Cognitive Development Theory Essay

As a prospective educator, it is important for me to understand the cognitive development theory and how it applies to individuals. Cognitive development is basically how the thought process begins. It is the way that people learn and how mental processes become elaborate and develop. These processes include remembering things, making decisions, and also solving problems. In order for a teacher to be effective, one must understand how children develop mentally so that each student can be accommodated in the classroom. There are many theories regarding cognitive development, and there are several factors that remain constant throughout all of them. These factors form some of the basic premises on cognitive development, which include the ideas that all people go through specific steps or stages of learning or understanding, and that certain qualifications must be met before learning can occur. It is the actual specifics of these basic premises that cognitive theorists have differing opinions about. (Slavin, 2009) Two theorists that display the basic premises of cognitive development are Jean Piaget and Lev Vygotsky. Both theorists have similarities and differences when it comes to their views on cognitive development. We will first begin with the views of the two on the nature or development of intelligence. Piaget believed that children are naturally born with the ability to both interact with and make sense of their environment. Children as well as adults use patterns of thinking called schemes to deal with different things in the world. The process of assimilation and accommodation is used to maintain balance in our daily lives. Piaget believed that â€Å"learning depends on the process of equilibration. When equilibrium is upset, children have the opportunity to grow and develop. † (Slavin, 2009, pg. 32) Different experiences that we face and factors in our environment contribute to developmental change in us. Vygotsky shared some similar ides with Piaget including the belief that the environment plays a huge role in the development of intelligence. He also believed that â€Å"development depended on a sign system, the culture’s language or writing system, that children grew up with. â€Å"(Slavin, 2009, pg. 2) Both also believed that there is an invariant sequence of steps that is the same for everyone, and that development is influenced by cognitive conflict. While the two share a few similarities on the development of intelligence, there are also differences as well. Piaget feels that development precedes learning. This simply means that something must take pace before learning can begin. Vygotsky, on the other hand, feels that learning comes before development which is the exact opposite of Piaget. It simply means that you must learn something before development can occur. Piaget and Vygotsky also had both similarities and differences on the stages of development. We will first start with the differences beginning with Piaget who believed that there are four stages to cognitive development. They are the sensorimotor, perioperational, concrete operational, and formal operational. He felt that all children passed through these stages and that you could move faster than others, but not skip a stage. (Slavin, 2009, pg. 33) The sensorimotor stage occurs at birth through two years of age. It is the stage where infants explore their environment using the five senses and motor skills. This includes sucking, grasping, and touching. The perioperational stage is from two to seven years old. Language develops at a fast pace in this stage. At this time the child’s thinking is also very self centered, and they lack the understanding of conservation. The concrete operational stage is from ages seven to eleven. At this time, thinking tends to shift from being self-centered to more logical. Problem solving is no longer restricted and the idea of reversibility also occurs. The last and final stage is the formal operational stage. This happens beginning with the age of eleven moving on into adulthood. Systematic experimentation is used to solve problems both symbolic and abstract thinking are now possible in this stage. Vygotsky felt that there was not stages, but different elements to cognitive development. The first element is private speech. â€Å"Private speech is a child’s self talk, which guides their thinking and actions, eventually internalized as silent inner speech† (Slavin, 2009, pg. 43) When children are struggling with a difficult situation you often see children talking to themselves to help cope with the situation. When we become adults we still talk to ourselves, but it is usually silent. The next element of cognitive development is the zone of proximal development or ZPD. â€Å"This is the level of development immediately above the person’s present level. † (Slavin, 2009, pg. 43) To better understand, this can be described as something that the child may not have learned yet, but are capable of being taught with the assistance of an adult. Educators often refer to this as a â€Å"teachable moment†. (Slavin, 2009, pg. 43) Now that we can see the differences between the two theorists, we can now explore the similarities between the two. Both heorists understand the importance of a child learning a culture’s sign system. They both feel that this has a significant impact on development. The two also agree that environmental factors such as sounds, signs, and objects are equally important. Lastly, the two theorists believe that there are some tasks that a child may not understand depending on age, but Vygotsky