Strategic Management Case Study: Honda

Strategic Management Case Study: Honda Ever since the days of Henry Ford, the global car manufacturing industry, one of the worlds biggest employers, has blazed the trail in both the product innovation, and perhaps most notably for the Japanese motor industry, the development of leading manufacturing methods. The industry is not unlike many others, with blistering competition on all fronts, which makes strategic planning utterly important for both the sort as well as long term survival of any industry player. The ratification of the Kyoto Protocol for instance, spurred car manufacturing companies into the adoption of strategies such as the closed-loop-strategies, in the not only the development of more efficient engines, but also the production, distribution, operation and ultimately recycling of decrepit cars etc. This report presents a review of a number of strategic alternatives by Honda and other automotive industries both in the West as well as Japan, in an attempt to establish the driving force behind Hondas success and growth. The first part of the report gives a description of Honda, followed by the reconciliation of several divergent strategies. Discussion of the differences, if any, between the western and Japanese styles of corporate leadership will unearth the myth behind Japans corporate culture before ultimately concluding with a discussion of the importance of both corporate governance as well as CSR. Contents (Jump to) HONDA, COMPANY PROFILE RECONCILIATION OF DICHOTOMIES PLANNING v. LEARNING POSITIONING VERSUS DEVELOPMENT OF INTERNAL RESOURCES CORE COMPETENCIES VERSUS CORE CAPABILITIES MANAGEMENT STYLES Lifelong Tenure CORPORATE GOVERNANCE AND SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY CONCLUSIONS RECOMMENDATIONS HONDA, COMPANY PROFILE With over 182,000 employees, ÂÂ ¥ 10,011, 241 million in annual revenues in 2009 coupled with upwards of $ 1370.1 million$ and 1896.4 in operating profits for the FY 2008 and 2009 respectively, Japans Honda is easily the industrys biggest manufactures of motor cycles, besides being a among the leading automobile producers. Operating across the globe, Honda is involved in the development, manufacturing as well as marketing and distribution of motor cars, motor cycles and a range other power products (Honda Ltd, 2010). It was founded in 1946, by Soichiro Honda and subsequently incorporated two years later, followed by years of success and growth as a motor cycle maker. Away from its core business, the companys 105 affiliates and 396 subsidiaries across the world provide financial services to thousands of its clients. It operates a four tier business model which includes the financial services division, motorcycle, automobile as well as power products (Honda Ltd, 2010). Besides multi wagons, Honda also produces a range of passenger cars, SUVs, mini vans, passenger cars, mini vehicles as well as sports coupes among others. Hondas flagship car and motor cycle models include the Accord, Civic, Legend, Insight, Acura CSX and Acura RL, CR-V, Cross Road, ASIMO Robots as well as the scooters among many others. The company recorded sales of over 10,114,000 units mainly in Japan, North America and Europe, representing an 8.5% rise over the previous years figures. Its sales have been on the rise despite through the global economic down turn that hit its American competitors, and largely driven by Toyotas PR woes over alleged flaws in the breaking system in its flagship Prius model. This success is largely attributable to the company strategic preparedness. Case in point, in 2002, it launched a hybrid car model to tap into the ever growing environmentally conscious clientele, besides launching the Environmental Learning Center (based in Texas), while in 2004, the company entered into a strategic partnership with GE, that led into the development and production of a trail blazing light jet engine, suited for business jets. Sethi and Swanson (1984), commencing in the year 2000, the company has embarked on an ambitious program to set up production plants in the emerging car and motor cycle markets, notably China, Argentina, Russia and the motor bike hot spot, Vietnam. The company prides itself with the twin principles of respect individuals and the Three Joys Principle i.e. buying, selling as well creating. These values reflect the company does wish to build on each persons unique abilities and its endeavor to ensure that everyone who comes by purchasing the products or by other means should have a great/joyous experience. Honda ensures this by relentlessly, lead in the creation of value, innovation, new products at accessible prices. RECONCILIATION OF DICHOTOMIES Honda ltds strategic innovation is founded on a process of dichotomies reconciliation which include both learning and planning, positioning on the market vs. internal resources development and lastly, core competencies related to the product against the core capabilities related to the processes. These three dichotomies do representing divergent strategies etc that drive Honda as a company since its establishment and through years of exemplary growth and expansion. De Wit Meyer (2010), assert that a critical look at Hondas strategies points especially its successful entry and dominance of new markets raises questions as to whether, Hondas strategy and subsequent decision making is solidly based on a meticulous, analytical and rational planning or whether its strategies are a direct result of the some decisions/ strategies reached at by the company, which evolved or became modified due to the environmental influences of the industry in which the company operates. PLANNING v. LEARNING While designing its strategies, the company has consistently followed a rational approach based on a critical analysis of the market and the industry environment. This strategy hinges on and it suited for a seasoned industry player such as Honda, since it seeks to built on, and exploit the companys immense experience in the automotive industry (Johnson et al., 2005). As a strategy, this is an important bottom up strategy that uses the already gained knowledge to optimize the companys needs. Planning takes into consideration both the companys resources as well as the environmental factors, as such will most likely utilize the companys set objectives within the constraints. Hondas largely seen as having successfully employed the planning strategy while entering into new markets notably while launching into the US motor cycle industry. Its recent strategic alliances with GE as well as its design and launch of innovative new products and expansion of manufacturing plants, in the ultimate attainment