ETH501, Business Ethics, Mod 1 Session Long Project Essay

ETH501, Business Ethics, Mod 1 Session Long Project - Essay Example According to them, the company was following â€Å"glass ceiling† policy where the minorities were no allowed to get ahead in their careers. In simple words, The Coca-Cola Company was giving preferential treatments to whites in the company. This issue was a small issue as only four people complained about the mistreatment of The Coca-Cola Company towards its employees. A deontological framework believes that actions are judged by the motives of any action. If the motives behind certain actions are wrong, but it leads to a good outcome, despite that the action will remain a bad action and vice versa. In simple words, it is the motive behind the action that makes it right or wrong and not the outcome. Since, the motive of the company was not promote the blacks and they are practicing discrimination, the action is wrong, not matter if there are good outcomes associated with the action (Although good outcomes are not possible in this case, but let’s assume it for the sake of our understanding). Therefore, one can clearly say that The Coca-Cola company cannot justify this problem from Deontological ethical frameworks because as it appears that the motives of the company are wrong by giving discriminatory treatment to African-Americans and other minorities working in the company. Similarly, let’s analyze the case from utilitarian framework to decide whether The Coca-Cola Company should be doing what it is or should it adopt a different policy. The Coca-Cola Company by adopting a policy of a racial bias is not letting the right talent to get ahead in his career. This situation has more harms than merits. For example, when a person is promoted on the basis of his race and not on the basis of merit, it is more often the case that his productivity is low. This low productivity would lead to low output available for consumption for the society. It will also mean

Giovanni pierluigi de Palestrina Research Paper

Giovanni pierluigi de Palestrina - Research Paper Example Sante was his family name (Pyne, 2008). Palestrina dedicated much of his time and effort to teaching, and was basically the founding father of Rome’s Italian school of composition. Perhaps the credit should be given to Goudimel, Palestrina’s teacher, though in the past the aged Roman school is strongly associated with the name of Palestrina (Ferris, 2008). This research paper discusses the life and works of one of the greatest composers in the history of music, Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina. There are very few available historical documents that recount the childhood of Palestrina, but by 1537 he became a choirboy in Rome. He returned to Palestrina in 1544 and became an organist and choirmaster in the town’s church. The previous bishop of Palestrina, Pope Julius III, chose Palestrina to be the chapel master in St. Peter’s in 1511 (Tapper & Goetschius, 2001). The first known work of Palestrina was a compilation of four masses in 1554. These proved the skill of Palestrina in polyphony and counterpoint, and gained his status as the leading composer of holy songs in Rome (Tapper & Goetschius, 2001). However, Pope Paul IV felt obliged to discharge Palestrina from the convention, primarily because Palestrina was married. Nevertheless, he still became St. John’s chapel master; he also became the chapel master at Santa Maria Maggiore in 1561; and he was at last placed back in his previous post at the Vatican in 1571 (Sarti, 2009). Palestrina passed away in 1594. The music of Palestrina should be analyzed within the framework of the catholic reformation happening during his composition days. Before Palestrina, songs used in churches had a tendency to wander away from the religious doctrine that it was founded upon; it usually espouses its own ideals, more for amusement than encouragement. The Council of Trent even tried to get rid of music from religious practice on the whole, until the recital of Missa Papae Marcelli in

Types Of Peace Support Operations And Characteristics International Law Essay

Types Of Peace Support Operations And Characteristics International Law Essay Introduction The Norwegian Defence doctrine from 2007, Forsvarets Fellesoperative doktrine and the UN Prinsiples and Guidelines from 2008 (Capstone doctrine) devides peace support operations (PSO) into five various types; conflict prevention or preventive diplomacy, peacemaking, peacekeeping, peace-enforcement and peace building. These are the most important tools UN and other international organisations have to reach their coal of international peace and security. Types of peace support operations and characteristics The distinction between these categories is often unclear. Conflict prevention or preventive diplomacy is measures with the aim to avoid intra-state or inter-state disputes and conflicts, prevent tension and conflicts from escalating into violent conflict and to limit the ongoing conflict from spreading. This should be based on an early warning, information gathering and also on analysis of the factors driving the conflict. Conflict prevention ranges from diplomatic initiatives, confidence-building measures to the preventive deployment of troops. Peacemaking includes the range of diplomatic actions aimed at establishing a peaceful settlement once conflict is in progress or has resumed. Good offices may be used to facilitate the resolution of the conflict. Peacemakers may also be envoys, governments, groups of states, regional organizations or the United Nations. Peacemaking efforts may also be under-taken by unofficial and non-governmental groups, or by a prominent personality working independently. Peacekeeping is a technique designed to preserve the peace where fighting has come to an end, and the parties involved have reached an agreement. The UN or other international organisations role will be to assist in implementing agreements achieved by the peacemakers. The primary military model was to observe cease-fires and to separate the forces after inter-state wars. Today peace keeping involves many elements like military, police and civilian organisations working together trying to make the foundations for sustainable peace. Peace building is generally seen as those activities designed to strengthen the durability of a stable peace by identifying and supporting structures that will prevent a peace settlement in to relapsing in to conflict. The peace settlement is agreed by the parties involved. Peacebuilding works by addressing the deep-rooted, structural causes of violent conflict in a comprehensive manner. Peacebuilding measures address core issues that effect the functioning of society and the State, and seek to enhance the capacity of the State to effectively and legitimately carry out its core functions. Peace enforcement is the only category in PSO defined under chapter VII of the UN Charter as using military means to restore peace in an area of conflict. The other categories are under chapter VI in the UN charter. Peace enforcement involves a range of measures, including the use of military force. The aim of these measures is to restore international peace and security in situations where there is a threat to the peace, breach of the peace or act of aggression. These operations may be conducted by regional organizations and agencies under the authorisation of the UN. Factors decisive for the choice of operation It is necessary to look into the peace keeping history to fully understand the factors that are decisive for the choice of operations. The concept of peacekeeping has been an evolving one. Peacekeeping has not been mentioned in the UN Charter. In other words, there is no specific provision for peacekeeping in the United Nations Charter. It is normally described as falling between Chapter VI and VII. Dag Hammarskjà ¶ld referred to peacekeeping operations as Chapter 6 ½ initiatives. Early peacekeeping in the 1950s focused on preventing open violence and monitoring ceasefire and status quo and demilitarization and policing. One of them being United Nations Emergency Force (UNEF 1) deployed to the Suez crisis after the British and French troops invaded Egypt. This was what constituted traditional or classical peacekeeping, and where the three basic principles of peacekeeping where formed, namely, consent, impartiality and self-defence. After the end of the Cold War, new forms of peacekeeping came into operation in response to significant changes and challenges on the ground. The concept of peacekeeping expanded into new terminology in the peace process, and peace support operations were used to describe the new concept. In the 1990`s peacekeeping went beyond traditional peacekeeping and in to what is often called second generation peace keeping. The new conflicts where characterized by the collapse of states, and the conflict became intra-states. The PSO missions in this period where demobilization of troops like armed para-militias and irregulars; promotion of national reconciliation, restoration of effective governments, the organization and monitoring of elections, provisions of a broader support to humanitarian aid missions including protection of safe areas and escort of relief convoys. From the mid 1990`s the peacekeeping missions became multifunctional. These missions where executed after violent intrastate conflicts and consisted of both military and civilian assets in support of implementing the peace agreement. From late 1990 the missions are said to be multi dimensional, which means that they cover tasks and responsibilities beyond those associated with traditional peacekeeping such as protection of civilian. The UN has increasingly focused on the need to involve regional organizations. As stated above, peace keeping operations is not mentioned in the UN charter. This, together with the veracity of missions and mandates from traditional peace keeping in the 1950`s to todays complex multi dimensional operations makes peacekeeping ad-hoc, and it must be seen as a flexible technique where the purpose and mode of operating is depending on the conflict and the nature of the conflict. Today UN missions are in reality a mixture of many of the various types of peace support operations. But some principles distinguish them from each other. First of all, peace enforcement (PE) is the only type of PSO categorized under chapter VII in the UN charter and this give the mandate to using military means to restore peace in an area of conflict. This can be given in a conflict where it is necessary to create peace. An example is Desert Storm where the UN gave the mandate to a US led coalition. Conflict prevention, peacemaking, peacekeeping and peace building is under chapter VI. Conflict prevention is used to prevent conflicts to escalating and factors decisive for this operation is that the parties involved are interesting in trying to archive a peaceful settlement. Peacekeeping is the technique used if there is a peace to preserve and the involving parties give their consent to having a observation force to monitor the cease-fire. Peacemaking can be used where the state has colapsed and there are several fractions trying to achive power. This peace makers tasks would then be to identify the players and try to make a peaceful solution. This could be achived by diplomatic solutions only or togheter with military assets to assist in law and order and to put pressure to the involving parties. If peacemaking has succeeded peace building could be used as a tool to rebuild or build the state. Conclusion This essay had the aim to describe the various types of peace support operations and try to give a brief information of the factors decisive for the choice of mode of operation. The conclusion is that todays UN missions are in reality a mixture of many various types of peace support operations and which tool to use or mode of operation is depending on the nature of the conflict that the international organisations are trying to support.

Hitlers Rise To Power :: Papers

Hitler's Rise To Power Hitler was said to be obsessed with war and was probably the cause of Destruction during his leadership. Hitler At a young age read about war at a young age when flicking through his fathers old books and found a book on the between the German's and the French in 1870-71 on school Was doing quite poorly and was using art as an excuse to drop out of school. Adolf Hitler as a young boy always rebellious against his father, And later tried to gain entry into an arts school in Vienna but failed the entries test twice. Then decided to join and fight for his country in the war, after two months of training they were sent to fight in Ypres and escaped death several times, which later on lead to him acquiring two iron crosses for bravery, which he later on calls himself the "man of god". With the loss of the war, the German monarchy came to an end and a republic was proclaimed. A constitution was written providing for a President with broad political and military power and a parliamentary democracy. A national election was held to elect 423 deputies to the National Assembly. The centrist parties swept to victory. The result was what is known as the Weimar Republic. On June 28, 1919, the German government ratified the Treaty of Versailles. Under the terms of the treaty which ended hostilities in the War, Germany had to pay reparations for all civilian damages caused by the war. Germany also lost her colonies and large portions of German territory. A 30-mile strip on the right bank of the Rhine was demilitarised. Limits were placed on German armaments and military strength. The terms of the treaty were humiliating to most Germans, and condemnation of its terms undermined the government and served, as a rallying cry for those who Hitler believed was destined for Germany's greatness. Once released from prison, Hitler decided to seize power constitutionally rather than by force of arms.

