Thursday, December 26, 2019

Cuban Missile Crisis The Brink of Global Nuclear War Essay

Cuban Missile Crisis: The Brink of Global Nuclear War The Cuban Missile Crisis had a huge impact on society even years after it was resolved because the incident had brought our nation and the world so close to the brink of nuclear war. Before the Cuban Missile Crisis had occurred, many other factors had been piling up and building undesirable tensions between many countries. Along the way new allies and enemies were made causing more stress to the Cold War. The new bonds that formed after Cuba was taken over by Fidel Castro pushed nuclear war to the very edge. Many changes in Cuba caused tensions to mount between the United States, Cuba, and Russia. At the time before the Bay of Pigs incident, Cuba had a corrupt†¦show more content†¦On April 15, 1961 the Bay of Pigs invasion began to invade Cuba and remove Castro from the leadership. The unsuccessful invasion was stopped two days later. Now Castro needed the strong arm of the Soviets even more. With the Cold War ar ms race in effect, Castro knew that the Soviets could protect him from future invasions from the United States. Soviet leader Krushchev quickly agreed to protect Cuba. Cuba was in a strategic location to place missile launch sites that could strike nearly all of the continental United States. During the Cold War the United States had many missile launch sites placed all over the world and pointed at the Soviet Union. The United States was allied with Turkey, so the American military had a base there to work their U-2 from and many missile sites pointed at the Soviet Union. These missiles in Turkey made Krushchev want to build surface to air missile sites on Cuba to balance the power and show his force. Krushchev would soon start sending ships and submarines loaded with equipment to start building medium and intermediate range ballistic missiles. In May 1962, Krushchev wrote in his memoirs: â€Å"This will be a means of protecting Cuba from another U.S. Invasion of Cuba like the Bay of Pigs in 1961, also to counter the U.S. emerging lead of deploying strategic missiles.† In October 1962, a United States U-2 plane took photographs of Cuba. The photographs showedShow MoreRelatedCuban Missile Crisis : A Ten Day Confrontation Between The United States And The Soviet Union 878 Words   |  4 Pages Will Fain Mr. Shea English 2 Honors 25 January 2016 Cuban Missile Crisis Essay The Cuban Missile Crisis was a thirteen day confrontation between the United States and the Soviet Union in October of 1962. The stand off was over Soviet ballistic missiles deployed in Cuba. The Cuban Missile Crisis was the closest the Cold War ever came to a full out nuclear war. The event was broadcasted on television for the world to see causing a global panic, especially in America. John F. Kennedy announced thatRead MoreNuclear Warfare Between The Soviet Union And The Cold War1826 Words   |  8 Pagesâ€Å"The most terrifying moment in my life was October 1962, during the Cuban Missile Crisis†¦.† The Cuban Missile Crisis was started by the tensions between the Soviet Union and the United States, which shaped Communist Cuba; this was the brink of nuclear warfare between both sides that left its effects on both the world and the sides involved. The United States and Soviet Union were both involved in the Cold War, especially when tensions between the two reached a new high. As tensions were risingRead MoreThe Cuban Missile Crisis ( Cmc )1435 Words   |  6 PagesThe Cuban Missile Crisis (CMC) was a 13 day standoff between the Soviet Union and the United States (U.S) regarding nuclear bases being built in Cuba. The politically charged conflict occurred on the October 14th, 1962 and almost resorted in nuclear war. The Crisis remains as an example of one of the most terrifying events to occur within history. It was an extreme threat for those of society, which existed for 13 long and endless days. If the Crisis hadn’t been adverted, countries would be annihilatedRead MoreKennedy and Khrushchev Essay2085 Words   |  9 Pagesfor American and Soviet presence during the Cold War. Khrushchev and the Soviet Union approached the United States and JFK with prudence because of obvious military inferiority. British cartoonist Leslie Gilbert Illingworth depicted JFK and Soviet Premier Khrushchev in a cartoon published in the popular newspaper The Daily Mail during the apex of the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962. The cartoon was a symbol of hostile U.S.