Strategic Management Analysis Starbucks Coffee Company

Introduction Starbucks Corporation is a private limited company that was established in 1971. The firm operates within the specialty eateries industry. Upon its inception, the firms’ operation entailed roasting and retailing ground and whole coffee beans, spices, and tea. Its operations were solely based at Seattle’s Pike Place market.Advertising We will write a custom assessment sample on Strategic Management Analysis: Starbucks Coffee Company specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Due to its focus to attain an optimal market share both domestically and internationally, the firm currently operates approximately 18,000 retail stores, which are located in 60 countries. The firm has adopted a unique mission that entails inspiring and nurturing the human spirit. In an effort to position itself in the market, Starbucks has adopted a unique market strategy, which entails product differentiation and growth. The firm has achieved this goal by dealing with specialty products. Over the years, Starbucks has continued to provide a wide range of beverage products such as coffee, tea, and juices. The firm also deals with a variety of fresh food items such as pastries, salads, and oatmeal. Its product differentiation strategy has enabled Starbucks to incorporate premium-pricing strategy. In line with its differentiation strategy, Starbuck has adopted a unique marketing strategy. The firm has attained this objective by adopting unconventional marketing strategies. The firm does not engage in aggressive marketing strategies such as advertising, but instead it focuses on branding and high-level marketing using alliances, partnerships, and word of mouth (Larson 2009). Some of the most effective marketing strategies that the firm has adopted include provision of high quality coffee products, ensuring a high level of customer satisfaction, and establishing itself as the 3rd place for consumers to patronise between home and work, brand marketing, and establishing a Starbucks’ community. By adopting the unique marketing strategies, Starbucks has positioned itself as a market leader in an industry that is increasingly becoming very competitive. In a bid to develop a better understanding of Starbucks, the paper entails a detailed analysis of Starbucks internal and external environment. An analysis of the internal environment comes out clearly in the process of undertaking a comprehensive strategic management analysis. Market Environment Analysis Firms face numerous factors emanating from the external business environment, which makes it paramount for firms’ management teams to develop a comprehensive understanding of the environment in which they operate (Kotter Schlesinger 2008, p. 136). Market environment analysis should take into account the macro-environment such as the economic, political, legal, social-cultural, and technological environments (Gilligan Hird 2008, p. 36).Advertisi ng Looking for assessment on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More The analysis should also incorporate microenvironment analysis, which entails evaluating the industry in which a firm operates. The micro and macro environments vary across countries. Thus, it is paramount for firms’ management teams to conduct an analysis of the macro-environment of the country in which they operate. Macro-environment analysis One of the models that firm’s management team should undertake is the PESTLE model in a bid to undertake market environment analysis effectively. In its UK market, Starbucks’ operations are impacted by changes in the macro-environment. PESTLE analysis of the UK market. Political environment The UK has continued to experience a high level of political stability. Consequently, most local and foreign investors perceive the UK as an attractive investment destination. The UK is a member of a number of economic integration and trading blocs such as the G20 and the Euro Zone. This aspect increases the probability of Starbucks marketing its products to a large number of countries in Europe. Companies operating in the UK benefit from the tariff-free market because of being a member of the European Union. The UK is also in a free trade agreement with Liechtenstein, Switzerland, and Norway. The UK is also a member of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). As a multinational company, Starbucks sources its raw materials from different countries through importing. One of main challenges that the firm experiences in its importing process relates to the existence of international trade regulations and tariffs. These tariffs may adversely affect the firm’s competitiveness in the UK market. Economic environment The global economic environment has become very dynamic over the past one decade. The changes in the economic environment have adversely affected firms in different economic sectors. The 2007/2008 economic recession stands out as one of the worst economic recession of the 21st century. Due to the recession, Starbucks experienced a decline in its sales revenue, which