Case Study Spooked by Computers Essay

This case study, Spooked by Computers, clearly points out the change in mindset of technology with cost saved with the use of computers in the workplace. With the addition of newer, fresher minds sometimes comes with it, newer, fresher ideas and means of operating In this particular case, organizational development would be a well implemented plan. As the different levels of management all working together for a common goal as it is, implementing the OD would bring all of them together to be more cost and time effective. When working with a spectrum of learning levels we sometimes come across a resistance to change. We see this by Suzanne who was confident that all control would be lost if automation was brought into the workplace. She believed that she was too old to take on something new and bound to be much more confusing. Martin Walker was brought into the technology innovation to bridge the workplace gap as he was fresh out of college and was on top of his game with word processors. He was able to educate or at least inform those who needed to be apprised or the newest advances in technology. He was respected by his fellow co-workers as he seemed to create a camaraderie of sorts. Advancement in technology will always be a source of resistance in the workplace. The case study was an ideal example of any American small business trying to transform to the coming of age. As we hire the fresh out-of-college faces, slowly pushing the ‘grandfathered’ generation through, we will see this scared to change mentality.

Henry James referred to TTOTS as a potboiler Essay

Henry James referred to ‘TTOTS’ as a potboiler. In light of this comment, explore the establishment of a simple ghost story in the prologue and first five chapters. Henry James stated that ‘TTOTS’ was a potboiler, meant only to be perceived as a simple ghost story which in the Victorian era was how it was originally accepted. However a more modern audience ay interpret the novella as something more. Relating back to the idea of a simple ghost story, the novella starts with a typical ghost story setting – ‘The story had held us, round the fire’ emphasised by the description of the house being ‘gruesome’ and it being ‘Christmas Eve’ informing us that it is night time. All are contributing factors to an ideal ghost story and all of these points start to build the tension and suspense up already within the first few lines. ‘Held us, round the fire’ tells us how they are clinging to this materialistic substance for comfort and warmth, typical connotations of fire. Use of language such as ‘dreadful’ and ‘terror’ increases this sense of a greater impending ghost story – that of which we hear about the Governess. Moreover this sets the mood and creates the atmosphere for the audience to fully appreciate the ‘horror’ of this ghost story. In addition, the idea of them telling ghost stories gives us an immediate impression that there is a ghost story awaiting the audience. The use of more dramatic language such as ‘for sheer terror?’ and ‘for dreadful – dreadfulness’ start the steep incline of suspense and tension we will feel throughout the story. The idea of authenticity throughout this novella is key for the audience to focus on. To increase this idea of the story being real, James uses a framed narrative to draw the reader in to believe that the tale is true. Overall the story could succeed without the prologue but with it, the audience is a lot more likely to proceed through the book with an idea or reality. The main character in the prologue, Douglas, tells the unnamed narrator and the rest of the group of a ghost story much worse than any that have been told. ‘If the child gives the effect of another turn of the screw, what do you say to two children – ?’ Obviously hinting that his tale contains two children, increasing the horror the audience are now sure that they are reading a simple ghost story. However this idea can be argued as we continue throughout the prologue and the first chapter. We learn that about the Governess, moreover, we learn Douglas’ opinion of her. ‘Is in old faded ink and in the most beautiful hand’. From this we can interpret that Douglas’ may be fond or possibly in love with the Governess making his opinion biased thus taking away from the reliability of the story. The use of characters in the prologue almost acts as a metaphor for the reader. ‘Everybody will stay!’ and ‘I will – and I will!’ could be used to represent how James wants the reader to react to reading the actual ghost story. Straight away in the first chapter we learn about how the governess suffered ‘a succession of flights and drops’. Already we start to suspect the volatility of her and the reliability of her tale which obviously argues against the idea of it being a simple ghost story and starts to lay down the foundation for the idea that there may be undercurrents of something more suspect. However her description of Bly is incredibly positive. ‘A lovely day’, ‘summer sweetness’ and ‘a friendly surprise’ are all used in one sentence and all are incredibly optimistic, giving us the idea that the governess is a very positive person. However she does seem to be very hyperbolic, describing the first child, Flora, as ‘one of Raphael’s holy infants’. Obviously this is taking it to extremes, which hints that this might not be the only thing that she is exaggerating throughout the novella. Towards the end of chapter one, she describes parts of the house with language such as ‘empty chambers’, ‘dull corridors’ and ‘crooked staircase’ al of which are very negative descriptions, however she immediately starts to describe the house as ‘a castle of romance’ and something from a ‘story book’. Moreover, as she is peppering her negative quotes with positive and vice versa massively showing her incredible volatility. This is a major idea that the rest of the story may be exaggerated or maybe not even true. This could also foreshadow her personality later on into the novella. Throughout the chapters the language of Mrs Grose becomes increasingly questionable. As an audience we are constantly told that she is ‘simple-minded’ however she sees to know a lot more than she is letting on. ‘Are you afraid he’ll corrupt you?’ This is odd as she is talking about Miles, a ten year old boy. This make the audience think, how can a young child corrupt a fully grown woman? Leading us on to thin she may be talking about somebody else. As we progress through the story we learn about the Governess’s sexual frustration toward the master. Accompanying this idea is that she sees the apparition of Peter Quint upon the tower. This is could imply that she is projecting her sexual frustration onto an imaginary figure as a release to wanting to see the master. ‘A charming story suddenly to meet someone’ and later ‘He did stand there!’ She only sees this figure stood there when she is imagining the master, a suspicious idea that the reader may look into. ‘The man who met my eyes was not the person I precipitately supposed’. This quote backs up my previous point of the projecting this idea of meeting the master on her walks. During these first few chapters we experience a reasonable amount of religious language, ‘Raphael’s holy infants’, ‘divine’ and ‘he has red hair’ these all imply ideas of how the plot is affected by the religious aspects of the Victorian era and their views on ghosts. As they did believe in ghosts and were mainly very religious, these ideas were accepted avidly and only increased any emotions felt within the Victorian reader as they progressed through the story. Overall, my personal views are that there are underlying psychological ideas in ‘TTOTS’ and that although it can be read as a straight ghost story, to fully appreciate the novella the reader must delve deeper and retrieve any obvious ideas that suggest more than just a typical ghost story. James uses a variety of techniques which make his characters seem a lot more emotional deeper than just a person who is afraid in a big house. However the idea of authenticity throughout does back up the point of it being a straight ghost story. I do believe that it is a mazed reader and can be open to a variety of interpretations.

Learning New Things

Learning New Things As a full-time college student majoring in Nursing I hope to become a RN one day. I work part-time as a CNA in a Nursing Home now. Being a CNA is very hard work. I don’t want to do that forever I want to become something better. My former co-workers always tell me I’m too young to do that kind of work and to keep going to school to better myself. Being a nurse can sometime be hard work too. Nurses have to make sure the patients are doing good and eating right. Some of the patients can get a little rude and they will fight you. When I seen that happen I was shocked and scared.The first thing the nurse did was ask me to help hold the patient down while she give him his medicine. While holding him down she was talking to him trying to calm him down. She was telling him things like I’m not trying to hurt you I’m only trying to help. He was still fighting and cursing. I couldn’t believe that happened. As I watched, I was scared. I nev er been in a situation like that before. However, it is good experience because nurses have to go through that everyday. I was thinking about what would I do if I was the nurse that day. It made me think about if I really wanted to a nurse anymore.I do, but I want to work in a hospital I think that would be better than a nursing home. I realized that patients have their bad and good days. Sometimes they don’t feel like being bothered or touched. Some days they don’t mind if you help them but most of the time they try to be independent. On the patient bad days you just have to have patients and stay calm. Being a nurse comes with many responsibilities. It’s an easy job but it can be difficult. I always loved helping others and caring for people that’s what made me want to become a nurse. I think I have the patients to do the job. I am learning a lot while I’m working as a CNA.

A Comparative Analysis of Natural Inclinations Essay

A Comparative Analysis of Natural Inclinations - Essay Example A philosopher like Hobbes would disagree. He would argue that our natural inclinations are competitive, and that we are naturally destined for destruction. In between these two extremes is the notion of rationality. Kant, for instance, argues that we can overcome our natural inclinations, whatever they may be, by using reason.This question is significant because the answer has important implications. How we choose to govern ourselves depends, in large part, on how we answer the question of natural inclinations. How constitutions and legislation treat notions of liberty and freedom of expression, for example, depend on the extant to which the drafters perceive human beings to be capable of moderating their behavior. In short, how we choose to form laws to govern ourselves is dependent on our assumptions regarding our natural inclinations.These are a few of the questions posed and addressed in the works of John Stuart Mill, Thomas Hobbes, and Immanuel Kant. This essay will identify eac h thinker's analysis of the human being's natural inclinations, the implications of each thinker's analysis, and then offer a brief comparative analysis.As an initial matter, John Stuart Mill, in Utilitarianism, argues that natural inclinations are not innate. Human beings are not born with a natural predisposition to compete (Mill, 1863). Satisfaction of our basest needs, such as food, shelter, or a mate, does not compel us to satisfy our needs at all costs. We do not begin hunting for food until we are taught how to hunt. We do not steal the food of others until we are aware of the possibility of stealing. Nor do we believe in monogamy or polygamy at birth. These are not natural drives. They are not genetic predispositions. Who we are is the product of our environment. Our inclinations, as they develop throughout our lives, are taught and learned. In Mill's view, therefore, an innate compulsion or natural inclination is absent in the very beginning. On this basis, he reasons that the formation of laws should be used to condition people. More specifically, he believes that the creation of a fair and just society will create fair and just citizens. We should discourage authoritarian forms of government, for instance, because they are unnecessary and because they will teach us destructive habits. To this end, he advocates personal liberties and freedom of expression. The government does not need to dominate its people because its people are conditioned by these broader concepts of justice, moderation, and restraint. They will follow the examples set forth in just and reasonable laws. More specifically, he advocates the formation of laws which emphasize the satisfaction of the people rather than the domination of the people. Mill states that, "Actions are right in proportion as they tend to promote happiness; wrong as they tend to produce the reverse of happiness" (Mill, 1863). His notion of happiness is twofold. First, happiness is physical pleasure. Laws should encourage and allow people to pursue interests of importance to the individual. Second, happiness is mental pleasure. Freedom of expression and diversity of opinion are to be valued rather than prohibited. Proper laws can, in the final analysis, teach us how to be happy and thereafter operate to sustain our happiness. The significant point is that human beings are not naturally inclined to commit bad or destructive acts; on the contrary, we are capable of forming laws and principles which can result in moderate political and social structures. Mill employs a balancing test. The goal is to promote maximum happiness while minimizing unhappiness. This tends toward

