The 20s Was A Decade Of Prosperity And Entertainment As Well As Confli

The 20's was a decade of prosperity and entertainment as well as conflicts. Historians emphasize how Americans were living a life of wealth, but forget to mention the problems of society. Cultural, economic, racial, social, religious and political conflicts that plagued America remain unnoticeable and silent in its history. Amongst the life of prosperity and entertainment of the 1920's, the Americans suffered a life of unending conflicts. Prosperity of the 1920's affected many Americans improve their lives. Many middle-class citizens improved their standard of living by purchasing new products such as electric irons, vacuum cleaners, washing machines, toasters, fans, and refrigerators. They were now able to purchase these consumer goods because companies began to reward and pay their workers more money. These companies, such as Ford cars, doubled the wages of the workers at the plant in Highland Park, Michigan. Since wages increased, purchasing goods and cars became affordable. The increase in America's wealth shifted the economy because businesses flourished to serve the needs of the consumers. Not only were the consumers prosperous, but so were the business owners. Since Henry Ford offered a 5 dollar wage a day to workers of thrifty habits, his company earned an estimated $264,000 per day because of the sales so many different companies started to follow Ford's reasoning of increasing wages. Not only did prosperity of Americans bring new consumer goods affordable, it also brought education to children and credit to shoppers. Most people could afford to keep their children in school longer because they were finally prosperous enough to survive without the children's wages. By the end of the decade, 51 percent of all high school age youth were in school. Credit was brought to shoppers because they were starting put money down and paying the balance in installments. Americans bought with credit because they regarded it as an easy way to raise their standard of living. The increase of wealth in the American society brought great change and benefits to the people. The prosperity of Americans reduced the time for jobs and housework, and gave them more leisure time for entertainment. Since Americans were able to afford a motor vehicle, it created a convenient way to get from one place to another. The creation and sales of cars actually changed American culture in numerous ways. Teenagers were able to go to the movies for dates, families hopped into their cars for short day-trips, and people traveled to far distant places. New creations such as movies, sports, and jazz music promoted entertainment in the 20's. The movies were a place that Americans escaped to a different world by watching others on motion pictures for the first time. Because people had the time, energy, and money to play sports, playing and watching it became widely popular. Entertainment in the 20s included listening to two types of African American music, which were the blues and the jazz music. The style and culture of America changed from a life of hard labor and work to one of entertainment and high wages. Many people were able to enjoy recreation for the first time because of the entertainment the decade provided. Even though Americans prospered with lives of wealth and entertainment, economic conflicts drove many families to a life of poverty. Not all Americans were prosperous, such as farmers, miners, and textile workers. Farmers had replaced their workhorses with tractors that produced more wheat and corn than America would consume. Because supply exceeded demand, farm prices declined and left the farmers poverty-stricken. The era of the 20's brought hardships to coal miners because industries began to use electricity and no longer needed coal to run their machinery. Due to the changes in fashion, Americans were buying less cotton and the prices of them plunged. The decade also brought new technology that the family-run firms could not afford nor compete with the big business. Therefore, thousands of small firms went out of business or were absorbed into larger companies of corporations. The act of merging resulted in unemployment and job loss of many family-run firms and the establishment of oligopolies. The oligopolies carried out unreasonable actions such as the American Plan and the Ford Treatment. The American Plan was a variety of

Futurism essays

Futurism essays MOVEMENT: FUTURISM (Futurismo Italian) Futurism was an international art movement founded by Filippo Tommaso Marinetti in Italy. Futurists were heavily influenced by Geometric abstracts, Machine art and Aeropittura ( aero-painting). However, the style that was responsible for Futurisms flair was Cubism. Futurists used Cubist geometric forms and intersecting planes combined with complementary colours to provide the basis for their artworks. Many 20th Century art movements influenced by Futurism include: - Art Deco (aka Art Moderne or the Jazz Style) Artists influenced by Futurism include: Despite the fact that Futurism is now regarded as extinct, many principles that Marinetti supported echo in Japanese culture and surface in manga/anime and also in the film works of Shinya Tsukamoto. Futurism also managed to manifest itself into literature, theatre and music. These manifestations grew onto clothing fashions, cuisine and even childrens toys. The aims of Futurism was to emphasize dynamism, speed, energy and the power of the machine and the vitality, change and restlessness in modern life in general terms. The name Futurism coined by Marinetti, reflected on his opinion of discarding what he conceived to be the static and irrelevant art of the past and celebrating change, originality and innovation in culture and society. Marinettis manifesto glorified in the new technology of the automobile and the splendor of its speed, power and movement. He encouraged violence and conflict and called for the sweeping repudiation of traditional, cultural, social and political values as well as the destruction of historical and cultural institutions such as academies, museums and libraries. The manifestos rhetoric was pretentious; its tone was aggressive and inflammatory and was purposely intended to inspire public a...

