Industry: Limited-Service Eating Places - Research Proposal Example

An Assessment of LIMITED SERVICE EATING PLACES (NAICS CODE 7222 OR 72221) Name Institutional Affiliation A research proposal is developed by a researcher to evaluate their research, explain the importance as well as justify the various methods they plan on using. A research proposal forms the basis of an ideal chance to present a research idea or ideas to experts for the purpose of elaborating its feasibility, suitability, and acceptability. This section of the research represents the topic of the study, the problem statement, methods used to analyze the research, background and significance of the study, literature review, research design and methods, implications ([preliminary suppositions), and finally the conclusion. Introduction With the world economy becoming fast-paced, it has consequently forced human beings to transform their mode of living or lifestyles in order to catch up with the changing pace. Family structures have changed and evolved leading to modern mothers working on outside careers or jobs rather than being housewives. Such mothers in most cases get out of work exhausted with little strength to barely prepare a meal for the family. Despite the fathers being the bread winners, the mothers will in most cases lack the chance to take of the house chores since they become tied up in their job places. In this light, mothers often opt to look for easier and accessible ways to take care of the matter thus going for easier means of preparing meals. Lack of adequate time and strength to handle the required house chores has led to the emergence of fast food industries and restaurants (Murase, & Bojanic, 2004). A number of nations have adopted such changes with the many families advocating for fast food chains which have proven to ease some house chores. The United States of America remains to be the main host fast food industries and restaurants and forms around 200 outlets in the global world. With the busy schedules and plans, fast food industries have been convenience and more appealing to lots of individuals (Glanz, Basil, Maibach, Goldberg, & Snyder, 1998). However, despite the industries professing significant importance to the public, it is undeniable that fast food chains are a critical threat to the human species. With only a small percentage of fast food industries offering healthy foods, it is not the rule, but rather the exception since the majority of fast food chains offer junks which have high cholesterol levels to their clients (Malouf & Colagiuri, 1995). A larger proportion of foods offered by fast food industries are made from low quality and standard ingredients which pose a danger to the consumers (He, et al. 2012). The foods contain large amounts of calories which have been the explanation for such countries having a high number of individuals suffering from obesity and heart disease. As a matter of fact, the current issue in America has been a large number of children suffering from obesity. Such companies have mainly targeted children, for instance, McDonald has been offering children with toys upon purchase of fast foods (Lob-Corzilius, 2007). The issue has extended to even the adults since most of the American people have currently been facing heart diseases and abnormal weights (Poti, Slining & Popkin, 2014). Background of the Study North American Industry Classification System (NAICS 72221) defines the Limited-Service Eating Places elaborately. This is the industry that encompasses the provision of food services to various clients. A customer order food stuff from a food bar, cafeteria line or a counter and pay on delivery. As well, making an order can be done via phone. Once an order is placed, food and non-alcoholic beverages are then immediately delivered to the client (NAICS Association, 2002). Some of the common foundations famous in this field include licensed sandwich shops, coffee shops, and cafeterias. It is also worth noting that Limited-service eating place code 7222 involves companies that do not have waiter/waitress services. However, some provide limited services such as cooking to order, providing off-site delivery, and service seated clients (Kelton Et al., 2008). On the other hand, code 72221 consists of establishments that involve in two primary activities in the market. Firstly, customers or patrons place and order for food service. Then, payment is made once the ordered food is delivered. Secondly, they involve in selling snacks and non-alcoholic beverages. Thus, it is upon the customer to eat on the premise, take away, or be delivered and the location. However, such a business is not limited to alcoholic drinks. Several companies have substantially made profits by combing both foodstuffs and alcoholic beverages. NAICS was developed by three North American countries namely; Canada, USA, and Mexico. Thus, it classifies establishment based on the primary activities they engage in. The coding system uses two main approaches to organizing these industries. The first method utilizes production oriented mechanism. Therefore, establishments with the same products are categorized as one in the market. The second classification is based on supply-oriented approach. In