The Cold War - 849 Words

An incredible wave of fear swept over the American nation for two decades after World War II characterized by extreme anti-communist measures and a disgraceful obsession with attaining nuclear superiority. The Truman administration allowed this mania to increase without actually resulting in nuclear warfare or mass destruction, but it was Eisenhower who successfully managed to begin alleviating the insanity. The concept of containment, introduced by George Kennan, was the first tactic used by the United States to fight against communist aggression that was quickly spreading throughout Europe. The Soviet Union blatantly violated the agreements it had made with the US and Great Britain during and after the war by taking control over Poland and subsequently establishing pro-communist governments throughout Eastern Europe in an attempt to create somewhat of a communist empire. The Containment Doctrine, along with the Truman Doctrine, were essentially firm statements by the administration that the US would resist all forms of communist expansion in order to preserve a free and open world. Anti-communist feelings continued to grow through the next few years within America with events such as the Marshall Plan, National Security Act, and NSC-68. Americans were determined to root out all Soviet threats across the globe and even within their own borders. Congress, even with Trumans veto, passed the McCarran Internal Security Act that forced all domestic communistShow MoreRelatedThe War Of The Cold War1644 Words   |  7 PagesThe Cold War was a state of political and military tension stemming from World War II fought primarily between the United States and the Soviet Union. Although the start and end dates of the Cold War are frequently disputed over, it is generally accepted that the conflict started at the conclusion of the Second World War and stemmed from the social climate and lingering tensions in Europe and the increasing power struggles between the Soviet Union and the United States. Along with economic separationRead MoreThe War Of The Cold War Essay1525 Words   |  7 PagesOne major war ended and another to begin. The Cold war lasted about 45 years. There were no direct military campaigns between the United States and Soviet Union. However, billions of dollars and millions of lives were lost. The United States emerged as the greatest power from World War 2. (Give Me Liberty 896) The country boasted about having the most powerful navy and air force. The United states accounted for about half of the world’s manufacturing capacity, which it alone created the atomic bombRead MoreThe War Of The Cold War757 Words   |  4 PagesAs tensions continued to augment profoundly throughout the latter half of the Cold War period, they brought forth a movement from a previous bipolar conflicting course, to one of a more multipolar nature. These tensions were now not only restricted to the Soviet Union and United states, but amongst multiple other nations of the globe. It became a general consensus that a notion of ‘peace’ was sought globally, hence, the emergence of dà ©tente. The nature of this idea in the short term conveyed itself Read MoreThe War Of The Cold War1636 Words   |  7 PagesThe U.S. learned greatly after having been declared the victor of the Cold War. Retired four-star U.S. Army general Colin Powell said, â€Å"The long bitter years of the Cold War are over. America and her allies have won; totally, decisively, and overwhelmingly† (Reed 343). The Cold War started after World War II in 1947 and ended in 1991. The U.S. underwent a political war with the Soviet Union in hopes of advancing more rapidly in certain fields, such as nuclear weapons and space crafts. Avoiding nuclearRead MoreThe War Of The Cold War886 Words   |  4 Pagesin an infamous battle against ideologies: The Cold War. Even though war took place during this time, both powers were not involved in battle directly, hence the name cold war. The war mainly consisted of assumed and implied threats of nuclear attacks and political control over states in Europe. Even before 1945, the beginning of the Cold War, tension brewed be tween the U.S and the U.S.S.R. Both sides had differing views on Europe s state after the war. For instance, programs like the Marshall PlanRead MoreThe War Of The Cold War961 Words   |  4 Pages1945, beginning year of the Cold War. The development of cold war just started after the end of world War ||. The cold war was the result of conflict between two powerful country Soviet Union and United State. The war was regarding to the lead the world after the World War ||. The Soviet Union wanted to emerge its power to the world and so do the United States too. The research paper mainly focused on various reasons of opposition of two great power of the world Soviets and United States of AmericaRead MoreThe War Of The Cold War Essay1075 Words   |  5 PagesDuring World War II, the United States, Britain, and Russia all worked together to take down Hitler. Although after the war, the coordination between the U.S. and Russia became extremely tense which inevitably lead to the Cold War. The U.S. was worried that Russia would spread communism after World War II. Russia was concerned with the U.S. arms increase and intervention in international affairs. The distrust between the two nations resulted in the Cold war which lasted until 1991. In 1946, WinstonRead MoreThe War Of The Cold War1052 Words   |  5 PagesThe Cold War was a result of what happened at the end of World War 2. At the end of World War 2, the Soviets held a grudge against the U.S for their delayed entrance in the World War resulting in deaths of thousands of Russians resulting in the appearance of the Cold War .The Cuban Missile Crisis was a significant flashpoint in the Cold War because it was the moment two superpowers came closest to nuclear conflict. This crisis, while posing the very real threat of global annihilation, also led toRead MoreThe War Of The Cold War1737 Words   |  7 Pages Cold War The Cold War, which is often dated from 1945 to 1989, was a constant state of political and military tension between powers in the West, dominated by the United States with NATO among its allies, and powers in the East, dominated by the Soviet Union along with the Warsaw Pact. The development of Nuclear Weapons and long range shooting missiles by the United States gave a lot of fear and caused mass destruction. The Cold War came about after World War II when America used their atomic bombsRead MoreThe War Of The Cold War1123 Words   |  5 PagesThe Cold War consist of tensions between the Soviets and the U.S. vying for dominance, and expansion throughout the world. Their complete different ideologies and vision of the postwar prevented them from working together. Stalin wants to punish Germany and make them pay outrageous sum of money for reparation. However, Truman has a different plan than Stalin. Truman believes that industrialization and democracy in Germany and throughout th e world would ensure postwar stability. Stalin also wanted