feels that if it is in the zone of proximal development then the child can be assisted with the help of an adult. Educators have been using both Piaget’s as well as Vygotsky’s theories in the classroom for years. An example of an activity that can be used in the classroom using Piaget’s theory of learning takes place in a kindergarten class. The teacher would ask the students to share what they do when it is raining outside. At this age we are in the perioperational stage where children tend to be egocentric. Some say that they go outside and jump in mud puddles while others may say that they stay inside and play with their toys. The children would share their experiences and they would all be correct because not everyone does the same thing. You can use Vygotsky’s theory of learning in at work in the classroom where third grade students are learning how to classify different types of dirt. You can place the students in groups where they can discuss how you properly classify the dirt. This will allow the students to hear other students thoughts, and see what methods they use to classify. Using this type of cooperative learning allows the students to learn from each other. When comparing both classroom applications we see that both classrooms are working as groups learning from each other. Piaget theory is seen in both classrooms. In the kindergarten classroom, the classroom is seeing that there are different ways to deal with the rain. The students are sharing their personal experiences and showing that there is no wrong answer. There are many ways of doing things . In the third grade classroom, the students are able to classify the dirt using touch and sight to see and feel the differences in each type. Both classrooms are interacting with the environment and learning from it. Vygotsky’s cooperative learning is also being played out in both classrooms. In the kindergarten classroom, the students are learning that there are different activities that can be done outside in the rain. Similarly, in the third grade class the students are using cooperative learning to find different ways of classifying dirt. In both classrooms the students are using the think out loud process. The differences in the two classrooms also stand out. When applying Piaget’s theory in the kindergarten classroom, you see that the students are in the perioperational stage. The students are egocentric and feel that what they say is the only right answer to the question. In the third grade class, the students are in the concrete operational stage. They are able to easily look at and see the differences in the types of dirt that they are working with. When it comes to Vygotsky’s theory in the kindergarten classroom, the students are working within their zone of proximal development. The students may not understand that they can do more than one thing in the rain because they have done the same thing every time. The teacher is using this as a teachable moment to allow the students to teach each other the different things that can be done. In the third grade class, on the other hand, private speech is being used. The students are saying their thoughts out loud to classify the dirt. When the students are using cooperative learning they are learning the different ways in which the other students use to classify the dirt. In conclusion, we can see how and why it is important to understand and know how to apply cognitive development theories in the classroom. Both Piaget and Vygotsky played major roles in how we teach our children in today’s world. We can use information and skills from both theorists to shape our students into great learners.

The Bearer of the Shield essays

The Bearer of the Shield essays Set in the Belgian colony of the Congo, Joseph Conrads novella Heart of Darkness centers upon European colonial activities. On the surface, the protagonist Marlow seems to denounce the hypocrisy within imperialism. He lashes out against imperialisms inherent cruelty towards Africans and also subtlety hints at imperialisms fall by alluding to the sense of revenge within the African jungle. However, these condemnations of imperialism do not necessarily label Marlow as an anti-imperialist. In fact, Marlows actions manifest his support of imperialism. The tendency to glorify imperialism already exists in Marlow before he experiences imperialism first hand. When Marlow recalls his impression of seeing the Company map depicting colonial powers in Africa, he says, There was a vast amount of red good to see at any time... (110). Seeing the great extent to which British colonies, represented by the stretch of red, occupy Africa pleases Marlow. He proudly exalts the fact that British territory exists not just confined to Europe but also all the way out to the African continent, a range of impressive territory that extends Britains overall power. By emphasizing how British territorial expansion leads to national prestige, Marlow praises imperialism and acts as yet another European votary of imperialism. During his actual experience in the Congo, Marlow also commends imperialisms contribution to enhancing civilization. To describe his African fireman, Marlow says ...to look at him was as edifying as seeing a dog in a parody of breeches and a feather hat....he was useful because he had been instructed... (140). As if he were training a dog, Marlow insists that education uplifts the primitive African to a useful human being. By reasoning how the benefits of European interference in Africa allow the natives to escape from a savage-like state, Marlow shows his imperialistic ...

