Research Methods Essay

Methodology One of the primary ways in which marketing is defined is in terms of its difference from the so-called ‘pure sciences’ such as physics, chemistry, biology etc. Its use of theory and methodology is, therefore, closely related to this distinction. Academics of marketing often emphasize what too many of us are utterly obvious, that there is no certainty in the study of marketing sciences. This is because marketing not only deals with fiscal variables but also it deals with humanity, which is inherently transient. Taking this element of transience into consideration marketing scientists has to use not just quantitative but also qualitative methods of study. For this study of Establishing Islamic Fund to issue Islamic Bonds for Infrastructure Projects both the methods would be used. A Qualitative method of study differs from the usual quantitative methods (used in the study of pure sciences) in the sense that it tends to be far more subjective. This is in sharp contrast to the methods used in pure sciences which are exclusively objective. The research methods for marketing are a combination of both quantitative and qualitative methods. Being open to qualitative methods of study also allows social scientists to incorporate non-quantitative data (i. e. non-numerical data, such as words, images, gestures, impressions etc. ) in their study. Since human beings tend to operate in terms of such data and not in terms of the finance used in ordinary sciences this broader outlook is far more applicable in the study of social sciences. In keeping with the methodology employed in marketing researches the theories too are formulated and used keeping in mind that they aren’t necessarily applicable to all conditions. Be it psychology, history, political science or economics human events are most likely to influence the rules which define the basic theories of a marketing subject. Success in the field of marketing researches can therefore be achieved if and only if it is understood that the subject has no space or opportunity for water-tight methodologies or theories. It can always be stated that Qualitative research is a process that includes interpretative paradigm under the measures of theoretical assumptions and the entire approach is based on sustainability that is depended on people’s experience in terms of communication. It can also be mentioned that the total approach is based on the fact that reality is created on the social formulations. It can also be mentioned that the basic target of qualitative research is instrumented towards social context under normal circumstances where it would be possible to interpret, decode and describe the significances of a phenomenon. The entire process is operational under the parameter of interpretative paradigm that can minimize illusion and share subjectivity under contextualization, authenticity and complexity of the investigation. The basic advantages of qualitative measures are multifold. Firstly, it presents a completely realistic approach that the statistical analysis and numerical data used in research based on quantitative research cannot provide. Another advantage of qualitative measures is that it is more flexible in nature in terms of collected information interpretation, subsequent analysis and data collection. It also presents a holistic point of view of the investigation. Furthermore this approach of research allows the subjects to be comfortable thus be more accurate as research is carried on in accordance to the subject’s own terms. The best statistical method would be to interview long well formulated day to day working procedure at a specific and well selected location and in this case it would be the three selected events mentioned. Throughout the procedure, it should be noticed whether there are specific variables within the testable population or not. These variables would be extremely important while evaluating the basic data in the final stages where the adjustments would be made to the formulated data in accordance to the observations. However, it is important to completely take into account the aspects of fundamental variables of an individual such as ethnicity, religious belief or positive support from the sales structure of the management and individual. It is necessary to design a new experiment that test the statistical method. For the purpose it is necessary to collect a complete data of the site that would include different religion, ethnicity or gender. An open meeting with potential customers of the Islamic fund and bond would be very relevant in this context but only the upper income limits should be taken into account in the initial stages. This is because only upper sections are the groups that are most likely to be present at the upper grade cosmetics. The mixed gender of male and female potential customers could well be excluded as that would complicate matters in the context of gender variable juxtaposed with other pre mentioned variables but considering other dependable factors sustaining it would yield to be fruitful in the long run. Data would be collected in relation to the gender, colour, and religion of the potential customers in respect to the composition of the management under the same parameters. Furthermore, the favourable conditions in the context of experienced customer response would also be accounted. All these variables are considered as very relevant and important features of the statistical method and it is to be seen if these aspects are fundamentally acceptable in practical world and it could well be mentioned that service, especially Islamic fund and bond, are a very relevant manifestation of the social dimensions. As a result if the test is carried out in a proper manner with proper calculations of the population involved then there is no reason that the results would be both logical and true at the end consideration. In accordance to the basic test selected it could be stated that it could be possible that the outcome would be relatively logical in the sense that it would ultimately follow the trends of social facilitation theory in marketing and thus it would be agreeable with the statistical method and thus a well formulated marketing strategy can be constructed for the benefit of the strategies of the Islamic fund and bond. However, it should be stated that there would be few independent variables in the context of the test that could not be explained by the statistical method statements. Here the ethical consideration of the potential customers or the ethnic background of the potential customers may not be a very relevant factor. Thus there could be some flaws to the collection of the population but if these aspects are kept in mind then the shortcomings would easily be negotiated during the ultimate computations. As a result the test would appear to be a full proofed measure that would be able to define and prove the fundamental aspects and statistical method applied. However it could be stated that the most basic distinction is between a quantitative or qualitative evaluation. In a quantitative evaluation, the purpose is to come up with some objective metric of human performance that can be used to compare interaction phenomena. This can be contrasted with a qualitative evaluation, in which the purpose is to derive deeper understanding of the human interaction experience. A typical example of a quantitative evaluation is the empirical user study, a controlled experiment in which some hypothesis about interaction is tested through direct measurement. A typical example of a qualitative evaluation is an open-ended interview with relevant users. As a result this method would be used widely. As descriptions of statistical methods that will be used it could be stated that in order to isolate the results for this particular study, only a survey questionnaire done would have been utilized. These questionnaires would be delivered to potential customers and retailers along with the administrators of the events. The results were divided into these same categories to ensure validity and reliability. General information in regard to identifiers was utilized in order to ensure that there would be no bias. This information provided the researcher with a more clarified view of perceptions in regard to the possibility and impact of economic, social and market penetration in the Islamic fund and bond strategy analysis of their successes and failures of their strategy. The objective in this study was to see the possible effect of the Islamic fund and bond strategy analysis of their successes and failures of their strategy. The study would in fact be balanced in its validity and reliability by results in questionnaires delivered. The objective would be to discover whether a prior knowledge of management of market segmentation would be beneficial or detrimental toward the company and their understanding of the use of strategies as marketing tools. Data would be gained from a specific area for ease of accessibility and for targeted accuracy lending reliability and validity to the research process. The variables involved would also include age groups, amount of education, and understanding of security needs and responsibility. Other variables may be inclusive of the economic standings of the potential customers of the Islamic fund and bond along with the same standings for the customers at the edge of the market segment interviewed. A third series of variables includes the types of studies that are managed and the cultural background of the customers at each of these areas. The research paradigm considered by the researcher in regard to this work included the consideration of groups and how strategically developed planning would target them. These considerations included in management and how the different respondents would in fact classify usage of event goers. The data for this work was managed through a single questionnaire handed out to potential customers and current customers of the Islamic fund and bond. The researcher utilized gender identifiers and numbers or letters to separate each questionnaire for validity and reliability of results and to ensure bias reductions. The questionnaire is located in the Appendix section for understanding of the questions. Each question had either a yes or a no answer or followed positive or negative reactions to certain questions. The process to deliver and collect these questionnaires would be spanned around approximately two weeks. The data sampling would be randomly managed utilizing stratified means with thirty-seven questionnaires completed by both male and female potential customers. The choice to use potential and existing customers alone in this research was made for three reasons. First, it was far simpler to have access to customers in regard to the researcher’s availability. Second, the focus itself is on customers’ attitudes and understanding of the gadget. Third, the quantification of such information allows the researcher to gain a broader perspective on how customers observe and realize the validity and reliability of information received from a variety of sources and how they apply it to daily life in terms of events. It should be noted that reliability for the researcher was achieved in the assurance that only a specified group of men and women were utilized in regard to the research. That group was focused mostly on customers and retails along with administrative personnel. This gave the research a more focused view of the research goal. The validity was managed as a result of this focus and emphasized in the considerations involved in the data collection, variables, and sampling methods. Privacy and confidentiality methods included assigning numeric and alphabetic coding to each responding questionnaire. This ensured anonymity in regard to the researcher and the subjects of the research process. Thus the most important objective of the interviews regarding this study concerning the market segment of the Islamic fund and bond would be building an impact regarding the profitability of this market for the stakeholder. As a result the study would feature qualitative interviews of personnel and personalities that are well known to the arena of marketing and a huge amount of potential customers who would provide complete views of their needs through as series of open and close ended questions. The interviews and questioners would certainly include the Administrators, Managers, marketing experts and Scholar, senior managers and obviously the potential customers of the Islamic fund and bond. The involvement of the administrators is a logical conclusion as this is the main stronghold that would be able to render the impetus of the market with his valued opinions. It should be noted that the interviews of the organization managers would be very helpful as they are the personnel who directly understand the ground reality of the nature and feasibility of the game plans established in the market segments of the Islamic fund and bond Strategies. Marketing and cosmetic industry management scholars and experts are also important for the basic strategy development these are the people who would be able to provide the theoretical framework of entire project. Interviews of the senior administrators, Journalists and retailer are very important because not only these people are well respected and their words highly valued, these are the people who are able to influence the structure of the Islamic fund and bond Strategies with their experience and insights. Lastly, interview would also be taken of experienced and potential consumers because they are the key objective of the entire scenario and these are the