United States’ Food Supply Safety Essay Example for Free

United States’ Food Supply Safety Essay The food supply of the Unites States is safe from contamination. This is evident through the regular surveillance and other efforts done by the authorities to keep the safety of the nation’s food supply especially from contamination. The safety of the food supplies starts at the farm and not in the grocery stores. According to the article of Sharon Durham in Agricultural Research entitled Food safety in the 21st century: Coordinated Monitoring of Animal Health, in the year 2003, the Agricultural Research Service or ARS as well as two other agencies under the US Department of Agriculture or USDA started a combined effort in protecting the health of the livestock of America as well as ensuring the safety of the food supply (Durham, 1). This research gives way of tracing the critical diseases in food production that involves animals. In addition, it improves general understanding of factors that causes food safety risks such as those in plants and other manufacturing plants. Also, scientific examinations help detect contamination at vital points in food production (Apgar, 1). On the other hand, the National Animal Health Monitoring System or NAHMS performs surveillance that seeks to identify as well as tackle animal health and food safety matters of major concern. Also, the US Customs and Border Protection or CBP and the Food and Drug Administration or FDA initiated new joint efforts in protecting the food supply of the nation. Through the Memorandum of Understanding or MOU signed last December 2003, the Customs agents are now allowed to examine foods that are imported to the United States (FDA Consumer, 1). Furthermore, the CBP and FDA issued a policy guide that tells their strategy in maintaining the continuous flow of food imports while increasing their safety. The policy guide deals with enforcing two regulations. These are first, it require an advance notice to the FDA for shipments of imported foods into the country. Second , it requires a registration with the FDA of local as well as overseas facilities such as manufacturing, processing, packing and holding services for consumption in the United States. These rules aim to boost the security in the supply chain yet it also involves additional cost and difficulty to transporters (Albright, 1). Meanwhile, the government seeks to enhance standards for industries to get extra money for bigger examination to improve the security of government amenities. National agencies such as Food and Drug Administration (FDA), US Department of Agriculture (USDA), Department of Defense (DOD), Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Centers for Disease Control (CDC) are working together on bio-security plan. In addition, the EPA makes sure the safety of the water supply even from the terrorist attacks. The agency together with local water utilities performs evaluation of susceptibilities, to stiffen security within the vicinity of the facilities, to improve emergency response plans whenever attacks occur (Chapman, 1). Anyway, the food industry has been working vigorously also in ensuring the safety of the food supplies. There are several associations that participated in the Alliance for Food Security. They conduct meetings together with government agencies directing food security concern. The industry is sharing methods that a lot of companies are getting to improve their security, to full background checks on employees especially the new ones, and to limit the employees who have access to main zone of the facilities. Some members of the industry have worked strongly with the aforesaid government agencies to address queries concerning food. The FDA has the direct liability for guaranteeing the safety of the food products while CDC leads in conducting disease surveillance. They keep an eye on the occurrence of sickness in the US that is attributable to the supply of food. Moreover, programs such as the annual Food Safety Summit and Expo that is sponsored by National Food Processors Association and the National Restaurant Association help the tighten the security of the entire nation’s food network. Strategies to prevent intentional as well as unintentional food contamination are being laid out during this annual activity (Prewitt, 1). The food industry, itself, has its own programs in keeping the safety of the food supply and this id done in cooperation with the different companies. For instance is the Supplier Audits for Food Excellence or SAFE Program which is initiated through the assistance of more than two-dozen member companies (Johnston, 1). Further, the technological advancements today are a big help when it comes to ensuring the safety of the country’s food supply. The flourishing field of genetic engineering has started changing the daily American diet. Biotechnology has provided us with progress like foods with improved nutritional content and this time, FDA is controlling new food products to ensure their safety. References: Durham Sharon. â€Å"Food safety in the 21st century: coordinated monitoring of animal health†. Agricultural Research. October 2006. Available: http://www. findarticles. com/p/articles/mi_m3741/is_10_54/ai_n16807530, http://www. findarticles. com/p/articles/mi_m3741/is_10_54/ai_n16807530/pg_2. March 2, 2007. â€Å"Agencies team up to protect food supply U. S. Customs and Border Protection†. FDA Consumer. March-April 2004. Available: http://www. findarticles. com/p/articles/mi_m1370/is_2_38/ai_114242021. March 2, 2007. Albright, Brian. â€Å"New cargo security regulations: present challenges to shippers, carriers: advance manifest and food safety rules could increase safety—and cost—of cross-border shipments Supply Chain Management†. Frontline Solutions. February 2004. Available: http://www. findarticles. com/p/articles/mi_m0DIS/is_2_5/ai_113907155, http://www. findarticles. com/p/articles/mi_m0DIS/is_2_5/ai_113907155/pg_2. March 2, 2007. Chapman, Nancy. â€Å"Industry secures food supply†. Prepared Foods. January 2002. Available: http://www. findarticles. com/p/articles/mi_m3289/is_1_171/ai_81861689. March 2, 2007. Apgar, Toni. â€Å"A call to action-food poisoning and food supply safety†. Vegetarian Times. November 1996. Available: http://www. findarticles. com/p/articles/mi_m0820/is_n231/ai_18810447. March 2, 2007. Prewitt, Mildred. â€Å"Safety summit: Securing U. S. food supply an uphill battle; Contamination and bioterror hot topics Food Safety Summit and Expo Legal Beat†. Nation’s Restaurant News. March 25, 2002. Available: http://www. findarticles. com/p/articles/mi_m3190/is_12_36/ai_84237780, http://www. findarticles. com/p/articles/mi_m3190/is_12_36/ai_84237780/pg_2. March 2, 2007. Johnston, Kelly. â€Å"Safety with a good bottom line Formulation Ingredient Challenges Food safety†. Prepared Foods. March 2002. Available: http://www. findarticles. com/p/articles/mi_m3289/is_3_171/ai_83744775. March 2, 2007 Young, Frank E. â€Å"Safety first: protecting Americas food supply FDAs Year of Foods†. FDA Consumer. July-August 1988. Available: http://www. findarticles. com/p/articles/mi_m1370/is_n6_v22/ai_6589510, http://www. findarticles. com/p/articles/mi_m1370/is_n6_v22/ai_6589510/pg_2. March 2, 2007

Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry :: Roll of Thunder Hear My Cry Essays

Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry In Mildred Taylor's enthralling novel, Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry, the Logan family serves as an excellent model of family values and self worth. In the face of racial and economic adversities, Mama and Papa Logan provide their children with the important lessons they need to be successful in life. First, the Logan children; Stacey, Cassie, Little Man, and Christopher-John, learn to be persistent and determined. Next, the children acquire the knowledge of caring for each other. Last, they become able to stand up for what they believe in. An example when the Logans teach their children strong work ethnic occurs when Papa explains the importance of owning their land. Cassie considers her father's words as she thinks: For it he would work a long, hot summer pounding steel; Mama would teach and run the farm; Big Ma, in her sixties, would work like a woman of twenty in the fields and keep the house; and the boys and I would wear threadbare clothing washed to dishwasher color; but always, the taxes and mortgage would be paid.(4) Papa's explanation to the family about working hard makes Cassie think about the sacrifices the family will have to make to keep the land. These sacrifices might be hard to make but it will be necessary to keep the land and pay taxes. Another quality is that the Logans care for each other when Stacey stands up for Little Man when Miss Crocker hands out old, dirty, and torn books. Cassie exclaims, "Yes'm, he been reading since he was four. He can't read all them big words, but he can read the columns. See what's in the last row. Please look, Miz Crocker." (18) Cassie's courage to stand up for her little brother is phenomenal. She does so even though she knows she might get whipped. Her bravery shows that she supports the fact that blacks are treated inferior to whites. Miss Crocker at first refuses to look and then she say, "well that's what you are." Miss Crocker is in a state of denial in trying to convince herself that there is no problem with the school. Last, the Loga ns instruct their kids to stand up for what they believe in.

Planet Hollywoo

Marketing 520| Marketing Plan for Planet Hollywood| Midterm Report| | | Marwan Soliman Noha Abdel Fayad Hadil Abdel Fayad May Abdeen Table of Contents Company Background2 Mission Statement2 Company History:2 Situation Analysis2 Environmental Scanning:2 Macro environmental Forces:2 Micro environmental Forces2 Competitive Analysis:2 SWOT Analysis:2 Market Segmentation2 Demographic2 Psychographic2 Behavioral2 Targeting2 Targeting Strategy2 Problem Statement2 Works Cited2 Company BackgroundPlanet Hollywood is a trademark for restaurants, bars, casinos, and resorts that was established in 1991 by its founder Robert Earl and his partners and stockholders Bruce Willis and Sylvester Stallone. Planet Hollywood distinguishes itself with the unique experience it offers its customers from gaming and live entertainment at the Hollywood themed venues. The focus of this marketing plan is the Planet Hollywood restaurants that resemble the Hollywood inspiration with its wide collection of Hollywood p rops and souvenirs from top rated movies and TV shows that decorate the place and the wide collection of items available for sale.Planet Hollywood strives to act as a creator and developer of consumer brands that take advantage of the universal appeal of movies, sports, and other entertainment-based themes The unforgettable dining experience at Planet Hollywood is completed with its delicious diverse menu of salads, burgers, and much more. Currently, Planet Hollywood has sixteen branches all over the world at which three of these are located in the Middle East (Dubai, Reyadh, and Kuwait). Mission Statement â€Å"Planet Hollywood International Inc. s a guest-driven company committed to providing [its] guests with an exciting inside look at Hollywood, combining with exceptional food, outstanding merchandise and uncompromising service in every one of [its] restaurants. [It] recognize that [its] success is achieved by hiring, retaining and developing quality associates†. â€Å"W e have a passion for our guests We care about our associates We do not compromise our high standards We maintain a sense of urgency in everything we do We continuously strive to improve We are team players† Company History:Planet Hollywood International Inc. is the controlling body for entertainment-based theme restaurants located throughout the world. Planet Hollywood International also runs five Official All Star Cafe restaurants, a chain that focuses on professional sports and follows a sports-bar theme, and several Cool Planet Ice Cream shops. The management of the company is currently focusing on its core business of restaurants. The first Planet Hollywood restaurant opened in New York City in 1991 however the events leading to its beginning started 20 years before that date.In 1972, Robert Earl opened a dinner theater in London called ‘The Beefeater’ that offered its customers a dining experience with a medieval theme. Earl earned a degree in hotel and resta urant management the University of Surrey. He was passionate about creating entertainment-based restaurants such as ‘Talk of London,' ‘Shakespeare's Tavern,' and ‘The Cockney Club. ‘ In the 1980s, Earl foresaw the promising American markets that would guarantee the success of his entertainment-themed restaurants. He started off with selling his concepts to the developers of a then-new Disney World called EPCOT Center.Although the deal was unsuccessful, Earl decided to stay in Florida at which he opened several restaurants focusing on medieval and Wild West ideas until he sold it to a larger holding company in the mid-1980s. In 1989, Earl was appointed the new chief executive for the Hard Rock operation under ‘Mecca Leisure†. The ‘Hard Rock Cafe' chain is a music industry-based theme restaurants. With his new position, Earl created 20 Hard Rock Cafes in the eastern region. Meanwhile, Earl partnered with Keith Barish, a film producer at that t ime to open the first Planet Hollywood mentioned earlier.Barish and Earl looked at music, movies, and sports as means that bridge differences of language and other differences between people living in