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Film Short Questions and Answers

Question AFilm started in Cuba at the beginning of the 20th century. Before the Cuban Revolution of 1959, around 80 full-length movies were created in Cuba. The vast majority of these films were melodramas. Taking after the transformation, Cuba entered what is viewed as the “Brilliant age” of the Cuban silver screen. The global co-generation of movies has ended up critical for the film of Cuba furthermore for whatever remains of Latin America. A universally co-delivered film is one in which two or more generation organizations from distinctive nations are included, or the financing has been sourced from more than one nation. Co-preparations are getting to be progressively regular today yet even as ahead of schedule as 1948 were normal in the middle of Cuba and Mexico.Universal co-creations started to take off in the 1960s and 1970s, numerous with the point of expanding political mindfulness and highlighting regular issues in Latin American countries. Before its disintegration, the USSR likewise assumed a part of co-creating movies in Cuba, for example, Mikhail Kalatozov is I Am Cuba. The expanded significance of co-created movies was inexorable because of globalization, and on account of Cuba particularly, because of an absence of financial assets. A film made with the participation of two or more nations almost consistently ensured dispersion in both countries, bringing about a more noteworthy gathering of people and expanded incomes. It likewise considered more presentation of local films.Question BFilm of Argentina alludes to the film business situated in Argentina. The Argentine film includes the craft of film and inventive motion pictures made inside the country of Argentina or by Argentine producers abroad. The Argentine film industry has truly been one of the three most grown in Latin American silver screen, alongside those created in Mexico and Brazil. Throughout the 20th century, film creation in Argentina, bolstered by the State. As well as by the work led to a not insignificant rundown of executives and performing artists, turned into one of the real film commercial enterprises in the Spanish-talking world.The film industry in Argentina came to a zenith in the late 1930s and 1940s when an ordinary of forty-two movies were delivered yearly. The films typically included tango, however notwithstanding when a tango topic was discarded most silver screen from this period still included humble saints and well off villains. In these movies, it depicted diligent work and neediness as praising and portrayed the poor as the essential recipients of Juan Perón’s monetary strategies. These films were seen as a significant aspect of the political motivation of persons. By supporting a film industry that assaulted insatiability and upheld the working people, Perón had the capacity impact the disposition of his voting public to construct open bid.Question CRita MorenoRita Moreno has had a flourishing acting profession for most of the six decades. One of the not very many (and first) entertainers to win an Oscar, an Emmy, a Tony and a Grammy, she was conceived Rosita Dolores Alverío in Humacao. Puerto Rico, on December 11, 1931, to sewer Rosa María (Marcano) and rancher Francisco José “Paco” Alverío.Anthony QuinnAnthony Quinn was conceived Antonio Rudolfo Oaxaca Quinn on April 21, 1915, in Chihuahua, Mexico, to Manuela (Oaxaca) and Francisco Quinn, who turned into a collaborator cameraman at an LA film studio. His fatherly granddad was Irish, and whatever is left of his family was Mexican. In the wake of beginning life in amazingly unassuming circumstances in MexicoJavier BardemJavier Bardem is the most youthful individual from a group of performers that has been making movies since the beginning of the Spanish silver screen. He was conceived in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain, to performing artist Pilar Bardem (María del Pilar Bardem Muñoz) and businessperson José Carlos Encinas Doussinague.Recording TechniquesWhen a character is onscreen in a film, his size inside the casing figures out what kind of shot is being utilized. For instance, a “long shot” includes his whole body during a “medium shot” is from the waist up. Diverse shots have distinctive consequences for the group of onlookers. For instance, a closeup -one in which the group of observers may see a character’s face filling the casing -is considerably cozier. It permits the crowd to join with the character on a more individual level than if he were off out there.Just as essential as the material an executive movies is the way he alters it together. Long takes -shots that don’t remove for much time -can be utilized to raise pressure or build authenticity, while scenes with short, quickly altered shots may pass on quick paced activity.Filmmakers depend on innumerable different methods in their specialty. Just as the cameraman were recording, something happening. The Sound is another element -one strategy is to control what the group of onlookers sees as “diegetic” sound. A diegetic sound will be the sound that originates from the universe of the film -something that the characters could listen, similar to an auto horn or dialog. The non-diabetic sound incorporates portrayal or the soundtrack -the movie producer may utilize your desires and suppositions of what is diabetic to astonish you.Question DOpen doors for Hispanic Americans (i.e. those individuals who are or have a family set of relatives from Mexico, Spain, or other Latin American. In addition its difficulties, confronting individuals with other racial or ethnic characters who work in the business, behind or before the film came. Verifiably, performing artists or performers of a Hispanic set of relatives frequently looked for some employment inside individual cliché parts, which regularly reflected more extensive social mentality and social inclinations.Latino men were usually delineated as being profoundly forceful Furthermore with low levels of enthusiastic development, i.e. lawbreakers, low-life hooligans or the exceptionally energetic, even fierce, adoration enthusiasm of the featuring character. Latino ladies, Latinas, were comparable depicted when it went to their sexuality, however whereas Latino men could be in a position of power, though inside and against social. In addition to, criminal setting, Latinas were frequently characters with substantially less power, for example, housemaids, household hirelings or even whores. Even without the utilization of these generalizations, it advertised to a Latino gathering of people. Behind the cam, it is still troublesome for a Latino filmmaker, executive, screenwriter or cinematographer to have standard business achievement.