To what extent should the financial reporting practices of public Essay

To what extent should the financial reporting practices of public sector organizations differ from those used by companies in the private sector - Essay Example Hence the financial accounting system is to be very strict to ensure the uniform justice. Making them profit driven is crucial for the whole nation as will add further to the gross domestic product of the country and for generating higher employment. In addition the reforms in public sector are needed for following factors which also decide the style of financial reporting in public enterprises. The financial reporting analysis studies indicated that majority private firms get involved in cost reduction activities and hence their efficiency is higher and hence public sector can follow this by implementing cost reduction measures with out affecting the social objectives. Matsumari and Matsushima (2004) conducted an investigation on mixed duopoly, in which a public enterprise with social objectives competes with a profit-maximizing private firm. The use of a Hotelling-type spatial model helped them in product differentiation. Similarly the production costs were reduced by following cost-reducing activities. It was also noticed that the private firms engage in excessive strategic cost-reducing activities and hence their production cost becomes lower than the public firm. It was also felt that privatization of the loss making public firms will result in reducing the operational losses and converting them in to profit making enterprises. The second factor that is to be kept in mind is that the source of funds for the public sector is from the public mainly where as the source of funding in private sector is from private individuals. Hence the public sector enterprises should be held highly responsible for the financial performance. It does not mean that the private sector should be neglected but it suggests that the private sector needs a separate style of financial reporting system. The users and stakeholders are another crucial

Genetics assignment three Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Genetics assignment three - Essay Example refers to variant expression of chromosomes, parts of chromosomes, or individual genes, depending on any one of the two sexes from where they get inherited. For the achievement of imprinting, genetic materials can get modified during the process of gamete creation or near the beginning embryonic growth in any of the two sexes (Judd 33). Therefore, the imprinted genes determine the traits that are articulated in a different way than would be the expected case under distinctive Mendelian inheritance. This assertion is false since imprinting is not specifically activation of the Y chromosome because with imprinted genes one can inherit only one working copy of the gene both from the mother or a father (Judd 46). Therefore, depending on the gene, either the copy of the father or the mother, by addition of methyl groups at some stage during sperm or egg formation can epigenetically get silenced. b) Turner mosaicism could have arisen through errors in early fetal cell division that resulted in some of the cells having two complete copies of the X chromosome whereas the other have only one copy. The absent X chromosome results in developmental faults in the fetus. Judd, Sandra J.  Congenital Disorders Sourcebook: Basic Consumer Health Information about Nonhereditary Birth Defects and Disorders Related to Prematurity, Gestational Injuries, Congenital Infections, and Birth Complications, including Heart Defects, Hydrocephalus, Spina. 2nd ed. Detroit, MI: Omnigraphics, 2007.

Whistleblower Ombudsman Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Whistleblower Ombudsman - Essay Example Whistleblowing is essential to weeding out fraud and abuse in the healthcare industry. The government is particularly keen in promoting whistleblowing because fraud and abuse may reach up to 3% to 10% of actual health care costs (Kesselheim & Studdert, 2008, p.342). Recoveries from the False Claims Act (FCA) since 2009 have reached approximately $9 billion (Kesselheim & Studdert, 2008, p.342). To encourage whistleblowing, the Whistleblower Protection Act bans retaliation. Retaliation refers to threatening or taking action against employees because they have disclosed fraudulent or abusive actions (Office of Inspector General, 2015). These actions may include, but are not limited to, poor performance review, demotion, termination, suspension, or downgrade, loss of, or revocation of security clearance (Office of Inspector General, 2015). The law does not allow retaliation for: (1) filing an appeal, complaint, or grievance; (2) helping another person file the case or to testify for whis tleblowers; (3) cooperating with or giving information to the Office of Special Counsel (OSC) or Office of Inspector General (OIG); or (4) not obeying an unlawful instruction or order (Office of Inspector General, 2015). These conditions that prevent retaliation are important because it helps decrease the fears of other people who want to disclose important information, but are not the direct whistleblowers. For instance, an accountant gives financial documents and memos to the OSC, even when he is not the whistleblower. The law prevents retaliation against him from his company. In other words, he has the same protections as the whistleblowers. Besides these protections, the FCA entitles whistleblowers to up to 30% for the amount recovered during trials or settlements (Golinkin, 2013, p.304). This is a monetary incentive too, but I believe that this is not the main

Evolution of Integrated Marketing Communications Essay

Evolution of Integrated Marketing Communications - Essay Example Imus Brothers Coffee, distributed by Fred and his radio disc jockey brother Don Imus mail order Company, makes ground coffee and has targeted heavy users in the past. The company is now considering, however, switching to targeting college students, a target segment that is comprised largely of people who have just started to drink coffee and dont consume anywhere near as much as the heavy users. What are the disadvantages of the heavy-user strategy? What is the term used to describe the college students the company is considering targeting? What are the advantages of targeting this college student segment? Heavy users are more conscious about the quality of the coffee and are often choosy about what they want. They may be put off by some small mistake and have a negative image of the brand and may also lead to negative word of mouth among other heavy users. The company is targeting an emerging market which is untapped when it comes to coffee and this could mean that they could have a new segment to enter and achieve. This market development and would lead to increased market share and growth in sales. 3. You are the marketing manager for a mail-order company that ships spices from all over the world to customers across the globe. Given a choice between access to a mailing list and access to a marketing database, which would you choose? What are the advantages of your choice? Be as specific as possible. Marketing database would be a more efficient choice as it would be diverse and dense.

Philosophy Term Paper on Stereotype Encounters

Philosophy on Stereotype Encounters - Term Paper Example Individuals being stereotyped will feel that their behaviors are judged on the basis of their negative attitude instead from the basis of their personal merit. When people feel stereotyped their performance is undermined as they will feel their actions are under a lot of scrutiny, and this makes them loose their self esteem which will undermine their productivity (Dovidio et al, 2010). Stereotyping will make a person feel like a victim of social identity, and they will feel inferior if they are not able to cope with the stereotype and this will undermine their capability to make sound decisions and their productivity in the activity they are undertaking (Kemick, 2010). I have encountered various stereotypes the first one being that all Arabs and Muslims are terrorists. After the September 11 attacks in the United States, Muslims and Arabs have been stereotyped and have been rejected by other communities. The attacks were staged by the al-Qaida, which is a Muslim group and from this d ay people have had the notion that all Muslims are terrorists. This has denied Muslims many opportunities as people fear that they will attack them as they are connected to terrorists. After the attacks Muslims were under great scrutiny and they are treated with fear and rejection. Even the authorities at airports double checked their luggage and this made them fall victims of sterotyping.it was evident to note Muslims being stopped by police more than people from other cultures. This stereotype has had a negative impact on Muslims as it messes up with their self confidence caused by the belief that they are being sidelined or rejected by the community, and this undermines their

A Review of the Role of Entrepreneurship in Stimulating Economic Growth Essay Example for Free