occurred due to decline in the consumers’ purchasing power. The recession led to an increment in the rate of unemployment thus reducing the consumers’ ability to purchase, and thus there was a change in the consumers’ consumption behaviours.Advertising We will write a custom assessment sample on Strategic Management Analysis: Starbucks Coffee Company specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More For example, consumers who previously afforded Starbucks’ products became unable to purchase the same products. Most consumers adjusted their spending habits by being very cautious in their discretionary spending. As a result, consumers became more concerned with purchasing necessities rather tha n luxuries. The consumers’ regarded specialty products as luxuries. The 2012 sovereign debt crisis being experienced in the Euro Zone is also adversely affecting business operations in the UK. Following the crisis, the UK has experienced an increment in the rate of unemployment to 11.2 per cent (Cha 2012). Consequently, the consumers’ spending has declined significantly. The crisis has thrown UK consumers into deep uncertainty with reference to their economic future. In response to their uncertainty, consumers have reduced their spending on both big and small items such as cars and a cup of coffee. The severe nature of the crisis has forced the Moody’s (credit rating agency) to consider downgrading the country’s rating from its current AAA. This move will adversely affect the country’s competitiveness and attractiveness (This Money 2012). Social environment The prevailing social trends in the UK present an opportunity for Starbucks to market its pr oducts. Most UK consumers spend a substantial amount on coffee. It is estimated that approximately 511 million cups are consumed in the UK every week. The largest percentage of coffee consumption takes place in shopping malls and franchises such as Starbucks. UK consumers greatly enjoy relaxing as they drink a cup of coffee (Walsh 2011). Therefore, there is a high probability of the firm increasing its sales revenue. Changes in consumer tastes and preferences can adversely affect Starbucks’ sales. Consumers may shift to specialty coffee products offered by its competitors. The high rate at which consumers are becoming health-conscious in their consumption patterns may affect the firm’s future operations. Therefore, to align itself with these changes, it is critical for Starbucks’ management team to conduct a continuous analysis of the prevailing social environment. Technological environment The UK has experienced a wave of technological advancements over the pas t decades, and to benefit from these changes, it is important for Starbucks to implement the necessary technological changes. UK consumers have become technologically shrewd in their purchasing patterns. In an effort to exploit this phenomenon, Starbucks has embraced a new mobile phone payment system. The system has played a vital role in reducing queuing at its outlets especially during peak times. Additionally, the emergence of social networks also presents an opportunity that the firm can exploit. Through these social networking sites, Starbucks can engage its customers through communication.Advertising Looking for assessment on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Legal environment In a bid to improve the country’s competitiveness, the UK government has implemented a number of measures, which make the UK very attractive to local and foreign investors. One of the ways through which the UK government has attained this goal is by recognising intellectual property rights such as patents, copyrights, and trademarks. By ensuring an effective legal environment, Starbucks has managed to operate effectively in the UK. The UK government has also established 21 new enterprise zones. The zones aim at stimulating economic growth in some areas in the UK. Moreover, to attract investors in such areas, the UK government has implemented a 5-year tax holiday amounting to GBP 275,000. The UK government has not incorporated any exchange control that would affect remittance of royalties, patent fees, and dividends (Deloitte, 2011). Microenvironment analysis Porter’s five forces In an attempt to succeed in their respective industries, it is paramount for firms’ management teams to understand the prevailing industry dynamics. One of the ways through which a firm can understand the industry in which it operates is by taking into account the Porter’s five forces model (Grundy 2006, p. 215). The model evaluates the characteristics of a particular industry by evaluating the potential entrants, the buyers and suppliers’ bargaining power, existence of substitute products, and degree of industry rivalry. The chart below illustrates the prevailing characteristics of the UK specialty eateries industry. The industry is characterised by low supplier bargaining power because of the numerous coffee beans exported into the UK from other countries such as Brazil and Indonesia. The profitability potential of the UK specialty eateries industry has