Film, Gender Socialization and Stereotype

In the age of advanced technology like the one we live in, the role of media in gender socialization is undisputable. Film as an aspect of media has been transformed greatly and therefore there is also need to narrow down the examination to the constituent aspects of media and examine their role with respect to gender socialization and stereotyping.

War films mostly endorse violence as something natural and gallant for the male characters. In such films, women are mostly presented as whores, nurturers, mothers or chattels (Holtzman 2000). Where soldiers are involved in the films, they are men with stoic endurance and not given to many words. This kind of setup leads to perpetual stereotyping where men are associated with staid character while women are presented as objects of exchange for men who win in the drama. Films again do not associate intimacy with men’s relationships unless such a relationship involves a woman or is directed towards a female.

In relation to gender socialization, films present intimacy between men characters in a way that motivates homophobic reactions. Generally, gays are a symbol of the intertwined relationship between heterosexuality and homosexuality. Gay characters are not so common and if they feature, they are hardly ever depicted enjoying their lives happily. For instance, in Dynasty, Steven’s lovers get killed (Chandler 2009). Film stories that relate to gay tend to emphasize conformist values. This kind of portrayal reinforces gender stereotyping.

Traditional film productions portrayed stereotypical representation of gender roles. However, this trend has been changing slowly. In the recent past there have been campaigns that discourage stereotypical depiction of gender roles. Films also take this into account and therefore there has been a balanced representation in the roles and males and female characters (Holtzman 2000).

(Note: Client had requested 11 point font, MLA with 2 sources and at least 2 in-text citations)

Works Cited:

Holtzman L. “Media messages: what film, television, and popular music teach us about race, class, gender, and sexual orientation” M.E. Sharpe, 2000: 82- 85

Chandler, D. “Television and Gender Roles” Accessed online on Tuesday, November 17, 2009 http://www.aber.ac.uk/media/Modules/TF33120/gendertv.html#E

Student Name

ARTH 334 6210

June 28, 2014

Man On Fire

Leonard Klady review of Man On Fire in the Los Angeles Times focuses heavily on the narrative, cinematography, and other film aspects used brilliantly at the start of the film but are less apparent towards the end of the film. It is apparent that Leonard Klady is not a fan of the film as his opening statement for the review states, “The sparks are few in Man On Fire” (Klady).

The narrative in Man On Fire is extremely busy according to Klady. He also feels as though the story comes to an end once all of the main characters and relationships are developed. I do agree with Klady in some aspects. The film opens up strong tying together all of the main characters and their relationships which then leads to a sequence of action scenes. However I disagree that the story comes to an end once all of the main characters are introduced. The story continues to build in particular the relationship between Denzel Washington and Dakota Fanning. This is evident especially when Washington is teaching Fanning how to improve her swimming time and his appearance at her swim meet in the absence of her parents. If anything the story continues to build as Washington attempts to tie everyone together who is responsible for the kidnapping of Fanning.

Klady criticizes the film for having dark and grainy cinematography that leaves the audience in the dark throughout the film. More than likely I think this was director Tony Scott’s intentions, as the film is meant to be grainy and dark in order to stay true to the nature of the film. In addition the camerawork within the film offer many point of view shots and close-ups that enhances the nature of the film. This was particularly important during the first real action scene in which Fanning is kidnapped while leaving a villa after piano lessons. There are numerous point of view shots of Washington and the hired kidnappers. This particular film shot offers realism between several distinct characters and provides their perspective or role within the film.

To create an uneasy atmosphere that quickly changes the mood of the film and the demeanor of the characters, Scott makes good use of the tremor effect when shooting the film. Many of the shots within the film appear shaky inducing a sense of panic and adrenalin rush all at the same time. This is evident in the scene in which Washington is torturing a corrupt police officer by cutting off his fingers. During this shot the camera is shaky as the audience witness blood splattering on the windshield of the vehicle, Mexico City landscape is captured in the background, and the film is presented from the viewpoint of the police officer that is missing several fingers. As pointed out by Klady the use of the camera in such a manner retains the audience attention but can become overwhelming at times.

The presentation of subtitles used throughout the film was unique. As described by Klady the subtitles were not your typical subtitles appearing at the bottom of the screen. They were presented randomly throughout the screen and highlighted key phrases when the dialogue was translated from Spanish to English. There is even a few times in which a few choice lines in English are presented in subtitles. One scene that uses subtitles brilliantly is when Washington is talking to an elderly couple in Spanish and the dialogue is about forgiveness. Washington explains the reasons for his actions connecting religion to his moral obligations. This particular scene invokes a sense that the time has come for Washington to seek revenge for the kidnapping of Fanning.