A Review of the Role of Entrepreneurship in Stimulating Economic Growth Essay They also further states that entrepreneurs have been responsible for growth and development over the centuries and are identified as the key role players in the economy of every country. The paper identifies the different definitions of an entrepreneur which are identified as the different channels in which entrepreneurship lead to economic growth, reduced unemployment and increased levels of income among countries. As a result of the role of entrepreneurship in any country, most countries emphasises on integrating entrepreneurial activity in its economic policy. A discussion is made on developing economies mainly South Africa, China, Brazil and Russia comparing the entrepreneurial activity within the economies. Economic growth is best defined as a long-term expansion of the productive potential of the economy. It is measured by the comparing the difference between the Gross National Product (GNP) in a year with the GNP of the previous year. A growing economy is when the difference is positive. The term simply refers to an increase in the ability to produce goods and services. It is easier to define unemployment when there is an understanding of the term economic growth. Unemployment refers to when a person who is actively searching for employment cannot find work to do. This is an instrument used to determine the healthiness of an economy. After knowing the levels of unemployment in an economy, determining the level of income distribution becomes a bit projected. The level of income in an economy refers to the way in which in money is distributed among the population in an economy. The above three defined terms has a link to each other. The level of economic growth have a direct proportional influence on the possible jobs available in the economy while a reciprocal relationship exist between the level of income in the particular economy and levels of unemployment. The level of income is directly proportional to economic growth. Also, the level of unemployment is directly proportional to the level of income in an economy. However, all the above aspects are influenced by the level of entrepreneurship in the particular economy. An economy with high activity of entrepreneurship is more likely to be characterized by high economic growth, reducing levels of unemployment and increasing levels of income while an economy with low entrepreneurial activity on the other hand can be characterized by low economic growth, high levels of unemployment and low levels of income. Entrepreneurship cannot be separated from the following terms â€Å"economic growth†, â€Å"employment† and â€Å"country income level distribution† as all the entrepreneurial activities contribute largely to economic growth, levels of employment and income distribution. Different nature of entrepreneurs stimulates the growth of an economy in different ways. In any country with high levels of entrepreneurial activities or which experienced high entrepreneurial activity, the economy tends to be of middle to high income and the unemployment levels tend to be decreasing if not low. However, economies with low income distribution are characterised by low entrepreneurial activities and mostly, there are significant levels of unemployment. Such low income economies have high records of poverty which leads them to seek donors. Different authors made contributions on this topic and this paper compares and links the information obtained into a comprehensive review. The term entrepreneurship has been defined by Schumpeter (1934) as lying in the perceptions and exploration of new opportunities in the realm of business. He further states that it always has to do with bringing about a different use of resources in that they are withdrawn from their traditional employ and subjected to new combinations. Schumpeter relates entrepreneurship to be influenced by entrepreneurs who are innovative and hese people have to be extra-ordinary as they have to come up with extra-ordinary events. They come up with new technological possibilities hence are able to establish large businesses from these. Carland etal. (1984) confirms that an entrepreneur is someone innovative and further says that he or she employs strategic management practices in the business. Timmons (2000) believes entrepreneurship as the process of creating a nd seizing an opportunity and pursuing it, regardless of resources currently controlled. Nieman and Nieuwenhuizen (2009) define an entrepreneur as the person who sees an opportunity in the market, gathers resources and creates and grows a business venture to meet these needs. They also further states that he or she bears risk of the venture and is rewarded with profit if it succeed. With different definitions of entrepreneurship defined by different authors through the way they define an entrepreneur, the researcher generally defines entrepreneurship as the act of being an entrepreneur who establishes business through the organisation of resources taking risk with the aim of realising profit. The Schumpeterian entrepreneur as defined above is innovative. In support for this, Curran and Stanworth (1989) defines entrepreneurship as the creation of new economic entity centred on a novel product or service or, or at the very least, one which differs significantly from products or services offered elsewhere in the market. Such entrepreneurs play a very crucial role in stimulating economic growth. They come up with huge organisations which can be monopolies in the economy. With the nature of big businesses, they would be more likely to produce large volumes of product increasing the GNP thereby contributing significantly to economic growth. With their capacity to produce large volumes, such organisation would take considerable number of employees hence reducing unemployment. By employing people, such entrepreneurs contribute to the increased levels of income in an economy. Another author Kirzner presents a different way in which entrepreneurship can be influenced by an entrepreneur through the way he defines an entrepreneur. According to Kirzner, the entrepreneur is someone who is alert to profitable opportunities for exchange. Such an entrepreneur believes in gathering the needed information, refining and providing it to those in need of it. Such entrepreneurs act as intermediaries for example between suppliers and customers. They are also very important in the growth of an economy as they facilitate inception, incubation of businesses through the provision of supportive information. The information they provide acts as a catalyst into venturing into business and builds confidence to emerging businesses. Emerging businesses require business support for them to have high chances of success hence the Kirzner entrepreneur makes the perfect match for such new businesses whose success lies on business support services. Such an entrepreneur can offer business support services such as business counselling, business mentoring and business incubation.

Witchcraft And Demonology In Early Modern Europe

Witchcraft And Demonology In Early Modern Europe The witch-hunts were one of the most important events in the history of early modern Europe, taking place from the mid-15th century and ending in the mid-18th century. The view of witchcraft evolved throughout the period, with the Canon Episcopi calling the belief in witches a heresy, to Pope Innocent VIII issuing a bull in 1484 to denounce the practice of witchcraft as a heresy – all in a span of about 500 years. On the topic of witchcraft, it is unavoidable that the issue of gender would be discussed. The central question of this report would be how historians account for the persecution of more women than men in the witch-hunts in early modern Europe. The report will first outline the stereotype of a witch and discuss how this stereotype was promulgated. It will be concerned with two possible explanations that attempt to account for the persecution of more women than men – firstly, how the persecutions may be a results of a misogynistic and patriarchal culture, and s econdly, how the hunts may be been a result of the lack of tolerance for social deviance of women. The stereotype of a witch A collection of statistics indicate that a majority of accused witches were women, with most estimates pointing to about 80% of all victims being women (Ross, 1995: 334). Levack (1987: 142) provides a list of statistics indicating that in most regions in Europe, about three-quarters of the accused were women, with the figures being 90% in regions in Poland and England. Very evidently, the predominant notion of a witch is that it is foremost a woman. In discussing the stereotype of a witch it is difficult not to make reference to the cumulative concept of witchcraft (Levack, 1987: 32-51), which points to certain factors that would help in the identification of a witch. These include a witch’s association with the Devil, the pact with the Devil, the Sabbath, nightflying and metamorphosis. Reginald Scot in 1584 described witches as women who were â€Å"commonly old, lame, blearie-eied, pale, fowle, and full of wrinkles, poore, sullen, and superstitious†. This stereotype was promulgated by both genders. Women in early modern Europe were viewed as the weaker gender that was dependent on men in many ways, including for livelihood (Larner, 1984:86). Since the society was heavily patriarchal, women who did not fit in to the mould of a normal woman threatened the idea of females behaving in a particular manner. These women were nonconformists, and therefore put the livelihoods of other women at risk. Hence, they were ostrac ised by normal women. In behaving in a manner that was different, these women also threatened male domination and therefore had to be condemned by men. Both genders fed the idea that a woman who looked and behaved in a certain manner was a witch, hence allowing the stereotype to persist and spread. In addition, the stereotype of a domestic witch could have been said to be reinforced by a vicious cycle. This is evident in some cases, such as in that of Anna Schwayhofer, who confessed to stealing the Consecrated Host but still bothered to sweep up the crumbs after she had done so (Barry, Hester and Roberts, 1996: 230). The association of witches and broomsticks or distaffs used for spinning also fed the stereotype. Women were mostly restricted to the confines of their allotted spaces, and those practicing harmful magic would most likely be found in those spaces (Blà ©court, 2000: 303). Hence, it was not surprising that witchcraft was associated with the women and their domestic activities. Gendered witchcraft and misogyny The elite perception of women pointed to how they tended to be intellectually weaker than men, yet have more insatiable sexual appetites and a higher tendency to pursue the occult, a view propounded by 16th-century friar Martin de Castaà ±ega and in the Malleus itself by Kramer and Sprenger. Hence, historical literature tended to point towards how women were the more inferior of the two genders and therefore had the larger propensity to be driven towards becoming a witch. Without a doubt, the society in Europe at that point of time was one that was highly patriarchal in nature (Hufton, 1983, 125-141). While the society was essentially patriarchal in nature, there are arguments as to whether this can be extended to be characterised as being misogynistic. Anderson and Gordon (1978) point to the innate inferiority that women possessed in the eyes of the Roman Catholic Church, the dominant religious authority in that time, saying that the Church saw women as more â€Å"amenable to the allures of Satan† (Anderson and Gordon, 1978: 174). The paper also highlights the role of the Malleus Maleficarum (1486), that was anti-feminist and very popular, reprinting fourteen editions. The Malleus essentially highlights women as creatures possessing insatiable lust, yet not having the strength of mind to counter the temptations of the Devil. However, statistics also show that women were not the only ones who were victims of the witch-hunts. In several regions, men were the ones who were heavily persecuted instead. Regions such as Finland show a relatively even number of male and female persecutions, while in areas such as Normandy and Iceland, the number of accused male witches far exceeded the number of female ones. This clearly shows that if there had been a culture of misogyny, it was not uniformed throughout Europe. Monter (1964: 563) points out that the stereotypical witch in the French province of Normandy was not a poor, old woman, but a shepherd who may be a youth or an old man. Similarly, in Iceland, only 8% of all the accused witches were women (Levack, 1987: 142). The analysis and discussion of these statistics seem to point to the fact that there were differences in societal perspectives towards women and the differences in questioning techniques (Monter, 1964: 588). Monter (1964: 589) suggests that women wer e treated with leniency during the trial, and some were kept in prison alive for interrogation, even while the men were being executed. The reasons behind why men were more persecuted in some societies and women in others are unclear, but most historians point to the fact that it was impossible to pinpoint a particular reason in every society why this was so. Much of the reasons behind the gender imbalances must be attributed to the culture and views of the society itself, but what can be certain is that the witch-hunt was not strictly gender-specific. Without a doubt, a society that places emphasis on patriarchal values cannot be dismissed as misogynistic simply based on statistics alone. At this point it is relevant to note that there were differences between the elite and peasant conceptions of witchcraft, and this extended to the persecution of women. For the peasantry, the persecution of witches was less of the pact with the Devil and more of practical concerns such as the failure of crops or the death of livestock (Laurence, 1995: 216-218). Similarly, with the persecution of women, the concerns circled around the fact that babies and young children were being â€Å"victims† of maleficia, rather than the witch being a Devil-worshipper per se. Unsurprisingly, therefore, a large number of women who were accused of being witches were the lying-in maids for more privileged families, who looked after the newborns and had direct contact with them, as in the case of Anna Ebeler of Augsburg (Roper, 1991: 19). Roper (1991: 23) also points to how this may be a result of the association of femineity and maternity. Normal women were able to have children, yet witches w ere unable to, leading to a sense of envy that bred the feeling of hatred towards mothers and their babies. Strands of deviance One of the central themes occurring in the witch-hunts would have to be the fact that the society in early modern Europe had very little tolerance for those who were different from them. Jews and homosexuals were persecuted, and the society was predominantly peasant, poor and part of the Roman Catholic Church. Those who were different were frowned upon. Women generally married and had children at a young age, were uneducated and viewed as weak. Their primary purpose was to be subservient to their husbands and serve their families, keeping the household. This view of women can be contrasted to the stereotype of a witch, as mentioned above. Being old and unmarried, as well as being socially isolated, these alleged witches were evidently different from the general conception of a woman in society. Larner (1981:92) puts forward the idea that witches were persecuted not because they were women, but because they were â€Å"non-women† who did not fit into the societal view of a woman. While a typical woman was maternal, witches were unable to have children; where typical women stayed home at nights, witches flew to remote locations to join Sabbaths. This fit in with the elite conceptions that the reality in which witches lived in was essentially one that was an anti-society. Blà ©court (2000: 300) explains that God was a â€Å"guardian of social norms†, while the Devil was just the very opposite. These â€Å"non-women† were persecuted for disobeying the social norms, and some historians even argue that women accused other women of being witches because they felt threatened by an individual who did not conform to the male image of them (Larner, 1981: 102). The role of the Roman Church was also not to be ignored in the reinforcement of this stereotype. Women ha d an increased likelihood to practice love magic as compared to men (Blà ©court, 2000: 303), and since only priests of the Church could legally practice magic, they were more likely to be persecuted as a result. Remote possibilities While the possible presence of a repressive patriarchy or a societal aversion to deviant behaviour have often been cited as the reasons behind the gender imbalance during the witch-hunts, there are a few other remote possibilities that will be mentioned in the passing. Scully (1995: 857-858) points to how Venetian witches could choose witchcraft as a career option as opposed to being married or forced into prostitution, and this could be an escape from a possibly malevolent life, thereby proving to be a popular alternative for women in the region at that time. In his paper, Goodare (1991: 291-292) argues that economic factors could have been one of the reasons for the witch-hunts. Since the people had fallen upon hard times, those dependent upon charity handouts were hostile to others who were their competition – and these were mainly women. Another article by Ross (Ross, 1995: 333-337) draws an interesting correlation between the outbreak of syphilis in the 16th century and t he persecution of more women than men. He posits that women, being the symbols of fertility, could be shunned due to syphilis as they would be spreading the venereal disease. Further, much of the witch’s behaviour, he says, could be attributed to the madness that is a symptom of the disease. While fascinating, these observations by historians seem to be unique suggestions that do not appear in the literature as main causes for the increased persecution of women. Conclusion To conclude, this report has outlined the stereotype of a witch and what perpetrated this stereotype throughout early modern Europe. It seems persuasive to argue that although there was a strong patriarchal society in those days, this culture did not amount to being misogynistic in nature. The stereotype of the witch that emerge during this period and that was adopted by most modern historians emphasise a few features of witches that generally seem to be a result of the lack of tolerance for social deviant behaviour, and simply reinforced time and again in a vicious cycle. The trend points to the fact that there are a variety of factors that resulted in more women being persecuted than men. Often, this phenomenon can only be attributed to the differences in the various societies in Europe, and the culture of the region or country. Ultimately, it can be concluded that a combination of factors led to more women being persecuted than men. References Anderson, Alan and Gordan, Raymond. 1978. ‘Witchcraft and the Status of Women The Case of England’. The British Journal of Sociology, Vol. 29, No. 2: 171-184. Barry, Jonathan, Hester, Marianne and Roberts, Gareth. 1999. Witchcraft in Early Modern Europe: Studies in Culture and Belief (Past and Present Publications). Melbourne: Cambridge University Press. de Blà ©court, Willem. 2000. ‘The Making of a Female Witch’. Gender and History, Vol. 12, No. 2: 125-141. Goodare, Julian. 1998. ‘Women and the Witch-Hunt in Scotland’. Social History, Vol. 23, No. 3: 288-308. Hufton, Olwen. 1983. ‘Women in History. Early Modern Europe’. Past Present, No. 101: 125-141. Larner Christina. 1981. Enemies of God: The Witch-Hunt in Scotland. London: Chatto Windus. Larner, Christina. 1984. Witchcraft and Religion: The Politics of Popular Belief. New York: Basil Blackwell. Laurence, Anne. 1995. Women in Engliand, 1500-1760, A Social History. London: Weidenfeld Nicolson Illustrated. Levack, Brian. 1987. The Witch-hunt in Early Modern Europe. Harlow: Pearson Education Limited. Monter, Williams. 1997. ‘Toads and Eucharists: The Male Witches of Normandy, 1564-1660’. French Historical Studies, Vol. 20, No. 4: 563-595. Ross, Eric B. 1995. ‘Syphilis, Misogyny, and Witchcraft in 16th-Century Europe’. Current Anthropology, Vol. 36, No. 2: 333-337. Sawyer, Ronald C. 1989. ‘Strangely Handled in All Her Lyms: Witchcraft and Healing in Jacobean England’. Journal of Social History, Vol. 22, No. 3: 461-485. Scully, Sally. 1995. ‘Marriage or a Career?: Witchcraft as an Alternative in Seventeenth-Century Venice’. Journal of Social History, Vol. 28, No. 4: 857-876. Primary sources: Darst, David H. 1979. ‘Witchcraft in Spain: the Testimony of Martin de Castaà ±ega’s Treatise on Superstition and Witchcraft (1529)’. Kramer, Heinrich and Sprenger James. 1484. Malleus Maleficarum. Accessed 6 October 2009. Available at http://www.malleusmaleficarum.org/. Scot, Reginald. 1584. The Discoverie of Witchcraft. Retrieved from Early English Books Online. The practice of harmful magic