of huge scale economies and extremely law costs represent examples of internal planning. Planning is largely apparent from an outsiders point of view. However, interviews with the companys top management reveal a far different picture that suggests at best a company that is far from an overly rational, academic planning seeking to impose its corporate values and policies on the market and the industry, but rather a company, with a management structure that is at all times willing to learn. It is evident and widely accepted by many observers that Hondas strategies have evolved, without a clear plan or analysis of the industry. Case in point, the huge success attained by the companys 50 cc Supercab surprised everyone including the companys management. Mintzberg et al. (1998) observe that though the companys strategy may have looked analytical and well thought out, the management did blunder severally up until the market gave them the correct formula. Rational planning on its own is hardly, suited to many organizations and is in fact removed from the day to day running of a business as compared to learning, which permits management to continually develop and adjust their policies and strategies as they are implemented, in the light of new experience (De Wit Meyer, 2010). Hondas development of hybrid vehicles and energy efficient models e.g. the Honda Civic Sedan, in the wake of Toyotas success in the same field represent examples of learning from the environment. Honda has as well launched joint ventures in RD with other companies. Using both strategies gives the company an advantage, not least because it only allows the formulation of strategies that best meet both the internal resources as well as the environmental factors prevailing in the industry. POSITIONING VERSUS DEVELOPMENT OF INTERNAL RESOURCES Hondas positioning helps its brand to be associated with a given market segment. It is an equally helpful guide to the companys other strategies, particularly the marketing strategy, not least because it does clarify the essence of the brand and the helps the consumers to better identify the goals that the product seeks to meet in a unique way. In positioning a product or brand, managers must make decisions, seeking to appeal a given segment of the population, while at once risking losing the other(s). Honda has placed its various products on the basis of benefit, target, distribution as well as prices. The company offers competitive prices owing to its scale and technology advantages, which in turn permits it to achieve better client franchises. This strategy does however; affect the prestige of the brand, besides reducing the profit margins. Target, distribution and benefit positioning, that has seen the introduction of green models to serve the needs of green conscious clients, co upled by Hondas expansion into India, China and Vietnam, which was entirely meant at catering for emerging middle class in those countries. As against, development of internal resources, Hondas product positioning allows it to use fewer resources but still reach the target markets. It however, has enormous resources in capital, management, cutting production technology as well as manpower, which have driven the companys expansion across the globe. More investment in RD is, and has been possible, leading to greater innovation. While other smaller industry players struggle with limited resources constraining their RD as well as expansion, bigger companies like Honda, Toyota and GM can attain a better edge in the industry. Hondas has been able to pursue both strategies owing to the availability of niche products that it has successfully positioned e.g. motor bikes in Vietnam (over 400,000 units in annual sales), coupled by its huge availability of resources which allows it rope for RD, diversification and expansion. This does not entirely hold though, Honda spends just a fifth of GM expenditure on RD and launches fewer mode ls than the latter, yet it products/models are more successful than GMs. CORE COMPETENCIES VERSUS CORE CAPABILITIES Competencies are as a result of coordination of multiple production skills as well as a complex coordination of numerous technologies. They give a company access to newer markets; provide high barriers for competitors to enter the market, besides contributing considerably to the benefits of the end product(s). Hondas core competencies as regards products are the driving force behind the development of the numerous, innovative end user products. Hamel Prahalad regard Hondas product competencies as a brilliant example of how a small company can break into, and establish itself in a mature, stable market. In 2010 alone, Honda has set up a solar H2 station (Los Angeles), introduced the versatile iGX and GX engine series for general purposes. The company has as well produced lithium-ion based batteries intended for the new range of hybrid motor vehicles, alongside an ELC to spear head its green agenda. Honda is famed for its ability to recycle technologies in all its range of products, affording it RD efficiency. There are elements of core capabilities associated with its processes, but perhaps far lacking behind Toyota and many other industry players. These include efficient distribution channels, cost effective production processes. It trains dealers, determines shop floor plans and has strict operating procedures among others. Core product competencies in the automobile industry are far superior to the process capabilities and Hondas success is an outstanding testimony to this fact. MANAGEMENT STYLES Japanese and Hondas management styles do differ from the American style in at least six distinct aspects. These include differences in the interdepartmental relationships, communication patterns, and supervisory styles, mechanisms for control as well as existence of, or lack of a paternalistic orientation. According to Hofstede (2004), these differences largely stem from the inherent cultural differences between the two countries, which in turn influence the respective corporate cultures. Lifelong Tenure Most of the companies in Japan do provide lifelong jobs to their employees, with greater emphasis being laid on not age, but also seniority. Promotions are thus much more difficult, just as there is greater job security for the workers. Many organizations effectively hire employees for the, and are interested in the long term objectives as against Americas corporate worlds obsession with short term goals. Case in point, Hondas top management i.e. Satoshi Aoki (Chairman), Takanobu Ito, Koichi Kondo and Atsuyoshi Hyogo joined the company in 1968, 1978, 2000 and 1972 respectively, during which time they have risen