The North Wind and the Sun Essay Example for Free

The North Wind and the sunbathe EssayThe North Wind and the Sun is about two different personalities and how they operate to get things done.The North Wind is in truth arrogant and has a personality that is very strong. He is also very impatient, he wants things done immediately and he wants it done his way. He is the type who intimidates tribe and could very well be the type to instil fear in his subordinates. This type of shotgun-in-your-face approach will work against some people until you come across individuals who have a mind of their own. Some people make it a point to resist very strong individuals and this could pose a problem especially when North Winds are leaders.When that happens, it is the personality of the Sun which can win them over. Personalities handle the Sun do not impose their wants and needs. Personalities like the Sun do not make demands nor put pressure on people. They have realized that a better approach to getting what they want is to be subtle. The y have mastered the art of manipulating individuals into doing what they (the Sun) wants by making them (the individuals) think that they decide and act for themselves. It is this subtlety that makes people like the Sun more effective leaders.The human in this story, like in most stories of Greek and Roman mythology, is the plaything of the Sun and the North Wind. He is at the mercy of their whims. So when these two entities decide to test their strength through a competition, this hapless man becomes their focus.They were quite smart because in hostelry to settle their dispute, they did not ask for the mans opinion. They did not come down from the heavens to ask who is stronger? Instead they decided to settle their quarrel by watching the humans reaction to the force they exerted. He, in essence, acted as a fair and impartial judge in a contest he did not know he was mediating.

Reasons for Customer Service Policies

Reasons for Customer Service PoliciesCustomer benefit is defined by (wiseGEEK. 2017) as the act of providing nodes with helpful and positive experience, before after and during purchasing something, others like Staff, I. (2017) say that node serve is the process of ensuring client satisfaction, anyway we olfactory sensation at it customer service focus on customer satisfaction. This report is based on customer service at Secrets resorts and spas in Montego Bay, where the researcher is a manager and the job description is the promoting of a customer-focused culture and to train and develop staff to erect quality customer service. This report leave be in the four-paragraph format and I will discuss the reasons for using customer service policies in this Organization and the importance of having customer service policies in the organization.Research findingsReasons for customer service policiesGives a stable competitor advantage.Promotes a good working environment.Increase embo dy efficiency.(prezi.com, 2017)The importance of having customer service policies in the organization call or break a reputation.Customers will pay more for better customer service.Customer service has a big impact.(Desk.com, 2017).In an organization, customer service is the patronagebone of how the business survives and this is the customer expectation of a business, good customer service and exceeding expectation (Nimetz,2017). Implementing customer service policies so that employees and employers alike will be on the like track as to how the customer service policies work in that organization, there are some reasons as to why customer service policies should be implemented theses are as follows. Customer services policies give a stable competitor advantage, this means that the competitor is selling the like service or product at the same price or maybe in the same location, what would make the difference is the customer service, this is what keeps the customer approaching bac k. customer service policies also promote a good working environment to do this, employers have to motivate staff so that they can provide a good working environment for others and show that they are positive about the company customer service and doing all of this will increase cost efficiency by rising customer retention which will improve profits and in return customers will tell others of the great customer service they receive hence promoting the business (prezi.com, 2017).ConclusionCustomer service is very important in the hospitality industry and business overall as customers hand money where they feel valued so implementing policies so that everyone can be on the same page and deliver impeccable customer service is a great idea (Williams, 2017). Customer service policies make or break a reputation, in this modern world where technology is at the tap of the flick and different reviews can be posted right there and then. People are more prompt to post bad reviews and these r eviews are what other quite a little view to see if that organization is for them (Desk.com, 2017). It is a fact that customers will pay more if the customer service is much better than the competition that is selling the same product or service.desk.com 2017 states that Surveys have shown that 86 % of consumers would pay more for a better customer experience. People will always pay more if they count on that they are getting a value for money which includes premiums experiences, early and better feature of whatever service they are purchasing (Desk.com, 2017). The essential point is that customer service has a great impact on the organization, it is a lot cheaper to keep your existing customer than to get new ones, with the cost of advertising and promotion.desk.com, 2017 said that The U.S. Small Business Administration claims 68% of customers leave because theyre upset with the treatment theyve received, this cost business a lot of money trying to build back their reputation and get back customers (Desk.com, 2017).

Role of Franchising in Business Growth

Role of Franchising in line of carre four-spots GrowthCHAPTER ONE INTRODUCTIONINTRODUCTIONFranchising has set ab push through adept of the most recognizable vocation initialises and an internationalization dodging for moving in practitioners glob eachy and withal in the unit of measuremente Kingdom especially in the demeanor entrepreneurs ar operating at a lower place otherwise large numbers duty invention. It has emerged all over the years as a public expansion schema for a variety of reaping and serv wish-wash companies.This research critically examines how franchising play vital experience in sell credit line branch and expansion in the viands industry, using the edge Mc Donalds as a case study. The research looks at the importance of franchising, and go away be really in nisusative for brass instruments and stakeholders directly and indirectly involves in franchising art.This chapter looks at the research background, organization background, the research problem, the aim and objectives of the study, the scope and limitations, brief introduction of the study discipline and the social system of the research.RESEARCH BACKGROUNDFranchising is basically a alter form of licensing in which the franchisor not only leases intangible property (normally a hit by pock) to the exemptione but also insists that the rightfulnesse reconcile to a controle by strict rules as to how it does headache enterprise. The franchisor go away often assist the dealershipe to poke start the tune on an ongoing basis, (Hill 2008.pp 408). It is similar to licensing, although franchising tends to involve longer confines commitments than licensing.Franchising is a method of distributing point of intersections or sponsorers. At least(prenominal) devil levels of population are mired in a certify placement, that is to say the Franchisor, who lends his trade mark or trade name and a business governance and the Franchisee, who pays a royalty and often an initial fee for the right to do business under the franchisors name and system of operations, technically, the contract binding the two parties is the immunity. Franchising has emerged in recent years as a in high spiritsly significant strategy for business suppuration, cable creation, and economic development at twain topical anaesthetic and international retail business arena, (Hoffman Prebble, 1995.p 80). It has moved from traditional product (trade mark) knowledge bases such as travels, guneum and light -drink bottlers to be a more than prove format business sentiment.Over 80% of Mc Donald restaurants intercontinental are owned and operated by topical anaesthetic business community and women. They adapted Ray Krocs franchising business strategy of providing high measure of tincture, friendly assistants, cleanliness and value, (QSCV). Also in the hotel industry, companies such as Marriott, Holiday Inn, Hilton and Accor switch employed franc hising as their primary growth strategy globally.Of course, the most surface known restaurant enfranchisement in the worlds is McDonalds. So much has been written just about Ray Kroc and the McDonalds brothers that McDonalds and vulgarism throw become an institution. The counterbalance McDonalds were loose in Des Plaines, Illinois, in 1955 and soon afterward, more McDonalds outlets go along to open. Today there are more than 30,000 McDonalds in 118 countries. There is no motion that when it comes to franchising and fast foods in general, McDonalds is the leader of the pack. (Teixeira, 2005, p. 20).The international franchise association estimates that American consumers spend approximately 1.3 trillion dollars on franchise in force(p)s and services on an annual basis. (Teixeira 2005, p.19). This shows that the franchise strategy is one of the important aspects in fatten outing business and economic development.Different research methods provide be utilise to analyze data / findings for this research, and the man-made lakes of data will admit observations and interviews.This research therefore, foc consumptions on the importance of franchising as a business growth and expansion strategy from both(prenominal) the franchisee and the franchisors post. It also examines the relationship that represents mingled with the franchisee and the franchisor .The benefits of franchising to Mc Donalds (franchisors) in expanding its business globally and its international trade position with leveraging its brand name and business process through the utilization of the capital and local management of its franchisees will also be examine in this research.ORGANIZATION BACKGROUNDMcDonalds Corporation (McDonalds) is one of the worlds largest foodservice retailing chain. The fellowship is known for its burgers and fries which it sells through more than 31,900 fast-food restaurants in over 100 countries. The company originated