Mc Donalds

1. Does McDonald's success outside the United States provide support for Levitt's views about the global marketplace?

A) I do not think that McDonalds really supports his views about the global marketplace. Levitt mentioned that companies selling products globally do so using the same format or selling techniques everywhere. He also mentions that these companies use the same products and services everywhere in the world. When we look at McDonalds, we see they have adapted their products according to all the different cultures and backgrounds. For example according to Trifter.com, "In India, there are no Big Macs because the Hindu people don't eat beef. However, they have the Maharaja Mac; which is a Big Mac made of lamb or chicken meat. There is also a vegetarian burger, the McAloo Tikki. Japan totally reinvents McDonalds with its Ebi Filet-O (shrimp burgers), Koroke Burger (mashed potato, cabbage and katsu sauce, all in a sandwich), Ebi-Chiki (shrimp nuggets) and Green Tea-flavored milkshake."

http://www.trifter.com/Practical-Travel/Budget-Travel/McDonalds-Strange-Menu-Around-the-World.35517

2. Do you think government officials in developing countries such as Russia, China, and India welcome McDonalds? Do consumers in these countries welcome McDonalds? Why or why not?

A) I think the government officials in countries like Russia, China and India have shown more resistance to global companies. I think McDonalds has seen more resistance in these countries due to traditional foods and values used by locals. I think they also see McDonalds as an American symbol, a symbol that is well known around the world for selling junk food. I think this image has been changing little by little and more people are seeing this American company as a resource to eat fast food that tastes good.

3. Assess McDonalds prospects for success beyond the burger-and-fries model. Do customers care who owns a company such as Donato's Pizza?

A) I think McDonalds is successful because the company was one of the first pioneers in the burgers and fries industry. I think they have also used their brand as an American success symbol attracting people from all over the world to try "American food". The company has also used brand awareness to be successful, making multi-millionaire campaigns to attract and retain their customers. I do not think customers care who owns Donato's pizza. I think Donato's pizza could have achieved a better reputation around the world if they would have been the pioneers of fast food pizza. Since they weren't, people look at them as any other pizza place.

4. Is it realistic to expect that McDonalds - or any well-known company - can expand globally without occasionally making mistakes or generating controversy?

A) I think it is unrealistic to expect a company like McDonalds to not make mistakes while expanding globally. I think you can avoid some mistakes by doing