-Soviet relations amid nuclear rearmament in Cuba and Latin America. The cartoonRead MoreThis Historical Study Will Define The Dual Hostility Of1836 Words   |  8 Pagesthe Soviet Union and the United States in the instigation and resolution of the Cuban Missile Crisis of 1962. The nuclear arms race of the early 1960s defined a period of history in which a stalemate occurred between superpowers. The United States and the Soviet Union were continually seeking to build larger nuclear arsenals and to also expand their territorial influence over lesser nations. The Cuban Missile Crisis defines also defines the minor role of Cuba that served to facilitate the expansionRead MoreCuban Missle Crisis and the Realist Perspective Essay1172 Words   |  5 PagesThe Cuban Missile Crisis of 1962 brought the world closer than it had ever been to nuclear war. This makes the crisis one of the most essential events in international affairs history, demonstrating a great example of the realist perspectives and other important aspects of international relations. Primarily, the origins of the Cuban Missile Crisis can be readily attributed to the realist perspective. In 1961, President John F. Kennedy launched the Bay of Pigs Invasion of Cuba, which was a thwartedRead MoreU.s. Attorney General And President John F. Kennedy1501 Words   |  7 Pageswrote â€Å"Thirteen Days† as an account of the Cuban Missile Crisis, a 13 day power struggle from October 15 to October 28 1962 between the US and the Soviet Union over ballistic missile deployment in Cuba by the Soviets. The peaceful removal of those missiles was both a challenge and a goal for the Kennedy administration. The Cuban Missile Crisis was arguably one of the most dangerous Cold War affairs whose escalation would have led to a global nuclear war demise. Both Harvard-educated men and bornRead MoreThe Green Revolution : What Positive And Negative Consequences Did It Have?877 Words   |  4 Pagesquality. Why did the Cuban Missile Crisis represent the â€Å"climax† of the Cold War? How was the Cold War different after the Crisis was over? (150 words) In 1962, the Soviet Union sent nuclear warheads to Cuba. The United States had their bases in Italy and Turkey armed with nuclear warheads, though this was not public knowledge. The closest the world has come to nuclear war was at this point in history. U.S. President Kennedy and USSR leader Khruschev saw the brink of nuclear war and made quick negotiationsRead MoreEssay about The Cuban Missile Crisis1755 Words   |  8 Pagesplacing fifteen Jupiter intermediate-range ballistic missiles (IRBM) near Izmir, Turkey. Even though President Kennedy said that these missiles might have questionable strategic value the Soviet Premier, Nikita Khrushchev, made America aware of his anger and distain regarding Kennedy’s decision. Khrushchev believed that these missiles were not only an offense to him, but to his country as well. However, the United States also possessed nuclear submarines which posed an even greater threat thanRead MoreJfk and the Cuban Missile Crisis2188 Words   |  9 PagesRunning head: JFK HANDLES THE CUBAN MISSILE CRISIS President JFK and the Cuban Missile Crisis Contemporary History June 12, 2010 The Cuban Missile Crisis forever marked 1962 as the year the world almost witnessed a nuclear war. The Soviet Union, Cuba, and the United States were all teetering on the edge of a cliff that was crumbling from the weight of fear, tension, and secrecy. It also marked the official end of Americans innocent belief that they were safe in the glow of Lady Liberty’s

Wednesday, December 18, 2019

Gen 201 Academic Success - 768 Words

University of Phoenix Material Academic Success Answer each question below in at least 75 words per question, reflecting on your current abilities, and identify resources to strengthen your skills. Refer to the videos, readings, and other weekly assignments to help you compose your answers. |Question |Your reflection | |How would you define academic readiness? |academic readiness is someone who understands, or is striving | | |to understand the topic of study. Someone who is academically | |†¦show more content†¦I couldn’t think of myself as one of them. The only | | |way I have learned up tip now has been visually, auditory, and | | |during some type of movement or collaboration. When I combine | | |all three I get more out of the lesson than I would if i was | | |only one. | |What are two obstacles you might need to overcome (refer to |From taking the Life Factors and Personality Assessments, I | |your Life Factors and personality assessments)? |will have to say the two obstacles I will have to overcome will| | |have to be procrastination and resources. Since I do have so | | |much to do, I can’t really get my mind to stay focused on | | |things to long. | |What strategies can you use to overcome these obstacles and be |My strategies will be to use the time management skills. I’m | |successful? |going to use theShow MoreRelatedContinuing Academic Success1359 Words   |  6 PagesContinuing Academic Success Name GEN/201 Date Teacher Name Continuing Academic Success Achieving academic success is something that many individuals consider to be a challenging task. Some people even think that it might be too difficult to