Skepticism and knowledge
Introduction
One of the greatest concerns on the topic of epistemology has been the correlation between skepticism and knowledge. To determine the correlation between the two terms, having a clear understanding of their definitions is essential. First, skepticism is defined as having a questioning attitude or behavior towards beliefs or opinions that, in most cases, are stated as facts. Skepticism can also refer to the doubt that an individual has regarding claims that are taken for granted by someone else or elsewhere. It is common for individuals to cast doubts on morality, religion, or the nature of knowledge. In the real sense, skepticism argues that human beings do not know what they think they do, and it questions the possibility of knowledge. The idea of skepticism has had several supporters, a renowned skeptic being Socrates, who claimed that the only knowledge he had was that he knew nothing with certainty. Descartes also supported skepticism by questioning how valid knowledge was, as well as looking for some facts that could not be refuted (DeRose, 1999). With the idea of skepticism, a person with a hand can refute the fact that he has a hand, and this is because he will refute the knowledge that indeed a part of his body is known as the hand. It is noticeable that skepticism and knowledge go hand in hand, and the latter can be defined as the familiarity, understanding, or being aware of the existence of someone or something, which includes but is not limited to facts, information, skills, and descriptions. In most cases, knowledge about something or someone can be acquired through experiences or an educational process by learning, discovering, or perceiving. As such, this paper seeks to determine whether skepticism enhances knowledge.
Development of thesis
Understanding
As mentioned earlier, skepticism, as a concept, questions and raises doubts regarding the possibility of several things including knowledge. Funny enough, skeptics are known to raise even doubts on whether their senses are reliable or not (DeRose, 1999). It should be noted that the primary aim of skepticism is to demonstrate that in the real sense, human beings now very little or rather nothing of what they think they know. As such, when a person doubts the reality behind something’s or someone’s existence, his or her knowledge on the same is enhanced. On numerous occasions, when a person sees three chairs on a table and confirms that they are three, such arguments might be refuted by a skeptic, and this might force such a person to reexamine if indeed what he is referring to, are chairs or not. In the same vein, in arithmetic, a person may add the figure 2 to another 2 to come out with 5. In case a skeptic refutes such an answer, the person might be forced to reexamine and learn more about addition, and through this, his or her knowledge is enhanced.
Analysis
Skepticism refutes arguments without basing on facts or reasoning, and thus, it has faced criticism from every corner. It is important to analyze how skepticism helps to enhance or improve a person’s knowledge on a particular perspective. For instance, when a person argues that he has two hands, then, there is no doubt that he has looked at himself and counted and at times recounted them. It is very absurd to object such as statement as skeptics always do. In such situations, skeptics might refute the arguments by questioning how a person knows he has two hands. It is imperative to note that the falseness of such a statement of having two hands is not a consequence of an enlightened skepticism, but a consequence of the fact that it makes no claims to knowledge (Williamson, 2005). As such, a skeptic’s denial of such a statement would force its proponent to defend it while making claims to knowledge. This would involve giving clear illustrations of what distinguishes hands from other parts of the body such as legs and head, and having clear knowledge and understanding of what the hands are. Through this, the deduction that skepticism helps to enhance knowledge remains true.
Evaluation
As seen above, there is no doubt that to enhance or improve a person’s knowledge on a particular phenomenon, what he or she already knows about the same must be doubted or refuted. In most cases, refuting or denying a person’s statement would force them to conduct research and collect more information on the same, and this, in the long run, would help to enhance or improve their knowledge on the same.
Application
The argument that skepticism helps to enhance knowledge can be applied to the learning context. Agreeably, learners can make statements on particular perspectives, which they may believe are correct. Unless the claims made by learners on certain perspectives are not refuted or denied, their knowledge on the same in unlikely to improve (Stone, 2000). This is an insinuation that skepticism, despite its numerous weaknesses remains a crucial perspective that ought to be applied in every learning context as it helps to enhance knowledge.
Argument in support of and opposition to thesis
Several scholars are in support of the argument that skepticism helps to enhance knowledge, and one of them is DeRose (1999). DeRose (1999) argues that skepticism plays a crucial role in assuring people that they might not know what they think they know. The article gives an example where a person may claim that he or she has a hand without making a claim for knowledge. As such the article articulates that in such a situation, skepticism would pave the way for reasoning, which in the long run, would help enhance a person’s knowledge.