Gulf Oil Spill Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Gulf Oil Spill - Case Study Example These kinds of natural disasters damage property, displace lives, as well as, harm and kill. These events are bad enough, but there are other disasters have nothing to do with nature. They are the product of man-made structures, facilities, or endeavors. Human error or mechanical failures have resulted in devastating disaster with unbelievable immediate and long term effects and consequences. Chernobyl in Russian, for example, which leaked nuclear radiation for miles and miles. Plants operated in multiple industries all over the world have had failings that have resulted in dangerous toxins, chemicals, or substances to be released into the environment and human society. The British Petroleum oil spill is one such example. History On April 20, 2010 the Transocean Deepwater Horizon rig, owned by the British Petroleum company, exploded where it stood. Spreading smoke and burning chemicals into the air. As can be seen in the pictures above, the fire was massive. Worse the oil being relea sed was spreading across the water, blackened ooze. Located 250 miles south of Houston, Texas, in the Gulf of Mexico, it, also, threatened coastal Louisiana and Florida. As it spread the malfunctioning, damaged machinery, was forcing gallons upon gallons of oil directly into the ocean waters. Below is an example of the what it looked like under the waves and on the surface when this disaster occurred (The Daily Green, 2013). As it spread, it began to cling to and hinder the marine life and birds, as can be seen in the images shown below. These animals are hardly recognizable, coated in thick goo that renders them, essentially, helpless. The first initial explosion took the lives of 11 workers and seriously injured, nearly, twice as many (British Petroleum, 2013). However, the damage of the BP oil spill would have far more reaching ramifications than most people would have ever expected. Oil is made up of carbon and hydrogen molecules. Their states allows it easily to â€Å"goopâ₠¬  together and stick to anything that it comes in contact with. This is dangerous enough, but because the incident occurred in the mid-ocean it allowed it to move farther and faster than spills in the past. The effects of the spill could be felt immediately by the neighboring environments; be it plant life, animals or human beings. It, also, nearly economically crippled the populations living and working in and around the Gulf, which lead to serious economic hardships (Tiffany, 2013).The entire ordeal continued for weeks, but the ramification may be felt for some time. Discussion The ecological ramifications are, essentially, obvious. The number of animals trapped in the sludge and coated in thick, blackish-brown goo is not acceptable. This exposure prevents the animals from functioning, but, also, it can be incredibly damaging to their internal health as well. However what could be seen was only the beginning. Underwater plant life and animals, like fish and shellfish, were, also , suffering. Approximately, 8,000 animals died as a result of the spill, many of which were species already considered endangered. Human beings were, also, having serious immediate responses. People were experiencing respiratory issues, skin rashes, serious headaches, and confusion or disorientation. They, also, were quickly starting to get sick from eating the fish procured from the Gulf (Tiffany, 2013). This is how the spill represented a

Describe a circumstance that led you become interested in a career in Essay

Describe a circumstance that led you become interested in a career in diagnostic imaging ( radiologic technology ) - Essay Example I am 30 years old and after I stopped going to school for many years, the experience prodded me to go back to become a radiologic technologist. I have recognized the intricate and valuable nature of work associated with this profession, especially in terms of performing the required diagnostic imaging examinations that would diagnose the accurate source of illness or abnormality. As an enthusiastic student, I have made simple research on this career path and my studies revealed that â€Å"employment is projected to grow faster than average; those with knowledge of more than one diagnostic imaging procedure will have the best employment opportunities† (Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), par. 1). With increased learning in more procedures, one would gain extensive expertise in this career and enable the realization of attractive financial benefits, coupled with more opportunities for advancement. The same report provided by the BLS indicated that â€Å"some technologists progres s by specializing in the occupation to become instructors or directors in radiologic technology educational programs; others take jobs as sales representatives or instructors with equipment manufacturers† (BLS, par. 26).