through the ranks to reach the top management. On the contrary, the western corporate world is characterized by short term contracts for both managers and workers, charged with meeting short term objectives. Teams v. Individuals In contrast with the Western model where managers are responsible for decision making and subsequently accountable for the decisions reached, the Japanese system recognizes the importance of individual expertise, but the performance of the entire team is more emphasized than an individuals. In the western corporate world (Germany and American), certain employees have the star statuses e.g. in Germany, the engineers play central roles to the success of motor companies. Some elements of convergence exist though. Long apprenticeships and cadres (seniorities in Japan) do exist both in Germany, France as well as the Netherlands. Employees attain positions, promotions etc. through years of internships, apprenticeships or memberships to given classes-attained through education and or experience. Decision Making While most western corporations are characterized by top down decision making, the Japanese style of management is largely characterized by collective decision making by individual teams. Hondas decision making is characterized by the Ringi system, where decisions are passed based on a consensus of all the employees in a department or even the entire organization. This management style is identical to that practiced in Holland, except that the latter is anchored on existing contracts or class differences of among the employees. Communication As against the largely bureaucratic communication, hierarchical channels characterizing western corporations, which is largely effective and efficient, the Japanese channels of communication compromise in large part of face-to-face communication. These comprise everything from provision of information regarding assignment of tasks, responsibilities, organizational goals and the development and rechanneling of feedbacks. Implicit Mechanism of Control Honda ltd is concerned with building of its relationships with it biggest assets, the employees. Inspired by its philosophy Respect for the Individual, the company always seeks to develop collaborative relationships with each and every employee, where all mechanisms of control and supervision are largely informal. Supervisors work alongside other employees, who are involved, the decision making, which in turn renders decision making, execution of decisions and reception of feedback a lot more expedient. On the contrary, Hondas competitors run on a rigid, formal control mechanism. This sets goals, measurable, complete with targets that must be met by departments, franchises and individual employees, while the Japanese system is anchored on the management philosophies that all employees as well as managers identify with. Departmental Relationships Pascale Athos (1981), states that attainment of the goals set for a department etc requires inputs not just from the concerned departments, but perhaps most importantly, close collaboration with other departments in the company or even other organizations. Formal (necessary) relationships largely accomplish these goals (characteristic of the western model), while the Japanese style has an extra dimension; voluntary collaboration which is far more productive and results in greater knowledge sharing. Paternalistic Orientation Honda and many other Japanese companies are concerned by the holistic needs of every employee, including the concern for the well being of their families (Culpan, 2009). This imposes a social support role on the managers, a feature which is largely absent in the western world, safe for a limited number of family organizations. CORPORATE GOVERNANCE AND SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY With car markets in the developed world already saturated, most car companys are looking abroad in the emerging markets notably China, India and Brazil. A recent study by TNS shows that car buyers rate car makers more according to their CSR than those consumer in the first world, thus companies that perform better in this sphere stand a far greater chance of winning the hearts and minds of the new middle class is guaranteed success. In 2005, Honda was ranked the UKs best car company based on its social responsibility initiatives, by the foremost research company on automotives, TNS Automotive. It performs equally well in the US, Indonesia, Italy and Spain among other countries alongside BMW, Shell, Malaysias Petronas, Michelin and Germanys Porsche (Nissan Corp., 2010). Honda spent over 2.3% of its annual revenues in 2009, on its CSR commitments, with the environment taking the lions share of the budget. The company has undertaken numerous actions in an attempt to meet the challenges posed by global warming and climate change. With the reputation of the automobile industry and fossil fuels already damaged, due to its huge carbon footprints, and the growing fears among the public of air pollution, it is only reasonable that companies act in accordance to the wishes of the consumers. Honda has initiated the LCA system, which identifies and sets targets for the required actions. The company develops energy efficient models, adheres by the 3Rs (in design) and noise reduction etc. Hondas corporate governance is a typical Japanese style bottom down structure, characterized by collective decision making and a collective sense of belonging among to the company that in turn reflects on the companys performance (Honda Ltd, 2010). Any companys corporate governance does determine the direction that it assumes, which ultimately reflects on its financial performance. Nissans corporate philosophy, governance as well CSR activities are not different from Hondas. It seeks to bring enrichment of the peoples lives and the environment in which they operate. It has made CSR an important part of its corporate management policies. It has devised its green purchasing guidelines, coupled with Nissan-Renault Suppliers Guidelines, which ensure that the companys entire supply chain is green and serves the purposes of the policies set by its top management. Through its charitable arm, Chryslers management makes annual donations to needy communities, projects and causes (Chrysler, 2010). In 2009, the company advanced upwards of $100000 to Good Harvest geared at combating hunger. The companys CSR initiatives are not as extensive as both Nissan and Hondas partly because the company caters for the luxury market segments that are in the main concerned about the quality and luxury as against a companys CSR etc. CONCLUSIONS Honda is largely touted by observers and varied literatures