Analysis of Article about Aspects of the Media Essay

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MA2 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

MA2 - Essay Example Apple Inc. is a company that manufactures electronics such as computers, mobile devices, as well as, developing software programs (Trautschold, Rene and Mazo 207). The iCloud is a system with features, which allow sharing of information, protection from device thefts, back up data services and more. The system was developed to curb the problem of theft and hacking in the cloud. The system has so far proved its efficiency due to the mechanical systems applied, but, the power of seeing has also contributed to its success. Michel Foucault, a French philosopher, argues in his book, Discipline and Punish, that, the effectiveness of surveillance systems does not rely on mechanisms used, but, rely on the fear and doubts of the subjects towards the authority and the systems (Foucault 34). In the case, of the iCloud system, therefore, one can argue that thieves and hackers tend to reduce their acts due to fear of invasion of privacy that would follow if they are caught up when performing those acts. In other words, mobile thieves will not go on grabbing people their iPads, iPhones and more because they fear to be caught up due to the existence of the iCloud systems. The purpose of this study is to explore the exact ways in which panoptic surveillance contribute to the effectiveness of the iCloud systems. Also, Foucault’s ideas will be developed in order to make them fit in many areas of applications, for example, in offices, classrooms etcetera. As stated earlier, iCloud serves three major purposes to the Apple consumers. First, consumers using the iCloud applications can send videos and snapshots to their friends and family from the remote locations. Additionally, they can send alerts based on the specific locations to their families in case of anything, for example, accidents, attacks or demonstrations. They can report when they arrive home or in their

Operating Systems and Networking Coursework Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Operating Systems and Networking - Coursework Example This led to an unprecedented increase in student population from 900 to 1,500, in 2 years. Clearly, the student population and the number of staff members had outgrown the physical infrastructure at the college. In this regard, the college management, in 2004, decided to open a constituent college or campus in East London, to cater for the gradually increasing student and staff population. With the aim of meeting diverse labour requirements of the society, the college introduced, yet again, two more course, Finance studies and Computer Engineering. As a result, the student population increased to about 2,000, as did the staff members. This led to the opening of a third campus in 2008 in North London. Additionally, the college launched Distance and Open Learning program that targeted students both within and outside London. This move led to an increase in student population from 2,000 to 3,000. The London College of Law and IT, as at today, has three constituent colleges or campuses w ithin the greater, including, the School of Law, School of IT and the School of Finance and Accountancy. In addition, the college also has 10 open-learning study centres outside London and has more than 3, 000 students in total and more than 100 staff members (both part-time and fulltime academic staff). All the three campuses are independent in terms of administration and have staff offices, student lecture halls, student’s halls of residence, computer laboratory, and a library. Each of the 10 study centres have an administrative office, a library that doubles up as a computer laboratory, three study/reading rooms-1 for law student, 1 for IT students, and 1 for Finance and Accounting students-which also doubles up as examination centres. In all the three campuses and the 10-study centre, there several designated Wi-Fi hotspots that serve students with laptops and tablets. London College of Law and IT faces stiff competition from various colleges in London that offer Law, IT, financial studies, or both. Notable competition includes the Imperial College London, King’s College London, London College of Law, University College of London, and London College of Legal Studies, among others. b. Requirement Analysis: Computer networks link a collection of computers, hardware and software through specialized software, cabling systems and other devices, thus enabling their users to work together by sharing files and other resources, for example, printers and scanners (N. Olifer & V. Olifer, 2006). Today, computer networks are very important; they shape the way we live, study, work or play. They enable us to communicate, interact, learn, and collaborate in ways that we could not do before. For higher institutions of learning such as universities and colleges, digital communication with voice, video and data is critical to achieving todays educational and learning objectives. Therefore, a well and properly thought of and designed network is an essential re quirement for meeting day-to-day institutional functions or for doing business (White, 2012). Improving computer networks enable us to enjoy better and reliable data speeds, and new exciting services and applications such as video conferencing, IP telephony, education, ecommerce and more. Designing a new network would benefit the London

