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BA 454 Management Cases
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April 19, 2011
McDonald’s and Its Critics McDonalds started in San Bernardino, California simply as a drive-in and a car hop service with a large menu in the 1940s and the first McDonalds restaurant was opened in Des Plaines, Illinois in April 1955. Over the years, McDonald has established itself as one of America’s most popular fast food chains. From its early beginnings to its current state, McDonalds has undergone several changes in business procedures to include changes in their menus, the way it compete, and in its management and training of its staff. Though McDonalds started as an American household name, today it is well recognized in the international markets. McDonalds operates 32,737 restaurants in 117 countries, and of that amount, the McDonalds Corporation owns 6,399 restaurants. The other 26,339 are franchised owned through conventional and other means (McDonald’s 2010 Annual Report, 2011).
Problems or Challenges McDonalds has posted record profits over the years, some years are better than others. However, despite the current turbulence of the world market, in 2010 McDonalds cash from operations totaled $6.3 billion compared to $5.8 billion in 2008. McDonalds currently faces different problems, however , for many years, McDonalds have faced challenges from many competitors to include Burger King, Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC), Subway, Wendy’s, Sonic, Jack in the Box and Hardees, but they were always able to put up a strong fight with their competitors and continue to lived up to their mission statement (McDonald's FAQ). McDonald's brand mission is to "be our customers' favorite place and way to eat.” Our worldwide operations have been aligned around a global strategy called the Plan to Win centering on the five basics of an exceptional customer experience – People, Products, Place, Price, and Promotion. We are committed to improving
References: McDonald’s 2010 Annual Report. (2011, February 25). McDonald 's Corporation. Retrieved May 1, 2011, from http://www.aboutmcdonalds.com/etc/medialib/aboutMcDonalds/investor_relations3.Par.56096.File.dat/2010%20Annual%20Report%20%28print%29.pdf Guy, S. (2011, April 12). McDonald 's Among Working Mom 's Best Companies for Hourly Workers. News Articles and Headlines from the Chicago Sun-Times. Retrieved April 28, 2011, from http://www.suntimes.com/business/4785982-420/mcdonalds-among-working-moms-best-companies-for-hourly-workers.html McDonald 's FAQ." About McDonald 's. 2011. Web. 30 Apr. 2011. . McDonald 's to its Critics: Ronald McDonald stays | StarTribune.com. (n.d.). StarTribune.com: News, Weather, Sports from Minneapolis, St. Paul and Minnesota. Retrieved April 27, 2011, from http://www.startribune.com/business/94542524.html Pearce II, J. A. & Robinson, Jr., R. B. (2011). Strategic Management: Formulation, Implementation, and Control (12th ed.). (B. Gordon & M. Ablassmeir, Ed.). New York, NY: McGraw-Hill/Irwin.