people who would actually present the objective of the market and would be instrumental directly to make the market worth venturing. To sum it up it should be mentioned that the methodology will involve client interviews, client’s strategic customer interview, event records, secondary research through the Internet and university database, it will also use strategic analysis tools for development of the marketing plan. In this context it should also be mentioned that the purpose of the project is formulated in a mutually beneficial way such that from an academic perspective there would be a huge gain in the context of valuable experience, and simultaneously add value by providing insights as well as a fresh & objective outlook on any matter relevant to the organization. Method of Analysis Information from the interviews will be classified into meaningful categories, which can be derived from the objectives and the literature. In using this categorisation approach, the data can be ordered and summarised according to the topic areas discussed and the depth of information attained. This could be done by establishing a suitable matrix and entering the data into the appropriate cells. However, it is essential to ensure that the categories devised are a coherent set so that the analytical framework is well structured and allows for effective analysis. This approach will allow the researcher to identify the most prevalent opinions and viewpoints as well as identifying polarised opinions. The analysis will help to draw out key themes and relationships, which will hopefully establish meaning in the data set. The key themes from the two types of interviewees can often be compared and contrasted in an attempt to create a clearer understanding of meaning. Lamb suggests that when existing theory has been used to formulate objectives, the theoretical propositions that enabled the researcher do this can also be used as a framework to help organise the data analysis. A clear theoretical framework was not used to establish the research question, although the objectives do acknowledge the relevant theory, so it is possible to use some theoretical framework to assist in the data analysis. The secondary data analysis will be used to support and augment the primary data. Analysis and Findings Analysis of information in regard to research managed by the researcher must include complete and full understanding of the questionnaire. This understanding focuses in the use of the questionnaire created specifically for this process. It is the considerations realized within the questionnaires, no matter their simplicity, that will focus considerations in later chapters of this work. Within this section of Analysis and Findings there will be measurement of all responses in regard to the questionnaire. Analysis strategy included a full series of statistical diagrams of all information collected including positive and negative responses, gender variations and marital status. This strategy provided the researcher with a wider spread for the conclusions that became evident in regard to the researcher’s focus. This information was broken down into specific charts for the benefit of visual context. The visual context provided insight in regard to perceptions of credit use and considerations by collegiate consumers in regard to financial planning and execution. These perceptions and considerations provide the researcher with evidence to support the hypothesis made in that there would in fact be adverse affects in the abuse of credit and that the use of credit, if not held in check, could in fact have auxiliary outside influence on other portions of daily life for collegiate students and perhaps for those outside the realm of collegiate studies. The researcher held awareness of the potential for study in regard to Islamic fund and bonds and their use or abuse through many methods. Those methods include observation, interaction and extensive research. The awareness of the media discussions of credit usage amongst collegiate level men and women and the similar studies within this idea would in fact have influenced the choice made. The choice of analyzing how students amongst this particular collegiate population would in fact consider their credit use and knowledge allows for a singular perspective isolated from the more broadly painted view including financial advisors, professors, parents and more. The focus itself was on the students and how they absorbed this information from the various resources available before applying it to their personal financial decisions. Overall, the respondents to the questionnaires provided insight in regard to how many individuals are learning more and more about financial management. This also provides insight in regard to some steps financial entities including banks and Islamic fund and bond issuers might consider in regard to further educating the general public, starting at the younger ages including collegiate level students and providing access to learning materials in this regard. The concern for this researcher would in fact be the lack of true knowledge in regard to Islamic fund and bond debt and its downfalls. The fact that there is much higher usage of Islamic fund and bonds and other forms of credits now than in years past causes more concern in regard to how to manage that growth of Islamic fund and bond debt in future endeavours. Limitations However, it should be mentioned there are certain limitations of the study. A number of people (usually senior administrators) may also insist that the consumers have no contribution to the issue. Many of them may think that consumers come into the working formulation only during the advertising scenario and never in the development plan of the marketing procedure. As a result they do not use the requisite strategic management techniques or adaptive methods that need to be exercised while developing a study such as this. However, it creates a void in the test as this limitation can be overcome by taking the subject into better mode of confidence. However, at the same time, it should also be noted that there are certain limitations regarding the methodology of the interview aspect. It could be mentioned that past history has shown that it is not always people revealing a context in a survey or interview holds much truth in the long run in general sense. This is one variable that is able to corrupt any well formulated strategically set formulations. But this again is a possibility and not the general rule. At any case it should be noted that all steps would be taken with utmost care so that such variables are not allowed to upset the basic test of market segmentation beyond a certain permissible limit. If all these parameters are well implemented there could be no reason why a long term strategy for operation in a full length marketing penetration and procedure cannot be established. Conclusion The understanding of this information gathered is proven in the statistics within the questionnaires that were completed and submitted. The research found that all respondents understood the material being requested and filled the questionnaires accordingly in timely fashion. This information was then examined thoroughly for consistency and validity. The researcher now understands that there is a great deal of diversity in the understanding of financial matters based on how those financial matters are taught to individuals whether through personal research, a parent, a bank representative, friends or other family members. The number of participants who pursued avenues toward understanding was surprising to the researcher in that there were far more to ask advice and to heed initial learning methods in regard to financial stability and concerns. The majority of respondents claim to have been taught financial management by a parent. Twenty-six respondents gave this as their response. Twelve also claimed that a professor had been beneficial in their learning. Bank representatives comprised eleven responses to the inquiry and six employers. The numerous choices for other methods of learning financial management included one grandparent, five respondents claimed their friends, two said internet resources, and one said society while two would actually work in the field. The diverse, yet incredibly stratified methods for learning and understanding financial management provide the researcher with interesting insights on how well these financial management methods are learned. Of the thirty-seven respondents to the questionnaire, the majority, including twenty-six respondents stated that they did inquire as to advice prior to application toward credit. This is intriguing to the researcher as it proves that students are understanding more and more in regard to their financial stature. Regarding whether positive or negative effects are seen or felt in regard to credit, most respondents claimed positive effects were seen. That number included twenty-one respondents with sixteen claiming there were more negatives than positives. When asked whether the students felt targeted by credit advertisers, the overwhelming response was yes with twenty-five respondents stating this. The remaining twelve said they didn’t feel targeted. The respondents overwhelmingly responded positively toward the need of courses on financial management. When asked if credit issuers were doing enough to educate consumers, the response was negative for the majority of respondents. When asked whether college campuses should provide financial planning assistance and credit understanding for students, the overwhelming majority of thirty-six to one said yes. The same response came in regard to having financial managers from banks and other financial institutions working with the college campuses for educational purposes in regard to use and abuse of Islamic fund and bonds and other forms of credit. Factors that manage approval of studies such as this one in regard to Islamic fund and bond use and abuse on college or university campuses would include the verifiable reports of credit usage by agencies including credit issuers, banks and debt management corporations. The rise in bankruptcies and such provide a very thorough glance into the behaviour of consumers and how that behaviour in the use of credit is affected by their ready knowledge of credit facts and figures. The researcher finds that the hypotheses made in the progression of the research would indeed have been validated through responses from the selected population. This further approves the necessity for further study and research into methods toward equilibrium in the use of credit. References Asif, M A L; Islamic Banking and Financial Institutions: The Progress and Probability; Book Resonance; 2005, 337, paragraph 3Iqbal, D; Birth of Islamic Banking; Part II; HDT Ltd. 1999, 33, 5-7 Syyed, S; Thinking and Acting in Islamic Finance Market; ABP Ltd, 2001, 98, 1 Zia-ud-din, Md. A; The Market Strategy; Large Alliance Publishers; 2004, 229, 4-8 Csermely, P; (April 28, 2006); Weak Links: Stabilizers of Complex Systems from Proteins to Financial Networks; SamsiReza Trust Allison, PD; (Nov 1, 1984); Financial Industry History Analysis: Regression for Longitudinal Event Data; SamsiReza Trust Mortimer, Jeylan T. & Shanahan, Michael J; (May 30, 2006); Handbook of the Life Course; Peterson Works. Box-Steffensmeier, JM & Jones, S; (April 5, 2004); Industrial History Modeling: A Guide for Social Scientists; Trans Europe Publications Ackoff, R &Emery, F; (Nov 15, 2005); On Purposeful Systems: An Interdisciplinary Analysis of Individual and Social Behavior as a System of Purposeful Events; Raduga Publication Hedstrom, Peter & Swedberg, Richard; (Jan 13, 1998); Social Mechanisms: An Analytical Approach to Management Theory; Raduga Publication Riddell, J. Palmatier, C & Gallanis, P; (Jan 2006); Meetings and other Social or Business Events; Reflex Publications. Yamaguchi, K; (Jul 18, 1991); Financial History Analysis; Batmen Class Publishers Kagle, JD; (1995); Social Work Records; Walter Vilges Habisch, A. Jonker, J. Wegner, M & Schmidpeter, R; (Nov 23, 2004); Corporate Social Responsibility Across Europe; UltraVista Rubington, E & Weinberg, MS; (Jul 26, 2002); The Study of Social Problems: Seven Perspectives; Reflex Publication Arthur, D. , Scott, D. and Woods, T. (1997) ‘A Conceptual Model of the Corporate Decision-Making Process’ Journal of Sport Management, 11, 223-233 Carrigan, M. and Carrigan, J. (1997) ‘UK Sports Sponsorship: Fair Play or Foul? ’ Business Ethics, Volume 6, Number 2 Kotler, P. , Armstrong, G. , Saunders, J. and Wong, V. (1999) Principles of Marketing Second European Edition Prentice Hall Europe Mason, J. (1998) Qualitative Researching; Sage Publications Mason, J. (2002) ‘Qualitative Interviewing: Asking, listening and Interpreting’ in Tim May Qualitative Research in Action Sage Publications Mintel (2000) ‘Sponsorship’ Mintel International Group Limited July Saunders, S. , Lewis, P. and Thornhill, A. (2003) Research Methods for Business Students Third Edition Pearson Education Limited Yin, R. (1994) Case Study Research, Design and Methods Second Edition Sage Publications Banyard, P. 2005, Ethical Issues and Guidelines in Sociology, Flanagan, Cara Publication, London, New York Hall, T. 2006, Urban Geography, Routledge Contemporary Human Geography Series; 3rd Ed, & Francis Routledge, London, New York Hood, J. 2003, Financial Management systems, Journal of Risk Research 6 (3), 233–251 (2003), Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow Hutt, M. & Speh T. 2001, Business Financial Management: A Strategic View of Industrial and Organizational Markets, Harcourt Collage Publishers, Philadelphia. Â  

