Thursday, October 31, 2019

On Schizophrenia and Beautiful Mind Movie Review

On Schizophrenia and Beautiful Mind - Movie Review Example One example of this destruction is that of the birth of his first child, he becomes so paranoid that he presents a real threat to his wife and the child. Eventually his marriage ends in divorce, but later, when he begins to come to terms with his illness, he and his wife are reunited. However, unlike, the 1950's, when Nash became ill, today, medical science has made it possible for this genetic illness to be controlled in some cases such as Nash's without medication. Two factors help to make this possible. The first is the fact that if the affected individual receives medical help early enough, including cognitive therapy, he or she has a better chance of overcoming the disease. The movie is truthful in showing how, after Nash's acceptance of his illness, he is able to recognize that the voices are not real and to quit letting them run his life. The second is the fact that has become evident to scientists that the disease of paranoid schizophrenia improves in latter life. This is even truer if the afflicted has been treated early on. In the respect of normalcy, the movie presents a distorted view of Nash's life regarding his compensation for the disease in maturity. While he did go on to achieve greatness as a mathematician, there are scientists who believe that this was not in spite of his illness, but because of it. Nash believed this himself as he stated in a radio broadcast in which he was interviewed. (1) (All things Considered) Otherwise, according to him, he may have accepted mediocrity-instead, in 1994 he was awarded the Nobel Prize! However, the movie did portray the world of schizophrenic hallucinations such as hearing voices and/or these voices appearing to talk back to the individual; voices talking out loud among themselves; hallucinations which cause the interruption in the person's thoughts result in scattered speech, and paranoid hallucinations causing false perceptions about other people, including perceptions that cause the afflicted to become violent or fear violence from others. The onslaught of paranoid schizophrenia normally begins between " the ages of 15 and 34 with a preoccupation with one or more systematized delusions or with frequent auditory hallucinations related to a single theme. In addition to suffering from hallucinations and the presence of voices, the person affected usually suffers delusions of grandeurThe main course of treatment for the disease is the use of medicines which arecommonly called 'atypical antipsychotic'Compared to the older convention' antipsychotic drugs such as Chlorpromazine (Thorzaine), fluphenazine (Prolixin), haloperidol (Haldo), thiothixene (Navane), and others, these drugs have fewer severe side effects. They are equally effective as the older drugs for helping reduce the positive symptoms like hallucinations and delusions, but may be better than the older medications at relieving the negative symptoms of the illness, such as withdrawal, thinking problems, and lack of energy. The atypical antipsychotic drugs include aripiprazole (Abilify), risperidone (Risperdal), clozapine (Clozanl), olanzapine (Zyprexa), quetiapine

Tuesday, October 29, 2019

IKEA's Strategy Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

IKEA's Strategy - Essay Example It is IKEA’s vision to give a as many individuals as possible a better life. The company wishes to achieve this via the business concept they have which offers furniture that has very low prices many can afford them. They go beyond just selling tables and chairs by offering a better living environment and comfortable home. IKEA is cognizant of the importance of home environment to many. It can easily affect their well-being. Thus, it is necessary that their homes are comfortable, attractive and practical without having to pay a fortune to gain it. At present, there are more than 260 IKEA branches in over 35 nations and territories around the world as of 2007. There are more than 400 million individuals visited the stores annually. The products are also now made available online or via catalogues. The company sold more than 17 billion Euros in 2006 alone. IKEA also makes sure that the company adopts responsible attitude towards social and environmental issues. Evidently, IKEA i s greatly successful it its business in Europe and the world over (IKEA Website). This paper will be focusing on IKEA and the strategies it implements that make it the success that it is now. This study will first present its value proposition. It will also explore IKEA’s entry into the foreign markets as well as the factors that surround such move. Then, the paper will be delving into the strategy that IKEA makes use of which is mainly responsible for the success it is enjoying at present. Then, a closer look into its HR and what strategy is implemented will be discussed. Finally, concluding remarks will be given based on the information gathered about IKEA as incorporated in this study. II. IKEA’s Value Proposition A number of companies have lined up their values inside and out and a brilliant example of such companies is IKEA. IKEA is the biggest and one of the most popular manufacturers of furniture worldwide. It has 179 outlets in operation in 23 countries and emp loys 84,000 workers. The value proposition of IKEA that attracts buyers—its capability of offering affordable, distinctively designed functional furniture—is communicated and executed consistently. To minimize the costs for manufacturing, buyers assemble the accessories and furniture themselves. They also usually collect these from the warehouse and take them home themselves. Delivering the items is a separate service that is promoted as being priced reasonably. This self-service environment assists IKEA in keeping the prices to a minimum, which is vital to the values of buyers. The value proposition is the service and/or product that creates utility that is offered to buyers by a company, according to Bovet and Martha (2000). Another definition is that it all the central aspects of the situation and the advantages sought by the customers in the purchase (Best, 1997). The value proposition refers to the bundle of value that delivered by a company to its customers (Shee hy, Bracey, & Frazier, 1996). It includes intangibles (e.g. brand equity, image), selection, service, and price; it is more than just the product itself. In other words, it is not what the buyer is buying, but what the buyer thinks he or she is buying. Both the offer to the organization and the duties and roles of stakeholders are identified by the value proposition (Webster, 1994). It becomes the selling proposition to