Williamson (2005) also supports the argument that skepticism can help enhance a person’s knowledge. William (2005) states that skepticism helps people detect errors in themselves, and this occurs when they suspend their strong belief in the proposition of at issue while assessing the truth or falsity of the issue based on their remaining beliefs and possibly any new beliefs that might come up during the investigation process. Essentially, the study opines that skepticism paves the way for the enhancement of knowledge on a phenomenon that has previously been denied or refuted. The study gives an example of an individual’s proposition that Toronto is the capital of Canada, which might be denied by a skeptic forcing the individual to conduct thorough research on the same, and in the long run, his or her knowledge on Canada’s capital might be enhanced.
Stone (2000) opposes the argument skepticism helps in the enhancement or improvement of knowledge. While opposing the claim, Stone (2000) argues that when a person makes a particular statement, then he or she must have reexamined it to determine whether it is false or not. This study gives an example that when a person makes a statement that there are three chairs a table, then he or she must have counted them, and thus, refuting such as fact is absurd. The study highlights that by stating that statements or utterances are false, skepticism just makes them weaker and does not in any way help to enhance knowledge.
Response to arguments
The validity of the above arguments on whether skepticism helps to enhance knowledge cannot be doubted. In the real sense, skepticism, where statements are refuted or denied, gives an individual to the chance reexamine his or her statements, thereby conducting research on the same so as to come up with irrefutable statements in the long run. The fact that a person has an opportunity to make a statement that can be fully supported with research helps in the enhancement of knowledge. However, the argument by Stone (2000) lacks validity as it does not mention how a person has knowledge about a phenomenon that he or she states.
Conclusion
Briefly, as discussed above, it is important to note that skepticism in one way or another is crucial in the enhancement of knowledge. It is also important to note that skepticism in itself is defined as having a questioning attitude or behavior towards beliefs or opinions that, in most cases, are stated as facts. Skepticism can also refer to the doubt that an individual has regarding claims that are taken for granted by someone else or elsewhere. As such, the underlying point is that denying, refuting, or having a questioning attitude towards opinions or statements makes a person who made such a statement to scrutinize and reexamine the same, and through this, his or her knowledge is enhanced.
References
DeRose, K. (1999). Responding to Skepticism. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
Stone, J. (2000). Skepticism as a Theory of Knowledge. Philosophy and Phenomenological Research, 60(3), 527-545.
Williamson, T. (2005). Knowledge and skepticism. The Oxford Handbook of Analytic Philosophy, Oxford.
Sample Research Paper on Unemployment my assignment essay help london: my assignment essay help london
Unemployment
Types of Unemployment
The causes and effects of unemployment differ, depending on the type of unemployment. Towards this end, four types of unemployment are discussed as below:
Frictional unemployment
This refers to the period when an individual is switching jobs, or between one job and another. Frictional unemployment happens due to a discrepancy between jobs and the workers based on such issues as taste and preferences, skills set, attitude, and payment, among others (García and Sorolla 8). One of the main influences of frictional unemployment is an individual’s voluntary decision to take a certain job depending on the value attached to it in comparison with the current wage rates, effort and time needed to find such a job.
Structural unemployment
This type of unemployment is concerned with the inefficiencies that characterize a labor market, along with the structural problems that bedevil the economy. When the labor market fails to deliver enough jobs for all individuals in search of employment, this triggers structural unemployment (The Economist n.p.). This could happen because the skills possessed by the unemployed workers do not match the skills required to do the available jobs. Ongoing cyclical unemployment is likely to trigger structural unemployment. For instance, prolonged unemployment rates in the economy could end up frustrating those in search of jobs and they fail to update their skill. Consequently, their skills become obsolescent.
Cyclical unemployment
This type of unemployment occurs because the economy lacks sufficient aggregate demand for jobs to all in need of work (The Economist n.p.). This is likely to happen in an economy that is experiencing a decline in demand for goods, meaning that there is a decline in the level of production required and by extension, the number of workers needed to produce goods.
Seasonal unemployment
This type of unemployment happens when people are out of work at certain times of the year, such as when school closes, or during off-season (The Economist n.p.) in the case of industries like the tourism sector.
