Case Analysis Criminal Offender Profiling - 1207 Words

David Gail Meirhofer Tricia Jenkins Ivy Tech Community College Criminal Justice CRIM 210 Assistant Professor John Mishler December 11, 2014 David Gail Meirhofer David Gail Meirhofer’s case was the first of its kind to be solved by using the technique of criminal offender profiling. David was born June 8, 1949 to Eleanor Virginia Meirhofer and Clifford David Meirhofer in Manhattan, Montana. Personal interviews with several of Meirhofer’s surviving relatives provided a look into the childhood of this troubled man. Meirhofer’s aunt, Layne Meirhofer-Greeney said, â€Å"David had a relatively normal childhood upbringing. He was raised just as any of us kids. He wasn’t abused or neglected, and had traditional Catholic values. We had frequent family gatherings, and always included David. As kids, we were very close† (L.Meirhofer-Greeney, personal communication, October 10, 2014) Wayne Meirhofer, David’s uncle, says, â€Å"David was a smart kid. He got good grades, and always seemed like he had a good head on his shoulders. He went into the military, and it seemed to us that he was traveling in the right direction in life. It floored us to hear of the things he had done† (W.Meirhofer, personal communication, October18, 2014) My father and Meirhofer’s uncle, Lou Carlassara, said, â€Å"I was very young when all the drama happen ed with David. I don’t remember much about him, but I remember being told we could no longer make trips to Montana to see that side of the family because David had doneShow MoreRelatedCriminal Profiling : The Criminal Investigative Approach, And The Scientific Statistical Approach Essay1516 Words   |  7 PagesOpening Informal criminal profiling has a long history. It was used as early as the 1880s, when two physicians, George Phillips and Thomas Bond, used crime scene clues to make predictions about British serial murderer Jack the Ripper s personality. For years, law enforcement investigators, academics, mental health experts, and the media have studied serial murder, from Jack the Ripper in the late 1800s to the sniper killings in 2002, and from the â€Å"Zodiac Killer† in California to the â€Å"BTK Killer†Read MoreExamining The Literature On Offender Profiling1597 Words   |  7 Pagessociety in for criminal behaviour and investigation with television shows such as ‘Underbelly’ which were based on true Australian crime, attracting high ratings from the public. Forensic psychologists conduct Offender Profiling, a forensic procedure which examines the behavioural data provided by witnesses and the crime scene to assist the investigation by predicting the possible characteristics of criminals. This article will examine the literature on Offender profiling Offender profiling developedRead MoreThe Validity Of Criminal Profiling Essay1531 Words   |  7 PagesThe Validity of Criminal Profiling and its Effectiveness on Solving Crime In law, law enforcement relies on a variety of approaches to solving crimes. One method of doing so, is criminal profiling. Police use criminal profiling as an aid to identify the typology of individuals most likely to fit the suspect profile. In this approach, evidence of a crime is used to identify the characteristics of the criminal in relation to their personality and psychological state of mind. As wellRead MoreThe Crime Of Crime And Crime1180 Words   |  5 Pagesthey handle crime and deal with criminals. When a crime takes place, the part that fascinates people the most is how the offender is captured and brought to justice (Nathan, 2005, p 29-34). Nowadays, nearly all serious crimes are solved with the help of one or more police investigators, police officers, witness testimonies, and the help of psychological profilers and forensics. Science has great contributions in the detection of crime and controlling criminals. The advancement in DNA identificationRead MoreEssay about Issues In Psychological Profiling1329 Words   |  6 PagesIssues In Psychological Profiling Historically, crime and criminals have always caught the attention of law-abiding citizens. Whenever there is mention of serial killers or unsolved murders or abductions, psychological profiling, floats to the top of the list of concerns (Egger, 1999). Psychological profiling is an attempt to provide investigators with more information about an offender who has not yet been identified (Egger, 1999). Its purpose is to develop a behavioral composite that combinesRead MoreCriminal Profiling: Does it Really Work? Essay1468 Words   |  6 PagesCriminal profiling has become a very popular and controversial topic. Profiling is used in many different ways to identify a suspect or offender in a criminal investigation. â€Å"Criminal profiling is the process of using behavioral and scientific evidence left at a crime scene to make inferences about the offender, including inferences about personality characteristics and psychopathology† (Torres, Boccaccini, Miller, 2006, p. 51). †Å"The science of profiling rests on two foundation blocks, basic forensicRead MoreThe Importance of Criminal Justice1617 Words   |  7 PagesThe Use of Criminal Profiling Criminal Profiling is a method of identifying the perpetrator of a crime based on an analysis of the nature of the offense and the manner in which it was committed. It most notably can be traced back to work done in the later part of the last century, and possibly even earlier