Mcdonalds I Chose Mcdonald's Because it Is

McDonalds I chose McDonald's because it is a brand that is larger than simply a fast-food hamburger chain. McDonald's is the global leader in hamburger fast-food restaurants, serving almost 60 million customers per day. McDonalds' are operated as a franchise, an affiliate, or a corporate store. They have over 32,000 locations worldwide, were founded in 1940, and posted an approximate sales revenue over almost 25 billion in 2010. They are a quintessential American institution, a brand, and a symbol of economic forces that reach into global markets.

If we think about what it takes to serve 60 million customers daily, it is astounding. McDonald's needs beef, and sources it from a number of world-wide providers; fresh produce, condiments, paper products. In addition, from a marketing perspective, the global arches are seen as icons of American life from the 1950s on. One can get a McDonald's meal in almost every country in the world, some with individual flair, but most serving a basic and consistent set of meals.

In addition, McDonald's has also become iconic with what is wrong with the fast-food industry. Witness the film, "Supersize me," and others -- pointing to the lack of appropriate nutrition, getting children hooked on fast food, and the price/nutrition ratio of the product. This makes the corporation not only interesting from a business perspective, but also from a sociological and cultural perspective.

Part 2 -- If we use McDonald's as an example of the broader view of economics, we find that there are a number of questions that can be answered on a larger canvass when using the company as an example. Product Produced (choice) -- On the surface, McDonald's is a chain of restaurants -- albeit a large chain. They produce food from 6am to late night drive-through in almost every country of the world; breakfasts, now espresso; lunch; kid's meals; dinner.

They have expanded their menu to include salads, deserts, and typically feature a special of some kind. They continue to expand their product line based on consumer changes and demands. Their model is based on the idea of getting a portion of the consumer's dollar -- so when consumer preferences moved towards espresso drinks as well as coffee (largely due to Starbuck's), McDonald's went the same way. As critics of meat became more vocal, they offer salads, wraps, and lighter meals.

Price point issues vary, but on average, an adult lunch or dinner combination runs between $4.50 and $6.00; putting it squarely in line and even a little less than competitive chains. Supply Chain Management (resources)- Obviously, an organization like McDonald's has a tremendous number of suppliers -- To satisfy their beef and chicken needs they must import a large number of products from Argentina and a number of chicken farms throughout the U.S.A.

Their production is so vast and large that even their paper products represent a major economic investment. Local bakers make most of the bunds to order, but McDonalds is a large purchaser of Coca Cola products, Minute Maid, Heinz, and even Quaker oats.

The company touts its relationships with a number of smaller manufacturers (http://www.mcdonalds.com/us/en/food/food_quality/see_what_we_are_made_of/meet_our_suppliers.html?DCSext.destination=http://www.mcdonalds.com/us/en/food/food_quality/see_what_we_are_made_of/meet_our_suppliers.html), but fails to mention the factory farming and tremendous global economic impact their purchasing has. Consumers -- (For whom?) -- Clearly, McDonalds has decided that the total universe of consumers for their product is "everyone" at any age.

They have menus designed for children, young people, teens, vegetarians, people on a budget, and seniors. The consumption level is what has many critics worried about the company -- the marketing messages advocate rampant consumerism, the price point designed for even people on a budget; and the geopolitical and economic tendons are a superb example of globalism. 3. Client,.