If every physical event has a sufficient physical cause, how can a Essay

If every physical event has a sufficient physical cause, how can a functionalist account for mental causation - Essay Example The most important point to note about the functionalism is that it indicates that mental states which constitute beliefs, being in pain and desires are composed entirely by their functional roles. Being a theoretical; level existing between implementation and physical output, functionalism is different from Cartesian dualism which supports the physical substance and mental independency. The aim of this paper is to discuss how functionalist account for mental causation given that every physical event has a sufficient physical cause. One of the major worries that are experienced in functionalism is the problem of mental causation. This refers to facing a problem of accounting for the idea that intentional mental state and intentional thoughts are triggers of intentional actions1. Mental causation covers the mind’s interaction with the rest of the world and how it influences the behavior of individuals. One of the major sub-division of the problem of mental causation is problem of mental causal exclusion. Others are anomalism and externalism problems. A good example of the causal exclusion problem is indicated when pain is experienced and it is generally linked to a certain state, and the higher properties of that state occurs, then argument that it is pain can casually irrelevant. In dealing with the problem of mental causation, various responses have emerged. According to Antony and Levine 1997, the problem occurred due to highly restrictive causation whereby a cause has to produce its effect. Other phil osophers indicate that causation covers the relationships that exist between various events that must be invoked in order to produce a certain behavior. Recently, causal exclusion problem has been noted to relate with theories of mental states. Theorists such as Anthony and Levine indicated that even though mental states can be defined based on their

Compare and contrast US Counter Intelligence to that of a foreign Essay

Compare and contrast US Counter Intelligence to that of a foreign country - Essay Example The difference between the two agencies as per their origin is because in the American backdrop, the agency was formed to protect the country from spies emerging from the Cold War and then the Second World War; whereas in India on the other hand, the point was to control activities by Indian anarchists, formed by the British as early as 1909 in order to regulate and control the country in a better manner. In the United States of America, there is a very thin line between intelligence and law enforcement whereas in India the same principle is not followed. The intelligence agency in India falls under the ambit of two aspects – the Intelligence Bureau and the Research and Analysis Wing. In the U.S, as compared to India, much better technological innovations are present which help the country take care of the intelligence needs. The United States is much more capable of finding information as compared to India because of the sole reason that a lot more funding and money has been placed to educate people and train them perfectly to fit the bill. India has trained officials taking care of extracting information and finding out for the benefit of the nation however the country is not as well versed in the same as the United States of America is. Since both agencies hire agents they need to have continuous tests to test the credibility of the agents and to find out whether or not they are well suited to defend the country. Initially in India, the agents were trained by the KGB of Russia however now they have their own training programs which nonetheless are not very effective and thus does not put India at par with the counter intelligence arising from countries like the United States of America. In India and the United States alike, the work done in the agencies is delegated into different departments that take care of different fields like aviation, naval and other such responsibilities. In India the main task of the Intelligence Bureau is to execute tasks re lated to counter intelligence and counter terrorism attacks. After the 9/11 attacks in the United States of America, the country has become much more strong in the sense of countering terrorist attacks unlike in India where proper training and security is still required to protect the nations. In the U.S, the intelligence agency shares relations with foreign intelligence agencies like cooperation from United Kingdom’s Secret Intelligence Service, the Canadian Security Intelligence Services and other countries like Australia, Russia, India and even Pakistan. This enables the country to get help from analysts present in all these countries that it has allied itself with during a crisis or an attack in order to get information in a much faster manner. India on the other hand is allied with the United States counter intelligence agency as well as a few other countries like United Kingdom. The most effective instrument of the nation’s power is said to be executed from the R esearch and Wing Analysis and it has been involved in the security of India’s nuclear program. This unit is only answerable to the Prime Minister and not the Parliament of the country for its actions; the United States intelligence agency on the other hand

