Running head: DEMOGRAPHIC FACTORS RESEARCH
Demographic Factors Research
University of Phoenix
MMPBL 560
Managing in a Cross-Cultural Environment
October 19, 2009
Organizations around the world are experiencing the effects of cultural and global diversity. Kellogg, Starbucks, McDonald’s, and Arbor are four companies introduced in this paper. They have been researched in order to identify how each company is affected by demographic factors, how these factors are managed, and what systems are implemented to enhance the success of the business; thus, this paper illustrates the key course concepts and their application to the best practices of these companies. The dynamics and dimensions of diversity in an increasingly
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While remaining a superior global food company, Kellogg’s management realized that they had to have the strongest possible resources to support their business growth in a diverse and competitive environment (Kellogg, 2009). Likewise, Starbucks is managing its competition challenges; the current economic conditions are factors that Starbucks needs to consider in order to market the new products to preserve its clientele and bring in new customers. Hence, Starbucks is wise to use the four P’s model; Price, Product, Place, and Promotion, to determine the course of action best suited to stay ahead of the competition. To be clear, both Kellogg and Starbucks are managing the effects of postmodernity; that is, “postmodertnity describes our time and situation—today's world in flux, with people on the move who have learned to manage multiple identities depending on place and context” (Kottak & Kozaitis, 2003, Ch. p. 29). To manage the influence of postmodernity within the context of demographic factors, Kellogg and Starbucks are implementing strategic approaches to aid them in their success involving global and cultural diversity. For example, Kellogg committed itself to developing a comprehensive and ground-breaking supplier diversity program. This program was to cultivate strategic procurement relationships with W/MBE-owned, controlled and operated
Maintaining an image as a culturally-diverse corporation is a concern that has become increasingly important in recent years. Wal-Mart’s upper management team, in 2006, created “a panel of outside experts to advise top executives on promoting diversity in its work force” as part of a phase of planning to increase internal diversity in the company (Kabel, 2006). The purpose of the creation of this panel was to give the company’s upper management information about issues of diversity and ideas on the promotion of workplace diversity.
Starbucks has created a competitive advantage with their product quality by setting themselves apart from their competitors. “The Company has stayed with the upper-scale of the coffee market, competing on comfort rather than convenience, which is the case with its closest competitors, McDonald’s and Dunkin Donuts” (Mourdoukoutas, Panos). Consumers believe they are receiving a better product and experience when they purchase from a Starbucks as opposed to another large food service company that may sell coffee.
I analyzed Census track 014200 which is located on the Upper East Side near Central Park East and well-known avenues such as Madison and Park. The area consists of a population of 4,462 people; 91%White, 4% Asian, 4% Hispanic, 1.4% Other and 0.4% Black. In addition, I examined track 027500 located in my neighborhood of Jackson Heights, Queens. Track 027500 contains a population of 6,887 people; 73% Hispanic, 16% Asian, 8% White, 1.9% Black and 1.2% Other. The two tracks are drastically different in its demographic composition as well as its economic status. The Upper East Side neighborhood is highly homogeneous, compromising of less than 10% minorities compared to Jackson Heights which is made up of 92% minorities. Jackson Heights is a largely
starbucks Corp., an international coffee and coffeehouse chain based in Seattle, Washington, has expanded rapidly since its opening in 1971. These outrageous success was due to its well-developed strategy vision which lay out the company's strategic course in developing and strengthening its business. Starbucks is a global corporation that sells authentic coffee in 30 countries, reporting revenues of nearly $5.1 billion in 2006. The main goal of Starbucks is to embrace diversity by applying the highest standards of excellence. Starbucks strives to perfect the relationship with the working class by making the service as fast as possible because they believe that every customer has their own personal rate. One
Founded in 1985, Starbucks is one of the largest coffeehouse companies in the world with over 16,000 stores in 50 countries. This report evaluates major internal and external factors affecting Starbucks using various analytical techniques. Based on the Starbucks brand in UK, it identifies suitable marketing strategies for Starbucks to expand its business in the UK market within the next two years. In line with the chosen marketing strategies, recommendations for the marketing mix are discussed.
Starbucks’ lead in the specialty coffee industry exemplifies the result of deftly executing a well-planned business strategy. Moreover, Starbucks is well positioned for what is expected to be a continuing rise in the popularity of specialty coffee products. The question before Starbucks’ leadership, however, is what avenues will lead to Starbucks’ goal of remaining true to its core, the highest quality coffee products while providing a “total coffee experience” for its customers?