different places. Planet Hollywood witnessed immediate success; its museum-like decorations and its outstanding marketing plan attracted millions of customers. Earl and Barish asked celebrities such as Arnold Schwarzenegger, Sylvester Stallone, Bruce Willis, Demi Moore, and Whoopi Goldberg to act as restaurant's owners at which they would pass by ‘their restaurant' to check in and mingle briefly with their fans.A year later Earl left Mecca Leisure to plan the worldwide introduction of Planet Hollywood restaurants actors Don Johnson and his then wife Melanie Griffith, director John Hughes, comedienne Roseanne, and actors Tom Arnold, Wesley Snipes, and Danny Glover became investors by then. By mid-1993, Planet Hollywood International had opened its branches in London and southern C alifornia and was completing the construction of a fourth branch in Chicago. Architect David Rockwell was hired to design the new branches. The branches were created to seat more than 200 people.Each branch contained film props and floor layouts that were unique to their locations. Dorothy's dress from ‘The Wizard of Oz,' the pottery wheel used by Demi Moore and Patrick Swayze in ‘Ghost,' a replica of the castle from ‘Dracula,' the Batmobile, the Flintstone buggy, and a plastic model of the meat slab that was pulverized by Stallone in the film ‘Rocky’ were all items put on display in different locations. Celebrities hand prints walls and big-screen televisions to play promotional clips for upcoming movies were further attractions found at Planet Hollywood.Peter Morton Hard Rock International executive at that time filed a suit against Earl and Planet Hollywood claiming that Earl had copied that Hard Rock concept. Earl dismissed the charges and the case against Planet Hollywood never amounted to much in court. In addition, Planet Hollywood continued its move up the ladder of success and became well-known in the theme restaurant business. By the end of 1993, Planet Hollywood expanded to have eleven new branches in different states. The opening of each branch was a major gala event that attracted crowds who were eager to see celebrities and different famous media figures.Each new branch generated revenues worth $ 15 million. Selling licensed Planet Hollywood merchandise in addition to serving food and drinks from a diverse menu were a major attraction of customers. Key rings, T-shirts, sweatshirts, watches, and leather coats are examples of the items sold at the restaurants. The merchandize selling not only boosted the revenues by differentiating Planet Hollywood but its popularity pushed it to open separate retail stores called ‘Planet Hollywood Superstores,' a move that further increased yearly profits.In 1994, Planet Hollyw ood continued expanding to open branches worldwide. The company also began establishing other theme-restaurant ideas such as the Official All Star Cafe. Barish and Earl realized the people’s key interest in celebrities’’ life and continued expanding based on that. They continued recruiting professional sports figures to invest such as hockey great Wayne Gretzky, football icon Joe Montana, and basketball superstar Shaquille O'Neal. Also in 1994, the company opened what would become its highest income generator branch at Las Vegas. The Las Vegas restaurant was designed to seat .The branche's opening drew more than 10,000 people who sat on stadium-like bleachers to watch the stars' arrivals at the event. Later that year, another 500-seater of Planet Hollywood opened in Orlando's Disney World. With that branch, Earl and Barish became officially the owners of the two highest-profit generating restaurants in the United States. In 1996 the company decided to go public not only by offering stocks but the company also convinced MBNA to issue Planet Hollywood VISA credit cards that gave cardholders priority seating at the restaurants.A joint venture with ITT Corporation was also established to develop Planet Hollywood casinos in Las Vegas and Atlantic City. Furthermore, Marvel Entertainment Group, Inc. and Planet Hollywood International decided to develop comic book character-based restaurant theme calling it ‘Marvel Mania. ‘ Ideas for a new concept called ‘Chefs of the World,' which was to feature a ‘star-studded' culinary staff, also began to rise. Celebrity support received through their ownership and investment in the chains made Planet Hollywood and All Stars Cafe unique by all standards. In only five years the company had grown from one $3. million restaurant in New York to an almost $300 million operation with approximately 50 units throughout the world. Situation Analysis The dining service in Egypt has witnessed a hu ge change in the last few years . Dining out became part of the lifestyle of Egyptians who can enjoy such leisure. People are constantly seeking new diners, especially international ones they try during their trips abroad, they see in foreign movies or hear about from friends. During this period of changes, several international diners opened in Egypt and have proven to be successfully attracting customers.Although different people are always seeking different styles such as Authentic Egyptian, Italian, Shisha serving cafes, quick coffee serving cafes, each sector proved to find their own clientele. Places such as Hardrock Cafe, Apple Bees and Rainforest Cafe have their own successful cases that should be similar to Planet Hollywood’s. Egyptians in general are usually very interested in celebrities and their lives. Planet Hollywood can easily depend on this point in its marketing plan and focus. Environmental Scanning: Macro environmental Forces: Socio-cultural FactorsThere a re more than 50 million people between the ages of 15 and 45 in Egypt which is approximately 65% of the population . This, as a result, has a great impact on the nature of the food service sales. The young generation has changing lifestyles and eating habits. They mainly go out for dinning as it is considered a source of entertainment. As such, the demand for the food services represented in fast food restaurants, informal dining, cafes/bars, has increased tremendously. However, in Egypt, both men and women are usually seeking places where then can smoke shisha.Usually, international chains forbid smoking of shisha in their restaurants as part of their regulations to avoid health and environmental hazards. Economic Factor The Egyptian population is mainly divided into two classes of either rich or poor. The middle class in between is demising. According to the World Bank Statistics of 2005, the income share help by the highest 20% of the Egyptian population is 41. 5% while the share of the next 20% is only 12. 