External and Internal Factors of McDonald's

Globalization and Technology

McDonald's certainly has accomplished the feat of globalization. The fast-food chain has opened in more than 100 countries and has more than 32,000 restaurants. The corporation has created a diverse work-force throughout their franchisees in the United States and abroad, which helps to add to the appeal of the global market. A simple two brother-owned hamburger joint back-in 1954 started the entire revolution of what has become a world- known fast-food restaurant (McDonald's, 2003-2011). One would have a hard time finding someone who has not heard of the restaurant chain known as McDonald's. The adventures of McDonald's globalization have increased the broad range of opportunities for individuals and communities worldwide.

The limited technology in 1940 when the McDonald brothers opened their restaurant restricted the expansion of the restaurant. In 1954 Ray Kroc entered the McDonald's Bar-B-Que restaurant hoping to sell the newly invented six-blade Multimixer used to make milkshakes, which was much more advanced than older models. Ray Kroc discovered the brothers wanted to expand the business nationwide, and he became their nationwide franchising agent. He later bought the business from the brothers and became the owner ("McDonald's History-About McDonald's, 2011).

The first nationwide commercial of Ronald McDonald aired in 1966 taken advantage of the modern-day technology of television. As the television channels and coverage expanded so did the recognizable advertisements of McDonald's restaurants. The McDonald's corporation took full advantage of the newly accessible World Wide Web ("McDonald's Diversity-About McDonald's, 2011).

McDonald's uses high-tech and up-to-date equipment for their every day functions and running of the restaurants. Computers and computer programs run just about piece of equipment used in making, transporting, preparing, and selling of the products they sell. Jan Fields, President, McDonald's USA, believes the individuals who work and patronizes the restaurants are the most important asset to the corporation above any technology ("McDonald's Diversity-About McDonald's, 2011).

References

McDonald's. (2003-2011). Our Story::McDonald's. Retrieved from http://www.mcdonalds.com/us/en/our_story.html

McDonald's History & Diversity-About McDonald's. (2011). Retrieved from http://www.aboutmcdonalds.com/mcd/our_company/mcd_history.html