in strategic management. Its strategies have largely been used either rightly or wrongly to back up a number of conceptual dichotomies, with contracting positions i.e. learning v. analytical planning, core capabilities v competencies etc. Most of these assumptions, and evidences have however, proven erroneous owing to empirical mistakes that result into the over emphasis of the companies strengths, while its mistakes go largely unnoticed. Further, strategies and explanations are expressed in form of reductionist, single-sided theories that largely fail to portray the actual strategic orientation of Honda. Hondas thrives on reconciling dichotomies. Thus many observers in the west have largely missed out in studying, learning from and understanding Honda. Rohlen (1974), it is evident that capabilities as well as competencies can possibly complement one another, forming into one theory. The latter does focus on the production expertise and technologies while the capabilities serving to improve the whole chain of value. Capabilities are far more visible and easily appreciated by the clients than are product competencies. Hondas ability to meet high targets and post tremendous growth rates is largely due to its tendency to set stretched targets, which brings into direct competition with the biggest players in the automotive industry. In order to compete, it uses its resource base to compete by either providing niche products or undercutting competitors on basis of cost advantages, attained through scale economies. This ability to leverage her resources offers the key to its success, as against the widely fabled Japanese management styles. This style is widely different from and more appealing that the western style corporate management is only suitable for the Japanese and Asian environments. There are aspects in both management styles that could beneficially be, and have largely been adopted by either side to the great advantage of the corporations, but not the complete management packages as they will be utter failures in the other ones environment (Schein, 1981). Finally, this report has demonstrated the importance of corporate governance, policy and CSR is important in the ever changing consumer tastes as well as preferences, and most importantly, increasing consumer awareness. RECOMMENDATIONS Increased spending and expansion of Hondas and other automotive companies in CSR, environmental protection and production of innovative environmentally friendly models should continue as the only way counter changing consumer needs as well as the changing times. The Western and Japanese styles of corporate management should be blended to suit both the practical and strategic objectives of each organization. Reconciliation of strategies is crucial for success and helps companies reap the benefits of divergent strategies, thus companies must seek common grounds between strategies rather than opting for only one.

The Godless Constitution Essay -- essays research papers

The Godless Constitution   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  When some people here the words â€Å"the godless constitution† uttered the shrill up their noses and get very defensive. Kramnick and Moore address this idea of the United States Constitution being godless. They speak about how America has misinterpreted views and how society would benefit from an understanding of what the Constitution stands for and how to correctly use it. They strive to help America understand that politics driven by religion and faith would do the most damage to the political agenda. They also emphasize that America created the Constitution was created to make a person’s religious standing irrelevant to hold office or voice a political opinion. They cover many topics addressed by the American public when trying to decide on the placement of God in our Constitution. They are writing to help Americans gain a greater understanding of what our forefather’s intended when writing the Constitution.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  To understand why these two men are writing about The Godless Constitution, an approach on what they believe are America’s views is needed. In the first paragraph of the first chapter they state that they believe America argues over foolish things. They have come to the conclusion that Americans misinterpret the intentions of the constitution in providing a government for the people of the United States. They ask the question, â€Å"Is America a Christian Nation?†. They do not condemn religion of any sort but merely state that one God is not in the constitution. One main focus is on the founders of the document. A major point made is that even though most of the founders were Christian and lived by Christian principles, the envision was of a godless government. Their reasoning behind this idea was not of irreverence but confidence in religion too serve civil morality without intruding into politics. They believe in letting humans exercise their free will to believe in a God or to reject the idea without their decision affecting their role in government.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  They refer to the one time God is mentioned in the constitution, Article 6. This merely states that â€Å"no religious test shall ever be required as a qualification to any office or public trust under the United States†. This one statement is used to declare that America stands as a unity and full... ...ted States to gather knowledge on how to regard religion in our government. They give a timeless solution to an understanding of what our government is trying to establish. They propose the conception of America using this awareness of which the object was designed instead of seeing one-sided views to our nation.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  As citizens in a democratic government an understanding of the reasons laws were created help gain knowledge about how society is to proceed. This government protects people from politicians who stand for issues on religion. The Godless Constitution acknowledges the large population of Christians that created our Constitution. It does recognize they held the religious values strong while making the laws that govern our country. It also encourages the idea that they desired a godless government to protect the rights and freewill of mankind.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Kramnick and Moore write not to solve problems of society, but to help the public gain awareness of our forefather’s intentions when creating our government. The Constitution is godless, and for good reasons. It is up to the individual to decide whether or not our nation is.