Explore the Importance of Cultures and Tradition Essay Example for Free

Explore the Importance of Cultures and Tradition Essay Veronica is a short story by Adewale Maja-Pearce. It teaches of how cultures, traditions, relationships, expectations and money force two people raised in the same cultural background, to separate and move on, for better and for worse as their lives take different paths. The story shows the great contrast between African village life and African town life. In the story, Okekà ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½ the ever-lasting male friend of Veronica is drawn by the attraction of the city for the opportunities he sees for himself. The young woman Veronica on the other hand does not desire to leave their decomposing village for the city. She rejects Okekes offer for numerous reasons. The Gold Cadillac is a similar short story by Mildred Taylor. The Gold Cadillac tells the tale of a young black family from the North of America who purchase a new and rather extravagant car. Much to the despair of their relatives, the father of the household decides to ride the car down to the south, which is soon conveyed to be very racist. This story holds similar themes to that of Veronica as it shows, the contrast in how people from different cultural backgrounds are treated in different parts of America. It is also similar to veronica in that we see the contrasting beliefs amongst the same culture of people within the family. In the story of Veronica we are immediately informed that the local people of this village exist under cultural tradition. The author brings emphasise to them living in a small traditional village with the potential for strong beliefs and cultural traditions by the use of, my native village, which suggests remote, old fashioned almost primitive moral ideas. This is because the word, native is often used to describe tribes, in distant undeveloped ethnic areas. This assumption is confirmed as we learn that one of these beliefs is the important contrast between men and womans expectations. Adewale Maja-Pearce calls attention to this through presenting to Veronicas responsibilities to the reader, a lot of the responsibility for bringing up the other children had fallen on her, the use of the word, fallen also implies that she did not chose to be given these responsibilities, but that her cultural traditions had forced them on her. We also recognize that the society in which Veronica is living in is male dominated and that men feel that they are more important, by the use of Maja-Pearce explaining the way in which Veronicas father acts towards her, Night after night I would lie awake listening to her screams, as her beats her. One can be certain that this is very much the opinion of the entire village as another man, Okekes father, would not intervene, implying that this nature of behaviour towards women was common-place, cursing myself for my own physical inadequacy and my father for his unwillingness to become involved. This shows the importance of these cultures and traditions to people, because a grown man would not prevent the suffering of one of his own people where he had the opportunity, due to the expectations of their society, enforced by their traditions, and further shows the native peoples strong belief in it. Adewale Maja-Pearce also explores the different opportunities that men and women receive in the native village. Women, such as Veronica, were not authorised, what was in many countries at the time the story was written, the right of an education, as men such as Okekà ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½ were, When I was twelve I started at the secondary school in town a few miles away, she included this to the story to enforce the strong contrast of opportunities and rights between men and women in the village Women were not allowed to attend a school in this village because in the eyes of the natives, they had no reason to as it was expected of the women to remain at their home and perform chores, such as cleaning, caring for the younger children and cooking for the family, she shows this through veronicas knowledge of what she must do, I have to go and cook my father will be home soon, the Author also stresses this point by the use of , I have to, which implies that Veronica has no choice. However this further illustrates how Veronica is used to her responsibilities, enforced by the culture which she lives in and actually accepts her status quo. I cant just leave my family. This demonstrates how Veronica, as she gets older, comes to believe that her place is the home, and that all of the responsibility and unfair expectation is justified. However there was a time in which veronica was curious about education and would have liked to go to school, and she asked me endless questions about my school. It also further emphasises her loyalty to her family, as when asked, What have they ever done for you? she replies without hesitation, showing her certainty in what she says, Dont talk like that, they are my family, that is enough. Most interestingly, she shows much devotion and respect to her father as she cooks for him despite