Part 2. Where do I want to go?

Comparative Industry Analysis

Comparison of two selected industries/sectors

->Main features, recent changes and expected future trends in the sectors/industries
and their related graduate occupations

The two industries I have selected and am going to make a comparison on are the computer
software sector in Information Technology (IT) industry and Food and Beverage (F&B)
industry. Main features, recent changes and expected future trends in these two industries
will be discussed and compared. However before proceeding to the comparison, let us first
give definitions and general introductions to the industries.
The computer software industry
In the recent career research conducted in China by the Chinese Human Resources website
ChinaHR.com, among the top ten most popular industries, Internet/ e-commerce,
computer software, computer hardware/network equipment occupy the top three places.
IT services, electronic microelectronics, telecommunications, followed by professional
consulting services, real estate, machinery manufacturing, securities, futures and funds are
also on the list. This shows that the IT industry is still on a rising trend as a career option in
the general population.
The Food and Beverage industry
Although the food and beverage industry is not in the top ten list in the above mentioned
survey ranking, it plays an important role in every economy. For example, in Singapore
economy, it supports Singapores vibrant and international flavour. Singapore has been
ranked in the top three major eating countries/areas, together with Hongkong and Australia.
Singaporeans have extremely high enthusiasm in food and the huge apetite has caused a
remarkable increment in the variety of restaurants options, no matter it is upscale
restaurant or cheap and affordable eatery.
Comparisons between the two industries
Main features:
Computer software development is a complex process. It requires solid technical skills and
professionalism. This is because in computer software development industry, demand is
often prone to change. For the same need, understanding of different people may be
inconsistent. In addition, computer software developments staff requirements are
relatively high. Employees need to have a solid technical foundation, a very serious attitude
and patience. In contrast, the Food and Beverage industry is relatively with low entry
barriers. Its requirement on specialized skills is not so high. For instance, opening a new
restaurant does not mean the boss needs to cook, or need to know how to cook. He just
needs hire a good chef and make sure the food tastes nice.

In addition to this feature, the initial investment requirement for the two industries is very
different. Computer software development industry is asset-light operations and it is
affected by the cycle not very seriously. IT software industry has larger advantage than the
hardware manufacturing because software production can be adjusted at any time
according to the demand. It does not require a lot of capital to buy land, plant, machinery.
Hence no inventory pressure and the lower capital requirements. In contrast, the initial
investment in the F&B industry will be relatively high. In addition to the rental cost, staff
wages, cost of materials, water and electricity expenses are also huge. People who want to
start a computer can easily set up Software Company at home if he has IT knowledge. But
even if a chef wants to open a restaurant, it is difficult to have his own store if he has
insufficient fund. In addition, once the number of guests and restaurant turnover is less than
expected, it is basically the same as making a loss. Therefore, F&B industry is more capital
demanding.
Recent changes:
Two years ago, when people talk about the mobile office, they will often mention the use of
fragmented time concept. However in nowadays, computer users have begun to devote
more time to move to mobile Internet, fragmented time is therefore no longer equate with
the mobile Internet. Instead, users time spent on the mobile Internet becomes more and
more, it is not a surprise that people is now dealing with even mainly non-essential matters
through mobile devices at their spare time. As a result, software development industry is
slowly moved from the traditional software focus to mobile software, and even social
software focus. Software development industry now needs talent who is not just an IT
expert, but also a person is proficient in art, design, mass communication, and even social
psychology areas.
In contrast, the food and beverage industry has a pretty similar trend: the requirement to
survive in the food industry is not just having a great chef, but also needing F&B outlets to
be unique and creative. As people's living standards raises, everyone's interests and
demands for F&B industry is not only the taste of the food. The restaurant's uniqueness, the
food presentation and the restaurant environment are all very important. Therefore, the
need for F&B industry people shifts to the inter-disciplinary talents who know aesthetics,
creativity, cooking, marketing well. As for this point, the recent change in the software
development industry and the F&B industry is highly similar.
Expected future trends:
From the general trend, there is still much room for software industry to develop. It will
continue to keep a rapid growth rate and is expected higher than the average rate of the
digital information industry. The concept of cloud usages will go deeper into the software
development industry trends and philosophy. From a long-term perspective, software

development and hardware development will gradually be integrated into a whole. This can
be reflected in the integration in application of mobile software and wearable devices
features. Therefore, the expected future trend will have a stronger higher need for people
who are good at computer technology, design, medical, legal issues and so on.
Similarly, in the food and beverage sector, this trend is to be expected likely the same. With
the improvement of people's living standards, more and more people will pay attention to
the taste, the environment, new ideas, and even other functions of a restaurant. For
example, the restaurant may not be just a place to dine in, but it may also become an
important place for friends gathering, company meetings, relaxation, and even shopping.
Because of this, more demand will be generated in the creative staff, marketing personnel,
and other cross-industry expertise other than just simple cooks.
Related graduate occupations:
Related graduate occupations for software development industry are technology experts
such as IT professionals, programmers, business analysts and testing staffs, other domain
experts such as UI designers, social behavior experts, marketing professionals and so on.
Related graduate occupations for the F&B industry can be similarly divided in to two
categories: jobs which are cooking skillful such as professional cook and assistants, and
other domain professionals such as nutritionist, designers, marketing experts, service
managers and so on.