Netflix’s Business Model and Strategy Essay Example for Free

Netflix’s Business Model and Strategy Essay Netflix is the largest subscription service for sending DVD’s by mail and streaming movies and TV episodes over the internet. Netflix’s revenues grew from $500 million in 2004 to $519.8 million in 2010. Company’s net income increased from $21.6 million in 2004 to $141-156 million in 2010. It attracted 1.6 million subscribers in 2004 and had to 15 million subscribers by 2010. Reed Hastings founder and CEO of Netflix have pushed the company to outcompete its movie rental competitors by building the world’s best internet movie service. Netflix is the world largest online entertainment subscription service and revolutionized the way that people rent movies. Netflix has outcompete its rivals on the basis of differentiation features, with their higher quality, wider product selection, added performance and services, and has superior technology. Netflix has a large selection of DVDs to choose from. It maintains relationships with entertainment providers to expand the title selection. Movies are prescreened for customers based on peer reviews. This allows Netflix to increase their inventory with movies chosen by viewers. There are no late fees. Netflix technology is superior because movies and TV episodes can be streamed directly onto nearly any device in a matter of seconds. Netflix business model and strategy can be analyzed with the 5 competitive forces in the movie rental marketplace: 1-substitute, 2- buyers, 3- suppliers, 4- potential for new entrants, 5- rivalry Substitute-It does not matter who sells the movie or the TV episode at the end the end user is getting the same product whether he got it from Walmart or Blockbuster. Substitute for Netflix and a potential threat is pirating movie files from the internet and illegal. This is a substitute that is inexpensive or free copy of the file. Buyers- Have the power to select where they are going to get movies or TV episode. They are going to look provides the best price and best quality. Buyers are not loyal and can get this product from other vendors. Competitors compare industry prices and quality. They will reduce cost in order to attract the buyer. Suppliers-Such are Hollywood are likely to increase cost if the industry profits increase. Suppliers have the capability to make movies and TV episodes harder to get by limiting license agreements. In order for suppliers to maximize their revenues they sell large number of movies and TV episodes the outcome results in competition and does not allow supplier to have much power on the product. Potential for new entrants- Blockbuster, and Netflix are the dominant retailers in the market it is very difficult for new entrants to succeed. Rivalry- Consumers have multiple sellers they can buy or rent movies and/or TV episodes. Main competitors are online subscription services internet movies and TV episode provider, kiosk services, and DVD rental outlets. From SWOT analysis we found the Strengths as followed, by operation on line is very flexible and very low cost, it has high customer satisfaction levels, and strong knowledge base and brand identity. Weakness are the industry, it is constantly changing at a fast speed, it is supplier dependent, postage is a variable cost (increases), customers need to have internet access and or DVD players. Opportunities are: It can expand globally to international markets because its internet access, new technology. Threats: If it’s not able to adapt or keep up with technology, rivals such as Walmart.com or Blockbuster have capital to compete against Netflix. There are some issues Netflix is facing Netflix needs to watch out for growing competitors with deep pockets and need to keep up with the fast growing changes with technology. It is recommended that Netflix increases its customer base (subscribers). This income will offset the ongoing costs. Netflix should move away from DVD rental, it creates a large percentage of its operating cost. Netflix should find out why people are still ordering DVD’s Netflix should educate customers with their streaming and downloading and focus on encouraging customers to stay with the service. Blockbuster advantage over Netflix is that they are able to release new released titles. Netflix needs to negotiate with entertainment providers to get new releases earlier than the competitors. Finally it is suggested that if Netflix is able to get new releases earlier they should pass a cost for the newest release (separately from subscription download monthly fee).