Good and Service Experience

Model and explain the Servuction Model as a service encounter framework. Relevance for fast food market and what is the role of customer B in the model? The Service encounter is defined as a period of time during which a consumer directly interacts with a service. Service encounters occur where it is necessary for consumer and producer to meet in order for the former to receive the benefits that the latter has the resources to provide. This definition includes all aspects of the service firm with which a consumer may interact, including its personnel and hysical assets.Servuction concentrates on consumers' perceptions of the service encounter. The Servuction model is a simple but powerful model that illustrates factors influencing the service experience of a customer when enjoying a service. It concentrates on consumers' perceptions of the service encounter. The framework, developed by Eigher and Langeard emphasizes experiential aspects of service consumption and is based on the idea of organizations providing consumers with complex bundles of benefits.The elements of the service experience are divided into wo parts- visible and invisible. The visible part consists of the inanimate environment within which the service experience occurs, the service providers or contact personnel who interact with the consumer during the service experience. The visible part of the organization is is supported by the invisible part, comprising the support infrastructure, which enable the visible part of the organization to function. The invisible part refers to the rules, regulations and processes upon which the organization is based.Although they are invisible to customers they have very rofound effect on the consumers service experience. The model is completed by the introduction of other customers, with whom each consumer may interact within the system. This is important because the actions of fellow consumers can contribute greatly to the overall encounter. Everyone and every thing that comes into contact with the consumer is effectively delivering the service. There is often large number of contacts between the service provider and the customers which makes it difficult in identifying the servuction system.Only consumers can define the service encounter hat matters to them and essentially create their own bundle of benefits from the contributory elements of the service offer. Therefore the service encounter is defined by customers , rather than producer-led definitions. Relevance for fast-food market: The servuction model for a fast-food market is used for understanding consumer experiences: consisting of visible service, contact personnel , other customers and home delivery and Wi-fl connection free for customer. The contact personnel of the fast-food market would include a waiter/ branch manager, counter employees and a ecurity guard.The other customers would be customer B. The invisible organization and systems could be a very fast delivery within 5 minutes, a good setup with approximately 10 staff and a good music system in the restaurant. Role of Customer B: Customer B represents all other customers who are part of customer A's experience. Consumption of service are â€Å"shared experience† because it often occurs in the presence of other customers. As in the case with the other visible components of the Servuction model, other customers can impact customer A's experience.

Reasons of Accidents and the Ways of Reducing Accidents

CHAPTER 2 LITERATURE REVIEW 1. Definition of Total Quality Management (TQM) There are numerous, widespread, diverse and often fashionable initiatives that potentially help manufacturing organisations in implementing various best practices in operations management. Examples of these initiatives include total productive maintenance (TPM), total quality management (TQM), Kanban, 5S, six sigma, Kaizen and business process re-engineering (BPR) (Ashutosh Tiwari, 2007).These criteria is a success stories to implement in this initiatives and make everything is going well. Critical factor in the success of operations management projects is a fast but comprehensive analysis of the current practices or structure in the company (Ashutosh Tiwari, 2007). Table 2: Definition of Japanese Terms. Initiative |Core Ideas | |5S |Organisation and housekeeping (Hirano, 1996) | |TPM |Continuous improvement of equipment and processes (Campbell, 1995) | |TQM |Right first time (Oakland, 2003) | |Six sigma |Sy stematic and continuous improvement (Pande, 2001) | |JIT (Kanban) |Remove inventory buffers that prevent learning (Ono, 1988) | |Kaizen |Cost reduction through the elimination of waste (Imai, 1986) | |BPR |Reduction of complexity of workflow (Hammer, 2001) | Total Quality Management (TQM) has been accepted as a disciplined management process in industry in order to cope with the changes in marketplace and to focus on quality in both their products as well as their services (Venkatraman, 2007). While applying TQM philosophy to their organisations, some managers think that quality is driven by internal productivity programs or participative management programs which may deviate from their core business and customer focus resulting in cost overruns. But this is wrong perception by managers because with TQM all the process and product quality increasing and achieve â€Å"zero defect† purpose.However, quality cannot be inspected into an individual unit of the product after it has been made. The practice of inspecting products after they are made has, therefore, been replaced rapidly by the broader view that quality must be built into a product, from the design stage through all subsequent stages of manufacture and assembly. Because products are made by using several manufacturing processes, each of which can have significant variations in its performance even within a short period of time, the control of processes is a critical factor in product quality. Thus the objective should be to control processes not products. Quality has various meanings attached and the focus varies from one educational setting to another.Among the various elements of TQM, customer focus, process orientation and continuous improvements are the most common philosophies that have direct implications for teaching and learning in higher education (Venkatraman, 2007). The general definition of total quality management (TQM) as a philosophy that would enable an organisation consistently t o meet the needs of customers is accepted worldwide by manufacturing executives as a strategic concept for organisational survival. However, reaching the TQM destination is a continuing challenge for manufacturing executives (Nwabueze, An Industry Betrayed: the case of total quality management in manufacturing, 2011).Deming notes that everyone in the organisation from top to bottom, from office to technical services, from headquarters to local sites must be involved. He further suggested that people are the source of ideas and innovation, therefore, their expertise, experience, knowledge and sense of duty have to be harnessed to the benefit of the organisation (Nwabueze, An Industry Betrayed: the case of total quality management in manufacturing, 2011). Total quality management (TQM) principles and techniques are now a well accepted part of almost every manager's â€Å"tool kit’’ (Dow, 1999). Quality is to satisfy customers' requirements continuously; total quality is to achieve quality at low cost and TQM is to obtain total quality by involving everyone's daily commitment (W. H. Ip, 1999).Henderson gives a definition on TQM to include (Henderson, 1992): a) Total means: everyone in every function within the company accepts responsibility for the quality of his own output; b) Quality means: conformance to agreed customer requirements; and c) Management means: for any major business strategy, it is management led but with a strong involvement of employees. TQM has been described as a new model of thinking in business management, a comprehensive style to improve organizational performance and quality an alternative to the â€Å"management by control† and more recently, as a change of paradigm (Fco. Javier Llore? ns Montes, 2003).TQM is one of the numerous forms of management models or concepts that emerged and took form during the 1980s and 1990s, maybe even the most commonly used concept during this period. Management concept is not only th e toolkit for â€Å"trouble shooting† and improving organisation efficiency, but can also be seen as a symbol giving the organisations higher credibility. (Harnesk, 2007) Examination of the applicability of TQM concepts to product and service organisations suggests that there is evidence of greater ease of adoption, and more apparent success, within product based companies than with service based organisations, though there is no reason in principle why this should be so. A service organisation is as much dependant on satisfying its customers as a product company, if not more so.A service organisation such as an airline will be vulnerable to immediate customer dissatisfaction with such inadequacies of performance as lateness of arrival, off-handedness of staff and the disappearance of luggage. (Reavill, 1999) This sortie into the area of marketing mature products brings us back to the points flagged at the beginning of this paper, the small/ medium sized enterprises (SMEs), a nd the newly industrialised countries (NICs). With a mature product, a marketing strategy would be to increase the share of the current market, and to find new markets. (Reavill, New applications for TQM, 1999) There is also other development connected to TQM. TQM is a concept that has traditionally been connected to business life, commercial and industrial organizations for manufacturing and production.However, the domain of TQM is changing, and TQM has been applied also to public issues. Research has been conducted in the area of managing the third sector, such as non-profit organizations (Hudson, 1995; Lyons, 2001; Nutt and Backoff, 1992; Mertens, 1999). Reavill (1999) discusses the current status and possible future of TQM as a major management concept. Consequently, the different views of the evolution of TQM and the different views of the definitions of TQM generate problems both for those practitioners who are applying TQM, and for those theorists who are studying TQM. There are consequences when discussing the effectiveness, use and utility of TQM.The development of TQM implies new definitions, or modifications of existing definitions, for instance, the interpretation of the word customer. (Bjarne Bergquist, 2005) One of the main goals of a business is to stay in business and to be profitable to its owners. Other goals may be that the work environment should be good, that customers are satisfied, that the company has a good reputation and provides jobs. If the business is a loss, the other goals are of little value, as the business will go bankrupt. The big question for companies about to implement new strategies or working methods is thus often â€Å"Will it pay? † This is a difficult question to answer, but some have tried. Bjarne Bergquist, TQM and results as profit in commercial organizations, 2005) When studying the criticism against the use of TQM in the education sector, it seems that it can be divided into at least two different forms an d that the criticism emanates from different perspectives. One of these forms is the criticism of the transfer of concepts from one context to another. One example is the introduction of methods and adaptation to ways of thinking and values that were developed in goods producing companies. Another form of criticism is also connected to the transfer of TQM to a new area, but also based upon an ideological view. In this paper the use of TQM in educational organizations is seen as a part of an economization within the education area. Bjarne Bergquist, TQM in the educational sector, 2005) Increased customer sophistication and the globalization of business activities are forcing business organizations to re-engineer their cultures, operations and systems to support customer-focused and quality-driven competitive business strategies. Manufacturing organizations have successfully deployed total quality management (TQM) practices in support of strategic choices (Spitzer, 1993; Flynn et al. , 1995; Au and Choi, 1999; Tata and Prasad, 1998; Prajogo and Sohal, 2001; Powell, 1995). In this context, however, service organizations are still lagging behind their manufacturing counterparts in terms of their strategic commitment to TQM (Au and Choi, 1999; Dotzour and Lengnick-Hall, 1996; Sohal, 1994; Shortell et al. , 1995).The apparent reluctance of service organizations to utilize TQM based-strategies is alarming, especially in light of the increased significance of the service sector to national and global economies. (Mahmoud M. Yasin, 2004) [pic] Figure 1 A conceptual framework for TQM implementation and benefit in a service operational setting (Mahmoud M. Yasin, 2004) What is quality? There are various well-known definitions of quality. (Crosby, 1979) define quality as â€Å"conformance to requirement† while (Juran, 1980) define quality as â€Å"fitness for use†. Quality as â€Å"a predictable degree of uniformity and dependability at low cost and suited to the market† is more towards quality in operation (Deming, 1986).Many organisations found that the old definition of quality, â€Å"the degree of conformance to a standard†, was too narrow and consequently have started to use a new definition of quality in terms of â€Å"customer focus†. It is reported that many companies had initially concentrated all their efforts on improving internal processes with little or no regard for the relationships between those processes and the organization’s ultimate customers. This failure to include the customer focus had resulted in companies struggling hard to survive and resorting to fire-fighting situations. (Fincher, 1994) describe how quality perspectives have evolved in higher education over the years by going through a shift from experience to technique to style and finally to process.Quality as overall is to achieve customer needs and demand where must start in the beginning process of manufacturing to meet the re quirement and fit with the machine capability to get the quality output and of course should meet the standard of conformance. Quality has a variety of meanings and it range of meanings that will confusing each individual’s perception of quality but the important things is to achieve customer needs and satisfaction. Quality also as a key attribute that customers use to evaluate products and services which has emerged as a vital point of management focus in many parts of the world. The emergence of quality as a top priority in many corporate entities is primarily due to the globalisation of world trade and the competitive pressure brought about by the escalating demands of consumers, who want better products and services (Zairi, 2001).Quality is the increased awareness of senior executives, who have begun recognising that quality is a key strategic issue and an important focus for all levels of the organisation (Crosby P. , 2001). The implication of Dr Weller's action suggest that the chief executive's attitude to TQM must be â€Å"hands on† (Nwabueze, 2001). Because our attitudes greatly influence people around us, management's attitude tells employees what is expected of them and what they can get away with. On the basis of my analysis, a new model of leadership requirements for TQM in healthcare is proposed, can see Figure 1. (Nwabueze, Chief executives  ± hear thyselves: leadership requirements for 5-S/TQM implementation in healthcare, 2001) [pic] Figure 1: Model of leadership requirements for TQM in healthcare. Nwabueze, Chief executives  ± hear thyselves: leadership requirements for 5-S/TQM implementation in healthcare, 2001) Works Cited Ashutosh Tiwari, C. T. (2007). A framework for implementing cost and quality practices within manufacturing. Journal of Manufacturing Technology Managemen , 732. Bjarne Bergquist, M. F. (2005). TQM: terrific quality marvel or tragic quality malpractice? , 311. Bjarne Bergquist, M. F. (2005). TQM and resu lts as profit in commercial organizations. TQM: terrific quality marvel or tragic quality malpractice? , 312. Campbell, J. (1995). Uptime: Strategies for Excellence in Maintenance Management (Step-by-step Approach to TPM Implementation). Productivity Press Inc. , 733. Crosby, P. (2001).Let's Talk Quality: 96 Questions that You Always Wanted to Ask Phil Crosby. International Journal of Quality & Reliability Management , 290. Crosby, P. (1979). Quality Is Free. McGraw-Hill , 94. Deming, W. (1986). Out of Crisis. Cambridge University Press , 94. Dow, D. S. (1999). Exploring the myth: Do all quality management practices contribute to superior quality performance. Production and Operations Management , 25. Fco. Javier Llore? ns Montes, A. V. (2003). Factors affecting the relationship between total quality management and organizational performance. International Journal of Quality & Reliability Management , 189. Fincher, C. (1994).Quality and diversity: the mystique of process. Institute of Higher Education , 94. Hammer, M. a. (2001). Reengineering the Corporation: A Manifesto for Business Revolution. HarperBusiness , 733. Harnesk, R. (2007). Management concepts and models. TQM: an act of balance between contradictions , 532. Henderson, G. (1992). The First Bank to Win a British Award. Quality Forum , 315. Hirano, H. (1996). 5S for Operators: 5 Pillars of the Visual Workplace (for your Organization! ). Productivity Press Inc. , 733. Imai, M. (1986). Kaizen: The Key to Japan’s Competitive Success. McGraw-Hill , 733. Juran, J. a. (1980). Quality Planning and Analysis. McGraw-Hill , 94.Nwabueze, U. (2011). An Industry Betrayed: the case of total quality management in manufacturing. The TQM Magazine , 400. Nwabueze, U. (2001). Chief executives  ± hear thyselves: leadership requirements for 5-S/TQM implementation in healthcare. Managerial Auditing Journal , 407. Nwabueze, U. (2001). Chief executives  ± hear thyselves: leadership requirements for 5-S/TQM implem entation in healthcare. Managerial Auditing Journal , 409. Oakland, J. (2003). TQM: Text with Cases. Butterworth-Heinemann , 733. Ono, T. a. (1988). Toyota Production System: Beyond Large-scale Production. Productivity Press Inc. , 733. Pande, P. a. (2001). What is Six Sigma?McGraw-Hill , 733. Reavill, L. R. (1999). New applications for TQM. What is the future direction of TQM development? , 296. Reavill, L. R. (1999). TQM, an established management. What is the future direction of TQM development? , 292 -293. Venkatraman, S. (2007). A framework for implementing TQM in higher education programs. Quality Assurance in Education , 93. W. H. Ip, K. C. (1999). Enhancing Manufacturing Information Management Through TQM. Logistics Information Management , 315. Zairi, T. T. (2001). A proposed model of TQM implementation based on an empirical study of Malaysian industry. International Journal of Quality & Reliability Management , 289.