A View Of Hindi Cinema Film Studies Essay

A View Of Hindi Cinema Film Studies Essay Hindi Cinema refers to the prolific Hindi language film industry that operates mainly from Bombay, India. Characterised by music, melodrama, dance routines and extravagant production values, it is both a source of aggravation and wonder for its patrons. With enthusiastic audiences and box office success stories from all over the English speaking world, the escapist entertainment of Hindi Cinema has become a spectacle to reckon with. However, Hindi cinema seems to fall into a self induced rut ever so often. And similar to it, the film journalism in India tends to lie in a pathetic condition. With the media that thrives more on gossip and paparazzi culture, objective and analytical film journalism is something that is seen very sparsely in India. In this regard, the author Anil Saari and his posthumously published book, Hindi Cinema An Insiders View, stand out. The poet, theatre artist and journalist, Anil Saari, was Hindi cinemas most enthusiastic patron more than 3 decades ago. The book which is a compilation of his essays from the 70s to 2005(the year he died), can be seen as a tribute to one of Hindi Cinemas most enthusiastic advocate. The introduction by filmmaker and critic Partha Chatterjee enumerates Anil Saaris panache for identifying social-cultural trends within Hindi cinema. The 36 individual essays have been divided in into four different sections titled The Aesthetic Foundations of the Hindi Formula Film, Themes and Variations of Indian Cinema, Perspectives on Indian Cinema and The Makers of Popular Cinema. A personal favourite is the essay titled, What went wrong with Bhansalis Devdas?. Apart from being an extremely well written piece, the lucid arguments back the valid criticism of the movie. Without questioning Sanjay Leela Bhansalis prerogative of a brilliant director, Saari argues that Bhansalis rendition of Sarat Chandras Devdas is an anxious attempt to capture poetry on film. Saari says that Bhansalis effort to create poetry on celluloid resulted in the movie where every single moment in the film is a great emotion of high emotion, grand gestures, extraordinary feelings. Saari states that Bhansalis effort to convert every single second of the movie into a great moment resulted in the bland nature of the film. Saari also questions the need for the large scale exorbitance of the film. It is against the backdrop of the simple, everydayness of human behavior that a great film sets its dramatic surprises, narrative twists, and its heart wrenching moments. With that said, Saaris again expresses the need for a simpler and realistic portrayal of the real world in cinema. With this essay, one can observe Saaris genuine perceptiveness to the aesthetics and intricacies of film making. The other two note worthy essays The Dynamics of Tradition and Modernity in Hindi Cinema and The Compelling World of Hindi Films, overlap immensely in terms of the arguments put forward. In The Compelling World of Hindi Films, Saari speaks of how Hindi Cinema is successful in escaping the realities of poverty and the boredom of routine life. Unintentionally it affirms to status quo of the politically powerful and richer classes. His arguments are mostly echoed during the times of post-independence, where Saari understood the power of cinema as a tool in building an emerging economy. His arguments draw inspiration from the success of Bertolt Brechts plays in Europe. Perhaps, Saari hoped that Hindi cinema would produce its own version of Brecht, whose awareness of lifes struggles and politics would permeate through to the masses. Similar arguments are put forward in the essay, The Dynamics of Tradition and Modernity in Hindi Cinema. Saaris reiterates the need for the entertainment and socio-economic realities to compliment each other. In the essay he talks about how, The Indian psyche lies in the shadow of a long, callous history of economic disparities; a psyche that tries to preserve itself and its shell of bones from the wretched sea of poverty that exists all around it. The dividing line is so thin and fragile that consciousness can only lead each man to conceive of himself as an oasis in the desert. Upon deliberation, the reason for Saaris strong stance on cinema mirroring reality can be found by studying his personal background. Anil Saaris father, Arjun Arora, was the co-founder of the Communist Party of India (CPI), in Uttar Pradesh (India), and also a proactive trade union leader. Perhaps it is this this exposure to the ideology that leads him to gain in insight into the struggles and realities of the common Indian citizen of that time. It is this approach of Saaris that sets him apart from mot film journalists of is time. The biggest learning points from the essay, The Compelling World of Hindi Cinema. Hindi cinema has always challenged for being conservative and parochial, so the arguments in this essay are refreshing. Saaris arguments make one realize how even though films from the 1950s/1960s never tried altering the established social norms, it did endavour to fire the imagination of the Indian public in a subtle manner. Saari mentions how Shree 420 was successful as it blended the traditional Buddhist ideals of renunciation and sensuality and in its own inelegant way, it taught a million young Indians how to accept their natural attraction for the other sex. It is this different approach of that makes readers realize that even with all its conservatism, Hindi cinema did make an effort to introduce modern ideas in a surreptitious manner. In the essay, Can Parallel Cinema Survive, Saari appreciates and criticizes the work of parallel film makers. Saari says that the biggest grouse of the parallel films is that it failed to engage and reach out to their own target audiences. So while he is extremely appreciative of the works by Satyajit Ray, Mrinal Sen, Ritwick Ghatak and Adoor Gopalakrishnan, he remains discontent as most of their films gained recognition internationally and failed to draw the audiences within their own countries. In the final chapter, Saari makes interesting comments about screen idols, right from the Troika to Mani Ratnam. It is in this section that one observes Saaris great love for the work of Guru Dutt. In all, there is great deal of information and insight available in Saaris book. Although, at times, it can seem slightly academic in nature, it never fails to provide an analytical point of view to its readers. Saaris essays are extremely perceptive and provide great understanding into the various trends within Bollywood. However, since some of the essays have been written decades ago, the contents and arguments of various essays are outdated and can be challenged. While it is understood that the book is a compilation of Saaris various essays, the random selection of essays have no link to one and other. While some essays such as Rags to Riches and Black Money as mainstay of Hindi Cinema could be given a miss, better categorization of essays could perhaps have given the book a better structure. Another drawback of the book is the title itself. Even though the book is titled Hindi Cinema, three of the four sections of the books contain essays pertaining to Indian Cinema where a great deal has been mentioned about South Indian Cinema, which does not classify within the bracket of Hindi Cinema. In addition, apart from being a regular film journalist, it is vague as to what categorizes Saari as an insider in Hindi Cinema. In conclusion, Anil Saaris book not only reflects on his style of writing but his passion for the art of film making. His holistic approach in films is not just confided to their content but also their aesthetics, financing and exhibition. Saaris style of appreciation and criticism without malice enhances his credibility of his critique. The essays are exceptionally informative as they are all linked to the issues of politics and history within that time. By capturing the various forms of narrative cinema, parallel cinema and popular cinema, the book is a holistic guide to Hindi Cinema over time.