6%. It is believed that this gap is not getting any smaller if not getting wider.The top 20% of the population are consistent with their dining out experience as eating out is considered a main sources of entertainment. Political Factors With the political instability in the country since the January 25th events, dining out is considered one of the few sources of entertainment that remained stable since other sources of entertainment such as parties and concerts are no longer as available as before. Restaurants are more likely to any new expansions making it the right time for Planet Hollywood to open and establish a good solid base in Egypt.However, this political instability also represents a risk to any new business especially with the lack of security witnessed. This security issue will have to be accounted for in choosing the location and operation of the restaurant. Environmental Factors Air pollution in Egypt and especially in Cairo is a matter of serious concern. The air quality in downtown Cairo is more than 10 to 100 times of acceptable world standards. In addition, the layout of tall buildings and narrow streets prevent the pollution from escaping and result in a thick and grey air.As a result, open-air restaurants in some areas, especially downtown Cairo and high density areas, may face some problems and may not be convenient all the time. Therefore, people are looking more for indoor recreation. Another concern is the availability of high quality raw material in Egypt. Due to the lack of training and education, there are a lot of improper agricultural practices, poor hygiene at all stages of food chain, absence of preventive controls in food processing and preparation operations.In addition, misuse of chemicals, raw materials contamination, inadequate or improper storage are also concerns for the food industry in Egypt. Such a situation highlights the importance of a high quality control process that should be implemen ted in any restaurant. Technological Factors People now have access to the internet all the time. They became more demanding and want to follow a certain lifestyle. They know exactly what they are looking for and where they can get which as a result creates a significant challenge in terms of meeting demands and defeating competition.Yet, this is a good opportunity since marketing can now be done easily using cheap online campaigns reaching the targeted customers. Micro environmental Forces Employees Employees are the image of any place, their attitude and commitment directly affects the restaurant’s reputation and customer perception of the place. Research has shown that 70% of customers’ return to a restaurant is usually related to the service and their positive experiences with employees; 68% of defecting customers leave due to negative employee attitudes.Therefore, Planet Hollywood’s employees should be experienced and passionate. They should receive regular trainings and should always be motivated to do their best. In addition, they will be closely monitored to gurantee that the customers are always satisfied. Suppliers Quality and freshness are the most important factors of the food served in any restaurant. Therefore, reliable food service suppliers take part in the success of any restaurant. Planet Hollywood will seek suppliers that will provide high quality products with on time consistent delivery.Our strategy will be to create a partnership-like relationship with suppliers to guarentee the success of the end product. Customers Planet Hollywood’s targeted clientel is already present in Egypt and is currently waiting for such an international diner to open in Egypt’s biggest cities such as Cairo, Alexandria and Sharm El Sheikh. Our clients would be 15-35 year old men and women seeking a luxurious yet afforadable dinning experience. Locations Prime locations that are easily reached with suffiecient parking places shou ld be sought.Currently, big shopping malls and diners concentrations are considered the places-to-be by Egyptians. Locations such as City Stars, Mall of Arabia, New Cairo and 6th of October cities should be checked for potential locations. Competitive Analysis: The Egyptian market is very competitive as it consists of many foodservice companies with dominant players that make it hard for small operators to succeed. This governance is due to the brands already having good grounds internationally, in addition to the huge advertising and marketing plans.Below is a list of the major competitors for Planet Hollywood. 1. â€Å"Americana†: Egyptian Co for international touristic projects (TGI Friday’s) First established in 1964 as a small trading company based in Kuwait, Amricana became the most successful restaurant operator in the Middle East that owns around 650 restaurants. â€Å"Americana† is a master franchisee to several leading international entities such as Ha rdees, Pizza Hut, KFC, TGI Friday's, Costa Cafe and Baskin-Robbins. TGI Friday’s is the main brand that would present a competition to Planet Hollywood. Competitive advantage: Fierce advertising and marketing plans for all its brands along with major offers and promotions. * The company has many outlets all over Egypt and is opening more and more each year. 2. Amer Group (Chili’s): Started in 1993 by introducing â€Å"Chili’s†, the famous American restaurant chain to Egypt and the Middle East, Amer Group expanded over the years to introduce more restaurants with a variety of cuisines such as Johnny Carinos, Studio Masr†¦etc. Chili’s will be one of the major competitors for Planet Hollywood. Competitive advantage: * High market penetration with many restaurants all over Egypt and in all the hot spots. Amer Group has managed to maintain a very good reputation among Egyptians through its many projects in different industries as well as very aggre ssive marketing plans. The name of the restaurants is directly related to the group which helped them to easily achieve customer loyalty. * Casual atmosphere that fits both youth and families. 3. Hard Rock Cafe: Established in 1971 in London, Hard Rock Cafe has over 172 venues in more than 51 countries around the world. It opened its branch in Sharm el sheikh in 1998 in Naema Bay; it also has one in garden city Cairo, another in Hurghada, and it is planning to open one soon in Nabe.It offers a wide selection of burgers, barbeques, and steaks, along with a variety of desserts and drinks. Internationally it is known to be among the top competitors for Planet Hollywood. Competitive advantages: * It has a very good reputation worldwide that makes it an attractive place for young outgoing population, and also for tourists coming to Egypt that’s why it is very successful in Sharm el Sheikh and Hurghada. * They focus on their employees and treat them like a family and create an envi ronment of fun where the employees look forward to come to work. They also focus on customers making sure that they deliver unique entertainment and dining experience. * Their music mix is very popular and very entertaining which makes Hardrock cafe the number one destination for outgoing youth with passion for music. 