Econ of Black Comm Dev. Davis-Bacon Act Debate Essays - Free Essays

Econ of Black Comm Dev. Davis-Bacon Act Debate Essays - Free Essays 1.Defender ~ Olivia Lewis 2.Detractor ~ Tawndy 3.Moderator/Scribe ~Taylor Walker September 3, 2015 Econ of Black Community Development 788 Davis-Bacon Act Debate For/DefenderAgainst/Detractor Group 1 Debate/ DiscussionI am in support of the Davis-Bacon Act, as workers in cities are facing unemployment as a result of the ability for manufacturers to simply lower wages and bring in new workers. Benefits all workers Fair, deserved pay, fair competition Force companies to hire unionized workers oProvides proper protection of workers Set wage oAllows laborers to afford expenditures in the city Improve work morale Creates equity in the work placeI am in opposition of the Davis-Bacon Act, contractors and subcontractors are performing on federally funded or assisted contracts in excess of $2000 for construction, alteration, or repair of public buildings, or public works. Racist origins oAuthor was racist Lest immigration upset nations racial status quo oKeeps blacks from competition w/ ununionized white workers oAct passed with the intention of preventing non-unionized and immigrant laborers from competing with unionized white workers for scarce jobs during the Great Depression Currently, has devastating impact Nonunionized black workers are underrepresented in highly unionized skilled trades and over represented in pool of unskilled workers Restricts economic opportunities of low-income individuals oMinority contracting firms are often small, non-unionized, & cant pay prevailing wage Requires contractors to pay unskilled laborers prevailing wage for any job performed oForces contractors to hire skilled tradesmen Selecting workers from pool dominated by whites Creates barrier for unskilled o/ low-skilled workers Low income blacks cannot reap the benefits of the well paid construction industry

The Old Man And Sea essays

The Old Man And Sea essays The Old Man And The Sea A= . Santiago (The Old Man) is the main character of The Old Man and the Sea. His occupation is a fisherman. Unlike the rest of the fishing community, Santiago continues to fish using traditional methods. These methods, however, do not allow Santiago to catch many fish. Thus, he is forced to live a semi-impoverished life A= Manolin (the young boy) is a young man and good friend of Santiago. Santiago has spent several years teaching and instructing Manolin in the traditional methods of fishing. Where and when the story takes place? A= In Cuba and out in the Gulf Stream, in the 50. A= During the last few moments of the Marlin's life. Santiago battles furiously with the huge fish as it thrashes about in the water. The danger to Santiago is immense because the size of the marlin is much greater than the Santiago's boat. A= Yes because is about the hard existence of the man fighting against his destiny, conditioned by the social and cultural structures that mark his life. A= The story is about Santiago a Cuban fisherman who goes through many conflicts with nature and himself. He experiences poor luck in the latter part of his life which leaves him poor and destitute, relying on a boy to feed him and to be his only true friend. In spite of his skill as a fisherman, only his diligent perseverance ended his eighty-five day drought of fish. In this time of need, Santiago's pride prevailed over his hunger and need of supplies. While fishing in solitude, Santiago's eighty-five day ordeal ended with the snaring of a marlin. During the contest between himself and the fish, Santia ...

Dissertation Paper

Dissertation Paper Dissertation Paper Dissertation Paper University students sometimes feel lost and frustrated when they face the necessity of writing a dissertation paper. Really, this task is a complicated one; it takes a lot of time and effort to write a dissertation. Anyway, you have no other way out except of start work. Do not give up, as you are well prepared to take the challenge. In this paper you will find some useful tips on how to start work. Choose your topic According to the Asian saying, the first step is half of the way. For you this first step, choosing your topic, is genuinely important. It depends on your choice whether your work will be interesting for you or boring, whether it will be easy or difficult to find data for your dissertation paper, and, finally, whether the staff will be willing to help you. You will perhaps need to have some preliminary reading around your topic before you make your choice. But do not waste your time, it is no use skipping from one topic to another. When you think th at you have found what you need, consult the staff. It is very important to find a supervisor, having a deep knowledge of the subject, who will be willing to help you. Make a rough timetable of your work It might be not very easy to plan the work on your dissertation paper, which will last for months. Students sometimes rush to start their work, but they do not know where to go. That is why they may, for example, spend lots of time gathering evidence, but they will be extremely short of time when it comes to bibliography. Still, it is better to prepare your timetable at the very beginning of your work, as it will protect you from sleepless nights before the final deadline. Consult your supervisor You know that your dissertation paper is assigned to you to provide you with the opportunity to develop your intellectual skills. Some students think that they can work absolutely independently. Others just do not know how to cope with this task and do not do anything. Both of them ar e wrong, as avoiding the supervisor is a very big mistake. If you want your dissertation paper to bring you the highest possible mark, consult your supervisor whenever you need professional help. Well, we hope that creating a dissertation paper will be the most interesting and fruitful experience in your studies.

Business strategy Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Business strategy - Essay Example This can be attributed to its marketing strategies which are mainly aimed at satisfaction of consumers. In the global business culture and environment, there exists a very wide range of competition. Competition mainly involves between organisations with related activities and producing related commodities. According to Grant (2005) another form of competition is the fight to gain financial superiority. In the matter of financial superiority and growth, all forms of organisations are ranked under the same scale. Under this evaluation, organisations and companies seek to gain a competitive advantage. Gaining competitive advantage in the global market is not an easy task. To gain competitive advantage globally requires an impression and satisfaction of the global consumer needs and wants (Porter, 2004). Over the years, the battle of competitive advantage has seen great improvements of produced goods. Additionally, innovation levels have also increased significantly. However, as much the re is a rise in the number of companies in the global market, there are companies which have established their brand in the market. Humans find it difficult replace their current commodity preferences if they are satisfied. This gives an advantage to companies which have stayed in the market for a long time. ... Additionally, strategic decisions also play a vital role in gaining the competitive advantage. The strategic decision making is aimed at putting the organisation in a long term competitive decision making. This involves a consideration of the all factors affecting the operations and activities of the organisation (Porter, 2004). According to Lynch (2009), factors should include both environmental factors: both internal and external factors. Internal factors comprise of adoption of new technology, human resource development and the advancement of the improvement of managerial activities. External factors comprise political, legal, technological and sociological factors. A consideration of all environmental factors is the best strategy in gaining a competitive advantage in the market. Most important of all is the evaluation of the company’s target market preferences. Preferences may include the change in taste, price, accessibility and technological preferences. With the consume rs being satisfied, the organisation may then focus on how to keep them satisfied (Grant, 2005). Taking Honda into perspective, it has covered its consumer’s needs and requirements. Honda Motor Company has established itself as one of the most successful business empires in the world. It is also an exhibit of a successful business competitive strategy. In an argument presented by Honda the Power of Dreams (2010), Honda has presented researchers and students with the best research tool. Many researchers and business students use Honda as they research option due to its development and success. The growth of the Honda Motor Company is attributed to the company’s urge to fulfil and satisfy the motor market wants and preferences.