and operates mainly in the US and has expanded globally to over 100 countries including United Kingdom. It is headquartered in oak tree Brook, Illinois and employs about 400,000people. The company recorded taxs of $23,522.4 million during fiscal year ending December 2008 (FY2008), an outgrowth of 3.2% over FY2007. The operating profit of the company was $6,442.9 million during FY2008, an growth of 66.1% over FY2007. The net profit was $4,313.2 million in FY2008, an increase of 80.1% over FY2007. (McDonalds Corporation companionship indite, (Data monitor) June 2009, p.16)McDonalds restaurants advance a substantially uniform menu, although there qualification be geographical variations. In fiscal year 2008, the company operated more than 31,900 fast food restaurants in over 100 countries in the following geographic segments the US Europe Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa (APMEA) Latin America and Canada.The company is one of the worlds largest food service retailing chain, preparing and serving a range of foods . each(prenominal) McDonalds restaurants offer a standard menu, which comprise food items such as hamburgers, cheeseburgers, chicken sandwiches, Big Mac, run Pounder with Cheese, Filet-O-Fish, Chicken McNuggets, French fries, salads, milk shakes, desserts and ice cream sundaes. Some McDonalds restaurants offer additional food items to suit local taste and preferences and sell a variety of other products during limited-time promotions. (McDonalds Corporation Company profile (Datamonitor), June 2009, p.5)McDonalds obtains revenues through company operated restaurants and franchisee restaurants where over 6,500 are operated by the company and over 25,400 are operated by franchisees and affiliates. The companys revenue comprises sales from company operated restaurants and fees as fountainhead as rent from franchisees and affiliates. Under the franchise arrangement, the franchisees set up in the equipment, signage, seating and decor, while the company owns or leases the soil and ge t alonging. Franchisees pay the company service fees and rent for premises. A service fee is set as a percentage of sales, while rent and other name of occupancy are stipulated in the franchise learnment, which is force for a period of 20 years. (McDonalds Corporation Company profile, June 2009)The company and its franchisees as well as affiliates source purchase food, packaging, equipment and other goods from approved suppliers. The company maintains whole step standards through assurance laboratories around the world. A quality assurance board, including the companys technical, safety and supply chain specialists, bid guidance on all aspects of food quality and safety.The major competitors of McDonalds include Starbucks corporations, Burger Kings Inc, Kentucky deep-fried Chicken (KFC), and other upcoming high streets food restaurants worldwide. (McDonalds Corporation Company profile, (Datamonitor) June 2009)In October 1974, the company opened its 3000th restaurant and the f irst in the U.K in woolwich, southerly-east London, (Business franchise, 2009). The U.K headoffice was sited in Hampstead, North London.Web1 Also in 1986, the first U.K franchisee- operated restaurant opened in Hayes, Middlesex, (Business franchise,2009) and the first Drive-thru restaurants opened in U.K at fallowfield, Dudley, Neasden and Coventry. Web1RESEARCH PROBLEMResearch problem forms the basis of most schoolman research study. It is based on this that the aim, objectives and the research questions of most dissertations are formulated. There mustiness be identified problems that the dissertation seems to tackle, mostly business problems.Despite the popularity of franchising among business organizations and entrepreneurs nowadays as a business expansion and development strategy, it has been unacceptable to virtually entrepreneurs because of its disadvantages and risks refer. To these groups of individuals, setting up and management of owned business is the best option, n o matter which forms it take to receive. The assurance is that franchising is a system of building, expanding and adding value to nighone else active business, which umteen entrepreneurs will always avoid, as Norman(2006) indicated Many conclude the time, effort, money and shift in wildness from running a business to helping others run businesses is not right for their companies,(p3)On the other side, some individuals choose franchising as their best option to start up business because of its merits and less risk involved in starting business. To these pro-franchising entrepreneurs, it plays a major role in business growth and expansion, especially in retail food industry globally.This research, therefore critically examines these arguments and answer the question how is franchising vital to retail business growth and expansion according to the views of the pro- franchising business entrepreneurs.SIGNIFICACE OF THE subject fieldTheoretically, a broad range of literature does exist on franchising c at one timepts and in most instances, there seems to be gap between theory and practice in most business organizations. However, it is significant to find out the practicality of the literature in real life situations. It is essential therefore, to carry out this study in range to find out whether in reality the ideas provided by literatures are actually revolving around management issues and applied to business organizations.The findings of this study will assist a wide range of stakeholders cheered in franchising business including the government, private sectors, and local authorities to increase the general understanding and knowledge of franchising particularly in the food sector. To the researchers, academicians, it helps deepen further research in business development who will be interested in franchising in the future.RESEARCH AIM AND OBJECTIVESThe main aim of this dissertation is to investigate how franchising play an essential role in retail busine ss growth and expansion in the food industry.Research ObjectivesIn revisal to achieve the above stated aim, the following objectives will be specifyAnalyze the impacts and importance of franchising (business format) on organizations (business) growth and expansion.Assess the benefits of franchised businesses on the socio-economic growth of the economy.To confine whether economic conditions affects the success of franchising as a strategy for business growth and expansion.Investigate the importance of the franchisee-franchisor relationship on the business growth and expansion.Examine the risks involved in the franchising relationship.Examine the effects/impacts of globalization on franchising as a business growth and expansion strategy.To make suggestions and recommendations based on the findings elicited by the study.THE SCOPE OF THE STUDYThe study was carried out in London covering using one of the McDonalds restaurants as the study area. The content of the study was to understa nd how franchising contributes to business growth and expansion in retail business sector.THE STUDY AREALondon is one of the cities of England it is the capital city of England and the United Kingdom. It has 32 boroughs, of which 13 are in the inner London and 19 earn the outer London. (Office for National Statistics Online). Web2cited.It is a growing city spreading out and swallowing many villages and towns in the south east of England. Because of this, there are many unlike definitions of London and Greater London and the race of London varies accordingly. As the capital city, London occupies over 6,267 squarely miles (16,043km2). London population is heavily concentrated at about 4,539 people per sq km/ 11,568 per sq mi. Web3According to the figure from the April 2001 census, London population was 7,172,000. This represents 14.6 percent of the total population of Britain. The population as of mid 2005 was thought to have been increased to 7,517,700 of which about half of this figure lives in inner and central London and the prevailing lives in outer boroughs. Web 3Londons population has bad every year since 1988, and it is likely that in the years to 2031, it will continue its steady growth. The study area lies in inner London borough of Westminster, which lies in the ill-tempered business environment of the city (central business district), It is very close to the seat of power, the parliament, and it is very close to many international business environments, busy London streets, holidaymaker attractions like the London eye, Trafalgar square, British museum, National Gallery, National Art gallery, Covent Garden- since its redevelopment in the mid-seventies has become a popular piazza and gist for visitor activity in Londons cultural district with theatre, opera and ballet venues. (Page et al, 2001.p122). London is a multicultural city, where antithetical people from around the world lives and study, it comprises of individuals with several(a) c ultural background.Because of the above description about the study area, it has become an important area to carry out this research, because of the concentration of other franchised business in the area. organize OF THE RESEARCHChapter One (Introduction) This state clearly the purpose of the dissertation, it includes the background of the study, significant of study, the statement of the research problems, organization background, the research aims and objectives, scope and limitations of the study. It also describes the study area briefly.Chapter devil (Literature Review) This section deals with the academic review of texts, journals, articles and so on, germane(predicate) to this research topic. It also discusses model and relevant theoretical ideas on the subject matter.Chapter Three (Research Methodology) comprises the methodological analysis used for this study. It includes the styles and techniques chosen in collecting primary and secondary data/ informations for this resea rch purpose.Chapter Four (Data psychoanalysis/ Research Findings) The chapter that report and describes the findings of the survey to be undertaken, it describes both primary and secondary findings.Chapter Five (Conclusions and Recommendations) This chapter set out the main findings of the dissertations linking it with the literature reviews and the research findings. It also sets out clear recommendations which came out of the research work.CHAPTER TWO literature REVIEWINTRODUCTIONThis chapter provides a review of relevant literatures on franchising. It will be used as a base to throw more uncontaminating on the importance of franchising concept and the roles it plays in business growth and expansion. The literatures were selected and critically evaluated in a bid to sift the relevant informations, and portray the opinions of relevant authors. It offers academic insight to research