Mind And Machine Essays - Artificial Intelligence,

Mind And Machine Mind and Machine: The Essay Technology has traditionally evolved as the result of human needs. Invention, when prized and rewarded, will invariably rise-up to meet the free market demands of society. It is in this realm that Artificial Intelligence research and the resultant expert systems have been forged. Much of the material that relates to the field of Artificial Intelligence deals with human psychology and the nature of consciousness. Exhaustive debate on consciousness and the possibilities of consciousnessness in machines has adequately, in my opinion, revealed that it is most unlikely that we will ever converse or interract with a machine of artificial consciousness. In John Searle's collection of lectures, Minds, Brains and Science, arguments centering around the mind-body problem alone is sufficient to convince a reasonable person that there is no way science will ever unravel the mysteries of consciousness. Key to Searle's analysis of consciousness in the context of Artificial Intelligence machines are refutations of strong and weak AI theses. Strong AI Theorists (SATs) believe that in the future, mankind will forge machines that will think as well as, if not better than humans. To them, pesent technology constrains this achievement. The Weak AI Theorists (WATs), almost converse to the SATs, believe that if a machine performs functions that resemble a human's, then there must be a correlation between it and consciousness. To them, there is no technological impediment to thinking machines, because our most advanced machines already think. It is important to review Searle's refutations of these respective theorists' proposition to establish a foundation (for the purpose of this essay) for discussing the applications of Artificial Intelligence, both now and in the future. Strong AI Thesis Strong AI Thesis, according to Searle, can be described in four basic propositions. Proposition one categorizes human thought as the result of computational processes. Given enough computational power, memory, inputs, etc., machines will be able to think, if you believe this proposition. Proposition two, in essence, relegates the human mind to the software bin. Proponents of this proposition believe that humans just happen to have biological computers that run wetware as opposed to software. Proposition three, the Turing proposition, holds that if a conscious being can be convinced that, through context-input manipulation, a machine is intelligent, then it is. Proposition four is where the ends will meet the means. It purports that when we are able to finally understand the brain, we will be able to duplicate its functions. Thus, if we replicate the computational power of the mind, we will then understand it. Through argument and experimentation, Searle is able to refute or severely diminish these propositions. Searle argues that machines may well be able to understand syntax, but not the semantics, or meaning communicated thereby. Esentially, he makes his point by citing the famous Chinese Room Thought Experiment. It is here he demonstrates that a computer (a non-chinese speaker, a book of rules and the chinese symbols) can fool a native speaker, but have no idea what he is saying. By proving that entities don't have to understand what they are processing to appear as understanding refutes proposition one. Proposition two is refuted by the simple fact that there are no artificial minds or mind-like devices. Proposition two is thus a matter of science fiction rather than a plausible theory A good chess program, like my (as yet undefeated) Chessmaster 4000 Trubo refutes proposition three by passing a Turing test. It appears to be intelligent, but I know it beats me through number crunching and symbol manipulation. The Chessmaster 4000 example is also an adequate refutation of Professor Simon's fourth proposition: you can understand a process if you can reproduce it. Because the Software Toolworks company created a program for my computer that simulates the behavior of a grandmaster in the game, doesn't mean that the computer is indeed intelligent. Weak AI Thesis There are five basic propositions that fall in the Weak AI Thesis (WAT) camp. The first of these states that the brain, due to its complexity of operation, must function something like a computer, the most sophisticated of human invention. The second WAT proposition states that if a machine's output, if it were compared to