As pointed out by Klady the audio style and music selection was unique and fitted the film well. Scott loaded the first part of the film with a lot of dialogue and as the movie moved along in particular during the time in which Denzel seeks revenge the sound track takes shape. In the film one can find a varied mixed of tunes during the start of the movie but the music shifts to support the cultural environment of the film. Later in the film Mexican guitar music is used heavily. Referring back to the scene in which Washington is torturing the police officer for his role in kidnapping Fanning you can hear the Latin version of “Hey Mickey” being played in the background. For both the audience, if noticed and the police officer this creates a sense of unrealism. The audience witness for the first time Washington’s extreme act of violence and for the police officer is confronted probably for the first time of his wrongdoings.

Man On Fire. Dir. Tony Scott. Perf. Denzel Washington, Dakota Fanning, Christopher Walken. Fox Studios, 2004. Film.

Klady, Leonard. “The Sparks Are Few In ‘Man On Fire’. Rev of Man On Fire, dir Tony Scott. Los Angeles Times 21 April 2004. Print.

Filming in 3 2 1 and ACTION

The most interesting thing about this easy is the revelation of how getting “too busy” sometimes can be dangerous and at the end may affect our daily performance at place of work or school. The true revelation of how “too busy” can be costly is interestingly revealed by the phrase “The common room was a mess, his mess mostly”. Here, the narrator gives a detailed description of the common room which was quite messy. I was especially impressed by how the narrator went about in describing the disorganization of items within the common room. He manages to bring a clear view of the mess such that the reader can envision it. Another interesting issue that arises from this essay is how the narrator manages to incorporate humor throughout the text. For example, in his second sentence within this passage, it appears as if the filled gallon of water was communicating with him. Its presence guarantees that he would not lack water despite that the other gallon contained little water. The narrator also makes the description easier for his readers by using comparisons. For example, he compares the bean bag chair to a lode stone which carries things several items library books and a backpack lay on the bean bad chair. Humor is revealed, to be honest, throughout the essay. I mean the entire essay is humorous. From the way the narrator wakes-up, does the homework and fall asleep while at school. However, I experienced difficulties towards the end of this passage as the writer cuts short the second last sentence. This leaves the reader hanging while the next sentences do not have any connection with the unfinished one. I would suggest that the writer should have adopted a better way of ending this passage without diverting far away from his description.

The couple

This is probably my best essay among the five. Wow! I like the way Hanna’s husband deals with the emotional situation that Hanna is undergoing. Under normal situations the husband could have reacted angrily and even left her on the cafeteria. But he understands that it is not about him or the waitress but the child that Hanna needs badly. However, she understands that the husband is also interested in getting a child just as much as she is. She appreciates how supportive the husband has been through the entire difficult situation. At the end, she comes down and even apologies to him and even starts a “romantic play”. Another interesting factor that reveals itself in the essay is the element of tolerance and patience. If the husband had not been supportive and understanding, then situation could have moved from bad to worse.

I spotted some difficulties in the third passage within the essay, “The Couple”. The writer has used short sentences which do not communicate effectively his perspective. For example, the sentence, “So stubbornly”, does not communicate anything on its own. It would have been more appropriate to join these short sentences in to one continuous sentence. This would have brought out a clearer meaning of the intended view. I would suggest that the writer should use such short sentences when writing dialogues rather than during his narration

Film-Philosophy journal review

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Film-Philosophy journal review

Film-Philosophy is a peer-reviewed academic journal which discuses film studies, aesthetics and world cinema from a philosophical point of view. The journal has five editors namely; Dr. David Sorfa, Dr. Greg Singh, Dr. Graham John Matthews, Matthew Holtmeier and Dr. Ben Tyrer. All of these editors work in recognized universities in the departments of film, Media or Cultural Studies. On top of this, the journal has an editorial board comprised of 15 individuals.

Film-Philosophy publishes the works of numerous authors on a broad range of topics and academic disciplines such as cultural studies, film studies, gender studies, philosophy, media studies and the arts. It was founded in 1996 and it is published three times in a year. Its main purpose has always been to provide a philosophical discussion of film studies, philosophical aesthetics and world cinema. It is sponsored by Open Humanities Press and is available online and in print format.

Critical Reflections

The dominant purpose of the Film-Philosophy journal is that it seems to offer a platform for discussions and debates of hot issues related to films and philosophy. The essays published in it examine theoretical issues related to film and philosophy, but which have practical implications. The content of the essays is particularly relevant to students and scholars in film studies, philosophy, media studies, cultural studies and the arts. Though the essays in the journal hardly contribute to other disciplines apart from those listed above, I find the journal to be very helpful to me as a film studies student.

The philosophical position of the essays in the interpretation of films is quite interesting to readers. In volume 15 of the journal, we find for example Imprisoned in Disgust: Roman Polanski’s Repulsion by Tarja Laine, Toward a Poetics of Cinematic Disgust by Julian Hanich, Body Horror and Post-Socialist Cinema: Györgi Pálfi’s Taxidermia by Steven Shaviro and the Introduction: Tarrying with Disgust by Tina Kendal. These articles discuss the presence of disgust in films and movies and the impact that this has in the society. This is one of the highly debated issue topics, especially in film studies. Thus, my review of this journal does not only complement my class work, I have been able to broaden my knowledge on the issue of presence of disgust in films and movies. Informed by the different authors of the essays in the journal, am able to look at this issue from many perspectives. Upon this base, I personally find the journal to be very rewarding to me.