in a variety of forms. There has been a definite growth since this early work, with many individuals doing a great deal of both research and practical work in criminal profiling. The investigativeRead MoreCriminal Profiling : An Investigative Tool1359 Words   |  6 Pagesforces such as the FBI and the police use criminal profiling as an investigative tool aimed at helping them identify or predict characteristics of criminals who are not yet identified. Criminal profiling as an investigation tool allows investigators to compile and establish the right description of the criminal implicated. Investigators can also use geographical profiling to establish the location of the criminal. The criminal profiling pro cedure is used by detectives to satisfy certain needs inRead MoreCriminal Profiling1152 Words   |  5 Pagesinformation on criminal profiling. Some psychiatrists, criminologists, and psychologists believe there are specific traits, psychological factors that will separate a person from the rest of society. This thesis will explain that criminal profiling will help narrow the list of suspects from rape and homicide by formulating the type of person whom the investigators should be looking for. How long does he or she think criminal profiling has been used in law enforcement? Criminal Profiling Read MoreThe Process of Criminal Profiling as it Pertains to Serial Killers1224 Words   |  5 PagesThe process of criminal profiling as it pertains to serial killers is extremely interesting and much more common than one would first think. This study deals with the research into the developmental and psychological approaches to serial killers. In the process of studying these offenders, researchers have discovered that crime scene manifestations of behavioral patterns enabled the investigators to discover much about the offender (Jones The Process of Criminal Profiling When Applied To A Serial

Drugs And Its Effects On Society - 1869 Words

Throughout history, the use of drugs, both for recreational and medical purposes, has had a profound impact on society that is still prevalent in today’s society. After the end of the Second World War, the pharmaceutical industry was booming and drugs became this tool that could solve all of human’s problems. Many companies invested in this area which led to many breakthroughs for cures; however, during this time period, another branched stemmed from all of this glory of drugs. The 1960s drug culture was a major epoch when the use of recreational drugs became widespread with the help of the media. The government missed an opportunity to enforce their drug laws during the emergence of drugs during this time which led to many problems afterwards; the government should have been stricter with their drug enforcement laws which could have prevented many problems: the widespread of LSD was dangerous to society, laws should be enforced so people cannot break them without conse quences, and the damage of drug use depends on the type but is, ultimately, harmful to the user. Lysergic Acid Diethylamide, also known as LSD, is a drug that was originally developed by a Swiss chemist named Albert Hoffman, with the original purpose of stimulating breathing and blood circulation to help (Freeman, 2015). Hoffman’s experiment did not achieve the results he hoped for, and the drug as a hallucinogen was not discovered until the year 1943. Hoffman believed he found the results he was looking forShow MoreRelatedDrugs And Its Effects On Society932 Words   |  4 PagesDrug use in America has affected society as a whole since the 1970’s, when drugs such as cocaine and other narcotics became relatively easy for user to purchase in amount unheard of prior. No matter what the choice of drug a user is addicted to, the effects of drug abuse has the same outcome; to include addiction, depression, and criminal activity which affects everybody in society from small children to an adults. Kids today are subject to be exposed to illicit drugs any day of the week. WhetherRead MoreDrugs And Its Effects On Society1462 Words   |  6 PagesIntroduction Certain drugs have become very popular among teens at dance clubs, parties, raves, and other crowded social gatherings. These drugs are known as â€Å"club drugs†. The most commonly used substances amongst teens are MDMA (ecstasy, or molly), GHB, and Methamphetamine (meth). The effects of these different drugs vary. Stimulant drugs such as ecstasy and meth affects the hormone in your body, known as serotonin; which controls sleep cycles and the feeling of happiness. Teens often mix ecstasyRead MoreDrugs And Its Effects On Society955 Words   |  4 PagesDrugs are as defined by the dictionary as a medicine or other substance which has a physiological effect when ingested or otherwise introduced into the body this means that everything from coffee to alcohol can be considered a drug. Drugs have been made and used by people since 5000 B.C by the Sumerians. They have had both a positive and negative impact on society, they can help us get over a sickness within a couple of days, however drugs have also been used as a way to get high. Using drugs, noRead MoreDrugs And Its Effect On Society1645 Words   |  7 PagesThe official definition of drugs is a substance which has a physiological effect when introduced to the body. 