previously conducted by authors on the importance of franchising to retail business growth. Lastly , the section acknowledges the point research questions for this study.DEFINITIONS OF FRANCHISING CONCEPTHill, (2008) defines franchising as a narrow form of licensing in which the franchisor not only sells the intangible property (normally a trademark) to the franchisee, but it also insists that the franchisee agree to abide by strict rules as to how it does business, (p.408). It normally involves long term commitments than licensing.On the other hand, Business format franchising is a joint venture between an independent person (the franchisee) and a business owner (the franchisor) who wants to expand its activities. The venture is governed by a contract. This gives the franchisee the right to operate using the franchisors trade name/ trademark, in accordance with a business format or blueprint. All aspects of the franchisees business are strictly controlled including image, products or service, systems and administration. (HSBC Bank, 2009.p1)The franchisee pays certain(a) amou nt of money for the right to use the franchisors trademark.Firms use franchise arrangements to extend scarce hearty resources, because the franchisee puts up both an initial fee and much of the capital investment, franchisors are able to expand their markets without having to generate capital by themselves, and in most cases wreak on the knowledge of the local entrepreneurs in expanding their business. This is an attractive option, particularly in mass consumer services such as fast food that require the grammatical construction of many units to achieve brand name recognition and increased market share like McDonalds Restaurants. plan HISTORY AND DEVELOPMENT IN FRANCHISINGFranchising is highly develop in the USA, although popular in the UK, but a recent phenomenon. Its development dates back to the end of the American civil war (1865), when the singer sewing company franchised exclusive sales territories to financially independent operators. In 1898, General motors used independ ently owned businesses to increase its distribution outlet. (Lancaster Reynolds, 2005, p160).At some point, there were some form of dis proportionatenesss and arguments among historians in the United States regarding when the franchise system first started.According to Bythe Bennett,(2008), franchising began to gain acceptance as a viable business arrangement with the growth of automobile industry, and also in the petroleum industry during the 1930s, (p.234)Franchising became one of the fastest growing types of retailing business in the United Kingdom in recent years.It was introduced into the UK in the early 1950s and since those early days, has become respectable and often very profitable business concept as a result of explosion in the number of franchises being operated. Today franchising encompasses products from pipes to pastries and includes such well known names as Body Shop, Kentucky Fried Chicken, McDonalds, and so on. (Lancaster Massingham, 1999, p269).For instance, Over 80% of Mc Donald restaurants worldwide are owned and operated by local entrepreneurs. They adapted Ray Krocs franchising business strategy of providing high standard of quality, friendly services, cleanliness and value, (QSCV). Also in the hotel industry, companies such as Marriott, Holiday Inn, Hilton and Accor have employed franchising as their primary growth strategy globally.The first McDonalds were opened in Des Plaines, Illinois, in 1955 and soon afterward, more McDonalds outlets continued to open. Today, McDonalds has over 300,000 restaurants in 119 countries outside the U.S or in non-traditional site messs in the US. There is no doubt that when it comes to franchising and fast foods in general, McDonalds is the leader of the pack. Of course, the most well known restaurant franchise in the world today is McDonalds and so much has been written about Ray krok and the McDonalds brothers that McDonalds and Crock have become an institution. (Teixeira, 2005. p.20-21).Teixeira, (20 05, p21), indicated that during sixties and 1970s, the growth of franchise industry exploded and continued to gain appeal with a boom mostly in Europe, on an increased rate, and this has been swaned also by welsh (1992) in Doole Robin (2004) franchising has grown rapidly during the 1990s due to the strong interest in a variety of franchise formats, (p.230). These successes remain an ongoing process.According to Ghauri Cateora (2005, p.280), franchising has become the fastest growing market entry strategy, it is often among the first types of outside(prenominal) retail business to open in the emergent market economies of Eastern Europe, the former USSR, and China.It has become successful as it is evidenced in most retail food business, and it has now become a major business growth and development and marketing strategy globally. It can be viewed from these two perspectives.McDonalds is a good example of organization that has grown with franchising strategy, (Hill, 2008.p.408).Fr anchising explosion in recent years however has increasingly saturated the domestic market, where businesses are opening in airports, sports stadiums, colleges, hospitals, parks, casinos, pools and other strategic locations globally. (Kotler Keller, 2006.p508)Lastly, the surge in franchising has been underpinned by the efforts of disparate bodies who regulates the activities of franchised organizations, like the International Franchise Association, (IFA), British Franchising Association, (BFA) various franchising organizations globally, which has developed codes of practice for franchising entrepreneurs, and in doing so, has recorded rise and greatly helped to reduce the risks to both franchisees and the franchisors. (BFA NatWest Bank, 1991).TYPES OF FRANCHISINGMonir (1999 pp.164) identified two major types of franchising in his book. These includeFirst Generation/Product Distribution Franchising simply sells the franchisors products and is supplier-dealer relationships. In produc t distribution franchising, the franchisor licenses its trademark and logo to the franchisees but typically does not provide them with an entire system for running their business. This is often common with soft drink-bottling industries, automobile, and in petrol retailing.Second Generation/Business format franchising by contrast, the franchisor transfers a much more general business package (the format) to vendees of the franchisee. This contains most of the elements needed by the buyer to establish and replicate the business. The buyer also receives luxuriant instructions and guidance on how to operate the franchise successfully, managerial expertise, training and perhaps financial pledge if need be.Diagram 1 Showing Two major types of franchisingThere have been other divisions of franchising as recognized by other authors identified as important for the understanding of this research. Justis Judd, (2007, p.56) identifies two major types of franchising namely product and trad e name and business format franchising. Nathan, (2008 p.54) also classifies business format franchising into six major groupings as follows executive, job, investment, management, retail, sales and distribution franchise. Also, on the other hand, Murray (2006, p.23), identifies four major categories as, Job, Retail, Management and Investment Franchising.Franchise ArrangementsBeshel (2001,p3), reiterated that because of the possibilities of so many franchisors, industries and range of investments, there exists different types of franchise arrangements available to business owner. Two types of franchise arrangements were identifiedSingle-Unit(direct) franchiseMulti-Unit Franchise ( Area development and Master development franchise)A single-unit (direct-unit) franchise is an agreement where the franchisor grants a franchisee the rights to open and operate one franchise unit. This is the simplest and most common type of franchise. It is affirmable, however, for a franchisee to purchase additional single-unit franchises once the original franchise unit begins to prosper, it is then considered a multiple, single-unit relationship.A multi-unit franchise is an agreement where the franchisor grants a franchisee the rights to open and operate more than one unit. Beshel (2001, p3), also identifies two ways in which multi-unit franchise can be achievedAn area development franchise orA master franchise.Under an area development franchise, a franchisee has the right to open more than one unit during a specific time, inside a specified area. For instance, a franchisee may agree to open 5 units over a quintuplet year period in a specified territory, while master franchise agreement gives the franchisee more rights than an area development agreement. In addition to having the right and obligation to open and operate a certain number of units in a defined area, the master franchisee also has the right to sell franchises to other people within the territory, known as sub-franc hises. Therefore, the master franchisee takes over many of the tasks, duties and benefits of the franchisor, such as providing support and training, as well as receiving fees and royalties, (Beshel, 2001, p3-4).Blair Lafontaine (2005, p.90) and Philip et al, (2006, p.77) also identifies the above four classifications as forms of franchising where all the four were grouped together. expression a strong foundation for a successful franchising strategyA successful franchising concept involve an appropriate business strategy and lots of facts have been identified as making a business appropriate to be franchised and make it worthwhile to invest in.According to HSBC Bank, (2009, p1), a well established and proven business format franchise from the franchisee perspective should provide an established market for the franchisors products and services, proven sales, marketing and available procedures, the benefit of an established business name, training (ongoing support and help in runni ng the business), also, where appropriate, help in finding, fitting out and furnishing premises.Hoffman Prebble (2008, p.68) also add some factors that influence the appropriateness of a business concept using franchising including valuable System to sell, proprietary process/ advantage for making the product in acquiring to the end customers, a satisfactory brand/ trade name like McDonalds which will be acceptable to the larger population, and high Profit Margin business.On the other hand, Murray (2004,p.67), shows some possibilities in which potential franchisee get a proven business format and support from the franchisor, which includes, an entire business concept with no bits missing out, with the aid of the operating manuals, trademarks, logos, patents, and standard designs for the layout of the