Cheating on College Examinations

Any form of cheating is a form of dishonesty. It is an act of accomplishing something in an unethical behavior. Cheating is used in any kinds of exams, especially college exams. Does it really happen? Sure it does. We argue that many college students cheat during examinations because of several reasons. They can be nervous that is why they cheat, it can also be a reason of time management wherein some college students also work while taking time to attend school classes or, maybe they are Just lazy enough to study ahead of examination date.There are a lot of reasons why cheating on college exams happens and along with it, there are numerous effects out of cheating. Whatever the reason behind cheating, still it is an act of dishonesty and unethical conduct; besides the reality that cheating on college exams is also cheating yourself. Cheating on College Exams One of the most common reasons why student cheats on college exams is that he just forgot to study, so it is more likely that h e will cheat, but as an effect, there is a high possibility that his teacher might catch him while doing it or even worse, fail the xam after cheating because of different set of examinations.Another common reason for cheating is to complete the course as shortly as doable. In todays world, once you look into the word cheating you'll be able to realize several definitions and meanings for it. Everyone contains a completely different definition for the word cheating. Students will always find the way to cheat with the use of reference materials or by obtaining the solutions ahead of time to be ready for a closed book test. Some students pay others to complete their schoolwork. Cheating could be a concern for all colleges and teachers.Students forever find the way to avoid the results of cheating, notwithstanding how rigorously colleges work to stop it. For some students, cheating is an easy way to get better grades. Although several students assume that their individual dishonesty wo n't have an effect on anyone else, negative outcomes would still have impacts towards their personal knowledge. One impact of student cheating is that they are not learning accordingly. Some students get into the cheating habits, they do not study and in the long run, this habit affects their career development.Once the student decides to cheat, he could or might not understand he material. What a student fails to understand is that the material that the course is covering could be a necessity to use in daily life. Whatever the student doesn't learn within the course as a result of cheating can have an effect on them to get an employment with a decent pay, as a result of the fact that the student never learned the course material. Once a student takes an exam, its results are supposed to show the amount of information learned that the student has on the material that his course offers.In fact, there would be no employer who will keep someone that has no he numerous negative outcomes that cheating provides aside from not being true and honest to their self, which surely will have negative effect on students. Cheating on college exams has an effect on students one time or another throughout their school life. As mentioned, no good comes from college exam cheating because in doing this, you are cheating yourself. Once caught during college exams, a consequence comes in.As a result, a student may receive the maximum punishment their teacher can give, especially those who are hard on their students. On the other hand, there are teachers who are quite lenient with their students. Minimal unishment such as warning may be given to the student as an effect of cheating. However, cheating on college exam is commonly occurring if the student lacks effort with their studies. Students may not be able to attend his class due to some reasons, leading them to cheat during examination.Whatever the reasons for absence are, the point is they are not likely to pass through their o wn knowledge besides the fact that it will be more complex for them to cope with the upcoming lectures. That reality, which shows students who want to pass on the subjects that they find difficult for them, is also another cause why they cheat on college exam. There are times that a student, no matter how hard he studies, still finds it hard to cope with lectures in a specific subject causing him to cheat during exams.A student may also be forced to cheat if there is a parental expectation regarding his grades. Another common reason why they cheat on college exam is because of the other students who also cheat, especially when they found out that the head of the class also cheats making them realize that cheating will give them better grades. If this is the case an effect would be more and more students will be attempted to cheat during exams rovided that the first one who committed it was not caught.Conclusion Cheating on college exams is one of the most common behaviors that some students do. A cheater may find it helpful as it may lessen his or her effort to pass the exam, hence getting higher grade is possible without an effort if they cheat. Yes, it can help a student, but it will Just be a temporary help because cheating on exams will never help them learn, which is opposed to their primary purpose of attending college course. Additionally, cheating without learning is like admitting your weakness and letting the learning opportunity pass through your hands.

Financial Markets & Risks Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 4000 words

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Visual Learning and Students' Response Research Paper

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Zaras Retailer Company - Essay Example This paper looks at various operational and expansion strategies that Zara uses in its quest to boost its economic status as well as expand to other parts of the world. These strategies include advertising and marketing, cost of production and strategic partnerships among others. It also looks at the operational management challenges, effects of manufacturing in China on the company’s sustainability and corporate social responsibility and effect of opening a major warehouse outside Spain on its distribution model and local manufacturers. How should Zara’s operation strategy support its expansion strategy? Zara make use of a business model that is vertically integrated retailer in apparel industry, linking customer demand to manufacturing, and linking manufacturing to distribution and to retailing business. It aims at responding to market demands in a quick manner since they are always changing. It can be broken down into three components that include concept, value drivers and capabilities. Its fundamental concept is to maintain design, production, and distribution processes that help it to respond to shifts in consumer demands in a quick manner. Similarly, this company has necessary resources or capabilities to exploit any opportunity that arise. It has tight control over its production processes while at the same time keeping manufacturing and design in-house or sometimes with some strategic partnerships that are located near its headquarters. In addition, it as strategic agreements with various local manufactures; this ensures timely service and delivery. Zara maintains the expansi on and flexibility required to design and produce more than twelve new items each year, thanks to the strategic partnerships and benefits brought forward by the proximity of operational and manufacturing processes (Slack, 2012, p.12). This capability help Zara achieve its expansion strategies as well as its expedited response to consumer demand. Value drivers ensure huge returns of benefits to all stakeholders. Zara has outstanding financial performance, which is a clear indication of its success. For instance, it tripled its corporate profit between 1996 and 2000. Likewise, the company has high level of brad recognition and customer loyalty; hence, increasing the number of customer that buys its products in an enormous manner (Mihm, 2010, p.15). This has further boosted its expansion strategy in most parts of the world. Operational strategies Speed It quickly responds to the demands of its target customers, who are mostly the young city dwellers who are always conscious of fashion. According to Cunningham & Harney (2012, p.67), this strategy helps Zara to time fashion trends and strike whenever a trend is hot; hence, it is never stuck with inventory when it dies off. Its ability to market in product is far is better than that of its competitors; hence, it is able to expand to other locations at a high rate. Its speed provides additional value to customers, stores, and stakeholders in the process of producing affordable fashions at affordable prices (Cunningham et al., 2012, p.89). Decentralized decision making and product development Zara is centralized by a group of commercials that are chiefly