The Tragic Tale of Ophelia and Hamlet Essay -- GCSE English Literature

The Tragic Tale of Ophelia and Hamlet  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚     The common problem of lack of communication has plagued couples since the beginning of time. The relationship Hamlet and Ophelia share in Shakespeare’s play, Hamlet, is no more immune to these human tendencies. Throughout the drama, many misunderstandings cloud their relationship. Unspoken problems and pressures within Ophelia’s and Hamlet’s private lives lead to overlooked, unnoticed love. For Hamlet, his bond with Ophelia pales in comparison to the weight of the les talionis obligation thrust upon his soul. Ophelia faces trouble of a different nature. Having been raised to be very obedient to her father and to let him think for her, she is coerced into pushing Hamlet away and not giving into her love. It is the very lack of communication of these personal dilemmas between Ophelia and Hamlet that ultimately leads to Ophelia’s untimely demise and brings Hamlet to the verge of hysteria. In the beginning, Ophelia is first introduced as she is being warned by her brother, Laertes. He tells her to be wary of Hamlet, for his love for her may be short-lived and she is of unequal rank to him. Shortly afterward, Ophelia’s father, Polonius, joins in the crusade, but in a more forceful way. While treating her as if she was a child, he commands her to turn Hamlet away completely. After Ophelia tells him that Hamlet has expressed affection for her, Polonius replies, "Affection! pooh! you speak like a green girl / Unsifted in such perilous circumstance" (1.4.94-95). Thus Ophelia is torn in two different directions—love for Hamlet and obedience toward her father. Since she has been trained since birth, the desires of her father push all other notions aside, and she replies as she ofte... ...e / Whose violent property fordoes itself" stating that he believed Hamlet’s obsession with Ophelia was its cause (2.2.99-100). Finally, it is plainly established as Hamlet leaps onto Ophelia’s grave and declares his love for her. Their obvious love for each other is hidden, however, under a cover called lack of communication. While the couple is torn apart by forces beyond their control, they never tell each other, which leads to misunderstandings between them. To conclude, it is the very lack of communication in a relationship that can lead to misunderstandings that can obscure otherwise tight bonds. In Hamlet, Ophelia and Hamlet are a prime example of this and how it can lead to the ultimate misunderstanding—lost love. Work Cited Shakespeare, William. Hamlet. England in Literature. Eds. Helen McDonnell, et al. Glenview: Scott, Foresman, 1982. 136-201.   

Hard Tmes Essay -- Papers

Hard Tmes Snakes....specialists of deception. They enter our lives unnoticed and set out to accomplish evil plans. Snakes are twisters. Like a rattle snake, it attracts your attention with its tail then at the last moment strikes a venomous blow only to see you fall from the point you have risen. Snakes challenge your choice with sneaky tricks and can even lure you to disobey God. If that isn't enough I have to also cope with the stress of school, the racism in the community and the obsession that a young man gets for the opposite sex. My problems may seem little, but even the smallest thing can be a factor of what has caused a scared and frightened teenager to hate the world. I've always seen myself as me. Steve Marshall. An averaged height, not really popular, sixteen year old Afro-Caribbean who's often discriminated against by narrow minded child like people because of his race, a boy who likes to take good pride in himself because there is no-one else to do it for him. I mean my father has never been there for me, nothing but broken promises and lies which hurts me so much, but not even the pain that I bare could ever deny me loving him. The only thing that may seem unusual about me is the fact that I am often sick and I have to take three pills a day to keep me healthy. Ms Ramstad a.k.a Peaches or mum, well step-mum; after all she is married to my dad. She tries her hardest to look after me but I think she believes that she doesn't have the same authority over me like my real mother would. My dad abandoned us when I was young and ever since Peaches has struggled and tried her best to cope on minimum wages with the responsib... ...car me with those huge needles. No way, that would have never happened, but I do give it to Steve the disease he was successful in his mission. He was the toughest snake my life has ever handled, and the biggest factor to my demise. Yes that's right my demise. He has knocked me off my Pedestal and climbed right up. That can only mean that he has successfully taken my place. He should be me. Well everything I ever wanted to be. Now I have realized that the world is full of lying cheating and backstabbing people, so who can blame a broken teenager for hating the world. Even though he isn't here now Steve the disease belongs in this world not me. So this is the last chapter in the diary of my life. The life of Steve Marshall before I commit the tragic event called suicide. I really can't go on through all these HARDTIMES.

Factors on the Four Functions of Management Essay

In regards to internal and external factors that can significantly influence the four functions of management, include such items as globalization, technology, diversity, ethics and innovation. Furthermore, all of these items pay an important role in the dominance of General Motors in the automotive industry. GM has changed manufacture attitudes to concentrate on some strategic priorities those being to become common, envision lean and compete fast, participate on a worldwide footing, cultivate the business and as a rule significantly keep their attention on the finished goods. General Motors is determined to be committed to a lean and familiar single, global manufacturing approach (Automotive Intelligence News, 2003). The external factor of globalization is a major factor in today’s business world. Globalization additionally adds to the factors of cultural diversity and cultural ethics as it pertains to business climate, culture and organization. Likewise, even in the US General Motors deals with the issues of diversity and values based of the many cultures that live within the country. Diversity can be both a help and a hindrance to the four function of management, in that when cultural diversity is utilized correctly it aids in all phases of business. However, if both the countries or the individual workers feel that their culture or beliefs are being looked down upon or are demeaned this can lead to serious repercussion. The same ca be said concerning the ethics each culture holds management must walk a fine line to ensure no vilification or no indignity occurs. Globalization needs a firm touch and a steady hand in the first planning, which entails what countries a company wants to build and sell their goods to, while maintaining a presence in that country. What value the product will bring, the cost of materials, taxes or tariffs, and if the people of those countries have a  need, the cost, and the desire to purchase their vehicles. As to organizing, in globalization GM must ensure that local customs will not be pushed aside and must they maintain a proper level of respect and decorum in dealing with the local population and their cultural identity. Manager must organize by creating a dialog with other countries on GM’s products, explaining the utilization of each countries environmental assets and capital, showing how that being a partnering country with GM will help their country and its people. They must correspondingly incorporate the concept of co-design and systems approach, during the organization function to ensure each country has the belief that they are truly partners with GM. General Motors is currently in the process of restructuring their Global Vehicle Engineering organization. The reason they are doing this is to enhance cross-system integration and to bring more coherent implementation across vehicle platforms. They are also further addressing the functional safety and compliance in its vehicles worldwide (GM News, 2014). Whereas this reorganization moves GM away from long-established regional authority toward an organization built on global functions. As to the role of leading, globalization brings with it a different set of problems and requirements. In General Motors situation the leading function of management, in the terms of what the role intention is remains the same and can be defined as the focus of guiding the activities of personnel with motivation. However, the challenges of doing so on a global scale are daunting because of issues in cultural difference, in ethics and diversity. Managers must have a working knowledge of the country’s culture, its ethical stances, and language differences both verbal and nonverbal. The controlling function of management within globalization again comes with its own set of issues that need to be overcome. Likewise, to be able to establish standards, then measure the performance in contrast to those standards and make corrective changes to those standards and plans that have been determined ineffective (Merchant, 1982). In a global setting put additional meaning to the controlling function of management. Management for General Motors have been successful in the endeavor and proof of this can be seen in how they continue to rank near or at the top the list of vehicles sold worldwide. GM is closing the gap on Toyota lead in sales, because of changes in how they are using the control function of management to correct the situation.  Since, GM began to renovate its vehicle roster into one of the keenest and newest in the automotive industry from one of the eldest and more outdated ones (Jie, & Horie, 2014). So any and everyone can see how globalization as an external factor affects a company such as General Motors in its operations of the four functions of management. Technology in this case should be considered both and external and internal factor that can affect a company such as GM. Since, technology deals with not only information and enterprise systems to run a business, it also deals with the creation of new products and equipment to be use in their cars and trucks. General Motors in being such a large global company have an extensive enterprise system to deal with employees, customers, security, and data collection to enable it to run both effectively and efficiently on a global scale. However, technology in the creation and advancement of products goes hand in hand with innovation. We can see how technology is part of innovation, in the way GM addresses the idea of a fully electric car that can go 200 miles between charges. Additionally, the connection of technology and innovation is seen in General Motor’s electric and gas hybrid car the Chevy Volt. GM similarly has an all-electric car that can go 82 miles on a charge called the Chevy Spark (The Denver Post, 2013). General Motor’s innovations created a need for better technology in electric car batteries, charging systems. They also created a need for electric charging facilities for people who are traveling on long trips, which are still under research as to cost, viability, and the possibility. All of this innovation leads to technology to design and build components that will be needed to compete in this sector of the industry. What is more, all four functions of management are thoroughly affected by globalization, diversity, ethics, innovation and technology as these elements play a crucial role in the structure and running of any business in today world economy. References Automotive Intelligence News. (2003). GM’s Global Manufacturing System – A System To Build Great Cars and Trucks. Retrieved from http://www.autointell.com/News-2003/January-2003/January-2003-1/January-03-03-p6.htm GM News. (2014). GM Restructures Global Engineering for Cross-System Integration. Retrieved from http://media.gm.com/media/us/en/gm/news.detail.html/content/Pages/news/us/en/2014/Apr/0422-global-eng.html Jie, M. & Horie, M. (2014). Toyota Beats GM in 2013 as 10 Million Vehicles Seen. Retrieved from http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2014-01-23/toyota-beats-gm-vw-in-2013-car-sales-sees-3-growth-this-year.html Merchant, K. (1982). Controlling Function of Management. Retrieved from http://sloanreview.mit.edu/ The Denver Post. (2013). General Motors working on 200-mile electric car, exec says. Retrieved from http://www.denverpost.com/business/ci_24109259/general-motors-working-200-mile-electric-car-exec