premises, colour and practice of staff uniforms, accounting and financial systems, training and help to set up the business, continuing help and back-up once the business is operatin g, legal right to operate in an exclusive territory and marketing, public relations and advertising support, decor in case of retail franchises, the franchisor will provide design and advice for the fitting and decoration of the stigmatize and the installation of any equipment necessary, records, the franchisor will provide the franchisee with sales report and accounts forms to assist the franchisee maintain accurate financial report.On the franchisors perspectives, Sherman (2003, p414), explains that in order for business growth through franchising, a secure foundation from which companys franchising programme has to be launched. He uses the concept of the responsible franchising as the only way to avoid failure and to find a harmonious relationship with the franchisees. He outlines some of the key components of a responsible franchising strategy. These includes, proven pattern location/ chains of stores, strong management team, fitting capitalization, distinctive and protecte d trade identity, comprehensive training programmes franchisees, proprietary and proven methods of operation and management, field support staff who are skilled trainers and communicators, set of comprehensive legal documents, demonstrated market demand for the companys products and services, set of carefully developed, uniform site selection criteria and architectural standards, genuine understanding of the competition, relationships with suppliers, lenders, real estates developers, franchisee profile and showing system, an effective system of reporting and record-keeping, research and development capabilities, communication system, national, regional and local advertising, marketing and so on.Sherman (2003, p.417), went further to acknowledge that Responsible franchising starts with an understanding of the strategic essence of the franchising structure. He identified three critical components of the franchise systems from the franchisors perspective. The brand, which make outs t he demand, allowing the franchisee to initially obtain customers, the brand includes the companys trademarks and service marks, its trade dress, decor and all of the intangible factors that create customer loyalty and build brand equity, the operating system, which essentially delivers the promise, thereby allowing the franchisee to maintain customer relationships and build loyalty, the ongoing support and training that the franchisors provide, supplying the franchisee with the tools and tips to expand its customer base and build its market share.Sherman, (2003,) also acknowledges the importance of customers in any responsible franchising business concept. He mentions that the responsibly built franchise system is one that provides value to its franchisees by teaching them how to get and keep as many customers as possible who consume as many products and services as possible, as often as possible,(p.417).He concludes that the focus must always be on the customer, where the franchis or essentially licenses and delegates the task of local brand building and market expansion to the franchisee in its local territory. (Sherman, 2003, p.417)Importance of Franchising To Business Growth and ExpansionFranchising has gained much popularity in innovational business environment over the years, because of its success in contributing to business growth and expansion globally which is the primary aim of this research. This can be viewed from the perspective of the franchisee and franchisor respectively.Sherman (2003) acknowledges the growth of a business via business-format franchising in the United States. He maintains that The ability to obtain operating efficiencies and economies of scale are among the reasons for franchising and one of the key components of a responsible franchising strategy is a proven type of location that will serve as a basis for a franchising strategy, (p.411).Over the past three decades, franchising has emerged as a popular expansion strategy for a variety of product and service companies. Sherman,(2003), points to the importance of franchising, he states that recent international franchise association (IFA) statistics demonstrates that retail sales from franchised outlets comprise nearly 50% of all retail sales in the U.S, estimated at more than $900 billion and employing some nine million people in 2000. (p.411)Also in his view, Sherman,( 2003,p 411), points out to what has make franchising so popular in the U.S. and globally as a business development and expansion strategy, from the franchisors view, franchising represents an cost-effective method of rapid market penetration and product distribution, without the typical capital costs associated with internal expansion.On the other hand, from the franchisees perspective, franchising is regarded as a method of owning a business but with a less severe fortune of failure due to the initial and ongoing training and support services offered by the franchisor.According to cha ise longue (2009, p.6) franchising is the key to Global Economic Recovery and that franchise businesses represent some of the worlds best brands. He went on to explain the rate at which fraRole of Franchising in Business GrowthRole of Franchising in Business GrowthCHAPTER ONE INTRODUCTIONINTRODUCTIONFranchising has become one of the most recognizable business formats and an internationalization strategy for business practitioners globally and also in the United Kingdom especially in the way entrepreneurs are operating under other peoples business concept. It has emerged over the years as a popular expansion strategy for a variety of product and service companies.This research critically examines how franchising play vital role in retail business growth and expansion in the food industry, using the Strand Mc Donalds as a case study. The research looks at the importance of franchising, and will be very informative for organizations and stakeholders directly and indirectly involves in franchising business.This chapter looks at the research background, organization background, the research problem, the aim and objectives of the study, the scope and limitations, brief introduction of the study area and the structure of the research.RESEARCH BACKGROUNDFranchising is basically a specialized form of licensing in which the franchisor not only leases intangible property (normally a trademark) to the franchisee but also insists that the franchisee agree to abide by strict rules as to how it does business. The franchisor will often assist the franchisee to run the business on an ongoing basis, (Hill 2008.pp 408). It is similar to licensing, although franchising tends to involve longer term commitments than licensing.Franchising is a method of distributing products or services. At least two levels of people are involved in a franchise agreement, namely the Franchisor, who lends his trade mark or trade name and a business system and the Franchisee, who pays a royalty and of ten an initial fee for the right to do business under the franchisors name and system of operations, technically, the contract binding the two parties is the franchise. Franchising has emerged in recent years as a highly significant strategy for business growth, job creation, and economic development at both local and international retail business arena, (Hoffman Prebble, 1995.p 80). It has moved from traditional product (trade mark) areas such as automobiles, petroleum and soft -drink bottlers to be a more proven format business concept.Over 80% of Mc Donald restaurants worldwide are owned and operated by local businessmen and women. They adapted Ray Krocs franchising business strategy of providing high standard of quality, friendly services, cleanliness and value, (QSCV). Also in the hotel industry, companies such as Marriott, Holiday Inn, Hilton and Accor have employed franchising as their primary growth strategy globally.Of course, the most well known restaurant franchise in the worlds is McDonalds. So much has been written about Ray Kroc and the McDonalds brothers that McDonalds and Crock have become an institution. The first McDonalds were opened in Des Plaines, Illinois, in 1955 and soon afterward, more McDonalds outlets continued to open. Today there are more than 30,000 McDonalds in 118 countries. There is no doubt that when it comes to franchising and fast foods in general, McDonalds is the leader of the pack. (Teixeira, 2005, p. 20).The international franchise association estimates that American consumers spend approximately 1.3 trillion dollars on franchise goods and services on an annual basis. (Teixeira 2005, p.19). This shows that the franchise strategy is one of the important aspects in expanding business and economic development.Different research methods will be used to analyze data/ findings for this research, and the sources of data will include observations and interviews.This research therefore, focuses on the importance of franchising as a business growth and expansion strategy from both the franchisee and the franchisors perspective. It also examines the relationship that exists between the franchisee and the franchisor .The benefits of franchising to Mc Donalds (franchisors) in expanding its business globally and its international market position through leveraging its brand name and business process through the utilization of the capital and local management of its franchisees will also be examine in this research.ORGANIZATION BACKGROUNDMcDonalds Corporation (McDonalds) is one of the worlds largest foodservice retailing chain. The company is known for its burgers and fries which it sells through more than 31,900 fast-food restaurants in over 100 countries. The company originated and operates mainly in the US and has expanded globally to over 100 countries including United Kingdom. It is headquartered in Oak Brook, Illinois and employs about 400,000people. The company recorded revenues of $23,522.4 million during fiscal year ending December 2008 (FY2008), an increase of 3.2% over FY2007. The operating profit of the company was $6,442.9 million during FY2008, an increase of 66.1% over FY2007. The net profit was $4,313.2 million in FY2008, an increase of 80.1% over FY2007. (McDonalds Corporation Company profile, (Data monitor) June 2009, p.16)McDonalds restaurants offer a substantially uniform menu, although there might be geographic variations. In financial year 2008, the company operated more than 31,900 fast food restaurants in over 100 countries in the following geographic segments the US Europe Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa (APMEA) Latin America and Canada.The company is one of the worlds largest food