Assessing The American Fast Food Industry Business Essay

Surveying The American Fast Food Industry Business Essay The world has become a quick paced condition where individuals work on close timetables. This has diminished opportunity to get ready home prepared suppers and has made snappy inexpensive food dinners extremely mainstream particularly for grown-ups who transport to and from work and the children who consider it to be a treat. This pattern has made it workable for the inexpensive food industry to flourish. This serious industry has a huge market made of all periods of the populace. The eateries presently produce solid imaginative and nutritious food which conquers the feelings of trepidation clients have about unfortunate eating regimens. The business has been exceptionally fruitful in the United States and has bit by bit expanded its venture to take advantage of the developing scene showcase. This has caused the cheap food industry to form quickly into a global industry. 1.2 INDUSTRY OVERVIEW A drive-through joint is equal with brisk and newly arranged food which is advantageous to the purchasers. The most widely recognized dinners served are: cheeseburgers, franks, sandwiches, chicken and pizza. The side dishes normally include: servings of mixed greens, fries, heated beans, prepared potatoes, onion rings and a wide assortment of treats. Refreshments like soda pops, filtered water, hot cocoa, espresso, tea, milkshakes and juice are additionally offered nearby with the dinners (Hovers, 2010). Cheap food establishment chains, for example, Subway, Burger King, McDonaldHYPERLINK http://www.buzzle.com/articles/mcdonalds/HYPERLINK http://www.buzzle.com/articles/mcdonalds/s, Prã ªt-a-Manger and Pizza Hut take into account requests for fish, lean meat, uncommon eating regimen supper segments, and other impressive territorial varieties (Buzzle, 2010). 1.3 ORIGIN OF FIRMS IN THE FAST FOOD INDUSTRY The starting points of drive-through joints in the USA which is otherwise called cheap food capital of the world can most likely be followed to a particular date 7 July 1912 when a drive-through eatery was opened in New York City by Horn Hardart. The foundation offered its glad clients a choice of pre-arranged quick nourishments which were shown behind little glass windows and coin-worked spaces (Yusef, 2002). The advancement of inexpensive food which is a major business as at today can be followed back to America which had extraordinary effect universally (Yusef, 2002). In spite of the fact that there was without a doubt inexpensive food everywhere throughout the world in some shape or structure hundreds of years prior, it truly began to turn into a business undertaking when social, producing and monetary conditions made it less expensive to eat out (Rowlinson, 2002). 1.4 INTERNATIONALIZATION OF THE FAST FOOD INDUSTRY The internationalization of the food administration industry was spearheaded by, is as yet being ruled by, U.S. based snappy help cafés (QSR), for example McDonalds, Burger King, KFC, and Pizza Hut. The choice by these organizations to go universal was related with the extraordinary possibility of remote food administration markets and to support Americans voyaging abroad. It is intriguing to take note of that American inexpensive food is grasped by youngsters in numerous remote nations as design food, a component of the famous Western culture. This has added to the accomplishment of fast help café tasks in numerous remote nations. (Yu, 1999). As indicated by the National Restaurant Association in the United States, there are roughly 160 U.S. claimed food administration organizations working globally, this is represented in figure 1 Eateries chain Complete us units Complete outside units Mc Donalds 21,022 8,923 KFC 9,863 4,784 BURGER KING 8,874 1,817 SUB WAY 12,516 1,668 WENDY 4,933 564 Table 1: Total US units incorporate both organization possessed and establishment claimed units. Source: Personal correspondence, National Restaurant Association. (Washington, DC, 1997) The organizations in the inexpensive food industry (QSR) will in general internationalize quick by receiving diversifying as a method of section (Yu 1999). Yu additionally recognized that the cheap food industry will in general follow dwelling industry in internationalizing its activity. This is a direct result of development in populace and financial turn of events. The creator distinguished six world areas these organizations have internationalized as Europe, Asia, Africa, Latin America and the Middle East. The internationalization history could be followed to the 1990s and has internationalized extraordinarily spreading to various pieces of this world .This could seen to agree with Uppsalas Model of internationalization where firms will in general slowly draw to nearer nations to diminish vulnerability for example mystic separation. Additionally, the model tends to the issue of target information which has added to their explanations behind internationalizing because of simple exchange of information. (Johanson and Wiedersheim, 1975). 