Hot L Baltimore - Who is your favourite character and why Essay

Hot L Baltimore - Who is your favourite character and why - Essay Example Immediately the audience can understand the occupation, age and character of the young minx. She has no name, only an age: nineteen. Wilson gives her a tender age and makes her a prostitute at the same time. Maybe this is to reveal to the audience the cruelty of our age. Yet, nameless she presides over the entire three-act play, helping in any way possible. The most predominant emotions in her, makes the play embrace her as she wins over the audience with her charm and care. One of the most individualistic qualities about the Girl is her inability to reach a conclusion on anything she states. She is confused and regularly keeps changing her name and personality. This can also be one of the most alluring aspects about her because with her nothing stays definite. She changes like a chameleon making those around her incapable of deciphering her personality. It is evident that despite being in a profession that should harden one against the world, Girl is still as emotional and positive as possible. She feels this constant obligation to assist wherever and whenever possible. Sometimes enough so that sometimes she causes irritation such as the moment when in her attempts to help Bill she frustrates him into moving out of the way and distributing the mail. This is not the only instant her care shows because as soon as she discovers the mail contains eviction notices she immediately refuses to distribute it, claiming her disassociation with anything so negative. The Girl is not just caring, she is also very curious. This factor might be because of her age but this does not explain her desire to know anything that catches her attention. She wants to know about the ghosts in hotels in great detail and insists on asking a continuous series of questions regarding ghosts, their habitat and activities. This attracts the audience towards her because it

VERY FORMAL letter Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

VERY FORMAL letter - Essay Example His majesty also attended various public events including the banquet at the Imperial Palace. As a result of his presence there, the Japan-Cambodia relationship became more solid. Japan has consistently delivered a commitment to peace, rehabilitation, domestic stability, and nation-building in Cambodia. As such, the country has been our alliance partner in Southeast Asia since the late 1980’s. More specifically, Japan has extended economic assistance with and without compensation for Cambodia to (1) realize sustainable economic growth and maintain a stable society; (2) aid the socially vulnerable; (3) cope with global issues; and (4) redress disparities among ASEAN countries. Above all, the Agreement between Japan and the Kingdom of Cambodia for the Liberalization, Promotion, and Protection of Investment intensified the relationship between our two countries. You may recall that your Excellency signed this Agreement while visiting Japan as a state guest in 2007. As a result, direct Japanese investments for motorbike assembling plants and galvanized iron plants in Cambodia are ever-increasing. In terms of a cultural aspect, we have made an effort on the conservation and restoration of the historic site of Angkor through the Japanese Government Team for Safeguarding Angkor since the Inter-governmental Conference on the Safeguarding and Development of the Historic Site of Angkor, which was held in Tokyo in 1993. There is an expression in Japanese that translates to English as â€Å"Have the form but not the spirit.† We strongly believe that the â€Å"spirit† in a country-to-country relationship is a cordial human exchange at the private level, as well as investment activities. It just so happens that your country is currently in the middle of national promotion of agricultural sector enhancement, infrastructure rehabilitation and construction, private sector development, employment generation, and human resource

Strategies for Responsible Downsizing Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Strategies for Responsible Downsizing - Essay Example 4). This article is of interest to corporate management and Board members who are exploring the option of downsizing their workforce. Cascio delivers a lengthy review of real-world risks, benefits and disappointments by organizations choosing to downsize. It is highlighted that a Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats analysis be carried out first. This will assist management to make an informed decision as to whether to downsize, and how to implement their decision in a responsible and transparent way (Horngren et al. 100; Hoggett, Sweeting and Radford 15). The goal of strategy change is to enhance market competitiveness and to align with international discourse of corporate social responsibility (CSR). Management may decide to downsize with the goal to improve returns. Evidence shows that this is only a short term solution. There are significant social consequences, such as the loss of human resources, customers and suppliers confidence. Future growth will be more costly because of having to continuously hire new staff to be trained; low wages and poor working conditions do not endear staff loyalty. Further, there can be a lack of corporate structure following downsizing, in turn increasing the workload and interpersonal and intrapersonal pressures on staffs, affecting customer interest and loyalty. With regard to needing a strategic option that is a preventative measure to reduce costs, downsizing is a last resort. Are Employees Assets or Costs Management accounting classifies labour as a variable cost rather than a fixed overhead (Horngren et al. 10). Employees are viewed as "costs," to be "cut" when downsizing. Human Resource managers however, view people as the greatest asset within a corporation, which is a network of social beings interlinked with external networks. As Cascio notes, contemporary responsible restructuring requires that employees be seen as assets to be developed. Multi-skilling of employees is a key training focus within commercial industry today, with R&D using predominantly government support, to study organizational culture, leadership patterns, continuous improvement and learning across the lifetime. Business Concept

Calendar effects (seasonalities). January Effect , The Day of the Week Literature review

Calendar effects (seasonalities). January Effect , The Day of the Week Effect, The Holiday Effect - Literature review Example Literature Review For the day of the week effect in stock market returns, Gibbons & Hess (1981), Fama (1991), (Grossman and Stiglitz 1980)), French (1980)), Lakonishok and Levi (1982)), Rogalski (1984)) and Keim and Stambaugh (1984)), Harris (2002), Lakonishok and Smidt (1988), Allen and Karjalainen (1993) have exhibited the impression of this phenomenon. However, according to Kenourgios & Samitas (2008) latest global level studies indicate that this market irregularity is loosing its sheen to the extent of showing no symptoms of visibility or its effect has considerably reduced in developed stock markets since it was first registered in the 1980s (e.g., Chang et al., 1993; Schwert, 2001; Steeley, 2001; Kohers et al., 2004; Hui, 2005)). Generally, it is taken for granted that the apportioning of stock returns is the same for all days of a week but it is not that crucial an assumption for achieving market equilibrium. Empirical research indicates unequal stock returns on different day s of the week, particularly weekend effects on Monday returns. It could be because Monday’s return is computed over three in stead of one day causing the mean and variance to be higher than other days, which could be approximately three times higher. Although Fama (1965)) has compared daily mean returns but he has found Monday’s difference on stock returns to be 20% more than other daily returns, which is similar to what other researchers have focussed on (Gibbons & Hess, 1981). Background At the ground level, the theory of efficient capital markets is the same i.e. the theory of competitive equilibrium used on asset markets. It is based on the Ricardian principle of comparative advantage. The same notion in financial markets is applied with the only assumption of getting competitive advantage because of the gaps in information, not â€Å"fully reflected† in prices, thus, setting the basis for profitable trading rules (LeRoy, 1989). Fama (1991) has reviewed mark et efficiency literature by selecting the relevant research in the previous 20 years. He has taken the market efficiency hypothesis, which simply means that security prices are totally predictable as based on given information. It works on the assumption that information and the trading costs are mostly 0 (Grossman and Stiglitz 1980)). Another assumption of the efficiency hypothesis is that prices indicate information to the level where marginal benefits of accruing profits on the basis of information are less than the marginal cost (Jensen 1978)). There is so much opaqueness that one cannot measure market efficiency due to various versions of market efficiency to be reflected by going back on any type of efficiency hypothesis within the given information and the trading costs. There are other models that present a straightforward approach towards this issue. French (1980) also tested two models on stock returns as based on calendar time hypothesis and trading time hypothesis for a period between 1953 and 1977 for daily returns on Standards & Poor’s composite portfolio not matching with the models, indicating positive average return for the four days while negative return for Monday. Harris (2002) has studied weekly and intra-day designs in stock returns by employing transaction data for large and smaller firms. Findings indicate negative Monday close-to-close returns from the Friday close to Monday open for larger firms while for small firms it happens majorly the same for the whole of Monday trading.

Undecided Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Undecided - Research Paper Example Degradation of resources in Rwanda has been tied to the pressure on limited arable land by a large rapidly growing population, 90 % of whom are engaged in agricultural activity as explained in the introduction. Furthermore, Rwanda population has been growing at the rate of 3.7 % per year increasing pressure on farm land and agricultural production leading to severe decrease in agricultural produce resulting to soil exhaustion and malnutrition.6 In addition, the conversion rate of pasture land into cropland has reduced manure production, thus reducing soil fertility. Almost all available agricultural land is being used with the exclusion of two sub regions which are the Akagera Park and the Nyabarngo Valley.7 These factors mentioned above mainly suggest that the rapid increasing population on a land that has limited resources could have contributed to the genocide in Rwanda, because many people had no fertile land and the only way to get one was to take another person’s land. S till on geographical factors, Rwanda has hilly terrain that is composed of wetlands areas in forest reserves and national parks.8 The destruction of the wetlands as a result of demand to convert land to agriculture has resulted to sedimentation and flooding, leaving a few natural forest like Gishwati, Mukara and Nyungwe.9 The demand to convert natural forest land into agricultural has not been the only factor that has led to deforestation. The need for fuel-wood consumption has been another factor of deforestation.10 These factors give us an indication that deforestation as a result of providing farm land and fuel-wood is also a contributing factor to the genocide in Rwanda. This is because for those people who did not have farm land or fuel-wood, they had to cut down the forest in order to satisfy their needs. The problem arises when some people do not get farm land, where in order to get a farm land, they would have to kill other people. So this is a suitable factor that could hav e led to the Rwanda genocide. In 1990, the Rwandan government under President Habryarimana based its legitimacy on its capability of providing the needs of its populace. Nevertheless, the decrease in tea and coffee prices and the structural adjustment of polices had a significant impact on the Rwandan economy because approximately 90% of earnings from export came from 7% of the land that was mainly coffee.11 Also, at this time the poverty levels in the rural areas were increasing as a result of environmental degradation, land scarcity and unequal distribution of government resources. Additionally, the Habyarimana government was sending aid money to his home town, further worsening the already ethnic tensions. This was an important factor in the

Calendar effects (seasonalities). January Effect , The Day of the Week Literature review

Calendar effects (seasonalities). January Effect , The Day of the Week Effect, The Holiday Effect - Literature review Example Literature Review For the day of the week effect in stock market returns, Gibbons & Hess (1981), Fama (1991), (Grossman and Stiglitz 1980)), French (1980)), Lakonishok and Levi (1982)), Rogalski (1984)) and Keim and Stambaugh (1984)), Harris (2002), Lakonishok and Smidt (1988), Allen and Karjalainen (1993) have exhibited the impression of this phenomenon. However, according to Kenourgios & Samitas (2008) latest global level studies indicate that this market irregularity is loosing its sheen to the extent of showing no symptoms of visibility or its effect has considerably reduced in developed stock markets since it was first registered in the 1980s (e.g., Chang et al., 1993; Schwert, 2001; Steeley, 2001; Kohers et al., 2004; Hui, 2005)). Generally, it is taken for granted that the apportioning of stock returns is the same for all days of a week but it is not that crucial an assumption for achieving market equilibrium. Empirical research indicates unequal stock returns on different day s of the week, particularly weekend effects on Monday returns. It could be because Monday’s return is computed over three in stead of one day causing the mean and variance to be higher than other days, which could be approximately three times higher. Although Fama (1965)) has compared daily mean returns but he has found Monday’s difference on stock returns to be 20% more than other daily returns, which is similar to what other researchers have focussed on (Gibbons & Hess, 1981). Background At the ground level, the theory of efficient capital markets is the same i.e. the theory of competitive equilibrium used on asset markets. It is based on the Ricardian principle of comparative advantage. The same notion in financial markets is applied with the only assumption of getting competitive advantage because of the gaps in information, not â€Å"fully reflected† in prices, thus, setting the basis for profitable trading rules (LeRoy, 1989). Fama (1991) has reviewed mark et efficiency literature by selecting the relevant research in the previous 20 years. He has taken the market efficiency hypothesis, which simply means that security prices are totally predictable as based on given information. It works on the assumption that information and the trading costs are mostly 0 (Grossman and Stiglitz 1980)). Another assumption of the efficiency hypothesis is that prices indicate information to the level where marginal benefits of accruing profits on the basis of information are less than the marginal cost (Jensen 1978)). There is so much opaqueness that one cannot measure market efficiency due to various versions of market efficiency to be reflected by going back on any type of efficiency hypothesis within the given information and the trading costs. There are other models that present a straightforward approach towards this issue. French (1980) also tested two models on stock returns as based on calendar time hypothesis and trading time hypothesis for a period between 1953 and 1977 for daily returns on Standards & Poor’s composite portfolio not matching with the models, indicating positive average return for the four days while negative return for Monday. Harris (2002) has studied weekly and intra-day designs in stock returns by employing transaction data for large and smaller firms. Findings indicate negative Monday close-to-close returns from the Friday close to Monday open for larger firms while for small firms it happens majorly the same for the whole of Monday trading.