service retailing chain, preparing and serving a range of foods. All McDonalds restaurants offer a standard menu, which comprise food items such as hamburgers, cheeseburgers, chicken sandwiches, Big Mac, Quarter Pounder with Cheese, Filet-O-Fish, Chicken McNuggets, French fries, sala ds, milk shakes, desserts and ice cream sundaes. Some McDonalds restaurants offer additional food items to suit local taste and preferences and sell a variety of other products during limited-time promotions. (McDonalds Corporation Company profile (Datamonitor), June 2009, p.5)McDonalds generates revenues through company operated restaurants and franchisee restaurants where over 6,500 are operated by the company and over 25,400 are operated by franchisees and affiliates. The companys revenue comprises sales from company operated restaurants and fees as well as rent from franchisees and affiliates. Under the franchise arrangement, the franchisees invest in the equipment, signage, seating and decor, while the company owns or leases the land and building. Franchisees pay the company service fees and rent for premises. A service fee is set as a percentage of sales, while rent and other terms of occupancy are stipulated in the franchise agreement, which is drawn for a period of 20 years. (McDonalds Corporation Company profile, June 2009)The company and its franchisees as well as affiliates source purchase food, packaging, equipment and other goods from approved suppliers. The company maintains quality standards through assurance laboratories around the world. A quality assurance board, including the companys technical, safety and supply chain specialists, provide guidance on all aspects of food quality and safety.The major competitors of McDonalds include Starbucks corporations, Burger Kings Inc, Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC), and other upcoming high streets food restaurants worldwide. (McDonalds Corporation Company profile, (Datamonitor) June 2009)In October 1974, the company opened its 3000th restaurant and the first in the U.K in woolwich, south-east London, (Business franchise, 2009). The U.K headoffice was sited in Hampstead, North London.Web1 Also in 1986, the first U.K franchisee- operated restaurant opened in Hayes, Middlesex, (Business franchise,2009) and t he first Drive-thru restaurants opened in U.K at fallowfield, Dudley, Neasden and Coventry. Web1RESEARCH PROBLEMResearch problem forms the basis of most academic research study. It is based on this that the aim, objectives and the research questions of most dissertations are formulated. There must be identified problems that the dissertation seems to tackle, mostly business problems.Despite the popularity of franchising among business organizations and entrepreneurs nowadays as a business expansion and development strategy, it has been unacceptable to some entrepreneurs because of its disadvantages and risks involved. To these groups of individuals, setting up and management of owned business is the best option, no matter which forms it take to start. The assumption is that franchising is a system of building, expanding and adding value to someone else existing business, which many entrepreneurs will always avoid, as Norman(2006) indicated Many conclude the time, effort, money and s hift in emphasis from running a business to helping others run businesses is not right for their companies,(p3)On the other side, some individuals choose franchising as their best option to start up business because of its merits and less risk involved in starting business. To these pro-franchising entrepreneurs, it plays a major role in business growth and expansion, especially in retail food industry globally.This research, therefore critically examines these arguments and answer the question how is franchising vital to retail business growth and expansion according to the views of the pro- franchising business entrepreneurs.SIGNIFICACE OF THE STUDYTheoretically, a broad range of literature does exist on franchising concepts and in most instances, there seems to be gap between theory and practice in most business organizations. However, it is significant to find out the practicality of the literature in real life situations. It is essential therefore, to carry out this study in or der to find out whether in reality the ideas provided by literatures are actually revolving around management issues and applied to business organizations.The findings of this study will assist a wide range of stakeholders interested in franchising business including the government, private sectors, and local authorities to increase the general understanding and knowledge of franchising particularly in the food sector. To the researchers, academicians, it helps deepen further research in business development who will be interested in franchising in the future.RESEARCH AIM AND OBJECTIVESThe main aim of this dissertation is to investigate how franchising play an essential role in retail business growth and expansion in the food industry.Research ObjectivesIn order to achieve the above stated aim, the following objectives will be specifiedAnalyze the impacts and importance of franchising (business format) on organizations (business) growth and expansion.Assess the benefits of franchise d businesses on the socio-economic growth of the economy.To determine whether economic conditions affects the success of franchising as a strategy for business growth and expansion.Investigate the importance of the franchisee-franchisor relationship on the business growth and expansion.Examine the risks involved in the franchising relationship.Examine the effects/impacts of globalization on franchising as a business growth and expansion strategy.To make suggestions and recommendations based on the findings elicited by the study.THE SCOPE OF THE STUDYThe study was carried out in London covering using one of the McDonalds restaurants as the study area. The content of the study was to understand how franchising contributes to business growth and expansion in retail business sector.THE STUDY AREALondon is one of the cities of England it is the capital city of England and the United Kingdom. It has 32 boroughs, of which 13 are in the inner London and 19 constitute the outer London. (Offi ce for National Statistics Online). Web2cited.It is a growing city spreading out and swallowing many villages and towns in the south east of England. Because of this, there are many conflicting definitions of London and Greater London and the population of London varies accordingly. As the capital city, London occupies over 6,267 square miles (16,043km2). London population is heavily concentrated at about 4,539 people per sq km/ 11,568 per sq mi. Web3According to the figure from the April 2001 census, London population was 7,172,000. This represents 14.6 percent of the total population of Britain. The population as of mid 2005 was thought to have been increased to 7,517,700 of which about half of this figure lives in inner and central London and the remaining lives in outer boroughs. Web 3Londons population has grown every year since 1988, and it is likely that in the years to 2031, it will continue its steady growth. The study area lies in inner London borough of Westminster, which lies in the busy business environment of the city (central business district), It is very close to the seat of power, the parliament, and it is very close to many international business environments, busy London streets, tourist attractions like the London eye, Trafalgar square, British museum, National Gallery, National Art gallery, Covent Garden- since its redevelopment in the 1970s has become a popular piazza and nucleus for visitor activity in Londons cultural district with theatre, opera and ballet venues. (Page et al, 2001.p122). London is a multicultural city, where different people from around the world lives and study, it comprises of individuals with diverse cultural background.Because of the above description about the study area, it has become an important area to carry out this research, because of the concentration of other franchised business in the area.STRUCTURE OF THE RESEARCHChapter One (Introduction) This state clearly the purpose of the dissertation, it include s the background of the study, significant of study, the statement of the research problems, organization background, the research aims and objectives, scope and limitations of the study. It also describes the study area briefly.Chapter Two (Literature Review) This section deals with the academic review of texts, journals, articles and so on, relevant to this research topic. It also discusses model and relevant theoretical ideas on the subject matter.Chapter Three (Research Methodology) comprises the methodology used for this study. It includes the styles and techniques chosen in collecting primary and secondary data/ informations for this research purpose.Chapter Four (Data Analysis/ Research Findings) The chapter that report and describes the findings of the survey to be undertaken, it describes both primary and secondary findings.Chapter Five (Conclusions and Recommendations) This chapter set out the main findings of the dissertations linking it with the literature reviews and th e research findings. It also sets out clear recommendations which came out of the research work.CHAPTER TWO LITERATURE REVIEWINTRODUCTIONThis chapter provides a review of relevant literatures on franchising. It will be used as a base to throw more light on the importance of franchising concept and the roles it plays in business growth and expansion. The literatures were selected and critically evaluated in a bid to sift the relevant informations, and portray the opinions of relevant authors. It offers academic insight to research previously conducted by authors on the importance of franchising to retail business growth. Lastly, the section acknowledges the principal research questions for this study.DEFINITIONS OF FRANCHISING CONCEPTHill, (2008) defines franchising as a specialized form of licensing in which the franchisor not only sells the intangible property (normally a trademark) to the franchisee, but it also insists that the franchisee agree to abide by strict rules as to how it does business, (p.408). It usually involves long term commitments than licensing.On the other hand, Business format franchising is a joint venture between an independent person (the franchisee) and a business owner (the franchisor) who wants to expand its activities. The venture is governed by a contract. This gives the franchisee the right to operate using the franchisors trade name/ trademark, in accordance with a business format or blueprint. All aspects of the franchisees business are strictly controlled including image, products or service, systems and administration. (HSBC