2.1 POPULAR TARGET MARKET The business produced its most grounded development outside the US, to such an extent that their objective markets were in Europe, Asia/Pacific, Middle East-Africa (Apmea) tasks. Europe locale has been the most mainstream target showcase for firms in the business due to its political and social solidness (Yu, 1999) while different areas depended on factors like populace. 2.2 GEOGRAPHICAL CLUSTER The principle target showcase for the USA quick nourishments are Europe, Asia pacific, Middle East and Africa. In these nations they have some type of centralization of drive-through joints in zones near schools to portray school neighborhood food conditions, shopping centers and the air terminals. The geo-coded databases research shows that cafés are deliberately situated at schools, shopping centers and air terminals which have been utilized to look at locational examples of drive-through eateries in kindergartens, essential and optional schools in Chicago. The utilization of bivariate K work factual strategy by most scientists to measure the level of grouping (spatial reliance) of drive-through joints around school, shopping center and air terminal areas. Drive-through eateries are thought inside a short strolling good ways from schools, and furthermore near shopping center, air terminal which may uncover kids in school to low quality food conditions in their school neighborhoods. This may help other people, for example, the explorers and shopaholics (Austin et al, 2005). As per Austin from the Harvard School of Public Healths Prevention Research Center incorporated a far reaching rundown of 613 drive-through eateries in the city of Europe, just as a rundown of 1,292 open and private kindergartens, primary schools, center schools and secondary schools. Whereby every eatery and school was doled out longitude and scope facilitates and enumeration tract recognizable proof codes. Utilizing measurable techniques, the scientists evaluated the separations among schools and cafés and determined the level of bunching. 3.0 FOREIGN MARKET ENTRY MODE Firms Number of remote outlets Mc Donalds 8,923 KFC 4,984 Burger King 1,817 Sub way 1,668 Wendy 564 Taco Bell 348 Pizza Hut 482 Little Caesars 379 Table 2: Firms area in different mainlands Source: Personal correspondence, National Restaurant Association. (Washington, DC, 1997) and yearly Report The table recognized a few nations the quantity of remote outlet where the above US inexpensive food firms work. The significant market passage modes utilized by these organizations in this industry is diversifying. Diversifying could be viewed as one of the passage modes utilized by associations, which includes a legally binding understanding between an organization and an individual or another organization where the franchisor gives the option to work together under a typical exchange name a recommended way, over a predetermined timeframe and spot in return for eminences or the installment of different expenses. The organization offering the privilege is known as the franchisor, the organization/person who purchases and keeps up the privilege is the franchisee, and the privilege been purchased is alluded to as the establishment (Mendelsohn, 2004). 3.1 THE APPROPRIATENESS OF THE STRATEGY As per Alan et al (1999), the advantages that collect to firm that takes part in diversifying as a method of section into outside business sectors incorporates: à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢ ¢ Reduced expense and monetary hazard related in entering a remote market à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢ ¢ Serves as a decent motivator to construct beneficial activity quicker. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢ ¢ It offers vital coalition which helps the franchisee to profit by economies of scale and permits the franchisor the administrative adaptability of a littler firm. Erramilli et al (1990), in his investigation distinguished that the administration business utilizes Franchising as a method of section. This is especially so on the grounds that Fast food firms offer delicate assistance and his thoughts regarding delicate help firms depend on the way that such firms can't send out their item since trading essentially require a detachment of maker and purchaser and subsequently they need to depend on authoritative strategy for example diversifying/authorizing so as to extend their market. Arnold (2003) distinguished that diversifying is the most proper for duplication of a plan of action or configuration, for example, a cheap food retail arrangement and menu. He further distinguished that inexpensive food isn't culture bound in which showcasing information (i.e., the item or administration explicit information associated with promoting this specific contribution) is in any event as significant as neighborhood advertise information (i.e., the information required to work effectively in a specific region). It is additionally essential to take note of that in such organizations, the nearby help faculty are an indispensable separating factor, and these will clearly still be neighborhood in direction regardless of whether they work inside a globally predictable business format.