the way he treated her throughout her life, And although her father had long stopped beating her in every other respect nothing had really altered. Caring for people for Veronica was much harder than anyone in Britain could understand, as she would have had no modern appliances; everything would have been done by hand, which is much, more time consuming. The way in which she responded to Okekes remark, (stated above), with such certainty also shows that she thought it as a duty to her family to perform the traditions and expectations enforced by her society. In conclusion this shows how important tradition was to the people of this culture in the story because, Veronica is willing to put her family first, before her, in her order of priorities even though it jeopardized her future, because if she had of gone to the city and become a secretary as she was offered, she may have been successful and gained wealth and happiness as Okekà ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½ did, however she refused because of her outstanding devotion to her family and further because it fits with the cultural tradition of women caring for their families, she did not even consid er the proposal for a minute, which also shows that she, knows her place, and what is expected of her. Veronica plays a menial role in life, but she accepts it, as she plays a subservient role working for her father, never trying to achieve anything more as she believes that she neither has the capabilities or the reason to go to the city as she already has a role to play where she is, as carer for her family, and almost slave to her father. This is why she rejects the city that symbolises success, Dont talk foolishness The key women in, Veronica, and, The Gold Cadillac, can be seen to have some very crucial similarities. It can be observed that both characters feel they have a very strong duty towards their families but furthermore are willing to sacrifice their own lives for the sake of these families. Veronica gave up the chance to lead a successful life in the city where she would achieve independence as she would break away from the chauvinistic society, I leave that for others, my own place is here. We can be assured that she does this for the sake of family by the use of, I cant just leave my family, this again shows her strong sense of duty towards her family. The same can be observed in, The Gold Cadillac. The mother of the story, unlike the naive children, understands the dangerous racism of the south and the possibility that he may be in danger. We can see her feeling of duty towards the family through her willingness to risk her life and her daughters just to be with her husband so that they are all together, the girls and I will be going with you. There is a large contrast between this traditional African village life and the modern African town life. The reader is alerted of this contrast by the use of the different beliefs of the women in the Town, when compared to those living In the village who believe in the more traditional values, God has blessed us with as son, whereas the women in the village are far more, materialistic this is shown by the use of Adewale Maja-Pearce shocking Okekà ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½ who was brought up on traditional village beliefs, as he found that women were not as interested in him as a person, but for his money, All the women I meet are only interested in my money and cars. This contrast is also shown by Veronica, who believes in village traditions, when she responds to Okekà ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½, I dont believe you, she cannot understand their views. Adewale Maja-Pearce includes this huge contrast between traditional African village life and modern African town life, so that she could separate the two characters. And show how Okekà ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½, who moved on with his life became successful in the wealth area, whereas Veronica who did not let go of what she was brought up on, found much misery, but was blessed with a son and a husband. Veronica found love. I think that Adewale Maja-Pearce was trying to stress that although cultures may seem unjust with their traditions from onlookers, who cannot understand them, that are in some aspects bad, represented by Veronicas father, where these cultures are represented in the story as the, native village life, can also please people with different moral beliefs, such as Veronica who did not desire material possessions, as these peoples cultures allow them find what they value, for veronica love and security with her own family, He is a good man, god has blessed us with a son. Whereas places of opportunity, represented by the use of the Town which Okekà ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½ moved to, provide liberation, that brings material success, such as wealth, however it may not bring true happiness, as in the case of Okekà ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½ who found career success, but did not succeed in love as he has no wife, I have no wife, All the women I meet are only interested in money and cars.