Lying Is Considered An Immoral Act - 1441 Words

It is generally agreed upon that lying is considered an immoral act. However, what if the government was lying to their citizens about matters of foreign and military policy? The Obama administration was recently accused of lying to the people about the details surrounding the death of Osama Bin Laden (Jaffe). They could have done so to preserve international relations, to push a certain agenda, or for the sake of their own particular interests. To a Kantian and utilitarian the justification of lying or lack thereof varies, because of the way they view people and what they consider moral. The reasons behind a lie are not the concern for a Kantian, for they are troubled with the particular action. However, to a utilitarian the consequence of the action are what will determine the lie’s justifiability. The utilitarian belief is that morality depends on the consequences of an action. An action is considered good if it produces the greatest number of happiness or pleasure, rather than pain, to the greatest number of people (Justice a Reader 17). In a utilitarian’s point of view, governments lying to their citizens is acceptable, if the lie is producing more happiness than pain. For example, covering up the truth behind the death of Osama Bin Laden could be rationalized. The utilitarian argument would be that they were preserving international relations; therefore, there actions were in the interest of the greatest number of people. As long as the society’s general happinessShow MoreRelatedLying, By Jeremy Bentham1613 Words   |  7 Pages I am going to argue why lying is immoral no matter who you might be lying to, friends, family, and even someone you do not know. This is immoral because even though lying to someone may bring relief or happiness it’s still hiding the truth from that person. Hiding something they deserve to know even though it may hurt them may also be a form of lying. There are many situations where lying may end friendships, relationships, or even tare families apart because most people want to know the truthRead MoreEthics and Morality Essay1347 Words   |  6 PagesEthics and Morality Is it immoral for a person to write lies on his/her resume? This question poses many questions in its self. How fictitious is the lie, what are you lying about, what could be the consequences of this lie and whom and how will this lie affect the people involved? How would John Stuart Mill answer this question? Mills general position seem to be that one should do what will produce the most happiness, pleasure and with the absence of pain. With this in mind for one toRead MoreKants Moral Theory and Utilitarism Comparison Essay1166 Words   |  5 Pagesbasis. The categorical imperative states â€Å"act only according to that maxim whereby you can at the same time will that it should become a universal law†. (Kant, pg. 30) A maxim is a reason a person commits and act. (Kant, pg. 30) Kant does not believe a person can act merely from duty. He believes that every individual has some ulterior motive for every action, therefore no individual can act from duty. A good will can be achieved only if an individual acts from duty. A good will in itself is theRead MoreDeontological Ethics881 Words   |  4 Pagesconsequential ethics is that while consequential ethics justify morality with the end result, deontological questions the morality of actions that lead to the result. Whether the end result is moral or not, if the actions taken is immoral, the person who perform that action is immoral. In regards to Kantian ethics, location-based social media providers will have to justify their means of delivering the service. As a service provider, it will be their duty to uphold the service and have adequate privacyRead MoreMoral Relativism And Moral Truth1405 Words   |  6 Pagesdifference between beliefs and truths, because we might believe and act differently but that does not mean that the truth does not exist. Objective standards of right and wrong still exist. A subjectivist lives according to his or her own chosen standards or values. Ernest Hemingway states â€Å" I only know that what is moral is what you feel good after and what is immoral is what you feel bad after†¦Ã¢â‚¬  HERE so if you feel guilty, the act is immoral and if you feel good, it was moral. The only positive thingRead MoreThe Lesser of Two Evils1509 Words   |  6 Pagesis very similar to how Joseph S Ellin believes the act of Lying is always wrong in any situation however deceiving sometime is acceptable. Trust me, after that whooping I received from my mother I completely agree with his argument. Joseph S. Ellin is currently a professor of Philosophy at Western Michigan. In his own words Ellin defines lying as â€Å"any statement a speaker believes to be false† (Ellin 167). Ellin goes on to explain exactly why lying is wrong which is â€Å"because it is a breach of faith†Read More`` The Bees, The Flowers, Jesus, Ancient Tigers, Poseidon, And Eve1413 Words   |  6 Pagesethical reasons we may hold Hudson accountable for his intent to wield a lie for his own benefit and we could also hold Alexie accountable for not withdrawing the poem after knowledge of the fraudulence. According to Hobbes every humane individual acts in their own self-interest, which is guided by reason. With this reason there is a desire to submit to governmental authority for the better of their self-interest. Hobbes’ egoism revolves around this self-interest; which he claims is the sole driveRead MoreConsequentialist and Non-consequentialist Theories1194 Words   |  5 Pagesmisconduct, keeping promises, not offending people, etc. To me not all these theories are not 100% perfect and does not fully account for its principles. Consequentialist: Focuses on the result of an action. The act is considered a good act if the result is good, likewise and act is considered bad if the result produced is bad. Under the consequentialist theory, we have Egoism and Utilitarianism. Egoism: is a theory of ethics that focuses on achieving goals that benefit or brings pleasure or