made most investors to consider the possibility of venturing in the industry. One of the most common modes of entry that these firms are adopting is importation. The low capital r equirement coupled with the fact that no special knowledge is required to venture into the industry has increased the attractiveness of the industry. Emergence of other beverage products such as hot chocolate and tea has led to an increment in the number of substitutes available to consumers. The UK specialty and eateries industry continue to experience an increment in buyers’ bargaining power due to the low-switching cost associated with the industry. The occurrence of the recent global economic recession coupled with the sovereign debt crisis has increased the degree of price sensitivity amongst consumers (Miller 2009). Consequently, Starbucks will be required to adjust to these industry dynamics. The industry is characterised by a high degree of rivalry due to the large number of industry players. Some of the major firms in the industry include Costa, Nero, Caffee Ritazza, BB’s, and Pucchino. Despite this aspect, Starbucks has managed to attain an optimal market pos ition. Critical success factors The success of every business organisation is dependent on the effectiveness with which it adheres to the critical success factors. These factors vary across firms and industries. In its operation, Starbucks has incorporated a number of critical success factors, which include attaining global dominance, offering a high level of customer service, and brand development. These factors have played an important role in the success of Starbucks over the years. Starbucks Strategic Analysis Effective strategy development is one of the ways through which a firm can attain coherence between its internal abilities, resources, skills, and the external factors affecting the firm’s operations (Srinvasan 2005). Therefore, it is important for firms’ management teams to identify the external and internal factors that may affect their firms’ overall performance (Ghani, Nayan, Ghazali, Shafie, Nayan 2010, p. 52). Different analytical tools can be u sed to conduct internal analysis of a firm. An example of such a tool is the strategic factor analysis summary matrix. The chart below illustrates internal factor analysis summary of Starbucks. Internal factor forces Weight Rating Weighted score Comments Strengths Quality of products 10% 3 0.8 Starbucks has incorporated an effective product procurement policy in to ensure that high quality coffee beans are sourced from the international market. Product diversification 10% 3 0.3 The firm has incorporated the concept of product diversification in an effort to meet the customer’s tastes and preferences. Convenience of store location 20% 4 0.8 Starbucks has established a number of outlets, which are conveniently located for consumers to access. Store ambience 5% 3 0.15 Starbucks is committed at creating a unique store ambience to improve its brand. Brand identity 20% 4 0.8 The firm has continuously continued to improve and maintain its brand without engaging itself in extensive marketing. Employee ethics 5% 3 0.15 The firm is committed at ensuring that its customers attain a high level of satisfaction. Weaknesses Over-exposure 10% 4 0.025 Starbucks is committed at increasing the number of its store locations in the UK. Consequently, the firm has increasingly become exposed to losing the unique quality on which its products are based upon. Extensive product lines 5% 4 0.0125 Some of the firm’s products have lost value amongst the consumers. Undertaking risky investments 5% 4 0.0125 The aggressive expansion plan undertaken by the firm leads to the firm incurring high financial cost. Starbucks core capabilities/competencies Starbucks has been committed to attaining a high level of competitive advantage, and to attain this goal, the firm has nurtured a number of capabilities that aim at improving the level of customer satisfaction. Over the years, the firm has nurtured the capability of offering high quality specialty coffees and eateries. Starbucks has developed its stores in such a way that customers can enjoy and relax to enhance the level of customer satisfaction. Its ability to develop these capabilities arises from the fact that it has developed a sufficient financial and human resource base. In the process of offering its products and services to customers, Starbucks greatly emphasises on good business practices and ethics. In 2011, Starbucks was ranked as one of the most worlds’ most ethical company (Environmental Leader 2011). Considering the intense competition in the specialty coffee market, Starbucks has developed a strong competence with regard to product innovation. Since its inception, the firm has developed sufficient competence with regard to market and customer innovation process. The objective of its innovativeness is to enable the firm to meet the needs of various market segments. Additionally, innovation contributes towards the firm being effective in addressing the changing c onsumer tastes and preferences. Strategic