The structure and organization of the human body

The structure and organization of the human body Unit 3 The Structure, Function and Organisation of The Human Body Outcome 1 Handout UNIT 3: THE STRUCTURE, ORGANISATION AND FUNCTION OF THE HUMAN BODY OUTCOME 1 The cell is the basic structural and functional unit of all known living organisms. It is the smallest unit of life that is classified as a living thing, and is often called the building block of life. It is usually a microscopic structure containing nuclear and cytoplasmic material enclosed by a semi-permeable membrane. Some organisms, such as most bacteria, are unicellular(consist of a single cell). Other organisms, such as humans, are multicellular. Each cell is at least somewhat self-contained and self-maintaining: it can take in nutrients, convert these nutrients into energy, carry out specialized functions, and reproduce as necessary. Each cell stores its own set of instructions for carrying out each of these activities. Comparison of structures between animal and plant cells Typical animal cell Typical plant cell Organelles Nucleus Nucleolus (within nucleus) Rough endoplasmic reticulum (ER) Smooth ER Ribosomes Cytoskeleton Golgi apparatus Cytoplasm Mitochondria Vesicles Lysosomes Centrosome Centrioles Nucleus Nucleolus (within nucleus) Rough ER Smooth ER Ribosomes Cytoskeleton Golgi apparatus (dictiosomes) Cytoplasm Mitochondria Vacuoles Cell wall ORGANELLES Nucleus- Controls the cell. It consists of the nuclear envelope, nucleolus, chromatin, and nucleoplasm. Nucleolus- are non-membraneous matrix of RNA (ribonucleic acid) and protein. found in the nucleus. Instructions in DNA are copied here. It works with ribosomes in the synthesis of protein. Chromosomes- Determines what traits a living thing will have, passes information from parent to offspring. Cell Membrane- same as unit membrane. Gives the cell shape, holds the cytoplasm, and controls what moves into and out of the cell. acts as a boundary layer to contain the cytoplasm (fluid in cell) interlocking surfaces bind cells together. Cytoplasm- Jellylike material (cytosol and organelles), most of the cells chemical reactions take place there, and made up of mostly water and some chemicals. Vacuoles- Liquid-filled, may store food, water, minerals, or wastes. There maybe more than one. In plants it takes up a lot of space, produce turgor pressure against cell wall for support. Mitochondria- Produce energy when food is broken down, often called the powerhouse of the cell. Its structure is composed of modified double unit membrane (protein, lipid). Its inner membrane infolded to form cristae. It is the site of cellular respiration i.e. the release of chemical energy from food Glucose + Oxygen > Carbon Dioxide + Water + Energy (ATP) Ribosomes- Where proteins are made, and often connected to the endoplasmic reticulum. A cell may have as many as 500,000. They are non-membraneous, spherical bodies composed of RNA (ribonucleic acid) and protein enzymes. They are the site of protein synthesis. Endoplasmic Reticulum- The transportation system in the cell, connects the nuclear membrane with the cell membrane. Used in detoxification of the cell. ER. Forms a tubular network throughout the cell. Provides a large surface area for the organization of chemical reactions and synthesis. Centrioles- Found only in animal cells, is used in cell reproduction to help the chromosomes arrange before cell division. They are nine triplets of microtubules form one centriole. Two centrioles form one centrosome. They form spindle fibres to separate chromosomes during cell division. Golgi apparatus(bodies)- Stacks of flattened sacs of unit membrane (cisternae) vesicles pinch off the edges. Modifies chemicals to make them functional. Secretes chemicals in tiny vesicles. Stores chemicals. May produce endoplasmic reticulum. Lysosomes- digests food particles with enzymes, pinched of pieces of golgi apparatus. Are membrane bound bag containing hydrolytic enzymes. Are hydrolytic enzyme = (water split biological catalyst) i.e. using water to split chemical bonds. They break large molecules into small molecules by inserting a molecule of water into the chemical bond. Cell Wall- Found only in plant cells. Forms a thick outer covering outside the cell membrane, gives the plant support and shape. Is a non-living secretion of the cell membrane, composed of cellulose. They are cellulose fibrils deposited in alternating layers for strength. Cell wall contains