Impact of Technology on Society Paper Research Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words - 1

Impact of Technology on Society - Research Paper Example In the process of the advancement of technology, the equipments and the methodology became simpler and more user friendly. For instance, the fixed landline equipments which were heavy were replaced with wireless and mobile phones which are light and portable. The environmental, social, economic and political implications of telephone as a technology on the society have been large. This essay aims to analyze the impact of telephone on the society with reference to the environment, economics, and politics of the society. 1.1. The Background After the invention of telephone in 1876, by early 1900, telephone signals were successfully sent between close by cities (NAE, 2013). The invention of vacuum diode by Sir John Ambrose Fleming was a turning point in the history of telephony. A major milestone in the technology was the first transcontinental call which was made in the year 1915 (NAE, 2013).Though there were portable versions of phones which were used in vehicles right from 1940s, it was in the year 1973 that the first fully portable version phone was made by Martin Cooper for the Motorola Company (NAE, 2013). Later in mid 1990s, following other innovations in the technology, Voice over Internet Protocol, which made voice call using internet was invented. This, along with other innovations changed the whole user perspective towards telephones. Today, mobile phones have become hubs for a wide range of activities and transactions. Through these innovations the technology of telephony has largely influenced the society. 2. Society before telephones Before the telephones were invented one of the first medium through which the society was connected across long distances was through letters. Letters of course took long days to reach the destination and also involved complex administrative procedures. There has to be regularly operating establishments at both the receiver and the sender ends to make sure that the letter reaches the right destination. As it took time th e major disadvantage was that the communication could not keep up with time. For instance, an elaborate communication which is urgent in nature could not be done through letters as there is the possibility that the relevance of the information contained in the letter could go outdated within the time that the letter takes to reach the destination. However, letters were known for its emotional value. Fictional literatures have elaborately dealt with the psychological content associated with letters. In fact letters were known for its expressive nature. There were other means of faster communication in the pre telephone era. Telegrams and technologies like Morse codes were utilized to facilitate faster communication. The whole concept of privacy and personal space was challenged after the penetration of mobile phones into the society. Before individuals had their own portable phones, they all enjoyed a personal space which they themselves could decide. With their mobile phones switche d on, the users share a public space more than their personal space. The mobile version of the telephone technology has changed the politics, economics and social structure of the society to a large extend. Before mobile telephony, there were no tall receiver towers radiating harmful radiations into the

401k pension Plan Research Proposal Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

401k pension Plan - Research Proposal Example It is a retirement savings plan and its only funds are through the employee’s contributions which are done at the agreed time period and also may involve some contributions from the employer. The advantage with this pension plan is that the contributions which are made to it are from the pre-tax salary hence meaning that they are portable. Over the past decades, it has had a lot of importance in most of the employees working in the private sectors in US. It is due to the increased demand by most of the employees working in the private sectors that it has served as the most popular defined contribution plan which having the largest number of participants and assets. For example, research tells us that by the year 2006, around 50 million people that is the American workers participated fully at the 401K action plan and by the end of the same years, it was also found that the number of invested assets also grew hence representing 15% of all the retirement assets in US hence this in terms of US dollars can be around $2.7 trillion in assets only. The 401K has its rules and regulations are these rules are constructed by the US tax code hence this pension plan takes its name from the Internal Revenue Code of the year 1978 that created them. So you will find that the activities of the pension plan can be regulated by the employee benefits security administration in US department of labor. (Ben, 2005). At 401(K) investment plan, you find that there are a number of investing options whereby the participants in this case can fall in the category of their choice. You find that these investments options are grouped in to eight categories. One of the investment options is the equity funds whereby under this investment, it only involves a pooled investments inform of stocks only and an example of such investments may include stock like life insurance, some

International business short essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

International business short - Essay Example Regional integration further helps countries to benefit from absolute advantage on goods that they are able to produce at lower costs as compared to their neighboring countries. There are different theories that characterize regional integration which include removal of tariff barriers on trade. Through the removal of tariff barriers, companies are able to reduce the costs connected to marketing (Drexl, 2012, p.17). Another approach is adoption of external export policy that is common and this ensures that the integration does not discriminate on third parties conducting business with the member countries. Mobility is also enhanced through regional integration where movement of goods across borders is easy and fast (Drexl, 2012, p.21). Harmonization of policies related to economy further ensures that member countries have a common currency of conducting trade. Examples of regional integration include COMESA, ASEAN, Free Trade Area of Americans and African Economic Community (Sergi & Adekola, 2007, p.45). The different regional blocs prospective are to create a common market and boost their bargaining power in the international market. In summary, regional i ntegration enables member countries to expand their market and reduce costs related to exports due to reduced trade barriers. Culture is defined as the set of norms, beliefs, attitudes and values within a specific group of people (Deari, et al., 2008, p.18). Culture could be based on different aspects which include language, religion, race, ethnicity, income level and age. Culture is important in international business in that it influences how easy international businesses penetrate new market in foreign country. Culture is varying and changes from one region to the other and thus understanding these changes is important for international business managers (Ferraro, 2002,