Fit Analysis Starbucks’ strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats In the course of its operation, Starbucks has managed to attain a number of strengths. However, its operations have not been without some weaknesses. From the above analysis, a number of strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats in relation to Starbucks are evident as shown below: Strengths Brand recognition- The firm’s main focus is to deliver high quality products to itscustomers Starbucks ensures that it sources quality coffee beans. The firm has adopted the concept of customisation in an effort to meet the consumers’ product needs. Effective employee training and treatment and establishment of numerous outlets in the UK, hence improving accessibility Development of an atmosphere that most people like Establishment of numerous outlets Weaknesses Adoption of premium pricing strategy, which makes the price of its products to be high Establishment of numerous outlets exposes the firm to effects of recession. Its aggressive product expansion strategy leads to some of its products losing value (Theodore 2002, p. 54). Opportunities Increasing sales revenue by venturing in new markets for example by franchising Developing and introducing new specialty products. New store openings. Threats Decline in sales due to an increment in the intensity of competition within the coffee outlet industry Emergence of numerous fast food restaurants poses a threat to the firm’s profitability. Occurrence of economic recession may lead to a change in consumer behaviour. Change in consumer tastes and preferences may adversely affect the firms’ sale as consumers’ can easily switch to other specialty beverages. Conclusion In the course of its operation, Starbucks has managed to position itself as the market leader within the specialty and eateries industry. Its success has arisen from the adoption of ef fective market strategy, which entails product differentiation and growth. An analysis of the market environment depicts the UK as an attractive market. The macro environment analysis shows that the UK has managed to ensure a high level of stability with regard to the political and legal environment. The stability established in the UK has made it possible for Starbucks to implement its aggressive expansion strategy. However, the recent global economic crisis coupled with the current sovereign debt crisis presents a major challenge for the firm. Through the Porter’s five forces, it is evident that the UK specialty and eateries industry is very attractive. Consequently, Starbucks should implement effective strategies to exploit the presented market opportunities. Starbucks’ success in the UK market has emanated by the fact that it has nurtured a number of unique resources, core capabilities, and competences. With regard to resources, Starbucks has nurtured a strong huma n resource base. As a result, it has managed to offer sufficient customer service. Other capabilities that the firm has developed relate to product innovation and adherence to quality. These capabilities have made Starbucks a favourite amongst many customers. The capabilities have also enhanced the firm’s strengths. In an attempt to survive in the future, it is paramount for Starbucks to assess its threats and weakness and make the appropriate adjustments. The firm should also exploit the opportunities available in the external business environment. Reference List Cha, A. 2012, European financial crisis has ripple effect on US businesses. Web. Deloitte: Taxation and investment in United Kingdom 2011. Web. Environmental Leader: Ford, Starbucks, among most ethical companies. Web. Ghani, K., Nayan, S., Ghazali, S., Shafie, L. Nayan, S. 2010, ‘Critical internal and external factor that affect firm’s strategic planning’, International Research Journal of Finan ce and Economics, vol. 3 no 51, pp. 50-57. Gilligan, C. Hird, M. 2008, International marketing: strategy and management, Taylor and Francis, New York. Grundy, T. 2006, ‘Rethinking and re-inventing Michael Porter’s five forces model’, Strategic Change, vol. 15 no. 5, pp. 213-229. Kotter, J. Schlesinger, L. 2008, ‘Choosing strategies for change’, Harvard Business Review, vol. 2, pp. 130-150. Larson, R. 2009, Marketing strategy and alliances; analysis of Starbucks Corporation, Liberty University, New York. Miller, C. 2009, Will the hardcore Starbucks customer pay more? The chain plans find out. Web. Srinvasan, L. 2005, Strategic management, the Indian context, PHI Learning PVT, London. Theodore, S. 2002, Expanding the coffee experience; Starbucks keeps sales brewing with new products, innovation and global expansion, Beverage Industry, vol. 1, issue 3, pp. 57-62. This Money: Moody’s could downgrade UK’s ‘AAA’ credit rating i n early 2013 if the economy fails to shape up. Web. Walsh, J. 2011, Britain’s caffeine boom: Why can’t we wake up without smelling coffee. Web. This assessment on Strategic Management Analysis: Starbucks Coffee Company was written and submitted by user Kas0n to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here.