Sunday, October 27, 2019

Green consumer behavior and influencing factors

Green consumer behavior and influencing factors This chapter literature review is presented by using review of previous studies. The literature explains green consumption, green consumer behavior and factors influence consumer behavior. During the past decade environment become a serious issue that leading to environmental problems have been concerned from public and the environmental awareness has occurred. Environmental knowledge from media, society, or education are boosting that lead to consumer behavior have been changed (Wagne,1997). Many companies consider about environmental issue force and start to take it to be part of corporate management (Reinhardt and Vietor, 1996). It causes the demand of green products is increasing. Many studies found out that green consumption pattern in variable factor widely base on consumption decision that partly on the environmental attributes (Krarup and Russell, 2005). In 1970, many companies were pressured by society and consumer; therefore, environmental marketing involves offering consumer with more socially acceptable product(Peattie, 2002).There is evidence that in 1988 many countries in the world have adopted the green label in order to support environmental behavior (Peattie, 2002). Green label is the label that shows the reduced environmental impact over the product life time (Rex and Baumann, 2006) and this lead to an increase of green consumption because green label also help some consumer who cannot distinguish green product from conventional product(Morris, 1997). Sheth mentioned that in 1990 almost 10% of new product was launched in form of green or environmental friendly. Although Bleda and Valente (2009) suggested that green label can use for solving the environment problem, Blair (1992) claimed green product cannot stop environmental harm. It only can be less harm which green product characteristics is less impact global environmental problem, design to be re-used or recycle, non-polluting, minimal packaging, local obtainable materials, no test animal. This is supported by Alwitt and Berger (1993)s reported that 70% of consumer concern about environment issue (Vantomme et al., 2004). Moreover, Tnsglobal (2007, p11) conducted survey in 12 countries around the world. It was found that for automobile, 53% of respondents said the environment has a significant or large influence on their day-to-day purchasing decisions. For food items, the figure is 49%. Household goods at 43% and then health beauty products at 41% come next. It can be seen that there are green consumer in all of products type. Besides, Eco-electrons (2009) reported that 81% of U.S. con sumers are willing to pay on green product, and 79% have a positive brand image with green brand. 2.2. Green consumer Green consumers is one who avoids products that are likely to endanger the health of the consumer or others; cause significant damage to the environment during manufactory, use or disposal; consumer a disproportionate amount of energy; cause unnecessary waste; use material derived from threatened species or environment; involve unnecessary use of, or cruelty to animal; adversely affect other countries (Elkington,1994 cited in Strong, 1998) While Moisander and Peronen (2002) mentioned that green consumers are the consumer who has morally oriented behaviour that is reinforced from their need or other, aiming to make better life of society. Wagner (1997) said that green behaviour cannot occur though only general environmental concern, the actual behaviour will be take place when specific environmental exist. In other word, green consumers who have green consciousness will have green behaviour, while Peattie (1992) observed that green consumer in one market is not necessary to be green c onsumer in other. This depends on their own behaviour attitude toward specific products, and the linked between green information and product information. Some consumer cannot separate between green product and general one, this lead to available green information and green label that help consumer make purchase decision. Moreover, an increase of green information also lead to the rise of green consumer and cause many companies behave environmental performance. However, there is no study about green consumer in Thai cosmetic market. Many researches characterise on green consumer that they are female, high education, high income, high social class (Peattie, 1992; Wager, 1997; Barr, 2003; Chen, 2007). There is no evident of Thai green consumer demographic. This research will investigate green consumers demographic, namely gender, age, status or income in Thai green cosmetic market in order to ascertain the exits potential segmentation. 2.2.3 Green consumer decision process Generally, consumer decision process consist of 5 stages ,namely, motivation, information search, evaluation of alternative, purchase choice, purchase outcomes. Understanding the determinant of each stage from beginning through the last stage is need in order to run the campaign or marketing mix which is suitable target consumer. Consumer can skip the stage or reverse some stage; it is necessary to pay attention in all stages (Wils n, Richard and Gilligan, 2007; Kotler and Armstrong, 2004; Ouwersloot and Duncan, 2008). Peattie (2002) explained the step of green consumer decision process as same as general consumer decision process; however, green consumer behaviour is not simple as general consumer behaviour because green consumers tend to behave as environmental responsible that involving buying or avertable consumption. Moreover, green consumer behaviour pattern are easily changed. It can be said that green consumer behaviour is the consumer behaviour that concerning about environm ental issue or social criteria, and lead to the purchasing and non-purchasing decision (Peattie, 2002). They might not purchase the product and do alternative way that respond green challenge such as replace, maintain or dispose of product. Figure4. Greening the buying process model Source: Peattie,2002,p.84 First stage: Recognition of a need or want Generally, all needs can be explained though Maslows need hierarchy. Physiological needs or the lower need in the hierarchy aim to be satisfied first and the need will turn to next level such as safety needs, esteem needs and self-actualization. However, it is not necessary that the lower need is fulfilled as first, some people might want to meet the higher level need as first, for example, some people forgoing food and buy other product that meet their higher needs(Wilson, Richard and Gilligan, 2007; Fan, 2008). Peattie (2002) said that during 1980s green issues become significant issue to drive certain need at each level of Maslow model. Ordinary, consumers have physiological needs as basic needs. They need food, clothes and house, however, green consumers tend to consume as small proportion in order to reduce resources. Moreover, in safety needs level, green consumers concern about safety and health. They interest about either production of packaging or product, how is come from t hat this contribute the secured package such as tamperproof container (Mackenzie. 1990). This cause people trust more in green product because they think that green product is safety for them. Many people consume organic food or natural cosmetic instead chemical ones (Peattie,2002). The is evident that demand of cosmetic in Thai market is required nature ingredient that means that product are not tested on animal, recyclable package (Falk, J ,2007 Ponbamrungwong and Chandsawang, 2009 ). Moreover, green consumers needs are shaped from recognition of problem that is influenced from media coverage, advertising or pressure group about environmental problem (Wilson, Richard and Gilligan, 2007). Some cosmetic company using emotional appeal in their advertising that represent how they help the world ( bodyshop,2010)This lead to people is looking for alternative green product and become the generic desire to buy other green product in their life. Second stage: Information search When consumers aware their needs. Finding information is important for them (Sheth and Mittal, 2004). There are many sources which consumer can have information either personal source from friend and family, public source from media and magazine, commercial source from staff or brochures and experimental source by trying product (Kotler and Armstrong, 2004). Regarding Green consumers, they need much more information about product that relate to environment, particularly, household product. They seek information beyond the given-information from company. Consumers also look for their guide, therefore; many organizations and pressure group activity become important because they truly inform the information in terms of product, and suggest about situation that consumer face involves environmental issue (Peattie et al.,2002).This kind of organization such as Greenpeace, Earthwatch and PETA (people for the ethical treatment of animals). They provide the information on their website that people can easily access. This can be shown that internet source becomes the importance source for consumer. Sheth and Mittal, (2004) stated in cosmetic market, internet are significant source because they can compare the price and share opinion about product. Although, Grubow (2010) found that in some Asia countries such as china, consumer still seek informat ion from cosmetic store as the first choice, they will go back to internet to find furthermore information. There is no study about significant source in cosmetic market in Thailand. The examination on this point will be occurred in order to benefit the companies that doing in this firm. Third stage: Evaluation of alternative stages The study of Thai consumer decision-making styles on imported cosmetic brand products by Chaisitthiroj (2007) found that Thai women have many characteristics that cause the different evaluation of alternative such as brand conscious characteristic, quality characteristic. Brand conscious characteristic refers to the consumer who appreciate brand as the first factor, they seem to be insensitive in price. They believe that brands represent the quality of product, and the brand that represent frequently in public can effectively influence their decision making. In cosmetic market, Green cosmetic brand might be best choice for green consumer that respond their desire and encourage them to switch from other brand (Kotler and Armstrong, 2004). Price conscious characteristic account for consumer who prefers the low price, they make buying decision making on the product that lower price. Green consumers look for alternative product that can help environment, for example, they use bicycles in stead of car in short distance. However, green consumers do not evaluate only between products or brand, they consider on the way of alternative purchase behaviour. Some consumer might not consume new product and repair or maintain old product instead. Borrowing is alternative way that consumers believe that after they return product to owner, it will be conserved. Buying second- hand approach becomes popular. Green consumer can fulfil their need without use more resources. Brand loyalty also can be green consumer by using refill product rather than buy the competed package product (Peattie,2002).. Forth stage: make purchase choice Euromonitor International showed that the highest company value in Thai colour cosmetic market is Mistine Brand (This brand sell an item around 50 pence) while the body shop (green cosmetic brand) was ranked at top 20. This can be questioned that Thai women use price factor or income factor to make purchase on cosmetic product. However, there is no study of influence factor in green cosmetic consumer. Therefore, green cosmetic market need to understand Thai green consumer buyer pattern. Peattie (2002) explained that green consumer will buy the product in where can help environmental problem or welfare of society, for example, green consumer might purchase the cosmetic that be made from the developing area that represents reinvestment and environmental protection. Moreover, green consumers purchase when product is creditable that have eco-behaviour, Those products can be shown by using green label or eco-performance. They might not purchase the unreliable product. Regarding quantity, green consumers tend to buy product at the less level in order to reduce the resources or buy refill pack of product (Peattie,1992 Peattie,2002). Fifth stage: post purchase behaviour stage After consumer purchasing the products, companies need to know the consumer perception in terms of product meet their exception or not, because it can lead to a repeat purchase behaviour. The seller need to make consumer are satisfied. It is because present consumer can leads to new consumer or become loyal consumer (Kotler and Armstrong, 2004). Peattie (2002) mentioned that in this stage green consumers have different behaviour from convention consumer. Therefore, marketers should understand green consumer post purchase behaviour. Peattie (2002) divided post- purchase of green consumer into 5 behaviours. Product use change. Green consumers use the same product in different ways. They might act as environmental organization guide. For example drive at 50-80 km/miles in order to reduce car emission. Reuse of product. Green consumer will reuse the part of product that serves their other needs. They might use cookie container to keep other food. Product disposal. Green consumer carefully use the product in order to though the where can be useful, some green consumer sell it as second hand products or donate them. Recycle of waste packaging. Green consumers consider about recycle packaged. Many green consumers said that natural material of package can be the factor that influences their buying decision. Care and maintenance. Green consumers pay more attention to use product in order to extend product life cycle. Therefore, the products that are easily maintained will be the choice for them. 2.4. Factor influence consumer behaviour Figure. The framework consumer behaviour Source:Lancaster,Massingham,Ashford ( 2002,p.75) 2.4.1 Cultural factors It is difficult to deny that cultures generate behaviour norms, and it is important to connect culture and consumer behaviour. Understating culture is needed. Brassington and Pettitt (2006, p.127) explained that culture is the personality of society within which an individual lives. It manifests itself through the built environment, art, language, literature, music and the products that society consumes as well as through its prevalent beliefs, value systems and government. It also includes traditions, taboos, value, and basic attitude of society, nationality, religious and geographic. Wilson, Richard and Gilligan (2007) mentioned that this factor is the fundamental factor influencing buyer behaviour. Kotler and Armstrong (2004) supported that different society has different culture. Asia culture varies from western culture; it leads to different behaviour. This research will be conducted in Thailand where is located in Asia, hence understanding Asia culture is necessary. Buddhism has been in Thailand more than 2000 years. It can be said that Buddhism unwittingly becomes a part of Thai people life and it is a national religion of Thailand. Although these days many Thai people change their religion to other, more than 90% of Thai people still is Buddhism (Department of Religious Affairs, 2010). Buddhism teachings avoid persecute all animal, other people and society. They search for peaceful life. This concept is similar as green consumer concern in terms of avoidance of animal (and) environmental damage. However, it cannot judge that culture can motivate Thai women behave as green behaviour and buy green cosmetic. The finding of Johri and Sahasakmontri(1998) found that Thai consumer did not buy cosmetic because no tested on animal as the important factor. However, this finding is obsolete, when data was collected Thai people did not have sufficient information about environmental which differ as present. According to Hofstedes demission of cultural value Asia countries have high uncertainty avoidance. Uncertainty avoidance refers to uncertainty acceptance culture. In high uncertainty avoidance culture people tend to avoid the risk, change in their life that lead to the social risk of trying a new product is very high (Fan ,2009) Although, many studies examine the factor influencing Thai women behaviour in green cosmetic market, it is surprising that many studies did not use culture factor to measure in their studies (Prapakamol, 2001; Namsanguan, 2007, Chaisittiroj, 2007). As it can be seen from review that culture is significant factor that influence buying behaviour. , this research cannot overlook culture factor. This research will investigate the positive relationship between culture and buying behaviour in green cosmetic market in Thailand. H1. Culture is significant factor influence Thai women to buy green cosmetic 2.4.2 Group and reference group There are many theories stated that consumer behaviour is reinforced from social group. This is evident that the social group can influence consumer behaviour by group which each consumer belong (Kotler and Armstrong, 2004). Chen (2007) mentioned that people perform a behaviour that is related to people in their life (eg, family, friend, and other). Schutte and Ciarlante (1999) claimed that family is the fundamental group in Asia people life because family is the first place that giving experience of life. Family will transfer the traditional and the building block of a harmonious society. for example, if green cosmetic are believed as a good product from people in their family, the consumer will have high intention of buying green cosmetic, whereas if member of consumers family think that green cosmetic is not good, consumer will not buy green cosmetic (chen, 2007) Moreover, Fan (2009) said that Asians always follow the crowed in the consumption because Asians are collectivism that always interdependent on each other and the way they act follow and believe the group than individual. In other word, if green cosmetic is the popular product in Thailand and chemical one is rejected, Thai women will purchase green cosmetic instead chemical one. However, it is also important to reach the opinion of leader group to find out the characteristic which influence other member so as to easily access other member (Kotler and Armstrong, 2004). The study of Summers (1970) found that the opinion leader in cosmetic product is influence consumer behaviour. In USA opinion leader are younger, high educated. Similarly, opinion leader in Hungary are younger, high educated and they have been to Western Europe or the USA in recent year. Although their finding found that leader group characteristic is similar, there is a small difference that might cause from demographic (Coulter, Feick and Price, 2002). Furthermore, Brassington and Pettitt (2006) added that environmental friendly trends are quickly spread from reference group, peer-group or social group, and they affect on their member buying decision. Strong (1998) examined that in green market, children are significant key that influence on family buying decision because children are important source in family that can encourage or discourage buying power. Furthermore, Lee (2008) claimed that green consumption is a form of symbolic consumption. Therefore, there is possible that people will buy green product in order to be accepted from group. As green cosmetic products are quite new topic in this area that no enough guidance. However, Cosmetics are fashionable product and green products are acknowledged as environmental friendly in Thailand. There is a possible that group, opinion leader are significant factor that motivate Thai consumer when buying green cosmetic. H2. Social group is significant factor that influence Thai women to buy green cosmetic. 2.4.3 Status Solomon et al (2006) said that the product or services we purchase often will represent to other people know what our social class. Therefore, consumer behaviour always is influenced with this aspect because consumer the products as status symbols. Status also display to education and income, for example, wearing high price suits can display the individuals professional or career position. Similarly, Fan (2009) said that Asian people are the most status-conscious in the world. The important of status makes it imperative to project the right image, which usually means up-market and prestigious(Schutte, 2010,p.658).To be accepted from social Asians will buy product that express status, normally expensive product. Although, products display status, it does not mean that social class can influence all kind of product. Chao and Schor (1998) claimed that social visibility is a key of status consumption. Status will be important when consumers purchase only the products are always showed to public view. In cosmetic products, they found that women buy expensive lipstick and do not care about relationship between price and quality because women only want to show their status though lipstick brand which normally women carry lipstick with them everywhere ,while facial cleaner are perceived as non-visible product because consumer keep it at home. When they buy they always consider about relationship price and quality. In contrast, the study of pungpumput and ngamsanguan (2000) in buying cosmetic behaviour in Thai students shows that the relationship between price and quality is a significant factor influence student buying decision and they did not mentioned about relationship between status and buying behaviour. It cannot be summarised that status is not influence factor when Thai women buy green cosmetic. Therefore, this research will find out that status have positive relationship with buying green cosmetic product or not. H3. Status has positive relationship with buying green cosmetic behaviour. 2.4.4 Attitudes Attitudes refer to peoples feeling, tendencies, evaluation toward the object, idea or concept. People actions and learning are affected from attitude. In the other word, attitudes affect consumer behaviour (Kotler and Armstrong 2004; Ouwersloot and Duncan 2008; Pickett and Ozaki, 2008). That is reason why many marketers try to change consumer attitude. However, it is not always that attitude become behaviour. Sometimes positive attitude cannot generate the behaviour, for example, consumer want to buy green cosmetic but she may not have money to buy because green cosmetic is more expensive than chemical one (Pickton and Broderick, 2005).In terms of negative attitude, it cannot automatically stop a purchase as can see from example of cigarette smoking. The behaviour will be occurred, if strong attitude overcome negative aspect. It can be said that if the importance of purchase is high, the importance of attitude toward product will be high. Attitude will less influence in case the purc hase is a part of habit or routine (Pickton and Broderick, 2005). Kotler et al (2004) mentioned that attitudes are difficult to change, therefore, company should try not to change consumer attitude but the companies should design the message about their product or service which is suitable to their attitude. Pickett and Ozaki, 2008 argued that marketer can change consumers attitude by adapt consumer evaluation through inputting new belief. 2.4.4.1 Environmental attitudes Fisgbein and Ajzen mentioned that attitude is one significant aspect that creates behaviour. Environmentally friendly attitude causes eco-behaviour such as purchase green product this can confirm from many studies (Kim et al., 2005; Chen, 2007). Kim et al (2005) found that the environmental attitude or concern directly influence on green purchase behaviour, explaining that consumer who has strong environmental attitude concern will interest in the product that connect to their concern. Chen (2007, p.1016) also examined that consumers attitude to organic foods purchase is in turn positively. However, Barr and Gilg (2007) found that people who have environmental attitude tend to do green activities (recycle, reuse) rather than purchasing green product. Similarly, Peattie (1999) said that green consumer seek for alternative purchase behaviour such as borrow or repair instead of purchasing. In contrast, Baker and Ozaki (2008) claimed that belief shaped attitudes toward behaviour that become to behaviour intention. However, their finding showed that environmental attitudes are not important factor that generate environmental behaviour. They explained that actual behaviour is not necessary occur from what they think is good because consumer might consider other factor such as subjective -interests. Baker and Ozaki (2008) added that providing green information is less effective on consumer attitude than educate them. It indicates that environment education is significant key that influence consumers attitude. Marketers should concern this point in order to choose the best way that affect on consumers attitude. Although some studies said attitudes have negative relationship with behaviour, there is study in cosmetic area. Therefore, this research will investigate that positive attitude toward environmental can influence Thai women buying green cosmetic. H4. Environmental attitudes are a significant factor influence Thai women buying green cosmetics. 2.4.5 Perception Perception is the way in which individuals analyse, interpret and make sense of incoming information, and is affected by personality, experience and mood (Brassington and Pettitt, 2006, p.118). Consumers always make decision or behave base on their point of view or perception (Peattie, 2002). The term of perception in marketing is consumers view toward to product, services, package, smell, taste, message or company. Perceptions will be differently modified by individual interpretation and that influence on decision making process. Even the same individual might have perception varies in different times. 2.4.5.1 Brand perception Creating brand awareness or placing information into consumer mind is important to consumer perception because it can be linked to brand image of company (Lancaster,Massingham and Ashford 2002). Especially, Strong brand name can influence consumer perceptions. It causes people feel familiar with brand and then purchase the products. Once consumers are satisfied the product, the brand will be on the top of consumer mind. This make consumers become loyal consumer and continue to purchase the products. For example, Wu (2003) stated that consumer do not stop purchasing current brand and change to environmental alternative brand. Ouwersloot and Duncan (2008) added that loyal consumer always communicate positively about company and brand to other consumers. It is called word-of- mouth. Pickett and Ozaki, (2008) stated that word of mouth is valuable tool that influence on consumer perception rather than other tool such as sale promotion. The finding of Pickett and Ozaki (2008) illustrates that some consumer trusted certain brand than other. This is showed that brand affect on consumer perception that transfer to emotional preference. Wu and Lo (2008) study the influence of core-brand attitude and consumer perception on purchase intention towards extended product found that consumer perception can increase consumers purchase intention. They experienced that brand awareness and product perception lead to purchase intention while Yam Ting and Chans study (1998) found that no strong relationship between green purchase behaviour and self- perception. They explained that this is because (1) consumers have gap between attitude and behaviour and (2) respondents do not perceive that purchase behaviour can improve environmental condition. 2.4.5.2 Corporate social responsibility perception Corporate social responsibility activities are the way to create consumer positive perception. West, Ford, Ibrahim (2006,p434) said that CSR is the actions of the company to act in a socially responsible manner to protect and enhance the various stakeholders that have an interest in company, the community in which it operate, the environment which surrounds it, and society. According to MORIs research (2003) found that 74% of British people accept that behaviour of company on social responsible would affect their buying decision ,and 86% suggest that community activities should be actively announced- 59% said it is grateful to see company profit from social activities.. The performance of CSR leads to good brand image and productivity and profitability in long time (CSR of British government, 2010). When consumers perceive the information about evidence of firm. They decode the message into 2 types of motive to the firm-self serving (to enhance profits, sale, brand image) or public serving (help people or develop society) that it can be called as profit-motivated or socially motivated respectively. The attribution is fundamental of perceived motivation affect consumers judgement on firm. Once consumers perceive the firm action as self-profit, the positive attitude on firm will be reduced. On the other hand ,if the firm is perceived as socially motivated, the positive attitude on firm will be increased (Olsen et al.,2005). From the review, it can be concluded that consumer perception either brand perception or CSR perception can generate buying behaviour. However, there is no evident that perception cause Thai women buying behaviour in green cosmetic product. This research will examine that there is positive relationship between perception and buying green cosmetic behaviour. H5. Brand perception is a significant factor influencing Thai women buying green cosmetics. H6. CSR perception is a significant factor influencing Thai women buying green cosmetics.

