Wednesday, December 25, 2019

The Arguments For The Existence Of God - 1056 Words

Amie Kamara Professor Davidson Theology 16 November 2015 Rough Draft for The arguments for the Existence of God. The question Does God Exist? is a well-known asked question in the world. Most people believe they know the answer to it. The religious people would say, well of course he does, while the non-religious people or atheist would say no He does not exist. Because evil exist and chaos exists, God cannot be all-powerful. In the modern world, there are many different opinions as to whether a God exists or not. This has been an issue of great dispute because many people reverence different gods or no god at all. For years, many philosophers have come up with theories, proofs, and hypotheses to prove the existence of God, and a canon of arguments has been developed. The Arguments for the Existence of God sets out to explain the everyday philosophical arguments for theism, and so to explore the case for the existence of God. The arguments themselves are arranged under the following headings: The Ontological Argument, The Cosmological Argu ment, The Teleological Argument, and The Moral Argument will determine if there really is a God. The ontological argument An argument that attempts to prove the existence of God through abstract reasoning alone is known as the Ontological argument. The argument begins with a clear explanation of the concept of God. When people talk or think about God they usually think or say that he s a perfect being meaning He is flawless, idealShow MoreRelatedThe Argument On The Existence Of God1629 Words   |  7 PagesThe idea of God has been a part of man’s history for centuries. Since time began there has been various combination of believers, and non-believers. Individuals who believes in God, belong to many different religion. Whereas, skeptics find the existence of God somewhat baffling, and have continually sought answers to His existence through scientific methods. As the world progresses in scientific, and technological advancement, the human race still faces the question of God’s existence. Many philosophersRead MoreThe Argument For The Existence Of God1674 Words   |  7 Pagesfind the thr ee arguments I analyzed satisfactory for the existence of God. The existence of God simply cannot be proven. Regardless of how strong a person’s faith is, or how many miracles they claim to have witnessed, God can only ever be a possibility. First, I will discuss why Pascal’s wager is not a satisfying argument for the existence of God. I will then examine C.D. Broad’s â€Å"Argument for the Existence of God†, and why it is also not a satisfying argument for the existence of God. Finally, IRead MoreArguments For The Existence Of God974 Words   |  4 PagesArguments for the existence of God through critical thinking and rationalization are called ontological, cosmological, teleological, or pragmeatic arguments. The most widely known of such arguments is that of St. Anselm from Proslogium of St. Anselm, which states that God is considered a perfect being unlike humans or any other world subject. The fact that he is perfect in a world of imperfection proves his existence. God is also the highest conceivable idea of perfection, and thereforeRead MoreThe Existence Of God : An Argument881 Words   |  4 PagesThe Existence of God The philosophical arguments presented in this document are not of religious text, nor scientific observation or established fact. Rather the premise of this God proof is bring together and share the various theories on which other God proofs have established foundations. I have heard it quoted that â€Å"Philosophy goes where hard science can t, or won t. Philosophers have a license to.† Therefore, with this in mind, I attest that it is more than problematic to construct anRead MoreArguments on the Existence of God602 Words   |  2 PagesGod’s existence may actually depend upon our belief in his existence but it is more plausible to believe that God exists using the different types of arguments such as the cosmological argument and ontological argument, Leibniz and the Principle of Sufficient Reason and the Problem of Evil, and the definition of basic belief as evidence. The Cosmological argument can be simplified into three reasons that everything that begins to exist has a cause; the universe began to exist, therefore the universeRead MoreArguments For The Existence Of God1137 Words   |  5 PagesArguments for the existence of God come in many different forms; some draw on history, some on science, some on personal experience, and some on philosophy. Descartes offered two arguments towards the existence of God: an informal proof in the third meditation and the ontological proof in the fifth meditation. Descartes believed that with the employment of a rational method of inquiry which applied some of the methods of analytic geometry to the study of philosophy, our ability to attain certaintyRead MoreThe Argument Of The Existence Of God1480 Words   |  6 PagesThe arguments trying to â€Å"prove† the existence of God are by far some of the most controversial philosophical arguments out there. When some of the people who created these philo sophies it was illegal or even punishable by death to even question his existence, let alone try to come up with a logical explanation to â€Å"prove† he is real. The two main arguments used today are the ontological argument and the cosmological argument. Neither one of these arguments are correct nor incorrect; moreover, theRead MoreThe Arguments For The Existence Of God940 Words   |  4 Pagesp. 