worry even about trying to achieve it. While attempting to reach your goal in obtaining academic success, you must meet your university’s expectations and guidelines to reach your goal of being awarded a degree. If you want to thrive in school, youRead MorePlanning For My Academic Success1260 Words   |  6 Pages Planning for My Academic Success Jennifer Barr GEN/201 Facilitator Barry West September 19, 2014 Establishing and maintaining a strict schedule where I can nurture my academic needs is essential to the successful completion of my chosen degree in Information Technology. Creating a workable, yet demanding schedule is essential because every day I am faced with circumstances that could potentially interrupt my education indefinitely if I allow them to. Being almostRead MoreEssay about Continuing Academic Success1075 Words   |  5 PagesContinuing Academic Success GEN/201 â€Æ' Continuing Academic Success Achieving success is something that many consider to be difficult, sometimes too difficult to be worth even trying. But there are many tools and processes available to help people be successful. By knowing what these tools and processes are, students are able to achieve not only academic success, but also be successful in many other areas of their lives. Setting goals is an important step in achieving success. By recognizing yourRead MoreContinuing Academic Success Essay1166 Words   |  5 Pages Continuing Academic Success Keyaria Tompkins GEN/201 September 22, 2014 Maureen Parker Continuing Academic Success Of course everyone wants to be successful! It takes 100% of effort and determination to be successful. Maintaining believable goals keeps you on track for the road of success. If you keep your goals in mind, you will not astray from them. Achieving goals that you have set for yourself is your responsibility. It is easy to get distracted from your academic goals, if theyRead MoreAcademic Success : A Student1251 Words   |  6 Pages5 Academic Success Academic Success Tamara Thornton GEN/201 10/29/2015 Cheryl Jiles Academic Success As a student strive to move forward academic success and excellence, I will outline and discuss four major topics which are essential for any student to realize in order to achieve success in the field. Each topic will be briefly described with further two support points in favor of each underneath. The point is to explain what can propel a student toward realizing educationalRead MoreContinuing Academic Success Essay1502 Words   |  7 Pagesï » ¿ Continuing Academic Success Francheska Masoller GEN/201 Foundations for University Success July-28, 2014 Ann Zomerfeld Continuing Academic Success It is a big step for someone who has been out of school for so long, to have the courage to begin the journey of higher education. Personally, it took me several years of contemplating if going back to school was the right move for me. I postponed it until I realized this was the only way I could provide my family with the life I’veRead MoreAcademic Success : Career Goals1378 Words   |  6 PagesContinuing Academic Success Brianne Ard Gen/201 June 29, 2015 Christina Gruca Continuing Academic Success Introduction â€Å"Motivation is defined as the general desire or willingness of someone to do something, but often finding the desire within you can prove difficult. One of the keys to success is to be able to self-motivate and not depend on external forces to deliver your drive† (Stone, 2015, para. 1). Starting something new in life, such as deciding to earn my master’s degree in PsychologyRead MoreContinuing Academic Success1559 Words   |  7 PagesCONTINUING ACADEMIC SUCCESS Dale Ray Blackard GEN/201 5/23/2016 Laticia Dezell Continued Academic Success Continuing academic success opens opportunities for advancement and increases monetary value based upon transferred knowledge. Education promotes a person as a dedicated person that does the necessary actions to accomplish the personal preference of the goal desired. One who exemplifies this internal drive receives advancements in the work place. Promotions and added responsibilities areRead MoreWeek 41387 Words   |  6 PagesProgram Audit Report SECTION 1: PROGRAM INFORMATION Program Title:BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN BUSINESS Program ID:BSB/M~025A Program GPA:2.52 Admission Status:Admitted (01/18/2012) Program Academic Status:Regular (08/10/2011) Evaluation Status:Matriculated (01/11/2012) Student Academic Status:Regular (06/22/2011) SECTION 2: PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS SUMMARY CREDIT SUMMARY REQUIRED APPLIED DEFICIENT Maximum Lower Division Credits 75.0 69.0 0.0 Minimum Upper DivisionRead MorePerformance Funding : A Descriptive Study2615 Words   |  11 Pageseducation commissioner must submit a proposal for outcome based funding by the end of 2015 to the Board of Regents for approval. Performance based funds are often used across the United States thus understanding this mandate is critical to the continued success of higher education institutions. The research shows both the positive and negative outcomes of performance funding. Some institutions have been successful with the implementation while others have not. This paper will look into implementation on