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Never does it crossRead MoreThe Effects Of Drugs And Its Effects On Society1221 Words   |  5 Pages Now, there are lots of teenagers all over the world /use drug. And it /becomes a very normal thing in social. Why /the teenagers want to use drug? Drugs/ blur memory, causing blank spots. When a person tries to get information through this cloudy mess, he can’t do it. Drugs make a person feel slow or stupid and cause him to have failures in life. And as he has more failures and life gets harder, he wants more drugs to help him deal with the problem. There are two very important reasonsRead MoreDrugs And Its Effects On Society893 Words   |  4 PagesDrugs are everywhere. There are many reasons why people turn to drugs, such as pe er pressure, depression, and etc. Using drugs is a choice that many people decide to do. Drugs can get prescribed by people such as doctors and psychiatrists and those drugs can be used to help cure the body. Even with those prescribed drugs some like to abuse them, which can have a negative effect on our bodies and can lead to many different things. Things such as possibly going to jail, losing your job, ruin relationshipsRead MoreDrugs And Its Effects On Society1468 Words   |  6 PagesMethamphetamine, a drug that for years has been sweeping our nation and claiming countless lives. Why are people turning to this drug knowing what it can and will do to you? This drugs affects so many lives around the world, even those who choose to not do it. I, myself, have been affected by this drug. Throughout all my teen years I watched own my mother fall to this awful addiction. This drug will completely rip lives apart, destroy families, and ultimately murder its user. I was lucky, in a w ayRead MoreDrugs And Its Effects On Society1413 Words   |  6 PagesFor thousands of years, drugs have been used in some way, form, or fashion. Drugs have not always been the way that we know them to be today, but people have been creative and have used what has been made available to them to use drugs, whether they knew it or not. Most of these early drug-users either used out of tradition and a ritualistic culture or because there was a need for some type of healing. The drug and stimulant, cocaine, is extracted from the coca plant. This plant is native to SouthRead MoreDrugs And Its Effects On Society1736 Words   |  7 Pagesforever or go away through therapy and treatment. For some people their escape is through drugs. They obtain this bad habit because drugs allows them to forget everything negative. Some people choose to use drugs because of household situations. Others choose drugs because they feel pressure from friends. There are also some that want to get away from a painful reality. According to Maria Salinas (2012), â€Å"Drugs are chemicals. They work in the brain by tapping into the brain’s communication system and

Different Types of Change Management Theories-Samples for Students

Question: Discuss about the Current Change Management Theory. Answer: Introduction Change management is the term used to transform people, individual, projects, groups and organizations from one state to the other. When this system is implemented to the projects and business, it is considered as the process of changing the opportunities of the business in such a way that every changing objective could be achieved. The paper includes cultural web approach and knowledge management. Change management includes the execution of structured process and a pre-planned approach for steering business from its recent condition to the desired situation. Change management theories help a business to raise the scopes of the business staying on its path which afterwards leads to advantages. In this paper, the researcher will discuss various change management theories model like Kotters model, Lewins model, ADKAR model approach that can be used in the business for meeting needs. The study will include the comparison between two important theory models like Kotters model and Lewins model. Apart from this, the paper will also include cultural web approach and knowledge management with the help of suitable examples. At last, the study will also conclude current change theories with the help of recommendations that can be used in the business to get advantages. Different types of Change Management Theories Change management includes the execution of structured process and a pre-planned approach for steering business from its recent condition to the desired situation. Change management theories help businesses to raise the scopes of its staying on the path which afterwards leads to advantages. In the following, different models of the change management theory are demonstrated: Lewins Change Management Model Lewins model of change management is the most effective model which understand the whole organizational structure and cultural change (Call for Papers:Journal of Change Management, 2015). This model was designed by Kurt Lewin in the year 1950; it is the oldest model but is still the most effective model for execution. The model has three primer stages such as unfreeze, change and refreeze. Unfreeze- This is the initial stage of the changes process as per stated by Lewins model, it includes the creation of change. It means that at first, enterprises should get prepared for the changes and should also identify the changes that are required. This initial stage includes an enterprise to look into its core and re-analyze it. Change- This is