209, question# 1 Among the numerous arguments for the existence of God, the argument of design stands as the most persuasive in terms of providing a logical basis for the absolute presence of God. This argument is concerned with the intricate nature of creation and existence: one must believe that there is a Supreme Being that designed the characteristics and features of every existing thing in the entire universe, both living and non-living. The precise and complicated design of the universeRead MoreThe Argument For The Existence Of God1411 Words   |  6 PagesMy paper scrutinizes numerous logical disputes for and alongside the presence of God. I shall argue that there’s no adequate evidence or inclusive arguments for the existence of God. It is grounded on the views of certain great philosophers and scientists of all of mankind. Generally speaking for myself, I would correspond to have faith that there is â€Å"God†. Regrettably, it’s awfully well-defined that the being built up on insightful faith is no longer a suitable custom to shadow. During the courseRead MoreThe Cosmological Argument For The Existence Of God Essay1556 Words   |  7 Pagesconcerning the existence of God. If God exists, we probably have to make him accountable. The universe would probably have a meaning and a purpose. Also, our very existence may not be cease after physical death. But if God does not exist, we are probably here by chance and we have no accountability to any transcendent. This life is probably all we have, so we should live as we please. The question arises - Does God exist? At first glance, it seems contradictory to prove the existence of something

Monday, December 16, 2019

How Does Humanity Still Afford The Time - 1422 Words

It has come to a rather distressing point where humanity takes much of its resources for granted. Recognizing the talents of people from the past has become a scarcity in today’s world. There are not many who truly take the time to appreciate what these people have done to enhance everyone’s lives. Many strive to justify their actions by stating how engrossed they are in their work. However, if that is the case, then how does humanity still afford the time to use the technological apparatus available to them? The answer is simple: one cares more about what is invented than about who humbly stands behind the innovation. As a highly advanced society, humanity should emerge from its dark waters of ignorance and pay some respect to those who made possible all that there is today. This, of course, includes the many men and women who spent practically their entire lives putting forth great ideas into action. One person who is a great quintessence of this is Aristotle. Despite living in a time when not many means were available, he effectively constructed a definition that allows humanity to fully comprehend tragic heroes of drama. Using Aristotle’s criteria, one can identify Sophocles’s antagonist, Creon, as a tragic hero. Creon complies with Aristotle’s definition of a tragic hero by possessing high status in his society and being neither all benign nor all evil. He fulfills the first of these requirements by being the king of Thebes. After his nephews Eteocles and Polyneices,Show MoreRelatedDeath By The Human Stupidity1446 Words   |  6 Pagesto breath, and the water more dangerous to drink. There are health issues arising, and species dying off. All of this is occurring because of the human race’s negative pull on the environment. Humanity isn’t totally to blame, as the effects of these actions were not known in the beginning, but it is known how negatively these actions effect the environment. this is why it is n ecessary to do something about it. Without drastic change in the way the human race interacts with the world, this trend willRead MoreThe New Affordable Care Act1654 Words   |  7 Pagesthe many people that qualified for the new health care program are very pleased because they were uninsured, those who can afford his or her own health care will have to pay the consequences for this action. Not every person in this country is eligible for this new health care system; either they do not qualify because they make too much for being eligible, or they can afford their own private health care insurance that they are satisfied with. Either way, those who do not benefit from this ObamacareRead MoreAnalysis Of Primo Levi s The Gray Zone 1489 Words   |  6 PagesPrimo Levi’s book, Survival in Auschwitz, examines how a select few managed to survive the inhumane and brutal treatment of the Jews in Auschwitz. The well-known Italian Holocaust survivor, Primo Levi was only 24-years-old, when he was captured and taken to a detention camp in Fossoli, before spending eleven months in Auschwitz. He, like so many other innocent Jews, was sent to die in the death camp but with a little bit luck and resourcefulness, he survived. In his essay, â€Å"The Gray Zone† Levi,Read MoreBenefits Of Subsidizing Stem Classes1208 Words   |  5 Pagesrepublic was to flourish and endu re, it required, above all, an education’ (Singletary 10). Subsidizing STEM classes is a bad idea because lack interest will occur, many jobs will be at stake, and Arts would be too expensive. In the â€Å"Education: Does College Still Matter† short passage, Tabarrok thought it would be best that the people who choose STEM degrees, should have subsidized taxes. â€Å"There is little justification for subsidizing sociology, dance, and English majors† (Tabarrok 5). This would notRead MoreCase 6.4 Drug Dilemmas Essay1420 Words   |  6 Pagescompanies increase their profits more and more each year because many people assume