greatestRead MoreNicomacean Virtue Ethics Essay1537 Words   |  7 PagesUndercover police officers (UPO) act in a way that can be considered wrong in civilian life. The UPO’s actions cause harm and setbacks to people s lives (Miller, Blackler Alexandra 2006). These acts inevitably require the UPO to act immorally, causing genuine dilemmas for the UPO (Miller, Blackler Alexandra 2006). However, committing immoral acts is a fundamental part of the UPO’s ability to apprehend criminals who would otherwise go undetected, and remove drugs from the street (Bronitt RocheRead MoreShould We Legislate Morality? Essay896 Words   |  4 PagesIf something is immoral should it also be illegal? In America, we should not pass laws where the primary concern is morality; we should only pass laws which have civil values as their primary concern. Civil values in this case are values whi ch either ensures the safety or order of a society, such as, traffic laws or zoning laws. Also involved are more important values such as freedom, democracy, and liberty which have been laid out by our founding fathers. I have two basic reasons for holding

Teen Driving Project Free Essays

Teen crashes are a constant problem in our society. Teens are extremely likely to get into a crash within the first 6 months of driving. Teens forget to scan the road for hazards that may harm them, drive to fast for road conditions or being distracted. We will write a custom essay sample on Teen Driving Project or any similar topic only for you Order Now TeenDiving.com says that distractions, drowsiness, texting, and driving under the influence are the absolute main reasons for teen crashes. Anything from putting you makeup on to drinking alcohol, even to falling asleep, can seriously put your life in danger. An online poll of 16-19 year olds showed that over 50% admitted that they text while driving, this is completely unacceptable. When you know you are doing something that can kill you and you don’t stop. Teens think they are invincible when they truly are not, and that’s what they have to realize to stop they naive behavior. If they are in a crash they have to know that it is important to call the police if it is serious or if anyone is hurt. Also none of the cars should be moved before pictures have been taken or the police say that I is okay. It’s important that you call the police before anyone else. Even if the other drive doesn’t agree, some states mandate it. Then you can call your insurance agent and make any appropriate claims if needed. More teens should take a driver’s ed class to learn more about benefitting their safety. Parents and teachers and even their old siblings can have a huge influence on them. Teens just need to be shown that a crash can be seriously bad for everyone in every way. Whether its some hurt or killed or someone’s money going towards some else car. http://teendriving.com/driving-tips/on-the-road/#avoiding-accidents The problem can be solved by having more teens take drivers ed. I’ve learned so much from this class and it has made me I better driver. I encourage everyone every teenager to take this class. I personally plan to get my friends to sign up so that they can be safe as well. I feel like I can help them be a better driver if they took the class and that they will benefit just as much as I did. How to cite Teen Driving Project, Papers

Creative Art and Fine Art Essay Example For Students

Creative Art and Fine Art Essay However, there are many other colloquial uses of the word, all with some relation to its etymology. The second and more recent sense of he word art is as an abbreviation for creative art or fine art and emerged in the early 17th century. Fine art means that a skill is being used to express the artists creativity, or to engage the audiences aesthetic sensibilities, or to draw the audience towards consideration of the finer things. The word art can refer to several things: a study of creative skill, a process of using the creative skill, a product of the creative skill, or the audiences experience with the creative skill, The creative arts (art as discipline) are a collection of disciplines that reduce artworks (art as objects) that are compelled by a personal drive (art as activity) and convey a message, mood, or symbolism for the viewer to interpret (art as experience). Art is something that stimulates an individuals thoughts, emotions, beliefs, or ideas through the senses, Artworks can be explicitly made for this purpose or interpreted on the basis of images or objects. Although the application of scientific knowledge to derive a new scientific theory involves skill and results in the creation of something new, this represents science only and is not categorized as art. Often, if the skill is being used in a common or practical way, people will consider tit craft instead of art. Likewise, if the skill is being used in a commercial or industrial way, it may be considered commercial art instead of fine art. On the other hand, crafts and design are sometimes considered applied art. Some art followers have argued that the difference between fine art and applied art has more to do with value judgments made about the art than any clear definitional difference. 14] However, even fine art often has goals beyond pure creativity and self-expression. The purpose of arks of art may be to communicate ideas, such as in politically, spiritually, or philosophically motivated art; to create a sense of beauty (aesthetics); to explore the nature of perception: for pleasure; or to generate strong emotions. The purpose may also he seemingly nonexistent. Art is a diverse range of human activities and the products of those activities; this article focuses primarily on the visual arts, which includes the creation of images or objects in fields including painting, sculpture, printmaking, photography, and authorities media,Architecture is often included as one of the visual arts; however, like he decorative arts, it involves the creation of objects where the practical considerations of use are essential?in a way that they are usually not for a painting, for example. Music, theatre, film, dance, and other performing arts, as well as literature, and other media such as interactive media are included in a broader definition of art or the arts. Creative arts is a subject of study for a number Of universities, including those that offer a degree Of Bachelor of Creative Arts. Areas of study include dramaturgy, music, graphic arts/ cartooning, performing arts, film, publishing, galleries, museums, and the visual arts.