Friday, October 25, 2019

Essay --

Introduction It all starts when I was watching the ad on TV for the car I always dreamed of, a BMW 528 x drive. The offer was so attractive given that the monthly payments shown were actually within my budget. Though the ad mentioned leasing not selling, therefor I need to know: what is car leasing? How the process works? How it is different than buying? Should I lease or buy my next car? How should I prepare for the lease? What is the deal I am looking for? How to negotiate a good deal? What are the after deal obligations? What are my lease end term options? And what happen if I decided to end the contract before the end of the lease term? As in any other negotiation, I should take enough time to prepare properly before making any decisions that I might regret in the future. What is car leasing? Leasing is paying for the use of a car over a specified period of time, in other words it is a term of financing a car. In leasing a car, it is important to note that the total price of the car is important (even if I am only responsible for part of it) and it can be negotiated with the dealership; the owner of the car is the leasing company not the dealership, the dealership acts as an agent for the leasing company and when the deal is generated I will be dealing directly with the leasing company; I agree to make regular monthly payments for the specified period, maintain the car, pay the car insurance, local taxes and tags fees, and I am expected to stick with the mileage indicated to the end of the lease term. I will be hold accountable for any damages or extra mileage above the specified limits. Also, in a lease the monthly payments are upfront, not like when you buy the car where you pay at the end of the month. This means that i... ...the above and make sure that I will be having a good deal. I will be reminded a month a head of the lease term on the date of returning the car and if I am exploring other options I need to decide within that period. It is not a coincidence to note that â€Å"forced arbitration clauses are included in nearly all car sale contracts and leases. Franchise laws in all 50 states give automobile dealers a special monopoly over new car sales, allowing them power to decide what they want to include in their sale/lease contracts. Consequently, consumers purchasing or leasing a new vehicle are a captive audience with no choice but to enter into the sales/lease contract put before them parties when they cannot be resolved on their own to Arbitration†.( retrieved from http://www.fairarbitrationnow.org) (Please see exhibit 3: Sample of Vehicle Purchase/Finance Arbitration Agreement)

Thursday, October 24, 2019

Lateral and Vertical Collaboration Essay

Communication and collaboration are both essential elements in an organization’s strategic objectives, daily functionalities, and their ability to gain a competitive advantage. Kudler Fine Foods’ ability to communicate closely together as well as collaborate in their operative functions are impressive; however, an action plan that focuses on improving communication, along with lateral and vertical collaboration within Kudler’s employees would prove to be beneficial to the success of the company. Benefits that Kudler could obtain are the elimination of errors or mistakes that occur because of the lack of communication between Kudler’s Administrative departments, store managers, department managers, and hourly employees; an increase in response time; more effective inventory control; a greater satisfaction among Kudler’s employees and customers. As stated, lateral and vertical collaboration are forms of communication and collaboration that can help Ku dler Fine Foods improve their communication efforts, which in turn will improve their company as a whole. Communication and information sharing between all levels of a company’s hierarchy is called lateral collaboration. Kudler Fine Food’s intranet technology allows store mangers and department managers, along with all of the administrative department staff the ability to view all of the company’s operational information that helps in making strategic or even routine daily decisions regarding the business. Kudler’s Point of Sale Module (POS) also conveys valuable information on a daily basis. In regards to Kudler’s technological systems, information sharing is excellent because of the ability to view the company’s important information anytime by any of Kudler’s management staff. The ability to handle real time problems and issues that need immediate attention are available through this technology. This allows the ability to collabora te with the different departments and their†¦