pits (openings) that make it totally permeable. It provides protection from physical injury and together with vacuole, provides skeletal support. Chloroplasts- Found only in plant cells. Found in the cytoplasm of green plant cells, contain chlorophyll, traps the energy from light, and is where photosynthesis takes place. It is composed of a double layer of modified membrane (protein,chlorophyll, lipid). The inner membrane invaginates to form layers called grana (sing., granum) where chlorophyll is concentrated. It is the site of photosynthesis chlorophyll Carbon Dioxide + Water > Glucose + Oxygen radiant energy (food). TISSUE There are many different types of cells in the human body. None of these cells function well on there own, they are part of the larger organism that is called you. Tissue is a cellular organizational level intermediate between cells and a complete organism. Hence, a tissue is an ensemble of cells, not necessarily identical, but from the same origin, that together carry out a specific function. Organsare then formed by the functional grouping together of multiple tissues. Cells group together in the body to form tissues a collection of similar cells that group together to perform a specialized function. There are 4 primary tissue types in the human body: epithelial tissue, connective tissue, muscle tissue and nerve tissue. 1. Epithelial Tissue- The cells of epithelial tissue pack tightly together and form continuous sheets that serve as linings in different parts of the body. Epithelial tissue serve as membranes lining organs and helping to keep the bodys organs separate, in place and protected. Some examples of epithelial tissue are the outer layer of the skin, the inside of the mouth and stomach, and the tissue surrounding the bodys organs. 2. Connective Tissue- There are many types of connective tissue in the body. Generally speaking, connective tissue adds support and structure to the body. Most types of connective tissue contain fibrous strands of the protein collagen that add strength to connective tissue. Some examples of connective tissue include the inner layers of skin, tendons, ligaments, cartilage, bone and fat tissue. In addition to these more recognizable forms of connective tissue, blood is also considered a form of connective tissue. 3. Muscle Tissue- Muscle tissue is a specialized tissue that can contract. Muscle tissue contains the specialized proteins actin and myosin that slide past one another and allow movement. Examples of muscle tissue are contained in the muscles throughout your body. 4. Nerve Tissue- Nerve tissue contains two types of cells: neurons and glial cells. Nerve tissue has the ability to generate and conduct electrical signals in the body. These electrical messages are managed by nerve tissue in the brain and transmitted down the spinal cord to the body. ORGANS Organs are the next level of organization in the body. An organ is a structure that contains at least two different types of tissue functioning together for a common purpose. There are many different organs in the body: the liver, kidneys, heart, even your skin is an organ. In fact, the skin is the largest organ in the human body and provides us with an excellent example for explanation purposes. The skin is composed of three layers: the epidermis, dermis and subcutaneous layer. The epidermis is the outermost layer of skin. It consists of epithelial tissue in which the cells are tightly packed together providing a barrier between the inside of the body and the outside world. Below the epidermis lies a layer of connective tissue called the dermis. In addition to providing support for the skin, the dermis has many other purposes. The dermis contains blood vessels that nourish skin cells. It contains nerve tissue that provides feeling in the skin. And it contains muscle tissue that is responsible for giving you goosebumps when you get cold or frightened. The subcutaneous layer is beneath the dermis and consists mainly of a type of connective tissue called adipose tissue. Adipose tissue is more commonly known as fat and it helps cushion the skin and provide protection from cold temperatures. Nervous tissue: is one of four major classes of vertebrate tissue. Nervous tissue is the main component of the nervous system-the brain, spinal cord, and nerves-which regulates and controls body functions. It is composed of neurones, which transmit impulses, and the neuroglia, which assist propagation of the nerveimpulse as well as provide nutrientsto the neuron. Every time you get pinched, part of your nerve tissue is damaged. Nervous tissue is made of nerve cells that come in many varieties, all of which are distinctly characteristic by the axon or long stem like part of the cell that sends action potential signals to the next cell. Functions of the nervous system are sensory input, integration, controls of muscles and glands, homeostasis, and mental activity. All living cells have the ability to react