The Death of Ivan Ilych Essay Example for Free

The Death of Ivan Ilych Essay During Ilych’s appointment with the first doctor he consulted about his condition, he noticed that the doctor was a man who considered himself an expert in his turf and who looked down on everybody else as people who knew a lot less and whose lives would be affected by his own choice of moves, acts or decisions. In the role of the patient whose ailment was yet to be specifically identified, Ilych noticed that the doctor he visited – and those he subsequently went to, as well – personified the public official that he was. Having been serving as the examining magistrate of the town, Ilych was undoubtedly powerful and influential. He could summon any man, whatever his station was – rich or poor, educated or ignorant, successful or otherwise – to the court, and he could do with them whatever he wanted to do by the decisions that only he could make. He reveled in the control he wielded; he figured out complicated cases and readily saw them as simple knots, and he concluded countless of cases without emotion and using only objectivity, logic and his authority. The outcome of some cases destroyed lives, turned victims’ worlds upside down, ended professional careers, broke families, shut down businesses and shattered dreams of many people. Through it all, Ilych was the detached magistrate who could not care less what happened to any of the many participants in the cases he officiated. He was puffed up, callous and undeniably proud. The same arrogance could be found in most other characters in the story; Ilych’s colleagues saw nothing in his death but a definite signal of changes in the make-up of their elite circle. They were more concerned with what Ilych’s demise would mean to their respective posts. The same selfishness was demonstrated mostly by everyone. Even Ilych’s wife could not disguise her greed for what she would be entitled to as a widow. On the whole, the story is a sad depiction of how meaningless life can be when lived for the wrong reasons, purposes and goals. The happy bit of a part is brought about by knowing that before he finally drew his last breath, Ilych shook himself free of such wrong values and beliefs – he found out that love and concern for others are the things that genuinely lead a person to find happiness. Works Cited Tolstoy, Leo. The Death of Ivan Ilych. Kila, Montana: Kessinger Publishing, 2004.