A Look at Iraqi Women Essay Example for Free

A Look at Iraqi Women Essay The country of Iraq has been the venue of much turmoil and unrest. A war that began in 1980 between Iran and Iraq, which was supposed to be quick and speedy, lasted longer than expected and as a result, more males were needed for the army. More draftees meant higher mortality rates, greater costs for the military arm of the government, higher need for recruits. (Efrati, 28) All the same, the prolonged duration of the war brought about a crisis in Iraq’s economy. Factories and various companies found themselves suddenly lacking in workers as the majority of Iraq’s men were drafted to fight in the army. Women, however, being left in the country, were many and were a clear source for human resources. This led to the encouragement, by the government, of having women in Iraq take on new roles and parts to play both economically and politically. (Efrati, 28) The government came up with numerous ways to include Iraqi women in the production process of society. Economy, which was once a man’s field in Iraq, broadened to include the now strong force of women all over the country. However, this was a period of stress and turmoil. War was raging and everywhere individuals were taking on roles they never used to have. Would this change remain upon the conclusion of the war? What would these newly inducted Iraqi women have to look forward to when war between Iraq and Iran would finally come to an end? In truth, in post-war situations, women are often at the receiving end of a social backlash. When the troops come back home, roles are reestablished. The women, who were taken out of their well-carved places in society to replace the men during the war, are made to go back to the traditional gender roles they once had prior to the war. It is almost as if war has ended for the country, between Iraq and Iran, but not for its citizens as the men and women struggle to reestablish former roles. (Al-ali, 742) In present day Iraq, there is evidence of the violence and anarchy that occurs during post-war situations. Women are at the receiving end of a constant chain of abuse and aggression to a degree that is greater than even that which existed during the period of war or during the period of intervention by the military. The women are subjected to lawlessness, lack of security, abductions, sexual abuse and harassment, chaos, and even the extreme events of rape. (Al-ali, 742; Ziad, 16) These occurences may be due to the fact that the males of the society, who were once an integral part of the household of these women, are intimidated by the fact that their roles were so easily replaced and taken over. The intimidation felt by the males may have led to a lashing out at the females who, in fact, did nothing more than that which was needed and asked of them by the country during the time of war. Also, the violence and physical nature of the work they conducted for the military has carried over to bring violence even into their own homes after the war. (Al-ali, 742) This paper tries to understand and enumerate the different roles that Iraqi women play both during and after a period of war. These will be categorized into three types of roles: social, economic and political. The political role will involve any roles they have had in relation to the government and its dealings. The economic role will involve any roles Iraqi women have had to play in relation to business and finance. And the social roles will involve all other uncovered role that these women have had to play in a society that has been predominantly ruled through male hegemony. Political Role of Iraqi Women Before the rule of the infamous Saddam Hussein in Iraq, Iraqi women were known to have participated politically and some were even noted to have been activists. However, autonomous political participation of these women was cut short at the onset of the 1970s. At this time, they were encouraged to join the Baath party and to try to earn positions in the government by running for the rubber-stamp parliament. The results of these elections showed how greatly marginalized women were in the Iraqi society. In the first Baathist parliamentary elections held in 1980, only 16 women won a seat in a 250-seat Council. The results of the 1985 Baathist parliamentary elections were not all that different when 33 women candidates won seats in the Council. (Al-ali, 754) In 2003, only a scrawny 8% of the parliamentary Council were females, showing the continued decline of women participation in the political arena of Iraq. This was despite the fact that an organization called the General Federation of Iraqi Women served as the political vehicle of women in Iraq. Over 1 million Iraqi women were members of this federation and yet the political representation of women in the government of Iraq remains negligible and even questionable. (Al-ali, 754) However, Iraqi Kurdistan which gained semi-autonomy was able to become a venue wherein Iraqi women could establish civil society organizations and associations. These women soon became steeped in party politics. Although of the 20 ministers of the Kurdistan Regional government, only two were female ministers, females in Kurdistan began to be able to avail of employment in the civil service. Although political activity of women in Iraqi Kurdistan was growing and they were gaining important political roles as members of the government, their political pariticaption was often opposed and blocked off by the other male politicians. Harassment of female activists denouncing killings were often reported. Also, projects of certain women-led organizations aiming to foster a more positive social situation, especially for the female citizens, were most often met by opposition from male politicians and in most cases were shut down and discontinued due to the strength of the opposition. (Al-ali, 754) Although females were beginning to voice out and claim new positions as active movers in the political arena, their actions were unappreciated and even reviled by their male counterparts. The political roles that females played were roles that they had to fight for. These were not freely given by the society they lived in. Although during the war women were held in high esteem for the important contributions they could make to the war-torn Iraq, their roles were once again brought down to those they traditionally had once war was concluded. (Al-ali, 756-757) After the war, women were seen to be pushed further back into the background of Iraqi society. Their political roles were greater and more influential prior to the war and continued to decrease significantly as war ravaged the country and even after the war was finished. Iraqi women, although aspiring and fighting for equal political representation, are greatly marginalized in the society they so bitterly fought hard to keep alive during the period of war. (Al-ali, 756) Political research has shown, however, that greater progress can be achieved by the war-torn Iraq if women are allowed to take a more active political role. Studies of post-war countries such as Northern Ireland, Bosniz Herzegovina, Cyprus and Israel have shown that including female perspective will hasten the reconstruction progress. Women are an essential aspect of the political arena of a country and the Iraqi government has to realize this if they wish to speed up the rebuilding of their society after the war. (Al-ali, 756-757) Economic Role of Iraqi Women The onset of the Iran-Iraq war proved to be damaging to the economy of both countries. As the male citizens of both countries continued to be drafted for the drawn out war, females were the main source of labor and skill for the ongoing economic processes. During the war, females were taken out of their traditional role of reproduction to more challenging economic roles of production.