Analysing Gap Model On Burger King Commerce Essay

Analysing Gap Model On Burger King Commerce Essay The purpose of this assignment is to partially fulfil the requirements for MBA program and address the tasks as stipulated by the assignment brief for unit 19- quality and system Management. It shows understanding and application of key concepts of quality management in relation to its process, models and techniques by applying on Burger King. The assignment produced in a form of a business report. The report first outlines the using of theories, tools and techniques such as: gap analysis, time lines, and expectations on. This report devotes to various quality management theories and their application on Burger King. The contents of this assignment have been prepared after through research carried out by the author of the report on different organization using the guidelines and solutions offered by reputed authors on the subject of quality and system management. The report concludes on the issue of analysing gap model on Burger King to constantly evaluate its current marketing situation by using options available in line with theoretical framework. A full list of reference used is provided in the end of the report. 1.2 Research methodology: Two paradigms related with research methodology that are positivism and interpretive. Positivism is an epistemological position that advocates the applications of the methods of the natural sciences to the study of the social reality and beyond. But the term stretches beyond these principles, though the constituent elements vary between authors. However, positivism is also taken to entail some principles such as: only phenomena and hence knowledge confirmed by the senses can genuinely be warranted as knowledge. The purpose of theory is to generate hypothesis that can be tested and that will thereby allow explanation of laws to be assessed. In Positivism, knowledge is arrived at through the gathering of facts that provides the basis for laws. Positivism includes observation and experiments. It normally dominates business studies and does not require thorough justification. In positivism, experimental studies investigate relationship between variables where independent variable is mani pulated to observe the effect of dependent variable. Experimental studies confounding variable to obscure the effect of another variable. . Interpretive focuses on interpretation and understanding of text in the context of underlying historical or social forces. It makes a relationship which exists between direct description of experience and underlying dynamics or structures. This report is a descriptive one where interpretive methodology is used. Because by using this methodology the author is trying to describe social world and analyze the culture and behaviour of people from his own point of view. This report was basically contained on qualitative data by taking different employees interview, using computers and studying books related with topics. The report was administered by collecting secondary data. Task 2: 2.1 Research analysis and result: Company description: Company: Burger king Address: City: London Post code: E-mail: Fax: Mission statement of Burger King Companys vision is to be the worlds best quick service restaurant experience. Being the best means providing outstanding quality, service, cleanliness, and value, so that we make every customer in every restaurant smile. Burger king will meet customer expectations of: Highest quality Leading technology Competitive pricing Individual and company accountability Best-in-class service and support Flexible customization capability Superior corporate citizenship Financial stability About company: The name of my company is Burger king. It was founded by 2001 for the purpose of meeting customer expectations. Basically, the company serves hamburgers, cheeseburgers, chicken products, French fries, breakfast items, soft drinks, milkshakes, and desserts. With related to obesity condition in western nations and in the face of criticism over the healthiness of its products, the company has change its menu to include such healthier alternatives as salads, wraps and fruit. The companys business model is slightly unsimilar from that of most other fast-food chains. In addition to ordinary franchise fees and marketing fees, which are calculated as a percentage of sales? Customer expectation from: The company has a aim to continually build its brand by listening to its customers. It also determines the various stages in the marketing process. Customer expects consistent quality from the company. Its product is not high-quality because it is assumed a premium product, but because it consistently meets customer expectations. If a customer expects a quick, tasty meal in 3 minutes for about 5 bucks, then they know thats exactly what theyll get at Burger King. For the purposes of playing out the analogy, in Burger king: Value is served by meeting or exceeding a customers expectations for a price they are willing to pay. Quality is providing value consistently over time. But the customers of are not the same. Different customer expects different things from. Such as: Customer type Service Parents with two children to give the Children a treat they visits s Children They considered it as a funny place. A business customers Quick service and great taste. Teenagers