Anorexia and Bulimia Risk Factors

Anorexia and Bulimia Risk Factors Exploring Eating Disorders It is nearly impossible to walk past the aisles in stores without seeing headlines promising secrets to weight loss. Our cell phones are full of advertisements and videos of exercise routines. In the United States being thin has become a national obsession and places unrealistic expectations on what makes a female beautiful. To keep up with these expectations, females become dissatisfied with their bodies. With body dissatisfaction being the single most powerful contributor to the development of eating disorders, it is not surprising that these disorders continue to rise (Comer, 2015). The common eating disorders recognized by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual are anorexia nervosa (AN), bulimia nervosa (BN), and binge eating disorder (BED) (APA, 2013). The focus of this paper is on the formally recognized eating disorders, anorexia and bulimia.   Briefly, these disorders are characterized by disturbances in body image and abnormal eating patterns. While the cause is elusive, to day’s theorists and researchers believe eating disorders arise from the interaction of multiple risk factors. The more of these factors that are present, the likelier they will develop an eating disorder. Among these factors include biological, psychological, and sociocultural (Rikani, 2013). Etiology Biological Factors Studies have shown a genetic contribution to developing eating disorders (Fairburn & Harrison, 2003). Certain genes may leave some people more susceptible to the development of eating disorders and researchers suggest that these diseases are biologically based forms of severe mental illnesses. This has been further supported by twin and family studies. For each disorder the estimated heritability ranges between 50% and 83%, therefore there is a possibility of genetic contribution to eating disorders (Treasure et al, 2003). Studies have also suggested role of serotonin levels since this specific neurotransmitter is important in the regulation of eating and mood (Fairburn & Harrison, 2003). Several studies have confirmed those suffering from anorexia nervosa measured lower serotonin levels and may be an indirect effect of eating disorders (Rikani, 2013). Psychological factors Around 73% of girls and females have a negative body image, compared with 56% of boys and men (Comer, 2013). Body dissatisfaction has been defined as â€Å"discontent with some aspect of one’s physical appearance† (Cash, 2012) and is a risk factor for developing an eating disorder (Stice, 2001). Furthermore, it â€Å"encompasses one’s body-related self-perceptions and self-attitudes, including thoughts, beliefs, feelings, and behaviors† (Cash, 2012). Research has measured as far back to adolescent years and how the onset of puberty could set the stage for their body image perceptions (Rikani, 2013). According to Treasure, Claudina, and Zucker (2003), most eating disorders occur during adolescence.   While females are more concerned about losing weight, their male counterparts are focused on the body image of needing to gain muscle. Additionally, female perceptions have been linked to negative body image and adolescent boys are likelier to have positive feelings about their bodies (Ata et al, 2007). Females ultimately feel discontent with the shape and size of their body at such an early age when they are forming their identities. Specifically, females are trying to fit into the image society has described as the ideal beauty of a woman, thus they become increasingly obsessed with disordered eating (Dittmar et al, 2009). In turn, they can suffer psychologically from low self-esteem, feelings of helplessness, and intense dissatisfaction with the way they look† (APA, 2013). Body image and body dissatisfaction have been measured by examining cognitive components, such as negative attitudes about the body or unrealistic expectations for appearance and behavioral components, such as avoiding perceived body scrutiny from others (e.g., avoiding swimming) (Thompson et al., 1999b). Ata, Ludden, and Lally (2007) also found strong links between eating disorders and feelings of depression and low self-esteem.    Sociocultural factors Many sociocultural factors like friends and family can influence the development of eating disorders. â€Å"Research focusing on the particular effects of teasing on female adolescents found that those who are teased about their weight, body shape, and appearance tend to exhibit poorer body image and are more likely to diet† (Ata et al., 2007). Furthermore, adolescents who have a relationship with their parents that are less supportive and filled with conflict are more likely to choose disordered eating behaviors and have poor body image. In a survey of individuals with eating disorders, they included family factors such as, poor parental control, controlling parents, poor relationship with parent, critical family environment as causal factors with eating disorders (Salafia et al., 2015). Swarr and Richards (1996) found that adolescents who have a healthy relationship with both parents are less likely to have concerns about their weight. During this vulnerable stage of development, adolescents place a high regard to the approval of their peers. Supported evidence shows that those with lower peer acceptance and social support may be linked to negative body image   (Ata et al., 2007). It is not surprising that body image has been an obsession in Western society for decades. The media has portrayed the continually changing concept of beauty through advertisements, social media, magazines, and television, in turn shaping society’s standard of beauty. Mulvey (1998) looked at the history of female beauty and the major changes in the female image over the years. The cinched waist was popular in the 1900’s, while being flat chested without curves were emphasized in the 1920’s. Throughout the 1930’s women were encouraged by societal standards to have curves and this emphasis continued through the 1950’s. Images of full figured women like Marilyn Monroe, Audrey Hepburn and Elizabeth Taylor influenced the way women wanted to look (Mulvey, 1998). It was not until the end of this decade that the thin ideal began to decrease in shape (Rumsey). Women began to alter their bodies through plastic surgery in the 1960’s to reach society’s standards. It was during this time that the body type drastically changed into the depiction of being extremely thin and â€Å"boyish.† The immense pressure to be thin carried throughout the 1970’s and the rail thin image resulted in an increase in eating disorders, especially anorexia (Mulvey, 1998). Fortunately, that image did not last long and women were advertised as being fit and sporty throughout the early 90s, yet thin models and anorexia became rampant again at the end of this decade. Sadly, this image of thinness has continued throughout the 21st century. Prevalence Measuring the prevalence of eating disorders is complex since countless numbers of people with the disorders do not seek treatment (Treasure et al., 2010). Research suggests that the stigma society has placed on eating disorders as being self-inflictive may factor in to why they do not seek help (Salafia et al., 2015). While eating disorders affect both genders, the prevalence among women and girls are 2  ½ times greater for females (NIMH, 2013). Additionally, Wade, Keski-Rahkonen, and Hudson (2011) found that 20 million women and 10 million men suffer from an eating disorder at some point in their life.   According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), the lifetime prevalence among adults with eating disorders have measured to be 0.6% for both anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa for the adult population. The main risk factors that have been linked to anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa are general factors such as, being female, adolescent/young adult, and living in Western society (NIMH, ). The National Institute of Mental Health reports of suicide being very common in women who suffer from anorexia nervosa and has the highest mortality rate around 10% among all mental disorders. As mentioned earlier, adolescent females are at a higher risk of developing eating disorders, which were related to low self-esteem, social support, and negative attitudes of their body image. While the age of onset frequently appears during teen years and young adulthood for both disorders, bulimia nervosa has a slightly later age of onset, however can begin the same way as anorexia nervosa (Fairburn & Harrison, 2003). A study found one-third of patients who had an initial diagnosis of anorexia nervosa crossed over to bulimia nervosa during 7 years of follow up (Eddy et al., 2008). Between .3 and .9% of this population are diagnosed with anorexia nervosa and .5 and 5% with bulimia nervosa (Salafia et al., 2015). Furthermore, the NIMH reported the lifetime prevalence of 13-18 year olds to be 2.7% for both eating disorders. Certain professions and subcultures have a higher prevalence of developing eating disorders. These include professions where bodyweight is highly valued, such as athletes, models, performers, and dancers. In studies with female athletes the prevalence rate of eating disorders ranged from 0% and 8%, which is higher than that of the general population. Among these athletes, 33% engage in eating behaviors that put them at risk for such disorders, such as vomiting and using laxatives. Additional factors that increase the risk for this population have been shown to be the transition into the college setting and moving away from home. Cultural Factors/Issues    Historically, there has been a stereotype of eating disorders to effect young, female Caucasians, who are educated and from an upper socio-economic class. However, research increasingly shows that this disorder does not discriminate and is being reported in other race/ethnicities of both upper and lower classes. The prevalence of eating disorders is similar among Non-Hispanic Whites, Hispanics, African-Americans, and Asians in the United States, with the exception that anorexia nervosa is more common among Non-Hispanic Whites (Hudson et al., 2007; Wade et al., 2011). One report found that views about body image and eating disorders varies among cultures and Caucasian women have the lowest body satisfaction and self esteem while Latina women score in the middle in terms of self-esteem and body satisfaction (Eating Disorder Hope, 2013). The literature among African American women is scarce, however Lee & Lock (2007) found that this group had the highest level of self-esteem and body satisfaction. With more and more studies comcluding that eating disorders are occurring in other ethnic groups, it becomes imperative to note different cultural views and beliefs may influence this disorder. Common barriers among minority groups regarding treatment resistance, include language difficulties, lack of health insurance or transportation and lack of resources. Barriers can be present in all ethnicities with eating disorders, but ultimately their cultural beliefs tends to be the greatest influence   in their decision to whether they seek treatment (McCaslin, 2014). Clinical picture Mental disorders have been portrayed throughout movies and literature. While most do not portray a clear clinical picture of those disorders, a compelling illustration is of actress, Portia de Rossi, is able to show what it looks like and a raw mage of the eating disorder in her book, Unbearable Lightness: A Story of Loss and Gain. She writes about her personal struggle with body image and testimony of her eating disorder. Her struggle with anorexia and bulimia began when she was modeling at the age of 12 after her agents informed her she needed to go on a diet. She was influenced by her older colleagues to vomit to maintain the rail-thin figure directors favored. The actress discussed her disordered eating behaviors, such as taking 20 laxatives a day and restricting her caloric intake to 300 calories a day. She explained the overwhelming desire for perfectionism. Her personal account of her struggle with an eating disorder and illustrates the clinical picture of what it looks like t o live through anorexia. From the competitiveness, obsessions, and distorted thoughts, she reveals a life of trying to measure up to the relentless pursuit to measure up to society’s standards of beauty. Ronald Comer’s text, Abnormal Psychology, also gives a clinical insight into the nature of eating disorders. Sufferers have dysfunctional eating attitudes towards food. The main goal for people who suffer from anorexia nervosa is to become thin. They are fearful of gaining weight and the loss of control over the size and shape of their body. People with this disorder are so preoccupied with food that it results in food deprivation. Their thinking becomes distorted and are likely to have negative perceptions and poor body image. Distorted thinking can lead to psychological problems, such as depression, anxiety low self-esteem, and insomnia in those who suffer from anorexia nervosa. Comer (2015) provides research that suggests sufferers may also display symptoms of obsessive-compulsive patterns. The American Psychiatric Association (APA) confirms this finding of eating disorders being linked to other mental health issues. The APA reported 50-70% suffer from depression, 42-75% have a present personality disorder, 30-37% of bulimic sufferers engage in substance abuse as well as 12-18% of anorexic sufferers. Approximately 25% have OCD and 4-6% suffer from bipolar disorder.   It is common for sufferers to engage in over exercising, misusage of laxatives and diuretics, and a decreased interest in the outside world (Fairburn & Harrison, 2003). Research has considered the main physical features of anorexia nervosa. The physical symptoms have included, heightened sensitivity to cold, gastrointestinal problems, dizziness, amenorrhea, and insomnia. The physical signs of a sufferer of this disorder may show signs of emaciation, dry skin, erosion of teeth, and cardiac arrhythmias (Fairburn & Harrison, 2003). Bulimia Nervosa is defined by the DSM-V as eating behaviors that involve binging and purging to avoid weight gain (APA, 2013). Similar to anorexia nervosa, symptoms of depression and anxiety are often seen and sufferers may also engage in substance misuse or self-injury, or both (Fairburn & Harrison, 2003). Mitchell et al. (1983) found physiological electrolyte abnormalities in patients with bulimia nervosa, which can lead to irregular heartbeat and seizures. Other health complications of this eating disorder may include edema/swelling, dehydration, vitamin/mineral deficiencies, gastrointestinal problems, inflammation or possible rupture of the esophagus, tooth decay, and even chronic kidney problems/failure (Alliance for Eating Disorders Awareness, 2013). Evaluating the prevelance of having eating disorders is fairly new for researchers and health care providers, however, continues to be challenging with the major gap in literature. Eating disorders are severe conditions and often associated with comorbidity and adverse medical conditions, as described earlier. Therefore, a large part of research only focuses on the psychiatric comorbidity in eating disorders, including depression, personality disorder, substance abuse, and obsessive compulsive disorder. The stigma society has placed on eating disorders also influences the accuracy regarding the costs of these disorders, whether they are impacted directly or indirectly. The lack of reporting within the health care sector continues to make it difficult to estimate costs and prevalence. It is very common for sufferers to seek treatment for the physical problems than the eating disorder itself and one in four individuals actually seek treatment specifically directed at improving their eating disorder symptoms (Striegel-Moore et al., 2003). In past research that reviewed insurance claims regarding eating disorders, it was found that many insurance companies did not cover treatment for these disorders, which often resulted in the treatment providers to use different diagnostic codes when submitting the claims (Striegel-Moore et al., 2003).   One clinical trial that reviewed health records and insurance codes found that 42% of the claims related to weight or eating disorders, however, only 4% had an actual eating disorder diagnosis (Rosselli, 2016). Samnaliev et al. (2015) measured the impact of eating disorders on health care costs, employment status, and income in the United States. Their evaluation indicated that individuals with eating disorders had more health care costs than those who did not have an eating disorder. In addition, if one had a comorbid then they saw an increase in annual costs, compared to those with no comorbidities. Another impact of the disease that they found during their analysis was lower rates of employment for those with eating disorders. The study also found a link between higher hospitalization costs for sufferers of anorexia nervosa compared to those with bulimia nervosa. Another study (Agras, 2001) found the average cost for inpatient treatment for female anorexics was $17,384 compared to the cost of $9088 for bulimic patients. The same study found treatment for outpatient settings for treatment of anorexia and bulimia to average around $2344. The costs of treating eating disorders were compared to schizophrenia and OCD and indicated costs for anorexia were not significantly different from schizophrenia, however much more expensive than treatment for OCD (Agras, 2001). Research While there has been a significant amount of research speculating the factors that influence the development to eating disorders, it continues to remain challenging. Questions remain unanswered regarding the etiology, prevelance cross-culturally, and effective treatment approaches. The only promising finding in current research has been the evidence that heritable factors make a significant contribution to the etiology of these disorders. (Walsh, 2004). Another issue regarding the research is that a considerable amount is focuses on the eating disorders of Caucasian females in Western society in part due to the stigma placed on eating disorders. Past studies found that eating behaviors of young African American women were more positive than those of young white American women. However, over the past decade research has suggested that body image concerns/dissatisfaction, and disordered eating behaviors have increased for young African American women, as well as women of other minority groups. Despite these trends, society continues to believe that it is likelier for a white American female to develop an eating disorder, rather than a woman of a minority group (Comer, 2015).   It is clear that eating disorders are happening within other cultures, however, the prevelance continues to be an issue to measure. There are also issues regarding treatment. There is ongoing research on the efficacy of treatment for bulimia nervosa, but not for sufferers of anorexia nervosa, which suggests that future research should focus on interventions and treatments for this type of eating disorder. Furthermore, with culture being a risk factor in eating disorders, the development of culturally specific interventions and their efficacy could be beneficial for   future research (Walsh, 2004). Prevention It would be helpful for clinicians to hold a multidemensial risk perspective regarding eating disorders until findings point to the exact etiology of the disorder. With new research and data strongly suggesting genetic influence, it is promising that the etiology may eventually be explained. It is importance to understand that all eating disorders occur in all races and ethnicities. Sala et al. (2014) made suggestions for prevention of the disorders, such as public health campaigns to increase awareness and peer recognition since adolescents place a higher value to what their peers think of them. If awareness is brought about in schools than earlier detection may prevent eating disorders among adolescents. Also, since studies suggest that the family has an influence on the younger population, they could be used to inform prevention approaches at the family level (Langdon-Daly & Serpell, 2017). Treatment Being familiar with the factors invluencing the development of the eating disorder is imperative in order to understand and adequately help the person suffering from anorexia or bulimia. With that being said, the lack of empirical research regarding the treatment of anorexia nervosa is scarce, thus making it difficult to treat. Studies have shown a strong emphasis on a multidisciplinary approach for sufferers of anorexia is helpful. This approach involves a team of medical, nutritional, social, and psycholological professionals. Therpists typically use a combination of psychotherapy and family therapyto overcome the underlying issue of anorexia nervosa sufferers ( Comer, 2015). Treatment for bulimia nervosa is often in clinic settings with the goals of eliminating the binge-purge patterns, developing healthier eating behaviors, and removing the underlying influence (Comer, 2015) A large amount of research concerning the treatment of bulimia nervosa suggests that Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is the treatment of choice, while other data suggests CBT being unsuccessful for anorexia. This proves of the need for new interventions and treatment models for eating disorders, specifically anorexia. Strong evidence from pharmacological trials have found that Pharmacotherapy is effective in treatment for bulimia in the short term. Other models of treatment regarding bulimia focus on emotional regulation, such as dialectical behavior therapy (Treasure et al., 2010). A new approach that has gained preliminary support is Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). ACT focuses on accepting unwanted feelings/thoughts and seeing them as part of being human. One study suggested that ACT could be neneficial with patients of eating disorders. Treatment interventions that target negative body image may be beneficial when developing newer interventions and approaches towards treatment since both eating disorders have a strong desire to control their urges, thoughts, and feelings (Butryn et al., 2013). Conclusion Eating disorders are complex and various factors can influence the development of an eating disorder. These disorders cross all cultural and social backgrounds. While the exact etiology is unknown the overlapping theories help in understanding the combination of factors that influence the causes of eating disorders, It is important to understand they are severe mental disorders and have serious medical consequences.   The advancement in today’s research is encouraging and may eventually offer better treatment options and specific links to the development of an eating disorders. References Agras, W. S. (2001). THE CONSEQUENCES AND COSTS OF THE EATING DISORDERS. Psychiatric Clinics, 24(2), 371–379 Alliance for Eating Disorders Awareness. (2013). Eating Disorders. Retrieved from https://www.allianceforeatingdisorders Alvarenga, M. S., Koritar, P., Pisciolaro, F., Mancini, M., Cordà ¡s, T. A., & Scagliusi, F. B. (2014). Eating attitudes of anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder and obesity without eating disorder female patients: differences and similarities.  Physiology & behavior,  131, 99-104. American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). Washington, DC. Ata, R. N., Ludden, A. B., & Lally, M. M. (2007). The effects of gender and family, friend, and media influences on eating behaviors and body image during adolescence.  Journal of Youth and Adolescence,  36(8), 1024-1037. Barth, D. F., & Starkman, H. (2016). Introduction to Body Meets Mind: Eating Disorders and Body Image A Twenty First Century Perspective. Clinical Social Work Journal , 44 (1), 1-3. Brown, J. M., Selth, S., Stretton, A., & Simpson, S. (2016). Do dysfunctional coping modes mediate the relationship between perceived parenting style and disordered eating behaviors?  Journal of eating disorders,  4(1), 27. Butryn, M. L., Juarascio, A., Shaw, J., Kerrigan, S. G., Clark, V., O’Planick, A., & Forman, E. M. (2013). Mindfulness and its relationship with eating disorders symptomatology in women receiving residential treatment. Eating Behaviors, 14(1), 13–16. Cash TF, Pruzinsky T, editors. Body Image: A Handbook of Theory, Research, and Clinical Practice. New York: Guilford Press; 2002. Comer, R. J. (2015). Abnormal Psychology. New York, New York: Worth Publishers. Cui, H., Moore, J., Ashimi, S. S., Mason, B. L., Drawbridge, J. N., Han, S., & Pieper, A. A. (2013). Eating disorder predisposition is associated with ESRRA and HDAC4 mutations.  The Journal of clinical investigation,  123(11). Dittmar, Helga, Emma Halliwell, and Emma Striling. â€Å"Understanding the Impact of Thin Media Models on Women’s Body-Focused Affect: The Roles of thin-Ideal Internalization and Weight-Related Self-Discrepancy Activation in Experimental Exposure Effects.† Journal of Social and Clinical Psychology 28.1, 43-72, 2009. Easter, M. M. (2012). Not all my fault†: Genetics, stigma, and personal responsibility for women with eating disorders.  Social Science & Medicine (1982),  75(8), 1408–1416. Eating Disorder Hope. (2013, July 26). Retrieved April 25, 2017, from https://www.eatingdisorderhope.com/information/eating-disorder/ethnic-minorities Eddy  KT, Dorer  DJ, Franko  DL, Tahilani  K, Thompson-Brenner  H, Herzog  DB.  Diagnostic crossover in anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa: implications for DSM-V.  Ã‚  Am J Psychiatry.  2008;165(2):245-250 Fairburn, C. G., & Harrison, P. J. (2003). Eating disorders.  The Lancet,  361(9355), 407-416. Fogelkvist, M., Parling, T., Kjellin, L., & Gustafsson, S. A. (2016). A qualitative analysis of participants’ reflections on body image during participation in a randomized controlled trial of acceptance and commitment therapy.  Journal of Eating Disorders,  4(1), 29. Heaner, M. K., & Walsh, B. T. (2013). A history of the identification of the characteristic eating disturbances of Bulimia Nervosa, Binge Eating Disorder and Anorexia Nervosa.  Appetite,  65, 185-188. Hoek HW. Classification, epidemiology and treatment of DSM-5 feeding and eating disorders. Curr Opin Psychiatry. 2013;26(5):529–31. Hoek, H. W., & van Hoeken, D. (2003). Review of the prevalence and incidence of eating disorders.  International Journal of Eating Disorders, 34(4), 383-396 Kaye, Walter. â€Å"Eating Disorders: Hope Despite Mortal Risk.† Am J Psychiatry 166.23, 2009. Kelly, Amy M., Melanie Wall, Marle E. Eisenberg, Mary Story, and Dianne Neumark-Sztainer. â€Å"Adolescent Girls with High Body Satisfaction: Who are they and what can they teach us?† Journal of Adolescent Health 37.5, 391-396, 2005. Langdon-Daly, J., & Serpell, L. (2017). Protective factors against disordered eating in family systems: a systematic review of research.  Journal of Eating Disorders,  5(1), 12. Lee HY and Lock, J: Anorexia nervosa in Asian-American adolescents: do they differ from their non-Asian peers? International Journal of Eating Disorders 2007;40:227-231. McCaslin, K. K. (2014). Eating Disorders in Women Across Cultures (Masters thesis, University of Redlands). Retrieved from h p://inspire.redlands.edu/proudian/1. Miller, KJ et al: Comparisons of body image dimensions by racve/ethnicity and gender in a university population. International Journal of Eating Disorders 2000;27:310-316. Mitchell, J. E., Pyle, R. L., Eckert, E. D., Hatsukami, D., & Lentz, R. (1983). Electrolyte and other physiological abnormalities in patients with bulimia.  Psychological Medicine,  13(2), 273-278. National Institute of Mental Health (2013). Eating Disorders. Retrieved April 20, 20157, from https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/eating-disorders/index.shtml Rikani, A. e. (2013). A critique of the literature on etiology of eating disorders. Annals of Neurosciences , 20 (4), 157-161. Rosselli, F. (2017). Reducing the burden of suffering from eating disorders: Unmet treatment needs, cost of illness, and the quest for cost-effectiveness.  Behavior Research and Therapy,  88, 49-64. Sala, M., Reyes-Rodrà ­guez, M. L., Bulik, C. M., & Bardone-Cone, A. (2013). Race, Ethnicity, and Eating Disorder Recognition by Peers.  Eating Disorders,  21(5), 423–436. Salafia, E. H. B., Jones, M. E., Haugen, E. C., & Schaefer, M. K. (2015). Perceptions of the causes of eating disorders: a comparison of individuals with and without eating disorders.  Journal of eating disorders,  3(1), 32. Samnaliev, M., Noh, H. L., Sonneville, K. R., & Austin, S. B. (2015). The economic burden of eating disorders and related mental health comorbidities: An exploratory analysis using the US Medical Expenditures Panel Survey.  Preventive medicine reports,  2, 32-34. Sharan, P., & Sundar, A. S. (2015). Eating disorders in women.  Indian Journal of Psychiatry,  57(Suppl 2), S286–S295. Soh, N. L. W., & Walter, G. (2013). Publications on cross-cultural aspects of eating disorders.  Journal of eating disorders,  1(1), 4. Striegel-Moore, R. H., Dohm, F. A., Kraemer, H. C., Taylor, C. B., Daniels, S., Crawford, P. B., & Schreiber, G. B. (2003). Eating disorders in white and black women. American Journal of Psychiatry, 160(7), 1326e1331. Stice E. Risk and maintenance factors for eating pathology: a meta-analytic review. Psychol Bull. 2002;128:825–48. Surgenor, L. J., & Maguire, S. (2013). Assessment of anorexia nervosa: an overview of universal issues and contextual challenges.  Journal of eating disorders,  1(1), 29. Swarr AE, Richards MH (1996) Longitudinal effects of adolescent girls’ pubertal development, perceptions of pubertal timing, and parental relations on eating problems. Dev Psychol 32(4):636–646. Thompson JK, Heinberg LJ, Altabe M, Tantleff-Dunn S (1999b) Exacting beauty: Theory, assessment, and treatment of body image disturbance. American Psychological Association, Washington, DC. Treasure, J., Claudino, A. M., & Zucker, N. (13). Eating disorders. The Lancet, 375(9714), 583–593. Walsh, B. T. (2004). The future of research on eating disorders. Appetite, 42(1), 5–10.