Government Regulation of the Oil Industry: Keystone Pipeline Essay

The Keystone Pipeline has been in news for several months and has been the subject of scrutiny, political bantering and environmentalist activism. Keystone Pipeline is a transcontinental synthetic oil project that runs from Canada to the Gulf Coast. Construction of such a pipeline bears many risk associated with ecosystem disruption and environmental hazards. President Obama blocked the pipeline’s extension noting several studies that the pipeline would have adverse impact on air and water supplies. Its original route crosses the Sandhills in Nebraska, the large wetland ecosystem, and the Ogallala Aquifer, one of the largest reserves of fresh water in the world. The Ogallala Aquifer spans eight states, provides drinking water for two million people, and supports $20 billion in agriculture. A major leak could ruin drinking water and devastate the mid-western U. S. economy. (Source: WikiPedia) Almost by default, the opposition party rebutted the president’s decision claiming he was a killer of jobs. Studies completed for Keystone has demonstrated that approximately 2,000 employees would be needed to complete the pipeline and about 25% of that would be permanent employment. In my view the potential environmental cost outweigh the economic ones in this situation. Keystone supporters purport the necessity in its construction to curb our dependence on foreign imports for energy. The cost to extra the sand, refine it to a now synthetic oil, transport it across country by far produces more energy than will actually be used in its life cycle. Government regulation, in this instance, has proven mildly effective. Given that we are now in an election season, this â€Å"job destroying vote† may come back to bite.

Maslows Hierarchy of needs Essay

I am basing my Theory and Application on both Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs Theory and Locke’s Goal Setting Theory. Theory and Application Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs was first published by psychologist Abraham Maslow in his 1943 article, â€Å"A Theory of Human Motivation â€Å". Abraham Maslow believed that that as humans strive to meet our most basic needs, we also seek to satisfy a higher set of needs. Maslow presented these needs in a hierarchy that consisted of the following: 1. Physiological/bodily needs. 2. Safety needs. 3. Love/belonging needs. 4. Self-esteem. 5. Self-actualization. I am going to describe each level in the hierarchy of needs and evaluate them in terms of evidence that shows that they work and that they are useful for managers in understanding how they might motivate their staff. The example I am using is Understanding and motivating health care employees: integrating Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, training and technology by Suzanne G. Benson PhD and Stephen P. Dundis JD, PhD. With all the challenges facing the health sector, there was a need to understand how the managers could motivate the staff. This was becoming increasingly concerning and this is where Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs proved useful. Maslow created a pyramid split into 5 levels, each containing one of the 5 needs. Level 1 Physiological needs: Physiological needs are the basic survival needs such as oxygen, food, water, shelter etc. Unless these basic needs are fulfilled, the individual will be unable to move to the next level, as these are these needs are needed for survival. In work terms, these basic needs would be wages. If an employee is being paid fairly he/she will be happy to move to the next level of the hierarchy. If not, they will be thinking about why they aren’t being paid fairly and the next levels won’t be in their mind. Level 2 Safety Needs: When physiological needs are fulfilled, safety needs come into consideration. This involves not only a safe working environment but mental safety. In this case training has a big influence because workers see training as a way of being safe. Managers must make employees realise that with new technology brings change. Employees feel that they are under pressure with the new technology leading to advancements in computers. They feel they are inadequately trained and this is where managers must spend resources, time and money on training. Level 3 Love/ Belonging Needs: Maslow states that people seek to overcome feelings of loneliness and alienation and managers must understand this to ensure employee involvement, production and motivation, etc. With the new technology in healthcare, brings in the new ‘virtual teaming’. Some employees might feel a lack of social presence that face to face contact has. Managers must know this and that the opportunities to participate in new and different work groups can definitely expand an employee’s belongingness. Level 4 Self-Esteem: Self-esteem in a workplace is usually based on an employee’s successful performance appraisals, which helps employee’s feel valued and respected within an organisation. This boosts self-esteem. In the case of the healthcare problem, there was an issue with the technology because employees where not known by name anyone but by numbers. When employees are not being interacted with personally by managers and other group members they feel insulted and meaningless. Managers must take this into consideration. Level 5 Self-Actualisation: The need for self-actualisation is only relevant when all needs below Self-Actualisation are fulfilled. It is the need for an employee to do what he/she feels they are meant to do. In the healthcare training, an employee should be exposed to learning that affects every single part of his/her life. The new technology offers this training but a person must be shown the right path towards the correct training in order for it to become meaningful. Managers play a role in doing this. Locke’s Goal Setting Theory Dr Edwin Locke found from research that specific and difficult goals led to  better performance than easy goals. Easy goals are not a motivating force whereas if a goal is hard, you feel more accomplished after completing it. The harder the goal, the greater the effort. This helps motivate employees because they will grow in confidence once they complete a difficult task. Goals help push employees to goal-relevant actions rather than concentrating on irrelevant matters. I believe that this is true and to motivate goals must have: 1. Clarity. 2. Challenge. 3. Commitment. 4. Feedback. 5. Task complexity. Clarity When goals are clear and specific there is less chance that there will be a misunderstanding. Managers should make goals measurable with a definitive time set for completion, and this will in turn leave the task/goal a lot more precise. If an employee is set a clear objective he/she is then motivated towards one thing. If the goal is unclear employees will be less motivated. The goal should be Smart, Measureable and Time-bound (SMART acronym). Challenge Usually employees feel that if a goal is very challenging and they complete it, then the manager will be impressed. This motivates an employee because they will feel accomplished and important to the company. Rewards may also boost motivation because with greater challenges comes greater rewards, so therefore managers must give employees challenging but realistic goals in order to motivate their staff. Challenges must be realistic because employees will feel demotivated if they are unable to complete the challenge. The goal should be Achievable (SMART Acronym). Commitment Goals can be agreed upon between managers and employees. This gives the employee a sense of involvement and they are more likely to be committed to a goal if they have been involved in creating the goal and making decisions. Goals should be consistent and credible in order for the commitment to be there. If a goal is difficult it will require a lot more commitment compared  to and easy goal therefore employees will be motivated to get the goal completed. Agreed goals will lead to commitment (SMART Acronym). Feedback Employees must get feedback about their goals from their managers in order to clarify expectations and to gain recognition. Goals can be broken down into parts when it is going to take a particularly long time to reach a goal. Feedback can then be given after each part in order to get a task done efficiently. Regular encouragement will motivate employees to reaching a goal. Task Complexity When a goal is very difficult, employees should be given sufficient time to reach the goal. If the employee is stressed out then they will be demotivated. Employees should be given time to practice what is needed to reach the goal. Difficult tasks can frustrate employees and managers have to deal with this by giving them sufficient time and training needed to complete the task. Conclusion: I believe that both Maslow’s and Locke’s theories provide a useful knowledge into how to keep an employee motivated in the workplace. Goal setting is the best theory in my opinion because it is a simple step by step way on how to reach a goal without demotivating your employees. Maslow’s hierarchy of needs shows a manager how to make the employee feel secure, needed and appreciated in the workplace whilst also keeping them motivated to strive towards self-actualisation. Reflection and Application The theory that best explains my motivation to perform in DCU is the Goal Setting Theory. I feel this best describes my motivation to perform because I always set out goals in life, whether they are small goals or big goals. For example one of my goals in DCU is to finish with a Masters in Engineering after 5 years. This is a big goal and it requires a lot of motivation and time. My main goal at the moment is to pass all of my modules in my course. To do this my goal must have the 5 following steps: 1. Clarity. 2. Challenge. 3. Commitment. 4. Feedback. 5. Task complexity. In order to reach my goal I must evaluate the goal using these 5 steps. Clarity My goal is clear and measurable and has a specific date for completion. Moodle plays a vital part in reaching the goal as it assists me in my studies and help me keep track of my time limits for each task. I am motivated towards my goal of passing all my modules because I know what each module consists of. Challenge I am motivated towards finishing the first year of my course and passing each module because my course is difficult. When I finish my course I will feel accomplished in what I have done. I also know that if I do well, it will be well received at home because they also know that it is a difficult course. I see this as a reward because if the course was easy I would not be as motivated to do well. Commitment Getting involved in setting out goals also gets me motivated. It makes me feel more committed because I know I have to reach the goal because I helped set it. Although this isn’t the case in most of my modules, it is in one, that is Technical Drawing. I have to set the time for our project to be finished and this adds added pressure which helps motivate me. Feedback Feedback plays a massive role in motivating me to reach my goals. When I am told I am doing something correctly and that my work of a high standard, it motivates me because I know I am slowly reaching my goal. Feedback gives me an insight into how to do things correctly if I am doing them wrong, which is very useful when you don’t know if you are doing something correctly. It can also help me gain recognition. Task Complexity If the work load is too much or difficult for me, I usually need more time at the task in order to reach a goal. If this is the case I usually give up my spare time in order to work on the more complex and difficult parts of my  course. If I am under too much pressure I will be demotivated so this is why I carry out the goal setting theory in order to keep motivated and to ensure that I reach my goals. References www.mindtools.com http://www.unc.edu/courses/2007fall/nurs/379/960/module%209%20delegation%20perf%20appr/Benson%20unders%20and%20motiv.pdf http://home.ubalt.edu/tmitch/642/Articles%20syllabus/Locke%20et%20al%20New%20dir%20goal%20setting%2006.pdf