The Natural Rate of Unemployment
The Natural Rate of Unemployment refers to the rate of unemployment in the economy at a time when the labor market is in a state of equilibrium. In other words, it is that level at which the rate of unemployment in the economy is expected to remain regardless of the considerable impact of monetary policy. The natural rate of unemployment is mainly influenced by supply side factors more than by the demand side factors (McGinty n.p.). It therefore entails both structural unemployment and frictional unemployment. Several institutional factors influence the Natural rate of unemployment, including the availability of information about a job, quality of education and training, an individual’s level of occupational mobility, the level of labor mobility and how flexible the labor market is.
Inclusions and Exclusions in the National Unemployment Rates
The national unemployment rate refers to the percentage number of workers in the labor force who are without work. The national unemployment rate is calculated by conducting surveys to collect information about workers’ employment, earnings and hours (McGinty n.p.). People who are in school full-time, the retired, those working in homes or the disabled are often excluded as part of the labor force while calculating the national rate on unemployment. On the other hand, individuals who claim in the national surveys conducted to be actively involved in searching for jobs are regarded as unemployed.
Works Cited
García, José G and Sorolla, Valeri. Frictional and Non-Frictional Unemployment in Models with
Matching Frictions. April 2013. 20 June 2017.
https://www.uam.es/otros/jaeet13/comunicaciones/14_Macroeconomia_y_MT1/Garcia_
Sorolla.pdf
McGinty, Craven. What the Unemployment Rate Shows. March 4, 2016. 20 June 2017.
https://www.wsj.com/articles/what-the-unemployment-rate-shows-1457106385
The Economist. The three types of unemployment. 18, Aug. 2014. 20 June 2017.
http://www.economist.com/blogs/economist-explains/2014/08/economist-explains-8
Sample Paper on Clinical Manifestations of Molluscum contagiosum university essay help
Microbiology and clinical manifestations of Molluscum contagiosum
Individuals infected with Molluscum contagiosum show signs of chronic infections limited to particular parts of the body. The illness is caused by viruses that affect the skin, causing irritation and it advances with time. The individuals suffering from the ailment show raised parts of the skin in the affected areas as this is how the virus manifests itself. Upon treatment, the part that was infected is hardly recognized because the raised parts do not leave scars. In some cases, the individuals may not seek treatment and the raised sections may disappear on their own (Bennett, Dolin, Blaser 20)1. However, for the virus to be inactive, it may take different time ranging from two months to four years depending on the strength of the individual’s immunity. To prevent the illness, personal hygiene is recommended because the illness is mainly spread through contact with contaminated items, such as towels. One may also contract the virus if they have direct contact with infected persons. It is common with human beings of all age groups, but it is mostly observed in people who are involved on unprotected sex and young children. This paper discusses the nature of the virus that causes Molluscum contagiosum and the symptoms and signs that infected individuals show.
Microbiology of Molluscum contagiosum
The virus that causes the disease is referred to as Molluscum contagiosum, and it is only found in human beings. Based on its chemical structure, the virus is classified under the poxvirus, implying that it affects both vertebrate and invertebrate. However, it has only been observed in human beings. The virus has a complex non-segmented structure that contains OPV protein, useful during the replication process. Molluscum contagiosum is disease is communicable through different means such as getting into contact with fomites and having unprotected sex with persons who are infected with the Molluscum contagiosum virus. The incubation period normally ranges between 14 to 42 days, and it mainly targets the outer layer of the skin. The viral infection spreads due to replication of the virus. The cytoplasm of the affected cells plays a primary role in enhancing the spread of the disease. Once the reproduction occurs, a large body of cells known as Molluscum is formed. This is mostly common in the granular layer of the epidermis as well as the thin outer layer. During the replication phase, thecells in the epidermal basal layer increase twice as much due to the rapid cell division, but the process occurs gradually. The chances of being infected with the Molluscum contagiosum virus are determined by personal hygiene as well as the health status of individuals. People who are infected with HIV virus are at a very high risk of being infected with the Molluscum contagiosum virus due to the low immunity in their system. This implies that once they are exposed to the virus, their weak immune system is unable to respond effectively. About 60% of infections in these individuals is caused by the Molluscum contagiosum virus (Thompson et al.8)2. A study involving 29% of HIV positive individuals conducted in Australia indicates that the most common cause of skin infections among the individuals is Molluscum contagiosum 2 (Thompson et al. 3)2. The study also concluded that there is no significant link between the gender if individuals to the disease. This implies that any individual who is exposed to the virus has an equal chance of being infected, except the HIV positive individuals who have higher chances.
