Michel Foucault Panopticism Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Michel Foucault Panopticism - Essay Example al authorities have chosen to control citizens through the appointment of a syndic which will have an ‘absolute’ power over the town’s population. The term ‘absolute’ means that people in this ‘imaginary’ town are not allowed going out of their homes apart from the hours and the places indicated by the syndic in advance. This structure resembles with a prison and in this way the argument of Foucault that prison could be considered to have the same ‘structure’ as a hospital or a school, could be justified. On the other hand, in order for the above scheme to operate successfully, there should be provisions for the participation of citizens in it. In this context, it is noticed by Foucault that ‘this surveillance is based on a system of permanent registration: reports from the syndics to the intendants, from the intendants to the magistrates or mayor; at the beginning of the lock up, the role of each of the inhabitants pre sent in the town is laid down, one by one’ (Foucault, 1995). In other words, the effectiveness of this scheme could be based on the existence of a specific plan of registration through which all people participated in the relevant ‘project’ would be registered. Under these terms, every event in the town would be precisely checked and every aspect of citizens’ life could be controlled. In real terms, the above scheme could be partially applied. In modern towns where a series of tools of surveillance has been implemented in order to control crime, the life of citizens is under the control of the state. The above situation even if justified because of the need for the protection of citizens’ life and property, it should be carefully reviewed as of the appropriateness of the machines used for the surveillance of human activities. In fact, the conditions of life in modern town resemble the description of Foucault’s imaginary town. In accordance with Foucault this town will be a place ‘in which the individuals are

Pricing and Cost Leadership in Management Accounting Essay

Pricing and Cost Leadership in Management Accounting - Essay Example In the company's situation, I believe that it will be better off pursuing a cost differentiation strategy which will allow it not to compete head-on with Starbucks that is directly on the opposite street. Starbucks is already an established player with an upscale clientele and serving the market through differentiation strategy. However, not all customers can patronize its products because of the high prices. Thus, the coffee outlet can offer specialty coffee products at lower prices which can be afforded by ordinary individuals. In this case, the company should be able to keep costs in check by employing the most efficient processes through the elimination of non-value adding activities. The company can make profit through the expected higher volume as consumers demand more of the products. Identify a small number of areas (between 5-10) of important areas (referred to as critical success factors) for this coffee outlet. A critical success factor is an area in which performance must be at least satisfactory for the business to achieve its mission. The success of the operation of the coffee outlet is dependent on a lot of factors. First, the company should be able to create an appropriate branding strategy which will make it stand out among other competitors. In the specialty coffee industry, branding strategy is very much important even in the mere survival of the business organization because it emphasizes the strength of the company as well as indicates what customers expect. Next, the coffee outlet's brand image should be backed through the delivery of the image. For instance, since the company chooses to offer lowest prices, it should always conduct a market scanning in order to make sure that it is really offering the most competitive price. Another success factor is the outlet's product quality. In a world where customers have become more discriminating have higher bargaining power, it is important that business organizations, ensure that they are offering high quality products. In addition to this, the coffee outlet should align its workforce with its staff. In delivering the intended image and good product quality, the staff should also be educated and adept in offering excellent customer service which will enhance the overall branding strategy of the firm. Service is very much significant to specialty coffee retailers and other players in the hospitality industry. Next, the coffee outlet should also invest in having an atmosphere and ambiance where customers can sit back, relax, and socialize with friends recognizing that most coffee drinkers visit coffee shop in order to get away from the stressful office environment. List different types of information that would be relevant in order to manage this business. Your information requirements can be either accounting or non-financial. The management of the specialty coffee outlet should be based on an extensive and intensive market research which will help the business organization to pinpoint the most profitable market to be served. This will also enable them to tailor their products according