Bank, 2009.p1)The franchisee pays certain amount of money for the right to use the franchisors trademark.Firms use franchise arrangements to extend scarce firm resources, because the franchisee puts up both an initial fee and much of the capital investment, franchisors are able to expand their markets without having to generate capital by themselves, and in most cases exploit on the knowledge of the local entrepreneurs in expanding their business. This is an attractive option, particularly in mass consumer services such as fast food that require the construction of many units to achieve brand name recognition and increased market share like McDonalds Restaurants.BRIEF HISTORY AND DEVELOPMENT IN FRANCHISINGFranchising is highly developed in the USA, although popular in the UK, but a recent phenomenon. Its development dates back to the end of the American civil war (1865), when the singer sewing company franchised exclusive sales territories to financially independent operators. In 1898, General motors used independently owned businesses to increase its distribution outlet. (Lancaster Reynolds, 2005, p160).At some point, there were some form of disagreements and arguments among historians in the United States regarding when the franchise system first started.According to Bythe Bennett,(2008), franchising began to gain acceptance as a viable business arrangement with the growth of auto mobile industry, and also in the petroleum industry during the 1930s, (p.234)Franchising became one of the fastest growing types of retailing business in the United Kingdom in recent years.It was introduced into the UK in the early 1950s and since those early days, has become respectable and often very profitable business concept as a result of explosion in the number of franchises being operated. Today franchising encompasses products from pipes to pastries and includes such well known names as Body Shop, Kentucky Fried Chicken, McDonalds, and so on. (Lancaster Massingham, 1999, p269).For instance, Over 80% of Mc Donald restaurants worldwide are owned and operated by local entrepreneurs. They adapted Ray Krocs franchising business strategy of providing high standard of quality, friendly services, cleanliness and value, (QSCV). Also in the hotel industry, companies such as Marriott, Holiday Inn, Hilton and Accor have employed franchising as their primary growth strategy globally.The first McDonalds were opened in Des Plaines, Illinois, in 1955 and soon afterward, more McDonalds outlets continued to open. Today, McDonalds has over 300,000 restaurants in 119 countries outside the U.S or in non-traditional site locations in the US. There is no doubt that when it comes to franchising and fast foods in general, McDonalds is the leader of the pack. Of course, the most well known restaurant franchise in the world today is McDonalds and so much has been written about Ray krok and the McDonalds brothers that McDonalds and Crock have become an institution. (Teixeira, 2005. p.20-21).Teixeira, (2005, p21), indicated that during 1960s and 1970s, the growth of franchise industry exploded and continued to gain appeal with a boom mostly in Europe, on an increased rate, and this has been supported also by welsh (1992) in Doole Robin (2004) franchising has grown rapidly during the 1990s due to the strong interest in a variety of franchise formats, (p.230). These successes remai n an ongoing process.According to Ghauri Cateora (2005, p.280), franchising has become the fastest growing market entry strategy, it is often among the first types of foreign retail business to open in the emerging market economies of Eastern Europe, the former USSR, and China.It has become successful as it is evidenced in most retail food business, and it has now become a major business growth and development and marketing strategy globally. It can be viewed from these two perspectives.McDonalds is a good example of organization that has grown with franchising strategy, (Hill, 2008.p.408).Franchising explosion in recent years however has increasingly saturated the domestic market, where businesses are opening in airports, sports stadiums, colleges, hospitals, parks, casinos, pools and other strategic locations globally. (Kotler Keller, 2006.p508)Lastly, the surge in franchising has been underpinned by the efforts of different bodies who regulates the activities of franchised organ izations, like the International Franchise Association, (IFA), British Franchising Association, (BFA) various franchising organizations globally, which has developed codes of practice for franchising entrepreneurs, and in doing so, has recorded progress and greatly helped to reduce the risks to both franchisees and the franchisors. (BFA NatWest Bank, 1991).TYPES OF FRANCHISINGMonir (1999 pp.164) identified two major types of franchising in his book. These includeFirst Generation/Product Distribution Franchising simply sells the franchisors products and is supplier-dealer relationships. In product distribution franchising, the franchisor licenses its trademark and logo to the franchisees but typically does not provide them with an entire system for running their business. This is often common with soft drink-bottling industries, automobile, and in petrol retailing.Second Generation/Business format franchising by contrast, the franchisor transfers a much more comprehensive business pa ckage (the format) to buyers of the franchisee. This contains most of the elements needed by the buyer to establish and replicate the business. The buyer also receives detailed instructions and guidance on how to operate the franchise successfully, managerial expertise, training and perhaps financial support if need be.Diagram 1 Showing Two major types of franchisingThere have been other divisions of franchising as recognized by other authors identified as important for the understanding of this research. Justis Judd, (2007, p.56) identifies two major types of franchising namely product and trade name and business format franchising. Nathan, (2008 p.54) also classifies business format franchising into six major groupings as follows executive, job, investment, management, retail, sales and distribution franchise. Also, on the other hand, Murray (2006, p.23), identifies four major categories as, Job, Retail, Management and Investment Franchising.Franchise ArrangementsBeshel (2001,p3) , reiterated that because of the possibilities of so many franchisors, industries and range of investments, there exists different types of franchise arrangements available to business owner. Two types of franchise arrangements were identifiedSingle-Unit(direct) franchiseMulti-Unit Franchise ( Area development and Master development franchise)A single-unit (direct-unit) franchise is an agreement where the franchisor grants a franchisee the rights to open and operate one franchise unit. This is the simplest and most common type of franchise. It is possible, however, for a franchisee to purchase additional single-unit franchises once the original franchise unit begins to prosper, it is then considered a multiple, single-unit relationship.A multi-unit franchise is an agreement where the franchisor grants a franchisee the rights to open and operate more than one unit. Beshel (2001, p3), also identifies two ways in which multi-unit franchise can be achievedAn area development franchise o rA master franchise.Under an area development franchise, a franchisee has the right to open more than one unit during a specific time, within a specified area. For instance, a franchisee may agree to open 5 units over a five year period in a specified territory, while master franchise agreement gives the franchisee more rights than an area development agreement. In addition to having the right and obligation to open and operate a certain number of units in a defined area, the master franchisee also has the right to sell franchises to other people within the territory, known as sub-franchises. Therefore, the master franchisee takes over many of the tasks, duties and benefits of the franchisor, such as providing support and training, as well as receiving fees and royalties, (Beshel, 2001, p3-4).Blair Lafontaine (2005, p.90) and Philip et al, (2006, p.77) also identifies the above four classifications as forms of franchising where all the four were grouped together.Building a strong f oundation for a successful franchising strategyA successful franchising concept needs an appropriate business strategy and lots of facts have been identified as making a business appropriate to be franchised and make it worthwhile to invest in.According to HSBC Bank, (2009, p1), a well established and proven business format franchise from the franchisee perspective should provide an established market for the franchisors products and services, proven sales, marketing and operational procedures, the benefit of an established business name, training (ongoing support and help in running the business), also, where appropriate, help in finding, fitting out and furnishing premises.Hoffman Prebble (2008, p.68) also add some factors that influence the appropriateness of a business concept using franchising including valuable System to sell, proprietary process/ advantage for making the product in getting to the end customers, a satisfactory brand/ trade name like McDonalds which will be ac ceptable to the larger population, and high Profit Margin business.On the other hand, Murray (2004,p.67), shows some possibilities in which potential franchisee get a proven business format and support from the franchisor, which includes, an entire business concept with no bits missing out, with the aid of the operating manuals, trademarks, logos, patents, and standard designs for the layout of the premises, colour and pattern of staff uniforms, accounting and financial systems, training and help to set up the business, continuing help and back-up once the business is operating, legal right to operate in an exclusive territory and marketing, public relations and advertising support, decor in case of retail franchises, the franchisor will provide design and advice for the fitting and decoration of the shop and the installation of any equipment necessary, records, the franchisor will provide the franchisee with sales report and accounts forms to assist the franchisee maintain accurate financial report.On the franchisors perspectives, Sherman (2003, p414), explains that in order for business growth through franchising, a secure foundation from which companys franchising programme has to be launched. He uses the concept of the responsible franchising as the only way to avoid failure and to ensure a harmonious relationship with the franchisees. He outlines some of the key components of a responsible franchising strategy. These includes, proven prototype location/ chains