that it does cost a lot of money for research and development. Where in reality, they are only spending about 15% of their profit margins on research and development alone. A huge percentage of these drugs are actually tested in other countries where people are more willing to do trials with these drugs because they cannot afford them. Not only are there more people who are more willing to try them, but also there isRead MoreCars Advantages And Disadvantages1707 Words   |  7 PagesAs technology evolves for the better of humanity, automat ed vehicles do have some big historical changes. People always think to renovate things to make them work more efficiently, and automated vehicles such as cars are not exceptions. People made two-wheel carts to transport goods or harvested crops to places without having to carry on their shoulders. Few centuries ago, people had to get on horseback to go to places, this had a lot of disadvantages like if the horse was sick, they would not beRead MoreBondage of the Will1642 Words   |  7 Pagesnot the people that he is addressing or condemning it is the works of the people that is the issue at hand. No matter how zealous or noble you were thought to be because of the law and its works apart from God you are still condemned; none of this mattered, not even your notoriety because Luther wanted to show that apart from justification their works meant nothing and they were still considered to be ungodly. This is where according to Luther people were trying to get around the Paul, the peopleRead MoreTraditional Healing Ceremonies Promote Wellness Essay1511 Words   |  7 Pagescuratives?  Ã‚  Should they be financially reimbursed or are they ethically entitled to refuse to share native knowledge? A specific person (or people) in each tribe are acknowledge as healers. They are usually taught from generation to generation. â€Å"Healing does not follow written guidelines. Healers work differently with each person they help. They use their herbs, ceremony and power in the best way for each individual.† (NLM) Ceremonies are a crucial part of the Native healing process, â€Å"because physicalRead MoreThe Book Thief Essay863 Words   |  4 PagesDeath states that, â€Å"I’m always finding humans at their best and worst. I see their ugly and their beauty, and I wonder how the same thing can be both† (Zusak 491). This book shows us human doing things that weren’t even imaginable before this point. Many people give into ideas that were lies. But, we also watch a few people go out of their way and sacrifice everything for a man they barely even know. They do everything they can to keep him safe and alive. They work harder, the get another job, andRead Mor ePro Abortion (Anti Abortion Rebuttal) Essay888 Words   |  4 PagesPro Abortion Abortion is defined as the expulsion of a fetus by a pregnant female before the normal end of a pregnancy. Many times and in most cases, specifically in the article titled â€Å"ABORTION† by Jimmyissmart on oppapers.com, abortion is seen as an act of violence and inhumane murder. It is mainly for this reason why people who are anti- abortion support their point of view. However, to murder the victim must first be alive, but what is the meaning of life? According to dictionary.com life is

Sunday, December 8, 2019

Architectural Innovation free essay sample

Henderson and Clark are of the opinion that such innovations may threaten established organizations – It destroys the usefulness of a firm’s architectural knowledge but preserves the usefulness of its knowledge about the product’s components. One of the core ideas proposed is that once a dominant design has emerged, the architectural knowledge of the product becomes ingrained in the organizational knowledge and information processing structures as firms strive to focus on refining the process rather than searching for new linkages between components. Thus in the event of an architectural innovation, critical information may be screened out, and solutions overlooked because of the firm’s resistance to change. Consequently, firms may find it difficult to react and regain market leadership thereby losing its competitive edge. Empirical evidence photolithographic alignment equipment industry has shown that is indeed the case. In all four episodes of architectural innovation in the industry, the market leader failed to respond effectively to new architectural innovations due to its preoccupation with the knowledge it was equipped with of the existing obsolete architecture. We will write a custom essay sample on Architectural Innovation or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page This paper is based on empirical data from both semi-structured interviews, and journals and reports. Such materials are based on the opinion of an individual or group, whose vested interests may undermine their credibility and objectivity. The semi-structured nature of the interviews and varying number and/or rank of the members of each product-development team interviewed point towards an uncontrolled sample. Given the constraints of the available data set and the length of the research period however, the authors did a good job in reconciling possible differences by using the secondary data to corroborate and supplement the primary sources, thus portraying a fairly accurate picture of the industry’s evolution. This paper illustrated the concept of architectural innovation presenting established organizations with threats that could significantly impact them through an empirical study of a single industry. The effects of innovation on this industry could perhaps be extrapolated