4. Planet Africa Part of the Mo’men group, Planet Africa was established in December 2004 in Cairo and it is considered the first themed restaurant in Egypt. The restaurant has the design of a jungle with African merchandise and souvenirs available at the entrance. Planet Africa offers a wide variety of International cuisine. Competitive advantage: First themed restaurant in Egypt and it is Egyptian so it attracts patriotic customers. * Ideal for families as the atmosphere is very kids friendly. * Reasonable prices relative to the portions and quality of food. 5. Sequoia: With only one branch in Zamalek, Sequoia is the favorite restaurant for high end, outgoing young people. It offers a wide range of Egyptian, Lebanese, Syrian, Italian cuisines as well as a very good sushi menu. The place also offers alcohols as well as water pipes. Competitive advantages: * Sequoia is located in Zamalek with a very nice view of the Nile. Considered a hot spot among classy young population. * Sequoia hosts very successful events during Ramadan, New Year’s and holidays. * Suits all tastes as it offers different types of cuisines. 6. Rainforest Rainforest opened in Egypt in 2008 by Wataniya Company for operating restaurants, the leading company in restaurant management in the Middle East, at the City Stars Mall. The design of the place is like a jungle with all types of animals. The high technology fitted into the design changes the sounds of animals every 10 minutes through CDs and there is a thunder storm every 30 minutes. Competitive advantage: Well known brand world wide * The high tech atmosphere of the jungle simulation makes it very attractive for kids and families. * Very good quality of food. SWOT Analysis: Strengths: * Strong popular name among various groups of the targeted market segment. * Branches already exists in nearby countries such as Dubai, Kwait and Riyad, with similar culture and menu adjustments. * Offers a variety of food that is already familiar and loved by the Egyptian population. * Well known for tourists visiting Egypt. * Strong established system of management that could be easily trained and implemented among local employees. Availability of kids menu and kids friendly atmosphere. * Ability to host both small and large events as well as offer outside catering. | Weaknesses: * Requires huge investment to find and build a branch that would be located in a relatively hot spot compared to competitors as well as big enough to maintain the restaurant image worldwide. * Prices are relatively high compared to some of the major competitors| Opportunities: * Egypt is a huge market that is now welcoming any n ew investment after the recession that occurred after the 25th of January events. Dinning out is now one of the necessities of life due to the casual lifestyle of most of the young Egyptians as well as families. * The trend of hosting parties and events outside is becoming more and more popular among Egyptians| Threats: * Fierce and well known competitors that use excellent promotional techniques. * Probability of unwelcoming an Americanized restaurant * After the 25th January events, Egypt became unstable both economically and politically which makes it a risky environment for any new business. | Market SegmentationDifferent strategies were used to segment the Egyptian market to identify our target market. Demographic Age: Household Income: Income is a very important factor in our segmentation process as Planet Hollywood is known to be an expensive high class restaurant. The following segments are recognized: * Low: ? EGP 12000/year * Low-Medium: EGP 12,000/year – EGP 24,000 /year * Medium: EGP 24,000/year – EGP 120,000/year * Medium-High: EGP 120,000 – EGP 240,000/year * High: ? EGP 240,000/yea Occupation: * Students * Workers * Employees * Middle Managers * Executives * Professionals Small-business owners * Large-business owners Social Class: Even though social class perception is directly linked to the income level of the family, but it is also influenced by the family background which is a major contributor in determining the social class. There are three basic social classes in Egypt: Class A, Class B and Class C with sub categorization in each class (e. g: B1, B2 and B3) . Nonetheless, it is apparent, as mentioned before that Class B is diminishing. Marital Status: The marital status is reported as follows: * Single: 37. 31% * Married: 62. 69% Psychographic LifestyleDifferent people have different lifestyle patterns that change at different stages of life. According to the â€Å"Sagacity Lifestyle Model†, Lifestyle has four ma in stages identified as follows: * Dependent (ex. Children living with their parents) * Pre-family (ex. With their own households but don’t have children) * Family (ex. Parents with at least one child) * Late (ex. Parents with children who left their homes) A further sub-classification is by segmenting the above into outgoing and non-outgoing. Motives Planet Hollywood will be providing a unique kind of entertainment for its customers that is not available at any other competitors.Using the asset of celebrities’ investment in Planet Hollywood, customers might find various famous figures when dining might encourage customers to go. In addition, being able to position the brand as a hot spot for the different targeted segment will encourage customers to go in order to fit in and keep up with the social groups and standards. Behavioral Brand Loyalty Planet Hollywood is a strong popular name and can easily develop brand-loyal customers Benefit expectations Customers are gro uped according to similarities in the benefits that they look for in specific products or services.Benefits as location, cleanliness, social image, food service, quality, and hospitality. Use frequency Customers are segmented according to their frequency of dinning outdoors as follows: * Rarely, occasionally * once per month * twice per month * once per week * multiple times per week. Targeting Theme restaurants attract patrons based on mainly the overall dining experience and the entertainment value received. The chosen theme dictates the interior decor, music, type of food, the food presentation and the appearances of the staff. Theme restaurants also sell licensed merchandise as souvenirs.For our target market selection, we have considered several segments from which we could come up with Planet Hollywood possible target diners; the most relevant segmentation schemes were: age, income, social class, and lifestyle. Age| Household income| Social Class| Lifestyle| 0 – 15| ? E GP 12000/year| Lower| Dependant| 15 -45| EGP 12,000/year – EGP 24,000/year| Lower