Clinical manifestations of Molluscum contagiosum
Clinical manifestations of an illness are the signs that or the symptoms that the infected patients complain about a certain disease. For the Molluscum contagiosum, the clinical manifestations are mainly observable but painless lesions.In the beginning the lesions that are observed on the skin are just minute papules and they may be found in one or two areas of the skin. They may begin as one tiny lesion but in most cases they are more and the number keeps on increasing as the disease advances. The dome-shaped lesions measure between two and five millimeters in diameter. On looking at the papules, one notices that they have a small depression that looks like navel and they have a caseous plug (Chen, Anstey and Bugert 879)3. The diagrams below show how the disease manifests itself differently in different individuals.
In the above image, the individual only suffers from the lesions that are not widespread, but as the disease advances, the lesions increase and it may also cause eczema. The diagram below shows the lesions of an individual who has also developed eczema. Research indicates that about 10% of individuals who are infected withMolluscum contagiosum develop eczema as well (Porter et al. 564)4. Such individuals may show signs such as cracked skin at the infected areas and the akin becomes itchy and dry.
One of the features that distinguish the lesions in the disease is the umblicated nature of the lesions, but this is not always the case. In some instances, the lesions may be large and the umblication may not be well pronounced. This is the case in the diagram below where one develops a large lesion with several molluscum bodies (Murdoch et al. 610)5.
It takes the virus between two and six weeks to manifest itself through the lesions on the skin. This implies that oen may not be aware of the illness until the six weeks. The lesions are not painful and they are firm and dome-shaped. In adults, the manifestation is mostly common on the abdomen and the genitals. To be safe from the Molluscum contagiosum virus, one should avoid sharing personal effects such as towels.
References
Bennett JE, Dolin R, Blaser MJ. Principles and practice of infectious diseases. Elsevier Health Sciences; 2014 Aug 28.
Thompson CH, Zwart‐Steffe D, Rita T, Biggs IM. Molecular epidemiology of Australian isolates of molluscum contagiosum. Journal of medical virology. 1990 Sep 1;32(1):1-9.
Chen X, Anstey AV, Bugert JJ. Molluscum contagiosum virus infection. The Lancet Infectious Diseases. 2013 Oct 31;13(10):877-88.
Porter CD, Muhlemann MF, Cream JJ, Archard LC. Molluscum contagiosum: characterization of viral DNA and clinical features. Epidemiology and infection. 1987 Oct 1;99(02):563-6.
Murdoch DM, Venter WD, Feldman C, Van Rie A. Incidence and risk factors for the immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome in HIV patients in South Africa: a prospective study. Aids. 2008 Mar 12;22(5):601-10.
Sample Paper on The Chipotle Mexican Grill (CMG) Company online essay help: online essay help
Chipotle Mexican Grill Analysis
Case Summary
Steve Ells founded Chipotle Mexican Grill (CMG) in 1993 when he first opened the first restaurant in Denver, Colorado. The company went public in 2006, and it became listed on the New York Stock Exchange (Chipotle.com). As at 31 December 2015, CMG was operating 2,010 establishments in different geographical areas. These include 1,971 in the United States, 11 in Canada, 7 in London, England and 4 in Paris, France and 1 in Germany. It has also opened 13 additional ShopHouse Southeast Asian Kitchen restaurants that serve food inspired by Asian Cuisines. There are also three Pizzeria Local restaurants. The Chipotle Mexican Grill restaurants serve a limited menu of high-quality tacos, burrito bowls, Burritos, and Salads. To increase the market share, Chipotle has introduced the organic products approach due to the rising demand for pasture-raised animals (Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. 4). In 2015, CMG encountered a huge crisis after the Norovirus and E-coli virus that negatively affected the company’s revenues and growth (Chipotle contends with E. coli and norovirus outbreaks. par.2)
CMG Vision, Mission, and Values
CMG values focus on the using ingredients and cooking techniques of high quality to offer great food to all people at reasonable prices. The company strives to find out where all its ingredients are sourced to promote local farmers in their job of growing sustainable and naturally raised products that meet the goals of its mission statement, “Food with Integrity.” The mission statement means that CMG objectives are to offer the best sustainably raised food possible, provide support to farmers who are devoted to their animals and land and use meat from animals raised in a natural manner whenever it is possible (Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. 6).