Wednesday, October 23, 2019

The Island of Lauropia

Secluded in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, is a place called Lauropia, a wonderful society. It is always peaceful and nothing bad ever happens on the island. The island's air is always fresh and free of any toxins or pollution. Temperature on the South side of Lauropia is always warm with no humidity present. On the North side of Lauropia the weather is always perfect for winter activities, the temperature is just cold enough for the snow to fall. The North side of the island is full of steep, snow-covered mountains that are perfect for skiing. On the South side of the Lauropia clean, sandy beaches cover the land. The ocean water is crystal clear and warm. Lauropia is the perfect place to live. On the island every person would be treated as an equal. No one person would think or act like they were better than someone else. There would be no racism present, all types of people would reside here and get along together. It wouldn't matter if you were African American, Caucasian, Asian, Spanish, Mexican or any other race each and every individual would treat each other the same. Whether a person was heterosexual, homosexual, or bisexual wouldn't matter. Lauropians wouldn't judge each other by their appearance or whom they interacted with. There would be a diverse amount of different religions that would not criticize the other religions for their beliefs. Once a month all the different religions would get together at the island community building and congregate together to discuss their viewpoints and thoughts on each faith. The Lauropians would be involved in a wide variety of sports and leisure activities all year long. This would be made possible because of the extreme temperature differences on the North and South sides of the mountain. The North side would always be cold so the citizen could go skiing and snowboarding at the Lauropian Mountain Resort. The resort would offer a wide variety of different leveled slopes for the skiers on one half of the mountain. On the other half of the mountain there would be a Snowboard Park consisting of a slopes and half pipes strictly for the snowboarders. A snow tubing park would also be available for any whom has interest in snow tubing. There would family tubes and single tubes available for use. For all the snow mobilers on Lauropia, The Lauropian Mobile Park will be open for their riding enjoyment. All these activities and more on North Lauropia will have minimal charges to take advantage of the facilities. On the warm and sunny South Lauropia, the beaches will be clean and free of charge for all citizens. The beaches would have volleyball courts open to anyone. At the piers there would be docks where people could rent Jet Ski's, Speed Boats, Yachts, and Party Boats for their recreational pleasure. Sidewalks and paths would be on hand for Lauropians to roller blade, skateboard, ride bikes, and run, jog, or walk. Boating trips would also be available that take groups out in the middle of the ocean to scuba dive and snorkel. Throughout the whole island shopping centers, eateries, and sports complexes of all types will be accessible. Any store imaginable would exist for the Lauropians to shop for their wants and needs. The women would be in shopping heaven with the amount and variety of stores available to them. The amounts of places to eat would be incredible. They would range from places like Burger King and McDonalds, to Chi Chi's and Lone Star, to five star restaurants. Any type of food that a person had a craving for would be accessible. Sports Complexes would be placed all over the island for Lauropians to participate in any athletic event that they enjoyed. There would be football, baseball, field hockey, softball, soccer, and lacrosse fields. Indoor and outdoor courts for tennis players would be accessible. If there were any sports that a person or group of people would want to play and the facilities were not available the Lauropian Sports Board would do their best to make them available. The Lauropian Society would always try to make the island enjoyable for each person. Schooling would be one of the most important aspects of life on the island. It will be required for all citizens to start their education at elementary school level and continue up to collegiate level. It would not be required, but if the parents wanted to start sending their children to nursery or preschool the facilities would be open for use free of charge. All schooling on the island would be free of charge because education is of great importance to the people of Lauropia. The schools would administer the best education possible. There would be a large variety colleges available for students to choose from depending on their individual or dual major. If a person decided that they did not want to finish their schooling, being banished from the island would punish them. When and if the person decides they want to come back to island to finish their education the school board will have a meeting and decide if that certain person deserves to be let back on the island. On most occasions the student will be allowed to come back. Once a person graduates from college and gets a job, if they decide they want to go back to college to further their education, the company that they work for will usually give them funding for it. Students will be required to go to school for nine months out of the year. Altogether students would be required to attend seventeen years of schooling. In order to insure that the students would be getting an excellent education the teachers would have to take a Teaching Exam every five years. If the teachers fail to complete the requirements and the written section of the test they will not be permitted to teach for one year. After the period of time is up the teacher may retake the test and if he or she passes it, they will then be allowed to teach again. Teachers would also be required to go back to college annually and take two courses to broaden their knowledge. All measures would be taken that would be necessary to maintain the finest quality of education for Lauropians. The citizens of Lauropia would be able to make up their own laws and rules. Each year the members the government would sit down and revise the laws from the years before if necessary. Each community on Lauropia would have representatives that would go around and take ideas and thoughts on how the island could be changed and run to make it better place to live. Laws would never be passed if a large number of people on the island disagreed with them. The main concern that the government would have is the Lauropians happiness.

Tuesday, October 22, 2019

Civil rights essay essays

Civil rights essay essays Do we make progress by going forward, into a future which is unknown, but open to possibilities' Is this the course of action of a people who want to make progress, and change the details of their life' Or do we make progress by reaching backwards and attaching ourselves to a known, less ambiguous identity' By looking backward, we find that there are fewer variables, and fewer chances for failure, because we know the variables. By looking backward, we find at least on the surface of things a Alice Walker and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. both spoke to the heart of the black American population. They both suggested a course of action which they believed would improve the state of the black American populace, and give them a measure of power and control over their lives, after having little to none of the same since the founding of the nation. However, these two motivators suggested opposite plans in order to achieve the progress. Dr, King wanted to go forward, while Ms. Walker questioned the value of Dr. King looked forward with enthusiasm and clarity. He believed that men could rise above the centuries of abuse, and discrimination and set a new course for a better future. In his "I have a dream" speech, Dr. King summed up his hopes in these famous words. "Five score years ago, a great American, in whose symbolic shadow we stand signed the Emancipation Proclamation. This momentous decree came as a great beacon light of hope to millions of Negro slaves who had been seared in the flames of withering injustice. It came as a joyous daybreak to end the long night of captivity. But one hundred years later, we must face the tragic fact that the Negro is still not free. . . One hundred years later, the life of the Negro is still sadly crippled by the manacles of segregation and the chains of ...

Monday, October 21, 2019

Free Essays on My School

my definition in Nieto would be, â€Å"Multicultural education is reduced to making exotic masks, eating ethnic foods, ..Etc† (Nieto, 325), â€Å"students were unaware of what multicultural education might be if it were approached in a comprehensive manner† (Nieto, 326). By approaching multicultural education in a more comprehensive manner Nieto meant making ethnicity a class and part of mandatory curriculum. Studying ethnicity will make us more tolerable of other cultures. An example from my elementary school is an example from my 8th grade year. The teacher assigned us to each do reports on different cultures. With the report bring in food from that culture and whatever else you deem necessary. Recently this activity at the school was condemned by the school administration because they wanted a more involved curriculum in order to show that the school was moving with the times. They instituted a class that most grades are receiving now, that consist of a chopp ed down ethnic studies class for grades 5-8. This would bring the school I think up to the level of Respect. In order to move up to the next level of multicultural education I think the school would have to include all grades and not just a centered class for diversity as it is now but include the class in all aspects of schooling. A more specific example would be to take the diversity cla... Free Essays on My School Free Essays on My School The school I am going to focus on is my private school back home in Huron, Ohio, St. Peters’ Catholic elementary. It was a small catholic school but large for a town of 6,000 people. I think the two most important characteristics are Important for all students and Antiracist/Antidiscriminatory. Important for all students I would define as curriculum that everyone should be able to have in their schools. When reading the words, important for all students, I would say that means giving all students mandatory diversity included in the general curriculum. An example that best words my definition in Nieto would be, â€Å"Multicultural education is reduced to making exotic masks, eating ethnic foods, ..Etc† (Nieto, 325), â€Å"students were unaware of what multicultural education might be if it were approached in a comprehensive manner† (Nieto, 326). By approaching multicultural education in a more comprehensive manner Nieto meant making ethnicity a class and part of mandatory curriculum. Studying ethnicity will make us more tolerable of other cultures. An example from my elementary school is an example from my 8th grade year. The teacher assigned us to each do reports on different cultures. With the report bring in food from that culture and whatever else you deem necessary. Recently this activity at the school was condemned by the school administration because they wanted a more involved curriculum in order to show that the school was moving with the times. They instituted a class that most grades are receiving now, that consist of a chopped down ethnic studies class for grades 5-8. This would bring the school I think up to the level of Respect. In order to move up to the next level of multicultural education I think the school would have to include all grades and not just a centered class for diversity as it is now but include the class in all aspects of schooling. A more specific example would be to take the diversity cla...

Sunday, October 20, 2019

NO GUI Delphi Applications

NO GUI Delphi Applications ​Console applications are pure 32-bit Windows programs that run without a graphical interface. When a console application is started, Windows creates a text-mode console window through which the user can interact with the application. These applications typically dont require much user input. All the information a console application needs can be provided through  command line parameters. For students, console applications will simplify learning Pascal and Delphi - after all, all the Pascal introductory examples are just console applications. New:  Console Application Heres how to quickly build console applications that run without a graphical interface. If you have a Delphi version newer than 4, than all you have to do is to use the Console Application Wizard. Delphi 5 introduced the console application wizard. You can reach it by pointing to File|New, this opens up a New Items dialog - in the New page select the Console Application. Note that in Delphi 6 the icon that represents a console application looks different. Double click the icon and the wizard will set up a Delphi project ready to be compiled as a console application. While you could create console mode applications in all 32-bit versions of Delphi, its not an obvious process. Lets see what you need to do in Delphi versions 4 to create an empty console project. When you start Delphi, a new project with one empty form is created by default. You have to remove this form (a GUI element) and tell Delphi that you want a console mode app. This is what you should do: Select File New Application.Select Project Remove From Project.Select Unit1 (Form1) and OK. Delphi will remove the selected unit from the uses clause of the current project.Select Project View Source.Edit your project source file: Delete all the code inside begin and end. After the uses keyword, replace the Forms unit with SysUtils. Place {$APPTYPE CONSOLE} right under the program statement. You are now left with a very small program which looks much like a Turbo Pascal program which, if you compile it will produce a very small EXE. Note that a Delphi console program is not a DOS program because it is able to call Windows API functions and also use its own  resources. No matter how you have created a skeleton for a console application your editor should look like: program  Project1;{$APPTYPE CONSOLE}uses  SysUtils; begin// Insert user code hereend. This is nothing more than a standard  Delphi project file, the one with the  .dpr extension. The  program  keyword identifies this unit as a programs main source unit. When we run a project file from the IDE, Delphi uses the name of the Project file for the name of the EXE file that it creates - Delphi gives the project a default name until you save the project with a more meaningful name.The  $APPTYPE  directive controls whether to generate a Win32 console or graphical UI application. The {$APPTYPE CONSOLE} directive (equivalent to the /CC command-line option), tells the compiler to generate a console application.The  uses  keyword, as usual, lists all the units this unit uses (units that are part of a project). As you can see, the  SysUtils  unit is included by default. Another unit is included too, the  System  unit, though this is hidden from us.In between the  begin  ...  end  pair you add your code.

