Abstract This paper outlines the American Farm Bureau's position that the FoodQuality Protection Act of 1996 (FQPA) can be be met without
restricting or canceling the safe use of pesticides. The paper explains that the FQPA, designed and implemented by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), restricts the use of certain pesticides on any food crops raised in the U.S. and that the Farm Bureau holds that the FQPA must be also be implemented in a manner that will ensure farmers and ranchers continuous access to safe and affordable crop protection.
From the Paper "The American Farm Bureau supports H. R. 1592, the Regulatory Fairness and Openness Act of 1999. This bill provides for guidance for all EPA limitations or cancellations of pesticides. It requires the EPA to submit a written report identifying areas where assumptions were used when data was insufficient for making tolerance decisions. It also requires the identification of any alternatives to the particular pesticides under review. The EPA must use actual data from scientific research before modifying or revoking tolerances of these pesticides."
Abstract This paper is a study of five fast food restaurants. It examines the way food is prepared, how customers are queued for service, and the quality and the price of the food being served. It discusses how the selected restaurants try to differentiate themselves and how successful they are in doing so and in gaining market share.
From the Paper "The restaurants were Burger King, Wendy's, Baja Fresh, MacDonald's and Taco Bell. At Taco Bell, Baja Fresh, Burger King and Wendy's in store patrons were required to enter one queue from which they were served in consecutive order. At MacDonald's patrons selected a register and lined up for service. I noted a certain amount of line hopping at MacDonald's as one line move slower or more quickly than the other based on the experience of the employee working at the register combined with ..."
Tags: Fast food, speed, quality, registers, customer service, special orders, price, taste, market share, in store service, food preparation, advanced preparation, heat lamps, microwaves
Abstract This paper explains that research indicates that, in the United States, perceptions factors in the purchase of organic foods relating to food safety concerns are environmental contaminants, disease-causing organisms and pesticide residues. The author points out that useful knowledge for anyone wishing to introduce consumers to organic foods is that the consumer would not perceive much risk in food until after he or she has heard about some problem; however, once that happens, it would be likely that they would make biased judgments. The paper indicates that, in contrast to nutrition knowledge, perceptions about attributes of organic foods, such as importance of nutrition, appear to be good predictors of dietary behavior; therefore, consumer information programs must be careful to reiterated nutrition as a "salient attribute" of organic food if they want to be successful in encouraging consumers to behave in a certain way.
Table of Contents
What is Consumer Behavior?
Factors Affecting Consumer Behavior
What is Perception?
Perceived Risk in Food Price Perception
What are Attitudes?
Willingness to Pay
Resource Deficit Model
Organic Food as a Strategy to Deal with Worries about the Safety and Quality of Food Consumer Buying Decision Process
From the Paper "Dean (1999) investigated three factors-advertising cues-he believed affected consumer perceptions (and therefore behavior) concerning product quality, uniqueness, manufacturer reputation and manufacturer corporate citizenship. It is likely the last of this list would have some effect on consumer behavior regarding organic foods, especially. The three cues Dean investigated were third-party product endorsement, brand popularity and event sponsorship. He found that the popularity cue lacked significant effect; also, he found that the three cues do not interact with each other significantly in forming a basis for consumer perception and arguably behavior."
Tags: reconstructionist, nutrition, perceptions, food-safety, information
Abstract The author of the paper examines the system of management implemented in the Kudler Fine Foods chain since its foundation and the influence of the company's development and success. The writer then examines the company's potential for future success by using Porter's competitive forces model.
From the Paper "Most of the technology used by KFF is not unlike technology used in many other grocery stores. Cell phones, cash registers, bar code scanners, and surveillance systems are all commonplace in stores across the world. However, KFF does have an intricate network in place that is capable of tracking work hours, store purchases, and various other functions which help the Kudler team stay on top of the day-to-day operations."
Tags: customer research communications quality competitiveness suppliers, tactical manager, human resources, finance accounting
This paper analyzes the duplicitous nature of advertising in the fast food industry, focusing on the advertisements of three multinational fast food companies, McDonald's, Kentucky Fried Chicken and Long John Silver.