(Arnold 2003: 2) Another thought proposed by specialists depends on Governments in many creating nations are getting mindful of the monetary advantages that diversifying can bring, and are encouraging the section of outside franchisors in their business sectors (Pelton et al, 1997). Tayeb (2000), recommended that Franchising appears to be suitable for firms who need to hold control which will be partner

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The Connection Between Melatonin and Meditation

The Connection Between Melatonin and Meditation Meditation Print The Connection Between Melatonin and Meditation By Cathy Wong Updated on February 03, 2020 JGI / Jamie Grill Blend Images / Getty Images More in Self-Improvement Meditation Happiness Stress Management Spirituality Holistic Health Inspiration Brain Health Technology Relationships View All People who meditate regularly sometimes feel that the practice has positive health effects such as improved energy and calmness of mind. But there is also preliminary research that suggests that meditation may boost levels of melatonin, a hormone that helps regulate sleep and appears to influence other hormones in the body. What Melatonin Is Melatonin is produced by the pineal gland in the brain. The philosopher Rene Descartes called this tiny gland the seat of the soul. In the Hindu spiritual tradition, meditation techniques are used to direct energy flow through seven energy centers in the body, or chakras, and selectively activate or suppress their associated glands. The pineal gland corresponds to a chakra located at the top of the head and is believed to influence happiness. Research The connection between melatonin and meditation was first explored in 1995 by researchers at the University of Massachusetts Medical Centers Stress Reduction and Relaxation Program. Since melatonin is produced mainly at night, overnight urine samples were collected and tested for 6- sulphatoxymelatonin, a melatonin breakdown product thought to be an accurate reflection of blood melatonin levels. Researchers found that women who meditated had significantly higher levels compared with women who did not. Another study found that meditation before bedtime increased melatonin levels for that night. No increases in blood melatonin levels were noted on nights where participants didnt meditate. This suggests that regular practice of meditation is necessary. Here are two meditation techniques that are based on those used in the research studies. For maximal benefit, try to meditate for twenty minutes to half an hour before you go to sleep using the technique that feels more comfortable for you. Meditation Methods Find a quiet and comfortable place. Sit in a chair or on the floor with your head, neck, and back straight but not stiff. Try to put aside all thoughts of the past and the future and stay in the present.Become aware of your breathing, focusing on the sensation of air moving in and out of your body as you breathe. Feel your belly rise and fall. Notice the air entering your nostrils and leaving your mouth. Pay attention to the way each breath changes and is different.Watch every thought come and go, whether it be a worry, fear, anxiety or hope. When thoughts come up in your mind, dont ignore or suppress them but simply note them, remain calm and use your breathing as an anchor.If you find yourself getting carried away in your thoughts, observe where your mind went off to, without judging, and simply return to your breathing. Remember not to be hard on yourself if this happens.As the time comes to a close, sit for a minute or two, becoming aware of where you are. Get up gradually. Relaxation Response Find a quiet place and sit in a comfortable position. Try to relax your muscles.Choose a word or phrase that has special meaning to you and makes you feel peaceful. Or you can try the words Ham Sah, a Sanskrit mantra meaning I am that.As you breathe in, slowly produce the sound haaam as if you are sinking into a hot bath. As you exhale, slowly produce to sound saah, which should feel like a sigh.Breathe slowly and naturally. Inhale through your nose and pause for a few seconds. Exhale through your mouth, again pausing for a few seconds.Dont worry about how well you are doing and dont feel bad if thoughts or feelings intrude. Simply say to yourself Oh well and return to your repetition.As the time comes to a close, continue to be aware of your breathing but sit quietly. Becoming aware of where you are, slowly open your eyes and get up gradually.