Saturday, October 19, 2019

Material Failure and Embodied Energy Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

Material Failure and Embodied Energy - Essay Example TASK 1 The bending of an umbrella when wind blows or the breaking of a bags handle, even the collapsing of mega structures like bridges and buildings are some prime examples of structural failure. Structure failure in basic terms can be defined as the destruction or damage of a structure when it is unable to support its designated load any further. Once the structure looses it ability to carry load, it deforms, de-shapes or even destroys completely. There are many reasons a structure can fail its basic ability to hold load (NEL, 2007) Many reasons as states in previously include basic design flaws, construction flaws, overloading, foundation failure, corrosion and excessive use of a moving body. The corrective/preventive measures that have to be taken are in accordance with the structural failure that has either prevailed or in the process of it. An example of it is the leaning tower of Pisa; the design flaw is the soft earth due to which one part of the building is sinking inside. T o negate the leaning effect, large weights and wires have been attached to the tower to keep it from falling to the end it is leaning to. The first part of the report will identify structural failures in my daily routine as an insurance engineer for a local school, where metallurgy plays an important role while covering any damage or even while insuring it. Example No 1: Fan Falling The first and foremost structural failure that was faced by the school administration was the falling of a ceiling fan in a classroom. Luckily the recess was in progress and the fall resulted in no injury to any person. The only damage was to the fan itself and the table which it had fallen on. As a sue action was threatened by the parents of children studying in the school, our firm was called in to analyze the failure, state the cause of it and remedy actions. On inspecting the fan closely it was found that there was huge amount of rust in the loop where the fan was hanging. The loop had been disconnec ted due to this corrosion. Fan rotation causes certain vibration in the whole structure making it a viable threat if any sort of corrosion is present. This problem could have been detected easily but due to the upper portion of the fan concealed inside the fancy fall ceiling, this problem was not detected. After this incident, all the fans in the school were checked and it was a shocking fact that most of the fans had this similar problem. Therefore a complete overhauling of the fan holding loops was recommended for stopping any such future incident. Also as the fall ceilings cannot be removed therefore a calendar inspection plan has been laid out by the insurance team to be done by the school administration. This inspection would also be checked by the insurance team as to ensure proper working of the school administration team. Also to add further security in the system, all hanging items like fans and ceiling lights and chandeliers will be checked for heir secure housing, where t hey are attached to the wall. Example No 2: Swing structure failure The second structure failure that was noticed in the same school was the falling off a children slide to one side while the children were on it taking turns for sliding down. Some children were hurt and minor bruises were seen on children bodies. This incident

Friday, October 18, 2019

Think Detroit Police Athletic League (PAL) Research Paper

Think Detroit Police Athletic League (PAL) - Research Paper Example Think Detroit PAL, a private non-profit organization that has been positively touching the lives of thousand youths through sports and leadership development programs. The organization mission’s is to develop character in youths through athletics and leadership development programs and academics. The program has been developing mentors and training volunteer coaches. Presently, Think Detroit offers fall and spring soccer to youths, however following increased prevalence of obesity, diabetes and hypertension due to inactivity; Think Detroit wishes to expand is program to become an all year soccer competition. To implement the year round soccer program for youths in the inner city, Think Detroit requires to raise 18621 dollars. These funds will be used to purchase player’s uniforms, balls and ball bags. Moreover the money will be used in rewarding teams and organizing celebrations. The organization will use some of volunteer coaching staff to aid in administration of the club affairs and parents will have to pay 40 dollars for their parents to participate. The organization has adequate and well experienced professionals to initiate such a program. The program will target youths leaving in Wayne County and those in the inner city. However, those in Detroit will be given priority. There will be five coed teams and the program will run from November 2012 to August 2013 with two seasons; summer and winter tournaments. Children in the program will have to show their report cards to the coaching staff as an indicator of any improvement. The contact point with the organization is Dana Cooper who is the soccer commissioner. Organizational Information Our organization; Think Detroit Police Athletic League (PAL) is a non-profit organization that has been positively touching lives of about ten thousand children annually by use of athletics and leadership mentorship programs. The organization was formed following a merger of Think Detroit and Detroit PAL in 2006. The organization empowers the society by educating volunteer coaches and developing safe areas that our kids can play. Annually, Think

How should other areas of DE Mar(marketing, finance, personnel) Essay

How should other areas of DE Mar(marketing, finance, personnel) support its product strategy.. And how should each of the 10 OM decisions be managed to ensure - Essay Example There are many examples f good promotional techniques, and I will go over some f them in this article. A good time to offer special sales is before and during the busy time f your business year. In De Mar, we see this in retail all the time. There are spring sales, summer sales, fall sales, winter sales, white sales, close out sales, inventory sales and on and on. What's really happening here is that companies want to excite you about coming in and taking advantage f price reductions they are offering. Also, if they are heavy on inventory or out-of-style garments, they want to get rid f them and will do so at a reduced rate. You can have sales too. Let's use the example f an air conditioning contractor. Prior to summer, you can offer reduced rates on cooling systems for homeowners. By doing so, you cause people to think about those systems ahead f time. We all know that you are not going to reduce the prices very much in the dead f summer. Also, people know they may have to wait during the summer because it's a busy time, and this way they can be ready for summer and save money as we ll. Efficient customers' caring policy and service department, De Mar can offer to check systems. Tell homeowners you will come out, check their heating and cooling systems, provide general service and repair any needed components. Your price to come out and perform this service should be purposely reduced from your normal rate to attract attention. This also helps to increase business during slower times and even out your business cycle. If you offer service contracts, you can sign up homeowners at certain times f the year and at a special rate. You'll notice that when you purchase an appliance these days, they offer service or extended warranty contracts at very low rates. You would be amazed at the number f people that take those contracts, and the amount f money it generates for the business. The customer just purchased something at a reduced or sale price and for just a few more dollars the customer can have an extended warranty. Most f us accept the offer, and those extra dollars help to bring the profitability f the sale up. You are probably asking yourself, what about the warranty If something happens, a company could spend all kinds f money fixing the problems under the warranty. This is where quality products, construction or services play an important role. Having an open house, mini trade show, buffet lunch or other events at your location is also very effective. Asking contractors to attend and see the products demonstrated or explained by manufacturers' representatives while they have lunch really works. They get a chance to see your company and services in action. Additionally, most manufacturers will help sponsor the lunch in order to be invited. Done correctly, it is possible to stage such an event and have it totally paid for by others. Companies have invited homeowners to "How To" sessions conducted after working hours, and they have been very

K Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

K - Essay Example Apart from AIDS, cancer is the only ailment that presents a life-threatening scenario in which the future is indeterminate. The patient often loses control of their ability to determine whether they live or die (National Cancer Institute). It is a psychosomatic response. This scenario, coupled with irrepressible pain, is what coerces suicide among cancer-detected patients. The younger age bracket is more probable to achieve their suicide threats than older counterparts, in line with recent research. In most cases, they perceive it as a death sentence, especially if it is not remediable or if it is unearthed at a late stage. A diagnosed patient considers suicide because of the augmented anguish and uneasiness that follows the cancer verdict. In most cases, it is fear that triggers the desire for suicide. Every so often, the patient is rendered incompetent to work (National Cancer Institute). Inability to execute their obligations or do work-related duties makes them feel useless. This enhances the chances of attempted suicide to end their valueless life. In addition, family history can persuade suicidal tendencies. For instance, if a family or colleague, previously distressed by cancer committed or had suicidal tendencies, then one is probable to consider the same. Interpersonal relationships are also affected if friends discover the diagnosis. If such relationships are hampered, one is bound to be depressed. Arguably, depression and suicide are closely interlinked. One may not be treated similarly as before and may even be avoided by friends who distinguish the disease as precarious. For that reason, suicide is perceptibly a worthwhile option to attain freedom from the shell of cancer. Cancer diagnosis has a considerable effect on both mental concentration and the body. It is essential to help such individuals to adapt to their new condition promptly through psychotherapy. The rationality of suicide is contentious, based on the desperateness these

Thursday, October 17, 2019

Case Study for Twitter Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

For Twitter - Case Study Example ts history, the need to develop and come up with sophisticated products that meet the demand of the clients has been a major challenge owing to complications in technology. Operating under technological platforms, Twitter as an organization has had to exploit various technological niches that could improve the services it provides for its customers. It is obvious that technology keeps on changing and advancing such that what was the norm yesterday is consistently modified to suit the current market needs. The same way, Twitter has struggled to keep up with these changes that ensure relevance in the industry. Among the many units affected by this in the organization is the human resource. The pace at which Twitter is taking to integrate itself into the updated technological world is raising eyebrows. With its vast resources, it is expected that it would be fast transforming itself day by day into a more sophisticated social network platform. This is not really the case from the scrutiny of its developmental milestone. Although it can be argued that in just a decade Twitter has achieved more than many social rival networks, this is still below what it could have maximally achieved. There is a great deal that could have been done (or could still be done) if technology is fully embraced and exploited. Evidently, Twitter has struggled to even reach where it is today. This is shown by the company’s failure to record desirable financial results over the years despite some upgrades (Porter, 2008. p.133-135). The human resource has to either be retrained or constantly updated on the trending technological systems especially in an organization that solely depends on technological efficiencies to deliver to its customers. Sending messages via Twitter, the follow feature as well as tweet and retweet among others are all technology-dependent processes that have to be continuously upgraded in regards to their efficiency and practicality in order for the company to generate

Wednesday, October 16, 2019

Probation and punish Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Probation and punish - Essay Example However, later the sentence got suspended and instead the convict was ordered to undergo probation under a probation officer. The officer was entitled to supervise all the activities of the convict. The officer was supposed to report pertaining to the regular activities of the convict after three months. The crime that was committed by Kris was not considered to be very grave but it was made compulsory that the convict needed to undergo a strict probationary programme under Robert Donovan who is a probationary officer as referred in this particular case (Scheb, II, 2011). The results from the file review match Robert’s opinions as he was given the charge to ensure proper probationary training. Robert was specialized in this field. Moreover, a probation plan was the need of the hour (Scheb, II, 2011). The instance in which Robert is considered to initiate the probation program and Robert’s discussions regarding the intricacies of probation proved to be very appropriate a nd similar (Scheb, II, 2011). However, the convict’s activity was considered to be illegal but the 1 year sentence got cancelled which was not very appropriate and also probation program did not allow proper punishment to the convict. Taking into consideration these aspects, Robert’s views cannot be considered as similar (Scheb, II, 2011). ... In fact, he possessed criminal intentions which required immediate attention (Lippman, 2009). Moreover, he was found to commit an attempt of theft which is a very serious offence. An immediate precaution that could be taken to prevent these negative instances would be to ensure a tight supervision that will be possible with the induction of an appropriate probation program that is needed to be put in place (Lippman, 2009). In addition, putting a criminal behind the bars for a long period of time for an attempt to theft may raise controversies from various supporters of the convict. Many may not find it logical to put a convict under a prison for such instances and activities. Therefore, the best thing to do is to initiate a probation program instead (Lippman, 2009). Question 3: Cruel and unusual punishment is a kind of chastisement that has been amended by the United States constitution. It is considered to be a very strict punishment that is imposed on the serious offenders of law. This includes serious retributions that generally take place in the form of degradation or torture. At times, the severity of punishment becomes even high as compared to the graveness of the crime that is committed (Lippman, 2009). Correctional facility is essentially a punishment in which the offenders are punished as per the graveness of the crimes that are committed. Serious punishment is imposed to those who commit serious crimes i.e. felonies. However, short-term punishment is imposed on the individuals who are not responsible for most hideous crimes. The sentence is pronounced after judging the graveness of the crimes that are committed.