to stimuli. Nervous tissue is specialized to react to stimuli and to conduct impulses to various organs in the body which bring about a response to the stimulus. Nerve tissue (as in the brain, spinal cord and peripheral nerves that branch throughout the body) are all made up of specialized nerve cells called neurons. Neurons are easily stimulated and transmit impulses very rapidly. A nerve is made up of many nerve cell fibres (neurons) bound together by connective tissue. A sheath of dense connective tissue, the epineurium surrounds the nerve. This sheath penetrates the nerve to form the perineurium which surrounds bundles of nerve fibres. Blood vessels of various sizes can be seen in the epineurium. The endoneurium, which consists of a thin layer of loose connective tissue, surrounds the individual nerve fibres. The cell body is enclosed by a cell (plasma) membrane and has a central nucleus. Granules called Nissl bodies are found in the cytoplasm of the cell body. Within the cell body, extremely fine neurofibrils extend from the dendrites into the axon. The axon is surrounded by the myelin sheath, which forms a whitish, non-cellular, fatty layer around the axon. Outside the myelin sheath is a cellular layer called the neurilemma or sheath of Schwann cells. The myelin sheath together with the neurilemma is also known as the medullary sheath. This medullary sheath is interrupted at intervals by the nodes of Ranvier. Neuronal Communication Nerve cells are functionally made to each other at a junction known as a synapse, where the terminal branches of an axon and the dendrites of another neuron lie in close proximity to each other but normally without direct contact. Information is transmitted across the gap by chemical secretions called neurotransmitters. It causes activation in the post-synaptic cell. All cells possess the ability to respond to stimuli.

Gothic and Feminist Elements of The Yellow Wallpaper -- Feminism Femin

Gothic and Feminist Elements of The Yellow Wallpaper      Ã‚  Ã‚   Charlotte Perkins Gilman's "The Yellow Wallpaper" has been interpreted in many ways over the years. Modernist critics have applied depth psychology to the story and written about the symbolism of sexual repression in the nursery bars, the chained-down bed, and the wallpaper. Genre critics have discussed the story as an example of supernatural gothic fiction, in which a ghost actually haunts the narrator. But most importantly, feminist critics (re)discovered the story in the 1970s and interpreted it as a critique of a society that subjugated women into the role of wife and mother and repressed them so much that all they could ever hope to be was an "angel in the house." Keeping in mind that "The Yellow Wallpaper" can be - and most often is - interpreted as a feminist text in this way, we must also recognize that it holds its own in the Gothic genre. In fact, Eugenia Delamotte claims that "women who just can't seem to get out of the house [are] the most basic subject of Gothic plots" (207). The Gothic has always been and still is a genre that picks up on the concerns of its day. In the same way that postmodern Gothic (Don DeLillo and John Crowley, for example) concerns itself with late twentieth century technological issues, Gilman's Gothic of a century ago was very concerned with the plight of women in American society. When we recognize "The Yellow Wallpaper" as both a feminist treatise and a Gothic text, we can begin drawing conclusions that might not be obvious had we overlooked this dual nature of the story. Gilman's narrator - who appears to be suffering from postpartum depression - has been diagnosed by several male physicians, including her husband, and... ... Gothic and feminist. It is both classically Gothic and an expression of the position Gilman would like to see women achieve in society. This duality is quite powerful. The Gothic trope of concealed objects is what enabled Gilman to best express her feminist views on the status of women in her suffocating society. Her nameless narrator is representative of all American women who have lost their identity to oppressive and unfulfilling domestic roles.    Works Cited Delamotte, Eugenia C. "Male and Female Mysteries in 'The Yellow Wallpaper.'" Legacy. 5.1 (1988): 3-14. Rpt. in Twentieth-Century Literary Criticism. Paula Kepos. 37. Detroit: Gale, 1991. Golden, Catherine. "The Writing of 'The Yellow Wallpaper': A Double Palimpest." Studies in American Fiction. 17.2 (1989): 193-201. Rpt. in Short Story Criticism. David Segal. 13. Detroit: Gale, 1993   

Happiness Emotion Essay