Racial Or Nationality Subcultures

Racial Or Nationality Subcultures In any society there are not only cultures, but also a variety of subculture and countercultures that develop within society. Subcultures and countercultures are formed by generalizations, occupation, class, lifestyle, likes, dislikes, etc. [1] Basically subculture is a group of people that belong to larger culture but differentiate from that. In early 1950s, there has been a distinction between an accepted majority style and a subculture as an active minority style. Dick Hebdige criticize that a subculture is subversion to normality. Subcultures have a nature of criticism and can be perceived as negative. Subcultures get together those individuals who feel neglected and allow them to develop a sense of identity. [2] A sociological term used to describe the values and norms of behavior of a cultural group is term as counterculture .In counterculture a group whose behavior deviates from the societal norm. Although distinct countercultural undercurrents have existed in many societies, here the term refers to a more significant, visible phenomenon that reaches critical mass and persists for a period of time. It is important to distinguish between counterculture, and subculture. [3] Subculture A subculture is a group of individuals that do share some qualities that the majority of society share, but the group has its own values, beliefs, norms, behavior, etc. Subcultures tend to be created when society endures problems or enjoys common privileges. Most individuals within a subculture have common interests and beliefs. Types of subculture   Following are the major types of subculture. Organizational Culture A type of subculture that allows members to have solidarity, community, and social relationships that influence individual behavior. It is the way an organization deals with the environment.   Counterculture It is a type of subculture that completely disregards societys norms and values and creates new ones. They tend to develop when people will not conform to the mainstream.   They have their own beliefs, problems with cultural integration, and have their own material culture. [1] Racial or nationality subcultures These subcultures tend to vary in their values, ambition and beliefs which get reflected in their consumption priorities, spend save patterns, purchase behavior, use of credit, social traditions and customs etc.Nowadays multiracial societies like America comprised of citizens who come from different nationalities or belong to different races. Religious subcultures: Most societies of the world today consist of people subscribing to different religions, which may differ in their beliefs, values and customs. The religious subgroups may follow different custom, have important rites of passage (like birth, marriage and death) performed in different ways and have different festivals. [4] Counter culture vs. Sub culture Counterculture can be defined as a group whose behavior deviates from the societal norm. It is different to the mainstream culture in their politics, norms, social beliefs, and way of dress and social structures. (or) A counter culture is one that reacts against the prevailing culture in place. Example: Throughout the last century examples of counterculture might be the suffragettes, the green movement, polygamists and feminists, punk movement and the infamous hippie counterculture movement of the 1960s, are formed and exist to oppose the dominant culture. All of these counter cultures have specific beliefs and values that cause social change. Counter cultures are large movements that cause social change. Counter cultures are against mainstream culture.[5] Members of a counterculture come together around their desire to reject movements within the larger, dominant culture. While members have this opposition in common, they may not share religious or political affiliations, similar socioeconomic situations, or values. Countercultures can be both negative and positive. They can also become larger when more people are involved and assimilate into the mainstream just as subcultures in general have this potential.[6] Biker Gangs, drug users, career criminals, prisoners, and terrorists have in common that they all have negative perceptions from society and are countercultures. [7] Subculture A sub culture can have its own beliefs, norms and values, but they are generally able to exist within mainstream culture. Their beliefs or manner of being may be different enough to make them stand out, but they are not at odds with society. Subculture is a culture shared and actively participated in by a minority of people within a broader culture. Examples: sub cultures might be Goths, emos, surfies, homies etc. Jews and Tea Party members are both examples of subcultures in the U.S. While the Jewish subculture is based around shared religious values, the Tea Party movement was primarily founded around dissatisfaction with the political status. Sub cultures tend to also share common interests and experience. Sub cultures can exist within mainstream culture.[5] Sub cultures are united by common aesthetics, interests and experience. Subcultures are distinctive segments of the larger culture of a region or society that are marked by shared interests in music or cultural phenomena, membership in a specific ethnic or religious group, or shared socioeconomic status. While some subcultures exist in contradistinction to the societys dominant culture, others exist harmoniously within it. Subcultures incorporate large parts of the broader cultures of which they are part, but in specifics they may differ radically. Subcultures bring together like-minded individuals who feel neglected by societal standards and allow them to develop a sense of identity. Subcultures can be distinctive because of the age, ethnicity, class, location, and/or gender of the members. [6] The qualities that determine a subculture as distinct may be linguistic, aesthetic, religious, political, sexual, geographical or a combination of factors. They certainly play an important role in any individual life and help to explain how each person develops a frame of reference. [7] Everybody has their own perceptions on society, values, and life in general. Values, attitudes, gestures, and sanctions tend to stem from the dominant culture in ones life. Throughout the dominant culture that a person spends his or her time in learning and changing through different experiences many subcultures have developed. Subcultures allow people, who share similar interests to assimilate, socialize, gives them a sense of belonging and fellowship among peers. [8] Similarities Countercultures and subcultures both identify themselves in juxtaposition to the dominant culture of a society. Members usually dress and behave in different ways than average citizens of a society and are usually identifiable by their different appearances. Differences Culture is made up of an amalgamation of subcultures. So, a single subculture is a small segment of the larger culture, which is usually defined by shared socioeconomic status or a common cultural interest. A counterculture, on the other hand, is defined by their opposition to the dominant culture. A member of a counterculture may oppose the prevailing cultures values. Or, it could just oppose certain segments of the culture, or certain subcultures. A subculture is differs slightly from the dominant culture in a society, while a counterculture opposes the culture or subculture itself.[6] Literature review Dick Hebdige argued that a subculture is subversion to normality. Subcultures tend to be perceived as negative and have a nature of criticism. [9] According to Hebdige, subcultures are actually an alternative and reconfiguration of the dominant cultures. As his all very brief references to black and West Indian cultures suggest that he considers these cultures to be transplanted dominant cultures within British society. This misrepresentation raises the question of whether ethnic groups or minorities fit into Hebdiges notion of what constitutes either a parent culture or subculture. [10] According to Wolfgang Ferracuti, subculture is a normative system of some group or groups smaller than the whole society .This implies that there are value judgments or a social value system which is apart from and a part of a central value system. But a subculture is only partly different from the larger culture, and cannot be totally different from the culture of which it is a part; otherwise it is what Wolfgang called contra culture. This implies that the subculture has some major values in common with the dominant parent culture. The transmission of sub cultural values involves a learning process that establishes a dynamic lasting linkage between the values and the individuals .But also important to Wolfgangs subculture of violence theory is the notion that people may be born into a subculture. They argue that the black subculture actually values violence and that it is an integral component of the subculture which experiences high rates of homicide. Just as the dominant society punishes those who deviate from its norms, deviance by the comparatively non-violent individual from the norms of the violent subculture is likewise punished, either by being ostracized, or treated with disdain or indifference. Also, the more a person is integrated into this subculture, the more intensely he embraces its prescriptions of behavior, its conduct norms, and integrates them into his personality. The subculture of violence theory might be even more relevant today than it was when it was first published, especially with regard to juvenile crime. It seems to be a common fear that adolescents today are more violent and lacking in empathy than those of only a generation or two ago. Parker (1989) criticisms of the black subculture of violence model are many: First, the use of global indicators describing an entire class of people, southerners or blacks, assumes that these communities are homogeneous in values and lifestyle, an assumption that is clearly false for any group as large as these groups. Second, particularly in the case of blacks, it entails an implicit pejorative indictment of urban minority residents and communities, which is unfair and racist in nature. Finally this approach ignores the role of institutionalized racism itself in producing a link between violence and racial composition. Wolfgangs subculture of violence theory has had its share of critics. Erlanger (1974), Parker (1989), Shihadeh and Steffensmeier (1994), are just a few of the investigators who have failed to find the theory useful in explaining sub cultural violence. Other authors have found that the sub-culture of violence theory is a useful model, particularly when it is used along with other theories Benedict and Baron. Kennedy and Baron call for such an integrative approach, and assert that often, different theories may complement one another. Finally, still other researchers continue to rely upon the model. 11] Scholars differ in the characteristics and specificity they attribute to counterculture. Counterculture might oppose mass culture, or middle-class culture and values. Counterculture is sometimes conceptualized in terms of generational conflict and rejection of older or adult values. It typically involves criticism or rejection of currently powerful institutions, with accompanying hope for a better life or a new society. Countercultures tend to peak, and then go into decline, leaving a lasting impact on mainstream cultural values. Their life cycles include phases of rejection, growth, partial acceptance and absorption into the mainstream. According to Sheila Whiteley, recent developments in sociological theory complicate and problematize theories developed in the 1960s, with digital technology, for example, providing an impetus for new understandings of counterculture. Andy Bennett writes that despite the theoretical arguments that can be raised against the sociological value of counterculture as a meaningful term for categorizing social action, like subculture, the term lives on as a concept in social and cultural theory to become part of a received, mediated memory.[12] Conclusion The term counter-culture is not entirely an adequate way of describing all of the changes that took place for several reasons: some changes were a progression of events throughout the century, other changes were due to scientific discoveries which have always produced new ideas and ways of looking at the world, and many changes can be better described as movements or ideologies.[14] Subcultures allow people, who share similar interests to assimilate, socialize, gives them a sense of belonging and fellowship among peers. Sub cultural studies often involve participant-observation, and may variously emphasize sociological, anthropological, or semiotic analysis in order to address the organization and production of relational, material, and symbolic structures and systems. [15] Suggestion Healthy sub-cultures share leaderships conceptualizations of how tasks should be accomplished; how employees can advance and take on greater responsibility; how employees interact with each other; the ways in which change is accepted and accomplished; and how new knowledge is acquired and perpetuated. Distinct, healthy sub-cultures are organizationally aligned in their understanding of how they must perform to produce successful and acceptable results and outcomes. Leaders actively seeking to influence their organizations culture must consider sub-cultures. The major point here is to make sure that you are integrating and linking your sub-cultures into the broader, intended cultural objectives. Accept and foster productive sub-cultures while consistently communicating how employees must perform in order for the organization to be successful.[13]

Spanking is Positive Essay -- Children Obedience Discipline Essays

Spanking is Positive Have you ever been spanked, when you were a child? Do you remember how it felt? Did it have an effect on your attitude as you grew older? Now, when you look back at it, do you think it was a good thing? I have interviewed three random college students that have been spanked when they were a child. Even though spanking may be an example of physical abuse, I believe it is positive and not as serious as hitting with a fist or object. The following gives examples of how students felt during the time being spanked, how their behavior was after being spanked, and how being spanked affected his/her life. At the time of being spanked NAU student Lindsey Richardson said, â€Å"being spanked was an embarrassment for me at the time, mainly because my parents would spank me in public, so I could feel embarrassed to show how embarrassed they felt when I put on a tantrum.† For Lindsey, being spanked was to embarrass her, not to feel pain for what she has done, but to feel how her parents did when they would get embarrassed. As for Megan Marlatt, also a NAU student said, â€Å"at the time of being spanked it was pain, it was for punishment and feeling of regret for doing what I did†. When Megan was being spanked her parents had to show her how it would feel if she misbehaved the next time. While doing these interviews I have also done research to why parents would chose to spank their child. And according to Abraham Andero and Allen Stewart who conducted a survey in the fall and summer of 2001, of 500 parents on why they spank their child, 100% of the parents responded with, â€Å"for disobedience.† Therefore, Andero and Stewart said, â€Å"parents saw corporal punishment as a connective measure and ha... ...ng about people’s stories of when they were spanked, do you think you can remember how you felt when you were spanked and how it affects you now. In the way you represent yourself as a person and represent your family as well. As a result, we students never knew spanking was an example of physical abuse, until we grew older. Back then, spanking was a sign of punishment not abuse. Now, that these students and myself know, we still believe it was a good idea and a good way to discipline us. This worked affectively for the parents and made their child learn to obey their elderly and have respect for others. â€Å"So what would you do? Would you have a child disobey you as young as they are? Or have a child respect you and know what you’re doing is out of discipline and love for the child, in trying to raise that child in knowing what is appropriate and what’s not. Spanking is Positive Essay -- Children Obedience Discipline Essays Spanking is Positive Have you ever been spanked, when you were a child? Do you remember how it felt? Did it have an effect on your attitude as you grew older? Now, when you look back at it, do you think it was a good thing? I have interviewed three random college students that have been spanked when they were a child. Even though spanking may be an example of physical abuse, I believe it is positive and not as serious as hitting with a fist or object. The following gives examples of how students felt during the time being spanked, how their behavior was after being spanked, and how being spanked affected his/her life. At the time of being spanked NAU student Lindsey Richardson said, â€Å"being spanked was an embarrassment for me at the time, mainly because my parents would spank me in public, so I could feel embarrassed to show how embarrassed they felt when I put on a tantrum.† For Lindsey, being spanked was to embarrass her, not to feel pain for what she has done, but to feel how her parents did when they would get embarrassed. As for Megan Marlatt, also a NAU student said, â€Å"at the time of being spanked it was pain, it was for punishment and feeling of regret for doing what I did†. When Megan was being spanked her parents had to show her how it would feel if she misbehaved the next time. While doing these interviews I have also done research to why parents would chose to spank their child. And according to Abraham Andero and Allen Stewart who conducted a survey in the fall and summer of 2001, of 500 parents on why they spank their child, 100% of the parents responded with, â€Å"for disobedience.† Therefore, Andero and Stewart said, â€Å"parents saw corporal punishment as a connective measure and ha... ...ng about people’s stories of when they were spanked, do you think you can remember how you felt when you were spanked and how it affects you now. In the way you represent yourself as a person and represent your family as well. As a result, we students never knew spanking was an example of physical abuse, until we grew older. Back then, spanking was a sign of punishment not abuse. Now, that these students and myself know, we still believe it was a good idea and a good way to discipline us. This worked affectively for the parents and made their child learn to obey their elderly and have respect for others. â€Å"So what would you do? Would you have a child disobey you as young as they are? Or have a child respect you and know what you’re doing is out of discipline and love for the child, in trying to raise that child in knowing what is appropriate and what’s not.