Shamanism Essay -- essays research papers

Shamanism Shamanism in Anthropology has been an entity in a constant metamorphosis. It has always been considered exotic and its existence around the globe was never contradicted. However, over the years it did not receive the scholarly attention that it so requires. The age of discovery garnered a multitude of information on shamanism all over the world. The reporters invested a great deal of accuracy in the gathering of the information, but their observational skills were mostly underdeveloped. Furthermore as could be expected, they saw and evaluated things solely on the basis of European religion and social customs (Flaherty, 1992, pp.3) without having it necessary to view its ramifications to the people who are so imbued by it. Despite these methodologies which were grave in nature, matters began to shift during the 1940's and 1950's when the social sciences were rapidly coming into their own disciplines. Shamanism, was beginning to be looked upon as a complex religious notions and modes of behaviour (Lommel, 1967, pp.8). Although shamanism was beginning to harness scholarly attention there were still different contradicting theories being laid out in the scientific community. More recently since the notion of tribalism has become more prevalent shamanism is beginning to be recognized as holding the key puzzle in life. Furthermore, it is growing and encompassing many areas such as Psychology, Pharmacology, and even believe it or not Physics. Now before we elaborate on the historical significance of shamaninsm in anthropology it is imperative that a general definition of shamanism is established. In order to study shamanism the shaman must first be understood. The original word shaman came form the Ural mountains in Russia. It applied to people who acted in several 'non-ordinary' capacities for their tribes. Shamans may be defined as man or a woman who through their ability to enter a trance state in any given moment can influence the course of events, find lost or stolen items and identify the criminal when a crime takes place. Thus in a sense shamanism is the practising of these mechanisms in trying to make sense of the world. As you can see it encompasses various facets of the social life from healing illness to maintaining social order. This definition of shamanism is very brief and reall... ...ps altered its course. The implications of these questions go on and on however, one thing is for certain and that the study of shamanism with its recent glorification is rapidly expanding. It is beginning to encompass areas that it never permeated for this reason perhaps it is time that a new discipline is created. One that in its own way will combine the best of humanities with certain aspects of anthropology, medicine and the physical sciences. " Perhaps it is time for a shamanology " (Flaherty, pp.215) BIBLIGRAPHY 1. Eliade, Mircea. Shamanism And Archaic Techniques of Ecstasy. Paris, 1951. 2. Devereux, G. Normal and Abnormal: Key problems of Psychiatric Anthropology. Washingtno, 1956. 3. Flaherty, Gloria. Shamanism In The Eighteen Century. Princeton: Priceton University Press, 1992. 4. Krader, L. `Buryat Religion and Society`, Southwestern Journal of Anthropology, 10, 1954. 5. Lewis, I.M. Ecstatic Religion. Middlesex: Penguin, 1971. 6. Lommel, Andreas. Shamanism: The Beginnings of Art. New York: McGraw- -Hill, 1973.

Skinner and The Behavioral Revolution in the Field of Psychology

Burrhus F. Skinner, a graduate of Harvard, earned a prominent reputation for his revolutionary practices of â€Å"radical behaviorism† in the field of psychology. Skinner’s research, theories and worldview concerning behaviorism continue to contribute to the science and study of psychology well into modern times. One important contribution revolves around the type of research that Skinner performed, including his well known experiments with the â€Å"Skinner Box. † Like Pavlov, Skinner’s research experiments created empirical techniques for psychologists to visibly observe behavioral changes in a subject that originate from environmental factors.These observations, along with others, led Skinner to develop the influential theory known as â€Å"operant conditioning. † Unlike previous psychological theories, operant conditioning emphasizes the process by which environmental situations effect a subject’s behavior (Friedman & Schustack, 2003). Al so through his experiments and observations, Skinner developed the idea of â€Å"shaping† behavior; or in other words creating a series of intricate behaviors in the subject that would otherwise not naturally occur.The proposal of operant conditioning and behavior shaping would eventually lead to the development of behavior modification often used by the cognitive-behavioral therapy of today. Skinner’s worldview, which denounced the importance of the psychological traits of the id, ego, and superego proposed by Freud, led to a revolution in the field of psychology which began turning studies away from invisible characteristics within a subject. His theories and worldview instead turned attention towards the more observable responses a subject develops towards their environment.A summary of the impact that Skinner’s work has had on the field of psychology concludes that it encourages those in the field of psychology today to pursue a more scientific outlook, as w ell as appreciate the environmental impacts on subject’s psychological development. B. F. Skinner and The Behavioral Revolution in the Field of Psychology Behavioral Psychology, as well as the general field of psychology, owes much of its progress to the research, influence and works of B. F. Skinner.Previous to Skinner’s appearance in the realm of psychology in 1931, most theories had strong ties to psychoanalytic schools of thought and very little, if any, empirical research to support their claims. Skinner, however, would not accept that such intangible things as â€Å"consciousness, † or â€Å"archetypes† existed. These things Freud , along with other psychoanalysts, adamantly spoke about but could not prove. Instead, Skinner believed that the so called â€Å"personality† included nothing more than a compilation of learned responses ( i. e. behaviors) encouraged by the environment (Friedman & Schustack, 2003).Inspired by Pavlov and Thorndike, S kinner set out to discover his own theories of behavior and the popular philosophy of â€Å"operant conditioning† which permeates the field of psychology today. Hence, the following information further explores how the works of this influential man, including his research methods, theories and personal worldview contributed to the growing field of psychology today. Through his sometimes controversial, but rigorously scientific research methods, Skinner has encouraged the field of psychology to operate more empirically.As an advocate of the behavioral movement, he believed that seeable