PepsiCos diversification in the world market

PepsiCos diversification in the world market Pepsi-Cola came into being in 1898, when Caleb D. Bradham, introduced Brads Drink, a blend of Peps-Cola, carbonated water and sugar. Bradham later renamed the drink Pepsi-Cola. The company Pepsi-Cola was launched in 1902 in the back room of the pharmacy of Bradham, as the business began to grow it was officially registered with the U.S. Patent Office on June 16, 1903 as Pepsi-Cola. (Pepsi Store History of the Birthplace of Pepsi). 1 As time passed by Pepsi-Cola moved away from the low-price strategy and launched an extensive marketing campaign to boost the companys image. In 1950, Pepsi- Cola had the slogan, Be sociable, have a Pepsi. The number of CEOs, Presidents changed over time but the essence of the culture of Pepsi-Cola remained intact, from Donald M. Kendall, CEO in 1963 to Wayne Calloway. CEO in 1986, the company remained consistent with its emphasis on people, the company backed people, not projects, in its resource allocation decisions, and these decisions were made quickly. Wayne Calloway was resolute to continue in the strong tradition of the company and the previous CEO, of identifying investment opportunities, which had potential the potential to make the company grow. These opportunities would eventually lead to higher sales, higher earning growths and increase in companys value on the stock market. Over the years PepsiCo has been able to build a dominant market share in the world as provider of snack foods or beverages, during the process PepsiCo has made key decisions, both positive and negative. To attain this position several acquisitions of fast food chains were made and precedinmg divestitures as well. ( PepsiCos Diversification Strategy, oppapers.comHYPERLINK http://www.oppapers.com/essays/Pepsico-s-Diversification-Strategy/248234). 2)HYPERLINK http://www.oppapers.com/essays/Pepsico-s-Diversification-Strategy/248234). 2.HYPERLINK http://www.oppapers.com/essays/Pepsico-s-Diversification-Strategy/248234). 2 HYPERLINK http://www.oppapers.com/essays/Pepsico-s-Diversification-Strategy/248234). 22 PepsiCos diversification strategy can be viewed in three broad categories: Soft Drinks Soft drinks represented 35% of PepsiCos sales and 39% of its operating profits in 1991.To make the figures even better Pepsi Co acquired acquire several of its franchised bottlers, including some of its largest ones. It also acquired the international operations of Seven-Up, the third largest soft drink operation outside the United States, for $246 million. Snack foods Pepsi-Cola acquired Frito-Lay in 1965 and with brands such as Doritos, Lays, Fritos, and Ruffles, Frito-Lays share of the $10 billion U.S. snack chips market was nearly half, and PepsiCo Foods International (PFI)s share of the $13 billion international snack chips market was about one-quarter. In 1989, PepsiCo purchased two U.K. snack companies-Smith Crisps, Ltd. and Walker Crisps, Ltd.-for $1.34 billion, becoming the leading snack food company in Europe. Restaurants In 1986, PepsiCo purchased Kentucky Fried Chicken. Combined with Pizza Hut and Taco Bell, the purchase made PepsiCo the international leader in number of restaurant units. In 1991, PepsiCos restaurant segment attained the highest revenue of the companys three segments, surpassing soft drinks for the first time. With three top line restaurants under its charge, Pepsi Co was on its way to constructing a recognizable three-legged stool. The CEO Calloway, felt that the new structure would bring the company success and costs would decrease significantly by transferring of skills across the three chains. PepsiCos strategic planners believed that quick service restaurants would remain the largest segment over the following decade. They had identified several major industry trends. First, they believed that simplicity and convenience were becoming increasingly important as people worked longer hours and had less leisure time. Second, they thought that, due to economic pressures and an overall decline in consumer interest in prestige and status, consumers would look for value. Third, they identified variety as a significant trend, remarking that growth in ethnic product categories tended to reflect the increasing diversity of the U.S. population. Finally, they believed that the health and nutrition trend that had begun in the 1980s would continue as the population aged. Based on this analysis, PepsiCo thought the quick service, casual dining and take-out segments would be attractive opportunities for investment. Why Should PepsiCo acquire Carts of Colorado (CoC) and California Pizza Kitchens (CPK)? Carts of Colorado (CoC) Carts of Colorado (COC), is a Denver designer, manufacturer, and merchandiser of mobile food carts and kiosks (Carts of Colorado,HYPERLINK http://www.cartsofcolorado.com/index.htm).3 INC).3 Carts of Colorado was setup by two brothers, Stanley and Daniel Gallery from Denver, Colorado. Both had previous experience of working in their mothers restaurant, they took credit card cash advance, and setup a cart .The business did good, they expanded and had 20 carts by 1984.The carts of Chicago-Style Sandwiches did not meet the standards of Federal Food Drug Administration (FDA), so Stan modified the cart and produced one that did more than meet the current standards. In 1984, the Gallery brothers established Carts of Colorado to manufacture carts. It would be extremely beneficial for PepsiCo to acquire Carts of