Chocolaty Goodness †Creative Writing

Chocolaty Goodness – Creative Writing Free Online Research Papers It’s about 11:30pm. I am always tired but I have insomnia, so I have at least three hours before my eyes start getting heavy. My daughter, Ava, just went to bed. It’s Friday so I let her stay up to watch â€Å"Elmo’s Adventure to Grouchland† for the thirteenth time today. Now, it’s â€Å"me time.† The only problem is that I am bored. There is nothing on TV, I don’t feel like studying, my computer is broken, and the only food in the kitchen is baby food and milk. My brother, Erik, lives with me and mentions he is hungry. There is a Carl’s Jr. about two-hundred-fifty yards away, so I offer to grab a couple cheeseburgers as an excuse to get out of the house. Since it was late, and cold, I decided to drive instead of take my usual stroll. As I order two cheeseburgers I notice the new ice cream shake advertised. It was a â€Å"Chocolate Malted Crunch† for about four dollars. I always test the new shakes when they come out so I had to try this one. I wasn’t too excited though, because the pervious special shakes I have tried haven’t been anything to die for or even buy a second time. I order my food, pay for it, get back to the apartment, and park my car. After all, I don’t think it’s too safe to be driving around at this late hour. The heater is blowing at maximum force and temperature. The radio is on, playing Rihanna’s new hit. I push the straw out of its wrapper, put it in the shake, and take the first chug of my malt. It was unlike any of the shakes Carl’s Jr. has ever offered. The ice cream was so rich in chocolate flavoring. It was cold enough to eat fast, but not give me one of those â€Å"brain freeze† headaches. There are tiny pieces of crunchy malt balls mixed in, making it fun to eat. They weren’t frozen to the point of being rock hard like when you mix MM’s or gummy bears into ice cream. In my entire twenty-seven years of eating the same foods over and over, the world seems to have paused and I am now in a state of food euphoria. Erik is upstairs waiting for his cheeseburger but I don’t want to leave this moment. Having a child always leaves me anxious and feeling rushed to get things done as quickly as possible. But wait, Ava is inside sleeping. I have been gone for only about ten minutes. What is the rush? Erik can wait. He is not starving. So I take this moment to relax. I have found peace. No screaming child, no school books calling me, no bills to stress about, and no mess to look at. I love my brother, but I have got to admit, he is a lazy couch potato and seeing him day in and day out annoys me to the point I hide in my room for days at a time. With my car still running, I drink my shake. Tasting every bit of crunch I slurp up. I am so comfortable in my little car. The heater has made the perfect temperature. Its dark outside and no one is around making any noise or staring at me. I feel like I almost don’t exist. There is not a thought in my mind except how godly this shake is. I probably drank the whole shake in about five minutes. I have never eaten anything this fast in my life but I just couldn’t put it down. Finally, I am finished. I sigh knowing the moment is over. The car gets turned off; I grab the cheeseburgers, and walk inside the apartment. Life proceeds. I only hope next time is just as epic. Research Papers on Chocolaty Goodness - Creative WritingThe Spring and AutumnPersonal Experience with Teen PregnancyBook Review on The Autobiography of Malcolm XThe Hockey GameThe Effects of Illegal Immigration19 Century Society: A Deeply Divided EraUnreasonable Searches and SeizuresGenetic EngineeringWhere Wild and West MeetHip-Hop is Art

Afghanistan Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Afghanistan - Research Paper Example Another intriguing aspect of Afghanistan is its unique but extreme climate; the winters are freezing, while the summers are scorching, owing to the fact that Afghanistan is landlocked, with no water bodies to help moderate its climate. The capital of Afghanistan is Kabul, by far the largest city in this country, which is situated along the banks of the Kabul River. It is a huge contrast to the rest of Afghanistan, which is mostly rural. This city is rightly labeled as Afghanistan’s capital city, as it is home to the main industry of dried fruits and carpets, which are exponentially exported. It is also home to important industries related to agriculture. Another significance of this city is that it is Afghanistan’s cultural learning centre; it contains the famous National Museum of Afghanistan, which is home to Afghanistan’s entire history, traditions and beliefs. This city is also an essential part of Afghanistan, as it contains various universities, banks, hotels and shopping centers, making it one of the most developed cities of Afghanistan (Banting 2003; CIA 1991). Afghanistan has had a history of conflict for over hundreds of years and has been controlled and fought over by many realms, including the Persians, Arabs, Mongols, British and Russians. The most recent were the extremist Islamic fighters called the Taliban, who made Afghanistan subject to strict rules and who were overthrown in the early twenty first century by the United States. Consequently, Afghanistan has been influenced by a mix of cultures, causing its population to consist of many diverse ethnic groups, the largest being the Pashtuns, Tajiks, and Hazaras. Although each of these groups has their own set of traditions, they have one thing in common; majority of them observe the religion of Islam (Banting 2003). As a result, the traditional clothing of both Afghani men and women is generally slack