Middle| Pre-family| 45-60| EGP 24,000/year – EGP 120,000/year| Upper Middle| Family| 60-80| EGP 120,000 – EGP 240,000/year| Upper| Late| | EGP 240,000/year| | | Targeting StrategyAs for our target strategy, we will be following the differentiation strategy. We will be designing more than one promotional message with which we will be providing each segment with its specific needs and communicating the different related benefits. Problem Statement Planet Hollywood is a well known international brand, offering a unique authentic Hollywood experience for its customers. The introduction of Planet Hollywood in Egypt will be a challenging process as it should emphasize on the well established brand and the unique experience offered by its famous themed restaurant.Dining service offers a huge market in Egypt, mainly because of the changing socio-cultural behaviors of people especially the tendency to be more outgoing. However, the proper targeting of customers and positioning of the restaurant are of most important in establishing the differentiated strategy of Planet Hollywood. Works Cited (n. d. ). Retrieved November 10, 2011, from AMEinfo. com The ultimate Middle East business resource: www. ameinfo. com FUNDINGUNIVERSE. (n. d. ). Retrieved November 10, 2011, from Planet Hollywood International, Inc. : http://www. fundinguniverse. om/company-histories/Planet-Hollywood-International-Inc-company-History1. html Hard Rock. (n. d. ). Retrieved November 10, 2011, from Hard Rock History: http://www. hardrock. com/Corporate/ market segmentation – psychographic segmentation . (n. d. ). Retrieved November 10, 2011, from Tutor2u: http://tutor2u. net/business/marketing/segmentation-psychographic. html Planet Hollywood International, I. (2006, July 6). The PH Insider. Retrieved October 27, 2011, from http://www. planethollywoodintl. com/privacy. php PLANNING: MARKETING STRATEGY AND PLANNING. (n. d. ).Retrieved November 10, 2011, from http://www. wadsworthmedia. com/marketing/sample_chapters/766816052_ch07. pdf Population. (n. d. ). Retrieved November 10, 2011, from Egypt State Information Service: http://www. sis. gov. eg/En/LastPage. aspx? Category_ID=19 Restaurants. (2010). Retrieved November 10, 2011, from Amer Group Holding: http://www. amer-group. com/Restaurants. aspx ——————————————– [ 2 ]. [ (Planet Hollywood International, 2006) ] [ 3 ]. [ (FUNDINGUNIVERSE) ] [ 4 ]. (Egypt, 2009) [ 5 ]. (http://web. worldbank. org) [ 6 ].Hassanein, Salah. â€Å"Air Pollution in Cairo – The Cost†. Arab world books. [ 7 ]. Egyptian Food Safety Information Center (EFSIC) [ 8 ]. Egyptian Food Safety Information Center (EFSIC) [ 9 ]. (Jim Heisler, Ph. D. , senior vp, Stakeholder Relationship Consulting) [ 10 ]. (Euromonitor International, Augus t 2008) [ 11 ]. [ (Restaurants, 2010) ] [ 12 ]. [ (Hard Rock) ] [ 13 ]. [ (AMEinfo. com The ultimate Middle East business resource) ] [ 14 ]. [ (Population) ] [ 15 ]. [ (market segmentation – psychographic segmentation ) ] [ 16 ]. [ (PLANNING: MARKETING STRATEGY AND PLANNING) ] d

Critically Examine the Geopolitics of Humanitarian Aid Within the 21st Century.

Critically examine the geopolitics of humanitarian aid within the 21st century. How have responses to famine changed over time and what are the key challenges to famine prevention today? Geopolitics have played a huge role in humanitarian aid in the current century. Because humanitarian aid is largely sponsored by western countries it poses a huge problem in the form of a â€Å"parochial form of theorizing†1 that supports the interests of the richest countries of the world. For the purpose of this essay I will begin by examining the problems that have arisen in the most recent years of humanitarian aid assistance.This arises from conditional aid, whereby donor countries or organizations impose conditions in order for recipient countries to receive this aid. Followed by this is the secularization and polarization of the aid industry where organizations are constantly in competition for finite resources. Lastly the 21st century has seen foreign militaries carry out humanitarian aid missions which jeopardizes the neutrality and impartiality which is so essential in carrying out aid to anyone who is in need. Secondly this essay will look at how humanitarian aid has changed over time.For the purpose of this short essay I will look at the 1998 famine in North Korea whereby humanitarian aid was given, only under political concessions. Disguised as aid, the humanitarian assistance given to North Korea was used as a political tool that undermines the fundamental ideas of humanitarian aid. The basic theorizations of humanitarianism put a deep emphasis on adherence to principles of impartiality and neutrality and assistance based solely on need. Adherence to these principles has been the biggest problems of humanitarian aid over its history, but never more so than in the 21st century.Aid in recent years has been based on conditionality which essentially means that in order for nations to receive aid, these nations have to adopt conditions that that the donor nation imposes. This means that aid is not offered on the basis of those who need it, but is based on policy that supports the donors giving aid. Therefore critics see these policies, although framed as humanitarian in principle, as very far removed from humanitarian. In essence it is foreign policy that is advantageous to the donor. Some such policies that come from conditionality are trade liberalization, that can ruin domestic economies and increase unemployment, and capital account liberalization that would open less developed economies to investments from multi-national corporations. Such investments have little impact on the majority of people in these countries and generally only benefit the corporations themselves and a small group of elites in the recipient countries. This supply of aid, especially in the events of crisis is in complete contrast to the fundamental principles of humanitarian aid. One of the most problematic concerns of aid in the last ten years has been the politi cization and secularization of the aid industry. Over the last twenty five years humanitarian aid has become heavily institutionalized. This has led to more effective logistics and delivery systems. However it has also created institutions that are perhaps not so concerned with providing aid to those in need, but acting in the interests of governments or big businesses that are the donors of the resources. Humanitarian organizations such as NGO’s and now foreign military forces are often in competition with local organizations which has led to valuable resources being wasted because of constant competition for aid . 