Colorado (CoC) for a number of reasons. Firstly CoC has clients ranging from Burger King, Coca-Cola Company, Dunkin Donuts, Mrs. Fields, and Disney, this acquisition would enable Pepsi Co to tap into a new market and become a supplier to these big companies. Secondly CoC had a potential to grow into an even better and bigger company, as the founders were willing to invest for the technological advancement of the carts, such as radio telecommunications and computers. Lastly the point which goes in favor of acquiring CoC is that they had they purchased their largest competitor, for $65,000 in 1990, so basically they were market leaders. California Pizza Kitchens (CPK) California Pizza Kitchen (CPK) was started by Larry Flax and Rick Rosenfield, both were assistant U.S. attorneys for the Department of Justice; both had a passion for cooking and the two setup their own restaurant. (California Pizza Chicken).4 CPK targeted young, upscale singles and couples, families, and elderly retired people seeking a moderately priced, yet comparable-quality alternative to fine dining restaurants. Acquisition of CPK will prove to be profitable business for PepsiCo as CPK is a thriving and profitable business with potential to grow even further. Secondly their core competency, that is, constant adding of new items in the menu and the high level of service make it a well reputed restaurant in the market. Lastly the employees of CPK were committed to the company as it provided them job security and opportunities of moving up to the higher positions in the chain administration. This would be a welcome addition in the task force of PepsiCo. Why shouldnt they acquire them? Carts of Colorado (CoC) Firstly, the Stanley brothers were not the best people to work with; they wanted complete control over their own business. After selling 30% of their business to a venture capital firm ,they eventually forced the new management out ,as the Gallery brothers were vary of the way the business was been run. Secondly CoC was not the lowest cost cart manufacturer in the market, as the Gallery brothers had made a number of modification to the carts, e.g. (smaller carts, while increasing their food storage and cooking capacity) and invested in upgrading cart technology, they were not the cheapest option around. California Pizza Kitchens (CPK) Firstly the owners of CPK, Flax and Rosenfield had been hesitant to franchise the concept. Secondly Flax felt that it would be fatal to sell the company now after putting in so many years of hard work, he wanted to take it forward and had decided to make the company public. As he said: It would kill me to sell now for $100 million and sit on the sidelines and watch somebody else either destroy it or do great with it. (Michael Barrier, Nations Business, March 1991, p. 14.) 5 It would take long negotiating talks to convince Flax and Rosenfield to sell up the company. What do you recommend? According to my opinion PepsiCo should make very possible effort of acquiring Carts of Colorado (CoC) and California Pizza Kitchens (CPK). Since both the businesses are vibrant and progressive, making profits they would be a welcome addition to the food chain of PepsiCo. The other point which favors the acquisition is that both the businesses have the potential for growth, CoC is investing in technology which will make it even more cost efficient, where as on the other hand CPK has limited its advertising to store openings, but it received an avalanche of free press because of its distinctive menu, its fast-paced growth, and the unusual backgrounds of its cofounders. If bought to whom they should report? PepsiCo has always focused on a decentralized structure and the emphasis the firm placed on entrepreneurial management, Pizza Hut, Taco Bell, and KFC each operated with a great deal of autonomy. One restaurant CEO remarked, Calloway really wants to know just three basic pieces of information from us: (1) when we change the top people in our business, (2) when we change our strategy, and (3) what our capital expenditures are. Continuing in the PepsiCos tradition, if both the businesses were bought, each should be appointed with a separate CEO and that person should report to the CEO of PepsiCo. This would keep the roles of both the businesses separate instead of been lead by a single person. Does PepsiCo add value to its restaurant business? PepsiCo always has a strategic plan in place before acquiring a business or launching a new product in the market. Same is the case with the restaurant industry, PepsiCo had carefully planned out how they could add value to the businesses been acquired and how the business would help PepsiCo improve. PepsiCos strategic planners believed that quick service restaurants would remain the largest segment over the following decade. We can consider each of the three restaurants owned by PepsiCo separately: Pizza Hut In 1986 the development and roll out of Pizza Hut delivery took place under the leadership of the then CEO of Pizza Hut .This was primarily done as Pizza Hut was facing competition from Dominos which focused mainly of delivery. Pizza Hut was repositioned by PepsiCo into pizza distribution, this meant expansion into non-traditional locations, such as airports, amusement parks, stadiums, and school lunch rooms, using free-standing kiosks. A number of other measure were been considered to bring value to the Pizza Hut franchise such as concepts of, One in quick service iv. Introduction of new dishes6 Casual