Affordable saver menu. 2.2 Data Management: PEST Analysis: Product and marketing strategy: Burger king considered three elements in marketing strategy to be the worlds best quick service restaurant: People (being the best employer), Customers (providing them excellence) and System Growth (for owners/operators, suppliers and company. Burger King is bringing new products, usually for a limited period of time. Because management find that consumers like different things and different taste as well as a continuation of good products such as big Macs and Cheeseburgers. Also, they are well aware that if has too many products running at the same time then the speed of customer service will deteriorate. Alongside, doesnt give emphasis on healthier products in response to growing concerns about obesity. Therefore, it is difficult to evaluate the extent to which fulfils customers demands. According to 2001 consumer survey which is conducted by Sandelman Associates, was ranked as last out of 60 chains for taste. Statistics that explain cleanliness are not available and therefore the achievement of this objective is difficult to examine. Customer service quality is impossible to assess but it is renowned for being quick. So, there we can find a gap between product variety and customer demands. Ethical stance: The company thinks that their ethical stance is a way of considering, caring, and responding to issues within society, illustrating that they are a socially responsive organisation. Their main aim is to utilise and leverage every opportunity to develop the level of awareness and depth of understanding of various social responsibility issues, policies and practices so that they can increase their roles to society Burger King helps to many charities to achieve and show their commitment to being a good neighbour and partner within society. Despite of this, Youngster sue for Burger king for failing to warn that fast food can lead to obesity), heart disease, and diabetes, which customers are not warned about. This action stress on Burger king goal of doing what is right. Burger king apply strategy to overcome this problem is to serve nutritional information about every product it sells, while also putting fruit, salads, and pasta meals onto its menu. This is helping Burger king to transform into its junk food image. Although nutritional information is now accessible, more customers need to be made aware that this information is available. Environmental policies: Burger king is now wholly give emphasis to sustainable environmental practices believing in considering for the future generation and not misusing the facilities of today. Burger kings cleanliness is not available and therefore the achievement of this objective is difficult to examine. Wastage is another considerable factor where many companies fail in terms of utilising the available. Burger king is comprehensively environmentally friendly and does reach most of the stated aims and objectives. The goal in terms of encouraging environmental values and practices needs to be addressed more spontaneously to employees and managers similarly as opposed to the specialised Burger king Environmental Management System so that all employees of this organisation can give concentration on its environmental roles. Using this correctly could help the company to develop on environmental friendliness. Also, there needs to be a way of quantifying all necessary environmental data in order to ensure th at all employees are accepting an environmental responsibility resource. Financial performance: Return on capital of Burger kings stands at 9%, 23% less than Diageos and 11% less than that of the Yum Brands. Return on shareholders funds of its stands at 21%, 14% less than Diageos and 836% less than that of the Yum Brands. The reason the Stock Holders equity is so low because the fact that YUM has accumulated deficit and loss of income. The main comparison between Burger king and Diageo, its closest rival, is that their Sales per employee and profits per employee are significantly less at - £233,405 and - £45,791 respectively. This is largely due to them having six times more employees. Burger king hopes to close these gaps by a heightened focus on restaurant level execution and marketing. It can be argued that a reduction in significant item costs and an improvement in worldwide economic conditions will both also help to close the gaps. In fact, Burger kings success will be depend on continuation of their product consistency, better location choices and improved retail business model execution, particularly with regard to the training of employees. Service blue printing: They can links on: physical evidence, customer responses, service contact actions, support processes. Burger king can apply some processes for developing the standards: Identify the existing or desired encounter sequence. Translate expectation into behaviours or actions. Select behaviours or actions for standardization. Set as soft or hard standards. Develop feedback mechanism. Set target levels. Track performance against standards. Feedback to employees. Update target levels. Seven marketing mix of Burger king Product: When offering menu items, the important thing is to remember to customers is that they have a choice. They have a huge number of options of spending their money and places to spend it. However, Burger