One challenge I faced with the journal is that most of the essays published in it have long paragraphs and lack headings and subheadings. In addition, the authors occasionally use complex sentences and complex language, making the articles a-little-bit abstruse. This is evident in the essays in volume 15 such as Imprisoned in Disgust: Roman Polanski’s Repulsion and the Introduction: Tarrying with Disgust. This particular aspect reduces cohesiveness of the contents and ideas produced in the essays, which might make it difficult for a reader to understand how information is layered and prioritized.

Secondly, most of the essays published in the journal such as Imprisoned in Disgust: Roman Polanski’s Repulsion and Toward a Poetics of Cinematic Disgust offer persuasive ideas to demonstrate how films are filled with disgusting scenes. However, some of their statements in the description of films fail to include research references or acknowledgements that the statements are their own opinions. Example include assertion made in the Toward a Poetics of Cinematic Disgust that “In the last decade phenomenological film theory has emphasized that the film experience does not rest exclusively on the dominant senses of seeing and hearing.” This is a strong point whose source is not acknowledged. Acknowledging such opinions and explaining their reasoning could increase opportunity for persuading skeptical readers to agreement. By failing to provide research findings or personal reasoning, the authors increase reader’s resistance to their arguments.

Another issue is that the essays published in Film-Philosophy journal rarely treat films as objects of aesthetic contemplation. Words such as ‘aesthetic value’ and ‘beauty’ rarely appear in the essays describing films. This is not surprising given that many of the films discussed in the essays such as Terminator II and Back to the Future have little or no aesthetic value. As a result, many of these essays are inclined on revealing the presence anomie and psychological dysfunction in our societies. Unfortunately, much of the investigation of relationship between films and psychological and social matters is unsupported speculation. As noted, some of the ideas brought out in most essays support from lack factual findings or credible sources. However, the journal remains interesting and informative to targeted readers.

Similar to Film-Philosophy journal, this review targets students and scholars in film studies, philosophy, media studies, cultural studies and the arts. I believe that this review effectively meets the needs of the audience by present both the positive sides and negative sides of the journal.

References

Film-philosophy journal, (2012), Retrieved 29 March 2012 from, HYPERLINK “http://www.film

philosophy.com/index.php/f-p/index” http://www.film

philosophy.com/index.php/f-p/index

Student Name

ARTH 334 6210 Understanding Movies

May 31, 2014

FORREST GUMP

Forrest Gump (1994) segmented:

Equilibrium – In the opening scene a feather falls peacefully to the ground near Forrest Gump as he sits at a bus stop in Savannah, Georgia describing his life events to different listeners

Disruption – Graduating college Forrest Gump joins the United States Army and deploys to Vietnam where he encounters war on the frontlines as an infantryman.

Quest – Becoming a successful Ping-Pong player, Forrest Gump returns to his hometown and buys a shrimp boat to fulfill a promise to a fallen comrade.

Disequilibrium – Hurricane Carmen hits Forrest Gump’s hometown. With the only surviving shrimp boat, Forrest Gump strikes it big and makes a fortune in the shrimp business.

New Equilibrium – Financially stable from the shrimp business, Forrest Gump awaits to reunite with his elementary school sweetheart, Jenny.

Point of Attack – Forrest Gump runs onto the football field during practice.

Forrest Gump. Dir. Robert Zemeckis. Perf. Tom Hanks, Gary Sinise, Robin Wright. 20th Paramount Pictures, 1994. Film.

Student Name

ARTH 334 6210 Understanding Movies

June 12, 2014

WHEN THINGS FALL APART

Log Line: “A rouge Soldier’s actions during a top-secret mission put American lives in jeopardy. A Special Forces Team held in high regards would now become the subject of a criminal investigation”.

Act 1 – Equilibrium

ACE a United States Army Special Forces Officer sits on a dirt runway in Kandahar, Afghanistan awaiting the arrival of the Freedom Bird. The Freedom Bird, a Boeing C-17 Globemaster will take him and his Special Forces Team back to the United States following a 10-month combat deployment. The Special Forces Team comprised of 12 Soldiers can finally relax after spending months battling the Taliban in enemy strongholds throughout southern Afghanistan. This will be their last trip to Afghanistan due to back-to-back deployments. The team will go to South America to train Colombian Special Forces in about 11 months. JR who is second in charge of the team is the first person to notice the C-17 as it makes it finally approach to the airfield. Once on the ground the rear ramp of the C-17 lowers and the crew chief waves the team over to load the plane. Back in the United States Ace, JR and CHEWY the leadership of the team attend debriefings prior to starting their post-deployment leave of 30 days. Once on leave the men are finally able to spend time with their families and love ones. During this time MATTY the Weapons Sergeant on the team gets married to his high school sweetheart, Ace is able to move into his newly built house, and BIG RED the senior Communication Sergeant welcomes the arrival of his first child.