Happiness is an emotion and feeling of contentment, gladness and pleasure. In some instances it may be in our power or in some other cases it may not be. Feeling of happiness is a transitory stage; however, it can turn into a long-term state when we and our surroundings constantly adopt those practices that cause happiness and pleasure. Maslow talked about long-term happiness. It can be subjective happiness or objective happiness. Maslow belief was on objective happiness. In the state of happiness our own self-deception plays a vital role. One can think of being happy when he’s not or one can be happy and content but not aware of this state. Some philosophers view that the state of being happy is completely under our control. We can choose to be happy or not. The power of being happy or unhappy is a state of mind. Because some people are happy over one thing, while others feel just the opposite of the same thing. It depends on our daily habits and practices. But Maslow believed that happiness is to have a good pleasurable life that one can achieve with his full potential. He thinks one can be happy when one is living a high-quality good life. According to Csikszentmihalyi, the philosophy of happiness in human society has always been under great controversies and discussions. Human brutality, war and conflict have caused great deal of violence, aggression and miseries in the society. Prevailing happiness in the society is not an easy task. It would require improving our relations with others. This includes all kinds of relations, relations between the nations, between different ethnic groups, between different cultures and societies. Developing relationship with others need changing our attitudes. A conflict starts when our attitude and behavior is not good with others. Keeping good attitude and behaving with others gently will only cause happiness to prevail. Harshness, brutality, rudeness, and aggressive attitude give rise to conflict, hatred and eventually war. For maintaining happiness in the society, it is not only important to improve our attitudes but to protect them and promote them to guard happiness. Happiness exists when all rights of people are protected and they get justice when harm is done to them. Philosophers define happiness as not just the ‘end of conflict’ but it’s a continuous process of developing relationships and promoting good behavior. Csikszentmihalyi gives broader view of happiness with respect to its existence and outcomes in history. He analyses how the aggression has existed in society and how happiness had evolved and been affective in prevailing tranquility in the society. Happiness exists in our feelings when our behavior inspires courteousness, love of neighborhood, sympathy, charity, if combined, defeat poverty, discrimination, abuse and other hatred attitudes. Trust in religion can overcome hatred & disgust, while it ends discrimination and does not foster inequity but love. Hurting, destroying and harming others spread pain. However, love halts this devastation and ends pain.   The demands of nurturing and sustaining such love are very high. Respect for religion inspires. According to Csikszentmihalyi, a happy meaningful life might be different in views of different people depending upon the achievements in different areas, which cover happiness, wealth, richness, health, love, marriage, family & relations. However, apart from these, there are spiritual and existential needs that give meaning to life. The desire to attain this meaning is not fulfilled or overcome by relative meanings, but this comes by ultimate gift. The former is limited to specific realm of meaning, while later is permanent, whatever we attain meaninglessness continues. Our moral responsibility is the necessity and our actions take root from our determination and our own choice. For this we are going to answer in the hereafter about our deeds. If our deeds are according to God’s law and His doctrine then we may be rewarded by Him but if our deeds are in rejection to what God created as ‘norms’ of life then we can be punished by Him. A voluntary act differs from a non-voluntary one in that first one has self-conscious advertence (to turn one’s attention to) to that particular action and self-choice for own causality. It has a choice that the act has been chosen by one’s own awareness. Thoughtful ideas and volition consciously started, but later continued merely spontaneously, without reflective advertence remains free because there was a free choice for bringing it about by elective adoption. Lyubomirsky states that everything, which is going on in the world, is the result of some previous event, or events. Therefore, everything that exists is already in pre-determined or pre-existent state and, hence, nothing new can come into existence. This holds the view that every event is simply the result of past events. This, in turn, has deep and radical effects on morality, science, and religion. According to the view of Lyubomirsky anything which is going to happen in the future is unalterable and is caused by prior events. It concludes that human freedom is an illusion. Free will is opposite to what determinism is, it is non-determination and freedom. The conscious of man are free to make genuine undetermined choices. Free will comes in a variety of types and strengths. Lyubomirsky states