the second stage according to the Lewins approach where the original changes procedures take place. The method might take long time to be happen because people normally spend their time to adopt new changes, happenings and developments (Call for Papers:Journal of Change Management, 2015). Under this stage, time and communication are the main aspects for taking place change successfully. Refreeze- This is the last stage of the changing process stated by Lewins approach. when the changes has been executed and adopted by the enterprise and people then it starts to become stable once more. This is the accurate time when the employees and procedures start to refreeze and then go back to their normal schedule. Lewin change management approach is appropriately acquired by Tesla Motors. For Tesla change is required to assist the company to adjust appropriately with other dominant players in the automobile industry. The first step indicates the notification to be done to employees about the new ways of working. The second step would involve the helping the staffs to resolve any queries and worries about embracing the new methods of working. The final step of Tesla would be the internalizing the changes and to make them permanent. Figure 1: Lewin's Change Model (Czichos, 2014) Kotters Change Management Model Kotters theory of change management is one of the popular models that have been executed once by almost everyone in the world. This theory has been designed by John P. Kotter, who is an author of various change management books and is also a Harvard Business Scholl Professor (Czichos, 2014). Kotter divides its changes management model into eight stages where every stage concentrates on the main aspect which is aligned with the feedbacks of people to change. The eight stages are as follows: Enhance Urgency- This stage includes making a sense of urgency among the people for motivating them in order to move ahead towards their goals and objectives (Czichos, 2014. Establish the team- This stage is basically aligned to get the correct people in the team through recruiting a mixture of knowledge, skills and commitment. Get the right vision- This stage is associated to make the right vision by taking consideration, objectives, creativity, emotional relationship and also strategy. Communicate- Communication with every people about the changes and its objectives is quite a significant portion of the Kotters change management theory model (Czichos, 2014). Forwarding things- For the purpose of getting things move forward, one requires getting help for removing the obstacles and also executing response in a productive way. Short-term goals concentration- Concentrating on short-term goals and also distributing the objective into little and achievable segments is a better way to get success without any pressure. Do not give up- Determination is the main aspect in success and it is significant for not giving up at the time of change management process which is continuing, does not matter how hard things may look (Have, 2017). Integrate Change- Apart from managing change efficiently, it is also essential for reinforcing it and creating it as an element of the working place culture. Figure 2: Kotter's Change Model (Czichos, 2014) ADKAR Change Management Model ADKAR model of change management is objective- oriented model that creates it possible for different change management groups for focusing on the activities which are directly associated with the objectives that it wants to achieve (Have, 2017). The objective and outcomes which come from this model are in a series and cumulative. It means that at the time of utilizing this model, people should get every outcome in a particular series fashions for the reason, change can execute and sustained. ADKAR Model of change management stands for: Awareness- of the necessity and need for change Desire- to create changes and participates in it Knowledge- of how to create changes Ability- to integrate the change constantly Reinforcement- to hold it executed and armoured on afterwards There are few things with the help of model can be used, discussed in the following: To give support and guidance to workers to carry on with the change process at the time of change management is happening (Have, 2017). To analyse the conflicts portray by workers or staffs towards change. To emerge as an effective and appropriate plan for the personal and professional improvements of workers at the time of change (Have, 2017). Figure 3: ADKAR Change Model (Czichos, 2014) Cultural Web in Change Management process The cultural web is a model which is used to represent the connection between the assumptions taken for granted, structures, symbols and behaviours which categorize organizational culture (Lindberg, 2013). This model is mainly used by the managers of an enterprise as ways of understanding organizational culture. This model includes four layers such as: Values- Easy to analyse in an enterprise because they tend to be written as rudiments regarding the companys objectives(Lindberg, 2013) Beliefs- These layers are much specific but are evident from business statements. Behaviours- These are the constant way under which the company operates and also contains schedule and structure (Lindberg, 2013). Taken for granted assumptions- These are the core of the companys culture. They are also complicated for analysing and identifying. They are also