Tuesday, December 10, 2019

Pornography In The Media (1058 words) Essay Example For Students

Pornography In The Media (1058 words) Essay Pornography in the MediaIt started by way of messengers and scribes, evolved through thepresentation of newspapers and radio, brought us together withtelevision, and now serves us world- wide via the ever-popularInternet. It is the mass media, and even from the earliest days of itsexistence, it has contributed greatly in ways that both enlighten andenrich society, and ways that deteriorate and perplex it. It is not asurprise to learn, then, that the mass media is the most powerfulsource of information we have, and nothing else in todays worldinfluences public perception quite as heavily. Unfortunately, however, most of what is broadcast or transmitted in thenews today is with reference to the chaotic condition of our planet, orsomething else that society as a whole sees as detrimental ordamaging. But the news on television is not the only type of mediataking the criticism of society. Other forms of mass media,specifically movies and television programs containing pornography andviolence have been heavily criticized. The underlining concept to bedebated here is that society is negatively influenced, specifically, bythese images of pornography and the result is increased violenceagainst women. This assumption, and it is indeed only an assumption, iscompletely fallacious, however, as no concrete and completelyconclusiveevidence has ever been formulated in support of the theory. The keypremise here isthat the mass media does not cause undesirable social behaviour and inactuality, themedia people should not be dubbed as the bad guys. They simply usetheir power inthe most constructive ways possible in order to promote their ratingsand popularity. One way to do that is to concentrate on what sells: sex, violence anddisaster. Having said this, why is it then, that many in society stillbelieve otherwise; why dothey continue to believe that pornography is evil and is a majorcause for violenceagainst women, specifically rape? There are many reasons for thismisinterpretation andthrough the following few points, an attempt will be made to show thatpornographyhas very little to almost no correlation with violence against women(of course nothing isabsolute in society). In order to demonstrate this, it must be madeevident thatpornography is not evil and does not cause undesirable socialbehaviour by displayingnude women in sexually explicit circumstances. Thus, it is importantto indicate thatwomen are not treated only as sexual objects through the media. Thisis done in anattempt to quash any traces of evil in pornography. Subsequently, asecond point, thatsome may consider to be completely bizarre, can be addressed; thatpornographyactually reduces the amount of violence against women. For thousands of years, sex itself has been considered eviland revolting. This isexactly why the concealment of the sex organs and teaching feelings ofshame towardhuman sexuality is so common worldwide. These same feelings of shameare the chiefreasons that sex is considered a personal and private matter. Contraryto the beliefs ofmany, the mass media did not create these settings; society createsthis image. In somesocieties, women have no reservations with regard to living theirentire live completelynaked, while in other societies, females cover themselves from head totoe, onlyrevealing their eyes. The media has been bombarded with criticism,overwhelminglyfrom the female community, relative to the amount of sexually explicitmaterial that ispublished in magazines and that appears on television and in thecinemas. A commonargument against pornography is that the media portrays women as beingnothing morethan sexual playthings and objects to satisfy male sexual desires. Asbefore, the media once again, is not to be held responsible for creating this image;these views areproducts of society. .uc6d1339793199bcffa5596ed8848393a , .uc6d1339793199bcffa5596ed8848393a .postImageUrl , .uc6d1339793199bcffa5596ed8848393a .centered-text-area { min-height: 80px; position: relative; } .uc6d1339793199bcffa5596ed8848393a , .uc6d1339793199bcffa5596ed8848393a:hover , .uc6d1339793199bcffa5596ed8848393a:visited , .uc6d1339793199bcffa5596ed8848393a:active { border:0!important; } .uc6d1339793199bcffa5596ed8848393a .clearfix:after { content: ""; display: table; clear: both; } .uc6d1339793199bcffa5596ed8848393a { display: block; transition: background-color 250ms; webkit-transition: background-color 250ms; width: 