determination contradict free will and doctrine that it does not exist, because all events, are causally determined. Hence, our will can determine our happiness. This view shows that we’re in a system of parts, and strengthens the view compositional happiness, as commonly view by Christian complementariness in agreement with naturalist. According to Maslow, to build a system with happiness we must construct a physical or biological structure, and to successfully build such system, a mental life would emerge in that system. In support of this view, another philosopher suggests that to have a happy life means to have any peculiar kind of physical and emotional system. Philosophers assert that a person is system of material made up of different parts ordered in appropriate pattern. Thus, happiness may or may not be under our control. It some situations we can do things to make ourselves happy or at other times it may come without alarming. If existence is not taken into the meanings of a prosperous-being then, a society can exist without security, education and rules. But a society can never stand without any health. These three basic things are regarded as the very fundamental human rights namely security, education and health. The absence of the first two destroys the society as a whole but do not interfere with the individuals in a very direct way, but the absence of the third one destroys the entities of that society-the human beings itself. So health is the fundamental issue that a society has to care for. A society is said to exist on three main beams, Security of individuals, Education and health. Poor health conditions could affect the society in a way that even the other two collectively can not do. Nothing is more concerning to a person more than his health. Health is no doubt a basic human right. This basic right of an individual is the duty of a government. Only healthier persons can contribute effectively towards a productive society. Religion inspires courteousness, love of neighborhood, sympathy, charity, if combined, defeat poverty, discrimination, abuse and other hatred attitudes. Trust in religion can overcome hatred & disgust, while it ends discrimination and does not foster inequity but love. Hurting, destroying and harming others spread pain. However, love halts this devastation and ends pain.   The demands of nurturing and sustaining such love are very high. Respect for religion inspires â€Å"civility of love† for humanity, inspires people to trust, pray, and work diligently for a world where all people are respected. According to Lyubomirsky & Sheldon religion, especially monotheism, where God is the sole point of worship creates a direct relationship of man with God. Lyubomirsky & Sheldon’s writing has greatly been influenced by cosmological religiosity from in a sense though he is unable to do so as it largely relates to emotions, behavior and psychological health. He relates cosmological religiosity with human powers of love, emotions, feelings, and value as it is associated with the matter of soul. He stresses that cosmological religiosity is not a religious connotation but a science to deal with mental functioning in health and illness. For him, conscious and unconscious thought is not the matter of belief in God or not to believe in Him but about humanistic view of religion, his attitude, behavior and relationship with people and a positive attitude towards the society. But this humanistic definition of religion doesn’t actually encompass religious connotations. Though, in defining authoritarian view of religion, he is correct to some extent, where monotheism is regarded the only true form of religion while all other are deviation from this truth, he hasn’t yet been able to grasp the actual meaning of religion, its important role in man’s life and in his study of mind. In monotheism only one power, God, dominates, who has to be followed and respected with submission. However, he regards this type of submission as self-destruction. Here Lyubomirsky & Sheldon is proposing an incorrect view of â€Å"submission to God† as self-destruction, because history and facts show that this is the only way of developing a true and loving behavior with the Creator and the His creatures. The form of religion he states right i.e. humanistic, is actually not humanistic but self-indulgence and it hardly leads one to love his society and people but person’s life keeps revolving around himself without realization of duty-bound to his responsibilities and right of God and His people. Hence the three articles conclude about different views of happiness. Happiness lies in one’s inner-self and how we view outside world. Our personality and psychology plays vital role that how we perceive certain things as good for us and some as bad. References A Theory of Human Motivation` by Maslow If We Are So Rich, Why Arent We Happy? by Csikszentmihalyi – Pursuing Happiness by Lyubomirsky, Sheldon, and Schakade.