Adhd as a Social Construct Essays

Adhd as a Social Construct Essays Adhd as a Social Construct Essay Adhd as a Social Construct Essay This research paper will discuss what ADHD is and why it is that there are those who think it was invented instead of discovered. It will also investigate the reasons why social construct theorists believe that the diagnosis of ADHD does more harm than good and actually diverts from the real issues that children face in their development in this day and age. Also explored will be the case against the social construct theory and why some who argue that the social construct theory is viable are ignoring a very real and possibly debilitating mental disorder. Despite the fact that ADHD is constantly in the news for one reason or another, there is no consensus on what it actually is and as more time goes by and more information is collected the more confusing the topic. Since ADHD has no definitive way of being diagnosed then the question remains what it is that is being treated and why medication is being prescribed, sometimes for life, for something that cannot be proven to fundamentally exist? Is this diagnosis simply as a result of the changing times or the fact that as a society will are all expected to conform to a standard set of behavior or else deemed lacking in some way? Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder or ADHD is a common psychiatric condition that affects both children and adults. It is more likely to be diagnosed in childhood and in more boys than girls are said to have this disorder. There is debate as to whether children can outgrow their symptoms or whether it continues into adulthood or whether it is just a behavioral problem that will just go away as more adults than every are being diagnosed. Symptoms of ADHD include but are not limited to: hyperactivity, lack of concentration, day dreaming, impulsiveness and restlessness. In ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder) the individual is usually described as a daydreamer and in AHD (attention Hyperactive Disorder) the individual is deemed restless or high spirited. Treatment for this disorder range from increased exercise and a diet that does not include carbohydrates and sugar to medicinal intervention in the form of methylphenidates and amphetamines such as Ritalin or Adderall. There is no one test for ADHD – a diagnosis is reached upon by the doctor after having had parent and teacher reports and from interaction with the child or adult. One of the main reasons that the diagnosis of ADHD remains so controversial in many medical circles is the fact that there is no one definitive way in which to test for it. Most of the time the conclusion that an individual (usually a child) has ADHD is as a result of parent reporting and/or teacher intervention. Some would argue that this makes the whole process subjective instead of objective and therefore does more harm than good especially since once a child is put on medication it is recommended by many doctors that he/she continues to take it into adulthood as the symptoms will not decrease or stop over time. Considering the fact that the pharmaceutical industry has a lot to gain from recommending the prolonged usage of drugs for ADHD and there are no studies showing the effects of the long term use of the methylphenidates and amphetamines commonly used, it is only natural that there should be queries into whether the disease actually exists or if it is possible that it could be something else all together. Although there are many who say that the conclusion that hyperactivity is relative and opinion may thus vary from one medical practitioner to another there are those that say there is evidence that it is present in some who have ADHD and the proof is in the brain structure and function and in the DNA composition. This combined with environment leads to what is known as ADHD because it is a multi faceted disease and to try and pin it down to just one cause would be futile and would result in tunnel vision as far as treatment goes. There is evidence to show that severe hyperactivity in children leads to serious developmental stagnation and misdiagnosis or non diagnosis of behavioral disorders such as ADHD leads to educational and occupational failure, inability to have nurturing relationships and stagnation in adulthood. In fact, is estimated that most addicts like gambling, alcohol and drug have some form of ADHD. Experts who agree with this school of thought are adamant that to claim that ADD is a social construct would only hurt those who suffer from it and delay or deny them the treatment that they so desperately need. It must be noted