5Because of this, NGO’s neutrality (one of the most fundamental principles of humanitarian aid) is severely compromised because the boundaries between relief and development, war and peace and political objectives are not easily defined.Thus, NGO’s in these most recent years have struggled to adhere to the basic humanitarian principles of providing t o those most in need because their ideals are compromised by the secularization and politicization of aid organizations. 6 Perhaps one of the most fundamental problems of humanitarian aid in the 21st century is the fact that it is often no longer carried out by NGO’s, but is in fact coordinated by foreign military forces. In cases such as Iraq and Afghanistan the United States military assumed a huge role for the distribution of disaster and humanitarian assistance alongside their military objectives.If foreign militaries are carrying out humanitarian aid alongside military objectives, then there is no way that aid can be supplied to whoever is in need in ways that are impartial, neutral and independent. This new system whereby foreign militaries are responsible for supplying aid has created huge security problems for not only the military, but for the people who are receiving aid. Opposing factions to foreign military time and time again in Afghanistan and Iraq have targeted civilians receiving aid to further their own agenda. These are the problems that exist in the humanitarian aid industry today, but these problems have developed over a course of many years and responses to famine and humanitarian disasters have evolved over time. Thirty years ago disaster relief and humanitarian aid were not considered to be of huge significance on a geopolitical scale. During the 70’s and 80’s although humanitarian crisis existed, the geopolitics was more focused on the cold war and respecting the sovereignty of nation states.Although crisis in Africa, East Pakistan and Guatemala (to name a few) were made aware to the international community , they were sidelined by the real political concerns defined by the cold war. Throughout the 1970’s, 1980’s and even the 1990’s international opinion and more importantly international law, respected the fact that governments, even of highly prone man-made and natural disasters had the respon sibility, will, interest and ability to protect their own citizens.Any humanitarian aid that was given in these years was seen as assistance to these governments to look after their own citizens. Essentially 25 years ago, the concept of ‘humanitarian intervention’ without the concurrence of the affected state would not have been considered and certainly would not have been sanctioned by the United Nations or the International Community. 8 Since the 1980’s humanitarian aid and responses to famine have changed not only in thought, but institutionally.In the mid 1980’s there were approximately 280 governmental, intergovernmental and non-governmental aid organizations. Today that number is over 1000. As well as this huge expansion of organizations there has been a dramatic increase in aid expenditure. In the last two decades humanitarian assistance has tripled from approximately two billion to six billion dollars. 9 Because of this huge increase in the funding of aid the competition between organizations can sometimes have disastrous consequences because the organizations are competing for finite resources.This is increased by for profit organizations that are competing for lucrative humanitarian and development contracts. Many donors of aid motives are not for the needs of the people that are in need of these resources but are aligned with domestic considerations or international interests that are a world apart from the specific needs of those people affected by disaster or emergency. 10 The famine of North Korea in 1998 is a perfect example of conditional humanitarian aid, and how it is driven not by humanitarian principle, but a clever tool for geopolitical gains.The North Korean famine shows how humanitarian aid today has changed to become an important political tool in contrast to two decades ago whereby any humanitarian crisis was sidelined because of the geopolitical context of the cold war. 9 In times of famine it is important t o emphasize that the likelihood of a starving nation to accept emergency aid under any condition means that conditional aid can be seen as a political tool to establish a diplomatic, political or even military presence under the disguise of humanitarian aid. 11 This was such the case in the North Korean famine.From 1995-1998 North Korea was hit by a series of national disasters that resulted in a large scale famine. Rough estimates say that by 1998 North Korea lacked about two million tones of grain needed to feed its people. According to the world food program the rate of moderate to severe malnutrition of children in North Korea was about sixty per cent by mid 1998. 12 By mid 1998 the United States and South Korea realized that it could use the famine in North Korea as a political tool to penetrate the isolated North and offer aid on terms that benefited themselves.The United States and South Korea offered food aid on terms that North Korea had to enter into reunification and peac e talks and not break out of the 1994 agreed framework designed to end the North’s nuclear program. If the North refused to adhere to these conditions, no food aid would be given. Another condition was that the shipments of aid would be covered with stickers and logos from the United States and South Korea. Although this may seem insignificant it was a huge propaganda tool for the donor powers.It could serve as an undermining of the North Korean regime that had told its people for decades that the South and the United States were undermining their nation. 13 The slow response to give aid put the US and South Korea in a strategically advantageous situation to further its political goals. If North Korea didn’t accept United States conditions the famine would continue and the possibility of an internal break down of the state increased. If the North accepted the terms on which the donors offered, the aid functioned as an important political tool.It meant North Korea had t o give concessions and that the people of North Korea could see the failure of its regime and the kindness of the western powers that they had been told for so long were there enemies. Thus, humanitarian aid was not offered to support those people starving, but was rather used as a political tool to further the donor states own political agendas under the guise of humanitarian aid. In actual fact, the aid was so far removed from what humanitarian aid in its purest sense really was. 4 So much was this aid seen as a political tool that in 1998 the South Korean government banned non governmental groups from fundraising to support those starving in the North. 