Act 2 – Disruption

Ace and his wife returns to their hometown of Washington, D.C. for the last two weeks of his post deployment leave. While eating at their favorite restaurant, The Chart House that overlooks the Potomac River, Ace receives a telephone call from his Company Commander MAJOR NELSON. Ace’s wife can tell from the conversation that whatever is being said it cannot be good. Ace and his Special Forces Team will return to Afghanistan in approximately six months in order to conduct a high visibility Secretary of Defense directed mission that is a yearlong. Later that night Ace calls JR and Chewy to give them a heads up about the upcoming mission. The men return to Fort Bragg, North Carolina the following week and begin receiving top-secret briefings from Senior Special Operations and CIA officials. The importance of the mission begins to sink in as the men are forbidden to talk about the mission to anyone who has not been read-on to the mission.

Act 3 – The Quest

Due to the nature of the mission the men begin receiving specialized training. The training will split the team up for the next six months leading up to the deployment. The men of the Special Forces Team get to spend little time with friends and family as the training will often take them to different parts of the United States at weeks on end. During this time period Ace, JR, and Chewy must restructure the team since they lost a few Soldiers to retirement and reassignments. EDDIE is one of the new Soldiers that join the team. Eddie was on another Special Forces team but due to medical complications he was unable to complete the United States Army Special Forces Combat Dive School.

Act 4 – Disequilibrium

Once back in Afghanistan the men are highly praised by senior military and CIA officials for the work they are able to accomplish. They received several visits from senior officials from Washington, D.C. who are eager to learn more about the top-secret mission and the accomplishments. Three months prior to the end of the deployment Ace, JR, and Chewy discovers that Eddie divulged top-secret information to a civilian prior to his return to the United States due to family issues. To make matters worst the team discovers that the civilian has ties to Iranian officials and the information can compromise the mission. Back in the states Eddie is questioned about this information and denies everything. Instead he makes counter-accusations against the team and alleged the team participated in illegal activities.

Act 5 – New Equilibrium

The Special Forces Team now must face several investigations while in Afghanistan and upon their return to the United States. Once reserved, as “Rock Star” amongst their organization the team is now looked upon as criminals despite no evidence to support the accusations presented by Eddie. In the meantime Eddie becomes protected under the Whistle Blower Act and receives special treatment because he claims that he now suffers from PTSD. Due to the nature of the mission senior officials disband the Special Forces team and strip them of their Special Forces Tabs and Green Berets. Ace, JR and Chewy are involuntary separated from the military due to their leadership position. Two years later Eddie comes clean about the situation and tells officials that the allegations were made up in order to keep him out of hot water. Despite the many careers that were ruined Ace, JR and Chewy builds a Security Firm that provides security for VIPs during travel to foreign countries. The original employees are members from the Special Forces team.

FINACIAL CONSULTANT

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Introduction

This is a profession where a person offers the advice of money management to businesses and people. They prepare financial planning to the people and business by covering different aspects of finance which includes cash flow management. Many people do employ them because they give guidance so as to reach long-term financial goals.

The financial consultant does what many may not prefer do for themselves. They also meet clients and help them to determine their budgets and retirement planning, strategy in investing and other financial responsibilities. The financial consultant also gets their clients on track so as to meet their financial goals. Many of the financial consultant work-for the firms while the 20% of them work for themselves. They often build up expertise in areas for instance retirement plans and financial plan for small business owner.

For one to earn the trust from clients, is determined by building and maintain a high level of financial expertise. One has to acquire a bachelor degree as well obtaining a financial planner which it is designation is recommended in the Financial Planning Association or other industry related to that. A financial has to obtain a license which certifies that he/she is capable of doing that job.

As the financial become more successful in his/her line of career, he/she will still continue to dwell in the books of business. This means that unlike most type of career they don’t really transition to another role with time and seniority. When one becomes a financial consultant he/she becomes a consultant for a long period of time. If he/she retires from the career, he/she will be self-employed. After retirement one opens his/her firm that meets the needs of the clients. After some time they start giving away their smaller household that is in terms of assets, and also increase theirs for the new accounts they will accept.

A financial consultant is expected to be in the career for a long period of time; therefore there is typical series of steps they follow to become more senior. This path is special in a way. Actually one has to have an advanced education for example, has masters in the current degree. The first step of career path is to become an assistant manager. Here, the duty of the consultant goes to another step, and he is likely rarely meet the clients but gives assistant to the manager. Secondly the assistant manager graduates to become manager. The rank is because the person has more experience which makes him, be promoted to that level. The salary in this level is increases, and one gets bonuses which others of below them do not get. The final level is that of a directory. This level is harder to achieve due to a few of opportunities that exist. It really pays well

Conclusion

The financial consultants have various duties to offer. In the occupation for the entire career, one has to undergo a typical series of steps which they have to follow for seniority. The steps are as following; assistant manager, manager and finally a director. Many things are involved for one to become a financial consultant. Moreover, in many firms, the financial consultant technically remains into the function.

References

Ainsworth, J. H. (1997). How to become a successful financial consultant: Making a living investing other people’s money. New York: John Wiley & Sons.