Case Study for Twitter Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

For Twitter - Case Study Example ts history, the need to develop and come up with sophisticated products that meet the demand of the clients has been a major challenge owing to complications in technology. Operating under technological platforms, Twitter as an organization has had to exploit various technological niches that could improve the services it provides for its customers. It is obvious that technology keeps on changing and advancing such that what was the norm yesterday is consistently modified to suit the current market needs. The same way, Twitter has struggled to keep up with these changes that ensure relevance in the industry. Among the many units affected by this in the organization is the human resource. The pace at which Twitter is taking to integrate itself into the updated technological world is raising eyebrows. With its vast resources, it is expected that it would be fast transforming itself day by day into a more sophisticated social network platform. This is not really the case from the scrutiny of its developmental milestone. Although it can be argued that in just a decade Twitter has achieved more than many social rival networks, this is still below what it could have maximally achieved. There is a great deal that could have been done (or could still be done) if technology is fully embraced and exploited. Evidently, Twitter has struggled to even reach where it is today. This is shown by the company’s failure to record desirable financial results over the years despite some upgrades (Porter, 2008. p.133-135). The human resource has to either be retrained or constantly updated on the trending technological systems especially in an organization that solely depends on technological efficiencies to deliver to its customers. Sending messages via Twitter, the follow feature as well as tweet and retweet among others are all technology-dependent processes that have to be continuously upgraded in regards to their efficiency and practicality in order for the company to generate

Tuesday, October 15, 2019

My Sisters Keeper Essay Example for Free

My Sisters Keeper Essay I am discussing the movie, â€Å"My Sisters Keeper,† the moral dilemma in the movie is not revealed until the end; Kate has put her sister Anna up to suing her parents for the rights of her own medical decisions so that in actuality Kate can die in peace; in essence voluntary passive euthanasia. The dilemma described in the movie is immoral based on the Categorical Imperative by Immanuel Kant. Immanuel Kant’s Categorical Imperative rejects the view that a person’s actions are good or bad based on solely on the consequences of those actions; Kantians emphasize that a person is praised or blamed for their actions based on the intentions with which they act. This film explores the medical, legal, ethical and moral issues related to long term illness and discusses some of the bioethical issues around the experimental technique known as pre-implantation genetic diagnosis. It presents many ethical dilemmas when a couple chooses to genetically engineer a baby to create a bone marrow match for their terminally ill daughter. That creation is Anna Fitzgerald, who is beginning to wonder about her place in the world and questions her on going donations in order to save her sister’s, Kate’s life. Anna feels that her existence is defined by her ability to save her sister. That type of knowledge of such form of conception must have some sort of psychological ramifications upon a growing child. If I knew that I was a test tube baby, it would make living a little less extraordinary because it takes away the romance of creating life. â€Å"Most babies are accidents. Not me. I was engineered, born to save my sisters life. †Those opening words are spoken by Anna Fitzgerald, an 11-year-old girl who was conceived in vitro as a genetic match for her leukemia-stricken older sister Kate. Whenever a part of Kate’s body fails, Anna’s parents Sara and Brian immediately offer up the needed part of Annas body for donation.

Monday, October 14, 2019

Social Policies Poverty And Social Exclusion

Social Policies Poverty And Social Exclusion This essay will discuss Poverty and social exclusion. There will be a brief explanation of the terms that will be used throughout the essay. As we know, there are many writers who express their views; therefore references will be used to explore different writers understanding on certain subjects. Firstly it will focus on poverty and discuss different meanings in relation to poverty. Then secondly, it will look at different policies that have been an influence on poverty and social exclusion. Thirdly, it will consider all different factors that link to poverty and social exclusion. Finally, it will summarise the answer to the original question and discuss what has been covered throughout the essay. Social Policy is a subject that relates to the welfare state, human well being and other factors that influence human well being. It includes many policies relating to: housing, education, benefits and other related policies that are put in place for the welfare of state and its people. Social Policies have been changing from time to time; therefore as social workers, it is important to be up-to-date. Policies are implemented by all people: employees, workers and general public. They promote and improve the welfare state as well as human living. This will be looked at in more detail later on. The concept of Poverty can be described in two ways: the state of an individual whom may not be able to acquire the basic necessities such as: food, shelter and warmth. Another definition of poverty is when a certain part of society feels or is excluded. Blakemore and Griggs discuss that: One way of seeing poverty as relative is to say that people who have incomes below half the national average are poor (2007 p: 98). This could mean that one may have the basic necessities but lack involvement within the community, social life or living a luxurious lifestyle, which is also known as Relative poverty. It is important that society is made aware of what poverty is and the role of different Social policies that are administered to tackle poverty and related issues such as social exclusion. Social Exclusion itself is the result of poverty in most cases. One of the best definition that describes social exclusion was expressed by Child Poverty Action Group by Walker and Walker(2007): Social exclusion refers to the dynamic process of being shut out, fully or partially, from any of the social, economic, political and cultural systems which determine the social integration of the person in society. Social policies were created for the purpose of stability and equality in society. One of the main aims was to change the environment the individuals live in and to enhance their lives, through which social inclusion would be applied. Although there are different Policies, there principles remain the same throughout all administered policies, which is to promote Equality through three processes: Fairness, Equity and Equal of Opportunity. In the early 1940s, Beveridge report was put in place to reform social policy. Beveridge introduced child benefits, taxation and benefits for those who are unemployed. This was done through a weekly contribution of those who worked. It shows with admirable clarity and directness how involuntary poverty can be abolished from British social life by a redistribution of about one-tenth of the national output of goods and services in favour of those citizens whose needs are greatest (Owen, 1943, p743). Another policy that was introduced later in 1990s was The Third Way. This policy focuses on two aspects: to make work pay and to strengthen responsibility and community. It conveys the message that the reform of welfare systems is a moral enterprise that requires personal and emotional commitment by those engaged in its implementations (Jordan, 2000). This involved focusing more on means- tested benefits and provide more support to low- wage workers through a tax system. The welfare programme looks at reformation by adopting tough enforcement methods in which the public is directed towards getting trained, qualifications and employment. Bailey (2006) looks at the employment, poverty and exclusion. He touches upon the topic of welfare benefits and labour market. He discusses that Organisation for Economic Cooperation (OECD) policy statements have increased its focus on individuals having positive financial motivation to work, and move away from welfare benefits. They have introduced support through personal advisers for those who are unemployed. Also, Levitas (1998) mentions that although unemployment has had a negative impact on individual welfare, the Government argues that it is encouraging people to work, as it promotes the necessity of social inclusion through paid work. Social exclusion is the result of poverty, as mentioned earlier. However poverty is linked to many complex factors that play a huge part in peoples lives. Majority of the factors are linked to one another, this creates more of a cycle that is hard to break unless policies are not implemented. Pierson mentions that Social exclusion is a process that deprives individuals and families, groups and neighbourhoods of the resources required for participation in the social, economic and political activity of society as a whole (Pierson 2002:7). Some of the components to social exclusion are: low income, unemployment, poor housing, and poor environment. Adams (2002) discusses that the higher risk of unemployment and low pay, the more likely they are to face poverty in comparison to other population. Several people who are unemployed suffer from deprivation in many areas. For many people, employed work and its loss have great significance, since they define themselves, and achieve social status. Vast people and families do care if they earn money and provide for the family. This involves the self esteem as well as their perception of their own status. In relation to this, Adam also discusses that unemployed people are more likely to experience poverty than others, all because of their low benefit entitlement, which would disable them from social activities. Since social workers are asked to develop a critical understanding of employment policies, it is important to understand such issues that relate to unemployment. Sheppard (2006 p: 17) mentions that there are factors such as: neglect of proper care, drug abuse, crime as well as families and parents that are single and broke contribute towards excluding people socially. Those people were classed as outsiders due to the amount of inadequate socialisation. He emphasised on the fact that parents are the central and that more commitment in childcare should be made to tackle the social exclusion issue. Sheppard also includes the argument that poverty brought many excluding effect: low levels of food and nutrition, mental as well as physical poor health and not to mention deprived environments. Therefore even if they maintained their hopes and desires to enter a more socially accepted lifestyles, it would be with such great difficulty. He uses the example of a homeless person applying for benefits without an address. Payne (2006) focuses on the mental health element. She relatively talks about how Department of Health identifies mental health problems as one of the factors that influence poverty that associate with social exclusion. Payne also explores people with mental health should be included rather than excluded as social exclusion and poverty will only increase the mental ill health, therefore through this way, mental ill health could be decreased. In relation to this, strategies are set out to identify ways of getting people with mental ill health to explore the working environment; housing and community involvement, which may influence their mental ill health in a more positive way. As we can see, Social Exclusion is a widespread subject that covers many areas of Poverty. The question still arises: Are Social Policies the product of history and not logic. This essay has looked at different policies and approaches that have been made to improve the welfare state. This essay may have justified that it is the product of history and not logic. However, some may argue that Social Policies are the product of history and logic combined together. Either way, this essay surely proves that policies have been and will change from time to time for the purpose of a better welfare state.