Case Study Panera Bread Essay

Synopsis Panera Bread is a casual made-to-order fast food restaurant that offers specialty breads, sandwiches, tossed salads and soups. Established in 1981, with 1,562 company owned and franchised locations, Panera Bread has moved into the forefront of the restaurant business, and has strategically penetrated the market while acquiring a robust amount of loyal customers. Most of the restaurants offer the choice of indoor and outdoor dining. A fireplace inside the restaurant is appealing to many customers during the winter months, of whom are looking for a hot cup of coffee and a place to read their newspaper or book. Coffee, tea, and soda are offered with free refills, and water with lemons is complementary. Indoor tables, free refills, and comfortable tables/chairs make Panera Breads establishment a functional study place for college kids. Every restaurant is well staged with elegant displays of their specialty baked products, making it nearly impossible not to indulge. This fast growing res taurant has maintained a competitive edge due to their appealing interior design, neutral dining environment, fresh baked goods, fresh coffee and tea, made-to-order foods with possible drive-through capabilities, customer rewards card, tables equipped with electrical outlets, and efficient service. Panera Bread establishments, undoubtedly, offer an experience that can only occur at Panera Bread. Resources Panera Bread has a driving concept to provide a premium specialty bakery and cafà © experience to urban workers and suburban dwellers. Attractive & appealing menu Nationwide leader in the bakery-cafà © segment High ratings in customer satisfaction studies Good brand name Fresh dough operations & sales to franchised stores Initial success in catering Good franchisees – higher sales in franchised stores compared to company-owned Financial strength of the company – able to grow without taking on too much debt Capabilities Panera bread offers an upscale fast casual dining experience. Panera operates in three business segments: company owned bakery-cafà © operations, franchise operations, fresh dough operations. Every restaurant is well staged with elegant displays of their specialty baked products, making it nearly impossible not to indulge. This fast growing restaurant has maintained a competitive edge due to their appealing interior design, neutral dining environment, fresh baked goods, fresh coffee and tea, made-to-order foods with possible drive-through capabilities, customer rewards card, tables equipped with electrical outlets, and efficient service. Core Competencies Panera has created a casual but comfortable place where customers could eat freshly baked sandwiches, soups and salads without worrying about whether or not it is nutritious. The company is designed to visually reinforce the distinctive difference between its bakery-cafes and those of its competitors. Management of corporate and franchise growth, as well a deep sense of community involvement and the desire to give back to community, further solidify Panera’s placement as something different in today marketplace. Panera’s deep sense community can be seen as Panera gives away leftover bread to homeless shelters and collects money for other charitable causes such as the Operation Dough-Nation program. Finding of Fact #1 The Panera Bread Company does not have an aggressive marketing strategy and aims to let customers discover Panera on their own. Panera’s service is not as fast as other fast-food companies and charges higher prices. Panera has higher prices than rivals, which could be due to their operating costs. Panera has expanded in the past years but the locations are concentrated geographically. Recommedation#1 Panera has opportunities to continue their success in the fast casual industry. They can try to control operating costs that might be out of hand or unnecessary. The company should consider expanding into new markets and  expanding geographically, even internationally. Products can continually be made based on current food trends. The peak hours at Panera are breakfast and lunch, efforts could be made to attract a larger dinnertime rush. I think that they should apply dinner specials so that more customers come in during that time; this would be to increase sales during dinner times. Another idea is for online ordering, for the customers on the go. This way they can have a higher turnover rate when it comes to waiting in lines. Finding of Fact #2 Panera Bread operating cost is too high. Recommendation #2 Another thing that I would recommend Panera do, instead of making their dough at bakeries, Panera makes their dough at their stores. This could eliminate the middleman, and possibly eliminating excess materials in the process (including a reduction in transportation costs). This could potentially help their bottom line. Making low operating costs for a fast casual industry will prove successful. In an industry that has easy substitutes it is important to cut down overhead prices to make the most from your sales. Integrating vertically could cut operating costs making profit increase. Finding of Fact #3 Panera Bread management needs to strengthen the company’s competitive position. Recommendation #3 I recommend that the company focus on location to help increase their competitive position. It is a key success factor. Most consumers at a fast casual restaurant will be middle or upper class. It is important to locate these restaurants near demographic areas where many middle or upper class people can access the business. Many fast casual restaurants try to create a third place. The location of this restaurant is important because it should be placed in a central location where other commodities are surrounding it. To stay profitable in the highly competitive restaurant industry, Panera  regularly reviews and revises their menu to sustain the interest of regular customers, satisfy changing customer preferences, and be responsive to various seasons of the year. Panera develops an advantage in changing their menu over competitors such as McDonald’s and Subway who do not change their menu frequently and customers often lose interest in their menu offerings. Works Cited Wheelen, Thomas L. and J. David Hunger. Strategic Management and Business Policy Toward Global Sustainablity. Upper Saddle River: Prentice Hall, 2012.