and testable conditions provided more valuable explanations than the supposed â€Å"inner traits† of psychoanalytic theories. No one knew that theses traits ever truly existed. Skinner created a vast number of experiments that utilized animals such as pigeons and rats to demonstrate that behavior can indeed result from controlled or â€Å"operant† conditioning. Through positive and negative reinforcement and control over the environment he produced behaviors in his subjects that would otherwise serve no purpose in the natural world.His intended goal, and an important psychological revelation, of this behavior modification was to explain behavior as a response to the environment, not as a personal instinct or due to some internal physiological undertaking (Friedman & Schustack, 2003). Skinner successfully reached his goal and developed an important concept that added onto Pavlov’s discoveries of behavior. He proposed that the behavioral responses of each individual has an influence on the environment, and if the environment produces a reward for those particular responses, then they are more likely to reoccur (Friedman & Schustack, 2003).Skinner believed that applying the theory of operant conditioning to such personality traits as â€Å"extroversion† would prove that extroverts were not naturally prone to act as such, but instead learned their b ehavior because they were rewarded by the environment for their outgoing social actions. Consequently, the success of his experiments including those done with the â€Å"Skinner box† challenged the popular theories put forth by Freud that explained why humans behave in certain ways. Freud had no means in which to scientifically prove that people are driven to act by their id, ego, and superego.Skinner, on the other hand, had ample evidence to support that behaviors can be learned, altered, and even go extinct without adequate reinforcement from the environment. The resulting disparity between the two schools of thought initiated a strong motive for psychology as a whole to seek scientific evidence to prove proposed theories. As an example of this, Friedman and Schustack (2003) explain in their book, Personality: Classic Theories and Modern Research, â€Å"Behaviorist and learning approaches have forced the field of personality to be much more experimental in its research and rigorous in its concepts than it otherwise would have been.† Personality was not the only branch of psychology affected, experimental psychology contributes much of the data it has available to Skinner’s scientific methods. Kantowitz, Roediger and Elmes (2001) state that, â€Å"The operant conditioning research designs are representative of the powerful research techniques developed by Skinner and his followers. Careful control has provided an enormously valuable database for psychology. â€Å" These are just two of dozens of examples that conclude Skinner’s research methods contributed to the empirical outlook and progress of psychology.Similarly, Skinner’s theories have furnished the field of psychology with many valuable tools to help explain, understand and to some extent, manage behavior. Operant conditioning, the process by which an experimenter can apply positive or negative reinforcers to obtain a desired behavior, spurred vast developments in t he field of cognitive-behavioral therapy. This is because, â€Å"the theory places its emphasis on the function of the behavior (what it does), rather than on the structure of personality† (Friedman & Schustack 2003).Skinner’s method of â€Å"shaping† has also created systematic techniques to encourage desired behavior. Each of these theories created a foundation for researchers to observe and understand that behaviors arise from, and are encouraged by, certain environmental causes. In addition, by understanding the behavioral response process, therapists and researchers in the field of psychology can use the theories beneficially as tools to help adjust various unwanted responses in their clients and subjects.For example, in specific instances of abnormal behavior, operant conditioning and shaping may help an individual overcome their perceived obstacles. To behaviorists such as Skinner, abnormal behaviors arise when individuals have not learned a correct respo nse to their environment, or were reinforced for their improper behaviors. The behavioral treatment of such established abnormalities employs a combination of Skinner’s methods (of shaping and conditioning) that will help the client to â€Å"unlearn† maladaptive behaviors and reinforce correct responses (Halgin and Whitbourne, 2003).In addition, Skinner’s worldview contributed to the field of psychology by revealing the complex interaction between the environment and the perceptions of an individual. This revelation broadened psychological understanding of our control over such things as emotions, behaviors and personal perception. Unlike psychoanalysts, who believed that our thoughts and actions were predestined by our subconscious instincts and drives, Skinner proved that what drives us most often comes from reinforcements from our environment.Friedman and Schustack (2003) tell readers that, â€Å"although Freud believed that horrible human problems could be traced to id forces and the death instinct, and although many biological psychologists believe there is an evolved aggressive drive, Skinner believed that most such problems – including war and crime- are just human behaviors that can be shaped through learning. † The authors go on to clarify that Skinner believed trying to explain internal causes simply confounded any study and obscured important information about the real motivation of behavior, the perceived reinforcement from the environment.Finally, the information provided hopefully allows one to conclude that B. F. Skinner’s, research methods, theories and worldview have created a lasting impact that affects and contributes to the current field of psychology. Many useful developments have come forth as a result of Skinner’s work including some of the techniques in modern day cognitive-behavioral therapy. Also due to Skinner’s methods, the of psychology as a whole now leans towards empirical r esearch to prove the integrity of theory. This important contribution allows psychology to scientifically test and strengthen its explorations into the human psyche.References D’Andrea, M. , Ivey, A. , Ivey, M. B. , & Simek-Morgan, L. (2002). Theories of Counseling and Psychology A Multicultural Perspective 5th Edition. New York: Allyn & Bacon. Elmes, D. G. , Kantowitz, B. , Roediger, H. L. (2001). Experimental Psychology 7th Edition. U. S. : Wadsworth Thomas Learning. Friedman, H. S. , Schustack, M. W. (2003). Personality: Classic Theories and Modern Research. New York: Allyn & Bacon. Halgin, R. P. , Whitbourne, S. K. (2003). Abnormal Psychology Clinical Perspectives on Psychological Disorders 4th Edition. New York: McGraw-Hill.