Dr. Condoleezza Rice

Dr. Condoleezza â€Å"Condi† Rice was born on November 14, 1954 in Birmingham, Alabama. She is the only child her parent’s name are Angelena and John Wesley Rice. Both parents are educated; her mother was a teacher while her father was a minister and a football coach. Dr. Rice learned to play the piano at an early age she also learned to speak French. The father moved the family up to Denver because of job placement. Condi graduated at the age of 15 from St. Mary Academy High School with a 4. 00 GPA.She started college at the University of Denver and graduated at the age of 19 with a Bachelor in Political Science. She attended the University of Notre Dame and received her master in 1975. Condi being an over-achiever went back to get her doctoral degree from the Graduate School of International Studies at the University of Denver. She accomplished all of this before the age of 27. Dr. Condoleezza Rice grew up in the turmoil of racism. During this time in the 1950’ s it was difficult for African Americans to be successful. Condi mother tired to shield her from the treatments of Blacks. Dr. Rice remembered when she went out shopping with her mother it was one incident where they were at the store and the cashier/owner saw Condi glancing up on some expensive hats and she yelled at her to get off. Her mother yelled at the white women by telling her not to talk to her daughter that way and the mother told Condi to touch every hat in the store. Condi parents taught her to not think of herself as less of a person than white. It’s not as shocking that Condoleezza Rice could stand the hardship of racism. She made something of herself such as becoming an extraordinary public figure.In a short time she gained a great deal of power and influence over people. She became a professor at Stanford and later went to serve as the Director of the Soviet and Eastern Europe Affairs for the National Security Council during Bush’s Presidency in 1989. I n 1993, Condi became the Provost of Stanford, where she balanced the $410 million dollar budget within her first year. In 1999, she resigned as the Provost and became Bush’s Foreign Policy Advisor for his campaign. She became the first female National Security Advisor. The NAACP saw Dr. Rice being an influential role model to the minorities and was awarded the President’s Award in 2002.She became the United States Secretary of State which she was appointed in 2005. Condoleezza Rice is a good leader because she has a combination of many things, especially being a proficient communicator. In addition to English she also speaks Russian, German, French, and Spanish. She carries great talent and breaks the language barriers when travelled to those speaking countries. Condi is an effective leader because she is self-assured, knowledgeable, and proficient in the environment that she takes part of. Her major experience in politics is in Russian foreign affairs so being able to speak Russian is a bonus.She carries herself at a position that people know that she is serious and committed at everything she strives to attain. Condoleezza Rice valued her faith which guides her through difficult times in her life. She feels that if you are praying and have faith then God will show you the way. I do believe that’s true prayer can get you through the toughest times in your life that you never thought would have happen to you. Her family is her support system. Unfortunately, she lost her mother from breast cancer that she battled with for 15 years. Her mother was not able to see her daughter accomplished many outstanding opportunities.Her father was blessed enough to see his daughter be the first National Security Advisor but shortly afterward he passed away. Her family was very influential while growing up which led to her going to college and opening bigger opportunities. She knew the importance of education by having her grandfather graduate from college and hears the struggles he went through, ever since than her family has been college-educated. Condoleezza Rice do not feel sorry for people, she feels that everybody can accomplish something and use that special ability that’s inside them to be productive in the society.When it comes to African Americans she seems to be stern on us. She feels that blacks should not be feeding off the benefits of what our people where force to do during slavery time. She really believes that everybody should be treated equal, so she is obviously against affirmative action. After reading this book, I was able to understand more of Condoleezza Rice, her actions and decisions. Some people may not like her and it could be the choices she made along the Bush administration. However, I understand that she is a strong woman who is not intimidated by anybody. She is very direct and stands strong on her decisions.She grew up during the segregating times but didn’t let that hold her back from a ccomplishing her goals. She ended up being a very powerful and influential public figure, for that I look up to her for that. I know people who would be faced with a difficult situation that would weighed them down. They will not achieve a goal that could have opened the doors of opportunities to better their future. I chose to investigate more of Condoleezza Rice because I didn’t know practically anything about her other than her being the first African American women to be the United States Secretary of State.After reading her biography I can now say how delighted I am to learned that a women that is African American achieving such an enormous ambition in her life. She have influence me to farther my education and get a master degree â€Å"in something I loved† I’m taken her advice to â€Å"always take life one step at a time. † I feel that this step will be great for my family and me. I’m a first generation in my family so I know if my parents w ere still around that they would be proud of me of aiming that high in education.I know that those young people in my hometown neighborhood look up to me, even though I grew up in the â€Å"hood† I didn’t let the environment hold me back from something potential. I let the environment motivate me to not become a statistics and not to have my future family being raised in that kind of environment. I know furthering your education the key to success and that’s what I’m trying to show those youngsters in the neighborhood. Instead of just talking about it I must show the kids that it can be accomplished. This makes me feel excellent on the inside that I’m bettering somebody else life.

Buddhist Ideas and Practices in China Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Buddhist Ideas and Practices in China - Essay Example On the other hand, the artifacts from Kushan, which were based on Pakistan Buddhist civilization, were identified in western China, during the period when China had extended their power to Central Asia, and there were cultural ties between China and Central Asia. This association offered a chance for the Chinese people to learn about the Buddhism by the mid first century, thereby making the Chinese Buddhist learn about its existence. Nevertheless, the paper will focus on the discussion of ways in which Buddhism entered China and difficulties and adaptation in the Chinese culture. One of the ways in which Buddhism entered in to China was through a translation, which involved selection of terms for explaining the Buddhist conceptions in Chinese; thus, they applied Taoist expressions to translate. Chinese people commenced to relate Buddhism with the existence of Taoist tradition, and they later understood the teachings of Buddha. Buddhist text continues despite, a period of political di sunity after the fall of Han Dynasty during the third century, which was associated by unrest caused by war. In fact, there was increased popularity in this period, whereby the Chinese monks became aggressively concerned in the establishment of monasteries and teaching Buddhist knowledge. There were rules established with a devotion to the Buddhist, which led to construction of much temples and participation in Buddhist ceremonies public talks, thereby expanding the rulers on the earlier catalogues on Buddhist texts. Entry of Buddhism was facilitated by a Chinese monk referred to as Dao-an, in the fourth century, though he shifted from one place to another due to the political instability, he wrote and lectured about Buddhist teachings. He also gathered copies of translated scriptures, prepared a catalogue, and invited translators such as Kumarajiva, from Kucha. Therefore, Kumarajiva applied Dao-an's disciples in translation of numerous texts and revised the Chinese translations. Mo reover, his translations became popular thus contributing to the spread of Buddhism in China, and some of these translations have been used even in the present days. The political instability contributed to dispersion of Kumarajiva's disciples, and this contributed to the spread of Buddhism to other parts of China. Difficulties and adaptations in Chinese culture There were difficulties related to the nature of the attacks on the Confucian side, which were aimed at eliminating Buddhist institutions, and reduce their strong hold in the Chinese society. There were several Confucian attacks against clergy and spread of Buddhist doctrines, where the entire Buddhist religion was attacked. In this case, there were other difficulties resulting from the Chinese society, which was switching to the Confucian populace, thereby making the Buddhist society face a lot of attack in their pursuit of remaining prevalent and the philosophy of Chinese civilization. Nevertheless, these attacks were stro ng enough to hinder the spread of Buddhism in China, though these religions offered brilliant ideas and compelling rhetoric during the sparring back in forth between the philosophies. There were significant points that Confucians aimed at responding to in relation to the Buddhist philosophy and this included the attacks on the land properties and the excesses of Buddhist clergymen (Cultural China, 1). On the other hand, there were benefits for the numerous clergymen in their attempts to possess a piece of land, which was luxurious. There was an allotment prize lands for the clergymen by the Buddhist follower, where there was an institution

CONTEMPORARY VISUAL CULTURE MAJOR ESSAY Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

