opportunities will arise even within the decrease of its stores. An example of this type of opportunity occurs when customers get tired of fast food production of coffee, Starbucks can offer extended hours at its current stores to maximize on profits. The team used demographic data within this analysis in which data was collected from Starbucks clientele through various surveys. Although demographic data will change and cultural habits may differ from town to town, the selection of cities with a vibrant coffee drinking base improves the odds of matching consumers that prefer Starbucks premium product line versus that of McDonalds or any other new rival. In an effort to hear from the people who matter the most, Starbucks should look to survey frequent, occasional and without a doubt new customers. When selecting age and gender criteria to survey, the team used careful consideration and attention was paid to all age groups. However, in an effort not to taint the results of this analysis, the team found that typically, pre-teens are neither decision makers, nor do they possess the spending power required for Starbucks products on a continued basis. Therefore, pre-teens were omitted from the sample. Although the teenagers have about the same spending power as pre-teens Starbucks does offer an atmosphere and products in which the company could use in the future as an opportunity. This age group was left in the surveyed population as the team conducted its analysis. Gender was annotated as a means to direct creative marketing and capitalize on the different sexes. Although the research team was efficient in its attempts to give Starbucks the best information available, statistical testing cannot prove the viability of Starbucks’ alternate hypothesis so company executives must weigh the test results using  the wealth of professional experience possessed by the Starbucks’ organization. References Corporate Social Responsibilityhttp://www.starbucks.com/aboutus/csr.aspCraving a caffeine high, SMU opens Java City on campus as coffee houses battle to attract students off the Hilltop, by Melissa Cooper, retrieved on the internet at http://media.www.smudailycampus.com/media/storage/paper949/news/2003/01/16/News/Craving.A.Caffeine.High-2273665.shtmlStarbucks Case Study (2007).

buy custom Adoption of Community Outreach Health Policy Plan essay

buy custom Adoption of Community Outreach Health Policy Plan essay This report will be directed to the public relations manager McDonalds Corporation, seeking to explain and recommend a community outreach health program aimed at proposing change in the companys outreach policy to accommodate rising health issues specifically the rising case of overweight and obese people. Topic: community health outreach policy program review The program will recommend a get back to the people program that will facilitate healthy living among the people many of whom are potential as well as existing customers. The health policy of the company ensures that the foods promote healthy living for example through low calorie foods. Even with these standards, it has emerged in the recent past that there is increasing number of overweight and obese people because of individual unhealthy practices regarding eating habits and choice of foods. Since the community forms an integral part of the McDonalds Corporation, the public relations manager should adopt this community outreach review program in the companys outreach policies(CDC, 2010). Purpose of the report The purpose of the report is to give a recommendation on the best way to deal with obesity and related overweight problem in the community. According to the Natioal Health and Nutrition Survey, one in every three Americans is obese. Obesity has resulting complications like diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, high blood pressure, heart diseases, stroke and even high cholesterol. The rate is more alarming too in children and therefore as part of giving to the community, this recommendation will add to other existing outreach programs and will therefore will assist in trying to get a permanent solution to the problem(CDC, 2010). Resources required To implement this future community health program recommendation, resources will be required to facilitate it. The McDonalds Corporation will have to review its budgetary allocations to the community outreach programs since this will an additional program with its own unique financial requirements. The adoption of the program will need public education and awareness programs as well as assisting those already affected. Public awareness can be through advertisements or specific area to area training. The company can also get involved in getting other corporate bodies to get involved including influencing insurance companies to offer remuneration to affected people by covering in their insurance policies. All these require financial input from the MacDonald Corporation dedicated to each activity(Egeland, 2010). Information gathering techniques For the justification report recommending this new health outreach program, information will be gathered to give data and details for the proposed change. Some of the ways of collecting this information include direct observation, for example for the case of observing an affected groups of people with associated problems since obesity results in other problems like diabetes. A one-on-one interview with the person affected is yet another method. The internet has proven to an important research tool and this will help in reviewing the outreach policy. Facilitated sessions can also help collect information because they involve bringing a larger group of people with weight problems together with an aim of getting information faster (Egeland, 2010). Information evaluation criteria Some of the factors to consider in the evaluation criteria include the direct effect of the program to the community. These include checking the healthy living of the people who might have gone through weight loss programs, the measure of reduced obese cases and even the reduced obesity related complications and deaths. Another evaluation criterion is motivational concept of the consumer or customer reaction. This includes the direct effect of the program on the McDonald Corporation in terms of sales as well as the community reaction to the program(Egeland, 2010). Buy custom Adoption of Community Outreach Health Policy Plan essay