Of Mice And Men :: essays research papers

Of Mice and Men, was a disturbing tale of friendship, and animosity and immoral nature of the human race. Along the Salinas River and underneath the Gablian Mountains of California during the Great Depression of the 1930’s this novel takes place. A famous writer by the name of John Steinbeck, who was also born in California, is the author of this book. He has also has written many other good books such as The Grapes of Wrath, Cannery Row, and Winter of Our Discontent for which he won a Nobel Prize. He is truly a great writer, and Of Mice and Men is no exception, but while reading this book I was greatly troubled by its ending. I can see why it is an excellent novel, but at the same time it left me with a kind of unpleasant feeling in the back of my mind. I can’t see how an author could write a book with such a short and sudden ending. The last images he leaves the reader with is George and Slim walking off as Curly says â€Å" Now what in the hell is eating them?† thus the book ends on a harsh, cruel note, topped off by the lack of understanding and compassion of an extraordinarily immoral and cruel man. Whatever Steinbeck’s intent for writing such a jarring ending, he leaves the reader with a powerful sense of the world’s immorality. In this book there were several characters, but only a few had significant roles. I would have to say Lennie is the protagonist of the book even though George is an extremely critical character as well. Lennie Small is described as being a monstrous man with the mind of a child, a shapeless face, big pale eyes, sloping shoulders, and big feet that dragged a bit when he walked, much like a bear. George has taken Lennie under his wing and thus Lennie depends solely on George for everything. Ever since Lennie has been with George, he has told Lennie stories of a great place, with a cabin all to their selves, and rabbits for Lennie to care for. This leads me to his next obsession for feeling and caressing soft things such as fur, velvet, or human hair. This is eventually his downfall as when he kills Curley’s wife when he wants to feel her hair. Lennie is not an evil or devious man.

Biblical Symbolism In Rime of the Ancient Mariner :: Samuel Taylor Coleridge

  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Samuel Taylor Coleridge's poem "The Rime of the Ancient Mariner," written in 1797, has been widely discussed throughout literary history. Although critics have come up with many different interpretations of this poem, one idea that has remained prevalent throughout these discussions is the apparent religious symbolism present throughout this poem. "The Ancient Mariner" contains natural, gothic, and biblical symbolism; however, the religious and natural symbolism, which coincide with one another, play the most important roles in this poem (Piper 43). It is apocalyptic and natural symbolism that dominates the core of this poem (43). The biblical symbolism found in this poem mainly reflects the apocalypse, as it deals with the Mariner's revelation that good will triumph over evil, and his acceptance of all nature as God's creation. It is impossible to believe that Coleridge was not thinking of the mysterious wind that blows on the Mariner, without any awareness of the wind as a Biblical symbol of the Holy Spirit. Coleridge could also not associate the murder of the albatross with the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. The reader is told that the Polar Spirit "loved the bird that loved the man who shot him with his bow." It is doubtful that someone with Coleridge's Christian background and faith could fail to see here an analogy with God who loved his son who loved the men that killed him. Another example of symbolism is the fact that the albatross is hung around the Mariner's neck like a crucifix. Event the "cross" in "cross-bow" hints at the murder of Jesus, which logically paces the albatross as a symbol for Christ. It is thought that Coleridge deliberately created these symbols and images with Christian meaning in mind. The apocalypse is heavily reflected upon throughout this poem as Coleridge combined the vivid colors, the ocean, and the death fires of "The Ancient Mariner" with the terror and desolation of the days of wrath in the apocalypse. The section of the poem after the Mariner kills the Albatross is a description of the emptiness and desolation that the Mariners experience, and the curse that is over the ship. This section of the poem has tremendous correspondence to the apocalyptic story. The language and form in this part of the poem represent the images and words, which have traditionally described the wrath of God and the guilt of man in Christian term s. Its is at this point in the poem that the Mariner feels guilty for having killed the Albatross and for the deaths of his shipmates.

Charles Dickens’ “A Tale of Two Cities” Essay

Charles Dickens’ novel, A Tale of Two Cites, is a very rich text. The characters, plot, and writing style are all complex and multifaceted. However, one of the least studied and important part of this novel is the chapter titles and even the proposed novel titles. These titles reveal and expose more about the text, like symbolism and irony that would have otherwise been missed. Dickens’ chapter and proposed novel titles are instrumental in revealing symbolism and irony in the book. Dickens’ chapter titles reveal underlying symbolism in the novel. One of most symbolic of all the chapter titles is that of Book II, chapter five: â€Å"The Jackal.† The â€Å"jackal† is the nickname given to Sydney Carton, and it holds a great symbolic meaning. The jackal is a loner, a scavenger, a low-life in the hierarchy. Yet, the jackal is an incredibly adept at what it does; it is an excellent scavenger and hunter. Carton fits the chapter title perfectly. When we first see Carton, he is in the courtroom staring idly at the ceiling. He is unattached, just as he is later unattached from the Revolution and the rift between the Manettes and the Defarges, his manner in court is said to be â€Å"so careless as to be almost insolent.† Carton is continually a man set apart, just like the lonesome jackal. Carton, it must be noted, is one of the only main characters to not have a connection with the Revolution in some way. The ‘jackal’ and chapter title are a direct double of the ‘lion’, or Mr. Stryver. Stryver, though he lacks â€Å"that faculty of extracting the essence from a heap of statements†, is a highly successful man. Dickens notes that â€Å"easy and strong custom† is what prevents the â€Å"thought of emerging from the state of the lion’s jackal.† A second chapter title that exhibits symbolism is that of Book II, chapter fifteen: â€Å"Knitting.† In a literal sense, Madam Defarge knits a registry of those  marked to be killed in the revolution. When one of the Jacques questions the registry of stitches, M. Defarge assures him that â€Å"it will always be as plain to her as the sun.† At this point in the novel, it is clear that Madame Defarge possesses an anger and fury that knows no boundary. The knitting symbolizes the Defarge’s and the entirety of the Revolution’s hatred of aristocracy. Dickens tells the reader that the â€Å"fingers of the knitting women were vicious.† Additionally, we are also told that â€Å"if the bony fingers had been still, the stomachs would have more famine-pinched.† Thus, Dickens turns a casual and seemingly harmless pastime into a sinister and menacing symbol of hatred. Dickens turns this chapter title into a recurring symbol in Book III, chapter fourteen: â€Å"The Knitting Done,† in which Darnay is waiting to die, and Madame Defarge herself is killed by Mrs. Pross, bringing an end to her knitting. A third and final symbolic chapter title is that of Book III, chapter three: â€Å"The Shadow.† The symbol presented by this chapter title is somewhat similar to the ‘knitting’ symbol. However, while ‘knitting’ represent the hatred of French aristocracy, the ‘shadow’ represents the power that Madame Defarge and the revolution wield. When, Madame Defarge visits Lucie, the shadow she casts upon her and her child is said to be â€Å"so threatening and dark† that Lucie â€Å"instinctively kneeled on the ground beside her, and held her to her breast.† For Dickens, the shadow is the fierceness and the inescapable momentum that the revolution has. Hence, Madame Defarge, in the same chapter, mocks Lucie by asking if â€Å"the trouble of one wife and mother would be much to us now?† Dickens’ chapter titles exude symbolism. Dickens’ chapter titles are also very ironic. In Book II, chapter four: â€Å"Congratulatory,† Darnay has just won his treason case. Doctor Manatte, Lucie, Lorry, and Stryver all congratulate Darnay on the successful trial. After the group disperses, Carton invites Darnay, his look-alike, for a drink at the bar. At the bar, Carton asks Darnay if Darnay thinks that Carton likes him. When Darnay is unsure, Carton tells him: â€Å"I don’t think I do.† It is ironic that the title of the chapter is â€Å"Congratulatory†, yet Carton spends a large part of the chapter expelling the reasons why he doesn’t like Darnay, revealing Dicken’s ironic humor. In Book II, chapter twelve: â€Å"The Fellow of No Delicacy,† Stryver tries to win Lucie’s hand in  marriage. This chapter is ironic because Stryver has no delicacy at all, contrary to what the chapter title might have you thinking. The chapter reveals that Stryver is arrogant and dimwitted. Stryver decides to marry to place a â€Å"magnanimous bestowal of good fortune† upon Lucie, revealing his arrogant ways. Later, Stryver, speaking to Lorry, says â€Å"the young lady at present in question is a mincing fool,† insulting Lucie. Simply put, Stryver has no delicacy at all, illuminating Dickens’ tongue in cheek humor. A third and final chapter title that exhibits irony is the Book II, chapter 14: â€Å"The Honest Tradesman.† This chapter centers on Jerry Cruncher and his activities as a self-labeled â€Å"Resurrection Man.† Obviously, the irony is between the â€Å"honest tradesman† and Jerry’s midnight excursions in which he digs up buried bodies. Dickens’ chapter titles disclose a very ironic and satirical humor. While Dickens’ chapter titles are very appealing to examine, his proposed titles for the novel are very interesting to study, as well. One such title was â€Å"Buried Alive.† This proposed title definitely carries symbolic value. Buried alive, or solitary confinement, is certainly one of the major themes in the novel. Dr. Manett spends eighteen years in solitary confinement, and Darnay spends four years imprisoned in the Bastille, too. Dickens gives a frightening account of being buried alive. As the Defarges enter the Bastille, the tumult comes to them â€Å"in a dull, subdued way,† the sky could only â€Å"by stooping low and looking up.† Perhaps Dickens’ near obsession with imprisonment could be due to the child labor he faced as he grew up, working in various factories to try to repay his father’s debt. A second proposed title was â€Å"Memory Carton.† Memory plays a fascinating and symbolic role in this novel. When Dr. Manette learns Darnay’s true name, the memory sends him into shock once again. Reflecting on his nine-day, shoemaking fit: the doctor says, â€Å"Remembrance that was the first cause of the malady. Some intense associations of a most distressing nature were vividly recalled, I think.† Later on in the novel, memory plays a big role in Carton. The memory of his love for Lucie, his promise to â€Å"give my life to keep a life you love beside you,† causes him to make the ultimate sacrifice. Dickens’ proposed novel titles reveal are very symbolic. Dickens’ chapter titles and proposed novel titles reveal many underlying parts of the novel. Both symbolism and ironic humor are concealed within his clever and witty titles. Dickens’ tongue in cheek humor might have derived from all the hardships that he faced in life, from the child labor to the divorces and family issues. Either way, he is a fascinating author, and A Tale of Two Cities is a great piece of literature. Works Consulted: Dickens, Charles. A Tale of Two Cities. Edited and with an introduction and notes by Richard Maxwell. London: Penguin Classics (2003) ISBN 978-0-141-43960-0 Orwell, George. â€Å"Charles Dickens†. In A Collection of Essays. New York: Harcourt Brace Jovanovich (1946) ISBN 0-15-618600-4