Historical and Modern Terrorist Groups by Type

While there is no universally agreed-upon or legally binding definition of a terrorist act, the U.S. gives it a good try in Title 22 Chapter 38 U.S. Code  § 2656f, by defining  terrorism as an act of premeditated, politically motivated violence perpetrated against noncombatant targets by subnational groups or clandestine agents.  Or, in brief, the use of violence or threat of violence in the pursuit of political, religious, ideological, or social objectives. What we do know is that terrorism is nothing new. Even a cursory glance over the centuries reveals a startling list of groups for whom some form of violence is justified to  achieve  social, political, and religious change. Terrorism in Early History Most of us think of terrorism as a modern phenomenon. After all, many of the terrorist groups listed below rely or have relied on the mass media to spread their message through non-stop coverage. However, there are some pre-modern groups who used terror to achieve their ends, and who are often considered precursors to modern terrorists. For instance, the Sicarii, organized in the first century in Judea to protest Roman rule or the Thugee cult of assassins in ancient India who wreaked havoc and destruction in the name of Kali. Socialist/Communist Many groups committed to socialist revolution or the establishment of socialist or communist states arose in the last half of the 20th century, and many are now defunct. The most prominent included: Baader-Meinhof Group  (Germany; renamed Red Army Faction but defunct as of 1998)  Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP)Red Brigades (Italy)Revolutionary Struggle (Greece)Shining Path (Peru)Weather Underground Organization (United States) National Liberation National liberation is historically among the most potent reasons that extremist groups turn to violence to achieve their aims. There are many of these groups, but they have included: ETA (Basque)Fatah (PLO) (Palestinian)Irgun (Zionist)IRA (Irish)(Kurdish)Tamil Tigers (Sri Lankan Tamils) Religious-Political There has been a rise in religiosity globally since the 1970s and, with it, a rise in what many analysts call religious terrorism. It would be more accurate to call groups such as Al Qaeda religious-political, or religious-nationalist. We call them religious because they use a religious idiom and shape their mandate in divine terms. Their goals, however, are political: recognition, power, territory, concessions from states, and the like. Historically, such groups have included: Al Qaeda (transnational, Islamist)Aum Shinrikyo (renamed Aleph; Japanese, with various influences, including Hindu and Buddhist)Ku Klux Klan (U.S.,  Christian)Abu Sayyaf  (Philippines,  Islamist)Egyptian Islamic JihadHamas (Palestinian,  Islamist) (Hamas is designated by the U.S. and other governments as a terrorist group, but it is also the elected government of the Palestinian Authority)Hezbollah (Hezbollah is designated as a terrorist organization by the U.S. and other governments, but others argue it should be considered a movement, rather than a terrorist group) State Terrorism Most states and transnational organizations (like the United Nations) define terrorists as non-state actors. This is often a highly contentious issue, and there are long-standing debates in the international sphere over a few states in particular. For instance, Iran and other Islamic states have long accused Israel of supporting terrorist acts in the surrounding settlements, Gaza, and elsewhere. Israel, on the other hand, contends it is fighting for its right to exist free of terror.  There are some states or state actions in history over which theres no dispute, though, such as in Nazi Germany or Stalinist Russia.

Buddhism And Its Impact On The World - 1604 Words

Founded in the 6th Century BCE by Siddhartha Gautama, Buddhism has over time developed into one of the most prominent religions in the world with approximately 500 million adherents, making it the fourth largest religion on earth. The religions beginnings however, did not see much movement of Buddhism past Northern India until the reign of King Asoka, third monarch of the Mauryan Dynasty. Asoka catalysed the spread of Buddhism from India to Afghanistan and even Southeast Asia, West Persia and Sri Lanka. King Asoka, a prominent historical and religious figure throughout India and Asia is credited in his conquests which saw an almost entirely united Indian subcontinent under his reign from c. 268 BCE to c. 232 BCE. Born in 304 BCE, Asoka served the majority of his childhood and adolescent years training and serving in the royal military where he became known for adopting no fear and no compassion. Asoka’s rise to power began with his military missions, explicitly his control of revolts first in Ujjain where as a result of his success he was appointed governor, and then in Taxila, where his presence alone was allegedly enough to settle the revolt. It is believed that Asoka first came into contact with Buddhism in Ujjain in a Buddhist monastery where Asoka was sent after being injured in battle. It was here that Asoka met his first Queen, Devi, a Buddhist nurse and a daughter of a merchant in Ujjain. Devi would go on to become the mother of Ashoka s first two children,Show MoreRelatedBuddhism And Its Impact On The World Essay2122 Words   |  9 PagesBuddhism, currently the fourth largest religion in the world, started very small then spread to different places, different cultures, overtime, as illustrated in a documentary about the start of Buddhism. The high popularity for this religion is attributed in part upon belief and spirituality as opposed to worshiping a god (or gods). 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Last year I did my placement in Cork Simon Communities Outreach project Free Essays