CONTEMPORARY VISUAL CULTURE MAJOR - Essay Example 46-57). Kjell (1999, pp. 115-128) and Pointon (1994, pp. 25-33) state that these works are simply a reflection of the society’s view by analysing how the women portrayed in film relate to the broader historical context, the stereotypes depicted, the extent to which the women are shown as active or passive beings and the amount of screen time given to them. The early works of Marjorie Rosen and Molly Haskell on representation of women in film was part of a movement to make depictions of women more realistic both in documentaries and narrative cinema. According to Armstrong and Catherine (2006, pp. 23-34), the growing female presence in the film industry was seen as a positive step towards realisation of this goal by drawing attention to feminist issues and putting forth alternatives and more true to life views of women. However, these images are still meditated by the same factors in the tradition film such as moving camera, composition, editing, lighting and all varieties of sound (Barnet 1993, pp. 45-51; Pointon 1994, pp. 25-33). It is important to acknowledge the value of inserting positive representation of women in film but real change would only be realised by considering the role of film in society from the semiotic point of view. It is important to understand the role of women as defined by the male gaze is central to understanding the position of women in society (Armstrong and Catherine 2006, pp. 23-34). A woman’s position in social stratification is defined by her outward manifestation and thus a person is identified first by their gender (Kjell 1999, pp. 115-128). The film is a major form of visual popular culture and it is associated with visual representations and the gaze (Barnet 1993, pp. 45-51). In film, the gaze is basically the outlook of the camera (Kjell 1999, pp. 115-128). The gaze can be used as a powerful discourse because the outlook of the camera fosters identification with the audience. Armstrong and Catherine

The Use of the Internet as a Social Activity and Self-expression Essay

The Use of the Internet as a Social Activity and Self-expression - Essay Example ss the statement: â€Å"the internet has presented individuals with real possibilities for self-expression, conversation and creative work.† To appreciate its relevance, a brief history of the origins of the Internet would initially be discussed. Other various uses of the Internet, aside from the focal points, would also be presented. What is exciting in this technological development is that it has not stopped evolving and there is still a vast future ahead. A lot of stakeholders have the desire to continue their quest to discover new applications and uses which would define the future of the Internet. However, the consequences of information overload and accessibility to data have tremendous effects on the traditional concepts of culture. Our way of life, due to the technology provided by the Internet, will never be the same. written by J.C.R. Licklider of MIT in August 1962. According to Leiner, et.al. (2003), the history of the Internet revolves around four distinct aspects: the technological aspect, operational and management aspect, social aspect, and commercialization aspect. The emergence of new media technologies such as the cable, satellite and the Internet has a tremendous impact on the traditional forms of mass media. In a book on Media and Cultural Theory, Freedman wrote that â€Å"a combination of technological innovations (concerning digitization) and cultural shifts (towards a more individualistic consumer society) appear to have handed new media technologies a competitive advantage over their predecessors† (â€Å"Internet Transformations†, 275). With more and more people utilizing the Internet for various purposes, there had been significant declines in primetime viewing of broadcast networks and circulations in magazines and broadsheets. The Internet boasts of a variety of uses for a wide range of clientele. From among the famous users of the Internet, our teenagers of today are seen to be the primary consumers of the Internet. A study

The Character Sketch of the Movie the Black Balloon Assignment

The Character Sketch of the Movie the Black Balloon - Assignment Example One path is his regular teenage life, where he has a crush on a girl. The other path is full of responsibilities; he has to take care of his autistic brother who is a big baby. He faces the ultimate sibling conflict. The family moves to a new place, and the time is the 1990s. Thomas is shown to be anxious about making new friends and all he wants is to fit in. The plot is so refined that it shows the power that went behind the writing. The parents have a hard decision to make where they want to give equal attention and love to each of their children. The mother is inclined to take more care of the one who lacks understanding, social skills and cognitive ability than the other normal people. Sometimes the normal children are supposed to take on more responsibilities and acquire leadership and caring skills. If it were a normal family Thomas would have lesser responsibilities. But his parents cannot always be around Charlie, especially when he goes to school, and during playtime, those activities are accompanied by people of the same age. Â  Thomas is a 15-year-old normal teenager. His family moves to a new home. He is going through a phase feeling like he needs to fit in with his new friends at the school. He struggles with fitting in because his family is unusual; he has an autistic brother who gets the attention of the parents all the time. This makes Thomas feel neglected. However, Thomas loves his brother Charlie and takes very good care of him. Charlie enjoys playing video games, wearing a monkey costume and receiving stars for good behavior. Maggie, their mother, is heavily pregnant, and her doctors have advised her to take rest. Eventually, Thomas has to be in charge of Charlie. This is not an easy task as he has to chase Charlie down when he shoots out of the house.

Child Behavior Checklist Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2750 words

Child Behavior Checklist - Assignment Example It serves as the younger counterpart of adult research study approaches, which mostly deals with adult-focused psychological conditions. Thus, it tends to focus on the conditions more specific to children and young adults, and the foreseen status are acted upon in accordance with outcomes of the assessment.The improvements made were important in addressing several factors. The revised version of CBCL, as explained by Hersen (2004), has been part of an extensive screening program and included the teaching rating (TRF) and self-report (YSR). These were devised to accomplish more understanding of the mental conditions of children. In turn, it gives emphasis to the roles played by parents and other environmental influences in determining possibilities of mental conflicts in children. Despite concerns about the consistency of the discussed screening tool, several adaptations yielded affirmative results. Currently, newer versions were introduced in 2001, with modifications on age divisions for specific scales. New specifications have been added, which replaced subjects that either have been overlooked or neglected by previous design. Furthermore, the empirical-based assessment is combined with Diagnostic Statistical Manual of Mental Disorder (DSM)-oriented measurements—ensuring a wide support from professional behavioral scientists and experts. In retrospect, Child Behavioral Checklist (CBCL) is a 15-20 minute child administered measurement based on parent’s account.

Customer service assignment Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Customer service assignment - Case Study Example t an ambience to its customers, which not only helps the customer in enjoying the drinks and meals but also helps in the restaurant in gaining goodwill. In order that the restaurant is able to satisfy the customer and re-invite them in future, it is very important that restaurant is able to market itself in an effective manner. Traditionally, four Ps are considered of prime importance for an enterprise to market itself. The marketing mix is thus known to comprise of1 Product, Price, Place and Promotion. Though Ahmed might be offering the best products at reasonable prices, but in this case, what seems to be lacking is the promotion. Promotion doesn’t necessarily mean coming out with advertisement in newspapers or commercials in television or radio. But, a satisfied customer can often prove to be an effective ambassador of the product or service. A well behaved customer care executive or salesperson can also help in assisting the good word about the business entity. The restaur ant must not only be looking at tangible benefits, but intangible benefits also prove to be of immense importance towards the success of the venture. For example, intangible benefits like goodwill and brand equity can only be strengthened with a pro-active attitude from the employees and customers. It needs to be emphasized here that engaging the customer and informing him or her about the products or services on offer is extremely important for them to make a choice. There might be regular customers fully aware about the products, but even those customers love to get pleasant surprises in the form of new dishes or new schemes. Being unfriendly is certainly an unpardonable act towards the customers. Therefore, in order that the observed shortcomings can be done away with and employees behave in a professional manner and prove to be friendly for the customers, they need to be trained. The rule of thumb in customer service is that whosoever comes in contact with the customer, is supposed to

Marketing Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Marketing - Research Paper Example The customer oriented approach has won her many laurels and once the customer enters her store, they keep coming every 7-10 days to purchase more products. Her success lies in offering what customer needs. Growth is a way of life and Kudler too wants to expand suitably selecting right product mix and targeting potential customers. Currently, markets and the demographics of the region are rapidly changing due to movement of the people across the states and nations. Though Kudler offers a great promise as a discerning gourmet store in the California region; nevertheless, it becomes essential for the firm to conduct some essential market research before putting its scarce and valuable resources on the business expansion. Identifying and Defining Marketing Issues In order to expand, Kudler needs to identify places where it can open new gourmet stores. After a setback from Del Mar location, the company is quite conscious of finding the most lucrative locations in California. Del Mar was a small town with not enough population to support its store. Through the market intelligence, the company has already identified some of the promising locations such as San Diego, San Francisco, Santa Barbara, and Palm Springs but before starting its store at any of these locations, the company must ensure through a proper market research that its decision to expand will not backfire. Carlsbad is one such site that shows enormous potential and once store at Carlsbad gets steam, Del Mar store may be gradually phased out. Marketing Research for Finding Potential Locations The company is well aware of the fact that the most specialty gourmet stores are located in the eastern half of the US and they do a roaring business there. In the last few years or so a sizeable population has moved from Philadelphia, New York, and New Jersey to the west coast due to job prospects in technology sector and these populations are well aware about the concept of gourmet stores. In view of the various al ternatives, the major issue is to find the most promising locations where residents of the area are aware about the concept and would always be eager to patronize such stores if they find one in their area. Before taking a final plunge, the company needs to conduct a survey in the towns of Palm Springs, Santa Barbara, San Diego, and San Francisco. The survey will involve asking a set of questions through a skillfully prepared questionnaire to the randomly selected but representative target customers to explore the real potential in the area. The questionnaire needs to be designed skillfully so that the real objective of the survey to find the most potential location is fulfilled. This is crucial because once the store is opened making huge investments on infrastructures there is no way out to go back. Marketing Research for Choosing Appropriate Product-Mix Moreover, the company has been thinking to open Asian Specialty Produce Department at San Francisco area to meet the needs of As ian population – especially the fresh herbs, and spices. The idea is to serve a special group of Asian customers who can not only afford the special product offerings but always eager to patronize the store quite often. That simply means that before opening a shop at this area, it would be advisable to do some market research that will decide about the core Asian community group such as Japanese, Chinese, Korean or Indian subcontinent region that the company wants to target at. These Asian groups differ in their taste and