considered as the organizational paradigm, where paradigm is the group of assumptions that are in taken for granted. Figure 4: Four layers of Cultural Web (Have, 2017) Knowledge Management in Change Management process Knowledge Management is basically a conception for analysing, sharing, innovating, reusing and capturing through efficiently using organizational experiences. Companies commenced that knowledge management is becoming the main aspect in entire strategies for staying competitive and enterprises are trying to execute knowledge management with combined outcomes (Murthy, 2007). Knowledge is basically apprehended by individuals and those individuals forms organizations. For the enterprise to change individuals who are related to the enterprise, the concentration should be on the demand for behavioural change. Organizations and individuals have absorbed the idea of Knowledge is power, as the more individual reserves make them the most valuable people in the company (Parsells, 2013). This idea requires to be changed to Knowledge sharing is power because the more they share others can respond and together as an organization. Figure 5: Knowledge Management Concept (Have, 2017) Comparison Kotters eight stages model has advantages and drawbacks also. The advantage of Kotters eight stages model is that, it is a step-by-step model. It does not concentrate on change itself instead the acceptance of this change makes it smooth transitions. It also concentrates on the purchase-in of workers because of the main focus for achievements (Reiss, 2012). It may be communicated between all stages and implements in traditional hierarchy as well. The only drawback of this model is that, if one of any stages is being ignored or failed then the entire stages of changes method completely fails. Whereas, Lewinsthree steps model still takes time with it too, three steps model of Lewin is quite useful to understand the changes in stable situation as well as the vibrant changes in now a day world of businesses (Special issue on Barriers to innovation and organizational change: theories, methods, practices, 2013). But a drawback of this, it has been seen that Lewins model has observed changes of behaviour as a method from top to bottom and it can be exactly to state that analysed that may be started the low, medium or high, but it cannot be successful without the active contribution. Conclusion From the above study, it has been analysed that Change management theories help the business to raise the scopes of a business staying on its path which afterwards leads to advantages. Communication with every people about the changes and its objectives is quite a significant portion of the Kotters change management theory model. Lewins model of change Management is the most effective and famous model which makes to understand the whole organizational structure and cultural change. It has been found that knowledge is basically apprehended by individuals and those individuals forms organizations. For the enterprise to change individuals who are related to the enterprise, the concentration should be on the demand for behavioural change. Recommendations It is evident that changes made in organisations are mainly due to two factors, namely, change that is imposed due to circumstances and the change which is made to encourage growth. A change management system is designed to help the business to change instead of reacting to it. It is important for the companies to cooperate to the changing business context and thus have to implement change. In order to implement change management process appropriately, organisations first must understand what needs to be improved. As most of the changes are made to improve a process, it is very important to identify the reason to change. Recognition of the resources and the individuals which facilitate the change procedures and lead to encouragement must also be done. Another thing that companies could do while implementing change is determining its organisational eagerness. There are some tools and paradigms that can evaluate how ready organisation is to have change or the organisation need a change process or not. Improving the communications is also very crucial in the change process. Having a poor communication could create a deep impact on the successful implementation of change management. Bulletin boards, corporate newsletters, cafeteria postings are some of the communications tactics that could be used by managers of the organisations to communicate properly with its employees regarding the organisational change. References Call for Papers:Journal of Change Management. (2015). Journal of Change Management, 15(4), pp.353-355. Czichos, R. (2014).Change Management. Freiburg imBreisgau: Haufe-Lexware. Have, S. (2017).Reconsidering change management. New York: Routledge. Lindberg, D. (2013). Change Management Tools for Systemic Results.Change Management: An International Journal, 12(3), pp.1-6. Murthy, C. (2007).Change management. Mumbai [India]: Himalaya Pub. House Pvt. Ltd. Parsells, R. (2013). Change and Learning in the Workplace.Change Management: An International Journal, 12(1), pp.61-71. Reiss, M. (2012).Change management. [Place of publication not identified]: Books On Demand Gmbh. Special issue on Barriers to innovation and organizational change: theories, methods, practices. (2013).Journal of Organizational Change Management, 26(6).