however, that the proponents of ADHD as a social construct are not opposed to getting to the bottom of the reason why an individual might be hyperactive, distracted and unable to concentrate. What they are against is the label itself which they believe will lead individuals into a mentality that they are somehow defective and need to be on medication for most of their lives. What they do advocate for is a strengthening of the family unit and a more child centered way of life. Social construct theorists conclude that in modern western culture factors uch as loss of extended family support, family life being increasingly busy, a cultural system that emphasizes individuality and competition and increased stress from the school systems all contribute to what can otherwise be termed as ADHD symptoms. They conclude that it is for this reason that ADHD was not prevalent until the Industrial Age when people’s lifestyles drastically changed – there was no longer enough play space and increased schooling pressures became increasingly problematic for children who were boredom intolerant. Children put in this unnatural environment coped by either tuning out (ADD) or becoming restless (ADHD). Social construct theorists believe therefore that it is not a medical intervention that is needed but a cultural one. An example of where a cultural intervention is needed is in some western school systems whereby there is intolerance for what can be termed as â€Å"active children†. Though social construct theorists do agree that on some level there could be biological factors what may be the reason that a child or adult is inattentive what they argue is that the school system and society has failed to integrate them and has chosen instead to set them aside and label them as disordered. Different methods of learning instead of the rote memorizing of facts where all individuals are supposed to learn the same thing at the same time and at the same pace will result in an environment where those with different learning styles are made to feel welcome instead of feeling like failures because they do not fit in. In this way, social construct theorists and their opponents are in agreement when they say that a multi pronged approach should be used in tackling and handling behavioral problems. Those against the social construct theory have long been advocates of more open classrooms and more flexibility as pertains to school settings and educational purposes in order to help those who have been diagnosed with ADHD cope with their symptoms. Along with medication, they also stress the importance of getting exercise and having a balanced diet so as not to exacerbate the effects of the disorder. Medication is only part of the solution, not all of it. one point of contention between those who support the social construct theory and those who oppose it is the over and under diagnosis of the disease. Social construct theorists claim that this is because there is no proven way that one can test for the disease and therefore the diagnosis will tend to fluctuate depending on race, social standing, gender, cultural differences and geographical location the theorists claim that if ADHD were are real mental disease the discrepancies would not be so high and so varied. In studies done all around the world, what is known to western countries, especially the United States as ADHD behavior is seen everywhere. What differs is the interpretation of an individual’s action. In some countries and cultures active children are considered the norm or even encouraged. Even in societies where obedience is expected of all youngsters, there are less likely to attribute it to a mental disorder and more likely to claim it is growing pains, simply a stage that will pass. Even the methods used to diagnose ADHD are different – in America the DSM-IV (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders 4th Edition) while in Europe the ICD-10 (International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems 10th Revision). This results in 3-4 times fewer diagnoses in Europe than in the United States. Part of the conflict between those who say that ADHD is a real mental condition and those who say that it is a social construct is that there is really no general consensus on what ADHD really is or how to diagnose it. What both sides do agree on is that behavioral problems left untreated will often end up hurting not only the individual affected but all those around him/her and later on, society in general. Social construct theorists in general tend to be against the label of ADHD with the claim that it is one that is stuck with an individual for life and may thus hinder