Last year I did my placement in Cork Simon Communities Outreach project. I really enjoyed this placement and as I had a lot of knowledge on this project I decided to do my Community Development project on the Outreach project. I realised while working on the Outreach team how important the service was because when young people first become involved in street life they do so because they see no other option. We will write a custom essay sample on Last year I did my placement in Cork Simon Communities Outreach project or any similar topic only for you Order Now Many leave situations of acute family breakdown or violent situations. They may have been exposed to alcoholism, drug addiction, abuse and have lived under the strain of poverty and unemployment. Street life seems to me like an insecure, lonely, frightening and dangerous situation for any person to find himself or herself in. Unfortunately people living on the streets are quickly exposed to alcohol, drugs, crime and prostitution. Many people do not know how to get help and many have lost contact with services. For the most part people who are out of home are not easily identified. They â€Å"hang around† and dress similarly to other people. They have however, no consistent support or care and nowhere they call home. For the most part they are invisible. This is where the Outreach Street Service’s importance comes in; The Outreach team has a good understanding of the situation among people on the streets. Outreach contacts people out of home at risk. Outreach befriends people and builds trusting relationships with people. The Outreach team provide information about services provided and the location of these services. Oliver Hoegener created ‘The Yellow Leaflet’ which Simon published and the Outreach team always carry these leaflets to give to new people on the streets of Cork. Outreach also puts people in contact with services and all street work is documented. History The Simon Community was established in Ireland in 1969, there are now 4 Simon Communities in the Republic of Ireland; Dublin, Dundalk, Galway and of course Cork which was set up in 1971. The philosophy of the Simon Community is the framework, which guides the community’s policies, practice and day-to-day running of its projects. The guiding principles set the parameters within which the staff work and residents live while in the community. The community’s philosophy is based on Acceptance, Community, Long-Term Care and Campaigning. The philosophy also embraces and includes, A commitment to justice, sharing, creating space for people, being as democratic as possible, being part of the wider community, providing care, support and solidarity, valuing relationships, encouraging participation, inclusiveness. The community also has a strong voluntary ethos. The community’s policy is to: Empower people, to encourage independence, to encourage people to take responsibility, to be inclusive and to facilitate those who wish to tackle any difficulties they may face such as alcohol and drug addictions etc. Change is not a primary focus, though it is facilitated where possible. There is a strong emphasis on Confidentiality in Simon, all matters relating to residents remains confidential and all people involved in Cork Simon Community must bear in mind that all clients have a right to privacy. This enables trusting relationships to be built within and between various members of the community. All workers must respect clients as individuals with the ability to make decisions and changes in their lives, in light of their beliefs and values. The Outreach project is a new project of the Cork Simon Community. Since January 2002, the two Outreach workers (Carmel Moore Oliver Hoegener) have been doing intensive street work in Cork. The project is targeting ‘rough sleepers’ and offers easy access to support and advise on a wide range of issues. One of the main aims of the project is harm reduction and prevention as well as making and maintaining contact with service users on the street. The Outreach team liaise’s with other agencies such as Drug and Alcohol Services, the Homeless Adolescent Unit and the other Drug Task Force Projects. Outreach links in with a wide number of other groups in the city e.g. YMCA, Gardai, Southern Health Board, local community groups, youth workers etc. Outreach works in collaboration with the existing Youth Homeless Drug Prevention Project as well as with other Simon projects, such as (1) The shelter; where the Outreach worker and shelter staff can establish times that the outreach team can bring people into the building to gain access to the shelters services. (2) Day centre; again the outreach team works from the day centre in befriending people and building new relationships with ‘rough sleepers’. (3) The Soup run; The nightly soup run meets between 60-80 people each week some are sleeping rough while others are living in the private rented sector or in corporation flats. The Soup Run provides hot meals, blankets, advice and companionship for the homeless. In March 2002 the Outreach team set up a Lunch run, they