This paper will examine the role of pricing in three local companies Essay Example

This paper will examine the role of pricing in three local companies Essay This paper will examine the role of pricing in three local companies: * McDonalds * Starbucks * Tesco We will write a custom essay sample on This paper will examine the role of pricing in three local companies specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on This paper will examine the role of pricing in three local companies specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on This paper will examine the role of pricing in three local companies specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer The following introductory information provides an understanding of the role pricing plays in business, the different types of pricing policies and why they are implemented. Following the introduction, each companys pricing policies will be examined individually. Pricing plays a critical role in any marketing strategy and affects the profits and revenue that a company will eventually earn. According to The Entrepreneurs Guidebook (2001), to establish an effective pricing policy, a company needs to: * Define pricing objectives * Establish a simple yet effective pricing structure taking into consideration all business costs * Choose a pricing strategy that helps to establish a market presence * Adapt a general pricing policy in response to trends, industry practices and new innovative pricing strategies to help solidify a competitive position within the marketplace Any business, regardless of the industry needs to base a pricing plan on the companys goals and objectives. That means that pricing policies need to be closely aligned with the overall business and marketing plans. When setting price objectives, companies need to consider the effect that these prices will have on (The Entrepreneurs Guidebook, 2001): * Sales volume * Sales revenues * Market share * Competitive advantage * Company image * Profitability Determining the right type of pricing structure requires a strong understanding of the relationship between pricing and each of the factors listed above. Specific information needs to be defined before establishing a pricing policy. Detailed research and a close examination of each of the key factors needs to be completed before a qualified pricing plan can be implemented. Pricing is viewed differently by consumers than companys that set the pricing structure and it can be viewed as either a deterrent or reason to buy. Companies need to understand the effect that price can have on their overall marketing strategy. According to The Entrepreneurs Guidebook (2001), pricing objectives must take into account one or all of the following goals: * Increase sales volume * Increase sales revenue * Keep or build market share * Meet or prevent competition * Target low-cost buyers * Increase profits or ROI, such as each 15% ROI or increase market share by 30% by end of the fiscal year Pricing reflects a lot about a company and coincides with their financial history, company mission, values and revenue objectives. No matter what industry, the prices that are charged depend on a number of factors: * What it costs do to business-operating costs, inventory, etc. * Profit goals * The competitions pricing structure * How your product is valued, i.e. customers assessment of the value According to The Entrepreneurs Guidebook (2001), there are several different pricing strategies that can be implemented: * Break even pricing * Buying a market position pricing * Competitive advantage pricing * Discount pricing * Full-cost pricing * Keystone pricing * Loss leader pricing * Matching the competition pricing * Multiple unit pricing * Odd pricing * Penetration pricing * Pre-season pricing * Price -is-no-object pricing Companies like McDonalds, Starbucks and Tesco have developed pricing structures, based on their industry and their competition. But each company also has a pricing policy that is tied closely to profit goals and cost structures. The fact that these three companies are in very different industries and markets provide a sampling of different pricing structures. Advertising plays a major role in both McDonalds and Starbucks but probably not as much for a local Tesco store. Their big draw is word of mouth and their rewards program for their customers. Shoppers can see for themselves if the items they are buying are fresh and have the quality they are looking for. Buying a cup of coffee or a fast food hamburger is different. No matter what type of pricing strategy is used, companies must constantly evaluate the effects that