kings places considerable importance on developing a menu which customers want. Market research establishes exactly what this is. However, customers demands change time to time. What is fashionable and attractive today may be discarded tomorrow. Marketing continuously monitors customers preferences. For meeting these changes, Burger king should introduced new products and phased out old ones, and will continue to do so. Therefore, Care is not only taken to affect adversely the sales of one choice by introducing a new choice, which will cannibalise sales from the old one (trade off). Burger kings knows that items on its menu will vary in popularity. Their capacity is to generate profits will vary at different points in their life cycle. Action of marketing undertaken and the resources invested will be different depending on the stage a product as reached. For example, a new product launch will typically relate to television and other advertising support. In any time a company will have a products portfolio, where each in a different stage of its cycle. Some of Burger kings options are growing in popularity while arguably the Big Mac is at the maturity stage. Price: Value of customers perception is an important factors of the price charged. What a product is worth customers draw the picture of product on their mind. A product is a physical item and it has psychological connotations for the customer. There are some difficulties of using products low price as a marketing tool is that the customer may feel that a low price is symptom of compromised quality. It is very much important when deciding on the price to be fully aware of the brand and its integrity. Promotions: It includes marketing communication such as advertising which is conducted on TV, radio, in cinema, online, using poster sites and in the press. Other promotional sectors are sales promotions, point of sale display, merchandising, direct mail, telemarketing, exhibitions, seminars, loyalty schemes, door drops, demonstrations, etc. Marketing communications skill is to develop a campaign which applies several of these methods in a way that provides the most effective results. Place: The most important element of the marketing mix i.e. price is not just about the physical location or distribution points for products. Price gives emphasis on the management of a range of processes involved in bringing products to the end consumer. People: Burger kings employees have a standard uniform and McDonalds specially focuses on friendly and prompt and effective service to its customers from their employees. Process: Burger kings food manufacturing process is completely transparent where the whole process is visible to the customers. Physical evidence: Burger king s concentrates on clean and hygienic interiors of is outlets and at the same time the interiors are attractive and the fast food joint maintains a proper etiquette at its joints. The marketing strategy is in place various responsibilities are given to different individuals so that the plan can be implemented. Systems can be put in place to obtain marketing feedback which measure success against short-term targets. Burger kings has to ensure that this is done within the confines of a tightly controlled, finite marketing budget. 2.3 Resource and support: SWOT analysis of Burger King: Strength: Detailed market research and the brand to create the right marketing mix. Weaknesses: They have to keep innovating on their service because they are already existed in market during long time. Opportunities: By serving in a quickly and friendly way, number of customer can be increased. Threat: Number of competitors is increased which change customer styles and their taste and demand. Porters generic strategies: At the heart of the Porters generic strategies is the assumption that the organization will seek to dominate a segment of the market, seeing off all competitors by the excellence with which they serve those segments. Porter recommends gaining and maintaining competitive advantage. Porters generic strategies are best represented by a triangle which is shown in the following figure: Porters Generic Strategies Target Scope Advantage Low Cost Product Uniqueness Broad (Industry Wide) Cost Leadership Strategy Differentiation Strategy Narrow (Market Segment) Focus Strategy (low cost) Focus Source: Quick MBA Differentiation: This implies that the organization purses a strategy where it offers a product or service which is uniquely different from those of its competitors. It also must be known at least as a segment of the market, valued above the offer of others. Cost leadership: This is a strategy where the organization enables itself to provide the product or service at a cost less than any other competitive organization. Focus: Actually this is the combination of the differentiation and cost leadership strategy and Burger king follow the focusing strategy. Their strategies are: Aggressively restructuring to operate profitably at the current demand and changing model mix. Accelerating the development of new products that their customer want and value. Evaluating to a new level of performance. Strong marketing abilities. Product standards. Long tradition in the industry Products making skills Low cost distribution system Intense supervision of labour. Combination of these above policies directed Ford Company to focus