15 This is undeniable proof that political aims were the underlying focus of the ‘conditional aid’ rather than aid to help the starving North Korean population that was stricken by famine. The key challenges to famine prevention today are huge and include a combination of factors that are not easily unchanged.First of all, humanitarian aid is now such a lucrative industry that competition for contracts means that organizations are in constant competition for finite resources, the resources that are needed in times when famine strikes. Secondly, as long as foreign militaries carry out some humanitarian aid then the adherence to neutrality and impartiality that is so fundamental to the aid process is essentially undermined. Military goals will always be aligned alongside objectives that are not necessarily aligned with those of starving people.And finally, as long as conditional aid is used as a political tool, then humanitarian aid faces huge challenges. In a time when people need aid, if governments are focused on geopolitical goals and furthering their own agendas rather than helping those in times of famine then humanitarian aid is essentially a guise and is merely a political tool for donor governments to use to further their own agendas. 1 Robinson, J. (2003) ‘Postcolonising geography: tactics and pitfalls' Singapore Journal of Tropical Geography p273 2 When does aid conditionally work?Gabriella R Montinola. Studies in comparative international development, vol 45, 2010, pp 358-362 3 ibid (same ref as above) 4 International Human Crisis: two decades before and two decades beyond. Randolf C Kent. International Affairs Volume 80, issie 5, 2004 p 851-870 5 Aaltola, M. – Responding to emergencies and fostering development: the dilemmas of humanitarian aid Third world planning review. – Liverpool University Press. – 0142-7849   Vol. 22(1), 2000, p. 111-112 6 International Human Crisis: two decades before and two decades beyond. Randolf C Kent.International Affairs Volume 80, issie 5, 2004 pp 851-870 7International Human Crisis: two decades before and two decades beyond. Randolf C Kent. International Affairs Volume 80, issie 5, 2004 851-870 8 Reshaping humanitarian assistance in the twenty first century. Tim O’Dempsey and Barry Munslow. Pro gress in Development Studies 2009 9:1 pp 1-2 9 Randolf C Kent. Pp 851-870 10 Aaltola, M. – Responding to emergencies and fostering development: the dilemmas of humanitarian aid Third world planning review. – Liverpool University Press. – 0142-7849   Vol. 22(1), 2000, p. 111-112 11. G.M Guess. The Politics of United States Foreign Aid, London: Croom Helm, 1987, p3 12 Lischer, Sarah Kenyon. Dangerous Sanctuaries:  Refugee Camps, Civil War, And the Dilemmas of Humanitarian Aid. Cornwell University Press. 2006. Pp 3-9 13 Emergency Food Aid as a Means of Political Persuasion in the North Korean Famine Mika Aaltola Third World Quarterly  , Vol. 20, No. 2 (Apr. , 1999), p 374 14 Emergency Food Aid as a Means of Political Persuasion in the North Korean Famine Mika Aaltola Third World Quarterly  , Vol. 20, No. 2 (Apr. , 1999), pp 372- 386 15 Korean Herald, 13 May, 1997

Lila 4 ever essays

Lila 4 ever essays Im going to talk about a film that I find really fascinating, a film called Lila 4 Ever. Lila 4 ever is a film about a 16 year old girl called Lila who is living in poor suburb somewhere in the former Soviet Union. She dreams about a better life. The film opens as Lila is packs her suitcase and waits for her mother and her new boyfriend to come and pick her up They are moving to Unites States. When mother and her boyfriend arrive, they tell her that she cant come with them now and Lila is promised to be able to join them very soon. Mum tells her that she is going to receive a latter soon with money for the ticked, but as no letter from her mother arrives, Lila realizes that shes been abandoned. She is left with her cruel aunt who kicks her out from apartment and forced to move into an old small dilapidated flat with no electricity or heating. She hangs out with some losers who also try to escape this unbearable world by sniffing glue and taking pills. Her only true friend is the 11-year-old boy Moldova who is with Lila the whole time. His he doesnt want to go home because his father is very violent so Moldova crashes in her apartment. He has falling in love with Britney Spears, but also falls in love with Lila too. He also dreams to play basketball professionally. Together Lila and Moldova travel around the area and fantasize about how one could make life easier to live. One day as the two of them are sitting on a bench Lila decides to scratches her name on a bench so it never disappears. As she cant find a job she is forced to prostitutes herself. After a firs paycheck she buys a basketball to her friend Voladja, because he had never had a basketball before. When he played by himself he threw a soda can instead of a ball. Well after a while Lila finds out that she cant bear sleeping with strangers so she stops. So in many ways she tries to coupe with a situa...

Biblical narratives Coursework Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

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Who Moved My Cheese by Johnson Spencer Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Who Moved My Cheese by Johnson Spencer - Essay Example This prevents the change from getting an individual by surprise. Quick adaption to the change is necessary. This calls for the release of the old cheese to enjoy a new one. It is advisable to move before the change. As in the case of the mice in the book, the move fast in search of new food supply and have quick instincts to adapt upon depletion of the existing supply. It is also very significant to accept a change in order to move ahead. In case someone faces change, do not waste precious time blaming others. Quickly move with the cheese. It is also advisable to enjoy a new cheese but does not create a comfort zone in the new cheese. Try to take the positive bit of a change and seize the opportunity to learn new ideas. To keep up with the pace some changes are of need. This calls the rearrangement of the staffs to face a new change for managers. People can also stay at one point for a long time since most of them are not ready to change for another cheese. Management purposes that i f one does not change become extinct. Most people wait until the environment presents no any other option but only a change. This is the worst management practice. People should practice counteracting the fear of the new cheese. People should also practice movement in the right direction. The application of the lesson learned in this book can help in both personal profession and management. This would prompt an individual to be keen to details and welcome a reason for a change. Always have the confidence of unknown to bury the fear.