Comparison of three key organisations in one industry/sector (chosen from the

above two; one may be your own business start-up as a self-employed person)

The three key organisations I am going to talk about are in F&B industry. They are
McDonalds, DinTaiFung, and Paradise Group.
The McDonald's Corporation is the world's largest chain of hamburger fast food restaurants,
serving around 68 million customers daily in 118 countries. McDonald's primarily sells
hamburgers, cheeseburgers, chicken, french fries, breakfast items, soft drinks, milkshakes,
and desserts. In response to changing consumer tastes, the company has expanded its menu
to include salads, fish, wraps, smoothies, and fruits. A McDonald's restaurant is operated by
a franchisee, an affiliate, or the corporation itself. McDonald's Corporation revenues come
from the rent, royalties, and fees paid by the franchisees, as well as sales in companyoperated restaurants. McDonald's mission and aim is to be our customers' favorite place
and way to eat with inspired people who delight each customer with unmatched quality,
service, cleanliness and value every time. McDonalds has diversified its locations by
operating over 32,500 restaurants in 118 countries, which decr eases the
companysexposure to the intensely competitive fast food industry in the United States. Its

business strategy focuses both on penetrating emerging markets and expanding in

developed markets. In 2012, McDonald's Corporation had annual revenues of $27.5 billion,
and profits of $5.5 billion. The future plan for McDonalds is to promoting its sustainability
while maintaining its rapid expansion into every corner of the world. Everyday all around
the globe, McDonald's is putting people, processes and practices into place to make
better food, more sustainable sourcing, happier people, a stronger community and a
healthier planet. One of their main business values is We are committed to our people,
where it promises its commitment in provide opportunity, nurture talent, develop leaders
and reward achievement. This matches with my strength well because I feel I am a person
who cares about leadership and am willing to further develop my leadership through my
work.
Din Tai Fung is a restaurant originating in Taiwan, specialising in Xiao Long Bao (soup
dumplings). Outside its native Taiwan, Din Tai Fung also has branches in Australia, China,
Hongkong, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, South Korea, Canada, the United States
and Thailand. It is now served on Eva Airs First and Business class cabins where passengers
can look forward to revelling in a distinguished culinary culture that is popular the world
over. It is an international brand name that has built a reputation based on its exquisite xiao
long baos 18 intricate folds. In 2003, BreadTalk Group won the franchise rights to operate
the Din Tai Fung brand of restaurants. Ensuring exacting standards in quality and service,
Din Tai Fung (Singapore) spared no effort in transferring the complete Taiwanese dining
experience to its first restaurant at Paragon Shopping Centre. To allow chefs and frontline
crew understand the finer points of Din Tai Fungs distinctive culinary and service culture,
the team underwent an intensive four-month immersion programme in Taiwan. At Din Tai
Fung, one may dine amid a modern setting designed with the aim of delivering a truly
enjoyable dining experience for all customers. Decked out in earthy tones and illuminated
by ambient lights, a cosy space has been created which is suited for idyllic dining. The
elegant interior is also the perfect understated backdrop for the ubiquitous show kitchen,
which takes centre stage. Comfortable designer furnishings such as cushioned booth seating
and plush chairs further augment the overall pleasant environment.Customers can witness
the world-class showmanship of Din Tai Fungs chefs within the open concept kitchen,
where edible masterpieces are created and executed with precision and skill. The open
concept kitchen constantly sees a flurry of action and activity. Wearing their Din Tai Fung
badges with pride, dian xin chefs work in the open kitchen to create their exquisite creations
with a sense of controlled calm and concentration. Presenting each piece as a work of art to
discerning diners is testimony to their dedication of maintaining, if not exceeding, the
demanding standards of this world-class brand. Determined to bring a world-class dining
experience to locals and foreign visitors alike, Din Tai Fung impresses with a warm and
friendly service that greets one upon entry to the restaurant. Orders are taken promptly to
minimise waiting, so diners can expect the same top-of-the-class fare together with the
sterling service that the restaurant is noted for.

The vision of Paradise Group is to be an international diners paradise for Oriental cuisine
one where gourmet menus meet with good value and tradition meet with innovation. With
the vision, Paradise Group now celebrate the many flavours of Chinese cuisine with ten
distinct restaurant concepts, with over thirty restaurants islandwide in Singapore,
revolutionary in their arena. To maintain the excellence in what they give to our customers,
they believe in always improving, enhancing and creating to give exceptional value in every
of our restaurant concepts for the ultimate in experiential enjoyment. Aiming at a sensorial
experience, every of their brand immerses the diner in an atmosphere that captures the
many interesting points of Chinese culture. From the majestic backdrop of a dynastic era to
the infectious charm of a traditional inn, Paradise brand elevates appreciation of Chinese
culture, primarily through its dishes. To be an international diners paradise for Oriental
cuisine where gourmet menus meet with exceptional value, and tradition meets with
innovation is their everlasting brand vision.

References
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Dec. 2014].
Din Tai Fung Singapore, (2014). Din Tai Fung Singapore. [online] Available at:
http://www.dintaifung.com.sg/about.php#carryingthelegacy [Accessed 7 Dec.
2014].
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Paradisegroup.com.sg, (2014). Our Promise | Paradise Group. [online] Available
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