External Audit
Opportunities
There is rising demand for sustainable food that surpasses the supply in the market, and the consumers of socially sustainable foods are wealthier as compared to typical fast food consumers. 57 % of adults between 18 and 29 years eat fast food, at least, weekly; this is the most often as compared to other consumer groups. The millennial forms a large segment for fast casual and quick service restaurants. Millennial use of their mobile technological devices to get information for their health and fitness choices and 85 percent of persons between the age of 18 to 34 years shop on the internet. The fast casual segment has grown every year since the economic recession of 2009 from 4% to 8% as compared to the quick service whose growth has remained stagnant. Fast casual restaurants report an average purchase value of $ 7.40 as compared to the 5.30 average for quick service restaurants (Maze 38).
Threats
There are many requirements to comply within the industry that vary from country to country. These requirements include the regulations on food quality and hygiene, labeling and labor regulations. There is high competition in international markets from the fast casual restaurants outside the Mexican food category since the market for Mexican fast casual items is undeveloped. Market conditions and weather changes cause shortages for sustainable ingredients resulting in increased prices for ingredients like beef, dairy and chicken products (Simpson 38).
EFE Matrix
Opportunities
Weight
Rating
Weighted Score
1
Rising demand for sustainable food that surpasses the supply in the market.
0.4
3
1.2
2
Millennial use of their mobile technological devices to get information for their health and fitness choices and 85 percent of persons between the age of 18 to 34 years shop on the internet.
0.25
3
0.75
3
The fast casual segment has grown every year since the economic recession of 2009 from 4% to 8% as compared to the quick service whose growth has remained stagnant. Fast casual restaurants report an average purchase value of $ 7.40 as compared to the 5.30 average for quick service restaurants.
0.35
4
1.4
Weaknesses
Weight
Rating
Weighted Score
1
There are many requirements to comply within the industry that vary from country to country.
0.4
4
1.6
2
There is high competition in international markets from the fast casual restaurants outside the Mexican food category since the market for Mexican fast casual items is undeveloped.
0.25
4
1
3
Market conditions and weather changes cause shortages for sustainable ingredients resulting in increased prices for ingredients like beef, dairy and chicken products.
0.35
3
1.05
Competitive Profile Matrix
Chipotle Mexican Grill
Taco Bell Corp
Qdoba Restaurants
Critical success factors
Weight
Rating
Score
Rating
Score
Rating Score
Score
1
Use of sustainable ingredients
0.15
4
0.6
3
0.45
4
0.6
2
Well established supply chains
0.05
2
0.1
3
0.15
3
0.15
3
Quality of the food
0.13
1
0.13
4
0.52
4
0.52
4
Varieties of food in the Menu
0.06
1
0.06
1
0.06
4
0.24
5
Adaptation to different customers tastes and preferences
0.09
1
0.09
1
0.09
0.09
6
Using technology to enhance customer experience
0.09
4
0.36
4
0.36
3
0.27
7
Expansion to international markets
0.13
4
0.52
1
0.13
3
0.39
8
Financial strength
0.1
4
0.1
3
0.3
3
0.3
Environmental sustainability in restaurants construction designs
0.05
4
0.2
2
0.1
2
0.1
9
Location of the restaurants
0.05
4
0.2
3
0.15
2
0.1
10
Targeted segment of consumers
0.1
4
0.4
4
0.4
3
0.3
Totals
2.76
2.71
3.06
Internal Audit
Strengths
Chipotle Company has undergone rapid growth since its public offering in 2006. It has 2,010 restaurants with a huge presence in the U.S and Canada, and it plans to open about 220-235 new restaurants this year. In all markets, Chipotle restaurants are located in urban centers with high foot traffic, neighborhoods with high household incomes and locations with businesses, tourist attractions and schools (Czaplewski, et al. 7). These have contributed to its good financial growth enabling it to generate solid cash flows, avoid debts and maintain a strong balance sheet. CMG cash and cash equivalents as at January 1, 2016, were more than $1 billion. The targeted market segments of millennial between the ages of 18-34 years are less price sensitive as compared with other consumer groups and they identify with CMG philosophy of “Food with Integrity.” The company’s commitment to sustainability that is reflected in its operations by selecting organic ingredients and using materials that are environmentally conscious in their stores (Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. SWOT Analysis 5).