to other industries. Further research applied to other industries, as recommended by the authors, would widen the scope of the sample and eliminate any possible biases or industry-specific aberration and help develop a more comprehensive understanding of the impacts of innovation on industries in general. In a knowledge-based economy, horizontal and vertical transfer of knowledge can be said to be a common feature. This may be attributed to the recent spate of mergers and acquisitions, a highly mobile workforce, and the increased interdependency between firms and industries. It might thus be timely for future research to focus on the impact of innovation in such a climate, vastly different from that in the 1980s. The paper discussed the why and how of established firms losing their competitive edge; while new firms gain a foothold due to their flexibility and ability to exploit new architectural innovations despite their limited competencies. It would only appropriate then, to research on the possible modes of action different firms should take. The paper shed some light on how established, threatened firms should respond to an innovation with significant competitive implications that could make or break their existing business, but none for new firm, which was not the main focus of the paper. Considering the advantages new firms have in entering the market, additional research could be done on the risks of entrance, given the unpredictability of the marketplace as seen in the dot com bubble, and the danger of staying away from business opportunities as per Kodak from digital cameras. The arguments in this paper are strongly supported by evidence within the set scope of the photolithographic alignment equipment industry. The nature of the data itself was subjective, but it was corroborated with other sources, thus rendering it reliable. In all, this paper is one of a high standard with well-documented evidence and credible arguments put forth in a comprehensible way that prompts the reader to ruminate upon the wider implications of the thesis.

Sunday, December 1, 2019

Strategic Management Analysis Starbucks Coffee Company

Introduction Starbucks Corporation is a private limited company that was established in 1971. The firm operates within the specialty eateries industry. Upon its inception, the firms’ operation entailed roasting and retailing ground and whole coffee beans, spices, and tea. Its operations were solely based at Seattle’s Pike Place market.Advertising We will write a custom assessment sample on Strategic Management Analysis: Starbucks Coffee Company specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Due to its focus to attain an optimal market share both domestically and internationally, the firm currently operates approximately 18,000 retail stores, which are located in 60 countries. The firm has adopted a unique mission that entails inspiring and nurturing the human spirit. In an effort to position itself in the market, Starbucks has adopted a unique market strategy, which entails product differentiation and growth. The firm has achieved this goal by dealing with specialty products. Over the years, Starbucks has continued to provide a wide range of beverage products such as coffee, tea, and juices. The firm also deals with a variety of fresh food items such as pastries, salads, and oatmeal. Its product differentiation strategy has enabled Starbucks to incorporate premium-pricing strategy. In line with its differentiation strategy, Starbuck has adopted a unique marketing strategy. The firm has attained this objective by adopting unconventional marketing strategies. The firm does not engage in aggressive marketing strategies such as advertising, but instead it focuses on branding and high-level marketing using alliances, partnerships, and word of mouth (Larson 2009). Some of the most effective marketing strategies that the firm has adopted include provision of high quality coffee products, ensuring a high level of customer satisfaction, and establishing itself as the 3rd place for consumers to patronise between home and work, brand marketing, and establishing a Starbucks’ community. By adopting the unique marketing strategies, Starbucks has positioned itself as a market leader in an industry that is increasingly becoming very competitive. In a bid to develop a better understanding of Starbucks, the paper entails a detailed analysis of Starbucks internal and external environment. An analysis of the internal environment comes out clearly in the process of undertaking a comprehensive strategic management analysis. Market Environment Analysis Firms face numerous factors emanating from the external business environment, which makes it paramount for firms’ management teams to develop a comprehensive understanding of the environment in which they operate (Kotter Schlesinger 2008, p. 136). Market environment analysis should take into account the macro-environment such as the economic, political, legal, social-cultural, and technological environments (Gilligan Hird 2008, p. 36).Advertisi ng Looking for assessment on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More The analysis should also incorporate microenvironment analysis, which entails evaluating the industry in which a firm operates. The micro and macro environments vary across countries. Thus, it is paramount for firms’ management teams to conduct an analysis of the macro-environment of the country in which they operate. Macro-environment analysis One of the models that firm’s management team should undertake is the PESTLE model in a bid to undertake market