100%; opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #95A5A6; } .uc6d1339793199bcffa5596ed8848393a:active , .uc6d1339793199bcffa5596ed8848393a:hover { opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #2C3E50; } .uc6d1339793199bcffa5596ed8848393a .centered-text-area { width: 100%; position: relative ; } .uc6d1339793199bcffa5596ed8848393a .ctaText { border-bottom: 0 solid #fff; color: #2980B9; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-decoration: underline; } .uc6d1339793199bcffa5596ed8848393a .postTitle { color: #FFFFFF; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 600; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 100%; } .uc6d1339793199bcffa5596ed8848393a .ctaButton { background-color: #7F8C8D!important; color: #2980B9; border: none; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: none; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26px; moz-border-radius: 3px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-shadow: none; width: 80px; min-height: 80px; background: url(https://artscolumbia.org/wp-content/plugins/intelly-related-posts/assets/images/simple-arrow.png)no-repeat; position: absolute; right: 0; top: 0; } .uc6d1339793199bcffa5596ed8848393a:hover .ctaButton { background-color: #34495E!important; } .uc6d1339793199bcffa5596ed8848393a .centered-text { display: table; height: 80px; padding-left : 18px; top: 0; } .uc6d1339793199bcffa5596ed8848393a .uc6d1339793199bcffa5596ed8848393a-content { display: table-cell; margin: 0; padding: 0; padding-right: 108px; position: relative; vertical-align: middle; width: 100%; } .uc6d1339793199bcffa5596ed8848393a:after { content: ""; display: block; clear: both; } READ: HIV Virus EssayIt would be absurded to assume that women in this society aretreated as sexualobjects only because the media releases or broadcasts pornographicmaterial. Amagazine associated with make-up and skin care, for example, will quiteobviously notbe concentrating on much else. Such a magazine would not displaypictures of womenwho mountain-climb or women who water-ski; only images of make-up andtextreferring to skin care would be relevant. Clearly, society does notconsider women to bebeings whos only purpose in life is to worry about make-up and skincare; but why arethe complaints only directed towards pornographic media then? Theanswer to thisquestion may be more co mplicated, however, what remains obvious is thatthe mediadoes not portray women as only being able to fill male sexual desires. To say thatpictures featuring nudity, etc, are making objects out of women isfoolish. One shouldconsider females who pin-up posters of male rock stars or children whocollect hockeyor baseball cards. Society, however, does not say that objects arebeing made out ofthese rock stars and sports heroes; pictures of clothed people are noless objects thanpictures of naked people. Many complaints are also made to the effect that pornographyonly offers a one-dimensional view to life; that women are seen as nymphomaniacs who arehystericallyaddicted to sex. It should be pointed out that events such as hockeygames, boxingmatches, horse races and operas all offer a one-dimensional view oflife. One does notattend an opera hoping to see a horse race. The underlying problemhere is that theabove mentioned events are socially acceptable; media displayingpornography is not. Itis also said that the media reduces women to a collection of body partsthroughpornography. But why then are their no complaints of advertisements inmagazinesdisplaying only ears, for example, or a nose, or feet? The reason is asimple one; societyconsiders certain body parts to be shameful or disgusting and onceagain, the mediacan be let off the hook. Realistically, the only way to prevent women from being seenas sex objects is forthem to be seen as other things as well; but to say that women are notsexual beingswould be misleading because both men and women are very much sexual. Similarly, tosay that women are singled out in the media is fallacious due to themany examples ofmedia where men are seen catering to the needs of women; somethingknown aschivralic sexism. Take, for instance, a recent television ad portrayingyoung mengroveling at the feet of supermodel Cindy Crawford, almost begging tobe the one tocater to her needs. There were no lineups of men aching to announcetheir displeasurewith the sexist ad; and this is precisely why male stereotyping in themedia often goesunnoticed. Similarly, it is pornography in the media that is noticedand shunned by anti-pornographic and censorship organizations because it seemingly singlesout females fortheir bodies. It should be well noted, however, that paperback romancenovels, whichmake up an incredible 40% of total paperback sales, depicts males assexual objects,performing what is called Sweet Savagery (rape), just as pornographydepicts femalesas sexual objects. But once again, this goes unnoticed.