The Korean War Essays - Soviet UnionUnited States Relations

The Korean War The Korean War was a war that at the time, many Americans thought was a worthwhile battle. Latter, people would come to believe that the war was not as important as they believed. The Soviet Union would fall and communism would not be a threat in world's views. I share the belief that the battle was not as important as it was lead to believe. In the Korean War there were 50,000 Americans killed in attempts to stop the spread of communism. NSC 68 was Truman's policy for containing communism, which if he stuck to this policy we wouldn't have gone to war with North Korea, and China. I do not believe that it was worth the 50,000 lives of American forces. The only reason that we went to war with North Korea was that we got greedy, and couldn't stop at the 38th parallel. If Truman stopped and didn't try for rollback, there wouldn't have been a loss in American forces like there was. We had the North Korean's pushed back to the 38th parallel with ease, but we like the North Korean's, couldn't resist the temptation of an easy victory, resulting in total control of Korea. I believe that the main major reason that the American public supported the war was the fact that president McCarthy pushed the issue of anti-communism. At this time in American history the whole nation was fixated on communism and accusing others of being a communist. Today there is still a negative feeling towards communist, but it is not the same fear as it was back in the 70's. These are the reason why the American public supported the war. If this kind of propaganda were not there we wouldn't have supported the Korean War. For these reasons I do not believe that the 50,000 Americans that lost their lives fighting in the Korean was worth it. The main reason that I believe that the sacrifice of the fifty thousand American lives is because many of their lives could have been saved if we did not break NSC 68 by trying to go for rollback. Even though South Korea would eventually become a democracy and a very technologically advanced country, it could have happened that way if we never went to war. Bibliography none

Strategic Analysis (SWOT, PESTEL and Porter) of Barclays Group Plc The WritePass Journal

Strategic Analysis (SWOT, PESTEL and Porter) of Barclays Group Plc Introduction Strategic Analysis (SWOT, PESTEL and Porter) of Barclays Group Plc Introduction1.  Background1.1  Objectives2. Analysis of the Market Environment2.1 External Analysis2.1.1 Macro-environment2.1.1.1 Cultural and Social2.1.1.2     Ã‚  Political and Legal2.1.1.3  Ã‚   Economic2.1.1.4  Ã‚   Technological2.1.3 Competition Analysis2.2  Ã‚  Internal Analysis2.2.1  Ã‚   Performance2.2.2   Management and Staff2.2.3   Infrastructure and Delivery3.  SWOT Analysis3.1 Strengths:3.2 Weaknesses3.3 Opportunities3.4 Threats4. Customer Analysis4.1 Markets4.2   Market Segmentation4.3 Market Targeting4.4 Market Positioning4.5   Branding5.  Marketing Strategies5.1 Mission5.2  Marketing and Financial objectives5.2.1   Supply strategies 5.2.2 Demand Strategies5.2.3 Positioning strategies5.2.4 Competitors Strategies5.3 Marketing Mix Strategies5.3.1 Product5.3.2 Price5.3.3 Place5.3.4 Promotion   5.3.5 Personnel and Services6. Channel analysis7. Implementation and Control8. Financial Forecast9. Contingency plansRelated Introduction 1.  Background Barclays group PLC is a big global financial services provider operating in Europe, the Americas, Australia, Asia, the Middle East and Africa. It is engaged in retail banking, credit cards, corporate banking, investment banking, and wealth management. It made up of   two clusters such as; Global Retail Banking, Corporate and Investment Banking, Wealth Management, each of which has a number of business units. And the group centre, which comprises all Barclays essential support. The group operates through its subsidiary Barclays Bank PLC, with its 300 years of historical existence, the group operates in over 50 countries and employs 147,500 people and has a merger with Absa group in South Africa. The group business model emphasizes on its practice of integrated global banking strategy being the best model to serve its customers and clients as well as optimising risk adjusted returns for its shareholders. Thus, the group moves, lends, invest and protects money for more than 38 million customers and clients worldwide. It is the third largest bank in the world in terms of assets and the one of the largest financial services provider in the world with a core tier one ratio of 11 per cent. It is the third largest bank in the United Kingdom based on market capitalization. The banks headquarter is at One Churchill Place in Canary Wharf, in London, England United Kingdom, having moved there in May 2005 from Lombard Street in the City of London. 1.1  Objectives   Staying close and offering the best solutions to customers and clients while managing their risks. Build a bank that is diversified and balanced by geography and business line, by customers and by funding sources. Operate profitability throughout the crisis, offering security as well as stability to the financial system as a whole.   Ensures to retain financial discipline required to deliver returns. Progressively maintaining a solid capital base Improving returns and delivery selective income growth Demonstrating its credentials as a global citizen. To achieve these objectives, the plan entails analysis of the market environments of the bank and identified strategies designed to bring success. Then follow by the implantation and control mechanisms aimed at ensuring that the desired results are achieved.   www.barclays.com 2. Analysis of the Market Environment 2.1 External Analysis This analysis focus on the macro-environment, the market and the competitors of bank,   to identify its opportunities and threats. According to Porter (1985), PESTLC analysis ensures that the performance of the company is aligned positively with the powerful forces of change that are affecting business macro-environment. Hence, it groups environmental influences such as political, economic, social, technological, legal and cultural forces impact on the bank. The United Kingdom (UK) population which currently stands at approximately 70million, with a slide increase in immigration, independency and dependency ratios. A shift in population always affects economic growth, thus affect the bank. Increased in UK employment rate of 70.6 per cent, about 25.3million households, and a consistent downward strength of divorce and dissolution (of about 121,700 to 113,900), influences the bank’s performance. This increase brings about economic competitiveness and high circulation of money, thus fuelling the economic growth of the country. UK is a multicultural society which entails co-existence of different communities defined by their race, ethnicity or faith. So sociocultural environment is diverse and dynamic, which implies the bank need to stay in touch with the social and cultural shifts. The science, engineering and technological and entrepreneurial cultures makes UK economical successful, thus, impacting a positive change on the bank’s performance. http//www.statistics.gov.uk, www.ons.gov.uk and www.oup.com/uk 2.1.1 Macro-environment 2.1.1.1 Cultural and Social 2.1.1.2     Ã‚  Political and Legal Obligation to banks to give political donation as part of their democracy support to the major South African parties.   