environment analysis effectively. In its UK market, Starbucks’ operations are impacted by changes in the macro-environment. PESTLE analysis of the UK market. Political environment The UK has continued to experience a high level of political stability. Consequently, most local and foreign investors perceive the UK as an attractive investment destination. The UK is a member of a number of economic integration and trading blocs such as the G20 and the Euro Zone. This aspect increases the probability of Starbucks marketing its products to a large number of countries in Europe. Companies operating in the UK benefit from the tariff-free market because of being a member of the European Union. The UK is also in a free trade agreement with Liechtenstein, Switzerland, and Norway. The UK is also a member of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). As a multinational company, Starbucks sources its raw materials from different countries through importing. One of main challenges that the firm experiences in its importing process relates to the existence of international trade regulations and tariffs. These tariffs may adversely affect the firm’s competitiveness in the UK market. Economic environment The global economic environment has become very dynamic over the past one decade. The changes in the economic environment have adversely affected firms in different economic sectors. The 2007/2008 economic recession stands out as one of the worst economic recession of the 21st century. Due to the recession, Starbucks experienced a decline in its sales revenue, which occurred due to decline in the consumers’ purchasing power. The recession led to an increment in the rate of unemployment thus reducing the consumers’ ability to purchase, and thus there was a change in the consumers’ consumption behaviours.Advertising We will write a custom assessment sample on Strategic Management Analysis: Starbucks Coffee Company specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More For example, consumers who previously afforded Starbucks’ products became unable to purchase the same products. Most consumers adjusted their spending habits by being very cautious in their discretionary spending. As a result, consumers became more concerned with purchasing necessities rather tha n luxuries. The consumers’ regarded specialty products as luxuries. The 2012 sovereign debt crisis being experienced in the Euro Zone is also adversely affecting business operations in the UK. Following the crisis, the UK has experienced an increment in the rate of unemployment to 11.2 per cent (Cha 2012). Consequently, the consumers’ spending has declined significantly. The crisis has thrown UK consumers into deep uncertainty with reference to their economic future. In response to their uncertainty, consumers have reduced their spending on both big and small items such as cars and a cup of coffee. The severe nature of the crisis has forced the Moody’s (credit rating agency) to consider downgrading the country’s rating from its current AAA. This move will adversely affect the country’s competitiveness and attractiveness (This Money 2012). Social environment The prevailing social trends in the UK present an opportunity for Starbucks to market its pr oducts. Most UK consumers spend a substantial amount on coffee. It is estimated that approximately 511 million cups are consumed in the UK every week. The largest percentage of coffee consumption takes place in shopping malls and franchises such as Starbucks. UK consumers greatly enjoy relaxing as they drink a cup of coffee (Walsh 2011). Therefore, there is a high probability of the firm increasing its sales revenue. Changes in consumer tastes and preferences can adversely affect Starbucks’ sales. Consumers may shift to specialty coffee products offered by its competitors. The high rate at which consumers are becoming health-conscious in their consumption patterns may affect the firm’s future operations. Therefore, to align itself with these changes, it is critical for Starbucks’ management team to conduct a continuous analysis of the prevailing social environment. Technological environment The UK has experienced a wave of technological advancements over the pas t decades, and to benefit from these changes, it is important for Starbucks to implement the necessary technological changes. UK consumers have become technologically shrewd in their purchasing patterns. In an effort to exploit this phenomenon, Starbucks has embraced a new mobile phone payment system. The system has played a vital role in reducing queuing at its outlets especially during peak times. Additionally, the emergence of social networks also presents an opportunity that the firm can exploit. Through these social networking sites, Starbucks can engage its customers through communication.Advertising Looking for assessment on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Legal environment In a bid to improve the country’s competitiveness, the UK government has implemented a number of measures, which make the UK very attractive to local and foreign investors. One of the ways through which the UK government has attained this goal is by recognising intellectual property rights such as patents, copyrights, and trademarks. By ensuring an effective legal environment, Starbucks has managed to operate effectively in the UK. The UK government has also established 21 new enterprise zones. The zones aim at stimulating economic growth in some areas in the UK. Moreover, to attract investors in such areas, the UK government has implemented a 5-year tax holiday amounting to GBP 275,000. The UK