Abstract Fast food advertising has been allowed to profess anything, from the ?healthy quality? of their food to the food company's contribution to homeless kids. While fast food giants are quick to take any of their detractors to court for any erroneous allegations made by members of the public, it doesn?t stop these same companies from committing libel themselves through their promotions. However, most fast food companies steer clear of making outrageous claims such any health benefits, preferring to concentrate on marketing their service's convenience, economy and perceived lifestyle. This paper endeavors to highlight this discrepancy in the industry and showcases three fast food companies and their advertising efforts in that regard.
From the Paper "Fast food outlets have become the messiah for the millions of people out there who don"t have more than five minutes to spare in grabbing a bite to eat or for the millions of mothers desperate for one night of not cooking dinner for the family. There is certainly a lot to choose from. All one has to do is switch on the television, turn on the radio, go to the cinemas or even walk down the street. People from all walks of life are bombarded each and every day with jingles and gimmicks and catchcries, inviting the consumer to partake of their fried or greasy menu. Some appeal to the consumer's need for convenience, others appeal to the consumer's economic constraints, and others appeal to the consumer's perceived utopian lifestyle. Some even go so far as to appeal to the consumer's interest in healthy eating. But are these appeals from fast food conglomerates based on truth or are they just trying to beef up their profits duplicitously" This paper endeavors to explore some claims that fast food companies have made in the past through their advertising. Three fast food giants will also be held under the microscope and studied for any evidence of duplicity through their advertising."
Abstract This paper talks about the success of Smithfield Foods. The author describes the origins of Smithfield Foods and discusses how Smithfield Foods have come to be as successful as they are today. The strategies that Smithfield Foods employed include the creation of a strong brand composed of high quality products and acquisitions in the United States and Europe. The paper explains how Smithfield Foods has used franchising operations to their benefit and that the success registered by the Smithfield Foods company represents their outstanding capabilities to best work with the given resource constraints. The paper also offers recommendations for improvements to the organization such as market research and better waste elimination methods from Smithfield farms.
From the Paper "The second most important recommendation has a more environmental nature and regards the waste eliminated from the Smithfield farms. They generally pose threats for the individuals' health and the issue must be resolved. The search for a viable solution has been tedious, but the company should request the services of specialized environment organizations and work together to resolve the matter. Through this, they would gain the approval of the community, which would perceive Smithfield as a fighter for individual and environmental health, and through this perception, the market share, the competitive position and the corporate performances could once again increase."
Abstract In this article the author highlights the factors that affect the choices made by people , mainly older, who have less and less leisure time on their hands. He admonishes how they choose convenience foods over healthier alternatives. The paper concludes that producers and regulators should be better educated and informed about the nature of consumers' food choice processes in order that costly errors can be reduced.
From the Paper "A supposed need arises when there is incongruity between a desired state and an actual state. Some might call this hunger, but hunger is not the only need that food satisfies and depleted food reserves in the body is not the only way in which the desired and actual state may diverge. Dissatisfaction with an existing product, resulting from a gap between expectations and reality, may cause a gap between the actual and desired state."
Abstract This paper discusses the gourmet food retailer, Pusateri's. The paper examines the company's problem with employee retention. The paper explains that, despite Pusateri's success with customers, internal challenges have caused it to not be as successful as it possibly could be. In particular, Pusateri's has had difficulty retaining its employees for any length of period, with the average tenure being less than 2 years. The paper claims that this has led to several negative effects on the company. These issues are explored in the paper.
From the Paper "Pusateri's Fine Foods is a forty-year-old purveyor of some of the world's finest gourmet food items. Located in the heart of Toronto, Pusateri's has combined high quality items with exceptional customer service and become one of the premier gourmet retailers in the world. The company that began in the early 1960s as a small fruit market has now blossomed to a world renowned organization that has won many Retail Gourmet Food Shop Awards over the years (About Us)."