The cause(s) of the Civil War Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

The cause(s) of the Civil War - Research Paper Example This meant a reduction in human labor. On the hand, cotton became very profitable, and many of the southern agricultural areas shifted from other crops to cotton farming, almost making the states a one crop economy, and thus requiring a lot of cheap human labor to meet the great demand and to maximize on profits. This cheap labor was readily available to the landowners in the south in the form of slaves while the north did not require them due to industrialization.2 These differences made the two areas to assume different economic ways of life, with the northern economy becoming city based while the southern continued to be plantation based. This meant that the people in the north evolved into a culture where people of different cultures could work together while those in the south continued to hold unto slavery since they needed the slave labor. The people in the north started to condemn slavery as immoral while the south embraced the same due to their need of massive slave labor, c ausing friction between the north and south. The political leaders of the southern states such as Robert Barnwell and William Lowndes realized that if the slave ownership was abolished in the south, then the southern economy would probably collapse if the slaves were to be paid the high wages that white workers were being paid and thus, they vehemently opposed the idea. Leaders in the north, some of whom were also religious personalities or newspaper personalities opposed the idea of slave ownership on the grounds of morality. Some of these personalities were like William L Garrison who was powerful crusaders for the abolition of the practice. The other issue that was instrumental in causing the civil war was the States versus federal Government’s rights issue. From the time of the American Revolution while states sought autonomy, there emerged two sides, one that advocated for states to have greater rights and the other that the federal government be granted more control.3 T hose that felt that the states should have greater rights like Thomas Jefferson and others agitated for the idea, resulting into the nullification idea, where the states sought to be allowed to have the rights to rule some federal acts unconstitutional. The federal government refused to cede to this demand, which led to the cessation of 11 states from the union of the states leading into the war.4 There also was the fighting between states that approved slavery and those who did not in newly acquired lands as one of the causes of the war. America started to expand after the Louisiana Purchase whereby America purchased 800000 square miles of land at a cost of 15million dollars during the tenure of former president Thomas Jefferson, and also after the Mexican war.5 There arose conflict after this as to whether the new areas admitted to the union, would have slavery or would be granted freedom. Problems arose, for example, when those who advocated for slavery in Missouri known as †Å"border Ruffians† started to come into the state to assist in forcing the state to become a slavery zone. Conflict also occurred in Kansas which made the place be called â€Å"bleeding Kansas† because of the magnitude of the bloodshed in the quest to have this area embrace slavery. The fighting

Common Wealth Alliance Case Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Common Wealth Alliance Case - Essay Example Due to low-income, they do not qualify for enrollment by other insurance agencies. Cutting down on healthcare costs, which CCA advocates for, is thus necessary. The model involves a strategy that promotes patient-centered healthcare making medication affordable. CCA adopts an approach that facilitates quality health support to the elderly and disabled patients with complex needs. It appreciates simplified ways of avoiding medical complications such as multiple medical specialists for an elder suffering from chronic illness. It not only makes healthcare provision undemanding but also affordable for its beneficiaries. Senior care plan focuses on enhancing flexible and continued care for the elderly. Unlike other insurance models, CCA prefers adult day care to nursing homes. Care providers are volunteers organized into care delivery networks. CCA program also entails joint contracts with Medicare and Medicaid, for example, the operation of three Massachusetts care programs in May 2007. CCA’s senior care options (SCO) program eligibility is broader than that for other insurance providers. Elderly beneficiaries do not have to be nursing home certifiable. Notably, it admits younger patients with complicated health conditions. Specific servicers offered depend on the needs of the patient and their availability in the local setup. Teaching patients self-care and provision of home health aides reduces the necessity for nursing home placement. SCO fund services not covered by Medicaid. Funding of services not covered by Medicaid presents beneficiaries with reliable quality services. Apart from the services mentioned above, patients also enjoy skilled nursing care and transportation. It includes all components of care either directly or through subcontracts. CCA aims at bringing better health care to its beneficiaries. Central to CCA’s goal is the improvement in self-management of multiple recurring illnesses. Once acquired, self-care skills are

Juvenile Delinquency Theories Case Study