were aware of the need for a weekend service because places like the Upper Rooms only provide a Monday to Friday service and a lot of Cork’s homeless people were dependant solely on the soup run at weekends as their only source of food, similar to the soup run, the lunch run gives out tea, soup, sandwiches and fruit in the evening around the streets of Cork city, I think this was an excellent service to set up because while on placement I did the lunch run and it proved to get very popular after a few weeks of being established, it is only the Outreach workers which do the lunch run. The two Outreach workers work more closely with the Youth Drugs worker and liase with the volunteer co-workers on the nightly soup run. Managed The Crisis Services Manager who is accountable to the director of cork Simon manages outreach. Financed A substantial amount of money required to run the Simon Community on a day-to-day basis is raised by the community itself through voluntary fund-raising such as flag days, church gate collections, Simon shops and sponsored events. The State also contributes to the Simon Communities running costs in the form of rent. While each Simon Community is autonomous and is responsible for financing and running its own projects, all Communities work closely together and collectively form a national federation with the national office in Dublin acting as a resource, servicing and co-ordinating agency. Working together as a national body has many practical advantages and gives expression to that founding principle which states that no one community alone can ever be Simon. Evaluation From working in the Simon Community I do believe that the organisation is a very successful one. From attending weekly meetings where issues like barrings, a residents physical/mental health, issues that occurred in all areas of Cork Simon etc, were being discussed, I realised how complex it was just to run the whole project and how some decisions that were made had such a huge impact on other people e.g. a rough sleeper being barred from the use of all Simons services, these decisions really annoyed the Outreach team because then as the Outreach worker it is your duty to go out on the streets, find this rough sleeper and try to get them into other services. Even though the whole organisation is so complex and controversial you just have to look back at Simon’s vision of society where: there is no homelessness, and compassion, respect and empathy are the core of the community’s relationships, and justice, equality and social inclusion are central to state policy. Also the mission of the Simon Community to develop preventative strategies that will divert people becoming homeless, to campaign for the right for appropriate accommodation and responsive services for the homeless, to provide quality care, accommodation and services which support and empower people who are homeless, marginalized, vulnerable or socially excluded. I believe that the policy of Simon and the Core Values are very realistic, Simon does not discriminate and in theory the organisation is getting stronger and providing an essential service for the homeless of Cork. How to cite Last year I did my placement in Cork Simon Communities Outreach project, Papers

Labour Management Relationship in Singapore

Question: Discuss about theLabour Management Relationship in Singapore. Answer: Introduction of LMR Labour Management Relations (LMR) is the most complicated set of relations that has to be dealt with a human resource manager. The study of labour management relations refer to the policies and rules that are established and implemented to develop a harmonious environment in the organization. The increasing competitiveness in the business environment mounts pressure on the businesses to accomplish strategic goals (Croucher Wood, 2015). The aim of this report is to assess the labour management relations in Singapore. The labour management relations are a dynamic and developing concept as the structure and environment of industries in Singapore changes. The main purpose of labour management relations is to maintain a healthy and harmonious relationship between labour and management. The emphasis of such relation is to enhance cooperation and resolve problems (Seow, 2016). The term industrial relations explain the relationship between management and employees that stems from union-management relationship. Healthy industrial relations lead to uninterrupted production as the resources are fully utilized. Good industrial relations lead to reduction in conflicts and disputes. There is reduced wastage and increase in recognition with maximum protection of national interest (Sheldon, Gan, Morgan, 2015). A few problems that are common in the organization are workers participation in the management, collective bargaining, grievances and its redress, ethical code and discipline and standing orders (Croucher Wood, 2015). The report determines the role played by the four players- government, unions, management and employees. Further, an analysis of the players and the manner in which Singapore experiences competitive advantage through LMR is conducted. Role of Four Players To maintain effective labour management relations in the Singapore industries, the four players- government, unions, management and employees play a significant role. The role of each player is studied in detail below- Government The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) mission is to