Burger King Beefs up Global Operations Case Study

Burger King Beefs up Global Operations - Case Study Example The approach by Burger King to use flames in the production of its burgers works very well to support the idea of making it according to a customer’s likes. Burger King has configured its value chain by using the same strategy in setting up new units everywhere (Rodriguez, 2007). The key strategy used by Burger King is that of carrying out a feasibility study before opening any new units. They invest a lot of energy into the pre-operation activities before venturing into whatever they are willing to embark on. Among the value chain, other activities that the company does are both strategic and operational. The one strategy that creates most value for the company is that of supporting continuous business relationship with local suppliers that meet international standards (Rodriguez, 2007). This is good because it gives the local people confidence in the products of the company as well as in creating good relationships with the locals. Burger King has been slow in its expansion globally as compared to its competitors like McDonalds (Thomas & Pederson, 2009). This slow expansion may be the reason why it leads the others in some of the global markets which they share. In the largely populated areas, the strategy has been advantageous in that early entrants are the ones who market the fast food concept. Late entry in such a place will find that there is enough demand for the products that are on offer. In this place, they will target the unsatisfied customers in the same market. In the less populated areas, late entry will be a disadvantage. Since the population is small, there might be a situation whereby the existing restaurants can feed the entire population to satisfaction. Entry in such a market will be extremely difficult and a gigantic task in terms of cutting a niche in a market where a business is new (Porter, 1998). When entering new countries a lot of strategizing would need to be done so that the existing restaurants’ market share is carefu lly considered in order to attempt and create a market for oneself. A restaurant like Burger King for example, would carefully consider this aspect. It may have the advantage in that, it is an internationally recognized brand and that in terms of infrastructure, it is easy for them to gain the customer’s confidence (Wright et al.1990). On the other hand, if the market is tool localized the local population might not like what Burger King is offering. You may find that the local restaurants are offering local dishes which Burger King might not be able to produce as it operates within a certain menu in an effort to standardize its chains (Rodriguez, 2007). The over reliance of the American and Canadian markets by burger king should not be let to continue through the 21st century. Since the chain is the biggest in those regions, it is now the right time to venture elsewhere in an attempt to get new market share. It is high time that the owners of the chain restaurant realize tha t theirs is an international brand and thus it should expand more towards that state of international standards. Instead of focusing on growth in their home region, they should aim at capturing the untapped market in places like Africa among others. This can also be easily done by merging with existing fast food chains in these areas in order to be able to have a competitive

The importance of legitimizing PMS Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

The importance of legitimizing PMS - Essay Example The symptoms themselves are quite tricky since for a considerable period of time many of these symptoms have been associated with the normal onset of the menstrual cycle. The list of symptoms is quite exhaustive since it includes things such as stress, aggression, abdominal bloating or cramps, swelling of the breasts or tenderness, headaches, aches and pains, inability to finish thoughts, fatigue, panic attacks and emotional instability with mood swings (Medline Plus, 2008). These symptoms overlap with several other medical problems and even the common cold could be misdiagnosed as PMS. The APA’s decision to add PMDD to the the DSM-IV is certainly a good decision since it deemphasizes the cultural stigma associated with PMS that has been given by the popular media to women who are undergoing these symptoms. Recognizing the problem as a problem is often the first step which can lead us to finding a solution for it and therefore it is a good decision of the APA to recognize the problem and thus allow researchers to seek solutions for it. The articles and medical information available about PMS certainly points to the idea that PMS should be given a medical diagnosis since the symptoms and the problems associated with the condition are quite extreme (Mayo Clinic, 2008). A woman who could be undergoing these symptoms may have no option to seek out help if the problem is not recognized as such. Traditional medicine which is supposed to relieve aches and pains such as painkillers and even home remedies might be used while different medication specifically tailored to tackle the symptoms of PMS may be out of reach or not prescribed at all. Of course there is a cultural stigma associated with PMS but it must be understood that this stigma is only given by chauvinistic males and does not have any basis in reality. Just as male specific psychological disorders can reduce their ability to have erections, PMS can be a