government has not incorporated any exchange control that would affect remittance of royalties, patent fees, and dividends (Deloitte, 2011). Microenvironment analysis Porter’s five forces In an attempt to succeed in their respective industries, it is paramount for firms’ management teams to understand the prevailing industry dynamics. One of the ways through which a firm can understand the industry in which it operates is by taking into account the Porter’s five forces model (Grundy 2006, p. 215). The model evaluates the characteristics of a particular industry by evaluating the potential entrants, the buyers and suppliers’ bargaining power, existence of substitute products, and degree of industry rivalry. The chart below illustrates the prevailing characteristics of the UK specialty eateries industry. The industry is characterised by low supplier bargaining power because of the numerous coffee beans exported into the UK from other countries such as Brazil and Indonesia. The profitability potential of the UK specialty eateries industry has made most investors to consider the possibility of venturing in the industry. One of the most common modes of entry that these firms are adopting is importation. The low capital r equirement coupled with the fact that no special knowledge is required to venture into the industry has increased the attractiveness of the industry. Emergence of other beverage products such as hot chocolate and tea has led to an increment in the number of substitutes available to consumers. The UK specialty and eateries industry continue to experience an increment in buyers’ bargaining power due to the low-switching cost associated with the industry. The occurrence of the recent global economic recession coupled with the sovereign debt crisis has increased the degree of price sensitivity amongst consumers (Miller 2009). Consequently, Starbucks will be required to adjust to these industry dynamics. The industry is characterised by a high degree of rivalry due to the large number of industry players. Some of the major firms in the industry include Costa, Nero, Caffee Ritazza, BB’s, and Pucchino. Despite this aspect, Starbucks has managed to attain an optimal market pos ition. Critical success factors The success of every business organisation is dependent on the effectiveness with which it adheres to the critical success factors. These factors vary across firms and industries. In its operation, Starbucks has incorporated a number of critical success factors, which include attaining global dominance, offering a high level of customer service, and brand development. These factors have played an important role in the success of Starbucks over the years. Starbucks Strategic Analysis Effective strategy development is one of the ways through which a firm can attain coherence between its internal abilities, resources, skills, and the external factors affecting the firm’s operations (Srinvasan 2005). Therefore, it is important for firms’ management teams to identify the external and internal factors that may affect their firms’ overall performance (Ghani, Nayan, Ghazali, Shafie, Nayan 2010, p. 52). Different analytical tools can be u sed to conduct internal analysis of a firm. An example of such a tool is the strategic factor analysis summary matrix. The chart below illustrates internal factor analysis summary of Starbucks. Internal factor forces Weight Rating Weighted score Comments Strengths Quality of products 10% 3 0.8 Starbucks has incorporated an effective product procurement policy in to ensure that high quality coffee beans are sourced from the international market. Product diversification 10% 3 0.3 The firm has incorporated the concept of product diversification in an effort to meet the customer’s tastes and preferences. Convenience of store location 20% 4 0.8 Starbucks has established a number of outlets, which are conveniently located for consumers to access. Store ambience 5% 3 0.15 Starbucks is committed at creating a unique store ambience to improve its brand. Brand identity 20% 4 0.8 The firm has continuously continued to improve and maintain its brand without engaging itself in extensive marketing. Employee ethics 5% 3 0.15 The firm is committed at ensuring that its customers attain a high level of satisfaction. Weaknesses Over-exposure 10% 4 0.025 Starbucks is committed at increasing the number of its store locations in the UK. Consequently, the firm has increasingly become exposed to losing the unique quality on which its products are based upon. Extensive product lines 5% 4 0.0125 Some of the firm’s products have lost value amongst the consumers. Undertaking risky investments 5% 4 0.0125 The aggressive expansion plan undertaken by the firm leads to the firm incurring high financial cost. Starbucks core capabilities/competencies Starbucks has been committed to attaining a high level of competitive advantage, and to attain this goal, the firm has nurtured a number of capabilities that aim at improving the level of customer satisfaction. Over the years, the firm has nurtured the capability of offering high quality specialty coffees and eateries. Starbucks has developed its stores in such a way that customers can enjoy and relax to enhance the level of customer satisfaction. Its ability to develop these capabilities arises from the fact that it has developed a sufficient financial and human resource base. In the process of offering its products and services to customers, Starbucks greatly emphasises on good business practices and ethics. In 2011, Starbucks was ranked as one of the most worlds’ most ethical company (Environmental