Marketing Plan for Chick-fil-A Essay

Introduction Establishing a marketing plan to introduce a new service to an organization requires extensive analysis and reviews of its competitors. An organization needs to review the pros and the cons of any new service, especially when the organization is currently growing nationally. In this paper, Team A will provide a basic overview of Chick-Fil-A. Team A will introduce a delivery service for Chick-fil-A, including a SWOTT analysis, the importance of Marketing, and the marketing approach it should take to execute service. Chick-fil-A Overview Chick-fil-A is a company that was founded by S. Truett Cathy in 1946, which is privately held and family owned. The company services 39 states, 1,500 locations, including their headquarters stationed in Atlanta, GA (Chick-fil-A, 2012). Chick-fil-A mission statement is simple but strong; â€Å"To be Americas best swift-service food establishment at captivating and maintaining patrons (Chick-fil-A, 2012). Chick-fil-A has a huge variety of specialty chicken based products such as, a variety of chicken sandwiches, wraps, nuggets, salads, desserts, and now breakfast. Chick-fil-A has a few signature products that include their famous chicken sandwich, signature lemonade, as well as products with their different logos and characters for personal use such as clothing, cold and hot beverage mugs, books, and home and office supplies. Description of New Product Chick-fil-A is more than a restaurant, it has become a cultural following similar to the Starbucks and Chipotle franchises’, which focuses on a healthier fast food options and boasts family friendly environments, it would be beneficial to offer a delivery service that focuses on families and organizations. Chick-fil-A’s new product offering should be a family sized meal which can include various selections of our current options. This new family meal approach opens up the types of services provided and places the company in another category when it comes to being fast food restaurant competitor. Not only would Chick-fil-A continue to show the importance of family but it represents a strong tie to the organizations values and opens up the competitive market for the culture based following that has been established. SWOTT Analysis Strengths Chick-fil-A size and strengths gave the company an opportunity to offer customers a expedited option to patronize the business in the workplace and busy sites. Chick-fil-A is family orientated and kid friendly restaurant. For fast service and delivery, Chick-fil-A offers online order and catering delivery service to their customers. In 2010, Chick-fil-A system sales reached a $3.5 billion. The company’s product statement offers a variety of delicious products that can fit a balanced and healthy diet. Weaknesses Chick-fil-A Incorporation had to voluntary removal 1.5 million of the â€Å"Planet Discovery† Kid’s Meal premium from its restaurants in 2011. The kid’s meal had the planet toy attached to bottom of the suction cup which a small child could easily remove the toy and put it their mouths and swollen casing injury, (â€Å"Chick-fil-A Recalls Kid’s Meal Premium,† 2012). The cause of the recall caused the corporation money, however, it earned consumers respect because it the safety of their family was put first. Chick-fil-A redesigned the product to be kid friendly by making the pieces larger and keeping within the same theme. Opportunities The opportunity for other restaurants to capitalize on the food industry is with introducing new products, like McDonald’s with the McRib and Wendy’s with the Spicy Chicken Salad. However, Chick-fil-A has stayed a head of the game with launching new products such as the new spicy Chick-fil- A sandwich and introducing the healthiest kids meal, the Grilled Chicken Nuggets. Threats The fast food chains such as McDonalds, Burger King, or Wendy’s are a major threat to Chick-fil-A. Many of these chains are currently introducing healthier menu options which can potentially cause Chick-fil-A the inability to grow in certain areas. Although, there are differences between Chick-fil-A and these fast food chains, there are other restaurants service consumers’ healthy meal options such as â€Å"Veggie Grill†. Even if Trends America’s current trend of a healthy eating lifestyle will allow introduce a fast-food franchise that offers delivery service for consumers with minimal time. Chick-Fil-A will devote more ways to position assets to improve the majority of their restaurants with the intentions to improve patron’s satisfaction and present a complete service that always will produce an abundance of revenue. The Importance of Marketing Marketing plays an important role in Chick-fil-A overall success as it affects the positioning of business strategy of the products to the consumers. While managers may have an eye on the existing products and sales, profits, and market share and how well Chick-fil-A growth it continues to meet the company’s goal and expectation by; developing the products that customers want, making products readily available to the consumers, and promoting products and service that will outlast its competitors. Marketing Research Approach Chick-fil-A already counts with a great number of customers nationwide. The purpose of the new service that will be offer by the company is to retain and attract even more customers to our restaurants. The positive results of the project will help the company to expand to more cities within the U.S. to reach more customers. Considering the already existing customers, that already like the food and service that is offered at Chic-fil-A, they eventually would want to see a change that takes that food and that service to a different level of quality. Those changes in product and operations make things more convenient and accessible for consumers. At Chick-fil-A, we want to let the public know the new delivery service that will facilitate customers to eat food from Chick-fil-A without having to go to the restaurant. The group of consumers that the organization will target is those that usually are in need of fast food or that their busy schedules do not really have the time to go pick their lunch. Most working professionals are groups that are likely to have their food deliver to their work place or office, especially in places like Los Angeles and other big cities where heavy traffic, busy streets, and