Starbucks utilizes a differentiation business model by offering an overall unique and high quality experience for the consumer. From the high-quality food and drink options, to the uniquely roasted coffee and supreme customer service, Starbucks aims to provide an experience unobtainable anywhere else. Starbucks also focuses heavily on rapid expansion by seeking out profitable geographical areas and overcrowding those areas with stores in order to exploit profits and slow down competitors. Starbucks’ compliments this with its horizontal acquisition strategy, extending their product line through acquisition of competitors. This provides Starbucks with a differentiation strategy focused on providing a diversified product mix
This assignment is based on the Starbucks case study; Trouble Brews at Starbucks written by Lauranne Buchanan and Carolyn Simmons (2009). The aim of this paper will be to discuss the the changing consumer experience, competitive landscape and external circumstances affecting marketing opportunities for Starbucks, while determining how Howard Schultz can provide Starbuck’s customers a greater long-term value.
Starbucks dates back from 1971 and is based in Seattle, Washington. The company was founded by Gordon Bowker, Jerry Baldwin and Zev Siegl and it
The “Coffee Wars – The Big Three: Starbucks, McDonald’s and Dunkin’ Donuts” article focuses on the company analysis of the Starbucks brand and how its main competitors, McDonald’s and Dunkin Donuts, has affected their brand and driven competition higher. Even though there are many companies trying to enter the specialty coffee market, these three companies own the majority of the market share. With Starbucks’ top quality and above average prices they hold a different market than the fast coffee/food market of Dunkin’ Donuts and Starbucks; yet the competitive moves Dunkin’ Donuts has made over the years in order to compete with Starbucks and surpass McDonald’s has driven competition up between all three companies. The competition has stiffened ever more in the past ten years due to the changing economy. This led to “the big three” to come up with different techniques to gain competitive advantage over the other. Although the competition between these companies is to gain most of the market share, consumers are still loyal to a certain brand; this makes it difficult to gain each other’s clientele. McDonald’s continues to appeal to customers who want value and speed, Dunkin’ Donuts focuses on the middle-class, while Starbucks a customer who desires a higher quality product along with being recognized for using the brand.
The key issues facing this firm were its attempts at massive expansion and creating new value innovation. The need to expand could cause the company to become over exposed and risk its ability to change. New players in the field such as McDonalds pose a new potential threat of competition, though it is unclear if they share the same market. What can Starbucks do to compete with the competition? There are alternative actions Starbucks can take to secure its competitive advantage it has upheld for so long. The one item that truly
Starbucks can follow some strategies to differentiate their product even more that will lead to vary their menu prices. For example, Starbucks might create “saving menu” by selling some products at a lower prices to attract even more customers. Also, Starbucks might take into consideration the strategies of opening “Starbucks carts” that open in smaller express places that don’t fit for a whole store. Those “Starbucks carts” will attract even more customers because it is easier to get access to. “Starbucks carts” may provide the customers with low cost products to draw larger market base. To be a best cost provider in the market will allow Starbucks to be the most attractive company in the coffee market internationally. Thus, Starbucks will have a competitive advantage over its rivals by fulfilling the needs of a huge customer base in the market, by providing a high quality products and provide products with the best costs.
Organizations have been becoming increasingly diverse in terms of gender, race, ethnicity, and nationality. This diversity brings substantial potential benefits such as better decision making, greater creativity and innovation, and more successful marketing to different types of customers. But, increasing cultural differences within a workforce also bring potential costs in higher turnovers, interpersonal conflicts, and communicational breakdowns. The utilities of diversity training and the essential managerial skills required for effectively managing diversity will also be discussed.
Demography is the study of the components of population variation and change. Death rate and birth rate are two determinants of population change. Theory of Demographic Transition is comparatively recent theory that has been accepted by several scholars throughout the world. This theory embraces the observation that all countries in the world go through different stages in the growth of population. A nation's economy and level of development is directly related to that nation's birth and death rates. Population history can be divided into different stages. Some of the scholars have divided it into three and some scholars have divided it into five stages. These stages or classifications demonstrate a
As a well-established coffee retailer and over 35 years of success, Starbucks is at the maturity stage in the product life cycle. It is in this stage that Starbucks needs to shift gears and focus on marketing program modifications by increasing the number of customers and customer visits (Kotler, 2009, pg. 185). While improving service will attract first-time customers and retain current ones, further marketing modifications will need to be made if it wants to continue to grow. More advertising, distribution, sales promotions, and personal selling are a few of the ways to modify the marketing program.