Weaknesses
In the last quarter of 2015, Chipotle restaurants in the U.S suffered from outbreak cases of norovirus and E.coli across the country disrupting in the establishments’ growth (Chipotle contends with E. coli and norovirus outbreaks. par.3). The company that has been built on the motto of Food With Integrity is now facing a tough challenge of defending the safety and quality of its food and gain consumers confidence once more. Due to the shortages of supplies of sustainably raised ingredients, the company has been forced to sources conventionally raised beef and chicken sometimes compromising the quality of its food (Glassman 22). They have also been increasing the prices of their products, for instance, an increase in the price of their menu was announced in April 2014 due to the rising costs of cheese, avocados, and steak. Chipotle restaurants have a focused menu that has made it impossible to adopt a menu with local tastes and preferences, especially in the international markets. Its competitors like Yum! Brands restaurants have tailored their menu to local customs by changing to local flavors and ingredients (Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. SWOT Analysis 8)
IFE Matrix
Strengths
Weight
Rating
Weighted Score
1
Rapid growth reflected by the increase in the number of stores in the U.S and internationally as well as the financial strength.
0.4
4
1.6
2
A culture of commitment to sustainability resulting in the use of organic ingredients and environment sustainable materials in construction designs.
0.3
3
0.9
3
Targeting the right segment of the millennials in the fast casual industry, that is wealthier and more conscious of their health choices.
0.3
4
1.2
Weaknesses
Weight
Rating
Weighted Score
1
In the last quarter of 2015, Chipotle restaurants in the U.S suffered from outbreak cases of norovirus and E.coli across the country disrupting in the establishments’ growth.
0.4
4
1.6
2
Shortage in the supplies of sustainable ingredients for the restaurants has led to use of conventional products at times and an increase in food prices
0.35
2
0.7
3
Chipotle has failed in adapting to the tastes and preferences of the consumers in the international markets where the Mexican cuisines are not common.
0.25
3
0.75
SWOT Matrix
Chipotle Mexican Grill
Strengths –S
· Rapid growth
· Commitment to sustainability
· The right target segment of millennial
Weaknesses –W
· Compromised food quality
· Increase in food prices
· Products failure to adapt to local tastes and preferences
Opportunities -O
· Rising demand for sustainable products
· Increase in the use of technological devices
· Higher growth in the fast casual industry
SO strategies
· Increase the number of restaurants internationally using the created wealth (S1).
· Invest in technological innovations that to enhance customer experience among millennials’ (S2).
WO strategies
· Increase social media marketing to restore consumer (S3) confidence in the quality of their products.
· Introduce more products in the international markets to satisfy diverse customers’ needs (S4).
Threats – T
· Regulations and requirements in the industry
· High competition in international markets from non-Mexican cuisines
· Shortage of sustainable products
ST strategies
· Establishing reliable supply chains (S5).
· Invest in educating and raising awareness among their staff for the existing requirements and regulations in the industry (S6).
WT strategies
· Use the existing regulations to ensure the quality of food products is guaranteed (S7).
· Establish reliable supply chains that ensure the price of their products is not increased (S8).
QSPM Matrix -Strategies 1-4
S-1
S-2
S-3
S-4
S
W
AS
TAS
AS
TAS
AS
TAS
AS
TAS
Rapid growth
0.4
4
1.6
3
1.2
2
0.8
4
1.6
Commitment to sustainability
0.3
2
0.6
3
1.8
4
1.2
0
0
Have the right target segment of millennial
0.3
0
0
4
0
4
1.2
0
0
Total
1
Weaknesses
Compromised food quality
0.4
0
0
3
1.2
4
1.6
0
0
Increase in food prices
0.35
2
0.7
3
1.05
3
1.05
0
0
Products failure to adapt to local tastes and preferences
0.25
0
0
0
0
1
0.25
4
1
Total
1
O
Rising demand for sustainable products
0.4
4
1.6
1
0.4
0
0
0
0
Increase in the use of technological devices
0.25
2
0.5
3
0.75
3
0.75
0
0
Higher growth in the fast casual industry
0.35
3
1.05
0
0
0
0
2
0.7
T
1
Regulations and requirements in the industry
0.4
0
0
3
1.2
4
1.6
0
0
High competition in international markets from non-Mexican cuisines
0.25
0
0
2
0.5
2
0.5
4
1
Shortage of sustainable products
0.35
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
Total
1
6.05
8.1
8.95
4.3
QSPM Matrix –Strategies 5-8
S-5
S-6
S-7
S-8
Strengths
W
AS
TAS
AS
TAS
AS
TAS
AS
TAS
Rapid growth
0.4
4
1.6
4
1.6
4
1.6
4
1.6
Commitment to sustainability
0.3
3
0.9
4
1.2
4
1.2
3
0.9
The right target segment of millennial
0.3
2
0.6
3
0.9
4
1.2
4
1.2
Total
1
Weaknesses
Compromised food quality
0.4
3
1.2
4
1.6
4
1.6
3
1.2
Increase in food prices
0.35
3
1.05
2
0.7
1