Monday, December 2, 2019

Swot Analysis Essay Example

Swot Analysis Paper Auntie Annes, Inc. Company Overview Company Overview Auntie Annes, Inc. , the world’s largest hand-rolled soft pretzel franchisor manufactures and sells pretzels. Its products include pretzel dogs, gourmet bread sticks, pizza knots, pretzel kits, mixes, twists, and baked pretzels, as well as various drinks and dips. The company was founded in 1988 by Anne and Jonas Beiler and is headquartered in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Auntie Anne’s, Inc was purchased in 2005 from Anne and Jonas Beiler by Sam Beiler, the company’s president and chief executive officer. The first franchise was opened in 1989 in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. (Auntie Anne’s, 2010) Today the company supports over 300 franchisees, with more than 1,050 locations worldwide. The company recorded record revenues in 2008 of 333. 4 million dollars, an increase of 8% over 2007. (Wikipedia, 2010) SWOT ANALYSIS Strengths |Weaknesses | |Socially and Ethically responsible |Franchisee Startup Costs | |Franc hising System |Franchise Labor | |Strong Market Position |Saturated U. S. Market | |Opportunities |Threats | |Expanding Operations Concept |Growing competition | |Growth in International Market |Economic recovery | |Opening Operations in sports arenas |Unfavorable Franchise Legislation | Strengths Socially and Ethically Responsible Auntie Anne’s founders started the company to support there charitable contributions. Mr. and Mrs. Beiler started the company in an effort to support a counseling center. The company has expanded its philanthropy along with its expanding business. Auntie Anne’s has given millions of dollars to the Children’s Miracle network. Auntie Anne’s has helped raise more than $3 million dollars for Children’s Miracle Network affiliated hospitals across the country. Auntie Anne’s, 2010) National Pretzel Day, April 26, is one of Auntie Anne’s largest single-day event fundraiser where participating stores donate a percentage of sales to Children’s Miracle Network. Auntie Anne’s also raises money through corporate payroll deductions and an annual golf tournament. (Children’s Miracle Network, 2010) Auntie Anne’s also provides employees with educational scholarships and home down- payment gifts. There efforts in this arena as well as being a community oriented business serve to foster positive attitudes amongst employees of the company. We will write a custom essay sample on Swot Analysis specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on Swot Analysis specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on Swot Analysis specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer This gives them a competitive advantage. Franchising System Auntie Anne’s franchising system has fostered exponential growth of the company. Franchise Business review ranks the company number six in its top 50 franchises for 2010. Each year, Franchise Business Review surveys thousands of franchise owners. The top 50 are then rated among the very best opportunities by their own franchisees. (Top 50 Franchises Large Systems, 2010) Entrepreneur Magazine 500 ranks Auntie Anne’s as follows for 2010; Franchise 500 ranking #50, Fastest growing franchises #59, Americas top global franchises #50. Auntie Anne’s has received the World-Class Franchise ® honor (the most prestigious award in franchising) for the past four years. Auntie Anne’s demonstrates a strong franchising system which includes ongoing support to its franchisees such as; newsletters, meetings, grand opening, internet, toll-free phone line, field operations/evaluations and purchasing cooperatives. Training and marketing support is also given to the franchisees. These attributes are very intriguing to potential franchise owners. Strong Market Position Auntie Anne’s is the largest hand-rolled soft pretzel franchisor in the orld. 2009 figures show that Auntie Anne’s has 792 franchises in the U. S. , 11 franchises in Canada, 211 franchises in foreign countries and 11 company owned. (Auntie Annes Hand-Rolled Soft Pretzels, 2010) This huge footprint enables them to have a strong brand hold on the soft pretzel market. Auntie Anne’s number one status brings its just rewards. Weakness es Franchisee Startup Costs The Franchise startup costs for Auntie Anne’s are not that large when compared to some of the giants in the franchise world, however in its pretzel market segment the costs are the highest. The company’s fees are as follows; Franchise fee $30,000, Equipment $31,500 to 34,500, Construction- $90,000 to $250,000, total initial investment $197,875 $439,100. (Auntie Anne’s Franchising, 2010) Costs for opening a franchise in foreign countries are even higher. These franchise fees could cause an issue with future expansion into the