of stores, strong management team, sufficient capitalization, distinctive and protected trade identity, comprehensive training programmes franchisees, proprietary and proven methods of operation and management, field support staff who are skilled trainers and communicators, set of comprehensive legal documents, demonstrated market demand for the companys products and services, set of carefully developed, uniform site selection criteria and architectural standards, genuine understanding of the compet ition, relationships with suppliers, lenders, real estates developers, franchisee profile and screening system, an effective system of reporting and record-keeping, research and development capabilities, communication system, national, regional and local advertising, marketing and so on.Sherman (2003, p.417), went further to acknowledge that Responsible franchising starts with an understanding of the strategic essence of the franchising structure. He identified three critical components of the franchise systems from the franchisors perspective. The brand, which creates the demand, allowing the franchisee to initially obtain customers, the brand includes the companys trademarks and service marks, its trade dress, decor and all of the intangible factors that create customer loyalty and build brand equity, the operating system, which essentially delivers the promise, thereby allowing the franchisee to maintain customer relationships and build loyalty, the ongoing support and training t hat the franchisors provide, supplying the franchisee with the tools and tips to expand its customer base and build its market share.Sherman, (2003,) also acknowledges the importance of customers in any responsible franchising business concept. He mentions that the responsibly built franchise system is one that provides value to its franchisees by teaching them how to get and keep as many customers as possible who consume as many products and services as possible, as often as possible,(p.417).He concludes that the focus must always be on the customer, where the franchisor essentially licenses and delegates the task of local brand building and market expansion to the franchisee in its local territory. (Sherman, 2003, p.417)Importance of Franchising To Business Growth and ExpansionFranchising has gained much popularity in modern business environment over the years, because of its success in contributing to business growth and expansion globally which is the primary aim of this researc h. This can be viewed from the perspective of the franchisee and franchisor respectively.Sherman (2003) acknowledges the growth of a business via business-format franchising in the United States. He maintains that The ability to obtain operating efficiencies and economies of scale are among the reasons for franchising and one of the key components of a responsible franchising strategy is a proven type of location that will serve as a basis for a franchising strategy, (p.411).Over the past three decades, franchising has emerged as a popular expansion strategy for a variety of product and service companies. Sherman,(2003), points to the importance of franchising, he states that recent international franchise association (IFA) statistics demonstrates that retail sales from franchised outlets comprise nearly 50% of all retail sales in the U.S, estimated at more than $900 billion and employing some nine million people in 2000. (p.411)Also in his view, Sherman,( 2003,p 411), points out to what has made franchising so popular in the U.S. and globally as a business development and expansion strategy, from the franchisors view, franchising represents an efficient method of rapid market penetration and product distribution, without the typical capital costs associated with internal expansion.On the other hand, from the franchisees perspective, franchising is regarded as a method of owning a business but with a less severe chance of failure due to the initial and ongoing training and support services offered by the franchisor.According to Shay (2009, p.6) franchising is the key to Global Economic Recovery and that franchise businesses represent some of the worlds best brands. He went on to explain the rate at which fra

Virtual University System Limitations

Virtual University System LimitationsVirtual UniversityLiterature ReviewTechnology to mean solar day allows us to record, analyze, and evaluate the physical world to an unprecedented degree. Enterprises in the revolutionary millennium are increasingly relying on technology to ensure that they meet their mission requirements. It is important to note here that, Educational organizations have been referred to as colonial and ar ceasee enterprises (Massy, 1999). For educational institutions, this reliance on technology leave require new mission statements, revised catalogs and other materials, different information environments and methods of instruction, and, perhaps intimately significantly, new standards for measuring success. To achieve these objectives, several initiatives in the form of web based systems, simulations, games etcetera are being developed and seeked. Among these accesses, simulations and games are found to be the most effective ones (Massy, 1999). The author wi ll review one such initiative, namely Virtual U also known as Virtual University (Virtual U Project, 2003). The author will begin with a brief review of the use of simulation and gaming approaches in educational institutions.In the last decade, behaviorist approach has given way to constructivist approach in the field of instructional design. Behaviorist approach is an instructor led approach in which formal concepts and systems can be transmitted to students by giving them formal descriptions in combination with the presentation of examples (Leemkuil et al., 2000). On the other hand, Constructivist approach is a student led approach in which the students learn through activity or social interaction such as games, simulations, and case studies (Jacques, 1995).Gaming is considered to produce a wide range of learning benefits like, improvement of practical reasoning skills, higher takes of continuing motivation, and reduction of training time and instructor load (Jacobs Dempsey, 199 3). Games are effective communication tools because they are dissembleing period and engaging (Conte, 2003). Simulations are also very close to games. Simulations resemble games in that both contain a model of some kind of system and learners can provide both with input and observe the consequences of their actions (Leemkuil et al., 2000).Virtual U was conceived and designed by William F. Massy, a professor and university administrator and the president of the Jackson Hole high Education Group (PR Newswire, 2000). The project was funded by $1 million from the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation in New York. Data were provided by the Institute for Research on high Education at the University of Pennsylvania (Waters and Toft, 2001). In designing the game, Massy and Ausubel (Program Director, The Alfred P. Sloan Foundation) included detailed data from 1,200 U.S. academic institutions, as well as information culled from government sources (Schevitz, 2000). The jump displacement of Virtual U which was released in the year 2000 was produced by Enlight Software of Hong Kong and was sold commercially for about $129 (Goldie, 2000).The Virtual University system was developed along the lines of the familiar game known as, SimCity. The primary objective of the Virtual U game was to develop the skills of the fakes for managing an educational institution. According to Moore and Williams (2002) Virtual U will let you test your skill, judgment, and decisions, while managing an educational institution. This game based environment has been designed specifically to enable any person to tackle various scenarios and problems that are usually encountered in an educational institution. The game is driven by a powerful simulation engine that uses a combination of micro-analytic and system dynamics methods and draws on an extensive compiling of data on the U.S. higher education system (Massey, 1999). Technically the system was developed using C++ in a windows based environment. Virtua l U in its current state does not run on the Macintosh based systems due to the usage of proprietary windows based graphics. However, it is envisaged by the authors that a interpreting for Macintosh users will be developed in the near future.The Virtual U game employs several strategies and allows the user or the player as per his/her requirements (Rainwater et al., 2003). In general the player is appointed as the University president and allowed to manage the University as a whole. In this role the player is concerned about institution level policies, budget etcetera. Then there are scenario based strategies like improving teaching or research performance in a particular faculty, where the player assumes the role of a faculty head (Rainwater et al., 2003). Lastly there are a possible 18 chance cards. Chance cards are extremity situations that arise during the game play and require immediate attention. Overall, Virtual University not only allows players to explore secondary and te rtiary effects of a couple of old age worth of actions they might take as academic administrators but they can also customize it by adjusting everything from the size of the faculty and student body to the embody of maintaining campus roads and buildings (Conte, 2003).Moore and Williams (2002) identify a few limitations in the Virtual university system.1. One needs to have extensive administrative knowledge or experience to play Virtual U effectively. The amount of prior knowledge required may prohibit some of the audiences to use the system.2. Second limitation is pertaining to performance indicators. There is miss of assessment-informed decision making in the game. The teach better goal is one of the game scenarios, yet there is nowhere a link between the teacher bore and the student learning.3. Educational quality and prestige indicators are the two performance indicators the developer advises the player to pay close attention to. Within the educational quality framework, on e has access to quantitative inputs and outputs (for example, number of degrees granted) rather than measures of quality. Also there are a limited number of variables which a player can chose or adjust (course mix, number of students shut out of courses, level of faculty teaching talent, class size, faculty morale, and faculty time devoted to teaching activities). The prestige indicator is even more limited.4. A final Virtual U limitation identified by Moore and Williams (2002) is its lack of flexibility in the area of faculty management. spot a player may reallocate departmental resources, teaching