their strategy is having on their overall success. McDonalds The fast food marketplace is highly competitive and strategies for providing consumers with offerings they will want requires pricing that will produce long-term results and keep customers coming back. According to Marc Ballon of the Los Angeles Times (2001), McDonalds is working to shore up its domestic operations, largely by tightening operations and encouraging franchises to offer consumers better value. McDonalds conducted extensive research into sales and customer count, competitive offerings and prices and began to create value offerings for $.99. After testing certain segments of the marketplace, they launched a discount pricing program. By cutting down on operating costs and improving efficiency, the savings can be passed along to the customer. The customer believes that they are getting a bargain through special pricing. McDonalds continues to outpace Wendys and others with annual sales of over $1.6 million. Their discounted pricing strategy does pose some problems, particularly with maintaining high quality and service. Although McDonalds has faced some economically hard times, they continue lead the competition because of their brand recognition and perceived value for the price. Now, the bigger challenge that the company faces is trying to create healthier fare to meet consumers changing tastes. Competition is a key factor in McDonalds pricing and as the market continues to be flooded with newcomers offering different and healthier fare, the current pricing structure may change. Discount pricing may no longer provide McDonalds with the revenue stream they need to meet their goals. Matching the competition may be a better tactic or using some type of multiple unit pricing in some cases by offering two for one or some type of multiple and desirable pricing to entice the consumer. Starbucks Starbucks is in a fairly unique position as an industry trendsetter catering to upwardly mobile young successful business people. In this case, money is often no object and their pricing policy reflects that. Their pricing also reflects their image, which caters to a more affluent client. This targeted group wants to be recognized and admired for their ability to buy Starbucks coffee. Its almost a status symbol among yuppies. As for the company, their strategy clearly says we are worth more so we are charging more. You wont see sale or discount signs in Starbucks. According to The Entrepreneurs Guidebook (2001), this pricing will only work if the product or service is: * Highly innovative * In demand * One of a kind * Threatened by little or no competition * Within a market where price is less important than other factors Starbucks has been able to be successful using this strategy but one disadvantage may be that they are losing potential customers because they are perceived as too expensive. Why pay $3.00 when you can pay $.90 somewhere else. The average customer wants a good cup of coffee not a boutique cup of coffee. Starbucks remains successful because their pricing policy supports their marketing strategy. Tesco Food sales have always been a playing ground for pricing wars and over the past ten years, Tesco has taken an aggressive approach in the marketplace. Although they remain highly competitive as far as pricing, they initiated a club card program that provides discounts and rewards for loyal customers. Supermarket chains across the country constantly try to beat their competitors and Tecso is following suite. They have based their strategy on being highly competitive and by providing a wide selection of products. According to Loop Consulting (2000), in the grocery market it would appear that you could compete on price and service but the two may be mutually exclusive. In a price war, the only way to win is by reducing the overall cost base, no the profit margins. Once a price has been reduced, it is less easy to return prices to their previous level without alienating customers. In fact, it will encourage shoppers to go wherever the price promotions are. So Tesco, although they implement pricing promotions are relying more heavily on their club card program, not only for customer loyalty but also to learn more about their customers buying habits. This can be an effective tool in planning promotional selling. Tesco must also consider competitive pricing policies based on what the competitors are charging for the same or equal products. The rule of thumb here is that even though less is being paid for an item, the company will make up the revenue on volume sales. Tesco closely follows its competitors pricing policies.