his/her development with pills serving as crutches. They also say that the diagnosis tends to be prevalent in cultures where passivity and order are highly valued. Those who disagree saying that leaving the problem untreated will put those suffering from the disorder at unnecessary risk and stagnate their development. Part of the conflict seems to be what one group thinks the cause should be and/or the treatment required if any. It is important to note that social construct theorists are usually not the same as those who say that behavioral problems are just a result of bad parenting and one should not spare the rod in rectifying the problem. They are not saying that behavioral problems do not exist, just that the cause, treatment and effect should be different.. Whether or not ADHD is a social construct is a debate that is not likely to end any time soon and a resolution is not anywhere in sight. Social construct theorists will always argue that until ADHD is shown to be a true disorder instead of collection of traits then the label should not be used as it hinders more than it helps. On the other hand, those who say that ADHD is a true disorder are more likely to claim that not giving the disorder a label is very detrimental to the individual concerned. There are those who say that ADHD being a real psychiatric disorder being a social construct are not mutually exclusive. This means that thought they do be lieve that ADHD exists they do not think it is as prevalent as the pharmaceutical companies and the media make it out to be. Any behavioral problem that cannot be pinned down and diagnosed is bound to have its opponents and ADHD is one of them. Even those who do claim that it is a valid medical diagnosis and not just a label used to describe behaviors that fall outside the prescribed societal norm do admit that it is multi faceted and multi layered and no two individuals have the exact same symptoms. Social construct theorists on the other hand cannot dismiss the fact that behavioral disorders must be identified and dealt with even though they may not agree with the treatment prescribed or the reasons given for the behavior. With research still being done and studies being carried out it will be a while before any reasonable and scientifically viable conclusion can be reached that will validate either side. As with any mental condition that is difficult to diagnose, it is impossible to have all interested parties come to the same conclusion as it is highly individual and a form of treatment that works for one may not work for another. The very fact that the discussion is taking place and that the debate goes on could be of benefit to all interested and concerned parties. References Barkley, R. A. , Cook, E. H. Jr, Diamond, A. , et al. (2002) International Consensus Statement on ADHD. Clinical Child and Family Psychology Review, 5, 89 –111. [CrossRef][Medline] Breggin, P. (2002) The Ritalin Fact Book. Cambridge, MA: Perseus Publishing. Meltzer, H. , Gatward, R. , Goodman, R. , et al (2000) Mental Health of Children and Adolescents in Great Britain. London: Stationery Office. Moll, G. , Hause, S. , Ruther, E. et al (2001) Early methylphenidate administration to young rats causes a persistent reduction in the density of striatal dopamine transporters. Journal of Child and Adolescent Psychopharmacology, 11, 15 –24. [CrossRef][Medline] Prout, A. James, A. (1997) Constructing and Reconstructing Childhood: Contemporary Issues in the Sociological Study of Childhood. London: Falmer Press. Sayal, K. , Taylor, E. , Beecham, J. , et al (2002) Pathways to care in children at risk of attention-deficit deficit hyperactivity disorder. British Journal of Psychiatry, 181, 43 –48. [Abstract/Free Full Text] Schachar, R. Tannock, R. (2002) Syndromes of hyperactivity and attention deficit. In Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (4th edn) (eds M. Rutter E. Taylor), pp. 399 –418. Oxford: Blackwell. Sproson, E. J. , Chantrey, J. , Hollis, C. , et al (2001) Effect of repeated methylphenidate administration on presynaptic dopamine and behavior in young adult rats. Journal of Psychopharmacology, 15, 67 –75. [Abstract/Free Full Text] Taylor, E. Sandberg, S. , Thorley, G. , et al (1991) The Epidemiology of Childhood Hyperactivity. Maudsley Monograph No. 33. Oxford: Oxford University Press. Taylor, E. , Chadwick, O. , Heptinstall, E. , et al (1996) Hyperactivity and conduct problems as risk factors for adolescent development. Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, 35, 1213 –1226. [CrossRef][Medline] Timimi, S. (2002) Pathological Child Psychiatry and the Medicalization of Childhood. Hove: Brunner-Routledge.