market. Franchise Labor Auntie Anne’s requires its franchises to employee ten workers to run each unit. (The Franchise Mall, 2010) Employees are needed to function properly and smoothly with the majority of those workers being low-paid. This could lead to a workforce of unreliable employees with a high turnover rate. Finding and keeping qualified employees could be a major challenge. Saturated U. S. Market The success of Auntie Anne’s in the U. S. of approximately 800 stores could lead to a cap by the company of opening any new locations. This threat could lead to potential business owners to seek other growing pretzel companies in the market. Opportunities Expanding Operations Concept Auntie Annes is expanding its operations beyond pretzels with a new cafe concept, similar to that of Starbucks. Auntie Annes Cafe will have a walk-up coffee bar with eat-in and take-out food, said Susan P. Matson, Auntie Anne’s spokeswoman. It will include almost the full line of Starbucks products and offer soups, salads, desserts, pastries and sandwiches. (Dale W. Hlaves, 2008) Unlike the typical pretzel outlets that offer no seating, each Auntie Annes Cafe seats approximately 30 people. Similar to other cafes, these serve gourmet coffee, offer a lunch and light dinner menu (sandwiches, pizzas, breads, soups, etc. , and provide wireless internet access. This is a change to the normal operation that may prove to be successful. Growth in Overseas market Auntie Anne’s already has expanded its franchises internationally with 211 foreign stores in locations including Mexico, China England, Greece, Honduras, Hong Kong, Kuwait, Bahrain, Northern Ireland, Philippines and Saudi Arabia. The company has a strong grip on business in the U. S. its goals to continue expansion globally is a must. Pretzels are loved worldwide. Opening operations in sports arenas Prior to the 2008 season, Auntie Anne’s opened its own concession stand at Clipper Magazine Stadium, home of the Lancaster Barnstormers baseball team; pretzels have also been available at Seattle Mariners’ home games since 2008. Continued alliances with other professional and collegiate sports complexes are a huge opportunity for the company. Threats Growing Competition The main competitors in the pretzel market are Pretzel Time and Pretzelmaker both owned by Mrs. Fields and Wetzel Pretzels. The pretzel eateries are very similar except for the fact that Auntie Anne’s has the highest initial investment. The Mrs. Fields businesses have a total maximum investment of $254,000; Wetzel Pretzels comes in at $352,000 and Auntie Anne’s at over $400,000. (The Franchise Mall, 2010) This is probably due to the more recognizable brand of Auntie Anne’s. These other companies are continuing to grow and could be a potential threat to new Auntie Anne’s franchises. Economic Recovery During a slow economy many people are looking for new opportunities to invest or start a business. Ffranchise growth slows as the economy improves as there are fewer people looking to invest. There are fewer executives being laid off and the stock market becomes a formidable competitor to investing your money in a business. â€Å"Good franchise concepts that provide a good value are going to flourish for two reasons,† says Eric Riess, practice group manager of corporate and franchise groups at Greensfelder, Hemker Gale, P. C. in St. Louis. â€Å"One, the enormous pool of prospects available and, two, because during a recession, people aren’t spending less, they’re spending smarter. † (Dale W. Hlaves, 2008) Franchising numbers actually rise during a recession. Unfavorable Franchise Legislation Franchising has great success for its owners; however it can be to the detriment of other local business already present in the market. Legislation that would curtail franchise expansion would harm Auntie Anne’s. Any Legislation that would limit the amount of fees charged by Franchisors on Franchisees would harm Auntie Anne’s profits as well. An example would be if there was a limit imposed on royalty percentages that franchisees pay to Auntie Anne’s. Works Cited Auntie Anne’s franchising. 2010. Auntie Anne’s. 24 March 2010 â€Å"Auntie Annes Hand-Rolled Soft Pretzels. † Entrepreneur. 2010. Entrepreneur Magazine. 4 March 2010 http://www. entrepreneur. com/franchises/auntieannes Auntie Anne’s. 2010. Auntie Anne’s. 24 March 2010 Auntie Anne’s franchising. 2010. Auntie Anne’s. 24 March 2010 Children’s Miracle Network. 2010. Children’s Miracle Network. 24 March 2010 Dale W. Hlaves. â€Å"Legal Affairs. à ¢â‚¬  Smart Business. July 2008. Smart Business. 24 March 2010 http://www. sbonline. com. Franchise Mall. 2010. Franchise Mall. 24 March 2010 â€Å"Top 50 Franchises Large Systems. † Franchise Business Review. 2010. Franchise Business Review. 24 March 2010 . â€Å"Wikipedia. † 2010. Wikipedia. 24 March 2010