Clarissa Dalloway and Septimus Warren Smith Essay -- essays research p

Clarissa Dalloway and Septimus Warren Smith Clarissa Dalloway and Septimus Warren Smith are two of the character is in the book Mrs. Dalloway by Virginia Woolf. Clarissa Dalloway and Septimus Warren Smith are unhappy with their lives. Although, Clarissa and Septimus are both unhappy the basis for their unhappiness stems from different reasons and/or events that have happened in their lives. But the both fear the can not feel as others feel. Clarissa Dalloway, a middle aged upper class woman, is unhappy because of choices she has made in her life she also fears that she can not feel things as others do. Septimus Smith, a World War I veteran, is unhappy because of effects of the war. Septimus worries that when Evan’s died he did not feel anything. Clarissa Dalloway wanted to be a part of the upper class English society. That is the reason she married Richard Dalloway. Throughout the novel Clarissa looks back on her experiences with Peter Walsh. She wonders if she made the correct choice in marrying Richard and rejecting Peter. Clarissa point out in †¦. That one of the reason she didn’t marry Peter is because he would ask her to feel too much. Richard does not ask her to feel things as Peter would. Clarissa didn’t love Richard when she married him but has learned to love him. Although she believes she made the right decision in marrying Richard, she still wonders how things would have been if she married Peter instead. Clarissa has a low self-confidence in her appearance ...

Blogs are Here to Stay Essay -- Blog Blogs Blogging Weblog Web Log

Blogs: Fad or Here To Stay? The question is, are blogs here to stay or are they just a fad? To answer this question, one must understand what a blog is exactly. There are many definitions for a blog. One source defines blog simply as â€Å"an online Journal (Glossary of Terms).† That is one of the less complex definitions. Another source wrote â€Å"Contraction from the term Web Log. This is an online diary or journal which is published and shared with others on the web by an individual, who is known as a ‘blogger’. Blogging has now become a very popular publishing method on the web as the software does not require any technical knowledge to use and this has the potential to move into the corporate world soon (Alba).† Basically anyone who wants to can create a blog. Bloggers can write about almost anything in their blog, but they usually are about personal life. They also write about world issues, their feelings on a topic, and now even various corporations use t hem to advertise their companies. Although a lot of people use blogs, some these days, are anti-bloggers. These people refuse to set up a blog for their own personal life because they feel it is corny. They find it too computer nerdy and think it is another thing for dorks to get addicted to. They are very wrong because many people of all ages and types create blogs online. I myself don’t have my own blog set up, but am not out to make fun of those who do. Besides the simple blog that most users set up to share their personal thoughts and experiences, companies now put them on their websites to create more revenue. There are actually seminars out there that help business owners create a blog and reasons why they should have one. ... ...tay and that is a fact. Those who hate blogs will have to get used to it. Works Cited Alba, Rosetta. Webmentor Glossary. April 25, 2005. Blogging is Here to Stay, According to WordBiz.com Survey. March 28, 2004. April 25, 2005. Coggins, Sheila. Who Reads Blogs? April 25, 2005. Glossary of Terms. April 24, 2005. Moffatt, Brian. Why Do We Blog? November 30, 2004. April 24, 2005. ROI Of Business Blogging. WordBiz Report. April 24, 2005.