McDonalds

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[final assessment of learning in the Strategic Human Resource Management]

Description of the organization:

McDonalds is a global foodservice industry, which began its operations in 1940’s. The concept of McDonalds was introduced by Brother Dick and Maurice McDonald, by opening a ‘hamburger stall’ at San Bernardino, California in 1937.

Mission: ‘McDonald’s aim is to be the leader in the Quick Service Restaurant (QSR) industry by maximizing Profits and through our Principles of QSC & V (Quality, Service, and Value) consistent with the needs of our Customer, Employees and Community.’

The major domestic growth of McDonald’s in USA began in 1960’s, as there was a demand of cheap takeaway food. Today the Company operates in more than 117 countries worldwide, serving more than 50 million customers per day. The company’s retail outlets are either owned by the company or by franchisees. McDonald’s are structured with functional lines. In which every department is responsible for their own functions. McDonald structured in five different major areas: Finance, Marketing, Human Resources, Operations Development, etc.

Providing best quality and hygienic food at reasonable price is the competitive advantage of McDonald. Proper use of external opportunities with a focus on services, innovation and extension in menus are additions in its competitiveness. Pleasant, healthy and happy internal environment of restaurant attract more and provide a competitive advantage. McDonald is the world’s largest consumer of beef, chicken and potatoes, McDonalds always had been critics by world environmentalist for polluting environment but McDonalds is very well aware of its responsibility towards environment.

Competition in food service is increasing day by day therefore McDonald may face high competition in coming two or three years. In comparison with its competitors McDonald does not have diversified product line. There is no any breakfast in the menu of McDonalds. Due to these McDonald can loss its market share in coming future.

Description of the organization’s strategic planning process:

In any organization human resource play very important role in the development of an organization. HRM Function is very essential for any organization’s growth. Providing a competitive advantage by recruiting skilled employees, new procedures, new policies, new solutions etc are the main functions of HRM.

In McDonald human resource has an important role but to achieve competitive advantage and to be stable as a good brand McDonald applying and work very efficiently on five P’s such as People, products, place, price and promotion. They have implemented geographic strategic plans also which was main reason of its success. Their main focus was to provide quality and hygienic foods. In US McDonald focus on breakfast, chicken, beverages and convenience. Southern Style Chicken Biscuit, Southern Style Chicken Sandwich etc were launched by McDonald. McDonald’s started a tiered menu approach in Europe. In Middle East, Asia and Africa McDonald develop their geographical strategic plans. In India they were established by promoting vegetarian fast foods. Extension and value to their core menu was the main focus of McDonald’s strategic plan. Company is able to establish themselves globally because of their overall strategic and geographical strategic plan.

Since company is in fast food industry where they have focus of quality of food, service and price, Human resource has less influence in their strategic planning. In recruiting and providing staff force human resource help McDonald a lot. The restaurant service is formed by the company in better way because of efficient work force and skilled people. Due to better human resource management company is able to manage their servicing facility. That is why we cannot deny that Human resource of McDonald has no participation in the strategic planning process. Innovation, change, new promotional activities etc are the functions of human resource.

Description of HRM strategic planning process:

McDonald has also human resource management department and they perform their functions and responsibilities in a very well manner which resulted into a high financial result for the company. In McDonald employees are hourly paid (from September 2007). Here 54.86 % employees are male and 45.14 % employees are female. McDonald provide safe, sustainable, enjoyable, healthy and clean working environment. They work as a team and regard every employee. In 2006 & 2007, McDonald’s UK was listed in ‘The Times’ for Top 50 Places Where Women Want to Work. McDonald’s is a Gold Card member of the Employers’ Forum on Disability (EFD). The Company use ‘Two Tick’ Symbol which is approved by Employment Service.

Main functions of human resource management in strategic planning are:

Providing training and development (on and off the floor) to all its employees from the first day of the employee.

Extending and innovating new ideas for changing their food, quality and services.

Under crew Development Programmed (CDP), McDonald provides standard training system.

McDonald’s development management give direct route into restaurant management by providing Shift Management, Systems Management, Personal and Soft Skills Training management etc.

As McDonald uses its promotional activity at certain time interval with a new motto and attraction. These changes in promotional activities are the HRM function.

IT and online learning is very much essential for employees due to online order.

In 1989 Part-time Management Scheme was introduced by McDonald for part-time employment. It was another function of HRM to provide employees at less salary.

Analysis and Identification of Issues:

McDonald’s mission and objective was to become leader in fast food industry by maximizing Profits and through our Principles of Q S & V (Quality, Service, and Value) by satisfying Customers. HRM of McDonald work very hard to meet the organization with its mission and objectives such as:

Strong brand name image reputation – McDonalds is a brand known to the globe, its slogan I’m Lovin it, and its brand statue is recognized by the customers all over the world.

Market Leader – McDonalds is the market leader in burger segment in fast food industry. It captures maximum market share and holds the first position in USA, Malaysia, Europe and Asian nations.

Strong promotional activities: McDonalds makes a strong move in promotional activities, its strong advertisement, focusing on children.