develop a competitive workforce in the global environment while performing regulatory and promotional roles. They makes the laws and regulations such as establishing the working hours, labour protection, determining the working conditions, social insurance, minimum wage standard and welfare system (Prosser Perin, 2015). The government also engages to promote employment to the ones who are unemployed. The government abolishes the outdated policies and updates with new policies for mutual benefit. Also, the state plays the role where it protects labour rights. They take the responsibility to settle relations based on labour rights and human rights. They establish the Employment Act where the employers and employees can understand their rights (Sheldon, Gan, Morgan, 2015). Further, the government plays the role of a balance maker where it settles conflicts arising between employers and employees. When there are differences between employers and employees, there could be social instability and negative impact on economic development. Therefore, the government adopts a measure that can balance power between both the sides. Usually, the pressure is made on the union side as they are significantly powerful. In this manner, the government plays a role in protecting the interests of both the employers and employees (Croucher Wood, 2015). Union The trade union in Singapore has The National Trades Union Congress (NTUC) as their national confederation. The main objective of the NTUC helps Singapore in staying competitive and enhances the social status of the employees. The trade union is also responsible for the workers to remain employed for life. The trade unions grant employees with collective bargaining empowering with a greater voice. The union also successfully fights for better working conditions and terms for the employees. The unions represent employees interests by securing higher wages and balanced life (Prosser Perin, 2015). The unions give workers dignity at the workplace. Also, they facilitate welfare and healthy standard of living for the Singapore workers. The labour unions also keep a check on the unfair labour practices of employers. Under the Part III of the Criminal Law Act, there are temporary provisions for preventing lock-outs (Chong et al., 2012). The trade union also work to enhance the productivity of employers, employees and overall Singapore economy. If the employer conducts any of the prohibited acts as specified in the legislations, the union plays a role of representing with the board on behalf of the employees (Croucher Wood, 2015). They can also lodge appeals in the court if the management does not respect board decisions. The unions monitor if the laws and regulations are well implemented and followed by the management (Chew, 2014). Management A healthy industrial relation can be established by the management as they consider avoiding conflict. The Singapore National Employers Federation (SNEF) is a trade union that helps employers achieves excellence. The management must understand the interests and expectation of the employees. The management plays a significant role of motivating the employees to accept the challenge. The employees must strive for better output without engaging in conflicts. The management role is to avoid discrimination at work and treat every individual as one (Platt et al., 2016). As the management have the right to hire and fire workers, they control the economic destiny of the employees. The management plays a role in affecting interests by exercising their right to close, relocate or merge a factory and integrate technological changes (Chong et al., 2012). The employers negotiate individually and through their associations for settling the terms and conditions of employment. The management plays a role of being available and accessible to the employees so that the employees can walk up to the management in times of need. The hierarchy must not be complex to create confusion and dispute among employees (Owusu-Kodua, 2014). The higher level of management communicates with employee organizations while relying on human resources. The lower level of management communicates with employees on an individual basis. The management gets involved with employees to develop policies and compensation packages (Mitlacher et al., 2014). Employees The employees have certain obligations and rights towards the organization in maintaining industrial relations. The employees are expected to act ethically and responsibly. The employees must be punctual as it is difficult for the management to deal with unpunctual and unpredictable attendance as the burden falls on the other employees. Further, the employees are expected to conduct ethical behaviour while dealing with customers and suppliers (Leong, 2015). The employees must not cause conflict of interest or fraudulent activities. Further, the employees must be obedient and carry the work assigned to them that does not go against the law. The employees play the role of acting responsible and following legal safety regulations (Owusu-Kodua, 2014). Analysis of Competitive Advantage to Singapore through LMR Singapore has an edge over other competitive countries through its labour management relations. They are superior in certain aspects that help them achieve a favourable position in the global world. The ranking of Singapore international competitive index is 5.72 where it stays 2nd for sixth year (Brinded, 2016). The stock of foreign direct