on their target product or services at a given market. . Financial statement: Trading account of Burger king for the year ended 31.12.2010  £  £ Sales revenue 8, 30,000 Less: cost of sales Opening stock 1, 55,000 Purchases 4, 30,000 __________ 5, 85,000 Less: closing stock 1, 68, 000 4, 17,000 __________ Gross profit 4, 13,000 The profit and loss account of Windsor gifts Ltd. For the year ended 31.12.1996  £  £ Gross profit 4,13,000 Less: expenses Wages and salaries 1, 45,000 Rent and rates 50,000 Heating and lighting 25,000 Telephone and postage 12,000 Advertising 15,000 Insurance 23,000 Other miscellaneous 35,000 _________ 3, 05,000  ­Ã‚ ­Ã‚ ­Ã‚ ­Ã‚ ­Ã‚ ­Ã‚ ­Ã‚ ­Ã‚ ­________ Profit before tax 1, 08000 Less: corporation tax 32,000 __________ Profit after tax 76,000 The profit and loss account of Windsor gifts Ltd. For the year ended 31.12.1996  £  £ Sales revenue 8,30,000 Less: cost of sales 4,17,000  ­Ã‚ ­Ã‚ ­Ã‚ ­Ã‚ ­Ã‚ ­Ã‚ ­Ã‚ ­Ã‚ ­________ Gross profit 4,13,000 Less: expenses 3,05,000 ________ Profit before tax 1,08,000 Less: corporation tax 32,000 ________ Profit after tax 76,000 Dividends paid 46,000 ________ Retained profit 30,000 Burger king Ltd. Balance sheet as at 31, December 1996  £000  £000  £000 Fixed assets: Premises 350 Fixtures and fitting 80 Vehicles 75 ______ 505 Current assets: Stock 168 Debtors 120 Cash at bank 45 _________ 333 Less: current liabilities: Trade creditors 140 Taxation owed 32 Dividends owed 46  ­Ã‚ ­Ã‚ ­Ã‚ ­Ã‚ ­Ã‚ ­Ã‚ ­Ã‚ ­Ã‚ ­ ________ 218 Working capital 115 Net asset employed _______ 620 Financed by: Shareholders funds Ordinary share capital (300,000 shares at  £1) 300 Reserves 100 Retained profit 30 Less: corporation tax _______ 430 Long term liabilities: Bank loan 190 Capital employed ____ 620 Task 3: 3.1 Conclusion: To survive in such a competitive market place, any company must continue to build a strong relationship between quality standards and customer expectations. And the authority should also concentrate on customer demand. The report comprises of different tasks which outline the application of different methods and techniques such as Porters generic strategy on Burger king and in last part it shows the SWOT analysis and seven marketing mix of Burger king. In task 1, it can be concluded that, Burger king must continue to create strong customer service strategies and give concentration on quality standards and customer expectations. In task 2, the report shows that Burger king should give concentration to increasing the market share in compare to yum brands and Diageo. In task 2, the report gives conclusion of downsizing business system of Burger king. Burger king should attract customer with a credible value proposition and to constantly engage them in ways to that endeavour them to the company. An extensive situational review is required to address these issues and be kept up-to-date with the market developments as well as assess risks to plan business accordingly. 3.2 Recommendations: Though there are many difficulties of Burger king in their service operation and quality standards, that and customers of this organizations can face it, but the author can recommend some solution of it. Such as: in task 1, the author find that Burger king can make their service different, improve total quality in service management, identify gap of their service and can give concentration on customer expectations and try to retain their customer.. In task 2, Burger king can provide training to improve its employees efficiencies but they should more concentrate on customer expectations and standards of quality. In the end of the report, Burger king aim can be utilising and leverage every opportunity to develop the level of awareness and depth of understanding of various social responsibility issues, policies and practices so that they can increase their roles to society but the author recommends that they should give emphasis on their variety of products because more competitor and m ore imitators are entered into the market. Not only this, Burger king apply strategy to overcome the problem of youngster sue, is to serve nutritional information about every product it sells, while also putting fruit, salads, and pasta meals onto its menu. This is helping Burger king to transform into its junk food image. Although nutritional information is now accessible, more customers need to be made aware that this information is available. Burger kings success will be depend on continuation of their product consistency, better location choices and improved retail business model execution, particularly with regard to the training of employees. Marketing continuously monitors customers preferences. For meeting these changes, Burger king should introduced new products and phased out old ones, and will continue to do so. Limitations of the report: The study is not free from some practical limitations. Following limitations have faced during the study and the time of working and data collection: The author could not collect all the necessary data due to the workload of the employees. Some desired information could not be collected due to confidentiality of the organizations. Due to lack of practical experience, some errors might be occurred during the study. Therefore, maximum efforts have given to avoid mistakes. The time frame of the report was very limited. The report was done within three months.