Abstract The paper looks at the history of food and drug regulation in America. The paper discusses how nutritionists and consumer advocates who support such legislation have their personal agendas involved. The paper examines the struggle over food labeling and shows how even something seemingly objective, like caloric content or freedom from artificial pesticides, can be subject to political influences.
From the Paper "Concerns about food content and purity have a long history, not simply in America, but in the history of the world. To protect the health of the consumer, governments have long attempted to regulate what can or can not be added to food products. Food producers have often attempted to alter foods in an effort to obtain the same price for diluted and even dangerous goods. "For instance, water has often been added to wine, the cream skimmed from milk, and chalk added to bread" (Law, 2004). Mandatory, accurate food labeling attempts to solve the problem of asymmetric information, as producers often know more about product quality than consumers."
Abstract The paper discusses the subject of total quality management (TQM) and states that it encompasses a wide series of strategies used by organizations in all sectors to increase the efficiency of their operations and increase customer satisfaction. The paper states that it is an operating philosophy that promotes satisfaction through achieving the highest quality at the lowest possible cost. The paper then looks at three companies belonging to different industries in order to understand how TQM functions and why it is needed to satisfy customers' needs.
Outline:Manufacturing sector:
Ford Motor Corp.
Service industry: American Airlines Non-profit sector: The Ohio State University - College of Food, Agricultural and Environmental Sciences
From the Paper "The TQM has played a vital role within the manufacturing sector ever since customers began to dictate their demands in regard to the products they need and desire to purchase, rather than the other way round, when companies produced and the clients purchased whatever was presented to them. Customers decide to purchase or not the products manufactured and therefore are the main force which decides if the company is to register profits or not; ergo, the need to completely satisfy customers' needs through the implementation of Total Quality Management."
Abstract The writer of this article explores why organic is better. The writer provides an analysis of organic food in comparison to genetically modified foods. This paper discusses why organic foods are better than genetically modified ones. First, this paper provides a definition of organic foods. Then, the paper discusses whether organic foods sell more than genetically modified ones and and how organic foods are sold. Finally, the paper presents an argument why organic foods are healthier and safer than genetically modified ones.
From the Paper "When most people think of the term organic, an image of an environmentally conscious farmer plowing his field covered with long shafts of wheat swaying against the wind comes to mind. Words associated with the term organic are healthy, pesticide-free and flavorful. Like most stereotypes there is a grain of truth in the representations that people encounter on a daily basis. It is true that most organic farmers are environmentally health and socially conscious ... "
Tags: organic foods, genetically modified foods, health and lifestyle, pesticides, allergens
Abstract This work examines specific issues in food biotechnology today. The paper discusses which agencies are responsible for regulation of food products and what this regulation involves. Also discussed are the products that food biotechnology has enhanced. The author notes the consumer's potential unease with food biotechnology, and cites education as helping the public overcome this mistrust. The paper includes an extensive literature review.
Outline:
Introduction
Specific Requirements for Food Additive Ingredients
Food Biotechnology is not New
Consumer Doubts
Issues Management Plan
Summary and Conclusion
Bibliography
From the Paper "According to the work of Sally L. McCammon, Science Advisor to the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service for the U.S. Department of Agriculture: "If genetically engineered organisms are to gain greater acceptance, decisions that address concerns associated with the application of biotechnology to agriculture must be science based. Science also must be the base by which regulatory officials can sure and build upon credibility, remain current and assure a rational basis for decision-making." (1999) McCammon states that the science-based assessment means that "the review of any particular product is done using scientific criteria relevant to that product. Advances in biotechnology -- being able to determine what has actually happened at the molecular and biochemical levels -- have increased the ability of regulators to scrutinize product safety and the effect of product modification upon safety. The scrutinies of certain products and the rigor by which evaluations are performed have also increased due to biotechnology." (1999)"
Tags:food, biotechnology, consumers, food, industry
Abstract The paper outlines the ethical, legal and social issues in food advertising and then discusses the marketing challenges of the healthy fast-food industry. The paper suggests how to incorporate these challenges into a marketing plan and opines that with medical science, ethical values and social concerns on our side, creating a positive marketing campaign to compete with traditional fast food should not be exceptionally difficult to implement.