investment (FDI) in Singapore amounted to $1,255.5 billion as at end of 2015 (Singstat.gov.sg, 2017). However, the productivity growth in Singapore is termed sluggish. Nomura attributed the drop in productivity to a higher employment share of lower-productivity sectors, as well as increased hiring of part-time and older workers, who tend to be lower-skilled (Leong, 2015). Tripartism in Singapore Tripartism refers to the collaboration of three players- unions, the Government and the employers in Singapore. The strong tripartite relationship between the MOM, SNEF and NTUC has been a key of competitive advantage in Singapore (Mom.gov.sg, 2017). There are harmonious labour-management relations as the economic competitiveness is underpinned. The tripartite partners have implemented fair and progressive employment practices. They have increased the effective retirement age for the workers. There is scope for job re-creation along with implementing flexible wage system (Mom.gov.sg, 2017). The tripartism model in Singapore adds to competitive advantage. This can be justified as the nation has seen only two major strikes in the recent decades. In 1986, the shipyard workers went for a strike which as sanctioned by Ong Teng Cheong, NTUC secretary general (Chuan, 2014). Another strike was made by 150 Chinese national bus drivers in 2012 by Singapore Mass Rapid Transit (SMRT) (Siddique, 2012). National Wage Council (NWC) The NWC was established in 1972 to formulate wage guidelines for ensuring long-term social and economic development (Tripartism.sg, 2017). Singapore workers are not subject to a minimum wage. The wage depends on the negotiation between employer and individual or employer and trade union (Mom.gov.sg, 2017). The NWC focuses on workers with low wages who earn up to $1,100 monthly (Ho, 2016). The NWC recommended a hike of $50-$65 despite tough economic conditions (Ho, 2016). The increment leads to growth in Singapore economy. This wage hike leads to increase in growth and skill development of workers. According to a survey, the Singaporean workers are paid less than the workers in London and New York. However, the Singaporean workers are paid more for similar jobs than workers in Jakarta, Hong Kong and Shanghai. The rising wages has not dented the competitiveness of the nation yet (Seow, 2016). Flexible Wage System The flexible wage system grew in popularity in 2015 as 90% of the workers were in favour of it (Economist.com, 2015). The flexible wage system is one in which there is a variable component allowing the companies to adjust wage costs rapidly in situations of critical business downturns. The companies can reward the employees with high bonuses when the company experiences good times. Further, the wage system also helps adjust and manages wage cost in cases of business downturns. The flexible wage system adds to competitive advantage as the employees gain reassurance about the being able to retain jobs even in times of economic uncertainty. With the implementation of flexible wage system, the companies are able to attract and retain talent (Mom.gov.sg, 2017). As stated earlier, the unemployment level of Singapore is low as they enjoy a resident employment rate of 72.3% (Chan, 2014). However, the nation faces challenges as the income inequality is rising. The median wages are not performing very well. The wealth gap in Singapore is rising and has the widest gap of 0.478 among developed nations (Chan, 2014). The egalitarians are under trouble as there are thousands of low-paid foreigners. The Government is taking measures to improve the lives of Singaporean workers. The plans are outlined for improvement and taking the country forward with better jobs and lives. Singapore can maintain its position in the relentless competition only if they continuously upgrade their plans and policies. Singapore workforce remains ahead of others as the management provides with adequate training unlike the case of Port workers in Hong Kong who pay for their own training. The Singapore Government invests heavily in education that helps in growing economy, expanding exports and drawing foreign investments (Mfa.gov.sg, 2017). Conclusion Conclusively, Singapore has an edge over other competitive countries through its labour management relations. The increasing competitiveness in the business environment mounts pressure on the businesses to accomplish strategic goals. The government abolishes the outdated policies and updates with new policies for mutual benefit. When there are differences between employers and employees, there could be social instability and negative impact on economic development. The trade unions grant employees with collective bargaining empowering with a greater voice. If the employer conducts any of the prohibited acts as specified in the legislations, the union plays a role of representing with the board on behalf of the employees. The management plays a significant role of motivating the employees to accept the challenge. Further, the employees are expected to conduct ethical behaviour while dealing with customers and suppliers. The strong tripartite relationship between the MOM, SNEF and NTUC has been a key of competitive advantage in Singapore. The nation has seen only two major strikes in the recent decades. The wage depends on the negotiation between employer and individual or employer and trade union. The unemployment level of Singapore is low. 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