John Keble and the Oxford Movement Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

John Keble and the Oxford Movement - Essay Example These young men were educated in a university that is immersed with the ideals of the past. They had been educated under the care of a church that put premium on traditions which was considered to be the most precious part of the church's heritage. [2] The movement also sought to express their belief that the Church of England was a direct descendant of the Christian church that was established by the original Apostles of Christ. Later on, the movement was also invariably called the Tractarian movement after its series of publications called the Tracts of the Times which ran from 1833 to 1841.[3] The members of the movement were, in some way, can be branded as idealists. They came forward when they thought that the Church that they serve is veering away from the original teachings they were educated upon. The Oxford members believed at that time that the ancient power and practices of the Church should be re-established. Because of their belief in the sacredness of the church based on its origin, they are convinced that the church is a divinely instituted and commissioned institution. Therefore, because of its sacredness, all of the church's teaching should be observed even down to the smallest of these teachings.[4] For the kingdom of God to descend upon the earth, these men believed that the Church must be made absolute in all its doctrines and practices. Harmony can only be achieved by submitting unconditionally to the wiser authority of the Church which had vigorously preserved the teachings of its leaders inspired with divinity.[5] Because of these beliefs, the movement was criticized by some as subscribing to Romanism. To this, the defenders of the movement argue that the greatest difference between the Oxford movement doctrine and the Romanists was that the Oxford members rega rded the leaders of the Church to be divinely inspired as against the belief on an infallible human being which is personified by a pope. To renew people's deep and personal devotion to the Bible, the Oxford members sought to establish religious community life. Consequently, sisterhoods were established in the name of the movement, the first of which was founded in 1845. Charity and social work became the primary works of these sisterhoods. Although among the men, communities were slow to expand and are fewer in number.[6] The movement also stressed the importance of adhering to the high standards of worship which resulted in the many changes later on in church services. These changes involved the physical beautification of churches, the proper wearing of vestments, intonation of services and the emphasis on hymn singing. Not all these changes that were introduced resulted in favourable responses. There are times that these changes aroused strong opposition from fundamentalists that culminated in the riot of 1860 at St. George's in East London.[7] Because the movement centred on the forms of expression in the churches, especially between the years 1857 and 1871, the followers of the movement were also labelled as ritualists. The ritualists' desired changes caused a public uproar which led to the passing in 1874 of the Public Worship Regulation Act by Parliament. The act is virtually a means of the State to put down Ritualism. The churchmen took this as an affront to their spiritual independence and the struggle between the