Outline:
Ethical Issues in Food Advertising
Legal Issues in Food Advertising
Social Issues in Food Advertising
Challenges to the Healthy Fast Food Industry
Incorporating Challenges into a Marketing Plan
From the Paper "Advertising in the United States has come a long way since the era of Hollywood movie stars doing television commercials for Lucky Strikes cigarettes. Nowadays, the ethical component of advertising requires that statements about products be truthful and limits the advertising options available to certain types of products altogether. Alcohol consumption, for example, may no longer be depicted in television advertisements because of its potential to influence young people to emulate what they see on the screen. It is still permissible to advertise fast food products without restrictions of this type, but it is conceivable that in time ethical concerns over the nationwide epidemic of obesity (Gibbs 2007), especially among children, will limit the types of advertisement currently available to the industry."
Abstract The paper discusses the theme of the "risk society" in respect to food production and distribution. The paper defines the term "risk society" and looks at how decisions are made to ignore risks in order to benefit from the overall convenience gained through using a commercialized food distribution system. The paper discusses the specific risks associated with commercialized agriculture. The paper points out how some consumers avoid these risks through engaging in alternative food acquisition systems, such as purchasing organic products or buying food through community supported agriculture organizations.
Outline:
Introduction
The Theme of the Risk Society
Risk Society and the Rationale for Alternative Food Supplies
Examples of Alternative Food Supplies
Summary
From the Paper "Mainstreamed, commercialized food distribution tends to be a heavily industrialized process. When food is treated like a commodity, it is purposefully marketed towards potential consumers and made available through specific modes of sale, such as supermarkets and restaurants. This process does help facilitate the movement of food through transportation and improves access to food products among those consumers who are in proximity to local points of distribution. However, some social scientists suggest that it is easy to confuse the aspects of convenience with those of safety, especially when it is frequently argued that a centralized system of food distribution enables ease of access for monitoring food product safety through the use of independent government oversight (e.g.: the Food and Drug Administration). In this sense, it can be argued that these perceptions of commercialized food purposefully ignore the risks that are associated with convenient food distribution."
Tags: organic, commercialized, food, distribution, production
Abstract This paper examines the current and future market situation for the leading fast food restaurants in America. The paper begins with a thorough assessment of the financial and marketing considerations for the industry. Next the paper examines how traditional growth engines, such as R&D and technology investment can be utilized to help grow the fast food business. The paper concludes with recommendations for the future, and then offers an appendix on statistical trends in food consumption -- particularly as it relates to fast food.
Outline:
Financial Analysis
Stock/Investment Outlook
Potential/Prospective for Growth
Competitive Structure
Role of Research and Development
Technological Investment and Analysis
Recommendation for the Future
New Trends In Food Preparation and Eating
From the Paper "In today's market the state of the fast food industry can be summed up in two words: "fiercely competitive." McDonald's and Burger King, two fast food giants, dominate the industry but many smaller companies such as Checkers, Subway, and Taco Bell are starting to make a large dent in fast food sales. The number of fast food restaurants increased by 5% in 1995 adding more competition to an already staggering number of restaurants. Fast food continues to be very popular helping to ease the competition for customers. Americans are working longer hours leaving less time to cook at home. With less time on their hands consumers are turning towards fast food. Of the total number of people dining out 66% go to a fast food restaurant. Americans spent 93 billion dollars on fast food in 1995 accounting for 49% of total eat out food expenditures. Value pricing and larger portions are popular trends to meet consumer demand for cheap, plentiful food. Companies stay competitive by attracting customers through advertising and movie sponsorship. Marketing expenditures are gigantic in the fast food industry with many companies spending up to 25% of total expenses on advertising. Aggressive global expansion has increased fast food sales and promises to provide strong future growth. Large, untapped marketplaces exist for fast food in both industrialized and developing nations."