Product innovation skills – McDonalds have made a move in innovating its products, it continuously works on redesigning its existing products to match up with the tastes and preferences of its customers. Introduction of Salsa wraps in India is one of the product innovations that McDonalds has adopted.

McDonald face some issue as well along with the successful work their HRM.

Legal proceedings – There are several plaintiffs that have been charged against McDonalds in case of obesity and misrepresentation of its products to its customers.

Excess External financing – McDonalds relies heavily on external financing which is one of the biggest financial weaknesses of the company. As per 2009, McDonalds holds 72% of debts as compared to its assets. They also invest a high amount on their employees.

Weak R&D – McDonalds lacks focus on its research and development skills.

Unhealthy food – Many times McDonald’s is linked with serious related to diseases such as heart disease, cancer, obesity and diabetes.

As we can see that company is doing well which is possible due to the smart work done by Human Resource of the company so they did not need any changes or redirection but they need to focus on work force that is increasing regularly. As a result they have to face high expenses. They should higher multitasking employees and secondly they must consider the legal and environmental issue associated with the company. Due to this company is losing their image (weakness) and if they will work on this, it will give a good impact in the eyes of consumer and they will be counted as a socially responsible company.

Recommendations for change:

Primary recommendations:

McDonald must focus to limit their employees because they have to face a high expense or investment on their employees. They should hire skill employees so that they need not to investment more on them in respect to training and development.

Organizational culture of McDonald seems good but they need to focus on the quality of their food as well as price. Since there are various competitors in the market so it is very essential for the company to focus on these factors.

McDonalds has always been a market leader in the fast food industry in the world. With its different concepts and focus on cleanliness and speed, the company has been successfully made its place in the global market. From 2000, McDonalds has been improving its position and performance. Apart from the primary recommendation, they need to consider some important thing related to their strategy. They should focus on quality and hygiene of the food products served. They should increase some variety of food products because in comparison to its competitors they have less names in their menu. They can concentrate on niche marketing to target high profile customers. Company should also focus on their financial performance because it seems like fluctuating.

Reference:

Company cite, Updated, retrieve from

HYPERLINK “http://www.mcdonalds.com/us/en/home.html”http://www.mcdonalds.com/us/en/home.html

Corporate level Strategy retrieved on 19th July’ 2010, retrieve from HYPERLINK “http://www.nowpublic.com/style/28-corporate-level-strategy”http://www.nowpublic.com/style/28-corporate-level-strategy

CSR Company International, Leading global CSR Consultancy ISO 26000-CSR Strategy-Measurement, (N.D.) retrieve from

HYPERLINK “http://www.blurtit.com/q355891.html”http://www.blurtit.com/q355891.html

By Erica and Michelle, (N.D.), Human Resource Management in McDonald’s, Retrieve from

HYPERLINK “http://jpkc.szpt.edu.cn/english/article/Human%20Resource%20Management.htm”http://jpkc.szpt.edu.cn/english/article/Human%20Resource%20Management.htm

THE LONDON GREENPEACE GROUP, (N.D.) What’s Wrong with McDonald’s, Retrieve from

HYPERLINK “http://www.mcspotlight.org/case/pretrial/factsheet.html”http://www.mcspotlight.org/case/pretrial/factsheet.html

Spotlight, the Issue introduction, (Updated), retrieve from

HYPERLINK “http://www.mcspotlight.org/issues/intro.html”http://www.mcspotlight.org/issues/intro.html

HYPERLINK “http://www.managementparadise.com/forums/human-resources-management-h-r/214495-organisational-structure-mcdonald-s.html”http://www.managementparadise.com/forums/human-resources-management-h-r/214495-organisational-structure-mcdonald-s.html

Final Business Plan in burgers and pizza

Introduction:

Strategic planning is one of the key roles of any management. It relates to the procedures and processes that define the future direction of the business in line with its vision and mission. All organizations therefore have a duty to come up with the best plans that reflects their capabilities. Strategic planning also helps businesses realize sustained competitiveness in the market. Burgers and pizza is one of the leading franchises of foods and puts a lot of emphasis on health matters in its foods. To that effect the company has developed a vision of becoming the choice of the community when it comes to healthy foods. This is also clearly stated in its mission statement which seeks to promote a healthy community (Goold & Quinn, 1990).This company therefore intends to differentiate its products through the health component which resonates with the societal expectations. The company targets schools and colleges and hence its businesses will be concentrated near these institutions as they mainly target young adults. This paper therefore develops the understanding of the company strategic plan with emphasis on tactics and technological developments, controls measures and ethical issues in the strategy (Muhumed, 2008).

Discussion:

Just like any other business burgers and pizza intends to remain profitable in the market by providing quality pizzas and burgers. The company must therefore develop strategies that will ensure that the business is sustained for a long period of time but at the same time needs to meet its short term obligations.