loads, and priorities in hiring new faculty, he cannot actually fire or remove faculty.The developers acknowledge on several occasions that the game is fairly complex and is not easy for beginners to start with (Massey, 1999). The author of this review believes that learning a complex game will be fairly difficult and time consuming for the users (administrative) who are already on a ti ght time schedule. Even postgraduate research students seldom get time or would like to play games if not related to their own research. Younger students would be easily attracted to such complex games and learn them quick even though it might not be of much use for them in the short term. In addition to these factors the availability of a windows only version of the system will restrict an ever growing community of Macintosh users in the United States educational institutions. Despite the above mentioned limitations, Virtual U is a useful and laudable effort (Moore and Williams, 2002). On the whole the Virtual U is a good introduction to those that wish to get a feel for the day to day operation of a university (Waters and Toft, 2001).ReferencesConte, C. (2003). Honey, I shrunk the deficit Retrieved February 17, 2006, from http//proquest.umi.com/pqdweb?did=77042147Fmt=7clientId=8189RQT=309VName=PQDEllington, H.I. Earl, S. (1998). Using games, simulations and interactive case stud ies a practical guide for tertiary-level teachers. Birmingham SEDA Publications. Leemkuil, H., Jong, T. d., Ootes, S. (2000). Review Of Educational Use Of Games And Simulations. Retrieved February 17, 2006, from http//kits.edte.utwente.nl/documents/D1.pdfGoldie, B. (2000). A computer game lets you manage the university. The Chronicle of higher(prenominal) Education Retrieved February 17, 2006, fromhttp//proquest.umi.com/pqdweb?did=47712857Fmt=7clientId=8189RQT=309VName=PQDJacobs, J.W. Dempsey, J.V. (1993). Simulation and gaming Fidelity, feedback and motivation. In Leemkuil, H., Jong, T. d., Ootes, S. (2000). Review Of Educational Use Of Games And Simulations. Retrieved February 17, 2006, from http//kits.edte.utwente.nl/documents/D1.pdfJacques, D. (1995). Games, simulations and case studies a review. In Leemkuil, H., Jong, T. d., Ootes, S. (2000). Review of Educational Use Of Games And Simulations. Retrieved February 17, 2006, from http//kits.edte.utwente.nl/documents/D1.pdfLee mkuil, H., Jong, T. d., Ootes, S. (2000). Review Of Educational Use Of Games And Simulations. Retrieved February 17, 2006, from http//kits.edte.utwente.nl/documents/D1.pdfMassy, W. F. (1999). Virtual U The University Simulation Game. Retrieved February 17, 2006, from http//www.virtual-u.org/documentation/educause.aspMoore, D. L., Williams, K. (2002). Virtual U. Assessment Update Retrieved February 17, 2006, from http//search.epnet.com/login.aspx?direct=truedb=aphan=10350107loginpage=Login.aspsite=ehostPR Newswire, (2000). Virtual U Released University Management Goes High Tech Computer Simulation Tackles the Management Challenges of Higher Education. February 17, 2006, from http//proquest.umi.com/pqdweb?did=55540413Fmt=7clientId=8189RQT=309VName=PQDRainwater, T., Salkind, N., Sawyer, B., Massy, W. (2003). Virtual U 1.0 Strategy Guide. Retrieved February 17, 2006, from http//www.virtual-u.org/downloads/vu-strategy-guide.pdfSchevitz, T. (2000). University Game Plan / prof emeritus computer simulation lets players test skills as college administrators. San Francisco Chronicle, February 17, 2006, from http//proquest.umi.com/pqdweb?did=47957859Fmt=7clientId=8189RQT=309VName=PQDVirtual U Project. (2003). Virtual U. Retrieved February 17, 2006, from http//www.virtual-u.orgWaters, B., Toft, I. (2001, October) Virtual U A University Systems Simulation. Conflict Management in Higher Education Report Retrieved February 17, 2006, from http//www.campus-adr.org/CMHER/ReportResources/Edition2_1/VirtualU2_1.html

Stem Cells -- Ethics, Research, and Regulation Essay -- Embryonic Stem

Stem Cells -- Ethics, Research, and RegulationI. IntroductionEmbryonic stem cell seek offers both great promise and great peril.- President George W. Bush, Aug. 9, 2001Stem cell research is not new but only recently has it become wide known to the public beca physical exercise the benefits of the technology are coming closer to reality the field of stem cell biology is advancing at an incredible footstep with new discoveries being reported in scientific literature on a weekly basis. Scientists first proclaimed a method of fuck offing embryotic stem cells in a laboratory in 1981, but the cells were from a mouse. It wasnt until five years ago that James Thomson (pictured to the leftP3) at the University of Wisconsin- Madison announced that he was able to isolate cells from the blastocyst of an early embryo.5 From research he gathered in the fields of applied reproductive biology and mouse embryology, he was able to develop the first human being embryonic stem cell lines. At the sa me time as Mr. Thomson, John Gearhart (pictured to the rightP4)reported the first derivation of human embryonic germ cells from the primordial germ cells located inside the fetal gonadal tissue that is key in the development of eggs and sperm. Dr. Gearhart, working at Johns Hopkins University with other prominent stem cell researchers, was then able to develop pluripotent stem cell lines by isolating stem cells from early human embryos and grow them in culture. Most recent research is focusing on two types of stem cells pluripotent cells and adult stem cells that have been in clinical use for use but just recently were discovered to be able to develop into cells that have many of the characteristics of neurons. But even with all the information known alrea... ... the case Bioethics Advisory Commission.4. National Institutes of Health Online. 27 August 2001. National Institutes of Health Update. 5. National Institutes of Health Online. September 2002. Stem Cell Primer. Pictures related to topic may be foud atP1. http//www.americanfieldguide.org/newshour/extra/features/july-dec01/stem_cells.htmlP2. http//www.stemcellresearch.org/P3. http//www.jsonline.com/lifestyle/people/aug01/jamie05080201.aspP4. http//www.stemcellresearchfoundation.net/Research/Gearhart.htmP5. http//www.nih.gov/news/stemcell/primer.htmP6. http//www.klaj.nu/bilder/glasyrkonst/embryo.jpgP7. http//organtx.org/images/stem%20cells%20022301.jpgP8. http//www.firstivf.com/ivf.htm

The Sound and the Fury Essay -- Sound Fury

The Sound and the Fury Chronology of DespairThree little boys contain wearily and fearfully as their sister shimmies quickly up a tree to peer through the window of a dilapidated Southern farmhouse. Our direction focuses neither on her reaction to the festivities commencing in the house, nor on the danger suspended nervously in the dusky air as the tiny image worms up the tree trunk. Sensing the distress apparent in the boys words and actions, our eyes rivet to the same thing that fills their faces with apprehensionthe dark and muddied stain of vulgarity firmly planted on the bottom of the little girls underpants. This scene from William Faulkners The Sound and the Fury illustrates Faulkners incredible talent for storytelling that has enabled him to sea dog readers and critics in his spectrum of characters for decades. Weaving intense characters together with stories of despair and triumph, Faulkner produces a tapestry that blankets readers with his love/hate relationship with th e South. However, in his novel The Sound and the Fury, Faulkner employs a vastly different method of creation. This story unfolds as a patchwork of chronological events told through the experiences, memories, and interpretations of three brothers infatuated and obsessed with the actions and absence of their sister, Caddy. Consisting of a multitude of modify laid out by Caddys actions and her brothers reactions, Faulkners true patchwork genius lies in the craftsmanship of his seam. Binding together multi-colored material created by similar experiences, Faulkners stitching takes on a radically different, almost haphazard appearance. With each Compson brother producing a different type of stitching cod to vastly different interpretations of their s... ...n Vase or Crucible of Race? New Essays on The Sound and the Fury. Ed. Noel Polk. Cambridge Cambridge UP, 1993. 99-137. Milkweed. Random House Websters College Dictionary. 1996 ed. Millgate, Michael. The Sound and the Fury. Ed. Davi d Minter. The Sound and the Fury. New York W.W. Norton, 1994. 297-310. Pouillon, Jean. term and Destiny in Faulkner. Ed. Robert Penn Warren. Faulkner A Collection of Critical Essays. Englewood Cliffs Prentice-Hall, Inc., 1966. 79-93. Ross, Stephen M. The Loud World of Quentin Compson. Ed. Andre Bleikasten. William Faulkners The Sound and the Fury A Critical Casebook. New York Garland Pulishing, 1982. 101-114. Sartre, Jean-Paul. On The Sound and the Fury Time in the Work of Faulkner. Ed. Robert Penn Warren. Faulkner A Collection of Critical Essays. Englewood Cliffs Prentice-Hall, Inc., 1966. 87-93.

Gregor Mendels Theories Of Genetic Inheritance :: essays research papers

Gregor Mendels Theories of Genetic InheritanceGregor Mendel played a huge role in the underlying principles of geneticinheritance. He grew up in a Augustinian brotherhood where he learnedagricultural training with basic education. He then went on to the OlmutzPhilisophical Institute and then entered the Augustinian Monestary in 1843.After 3 years of theological studies, Mendel went to the University of Viennawhere he was influenced by 2 professors, the physicist Doppler and a botanistnamed Unger. Here he learned to study science through experimentation andaroused his interest in the causes of variation in plants. Then in 1857, Mendelbegan breeding garden peas in the abbey garen to study inheritance which lead tohis law of Segregation and independent assortment.Mendels Law of Segregation stated that the members of a paror ofhomologous chromosomes segregate during meiosis and are distributed to diametrical gametes. This hypothesis can be divided into four main ideas. Thefirst idea is that alternative versions of genes account for variations ininherited characters. Different alleles will take a crap different variations ininherited characters. The sescond idea is that for each character, an organisminherits two genes, one form each parent. So this means that a homolohous locimay claim matching alleles, as in the true-breeding plants of Mendels Pgeneration(parental). If the alleles differ, then there will be F hybrids. Thethird idea states that if the two alleles differ, the receessive allele will ware no affect on the organisms appearance. So a F hybrid plant that haspurple flowers, the dominant allele will be the purple-color allele and the recessionary allele would be the white-color allele.