this type of category, institutions that provide the same products in the market are placed together. Thus, companies utilizing the same supply or production process are categorized as one. There are several reasons NAICS plays a crucial role in the society. Firstly, the system is relevant. This is because it identifies various industries in the market that contribute to the growth of the economy. The second reason is comparability. The system was developed to compare data between three countries (Bayard & Klimek, 2003). As a result, a country can benchmark the success strategies used by another country. The third reason is consistency. The system uses consistent business principles. For instance, companies using the same supply process are grouped together. Fourthly, adaptability plays a vital role in the success of the system. Data is reviewed every five years to ensure that it is updated with the changing economy. Finally, the system provides a quality improvement on the key issues of the economy. This includes retail services and service delivery (Krishnan & Press, 2003). Similarly, the code structure plays a vital role. The six digit code identifies the sectors that the establishment is involved with. Hence, this allows for flexibility is the designation of sub-sectors. As well, the longer code allows for additional information concerning the three participating industries (Bhojraj Et al 2003). For instance, the first two digits designate major economic sector. Initially, this was referred to as division. The third digit represents the sub-commercial sector. This was formerly regarded as a significant subgroup. The fourth group represents the industry group while the fifth represents the NAICS industry. The sixth digit identifies the subdivision industry added to meet the customer needs in the individual country markets. Despite the Limited Service Eating Places having a significant contribution to the economy through provision of job opportunities to many youths, it is of the essence to note that such companies have had detrimental effects on the society as a whole. Although fast food chains and industries tend to be convenient in distributing tasty diets, they pose serious social and health effects. Studies have proven that more youths have resolved to consume fast foods than the adults thus companies have taken initiatives to market most of their fast foods to the teenagers. This study narrows down to the analysis of fast food consumption in the United States (French, Story, Neumark-Sztainer, Fulkerson & Hannan, 2001). Definition of Key Terms Key Terms Definition Fast food Food that is prepared and served quickly. Obesity Condition of the body having too much fat. Overweight Having body weight that is above the normal Body Mass Index (BMI). Beverages A collective word for drinks. Research Objectives The objectives of the research were as follows: 1. To examine the most common or popular fast foods among families. 2. To identify the effects of fast food consumption to the families. 3. To investigate the awareness level of the side effects of fast food consumption among families. Research Questions 1. What are the most common or popular fast foods in the family? 2. What are some of the notable side effects of fast food consumption on the family? 3. How well are you familiar with the effects of fast foods? Significance of Study As mentioned earlier, in the current world, the growth of fast food industries has increased rapidly. Consumption fast foods vary from one person to the next depending on individual choices making some fast food industries popular than others. The type of food being served in Limited-Service Eating Places such as McDonalds and Kentucky Fried Chicken is low in nutrition value leading to unhealthy diets (Schröder, & McEachern, 2005). Such unhealthy foods pose dangers in that they lead to health issues such as obesity, overweight, heart failures and other problems (Wyatt, Winters & Dubbert, 2006). In this light, it is, therefore, importance to determine the level of awareness regarding the side effects of fast food consumption. Information from the study will be of the essence in making the public aware of the dangers entwined in consuming fast foods. Also, the information will assist in the future studies concerning the same issue (Moudon et al. 2013). Scope of the Study The study will examine several households determining their stand and perception towards fast foods. The households will be selected from four cities in Australia that is Sydney, Parramatta, Windsor, and Liverpool. Where using such information gathered from the families, the research will be able to derive enough statistics that will help in writing the proposal. The research will randomly select 50 families from each city summing up to 200 families in all the four cities. Problem Statement Fast foods have become the first choice of many individuals in working for places and families as well because most of them refer to fast foods as being convenient and an easy way of having a meal on the table. The advertisements in the media have been set to be eye-catching through showcasing delicious and yummy foods. Besides, the packaging and the menus have been well set to be even more attractive. There