Inernationalization of UK Businesses in Brazilian Market Essay

Inernationalization of UK Businesses in Brazilian Market - Essay Example As the discussion highlights  many companies adopt different strategies in order to grow in the Brazilian market and to successfully achieve the goal of improved bottom line. Brazil is a country which cannot be avoided to do business because of the huge market size. Brazil is the fifth largest country in the world, and it is one of the most populous countries, as well. It has high GDP and legal system, which encourages international companies to tap this market. However, not every company can be successful in the Brazilian market. Size of the country market does not guarantee success in that market. There are many factors, which play a role in the success and failure of international companies. Among such factors, culture has a crucial role. Not only in Brazil but also in every country, culture plays a vital role for success and failure of international companies.  This study stresses that  globalization is growing becoming an integral part of the business in the business world . It has changed the competitive landscape for doing business in local and international markets as a matter of fact that competitive pressures arise not only from local players but also from the international players. On the other hand, in contrast to the pace of globalization, the success rate of businesses in the international market remains under constant challenges.  It is practically a sin for business operating in today’s competitive landscape if it ignores internationalization of business.

Harley-Davidson motorcycle Essay Example for Free

Harley-Davidson motorcycle Essay Introduction Harley-Davidson Motorcycles have been around for just over 100 years. They became popular after World War II and had continued success until the 1970A? a‚Â ¬a„? s when the company was sold. In 1981 a group of executives bought the company and turned it around into what it is today. Harley-Davidson has had some hard times and some images to shed to get to where it is now, but it has been and are still the front runner in the motorcycle industry. Industry and Competition Analysis A? a‚Â ¬A? General economic characteristics. The current market for Harley-Davidson motorcycles is mostly baby boomers who want to recapture the freedom of when they were young. Most consumers today are middle to upper class. A? a‚Â ¬A? Driving Forces The main driving force behind changes made in Harley-Davidson is image. The company has had to continually change to fit or change an image that accompanies the products A? a‚Â ¬A? Five Forces Model There is not much rivalry between Harley-Davidson and other manufactures in the United States. The only company that comes close to competing with them is Honda, however Honda does not specialize in the same type of motorcycle that Harley-Davidson does. The only substitute product would be a different type of motorcycle such as a street bike, but Harley-Davidson mainly produces touring bikes. A? a‚Â ¬A? Competitor Analysis There really are not any true competitors in the United States. BMW is competition in Europe as well as other companies that manufacture street or racing bikes, but as far as touring motorcycles, Harley-Davidson does not have any real competition. A? a‚Â ¬A? Key Success Factors Key success factors include marketing to improve or change image, production to produce enough bikes for consumer demand and distribution, having the right dealerships in place to sell the product. 2 A? a‚Â ¬A? Attractiveness This is a very attractive industry for Harley-Davidson; however it would not be a good industry for a new company to try to gain entry into due to such large brand loyalty. Company Situation Analysis Harley-DavidsonA? a‚Â ¬a„? s business strategy to become more profitable is to market a lifestyle instead of a product. They show the Harley image as being free and fun. Consumers want to get that feeling and while most people buy the motorcycles, Harley-Davidson has managed to create a market for their products even for people who do not own a motorcycle. Harley-DavidsonA? a‚Â ¬a„? s main strength is brand loyalty. People see a motorcycle they automatically think of Harley-Davidson. Their weakness however is diversification. While they are extremely successful at producing and selling touring motorcycles, they can not capture the market on other types of motorcycles. Suzuki and Honda are better known for their street bikes that HarleyA? a‚Â ¬a„? s Buell Company. This leads to their opportunities. Harley-DavidsonA? a‚Â ¬a„? s biggest opportunity is to develop a street bike that can compete effectively with a Honda or Suzuki motorcycle. Threats to Harley-Davidson include a changing culture. As Baby Boomers are becoming too old to purchase new motorcycles, they need to refocus their attention to the younger generation. In order to capture the younger generation, Harley-Davidson needs to develop a street bike as not many younger people are as interested in touring motorcycles. Financially, Harley-Davidson is doing very well. Revenues have grown at a rate of 16% over the past 10 years and have reached 4. 6 billion dollars. This is huge growth considering that the company almost went bankrupt in 1985. Key Issues That Need To Be Addressed The main issue that Harley-Davidson is facing is the aging of their buyers. As talked about earlier, the new consumers of motorcycles are going to be younger people who are looking more for performance motorcycles than touring ones. Right now Harley is expanding their current business keeping it the same as it has always been instead of diversifying the products that they manufacture. Harley has such a large brand loyalty and has finally changed the image of a Harley rider into a positive one that the company will be okay; there is just not much more room for growth. 3 Strategy Alternatives One potential strategy alternative would be to either merge or acquire another company. They have already tried doing this with Buell motorcycles, however, the Buell brand is not that well known and only make up . 8% of the market for motorcycles. If Harley-Davidson could acquire a smaller company such as Ducati that is already successful in Europe, it could market it better in the United States and gain even more market control over the industry and continue to increase profits. One weakness to this strategy however is image. Harley-Davidson has the All American image and buying a foreign company and marketing a foreign product could hurt the image to some Harley Owners. Recommendations Harley-Davidson is such a well known and well respected company that I do not necessarily think that they should change their strategy. They have already tried to incorporate new types of motorcycles into their product line with little success. While the V-Rod is vastly different from the bikes they previously made, sales are not as high as on the traditional motorcycles. Their only real option is to better market the V-Rod and Buell motorcycles to try to build a new customer base so that they can increase sales if sales really do decrease on their traditional touring motorcycles.