Juvenile Delinquency Theories Case Study For many years now the real causes of juvenile delinquency have attracted the attention of many people. What causes juvenile delinquency is a major aspect of sociological and criminological studies. By understanding what really causes the delinquency, the community will reduce the continuity of the act by implementing prevention strategies. There are several criminological theories that are used to define and assist in understanding the causes of the offending act. Some of the juvenile delinquency contributors that has attracted the attention of many researchers are family environment, peer influence, parenting styles, community structure and school environment. There are several juvenile crimes that have occurred in the U.S. for example the juvenile crime perpetrated by Eric Harris and Dylan Klebold that left the residence of Littleton town, Colorado terrified and the murder committed by Menendez brothers against their parents just to mention but a few. The paper will focus on the juvenile crime committed by the Menendez brothers as the case under study. First, an overview of the case shall be considered before turning into delinquency/criminological theories to explain what might have led the two to kill their parents in relation to juvenile delinquency. Much attention shall be focused on the strength and weaknesses of the chosen theory. Finally, an alternative theory that could be used to analyze the case will be reviewed. Overview of the Menendez brothers’ juvenile crime Erik Menendez conspired with his brother Joseph Menendez to kill their parents. Erik shot Kitty and Jose Lyle Menendez using a 12-gauge shotgun. First the first trail fail to convict the two brothers, the jury in the retrial found them guilty on the two accounts: the first-degree murder and the conspiracy to carry out murder. But what could have led the two brothers to kill their parents? Both Erik and Lyle were brought up in Princeton, New Jersey where they attended Princeton Day School. Lyle went further to attend Princeton University. In 1987 when their family relocated to California Erik enrolled at the Calabasas High School while Lyle was under disciplinary probation because of poor grades. Lyle later dropped out of school after he was faced with plagiarism allegations. This clearly shows that he was under some form of stress. Jose and Kitty were murdered on 20th August 1989 in their home. Their neighbors said that they heard firecrackers sound on the fateful night. Jose was shot in the head while Kitty was shot while trying to escape after being awakened by the gun shoots beyond recognition. To make the crime appear as a mob related one, both of them were shot around the kneecap. The two brothers then left and later dumped the shotgun along the way before heading to a movie theater. Upon returning home at around 11 pm in the night Lyle called 911 claiming that somebody had killed their parents. Although, the police considered them as suspects, there was no evidence linking them to the crime. This was until the wife of a therapist that the two boys used to visit unearthed a recording that had incriminating evidence. The brothers had opened up to the therapist by telling him that they were experiencing suicidal tendencies due to their guilty conscience and the thoughts of having killed their own parents. Analysis In order to understand the reason(s) behind such a cold-blooded murder, we need to consider the available facts. Erik told the jury that they decided to kill their parents because they thought that their parents were going to kill them. Erik said that his father had been sexually molesting him since he was a child and had insisted on him staying home a few days of the week despite Erik having being enrolled to a college. Lyle, the elder brother, had also been molested but his father had stopped when he was eight years old. Lyle was threatening to expose their father if he did not stop molesting Erik. This confrontation made the two boys think that their parents were plotting to kill them. One of the many theories that can be used to explain this scenario is the deterrence theory. It puts forward the idea that juveniles commit crime because they choose to. Their actions are based on calculated risks and benefits. In the Menendez case, the two brothers did not kill their parents accidentally. They had the whole murder planned as evidenced by prior purchase of the shotguns. They also knew their parents room well enough to aim for a head shot despite the fact that only the TV was on. However, the real question is why did they choose to kill their parents instead of reporting to the police or any other relevant authority? There are several answers that can answer that question. They had fear. They feared their parents especially their father who had dominated and controlled their lives since childhood. Their father was also very strict when it came to tennis and Erik hated being under constant pressure to play better. He feared failing his father by performing poorly in the tennis court. Lyle, on the other hand, feared that if he did not do something to stop his father from molesting his younger brother, the sexual abuse would continue well into their adulthood and would impact negatively on Erik in school as it had done to him. Additionally, he also feared what people would say when such news was revealed to the public. Their family name would be tainted. It was these fears combined that led them to make a choice- a choice to kill their parents. This was the only method that would act as a solution for each of the brother’s fears. This is because