Sunday, October 13, 2019

Living Within Constraints :: essays research papers

Living Within Constraints Constraints on the Expansion of the Global Food Supply In the early ages people were hunters, or predators; they had to survive by killing other species. Although predators are supposed to be the strongest in the food chain, people were vulnerable because they had to depend on the same species below them. Our senses were not developed as well either; hearing, smelling, eye sight were and still are not as good as of those below us. We can’t kill with our teeth or nails, like some alligators could. So after 4 ice ages, only 25,000 people were left. That’s when they realized that they had to change their loosing strategies and that’s when they came up with Subsistence Agriculture. People domesticated animals, plants, and according to the number of the population today, we are doing real well. The world population grew slowly over much of the historic past; it was not until after 1900 that growth accelerated. The 1992 population was 5.5 billion. Now the world population is increasing at about 1.7% yr, corresponding to a doubling time of 40 years. In the early 1960s, most nations were self-sufficient in food; now only a few are. Except for parts of Africa, production exceeded population growth throughout the world. Per capita production has now slowed and appears to be declining. In line with recent studies, we estimate that with the world population at 5.5 billion, food production is adequate to feed 7 billion people a vegetarian diet, with ideal distribution and no grain fed to livestock. Yet possibly as many as two billion people are now living in poverty, and over 1 billion in ‘utter poverty’ live with hunger. Inadequate distribution of food is a substantial contributing factor to this current situation. Less than one half of the world’s land area is suitable for agriculture, including grazing. Nearly all of the world’s productive land, flat and with water, is already exploited. Most of the unexploited land is either too steep, too wet, too dry, or too cold for agriculture. Water Shortages: Pressures from growing population have strained water resources in many areas of the world. Worldwide, 214 river or lake basins, containing 40% of the world’s population, now compete for water. If we improve conservation of water, it would enhance rainfed and irrigated crop yields. A major difficulty arises simply from the rate with which food supplies would have to be expanded to pace or to exceed population growth rates in those countries experiencing high growth rates.

Saturday, October 12, 2019

Strikes of the 70s and 80s: The Invisible Role of Women Essay

Strikes of the 70's and 80's: The Invisible Role of Women Throughout history women have slowly moved from the role of mother and housewife into the labor force. In the middle of this rise in stature is a relatively unknown set of events that helped women gain the self-respect and individual attitude needed to move up in the work force. Women's participation in strikes during the 1970's and 80's is relatively unknown in U.S. history. Although the women involved in these strikes made a big impact on the strike and its outcome, they go widely unrecognized and uncredited for their roles. This paper will focus on three strikes: the Brookside Coal Strike, the Phelps-Dodge Copper Strike, and the Pittston Coal Strike. Each of these strikes has its own individual history and story, but they have many things in common as well. Most importantly, each strike had women participants who greatly impacted the strike and did a small part to help women move towards a place in the labor force. Each of the three strikes will be examined from the standpoint of five main factors. First, what were the roles of women in the strike? What kind of work were they involved in? Second, what interest did the women have in the strike? Third, what kind of relationship did the union have with the women? Did it impair their efforts or support them? Fourth, how did the women ultimately impact the strike? Were they seen as a positive influence? In addition, were they seen as positive by the media or ignored by them? And lastly, what happened after the strike? Did the women continue their new, politically active roles or did they go back to the lives they lived before the strike? Each of these questions will be addressed for each of the three strikes discussed... ...rt of something much bigger that would eventually lead to women as an integral part of the labor force. Works Cited Aulette, Judy and Mills, Trudy. "Something Old, Something New: Auxiliary Work in the 1983-1986 Copper Strike." Feminist Studies 14.2 (1988): 251-268. Beckwith, Karen. "Collective Identities of Class and Gender: Working-Class Women in the Pittston Coal Strike." Political Psychology 19.1 (1998): 147-167. Birecree, Adrienne M. "The Importance and Implications of Women's Participation in the 1989-90 Pittston Coal Strike." Journal of Economic Issues March 1996: 187-210. Lasky, Marjorie Penn. Women, Work and Protest: A Century of U.S. Women's Labor History. Boston: Routledge & Kegan Paul, 1985. Maggard, Sally Ward. "Women's Participation in the Brookside Coal Strike: Militance, Class, and Gender in Appalachia." Frontiers 3 (1987): 16-21.

Friday, October 11, 2019

Harvard case essay

Treasury bonds with the same maturity. The deference between selling TIPS and buying T-bonds will cover the Inflation risk losses thus effectively eliminates Inflation risk In the portfolio. The Harvard's Policy Portfolio Includes much of the university endowment, pension assets, working capital, and portfolio contains 1 1 wide asset classes, Including domestic equity, foreign equity, private equity, domestic bonds, foreign bonds, emerging markets, real estate, commodities, absolute return, high yield, and cash.This portfolio was determined by the board of the corporation for the long-run allocation, however, the manager can make short-run adjustment within the limits from the guideline. The reason that HAMS focus on real returns is HAMS want to exclude the influence of inflation and determine the return rate more precisely. As the formula nominal return = real return + inflation rate shows, choosing real return instead of nominal return can reveal the real purchasing power of the in vestment, thus help the manager to conduct more efficiently to prevent the evasion of the investment.As we can see from Exhibit land Exhibit 2, domestic and foreign equity constitute the biggest part of the portfolio, and these two asset classes have high real returns as well as latterly larger standard deviations. And we know that equity premium indicates the difference between the expected return on the market portfolio of common stocks and the risk-free interest rate, and higher risk often indicates higher equity premium.Based on Ham's assumption that the real growth rate of annual spending is 3% after inflation, and that gifts to the endowment are same as the historical average rate (1%), HIM has to maintain a real between 6% and 7% of the total investment In order achieve its preservation goal. Thus HIM has to invest a large portion in US and reign equity with higher premium, resulting in a short of cash. Yes, From inception in 1 997, TIPS had offered a real yield that ranged f rom. 2% to 4. 25%.

Thursday, October 10, 2019

Week Chapter Questions

Team Oriented: You will become part Of a special, elaborate team when you become part of supply management. The team will consist of engineers, operations, and quality people and suppliers to help the firm obtain necessary supplies, materials, and services as the vignette alluded. Competitive Salary: Starting salaries in supply management arena is lucrative. Although education and experience drives your starting salary, possessing minimum education (Associates Degree) and limited to none experience will still prove to be beneficial in regards to your salary. . Describe seven ways in which supply management has an impact on a firm's sales. Listed below are seven ways in which supply management has an impact on firm's sales: Faster to Market: Bottom line – The faster you can introduce a new product or service to the market, the larger market share you will encompass. Improved Quality: Leasing the total number of defects that a manufacture produces, the more they can command prem ium prices. Furthermore, having a reduced of defects can satisfy your customers and alleviate them from amount going to competitors.Price Flexibility: Having a strategic outlook can significantly reduce the total cost. Example: Is it more beneficial to lease a vehicle than to buy one? Would surmise that leasing would; lease vs.. Purchase analysis is the key. Innovation: Collaboratively communicate with your supply base; holds a lucrative percentage of all new successful products. Enhanced Customer Satisfaction: Customer service drives sells – up and down – depending on the service rendered. Customer Fulfillment Flexibility: Strategically planning allows more lead-time and flexibility if changes may occur.Shorter Cycle and Lead Time: Improved supplier camaraderie and participation in supplier product and process improvements is advantageous. 13. Why does support for strategic supply chain management have to come from the top management of an organization? Strategic supp ly chain management has to come from the top due to their position. If they are not cascading appropriately, then their subordinates will not buy in to what they are trying to achieve. Chapter 2 1 . Why is supply management's position in the corporation's organizational structure important?Organizational structure significantly influences the department's capability to function optimally and persuade the decision- making process involved in effective procurement. The higher supply management is on the organizational chart, the more he/she can influence corporate strategy considerably. 4. Why are many organizations using a hybrid approach to decision-making authority in their supply management? Organizations are using hybrid approaches in decision-making authority in their supply management, to cut down on cost.In the early 1 sass, the introduction of computers made it considerably more accessible, in regards to procuring goods and services. Electronic billing and payment of invoices , enhanced cash flow while minimizing the total cost of doing business. 7. Identify some ways in which cross-functional teams could be useful in developing new products or completing value analysis functions. Cross- functional teams could be useful in developing or completing value analysis functions in regards to the development or addendum to a statement of work.Take for instance, an upcoming complex food service contract. You may not be a food service subject matter expert – no worries. Surround yourself with subject matter experts, to create the statement of work. Personnel that should be involved are the contract officer, contract officer representative, technical expert(s), lawyer(s), and any other representative that will facilitate with the statement of work. Chapter 3 3. How can engineering product specifications affect the price of the product?Material specified by engineering must be cost effective, to have an idea return on investment in regards to the price of th e product. Preferably, you would like to have your material accessible by multiple suppliers for a more resourceful, low-cost manufacturer. Although, you want to get the best deal (bang for the buck), ultimately, you want to ensure your product is justifiable for your customers. 4. How can a product that costs more save the company money overall? Products that cost more can inevitably save the company none overall by purchasing a more reliable, durable and/or cost efficient product.

