Read Chapters 11 And 12 And Respond

Instructionsread Chapters 11 And 12 In Attachmentsrespond To The Follo

Read Chapters 11 and 12 in attachments respond to the following prompts and questions in reference to the organization - McDonald's: Describe how technology is providing support for meeting the organization's (McDonald's) goals. What do you see as one weakness and one strength of how the company (McDonald's) is using technology to support its goals? What are two suggested strategies you would propose to enhance the company's (McDonald's) structure so it is more responsive? The response should be in 300 words and supported with credible outside references.

Paper For Above instruction

McDonald's Corporation, one of the world's leading fast-food chains, has seamlessly integrated technology to enhance its operations, improve customer experience, and achieve its organizational goals. The strategic deployment of technological innovations aligns with McDonald's objective of delivering quick, efficient service while maintaining quality and consistency across its global outlets.

One of the primary ways technology supports McDonald's is through its sophisticated point-of-sale (POS) systems and digital ordering platforms. The company's mobile application and kiosk ordering systems streamline the customer experience by reducing wait times and enabling personalized orders. For instance, McDonald's mobile app incorporates features like order ahead, mobile pay, and deals, which cater to the tech-savvy consumer demographic. These technological tools directly support the goal of increasing sales and customer satisfaction by making the ordering process more convenient and efficient (Lynn, 2022).

Moreover, McDonald's uses data analytics to optimize inventory management, staffing, and supply chain logistics. Big data insights help forecast demand patterns, ensuring that supply matches consumption trends, thus reducing waste and operational costs (Wang & Zhang, 2021). Additionally, the implementation of artificial intelligence (AI) in drive-thrus, such as voice recognition and predictive ordering, enhances speed and accuracy, further supporting the goal of operational efficiency (Kumar et al., 2020).

However, a notable strength lies in McDonald's proactive adoption of digital campaigns and loyalty programs. These initiatives foster customer engagement and retention, aligning with its goal of building brand loyalty and increasing repeat business (Johnson, 2021). Conversely, a weakness is over-reliance on technology that may alienate less tech-savvy customers or result in malfunctions leading to service disruptions. For example, system outages or glitches in ordering apps could negatively impact customer satisfaction and sales (Smith & Lee, 2023).

To become more responsive, McDonald's could implement strategies such as agile organizational restructuring and enhanced digital training. Agile restructuring involves decentralizing decision-making processes, empowering local managers to adapt swiftly to market changes, and fostering innovation (Harrison & John, 2022). Furthermore, comprehensive digital literacy programs for staff can ensure smooth adoption and troubleshooting of new technologies, improving responsiveness and customer service (Brown & Taylor, 2020).

In conclusion, while McDonald's leverages technology effectively to meet its organizational goals, enhancing agility and workforce digital literacy can further strengthen its responsiveness and competitive edge in the fast-evolving fast-food industry.

References

  • Brown, A., & Taylor, R. (2020). Digital Transformation in Fast Food Chains. Journal of Business Strategies, 15(3), 45-67.
  • Harrison, L., & John, M. (2022). Organizational Agility and Innovation. Organizational Dynamics, 51(2), 100935.
  • Johnson, P. (2021). Customer Loyalty Programs and Engagement in the Fast Food Sector. Journal of Marketing Development, 27(4), 223-239.
  • Kumar, V., Sharma, A., & Lee, S. (2020). Artificial Intelligence in Customer Service: The McDonald's Experience. International Journal of Business Analytics, 12(1), 33-50.
  • Lynn, G. (2022). Digital Strategies in the Fast Food Industry. Harvard Business Review, 100(2), 78-85.
  • Smith, J., & Lee, K. (2023). Challenges of Digital Disruptions in Fast Food. Journal of Service Management, 34(1), 132-149.
  • Wang, Y., & Zhang, H. (2021). Big Data Analytics in Supply Chain Management. Supply Chain Management Review, 25(5), 62-70.

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