it would eliminate their abusive and strict father without the public ever knowing the real reason behin d the brutal elimination. The decision to arrive at this choice may also have been greatly influenced by the fact that the brothers held the belief that their parents were going to kill them. It was only fair to kill the parents before they killed them. However, from the prosecution’s point of view, the brothers did not murder their parents so as to end years of sexual molestation and strict parenting. The court claimed that their sole motive for the murder was the large and attractive inheritance left behind by the parents. Their family owned a $14 million estate. This accusation was based on the fact that barely six months after the murder, Erik bought himself a Rolex, a Jeep, a house and some clothes which were far too expensive given his age of 22. In his defense, Erik said that he had feelings of regret and remorse whenever he spent their parents’ money knowing that he was the one who had committed the murder. According to the brothers, the benefit of getting rid of their molesting parents was greater than the risk of a lifelong prison sentence. This reinforces the deterrence theory which suggests that when the benefits of committing a crime outweigh the risks, juvenile delinquency increases. It is not possible to analyze the entire case by using only one theory. Another possible theory that could explain the juvenile behavior exhibited by the brothers is Sheldon’s somatype theory. This theory explains that our individual body shapes and structures can contribute greatly to our criminal tendencies. He suggests that mesomorphs, or muscular, strong and firm people are more aggressive and assertive when it comes to reacting to situations in life. Their bodies allow them to commit crimes much easier than their larger counterparts, the endomorphs. This theory is useful in this case study since Erik was a fairly good tennis player. That means that his body bore athletic features making him a mesomorph. His physical appearance may have contributed in the murder in that he considered himself fit to handle a shotgun and he was ready to fight back should there be any resistance from the parents. Another theory that might help shed some light on this murder is Lombroso’s atavism theory which suggests that some children are born with criminal traits inherited from their parents. Erik’s father exhibited criminal tendencies with his sexual abuse. It is only fair to assume that Erik and Lyle got their delinquent behavior from their father. References Juvenile Delinquency Theories. Retrieved from http://juvenilejustice190.blogspot.com/2012/10/oncea-criminal-always-criminal-this-is.html Menendez Brothers on Trial: Erik Testifies He Feared Parents. Retrieved from http://edition.cnn.com/2007/US/law/12/10/court.archive.menendez5/index.html?_s=PM:US Menendez brothers trial hinges on tape: Two rich young men who shot their parents have gained supporters as their bizarre story unfolded. Now the two juries must decide, reports Phil Reeves. Retrieved from http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/menendez-brothers-trial-hinges-on-tape-two-rich-young-men-who-shot-their-parents-have-gained-supporters-as-their-bizarre-story-unfolded-now-the-two-juries-must-decide-reports-phil-reeves-1505930.html

Karl Marx and Frederick Engels Essay -- Political History Marx Engels

Karl Marx and Frederick Engels Karl Marx and Frederic Engels were two very liberal, politically left, philosophers. This means that they were in favor of a large government that is comprised of the people, and involved in the lives of these people. One may reflect that this does not sound very different from the influence the United States government has on the lives of its citizens, a large providing government that acts on the will of the people. In both situations the government is aware of the citizens and aims to instill equality into the societies, but this equality is to be obtained by different means and to different extents. Frederick Engels In response to the industrial revolution, which not only made our modes of production better and faster, but also changed a person’s individual choices and responsibilities to the government, Karl Marx and Frederic Engels were compelled to write the Manifesto of the Communist Party.[iii] Marx and Engels were disturbed by the way the working class was being exploited in this capitalistic time, and their liberal viewpoints of how a man should be treated were included in this document. One concept that Marx mentions in this Manifesto is the autonomy and responsibility each person has to a government and to what extent these concepts should be practiced in one’s own home.[iv] Although the involvement of the citizen in the government is quite similar to the U.S., this Manifesto puts much more control in the hands of the people than in the U.S.. In terms of the governments involvement in personal affairs, the Manifesto creates much more political control over the personal lives to try and insure equality when the U.S. allows capitalism to decid... ... Marx, Section I. Bourgeois and Proletarians [vi] Thomas Jefferson, Declaration of Independence, July 4, 1776, Section I. [vii] â€Å"What are the Major Themes of the Humanities Base?,† Humanities Base Resource Page, [viii] â€Å"Declaration of Independence,† American History Documents, [ix] â€Å"Marxism F.A.Q.† Youth for International Socialism, [x] â€Å"What are the Major Themes of the Humanities Base?,† Humanities Base Resource Page, [xi] â€Å"Life During the Industrial Revolution,† Schools History,