Leader 2011). Considering the intense competition in the specialty coffee market, Starbucks has developed a strong competence with regard to product innovation. Since its inception, the firm has developed sufficient competence with regard to market and customer innovation process. The objective of its innovativeness is to enable the firm to meet the needs of various market segments. Additionally, innovation contributes towards the firm being effective in addressing the changing c onsumer tastes and preferences. Strategic Fit Analysis Starbucks’ strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats In the course of its operation, Starbucks has managed to attain a number of strengths. However, its operations have not been without some weaknesses. From the above analysis, a number of strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats in relation to Starbucks are evident as shown below: Strengths Brand recognition- The firm’s main focus is to deliver high quality products to itscustomers Starbucks ensures that it sources quality coffee beans. The firm has adopted the concept of customisation in an effort to meet the consumers’ product needs. Effective employee training and treatment and establishment of numerous outlets in the UK, hence improving accessibility Development of an atmosphere that most people like Establishment of numerous outlets Weaknesses Adoption of premium pricing strategy, which makes the price of its products to be high Establishment of numerous outlets exposes the firm to effects of recession. Its aggressive product expansion strategy leads to some of its products losing value (Theodore 2002, p. 54). Opportunities Increasing sales revenue by venturing in new markets for example by franchising Developing and introducing new specialty products. New store openings. Threats Decline in sales due to an increment in the intensity of competition within the coffee outlet industry Emergence of numerous fast food restaurants poses a threat to the firm’s profitability. Occurrence of economic recession may lead to a change in consumer behaviour. Change in consumer tastes and preferences may adversely affect the firms’ sale as consumers’ can easily switch to other specialty beverages. Conclusion In the course of its operation, Starbucks has managed to position itself as the market leader within the specialty and eateries industry. Its success has arisen from the adoption of ef fective market strategy, which entails product differentiation and growth. An analysis of the market environment depicts the UK as an attractive market. The macro environment analysis shows that the UK has managed to ensure a high level of stability with regard to the political and legal environment. The stability established in the UK has made it possible for Starbucks to implement its aggressive expansion strategy. However, the recent global economic crisis coupled with the current sovereign debt crisis presents a major challenge for the firm. Through the Porter’s five forces, it is evident that the UK specialty and eateries industry is very attractive. Consequently, Starbucks should implement effective strategies to exploit the presented market opportunities. Starbucks’ success in the UK market has emanated by the fact that it has nurtured a number of unique resources, core capabilities, and competences. With regard to resources, Starbucks has nurtured a strong huma n resource base. As a result, it has managed to offer sufficient customer service. Other capabilities that the firm has developed relate to product innovation and adherence to quality. These capabilities have made Starbucks a favourite amongst many customers. The capabilities have also enhanced the firm’s strengths. In an attempt to survive in the future, it is paramount for Starbucks to assess its threats and weakness and make the appropriate adjustments. The firm should also exploit the opportunities available in the external business environment. Reference List Cha, A. 2012, European financial crisis has ripple effect on US businesses. Web. Deloitte: Taxation and investment in United Kingdom 2011. Web. Environmental Leader: Ford, Starbucks, among most ethical companies. Web. Ghani, K., Nayan, S., Ghazali, S., Shafie, L. Nayan, S. 2010, ‘Critical internal and external factor that affect firm’s strategic planning’, International Research Journal of Finan ce and Economics, vol. 3 no 51, pp. 50-57. Gilligan, C. Hird, M. 2008, International marketing: strategy and management, Taylor and Francis, New York. Grundy, T. 2006, ‘Rethinking and re-inventing Michael Porter’s five forces model’, Strategic Change, vol. 15 no. 5, pp. 213-229. Kotter, J. Schlesinger, L. 2008, ‘Choosing strategies for change’, Harvard Business Review, vol. 2, pp. 130-150. Larson, R. 2009, Marketing strategy and alliances; analysis of Starbucks Corporation, Liberty University, New York. Miller, C. 2009, Will the hardcore Starbucks customer pay more? The chain plans find out. Web. Srinvasan, L. 2005, Strategic management, the Indian context, PHI Learning PVT, London. Theodore, S. 2002, Expanding the coffee experience; Starbucks keeps sales brewing with new products, innovation and global expansion, Beverage Industry, vol. 1, issue 3, pp. 57-62. This Money: Moody’s could downgrade UK’s ‘AAA’ credit rating i n early 2013 if the economy fails to shape up. Web. Walsh, J. 2011, Britain’s caffeine boom: Why can’t we wake up without smelling coffee. Web. This assessment on Strategic Management Analysis: Starbucks Coffee Company was written and submitted by user Kas0n to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here.