Wednesday, October 9, 2019

The British Culture

People can generally identify themselves as part of a larger culture, which means that they hold many of the same values and beliefs as those around them. But they might not be aware of being part of one or more subcultures. These exist within the larger culture but are marked by differences. A subculture is a group of people who are part of a larger culture, but who separate themselves by their own unique beliefs and behaviours. In the 1950s David Riesman, a United States sociologist, distinguished between the majority that passively accepted the styles, standards and meanings given to them and a minority. This subculture sought its own meanings of things, interpreting them in what Riesman calls â€Å"subversive values. † Culture sociologist Sarah Thornton believes that subcultures raise their status through their subculture so as to differentiate themselves from other groups. Ken Gelder states that subcultures are very social, sharing conventions, values and rituals with those in their subculture even if they do not share those values with the greater culture, in the following research; we will see all the different British subcultures which make the United Kingdom one of the richest cultures in the world.. The England culture: It sometimes becomes difficult to separate the culture of England from the influences of the culture of the United Kingdom. England Culture has come along way and has developed over several millennia, to recent movements such as Brit Art and now encompasses a variety of forms which include photography, painting, sculpture and performance art. Cuisines of England also influence the England culture to a great extent. The urbanized workers of England were in many cases cut off from regional food traditions as the country was the first industrialized country of the world. More recently, a new style of cooking called Modern British has emerged that combines traditional British ingredients with foreign culinary influences. English folklore that has evolved in England over a number of centuries is yet another aspect that influences the Culture of England. England thrives with folklore in all forms such as the traditional semi-mystical Arthurian legends and semi-historical Robin Hood tales, to contemporary urban myths and facets of crypto zoology. Culture of England is lame till we include the heritage of the country as it is massively affected and influenced by it.  Also you can read about  History of the Culinary Arts. In recent years, Stonehenge has become a focus for modern summer solstice celebrations. Though the Stonehenge pre-dates the existence of England as a nation, it is believed by many English people to hold an iconic place in the culture of England. English literature has been made rich by the famous works by the popular writer of the past like William Shakespeare, Charles Dickens, Thomas Hardy and many more. Just like literature, English music has been instrumental in influencing the England Culture to a large extent. Talking about food, there are few food-related taboos in England. Some of the English avoid some foods for so-called hygienic reasons, such as onions and leeks, which can cause bad breath. There are also some types of foods that are considered uncivilized. Traditionally, the people of England have never eaten horses, dogs and other carnivores or insects. Slowly, the eating of meat is looked on as uncivilized. As part of the shift away from meat toward fruit, vegetables, and fish, people have become more distanced from the production of the meat they eat and less willing to eat as wide a variety of meats. The Scottish culture: The Culture of Scotland will give you a glimpse of the rich historical past of the country. Scotland is a nation which is well positioned in the north-west part of Europe. Scotland also beautifully shares a border with England. It is bordered by the Irish Sea and the North Channel to the southwest, the North Sea lies to the east while the north and west part of Scotland is bordered by Atlantic Ocean. The Culture of Scotland is influenced by the residents of the Scottish Highlands who basically belong to the Celtic descent. To the Southern part of Scotland, the residents are Scots with little bit of Nordic and Anglo-Saxon influence. The people of Scotland have a love for learning. If we look at the history of Scotland it is found that their history is full of educated persons who acquired university educations. In the beginning of the 20th century, Andrew Carnegie who was the Scottish-born American industrialist made education easy. In the Culture at Scotland, we can find the celebrations of Hogmanay, which is basically the celebration of to mark the beginning of New Year. In the Culture of Scotland, there is the tradition of taking out Torchlight Parade in Edinburgh. People take part in the Torchlight Parade which is held on the 29th December on each and every year. The people taking part in this parade carry wax torches and walk on foot through the popular streets of the city. The Hogmanay street party organized on New Years Eve last for three nights. We can also find the celebrations of Christmas like that of any other European countries. People take part in Christmas celebrations with great pomp and glory. During this period people go to churches and arrange gala lunch and dinner parties for ones friends and relatives. There is also many Scottish celebrations, one of them is the Burning of the Clavie which celebrates the New Year, old style, which falls on 11 January (unless 11 January is a Sunday, in which case the celebration is held on 10 January). The Clavie is a half-cask, mounted securely on a pole, and filled with staves of wood and inflammable liquid. If we are interested in the Scottish food, the region has a very distinctive cuisine that is usually based on traditional foods. Food of Scotland mainly comprises of the Scottish foods. Food of Scotland is really mouth-watering which will positively satisfy your appetite. Some of the popular traditional Food of Scotland that you can try out while on a tour to Scotland is: -Scottish Beef: The beef cattle belonging to Aberdeen Angus breed reared in Scotland. Steaks made from these cattle beefs are really very tasty. Bannocks or Oatcakes: This dish is an oat flour biscuit that is baked on a griddle. Nowadays people usually prefer to sample bannocks with cheese. The culture of Wales: The nation of Wales is a major part of United Kingdom but the Culture of Wales is quite distinct from the rest of England. The nation of Wales is known to preserve its own distinguishing culture, language, art and music. The national emblem of Wales includes leek and daffodil. The Welsh Dragon is a significant part of the Culture of Wales. The country of Wales is extended 274 kilometers in the north to south and about 97 kilometers east to west. The eastern side of the country of Wales is bordered by England, the southern side is covered by the Mor Hafren or the Bristol Channel, the western side has St. George's Channel and the northern side has the Irish Sea. The total area of the coastline is over 1,200 kilometers and includes several islands that lie off the Welsh mainland. The Welsh culture exhibits the true essence of the region and tourists are introduced to the colorful and vibrant cultural heritage of the nation. Gradually with the change in times a mode rn outlook developed among the Welsh and thus a different meaning was attached to the Culture of Wales. Cultural Tours of Wales provide you an idea of the religion, arts and crafts of the region as well as the language. Religion, music and sport are among the indispensable part of the Cultural Heritage of Wales. Basket making, candle making and knitting are among the popular arts and crafts of Wales. Wales is famous for music and poetry and Culture of Wales has a great affinity to the most well-known musical image of Wales. Wales has a long tradition of folk song and has a long history of the instrumental tradition. The most widely practiced religion in Wales is Christianity and include to the diverse Culture of Wales. Culture of the performing arts in the Swansea provides you great source of entertainment. Festival of Music and the Arts plays an important part in promoting Wales Tourism. The Festival of Music and Art brings a great cultural gathering. Culture of Wales is presented mainly at the Swansea, Pembroke, Llandeilo, Narberth and Tenby. These places are perfect for the region's deep-rooted cultural aspect that includes arts and craft and musical performances. When it comes to entertainment, the country of Wales posses a rich culture and history and the people here enjoy lots of festivals. Festivals and Events in Wales are celebrated throughout the year; the festival of Eisteddfodau for example, known as cultural gathering, is one of the major Wales Festivals and Events. The biggest celebration is the Royal National Eisteddfodd of Wales, which is generally held in the early period of the month of August. There is another version of this festival of International Eisteddfod festival that is held every year in the month of July. The festival of Eisteddfod is a cultural competition that has its root in the ancient times. This festival celebrates the victory of the British from the Norman invasion. Among the other Festivals and Events in Wales, one is the Royal Welsh Agricultural Show. This festival is held in July and in these festivals there is a wonderful exhibition of several spectacular agricultural products that have their own beauty and are unique. You can also enjoy a host of oddball events throughout the year. The city of Brecon is known for its jazz festival and the fine food festival of Abergavenny is also very popular. The Irish culture: Ireland is rich in history and has also been the home to many talented writers including the likes of Oscar Wilde. Ireland has made a large contribution in literature and the very traditional folk music combined with the beautiful steps of the Irish dance all reflect the rich culture of Ireland. The people of Ireland are known to be very hospitable and friendly in nature. Having a family life is considered of great importance in Ireland. The traditional ways of the Irish culture can be seen in the rural areas of Ireland. Here, a lot of traditional customs are followed which is quite a contrast to the modern life that is led in the urbane areas of Ireland. Ireland also has a large number of people who own their own palatial residencies. The modern Irish culture follows a more open method of communication between the Irish people. The Irish believe in displaying their affection rather than curbing the same. English still remains to be the most spoken language today. The native dialect can be found in some of the rural areas of Ireland. The Irish language was introduced by the Celts and many senior citizens can be found speaking in the traditional Irish language. The homes in Ireland still follow the same rule and are built in a similar fashion, as was the pattern of the olden days. Bright and cheerful colors can be seen splashed on the walls of most homes with colorful doors. Homes of Ireland are generally terrace houses with the central heating system having replaced the traditional fireplace. Although there is no official religion for Ireland, special consideration has been given to the Catholic Church. One can see the Roman Catholics, Methodists, Jewish, Presbyterianism and even a small percentage of other religions such as Islam existing in Ireland. Talking about food, Stories related to the old Irish culture have the mention of honey being widely used especially to make mead. Meat was widely eaten along with poultry products. The potato formed a major part of the food in Ireland amongst the labor class. Today, the food habits have influences from all over the world. Although meat has always been the main item in Irish food, fast food has also taken over. New Irish dishes are being churned out to maintain some healthy eating habits amongst the Irish people; these focus mainly on fresh vegetables. The British norms & values Norms are defined as specific but tacit standards of what is socially and individually acceptable; values as explicit but general statements of principle, of which the content is continually changing through changing norms, changing circumstances, changing policies and the accompanying ethical debate. The relation of norms, values and policies is shown by an historical example. The inherent conflict within both norms and values is discussed and the role of the policymaker is defined, both as an artist in conceiving and devising one among many possible but always partial realizations of contemporary norms and values, and as a partially conscious agent in reshaping the norms and values of his time. The psychological implications of this are briefly indicated. Britishness is the state or quality of being British, and is used to refer to what binds and distinguishes the British people and forms the basis of their unity and identity, or else to explain expressions of British culture, such as habits, behaviours or symbols that have a common, familiar or iconic quality readily identifiable with the United Kingdom. Dialogue about the legitimacy and authenticity of Britishness is intrinsically tied with power relations and politics; in terms of nationhood and belonging, expressing or recognising ones Britishness provokes range of responses and attitudes, such as advocacy, indifference or rejection. In the 16th and 17th centuries most people in this island lived in small village communities. They knew all their neighbours. They dressed alike, and almost all of them were white. The vast majority belonged to the same religion, and spoke much the same language. And, at regular intervals, these very similar people, possessed of very similar values, would cheerfully go and watch some of their number being burnt alive at the stake, or slaughtered with swords, because they were deemed to possess the wrong brand of Christianity. As this suggests, promoting common â€Å"British values†, even assuming that we knew what these were, is never going to be enough to prevent some stray, impassioned individuals in our midst from wanting on occasions to kill their neighbours on God's behalf. Acts of violence against one's own countrymen that are legitimated by religion are emphatically not new. Nor have such acts ever been unique to Islam. Historically – in this country, as in most other countries – religion has often proved a more consistently lethal and divisive force than any secular ideology. It has also often been a more divisive force than race. Yet, in recent decades, pundits and politicians have devoted far more time to worrying about racial divisions in British society, than they have to thinking imaginatively about the consequences of our new religious pluralism. This, despite the fact that, since 1945, Britain, like other European states, has entered uncharted territory as far as religion is concerned. Before the Second World War, most Britons were at least nominally Protestant. Now, all the world's religions are represented here. It is a great experiment. But it comes accompanied with new risks, tensions and uncertainties. Gordon Brown, the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, made a speech in 2006 to promote Britishness. Brown's speech to the Fabian Society's Britishness ( British intellectual socialist movement ), Conference proposed that British values demand a new constitutional settlement and symbols to represent a modern patriotism, including a new youth community service scheme and a ‘British Day' to celebrate. In 2007, the majority of people in many non-white ethnic groups living in Great Britain described their national identity as British, English, Scottish or Welsh. This included almost nine in ten (87%) of people with mixed heritage, 85% of Black Caribbeans, and 80% of Pakistanis and Bangladeshis. Non-whites were more likely to describe themselves as British than whites. One-third of people from the White British group described themselves as British; some respondents opted to call themselves English, Welsh or Scottish. 19] A study conducted for the Commission for Racial Equality (CRE) in 2005 found that, in England, the majority of ethnic minority participants identified primarily as British, whereas white English participants identified as English first and British second. In Wales and Scotland, the majority of both white and ethnic minority participants identified as Welsh or Scottish first and British second, although they saw no incompatibility between the two identities. 20] Other research conducted for the CRE found that white participants felt that there was a threat to Britishness from large-scale immigration, the ‘unfair' claims that they perceived ethnic minorities made on the welfare state, a rise in moral pluralism and perceived political correctness. Much of this frustration was found to be targeted at Muslims rather than minorities in general. Muslim participants in the study reported feeling victimised and stated that they felt that they were being asked to choose between Muslim and British identities, whereas they saw it possible to be both at the same time.