are a number of food items in each set or packages that are affordable to most individuals in the country. The fast food has been easy of getting food but in spite the food being scrumptious and delicious to eat, most people have not realized the danger entwined with such diets (Austin, Melly, Sanchez, Patel, Buka & Gortmaker, 2005). In light of the above insights it is the high time every person realizes that consumption of fast foods is bringing more dangers than benefits (Martinez, 2000). In addition, there is great need to gather more information regarding fast foods and their effects towards consumers. The study aims at setting awareness of the effects of fast foods from Limited-Service Eating Places to the society. The study will explore how often do families opt to order foods from fast food chains than doing the cooking themselves. The study will be major cities in Australia including Sydney, Parramatta, Windsor, and Liverpool to gather the required information. The study will sample out several households from every city which will be used as respondents (Kumar & Phrommathed, 2005) Methodology Data The study will collect data by making use of the questionnaire technique from different families. The study will also incorporate interviews as a way of gathering information from the family members. The questionnaires will, therefore, be in a position to provide valid data for the research. Questionnaires will allow for documentation after the study hence it is most appropriate to use for the research. The study will use its finding to conclude the impacts of fast foods. The collected data will be represented by the use of pie charts and graphs through manipulation of the data. The represented data will, in turn, be interpreted to allow for conclusion and generalizations (Bordens & Abbott, 2002). Ethical Consideration The study will only gather or collect information with the consent of the respondent meaning that no data will be collect by use of coerced manner. In the case of any personal or private information provided by the respondent, the study will not reveal the same to any other party. Also, the study will be conscious of the questions directed to the respondent (Behi, & Nolan, 1994). References Bayard, K., & Klimek, S. (2003). Creating a historical bridge for manufacturing between the standard industrial classification system and the North American industry classification system. In The Proceedings of the Annual Meeting of the American Statistical Association, August. Bhojraj, S., Lee, C., & Oler, D. K. (2003). What's my line? A comparison of industry classification schemes for capital market research. 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Kumar, S., & Phrommathed, P. (2005). Research methodology (pp. 43-50). Springer US. Schröder, M. J., & McEachern, M. G. (2005). Fast foods and ethical consumer value: a focus on McDonald's and KFC. British Food Journal, 107(4), 212-224. Murase, H., & Bojanic, D. (2004). An examination of the differences in restaurant brand personality across cultures. Journal of Hospitality & Leisure Marketing, 11(2-3), 97-113. Austin, S. B., Melly, S. J., Sanchez, B. N., Patel, A., Buka, S., & Gortmaker, S. L. (2005). Clustering of fast-food restaurants around schools: a novel application of spatial statistics to the study of food environments. American Journal of Public Health, 95(9), 1575-1581. Martinez, J. A. (2000). Body-weight regulation: causes of obesity. Proceedings of the Nutrition Society, 59(03), 337-345. Wyatt, S. B., Winters, K. P., & Dubbert, P. M. (2006). Overweight and obesity: prevalence, consequences, and causes of a growing public health problem. The American journal of the medical sciences, 331(4), 166-174. Lob-Corzilius, T. (2007). Overweight and obesity in childhood–a special challenge for public health. International journal of hygiene and environmental health, 210(5), 585-589. Glanz, K., Basil, M., Maibach, E., Goldberg, J., & Snyder, D. A. N. (1998). Why Americans eat what they do: taste, nutrition, cost, convenience, and weight control concerns as influences on food consumption. Journal of the American Dietetic Association, 98(10), 1118-1126. French, S. A., Story, M., Neumark-Sztainer, D., Fulkerson, J. A., & Hannan, P. (2001). Fast food restaurant use among adolescents: associations with nutrient intake, food choices and behavioral and psychosocial variables. International Journal of Obesity & Related Metabolic Disorders, 25(12). He, M., Tucker, P., Irwin, J. D., Gilliland, J., Larsen, K., & Hess, P. (2012). Obesogenic neighbourhoods: the impact of neighbourhood restaurants and convenience stores on adolescents’ food consumption behaviours. Public health nutrition, 15(12), 2331-2339. Poti, J. M., Slining, M. M., & Popkin, B. M. (2014). Where are kids getting their empty calories? Stores, schools, and fast-food restaurants each played an important role in empty calorie intake among US children during 2009-2010. Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, 114(6), 908-917. Moudon, A. V., Drewnowski, A., Duncan, G. E., Hurvitz, P. M., Saelens, B. E., & Scharnhorst, E. (2013). Characterizing the food environment: pitfalls and future directions. Public health nutrition, 16(07), 1238-1243. Read More