0.35
4
1.4
Products failure to adapt to local tastes and preferences
0.25
1
0.25
0
0
0
0
0
0
Total
1
Opportunities
Rising demand for sustainable products
0.4
3
1.2
2
0.8
2
0.8
2
0.8
Increase in the use of technological devices
0.25
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
Higher growth in the fast casual industry
0.35
3
1.05
1
0.35
2
0.7
2
0.7
Threats
Regulations and requirements in the industry
0.4
1
0.4
4
1.6
4
1.6
2
0.8
High competition in international markets from non-Mexican cuisines
0.25
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
Shortage of sustainable products
0.35
4
1.4
0
0
0
0
4
1.4
Total
1
9.65
8.75
9.05
10
Financial Analysis
The common size income statements analysis indicate a decline in Chipotle the revenues in the year 2015. The cost of revenue increased from 72.79% in 2014 to 73.91% in 2015 resulting in a decrease of the gross margin from 27.21% to 26.09%. Selling, General, and Administration expenses reduced from 6.67 % in w2014 to 5.56% in 2015. The non-recurring expenses remained the same and the loss on disposal of assets increased by 0.46 % while other operating expenses increased by 0.21%. The operating incomes reduced from 17.3% to 16.96% and the incomes before taxes reduced by 0.29%. The net incomes in 2015 were less than the 2014 net incomes by 0.27%. According to the Comparative analysis income statements, there was an increase in the gross margin by 5.06%. The loss on the disposal of assets had a significant increase of 89.13 percent. The selling general and administration expenses reduced by 8.65% while the net incomes increased by 6.78% (NASDAQ n.p). The profitability ratios illustrate a decline in the profitability of the company in 2015. The net profit margin has reduced from 10.84 percent to 10.57 percent. The asset turnover ratio has reduced from 1.8 to 1.7 percent while the return on assets has reduced from 19.55 percent to 18.04 percent. The growth ratios illustrate a significant reduction in the growth of the Company’s revenues, operating incomes, net incomes and earnings per share (Morningstar n.p)
Long-term objectives
The first long-term objective is to establish a reliable source of suppliers that will serve in the local and international markets. This objective will help in ensuring that Chipotle restaurants obtain all the suppliers that they require. It will also play the role of ensuring that the quality of the food is maintained. This objective will be supported by a cooperative strategy whereby the company can form an alliance with its suppliers to improve the quality and quantity of their produce. They can make investments in the farms that supply their ingredients ensuring a stable supply and quality of these ingredients. A reliable supply chain should be established in each of the international markets reducing the costs of transferring ingredients from the suppliers in the U.S to the international markets. Similar alliances should be made with suppliers in the international markets to ensure the quality and enough quantity for ingredients are maintained at all times. Chipotle will also enforce the rules and regulations in the industry that guide the production of sustainable suppliers to ensure the quality of the ingredients sourced from suppliers. The benchmarks that can be used to measure the progress is the percentage increase in the volume of supplies, reduction in the cost of making their food and improved consumers loyalty.
The other objective is to come up with other sources of revenues for CMG. Revenues currently obtained are mainly from four menu items accounting for 95% of the company’s revenues. This implies that its diversification is low even if it has launched the ShopHouse Asian Kitchen and the investment in Pizzeria Locale. The businesses are still very young and do not make many contributions to CMG revenues. Thus, the Company can diversify more by investing in different businesses or expanding the Chipotle concept to other cuisines. The proposed strategy for this objective is diversification strategy that will allow the company to introduce a variety of food items in the company’s menu by offering different cuisines especially in the international markets where the Mexican cuisines are not very common. The new products will help to meet the tastes and preferences of all its customers and compete effectively with its competitors. Social media marketing will be used to market the new products in the markets. Alternatively, CMG can invest in other already established restaurants that offer other kinds of cuisines to their customers. The investments can be in the form of acquisitions, joint ventures or buying shares in those companies. The benchmarks that will be used to measure progress is the amount of revenues obtained from additional food items added to their menu and increased consumer awareness of the new products reflected by their comments on social media platforms.