The company has been able to sue the balanced score card to provide insights on the key deliverables that needs to be achieved. They include the customers, financial, internal business processes as well as learning and growth. The firm has therefore set itself clear targets on these key areas. Internal business processes refers to all factors within the control of the business that can be manipulated to make a change the business from one level to another. The business has mainly targeted the young adults which constitute the largest population in any country and hence the firm intends to use the numbers to achieve its financial goals. The firm therefore seeks to reach at least 50% of the young adults attending school. The firm will use the customer base to achieve high revenues which will translate to a 10% increase in shareholder value.The customers will be a vital component of the company strategy and hence it recognizes the importance of their satisfaction. the company intends to achieve an increase in customer satisfaction rate s by 20%.The firm projects that the eating habits of the population would change significantly with many people adopting ready made foods from restaurants. This is an opportunity for growth and the firm is keen using these trends to grow the business which will need high level of staff retention as well as opening opportunities for more staff. The company intends to achieve a retention rate of 20%.These are the key strategic alignment as per the balanced score card (Olsen, 2007).

Strategic planning also borrows a lot from the SWOT analysis and the information will be important as they will determine the strategic directions the organization will take. The company has developed a long term philosophy of providing quality foods that promotes healthy living. This is one of its strengths. The firm however suffers from intense competition especially from new entrants and already established outlets. It’s however worth noting that the business environments offer the company an opportunity to diversify its products and bring variety of foods. It could also cover a large age group and customer target.

Based on the above SWOT analysis and the balanced score card the firm will pursue the following strategies.

strategy objective Target measures

Financial To ensure that the company remains financially sound and meet its long term and short term financial obligations Profits should increase by 30% in the next three years.

The company will lower prices by 10% to achieve higher customer base. The shareholder value is expected to increase by 20%.

Customer

To provide high quality services that promotes healthy living among the customers.

To attract large number of customers and maintain high level of customer base The firm will seek to expand to other schools and colleges not covered at the moment.

The company will also develop products that target the elderly and the children. Customer retention levels are expected to increase by 20% annually.

The company intends to achieve a market share of 60% in the next six years.

Technological The firm intends to operate using modern technology that reduces costs and maximizes revenues. The market penetration is expected to increase by 30% annually following the adoption of modern technology is supply chain and logistics.

The number of customers will go up by 20% from technology driven activities. The costs are expected to reduce by 40% in the next 4 years.

Business efficiency will be enhanced.

Customer satisfaction levels will also be enhanced.

The above table shows the key strategic areas that the firm will seek to achieve in the long run. They will ensure that the company meets cost leadership and product differentiation objectives in the long run.

Financial stability will be key in the operations of the business hence the firm has developed an elaborate financial strategy. In this regard the firm will seek to expand the business using modern technology in its operations and this will lead to a profitability of 30% with subsequent price reduction by 10%.The company has also set itself as a pioneer of quality products which specifically promotes healthy living. This will definitively differenciate its products from the competitors and enhances brand equity.

Control measures in the strategies:

These are the measures that evaluate the success of the strategic plans and guide the implementation process.

Financial controls:

These are measures the guide the achievement of the financial targets. In this regard the firm will employ sales targets and cost control measures to ensure that the firm achieves its desired profitability. This will be clearly inline with the company of achieving 30% profitability. The sales targets will mobile revenues while the costs will maximize the profits(Stevens &Loudons,2005).

Customer surveys:

The company believes that the customers play a critical role in the success of the business hence there will be quarterly consumer survey to determine the level of satisfaction with the products.

Technology:

The firm will also seek to utilize the international standards in its business operations. This will be done through the application of modern technology in its supply chain and all other business processes.

Ethical, legal and regulatory issues:

These are very important factors to be considered when implementing strategies. As a law abiding organization burgers and pizza will strive to comply with the laws relating to the kind of business they are engaged. This may limit their expansion program as they will have to ascertain that all legal aspects of the business are met (Phillips and Gully, 2011).The company clearly understands the costs that are associated with non compliance with the law in business and will therefore strive to fully meet the laws set to ensure the continuity of the business and successful implementation of the strategic plan. The company will also ensure that it plays its role in meeting the social and economic needs of its employees that forms an important asset in the implementation of the plan. Ethical issues also affect the business and the company will seek to ensure that its operations promote the ethical standards of the communities in this case it will ensure that its production process is transparent and earns the confidence of the members of the public. As mentioned earlier the company key area of concern is healthy living hence its products will strictly adhere to this philosophy. The firm also seek to work closely with its target customers and communities to gain corporate citizenship. This will mainly be done through social responsibility by responding to the needs of the members of the society.

Conclusions:

Based on the above strategies and control measures the firm will definitely make a big step in realizing its long term sustainability in the marketing using cost leadership and differentiation objectives.

References:

Goold,M.& Quinn,J.J.(1990).”The Paradox of Strategic Controls “Strategic Management

Journal.Vol 11 pages43-57. London UK: The ashridge strategic management center.

Muhumed,U.M.(2008). Achieving Effective Results Through Strategic Plan: The

Case of African Rescue Committee.Authorhouse.

Olsen,E. (2007). Strategic Planning For Dummies. Hoboken, NJ : Wiley Pub.

Philips, J. & Gully, M., S. (2011). Organizational Behavior: Tools for Success. Stamford, CT: Cengage Learning.

Stevens,E.R. & Loudon,D.(2005). Marketing planning guide.Routledge.