congested freeways is an issue. Also, for those who do not have the time to cook, like walking, or driving at night, a delivery service is a solution to their problem. In smaller cities delivery service is an attractive service for customers, specially, if shopping centers or restaurants are far away from the populated areas. In comparison to most fast food restaurants, which do not offer a delivery service, Chick-fil-A will be taking a step forward from its direct competitors. Finally, we will complete a competitor analysis. We will research the kinds of services our competitor offer and whether or not they charge for their delivery services. We will explore their online ordering and time frames between the orders being placed and delivered and will the order be free if it is not delivered within a specified time frame. Conclusion As a staple in the fast food industry for years now, we strongly believe in the marketing techniques and branding that Chick-fil-A has been known for; however, the company is not against change and recognize room for growth. The choice, as outlined above, to establish a delivery service should prove to be profitable and increase customers in all our markets. Our marketing plan provides complete coverage on how we plan to execute and introduce the change to all of our stores. We are confident that the delivery service will yield the expected results for Chick-fil-A for years to come. Reference Chick-fil-A. (2012). Retrieved from http://www.chick-fil-a.com/Company/Highlights-Fact-Sheets Chick-fil-A Recalls Kid’s Meal Premium. (2012, February). QSR Magazine . Retrieved from http://www.qsrmagazine.com/news/chick-fil-recalls-kids-meal-premium

Importance of Management’s Budget

Budgeting is not really something that should be discussed, but rather something that every company should be using in order to properly evaluate its financial possibilities, as well as to plan ahead the company's financial spending and investments, corroborated with any financial liabilities. As analysts have pointed out, â€Å"a budget is simply (1) a tool to increase your consciousness of how and where you spend your money and (2) a guideline to help you spend your money on the things that are most important to you†1. These two components of a budgeting definition should be showing us why budgeting is so important and why everyone should be opting for it. So, budgeting greatly helps with two different components. One of them is the fact that it shows where the money is actually going. In other words, the company using a budgeting tool will know exactly the expenses it has assumed, as well as any investments it has committed to during a certain period of time. Further more, the budgeting tool is essential in determine projects which are actually essential for the company, in other words, projects which bring added value to the company. The logic behind this is quite simple: after determining how much you are actually willing to spend during an investment or financial period, you need to decide what you want to spend the money on. Budgeting helps here as well and, additionally, it shows you how you can actually carry out the other projects which do not fit on the initial list. Budgeting should be considered a long-term strategy, with all the implications this brings about. In this sense, we should point out towards the fact that budgeting shows a concern for the long-term evolution of the company, with the top management needing to consider in the budgeting scheme not only the present projects and those that may appear as a necessity in the short run, but also projects with a medium and long term implication, projects that could bring significant revenues in the future, but who need to be included into present budgeting schemes. Nevertheless, we may consider some of the negative implications that budgeting could bring about in the company. One of these refers to any long-term projects, where the initial evaluation did not lead to the expected result. We may have, in this sense, projects that have been included in budgeting schemes, projects for which money have been allocated and which, in time, do not achieve the expected results and returns. One may actually point out towards the fact that if these projects had been dealt with at their specific time, they would have probably been evaluated to their true potential. While such an evaluation may be true, this does not deny the fact that a large proportion of projects that have been included for the budgeting evaluation will have resulted in good returns for the company. Additionally, project which are not successful do not necessarily reflect a bad budgeting strategy, so they should not be considered an evaluation tool. Overall, we may point out towards the fact that a proper and well-worked budgeting strategy is bound to bring about a healthy and successful financial situation within the company. Further more, a budgeting policy will have reverberations among the overall strategy that the company is determined to apply.

KingKing and Entrepreneurship in China Assignment

KingKing and Entrepreneurship in China - Assignment Example The only major retailer the firm has targeted is Wal-Mart. KingKing could increase its revenues if it expands its portfolio of major clients to include companies such as Target, Sears, and K-Mart. The third strategy the company can use to expand its US sales is to sell directly to the customers utilizing a web store. In 2010 the size of the US e-commerce marketplace was $153 billion (Plunkett Research). 2. The acquisition of a US manufacturer is a market entry strategy that could help KingKing penetrate the US marketplace. In order to minimize cost the firm should target small to medium size candle manufacturer. In the United States there are over 1,600 candle manufacturers (Manta). Three potential acquisition targets are A&A Custom Illumntns Inc., Abby Candles Inc., and A&B Reminiscents. 3. Another way for the company to penetrate the US marketplace is by opening up its own stores in the United States. This solution is only viable if the company has sufficient variety of products to justify opening up a store. The case study does not provide sufficient information to determine if the firm has sufficient variety of products. There are very few stores in the US dedicated only to selling candles. The solution of opening up a store might not be viable.