The political stability in UK, Europe, United States, Asian (India) and southern part of Africa, influences the group’s growth. The new Basel rules on bank capital which requires all banks to hold top quality core tier one capital equal to 10 per cent of their assets, adjusted for risk. (19:09/ financial times/6th June 2011). The Project Merlin Agreement which states that UK’s biggest banks are committed to lending more money in 2011, especially to small businesses, to pay less in bonuses than they did last year and to be more transparent about their pay packages.(15:42,BBC Business News,9 February 2011). Plan to increase bank levy to 2.5billions pounds this year-raising an extra of 800million pounds, will be a threat on Barclays bank PLC.(18:04,BBC Business News,8 February 2011).   Ã‚  Recovery of national recessionary period and increased in employment rate. bbc.co.uk/news/business/13758784. 2.1.1.3  Ã‚   Economic Increase in UK gross domestic product by 0.5percent. Inflation is steadily held at Consumer Prices Index (CPI) at 4.5 per cent and Retail Prices Index (RPI) at 5.2 per cent in May 2011. UK retails sales fall to 1.4 per cent in May and interest rates have been kept at the record low of 0.5 per cent again this year, by the Bank of England’s Monetary Policy Committee. UK unemployment fell 88,000 in the three months to April this year to 2.43 million, the biggest drop since the summer of 2000. The value of the average home in UK, rose by 0.1% from April to May in 2011 to  £160,519, but prices were 4.2% lower than the same period a year ago the biggest annual drop since October 2009. The European Central Bank signaled rise in Eurozone interest rate in July 2011, from 1.25 per cent. Inflation in the Eurozone was 2.7% in May. The euro fell per cent to 1.44880 dollars against the US dollar in the first quarter 2011.   High inflation in China and India in 2011 while Japan is in recession. Increase loan rates and consumer prices in Korea. Middle East and North Africa unrest is affecting the Dubai-based Dnata, emirates aviation industry. Import costs in developing countries rising by up to 30 per cent as a result of high oil prices and shortfalls in production due to bad weather have contributed to higher food prices. Jersey tax information exchange agreements with 17 of the G20 countries. bbc.co.uk/news/business-13758784 2.1.1.4  Ã‚   Technological New telecommunication systems, including fibre optic telecommunication and Internet to facilitate mobile banking and online banking. The global launch of the next generation financial kiosks such as NCR SelfServ 4 which is a cashless kiosk, ideal for non-cash transactions such as appointment check-in and account services and SelfServ 8 features cash-deposit capability suitable for bill payments, equipped with touchscreen technology, the machines are loaded with NCR APTRA software applications that are PCI and EMV compliant. New technology such as Mix-and-Match software for 3D digital signage and kiosks SWIFT code to facilitate the international payment system in banks. ATMs are currently in operation at all the local commercial banks. Global increase in computer literacy and easy access to computer More half of the global population is computer literate and has access to internet services. http://selfserviceworld.com/research and bnet.com/library 2.1.3 Competition Analysis The group’s major competitors are HSBC bank, Bank of America, BBVA, BNP Paribas bank, Credit Suisse, Deutsche Bank, JP Morgan, Morgan Stanley, RBS, Lloyds TSB bank, Santander bank, NatWest bank, Socià ©tà © Gà ©nà ©rale and UniCredit. HSBC Bank Strengths: HSBC holdings is the first top bank in the world with the largest profit in the first quarter of 2011(4,153 billions dollars). The bank has a strong trust and credibility in emerging markets such as China, putting it in a good position to enjoy large economies of scale in their fast growing economy. The bank’s good online saving account offers competitive rates with no monthly fees or minimum balance requirements, opened as little as with one dollar and money is FDIC insured to the maximum permitted by law. Weaknesses: HSBC decision to reduce its long- term return on equity target to 12-15 percent from 15-20 percent, leaves its investors disgruntled.   Insufficient trained staffs, thus less customer driven. Insufficient personalisation of HSBC’s brands due to its branding emphasises on its global presence. Decreased in production and loyalty from its staffs due to redundancy programme. http://managementoday.co.uk/news, bbc.co.uk/news/business and   http:/www.hsbc.com 2.2  Ã‚  Internal Analysis The internal analysis focused on the bank’s performance and its internal environmental factors such as its management, staff and infrastructures, in order to identify its strengths and weaknesses. 2.2.1  Ã‚   Performance From Barclays annual report 2011(www.barclays.co.uk), the Barclays group PLC has more solid positions on capital with 11 per cent core tier one ratio (10.8 per cent Q4 2010), and a liquidity pool of 161 billion pounds than they started last year. While group’s adjusted gross leverage is maintained at 20 times and impairment is down 39 per cent considerably, giving the group’s first quarter (Q1) 2011, a loan loss rate of 76bps (Q1 2010:112bps). See Appendix. Adjusted profit before tax of the group, excluding own credit and gains on acquisitions and disposals this year, up to 10 per cent to 2,004 millions pounds (8 per cent in 2010). Excluding own credit, return on equity increased to 10.1 per cent (9.3 per cent Q4 2010), return on tangible equity increased to 12.1 per cent (11.4 per cent Q4 2010), and return on risk weighted assets increased to 1.5 per cent from 1.4 per cent in Q4 of 2010. (See appendix). Increased in gross new lending to UK house holds and businesses amounted to 9.9 billions pounds indicates improvement on 2010 year ended amount of 43 billions pounds gross new lending plus 7.5 billions pounds of UK loans gotten from the acquisition of Standard Life Bank at the beginning of the year 2010. The Q1 2011 dividend of 1.0 pound per share, with earnings per share of 8.5 pounds. Over 2010, the group ranked in the top quartile Total Shareholder Returns (TSR) of its global competitors, this position is progressively maintained in the Q1 2011 implies good performance indicating good management by objectives this year. www.barclaysannualreport.com 2.2.2   Management and Staff The management is made up of thirteen highly skilled and qualified directors and has 147,500 staff and senior executives. Most of the staff are young and have the requisite capabilities, and are re-trainable for newer systems and technology. The remuneration Committee provides governance and strategic control of remuneration, human resource activities and senior management development. The Committee’s objective in relation to remuneration is to motivate its employees towards excellence in business and personal performance by offering incentives, attract and retain employees of ability and experience.   