Consumer Behavior on Furniture

As the economic conditions Is tough and challenging In recent years. Cost of living Is increasing, especially for those new home starters, Like new couples, families with new-born member, or moving out of parents home. For the general new home starter, money terms and financial issue is a big concern on their everyday life. The need and purchase of furniture would be an inevitable process as they need to start building up and furnishing their new home. They would opt for products that offer the benefits of good living standard, but without sacrifice too much of their earning or income.In the situation and target group we focus on in this analysis, KEA and Preterit would be more likely be the choice to be made In the final decision. Purchasing off-the-shelf product, rather then tailor-made, good customer value and affordable price are a few major criteria In such case. However consumers would have different consideration for their decision depending on their Individual factors. From h aving the wants and demand to the step of making purchase decision and consumption. There are deferent factors that would influence and affect the consumer decision.There are two sources that influence buying behavior. The first one is formal sources which are kind of well-planned and paid sources. The second source is informal, which is kind of a not pre planned and non-paid sources like family, informal sources, social class and culture etc. Marketing Efforts Product KEA offer product with Scandinavian design and attractive appearance, KEA provide materials to suit the many different needs and precise preference. The large catalogue of choice in products maximize the chance of finding products to your needs.Preterit offer very generic type of product that perform the basic practical and functions. Preterit have few numbers of choices in each category, if you have some very specific preference, it might be hard to match your exact want and desire. Promotion Both KEA and Preterit ha ve utilized web page, social media and also sales promotion to attract customers. KEA have a strong buzz each year, promote using television advertisement, often using humor that create buzz and recall rate. Preterit focusing on adverting in newspapers, and leaflet with coupons.Also PIP memberships as a loyalty programmer that encourage repeat purchase. Price Both KEA and Preterit has set affordable price for their product that attract many customer and purchase. Also note that since the products KEA offer are unique and with brand, customer are more Justified if they are paying a bit more. However Products that Preterit offer are more generic and very uniform, customer might switch to other brand with similar product offered by a lower price supplier, so that Preterit have to compete with price or otherwise provide products with better perceived value and customer benefits.Place Preterit which has almost 30 retails covered in Hong Kong, when compared to KEA which has only 3 stores in Hong Kong but a larger comprehensive stores. The slightly remote distance and limited distribution channel might be a bit pull back if you are a busy person or if you only want to make small quantity purchases. But if the customer would like to buy a range of product or simply enjoy the shopping experience of ‘KEA. This desire will become a driving force strong enough to stimulate the action of visit and purchase. Family Family is a basic concept in society.The main structure of family is married couple, nuclear family and extended family. Besides, single-parent family and unmarried family are included as well. Consumer can be easily influenced by parents, siblings, and relatives based on their past experience. Nuclear family and extended family may prefer to buy from Preterit. The perception from Preterit is classic design, fair quality, and ready-made model. KEA provide Scandinavian design with good quality and flexible combination as well as wide range of color for selec tion which reinforce the motivation of married couple to buy from them.Informal sources Informal sources are basically unpaid and unplanned. The opinion leader could be our friends, neighbors, colleagues, teachers, and idols. Nowadays, it is quite common to ask opinion leader about the brand and product before consumer make the decision of purchase. Preterit and ‘KEA, he will ask opinion leaders and the comments from opinion leaders will influence consumer's behavior. Other non-commercial sources Other non-commercial sources including different types of social media and editorial content are unpaid.Consumer can compare Preterit and KEA products by browsing following sources Editorial content from newspapers, magazines Blob, Forum Photo sharing websites Brand community Discount and promotion websites TV Programs Social class Social class has its own characteristic of values, attitudes and behavior that distinguish the member of various social classes, see below diagram In terms of income, lower middle class consumers only can afford lower price products from Preterit because of limited budget.Middle class consumers have sufficient money to spend on KEA products which can reinforce their self-image and taste. Culture and Subculture Culture is shared, learned, symbolic system of values, beliefs and attitudes that form and influences perception and behavior. It is learned through transmitted from enervation to generation, which included Formal learning from parents and siblings Informal learning, such as teachers and idols Technical learning, such as school and professional institute Product preference and brand loyalty always influence from one generation to another.For example, parents will bring along their kids to KEA for shopping because they enjoy shopping in KEA with different products for selection and even kids can select kids' furniture for themselves. The positive brand image begins in early childhood and extends throughout a person's entire life. On the other hand, subculture is a group of people share similar beliefs, values, and common experiences. Subculture group can be differentiated by age, ethnic, religious Consumer Decision Making In decision making process, more than one alternative must be available, even decide not to buy.We focus on new couples how they make buying decision on -bed. Input As we discussed previous in external influence, furniture company's marketing strategy (APS) influence new couple's perception, attitudes and teach them to learn or change their attitudes towards their products. These marketing strategies can hang society's existing code of behavior, culture or subculture is likely to affect how and what consumers purchase in long term if successful. Need Recognition When new couple move out from their parents, even rent or buy a new house, they perceive a need to buy new furniture.Two different problem recognition styles – actual state types & desired state types are described on our ca se. Actual state types, they recognize double size bed is needed. Desired state types, they already have double size bed but desire new design attractive bed, e. G. Princess bed. Purchases Search New couple usually search their memory first, browsing internet, go to shopping and they may engage in extensive search of outside if no experience. Evaluation of Alternatives Evoke set come to their mind such as ‘KEA, Preterit and so on.These evoke set might be influenced by their parents that used before and acceptable. They have already established the basic criteria for evaluation, but not completely established preferred among the choice of brands, than they search for additional brand information. Three specific level of consumer decision making – limited problem solving are examined. When new couple evaluating those brands, they based on their perceived quality of Perceived risk associated with the brand, e. G.Consumer may not handle self- assembly furniture by themselve s after evaluation, and also information costs saved with that brand, e. G. KEA only 3 stores, time consuming to visit and too far away from their home. While the couples collecting information about evoked set brands, two decision rules in their mind – compensatory and uncompensated decision rules. Compensatory decision rules, they evaluate those brand's similar attributes and weighted it, than make a ranking. For example, the size of bed of KEA and Preterit are also fit for their home, they Just weight the price between brands.Uncompensated decision rules when couples evaluate such size of bed exceed, they will forgive that brand. They may make decision to postpone or withdrawal from purchasing after shopping if they cannot find a suitable bed. Psychological Field Motivation As we know that consumer needs is the essence of marketing concept. However each consumer have their vary needs and wants depending on the culture environment and affection. Therefore individual are tri ggered by motivation that drive their individual action.Apart from the primary perspective of having the physical product and its function of furniture that serve the generic goals, in addition, there are also acquired needs. Some might want to have a bit more comfort, safety, reliability for the protection of young kids at home. Some might have the affection and would love to have a warm and pleasant interior and environment so that they can provide a coos atmosphere for their friend and relative when visit, to fulfill the social needs The motives and needs can have positive and negative directions that impel positive rives and negative drives.In most situation for the consumer, it is largely driven by positive motives, for examples, KEA has always inject and project the warm and happy home environment and scene in their promotional materials such as catalogue and advertisement which create a positive desire for consumer to dream of and the need and want of having the pleasant home using the KEA furniture product. Associate the warm and pleasant image with the brand ‘KEA. Motivation can have the bi-direction of positive and negative, it can also be distinguish into rational motives and emotional motives.There are certain types of consumers who would be apparently acting with viewing the amount of benefit they can get from the product related to the cost spent. On the other hand, there are certain type of consumer who would act with emotional motives and subjective ideas. The motives can be aroused by the mood of the showroom or the fashion and trend on design style, color and material used. Perception Perception is more about the subjective of how people think about it rather than the actual objective fact of what it is.The dynamic of perception consists of the aspect of â€Å"Selection† â€Å"Organization† and Interpretation† altogether composes a meaningful coherent picture from individual. Perception can be developed and influence d by advertising and promotion as well as other marketing mix that intended for the positioning. For instance, each year KEA has a new shooting of â€Å"low-price† featured ad shown on television. Using the televisions advertisement media has the advantage of reaching the mass, but catching the audience attention in the clutter is a challenge.Kea has use many witty ideas and humor to catch attention and convey the message of â€Å"low- price†, the use of dramatic visual and theme, exaggerated facial expression, music, mound and motion with the contrast color, figure and ground, bold size fonts, helps to catch attention in order to promote the message. The same applied on the Kea catalogue and in-store poster, using sharp, bright color and big bold fonts on the minimal background, simply spell out the message in a clear way and to catch attention in a glance.Also, the imagery used in the catalogue are in pleasant color and soft tone, some images will also include models / actors of kids playing happily or family and friends lying back comfortable on couch, creating a warm and sweet feeling and lead to the nonuser to grouping and associate Kea brand and product with sweet and comfortable home in a positive way. TV ad that last for only seconds is very limited, message have to be brief and sharp, it is smart to leave a open-ended closure that the catalogue is out now, to let the consumer to response and find out more from the catalogue by mail, in-store or online.Personality Personality defined as the inner psychological characteristic determine and reflect Consumer who choose KEA need to adopt this new idea and practice that they need to get very involved when purchase KEA product. Consumer who has high consumer innovativeness and low in dogmatism are more likely to accept ‘KEA. Many of the KEA products allow consumer customized and DID to suit their personal need, letting consumer to have some involvement. So to some extended consumer who ch oose KEA has the need for uniqueness, and willing to have some involvement with the high optimum stimulate level.KEA furniture emphasized on design and attracted too many customers who with style conscious, featured many pictorial, nicely photographed visual images on catalogue and other promotional materials. These will be appealing to visualizes type f consumer which should be appropriate for the intended target customer as they position their product / furniture tends to be more like a stylish product than a technical product. Attitude A learned predisposition always influences their attitudes toward or avoids the object.Transcription attitude model consists of cognitive, affective and connotative components, consumers perceive and learn about company's products such as a stylish and self-assembly of Kike's products, price competitive and assembled products of Preterit's products, consumers evaluate those particular products & services attributes, form a preference and intent to buy. KEA has provided customized, DID, Nordic stylish & self-assembly products, and Preterit provided a localized design, assembled products. Those specific brand's product features is influence consumer attitude, both perform attitude-toward-object model.For examples, KEA illustrate FAX wardrobe's features, consumers can customize their individual need with huge range accessories to create their dreams wardrobes. Muff can be based on space, budget, amount of clothing and home-style to create an ideal wardrobe† consumers evaluate the wardrobes functions, what and how it can provide and belief the wardrobes can satisfy their need. Attitudes are also influence by company's marketing strategy, a societal marketing strategy of KEA ‘people & plant' which influence consumer's attitudes towards their brand, attitude-toward-the-ad model is examined.TV ads, Backbone, APS provide an important source to influence consumer's personal experiences, family and friends. These marketing strategies can change consumer's attitudes due a brands is in conflict with consumer attitude. For aforesaid example, an environmentally-oriented ‘People & Planet Positive' strategy, their attitude may change toward to ‘KEA, Resolving woo conflicting attitudes is examined. Advertisements with product specification, real life scenario presented in catalogues which changing the basic motivational function in KEA catalogs.Learning Advertising promotional videos, price & store displays are cues of ‘KEA, Preterit to stimuli consumer's motives directly, consumers responded to surfing their websites they looking for or go to the shops to look around displayed furniture & price. If consumer is rewarded, they learned to associate the purchase with a pleasant feeling and are likely to repeat the learned behavior and become a loyal customer. For instant, KEA store displayed in real life scenario which may serve as a cue for consumers, and constitute their response that they c onsider ready to buy.Reinforcement increases the likelihood that specific response will occur in the future as the result of particular cues. ‘KEA, Preterit are well-know and favorable brand, according to classical conditioning theory, ‘KEA, Preterit are an unconditioned stimulus, the unconditional response is consumer perception, KEA implies that the products are stylish, Preterit implies that the products are practice and popular, conditioned response would be consumer ring their furniture because of the belief that they embody which their name is associated.Instrumental conditioning is examine while consumer learn, for example, stores carry the wardrobes they prefer at prices they can afford to pay by shopping a number of stores (KEA, Preterit, DISC, etc. ), one they find KEA wardrobe meets their needs, they are likely to make decision to buy. While consumer is satisfied, they are more likely to repeat buying furniture at ‘KEA, KEA store loyalty is reinforced. T o reinforce the behavior, KEA perform a positive reinforcement by repeating ‘design better home & low price' messages.By assuring customer satisfaction with their products, the service & buying experience. For examples, KEA business provides home design service a close personalized relationship with customers is also another form of nonproductive reinforcement. A systematic reinforcement encourage customer to repeat purchase, consumer receive their cash coupons after they brought a certain amount. Output When couple find a brand product such as KEA wardrobe fit their need, they decide to purchase. After they used, they evaluate the wardrobe's performance, a postprocessor evaluation is perform. A positive discrimination is when the