The Death Penalty is Effective Essay -- Support Capital Punishment Ess

The Death Penalty is Effective   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Capital Punishment in this country is a very controversial issue, and has been for quite some time. The history of the death penalty in America dates all the ways back to 1622, where Daniel Frank was executed in the Colony of Virginia for the crime of theft. (UAA) Many more unrecorded executions occurred until the U.S. Bureau of Justice statistics began keeping track in 1930. During that time, there was an average of about 150 executions per year. That number rose until about 1938 then began to decline until 1967, when executions in the U.S. came to a halt. There was no law or court ruling that resulted in this, it was more of a self-induced moratorium on the state level. The legal and moral questions seemed to be coming into play. Then a ruling in 1972 by the U.S. Supreme Court stated that the death penalty under current statutes is 'arbitrary and capricious' and therefore unconstitutional under the Eighth and Fourteenth Amendments. (Furman v. Georgia) That rulin g was reached on a vote of five to four, clearly showing how even the U.S. Supreme Court Justices, the highest authority of the law, were torn on the issue. This ruling essentially made Capital Punishment illegal in the United States. This lasted about four years, until another case heard before the U.S. Supreme Court (Gregg v. Georgia 1976) that reinstated the death penalty. It stated that it must be administered with guided discretion, meaning it must be applied fairly and uniformly. Two additional cases brought before the Supreme Court this year (Jurek v. Texas) and ( Proffit v. Florida) upheld the original ruling, that the death penalty is Constitutional. All of these court rulings deal with only the legality and constitutionality on Capital Punishment. However, there are many more fractions to be examined to truly evaluate the effectiveness of the death penalty. The question of morality enters into the equation. Is state sanctioned Capital Punishment moral? Deterrence is also a nother large factor. Does the death penalty deter capital crimes? Any problems within the justice system have to be reviewed, such as defense for lower income individuals, judges discretion, and discrimination. Public opinion on the subject is a fairly important issue, as the laws in this country should reflect the public interest. The economic cost of the death penalty is of cour... .... "Wrongful Executions are Unlikely." Opposing Viewpoints . Opposing Viewpoints Resource Center. Shenendehowa Public Library. 24 Nov. 2003 Pataki, George E. "Capital Punishment is a Deterrent." Opposing Viewpoints . Opposing Viewpoints Resource Center. Shenendehowa Public Library. 24 Nov. 2003 Pojman, Louis P. "Unfair Application of Capital Punishment does not Justify Abolishing it." Opposing Viewpoints.   Ã‚  Opposing Viewpoints Resource Center. Shenendehowa Public Library. 19 Nov. 2003 Proffitt v. Florida. UAA Justice Center Web Site U.S. Supreme Ct. 1976. 18 Nov. 2003 http://www.uaa.alaska.edu>. Pulley v. Harris. UAA Justice Center Web Site U.S. Supreme Ct. 1984. 18 Nov. 2003 . Recent Poll Results from around the Country. 18 Nov. 2003 . Scalia, Antonin. "The Death Penalty is Legally Just." Opposing Viewpoints. Opposing Viewpoints Resource Center. Shenendehowa Public Library. 19 Nov. 2003 Tucker, William. "Society Needs the Death Penalty to Deter Murderers." Opposing Viewpoints. Opposing Viewpoints Resource Center. Shenendehowa Public Library. 24 Nov. 2003 Woodson v. North Carolina. UAA Justice Center Web Site U.S. Supreme Ct. 1976. 18 Nov. 2003.

Fast Food and Subway

News that Subway has passed McDonald's as the world's biggest fast-food chain is hardly a surprise to Australians, given the sandwich chain has 1,254 stores in Australia, compared to just over 780 McDonald's stores. But the rapid and unrelenting growth of Subway in Australia and overseas does raise an important question for the franchise sector: Are franchisees now favouring smaller and cheaper franchise options? Franchising expert and SmartCompany blogger Jason Gherke, of consultancy Franchise Advice, says Subway and McDonald's have pursued very different growth strategies.Where Subway uses relatively low entry prices and smaller store formats (which mean lower rents) to attract franchises, McDonald's has a strategy of owning the land that a franchisee can build a store on, with the exception, of course, of stores in shopping centres or other retail precincts. â€Å"There is a much more significant capital investment required from both the franchisor and the franchisee under the Mc Donald's model,† Gherke says.The rate at which both chains grow is directly related to that. Whereas McDonald's would need up to five years of lead time to scout store locations, get planning approvals and build a store, it could take only months to get a Subway store planned, established and up and running. The trend towards smaller store formats is one Gherke says is also evident in the pizza sector, where Pizza Hut has moved away from a dine-in concept to a pure take-away concept.Rivals such as Eagle Boys have also modified their franchise offering to include â€Å"express† outlets which can be opened in small spaces within petrol stations and airports, for example. However, McDonald's is unlikely to be too worried about being in second place to Subway – Gherke says its slower growth means that McDonald's franchises remains much sort after, and very expensive. â€Å"I wouldn't hazard a guess at what a franchise would sell for these days, if you could actually get your hands on one. â€Å"And while other fast food operators are reducing the size of their stores, McDonalds has concentrated on changing its menu (particularly to include healthier options) and changing its store formats (with the inclusion of McCafe outlets in most stores). â€Å"I can't say that I've noticed a down-sizing of their outlets. McDonalds have modified their menu and their offer rather than their footprint. † And of course, store numbers aren't the only thing that counts in the battle for the stomachs of consumers. According to IBISWorld, McDonalds has a 19. 5% share of Australia's fast-food market, compared with Subway's share of just 2%.