dining Pizza Hut Cafà © Taco Bell When PepsiCo bought Taco Bell in 1978, it was the countrys largest chain of quick service Mexican restaurants, selling tacos, tostadas and burritos. John Martin, CEO of Taco in 1983 took a number of steps to bring value to the Taco Bell restaurants, which mainly were: Introducing new dishes for the first time in 10 years Shift in focus, from production to customer service K-minus. (reduced the size of the average Taco Bell kitchen) MIS project, called TACO (Total Automation of Company Operations) introduced Empowering employees at all levels Revamping the compensation system to include more performance-based compensation Slashing of prices for a range of basic items Kentucky Fried Chicken PepsiCo acquired KFC in 1986, as the largest chicken chain in the world. John Cranor III became president and CEO of Kentucky Fried Chicken in 1989, he took a number of steps to ring value to the franchise, mainly of those were: Restructuring US and international operations Renovation program, New computer program Targeted college campuses Making the products more health-conscious Roasted and barbecued chickens and chicken sandwiched introduced. The points above show that PepsiCo brings value to it restaurants business in every possible manner to make it more profitable and customer accommodative. Is PepsiCos current organization of its restaurants chains appropriate? PepsiCos organizational structure of its restaurant chains focuses on decentralization and with each chain given autonomy to conduct their operations. In this way each chain runs its business in its own way, while keeping a sense of loyalty across the divisions. Senior management was of each chain was open to sharing of ideas, while keeping the secrets of their own chain well guarded. In discussing coordination across the restaurant chains, senior corporate executives stressed that joint activity should be initiated by divisions, not headquarters. Division presidents should have the privilege to decide whether or not a given division would participate in any specific joint activity. This organizational structure makes it possible for PepsiCos restaurant chains to effectively conduct their business, without intervention and according to the vision they have in mind.

Mall Culture In Cities

City outskirts are sprouting malls. Will they help decongest Bangalore? Mall culture is here to stay and new malls coming up on the city outskirts seem to be offering a ray of hope to the jam-packed city centre. Hopefully, these will cater to the lifestyle needs of people living beyond the Outer Ring Road. But will it be a boon? Expert opinion has it that if planned and executed properly, malls can keep people from travelling into the city for their leisure. This will reduce traffic within the city, many feel.According to town planner Swati Ramanathan, â€Å"It is a fact that we do need more malls. The purchasing power of people has increased and malls do provide people with several options. But they have to be strategically positioned and they can't afford to have poor facilities just because they are on the outskirts.† Says traffic expert MN Sreehari, â€Å"Malls in the outskirts will definitely give relief to clogged streets in the city.†He believes that Bangalore as a city needs and can house around 70 malls. â€Å"The correct ratio is one mall for one lakh people. This is how it has been done in the west,† he says. But architect Kevin Ross says, â€Å"When people put up structures like malls, theatres and restaurants in the outskirts, they normally cut corners. They wouldn't try it within the city because market needs demand the next structure is better than existing one. If the malls coming up in the outskirts are not upto the mark, they will fall flat and fail to attract crowds.You will still have people coming all the way from Yelahanka and Hebbal and going to Koramangala for a mall experience.† There's the case of a city multiplex that opened with a lot of promise in the outskirts, but once other multiplexes opened up in the city centre, people didn't mind travelling the distance for a more swanky experience.Swati cautions, â€Å"We can't have the market dictate where and how the malls should be. Government agencies need to be activated to look into permits for these malls. Otherwise we'll be Gurgaoned.Every third building is a mall in Gurgaon. This will result in ghost malls. One mall will attract everybody and We'll have the same problems of congestion and road blocks all over again.†She feels that it is the government agencies which need to look into the density of population in various areas and allow for malls to come up in the right zones. †¦Says Ramesh Reddy, who's invested in a mall, â€Å"Colleges, IT companies and even hospitals have gone to the outskirts. I feel if malls are put up just outside residential areas, they will have takers.†Leena M, a young professional, says, â€Å"We need to follow the Mumbai model. The city is spread out and each suburb has it's own mall nucleus.† But for this to happen in Bangalore, it will take some time, she says.Swathi adds that town planners need to have the foresight to plan for this sort of growth. It needs detailed planning. à ¢â‚¬Å"In our governance, forget about detailed planning, there's no planning at all,† she says.Sreehari believes that malls need to operate for at least 20 hours a day. He adds that in cities like Singapore, malls are open 24 hours. This has to happen eventually for malls to be really successful.