Staff is encouraged to part take in share option and share purchase schemes and have a substantial sum invested in Barclay’s shares.   Staff is kept informed of matters of concern to them in many ways, such as business unit news magazines, intranets, briefings and mobile phone SMS messaging. These communications facilitate the achievement of a common awareness among employees.   Staffs share their views and feedback on issues that matters to them. Periodic employee Opinion Surveys results reported to the Board, all employees and to its European Works Council, Africa Forum, its recognised union in the UK and other recognised unions worldwide. Road shows and employee forums also take place. In addition, regular and formal consultations with its recognised trade unions and work councils internationally. www.barclays.co.uk 2.2.3   Infrastructure and Delivery   The group is investing heavily in infrastructures in order to perfect its client services and better reach to its global customers and clients, explains why the group is facing high operating costs. www.barclays.co.uk 3.  SWOT Analysis The SWOT Analysis identified the opportunities, threats, strengths and weaknesses of the bank, as follows: 3.1 Strengths: The world’s third largest bank in terms of assets, with a core tier one ratio of 11 per cent. Barclays Corporate has been named Lender of the Year at the 2011 Health Investor Award for the third time. The group has an effective data management and   first bank to produce statements in colours. Barclays Egypt Award for business continuity despite the recent country’s civil unrest. The Awards for Excellence 2011 won by Barclays community investment programme in Katine, Uganda. The group’s brand is unique, historically built and promoted continuously through its good citizenship such as sponsorship of Premier League football. The group enjoys large economies of scales and spread of risks as a result of its global presence. Barclays Capital ranked number two overall in Risk magazine’s survey of institutional investor clients.   Double win for Barclays at UK Moneyfacts Awards Distinct technological innovations, for example, it introduced the first credit card ever used in the market in 1966 , and mobile banking.. Acquisition and incorporation of Egg’s credit card customers in to the Barclaycard portfolio. The complex nature and complicated application of its new brands cause a lot of problems to its customers such as the lengthy digits codes to memorize when using telephone banking. The group leadership team has very little customer-centric view, thus give the reason why they always have a lot of customer complaints especially from its UK retail banking that is poor customer services. Poor earnings performance in the first quarter fueled criticism about executive pay packages in Barclays capital, the investment banking unit where pretax profit fell 33 per cent in the first quarter 2011. Less attractive shares due to low earnings performance. The bank branches are not well centralized within the high streets of UK unlike RBS and NatWest banks which are everywhere in the streets. Online banking and telephone banking are complicated to access. High interest rates on loans and low interest rates on savings accounts. The bank recent launch of the high street’s first two-year flexible bond giving savers a competitive   rate   and the flexibility to withdraw up to 30 per cent of the balance without incurring any charges. Telephone banking with Barclays Wealth international offers secure, personal and private services, being the fast and friendly way to deal with day-to-day banking request unlike other banks such as HSBC. Barclays Bank has a strong competitive advantage as it is among the top three banks in many African countries, including Ghana, Nigeria, Kenya, Zambia and Mauritius, thanks to its merger with Absa Group Ltd in South Africa. Emerging markets in Africa and Asia Pacific. Barclays Capital strengthens prime services management by recently appointing ten managing directors. Its strategy of full global diverse services provides the group a wide range of cross-selling opportunities. 3.2 Weaknesses 3.3 Opportunities 3.4 Threats The recent Merlin agreement that required the availability of appropriate capital and resources by the banks to support gross new lending of 190 billions pounds, should demand materialize. The recent strike threat at Highland airports could hit Barclays Scottish Open at Castle Stuart. Barclays group faces stress with difference in the government rules and regulations in all of its respective markets in the world. Chairman of the Independent Commission on Banking (ICB), confirmed recently in a weekend speech, that moves to split retail and investment banking operations were being considered. Due to its global operation nature, the group is exposed to high risks in the financial markets. Barclays group experiences increasing competition and threats in the banking industry from other companies such as the new Japanese bank called Mizuho which is building in London to find new avenue for growth. www.barclays.co.uk, www.fm.co.za/articles, www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news, www.bbc.co.uk/news/business, www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/businessnews , and www.e-customer-satisfaction.com/rev . 4. Customer Analysis 4.1 Markets The bank has branches in the UK as well as operations throughout Europe, Africa, the Middle East, Asia and the Americas. The market stakeholders consist of the governments, other public Sector bodies, corporate entities, insurance companies, professionals, public servants, teachers, Students and national residents in the above market segments. www.barclays.com 4.2   Market Segmentation Market segmentation is the splitting up of a market into different groups of customers with distinctly similar needs and product/service requirements. There is now widespread agreement that market segmentation form an important foundation for successful marketing strategies and activities. (Wind, 1978; Hooley and Saunders 1993).It implies market segmentation ensures that the elements of the marketing mix, price, distribution, products and promotion, are designed to meet particular needs of different customers. Barclays group divides its market into different geographic units such as nations, states, regions, cities or streets. For example Barclays bank PLC Oxford road (University’s branch) in Manchester. This kind of division is called geography segmentation. The group also uses demographic segmentation to split its market in to groups on the basis of variables such as age, family size, family life cycle, gender, income, occupation, education, generation, nationality, religion, and social class. This type of segmentation is easy to measure and enables the bank to identify the right product offer to meet the specific needs of customers and improve its customer perceived offerings. For example, improvements of student account offer such as no monthly fee, an interest-free overdraft facility up to 2,000 pounds from opening the account. www.barclays.com 4.3 Market Targeting Barclays bank PLC uses the differentiated targeting approach which recognizes that there are several market segments to target, each being attractive to the marketing organization. As such, to exploit markets, a marketing strategy is developed for each segment. For example, Barclays targeted the student market segment in UK, and its rationale for acquiring students was that there was an opportunity to establish a long-term relationship with students and, to target a new customer annually. The bank uses effective segmentation assessment criteria such as ensuring that its various market segments are measurable, substantial, accessible, differentiable and actionable, ensure a segment is useful for targeting.   