The third objective is the expansion of CMG operations to other international markets and particularly to the developing nations. Currently, the company huge presence is in the U.S and Canada and a few Europe nations. Developing nation’s strategy is the proposed strategy for this objective. The lack of popularity of the Mexican cuisines in various countries provides an opportunity for Chipotle to enter new markets for their main food items. This is especially the case for Asian and African countries that do not have major restaurants specializing in Mexican cuisines. CMG should take advantage of the growth of the economies in these developing nations like China. This is because as the economies grow the households, disposable incomes also increase allowing its targeted segment of persons between the age of 18-34 years to spend more in healthy food choices. Technological advancements and the rise in the use of mobile devices in these nations will also enable CMG to market their products easily and enhance customers’ experiences. The benchmarks to ensure progress for this strategy are the amount of revenues obtained by entering into new markets and the number of new restaurants that are launched in the new markets.
Works Cited
“Chipotle contends with E. coli and norovirus outbreaks.” The Food Institute Report 2015: General OneFile. Web. 4 Apr. 2016.
“Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. SWOT Analysis.” Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. SWOT Analysis (2015): 1-8. Business Source Complete. Web. 4 Apr. 2016.
“Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc.” Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. Marketline Company Profile (2015): 1-24. Business Source Complete. Web. 4 Apr. 2016.
Chipotle.com. Chipotle Mexican Grill, 2016. Web, 3 Apr. 2008.
Czaplewski, Andrew J., Eric M. Olson, and Peggy Mcnulty. “GOING GREEN Puts Chipotle in The Black.” Marketing News48.3 (2014): 30-37. Business Source Complete. Web. 4 Apr. 2016.
Glassman, James K. “Feast On Restaurant Stocks.” Kiplinger’s Personal Finance 69.10 (2015): 20-22. Business Source Complete. Web. 4 Apr. 2016.
Maze, Jonathan. “Chipotle’s Mission And Tactics Revolutionize Restaurant Industry.” Nation’s Restaurant News 49.13 (2015): 36-38. Business Source Complete. Web. 4 Apr. 2016.
Morningstar. Chipotle Mexican Grill Inc Class A, 2016. Web, 3 Apr 2016
Nasdaq. CMG Company Financials, 2016. Web 3 Apr.2008
Simpson, Sondra. “Chipotle Mexican Grill Inc.: Strategy With A Higher Mission Or Farmed And Dangerous?” Journal of Case Studies 2 (2015): 38. Academic OneFile. Web. 4 Apr. 2016.
Sample Book Review on “The Play of Art” by George Gadamer law essay help
How does George Gadamer in The Play of Art explain the “play drive?”
George Gadamer is a philosophy expert with particular interest and expertise in the philosophy tradition of hermeneutic. He pursues the playful character of art in his “The Play of Art”. In the reading, the author investigates how a play can be used to understand art.
In “The Play of Art”, Gadamer refers to “play-drive” as the need to play which depicts the thin line separating humans and animals? According to him, unlike the previous misconceptions, “Play drive” is influenced significantly by natural phenomenon. Gadamer reasserts that the decisions to play as any other decisions made by human beings are not entirely decided through free will. He states that other forces like compulsive drives, interests, and other unconscious factors influence people’s decisions which include play. For instance, Gadamer gives an example that artists too, paint for the expression of “play drive”. According to Gadamer,despite the human thoughts that they play “at something” unlike children and animals who play “with something”, the two are related. He argues that we mimic nature and the natural human existence structure through play.
According to Gadamer, there is a relation between play and communication. He states that play as an imitative representation can act as a communication medium when taken as a pure representation without any changes. Understanding play as mimetic representation seeks to be understood in its kind but not only to be believed. However, he reasserts that for a play to act as a communicator, it must be understood by the one who the information is intendedto; otherwise, it will seem like any other form of play. He states that for mimic representation to parlay as communication, both the sender and the recipient must have the full grasp of the matter at hand. Artistic representations, according to Gadamer are simply appearances or shows that communicate something. As such, play as a product of natur