This effective segmentation assessment criteria help in choosing the right targeting approach to use 4.4 Market Positioning Market positioning is the act of designing the company’s offering and image to occupy a distinctive place in the minds of the target market. (A.Ries and J.Trout, 2000). The main purpose of positioning is to build the bank’s brands in the minds of the customers in order to maximize potential benefit to the bank. Kotler (1997) argued that â€Å"Positioning is the act of designing the company’s offering and image so that they occupy a meaningful and distinct competitive position in the target customers’ minds†. Therefore, positioning is all about how customers judge a product’s attribute relative to that of its competitors, and its ability to deliver against the promises made. The bank has applied a good positioning of its brands to target markets. For example, Barclays found that an incentive offering mobile broadband would have the most appeal to students, the bank partnered with orange to offer 25 percent discount on its mobile broadband schemes to those who signed up for a Barclays student account. The bank also established a working group to oversee the new student proposition such as no monthly fees, an interest-free overdraft, free debit cards, mobile phone banking and a net work of local branches. This is to build its brands in the minds of its target customers by effectively and efficiently meeting their needs. Orange and Barclaycard recently launch ‘Quick Tap’ – the UK’s first contactless mobile phone payments service, allowing consumers to make purchases on the high street using their mobile phone  · Customers can make purchases  £15 and under nationwide by simply tapping their Quick Tap mobile handset against a contactless reader at over 50,000 stores. Hence, the group has good positioning strategies. 4.5   Branding Branding is a means to distinguish the products or services of one company from those of another. (K. Moore and Reid, 2006). Therefore, a brand is a logo, name, symbol, design or image, or any combination of these, which is designed to identify the product or service. Barclays group does branding of its products/services with respect to its target customers needs. The group has different brands such as Barclaycard and its contactless mobile payment brand , online banking, offshore banking and investment, UK premier and personal banking, business banking, Barclays corporate, international banking services, Barclays capital and Barclays wealth.   www.barclays.com/product and services, www.oup.com/uk/orc 5.  Marketing Strategies 5.1 Mission The mission of the Barclays Bank is to make available products as well as services to help the customers to achieve their financial goals that would in turn lead to economic growth as well as being a good citizen. 5.2  Marketing and Financial objectives Customer and client driven, which implies its customers and clients are at the center of its strategy and business model. As a result of this, a long-term customer relationship is established which develops sustainable business over time. Thus, the group believes that most successful banks are those that serve clients across all their needs through a wide range of distribution channels. Effective risk management and ensuring the required financial discipline to deliver returns is maintained, and operating within its capital resources and generating returns in excess of its cost of equity. The group also intends to gain income growth through sustainable growth in target markets and geographies. Target return on equity of 13 per cent by 2013 and generating additional income of between 4.3 and 6.4 billion pounds in 2013 relative to 2010 while ensuring to produce top quartile total shareholder return over time. www.barclaysannualreport.com 5.2.1   Supply strategies Barclaycard and orange newly developed â€Å"Quick Tap† contactless mobile payment service which allows consumers to make purchases on the high street using their mobile phone for the very first time. Barclaycard is providing Orange customers with  £10 cash added to their account upon activation, and 10% cash back on all Quick Tap purchases made in the first three months. Barclays Capital, the investment banking division of Barclays Bank PLC, recently announced the launch of the Algorithmic Inflation Momentum Switching (AIMS) index, designed to generate excess returns from the US inflation market. The reason being that market participants switch from nominal bonds to TIPS when concerned about inflation. Barclays Wealth international offers discounted international online payments to investment and mortgage advice from our specialist advisers. It provides you with immediate access to your money as well as control over your day-to-day spending wherever you are. www.barclays.com 5.2.2 Demand Strategies Target students and matured wealthy Nationals returning home or resident locally, including doctors, lawyers, managers, entrepreneurs and retired persons. To gain more competitive advantages in the market through product differentiation. 5.2.3 Positioning strategies The bank is currently perceived to have a poor customer services compared to its peer group that is their service offering and quality are not very much outstanding as portraits by its branding. So the bank’s aim is to also move to the top position for service offering and service quality through its innovative product developments and improved service quality so as to defend its strong brand image. Ensures effective data management is improved. 5.2.4 Competitors Strategies Improve the quality of customer services by training staff. Continuously promote ATMs, online banking, Barclaycards and telephone banking services that will provide greater convenience to customers. Offer unique innovative Barclays Wealth-management and Barclays Capital products/services that will attract the target markets.www.barclays.com 5.3 Marketing Mix Strategies 5.3.1 Product Barclays offers personal banking and credit card facilities through Barclaycard to customers. The products and services for personal customers include: bank accounts (from entry-level through to premier), a range of credit cards through Barclaycard, saving accounts, loans, insurance, online banking and mortgages through Woolwich. The also offers corporate and business banking, investment banking and Wealth management -which focuses on private and intermediary clients worldwide, providing international and private banking, investment management, fiduciary services, and brokerage. The group ensures these products and services are always available to satisfy customer needs. www.barclays.com 5.3.2 Price The group ensures the prices are affordable with respect to the target customers. For example, no monthly fees, interest –free overdraft and 25% discount on its mobile broadband schemes to those who signed up for a Barclays student account. Also a discounted international online payment to investment. www.barclays.com 5.3.3 Place The bank positions its product and services in such a way that they will be accessible at customers convenience such as Barclays replacement debit card delivered to customer’s home in two working days, availability of Quick Tap contactless reader at over 50,000stores. Mobile phone banking and increase in a network of local branches. ATMs at strategic locations throughout the country. 5.3.4 Promotion Word-of-mouth campaign and literature in branches. Online advertising on website and direct mail to prospective students. Phone prospective customers or visit them at their residents or place of business to sell products and services to them Develop an advertising campaign programs targeting the selected groups of customers.    5.3.5 Personnel and Services Develop a performance appraisal system that will allow for feedback throughout the fiscal year which determines annual salary increments and the quarterly bonuses such as travelling allowances, reward for sales volumes in order to motivate staff. Recruit more people that possess the required skills for the tasks available and provide each of them with a job description setting out clearly the job expectations and goals, as well as the required job-related behaviors. Offer good training to both existing and current staff for the job required task. Improve on customers services by training both top management staff and subordinates to be customer-centric. www.marketingweek.co.uk/opinion/barclays , and www.barclays.com/productsand services. 6. Channel analysis Barclays bank uses the following ways to communicate with customers through its multichannel routes such as word-of-mouth campaign, literature in branches from employees, online advertising and direct mail. The bank also reaches customers through telephones, ATMs, contactless payment cards and visa debit cards. The bank has about 1,900 branches in the UK as well as operations throughout Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and the US. Also plans to improve on the centralization of its branches within each target market. Increase the number of its local branches within the high streets of UK, such as Universities areas.   www.barclays.com 7. Implementation and Control Barclays group supports a marketing oriented culture to provide market perceived offering that meets customer’s expectations by placing a strong emphasis on its market research (SWOT and PESTLC analysis) to discover the data of   its market context, customer requirements, competitors activities, the most appropriate way to run their channel operations (distribution and marketing communications) The group has ten existing skillful directors and two current directors, all assigned to manage each of the products and services business units efficiently and effectively with the help of 147,500 employees through management by objective.   The budget holders who are top management will be given incentives, so as to hit and improve both their sales forecast and profit targets. The group headquarters management foster and encourage creativity and innovation through out the business while ensuring effective risks management and financial discipline is in control. www.barclays.com 8. Financial Forecast  · Target return on equity of 13 per cent by 2013  · Additional income of between 4.3 and 6.4 billion pounds in 2013 relative to 2010. www.barclaysannualreport.com 9. Contingency plans Continued investment in multichannel platform such as success performance in mobile banking and online investment platform. Effectively and efficiently focus on productivity and innovations Ensure customer sovereignty is in place by stay close to them and effectively managing their risks.   Conclusion I have taken a critical look in to the situation faced by Barclays group PLC such as its objectives, and goal (13 percent returns on equity by 2013 and income growth of) the group expected to achieved. While taken in to consideration its strengths, weaknesses, threats and opportunities sorted out by the use of SWOT and PESTLC analysis, as well as competitors analysis, and its marketing strategies on execution. I will lay emphasis on top management and staffs to be more customer-centric when making decisions and execution on strategies as well as carrying out effective implementation and control in order to reach desired target.

Pros and cons of fast food Thesis Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Pros and cons of fast food - Thesis Example Some of them think fast food is a new tobacco, almost a plague for it brings the decline of public health and has harmful effect on new generation. On the other hand, there are also points of view that fast food is in some way a cure-all for the economic problems, such as poverty and high level of unemployment. In other words, the society has not reached a compromise yet due to the fact that the parts consider the matter from the different angles, such as public health and economic well-being. One of the advantages of fast food is that it is rather cheap, especially ifto compare it with other facilities, which perform that sort of function. It is not a secret that fast food chains try to reach as bigger audience as possible and, consequently, increase the profits by means of competing in prices with their business rivals (Spurlock). As a result, all of the existing food chains set up prices that appear to be more accessible than the cost of healthy food at markets or prices at restaurants. For a great number of people, who sometimes live on the brink of survival (as it goes from the money they earn), fast food is a great way to have meals regularly. In other words, people do not choose between eating healthy food and junk food. They rather choose between the prices for these types of food. Overall, it is a question of money and being limited to products one can buy. In this regard, fast food is an alternative to far more expensive fresh meat, fish, vegetables and the way to save money. In addition to this, fast food industry has a positive influence on the employment trends and the state of economy as a whole. As the example of the father of fast food industry, J. R. Simplot, shows, fast food can actually invade the whole world. At the very first stages, Simplot’s company had about a hundred of workers and only in two years of operation the number of people increased to twelve hundred (Schlosser). The same works for McDonald’s. In