Management Accounting – Setting Prices

cco Management Accounting Tutorial 5 15-3. List and briefly describe 4 major influences on pricing decisions Customer Demand: the demands of customers are of paramount importance in all phases of business operations, from the design of a product to the setting of its price. Product-design issues and pricing considerations are interrelated, so they must be examined simultaneously. For example, for a higher quality product; you need higher quality materials which will affect a higher cost and needs more time and this will lead to a higher pricing on a product.Also, a manager must not price its product out of the market price range. Actions of Competitors: companies must keep an eye on its competitors. If its competitor reduces its pricing on a product, they might have to follow suit to avoid losing its market share. However, one must not follow the actions of its competitors’ blindly as a company has to predict competitive reactions to its product-design and pricing strategy. Th e company must also be careful to properly define its product, such that if they increase the price of the product; will the consumers continue purchasing the product?Costs: some prices are determined almost entirely by market forces. Industries such as agriculture; where most products are market-driven. To make a profit, farmers must produce at a cost below the market price. This is very risky as it is not always possible to produce at a price lower than the market price and this will inevitably lead to losses for the farmers. In other industries, prices are set by adding a markup to production costs so managers do have some latitude in determining the markup. Therefore, both market forces and cost considerations heavily influence prices.No organization or industry can price its products below their production costs indefinitely. And no company’s management can set prices blindly at a cost plus a markup without keeping an eye on the market. Political, Legal and image-related issues: managers must adhere to certain laws. The law generally prohibits companies from discriminating among their customers in setting prices. It is also forbidden in collusion in price setting between major firms. Political considerations also can be relevant.For example, if the firms in an industry are perceived by the public as reaping unfairly large profits, there may be political pressure on legislators to tax those profits differentially or to intervene in some way to regulate prices Companies also consider their public image in the price-setting process. A firm with a reputation for very high quality products may set the price of a new product high to be consistent with its image. 15-11. Write the general formula for cost-plus pricing, and briefly explain its use. Price = Cost + (Markup % * Cost) 15-12. List the 4 common cost bases used in cost-plus pricing.How can they all result in the same price? – Variable manufacturing cost + (Markup % * Variable manufacturing cost) – Absorption manufacturing cost + (Markup % * Absorption manufacturing cost) – Total cost + (Markup % * Total cost) – Total variable cost + (Markup % * Total variable cost) Several different definitions of cost, each combined with a different markup percentage can result in the same price for a product or service. 15-13. List 4 reasons often cited for the widespread use of absorption cost as the cost base in cost-plus pricing formulas. – In the long run, the price must over all costs and a normal profit margin.Basing the cost-plus formula on only variable costs could encourage managers to set too low a price in order to boost sales. This will not happen if managers understand that a variable cost-plus pricing formula requires a higher markup to cover fixed costs and profit. Nevertheless, many managers argue that people tend to view the costs base in a cost-plus pricing formula as the floor for setting prices. If prices are set too close to variable manufacturing cost, the firm will fail to cover its fixed costs. Ultimately, such a practice could result in the failure of the business. Absorption-cost or total-cost pricing formulas provide a justifiable price that tends to be perceived as equitable by all parties. Consumers generally understand that a company must make a profit on its product or service in order to remain in business. Justifying a price as the total cost of production, sales, and administrative activities, plus a reasonable profit margin, seems reasonable to buyers. – When a company’s competitors have similar operations and cost structure, cost-plus pricing based on full costs gives management an idea of how competitors may set prices Absorption-cost information is provided by a firm’s cost accounting system, because it is required for external financial reporting under generally accepted accounting principles. Since absorption-cost information already exists, it is cost-effective to use it for pricing. The alternative would involve preparing special product-cost data specifically for the pricing decision. In a firm with hundreds of products, such data could be expensive to product. 15-14. What is the primary disadvantage of basing the cost-plus pricing formula on absorption cost? The primary disadvantage of absorption-cost or total-cost pricing formulas is hat they obscure the cost behavior pattern of the firm. Since absorption-cost and total-cost data include allocated fixed costs, it is not clear from these data how the firm’s total costs will change as volume changes. Another way of stating this criticism is that absorption-cost data are not consistent with cost-volume-profit analysis. CVP analysis emphasizes the distinction between fixed and variable costs. This approach enables managers to predict the effects of changes in prices and sales volume on profit. Absorption-cost and total-cost information obscures the distinction between variable and fixed costs . 5-15. List 3 advantages of pricing based on variable cost – Variable-cost data do obscure the cost behavior pattern by unitizing fixed costs and making them appear variable. Thus, variable-cost information is more consistent with cost-volume profit analysis often used by managers to see the profit implications of changes in price and volume – Variable-cost data do not require allocation of common fixed costs to individual product lines. – Variable-cost data are exactly the type of information managers need when facing certain decisions, such as whether to accept a special order.This decision often requires an analysis that separates fixed and variable costs 15-16. Explain the behavioral problem that can result when cost-plus prices are based on variable cost. If the managers perceive the variable cost of a product or service as the floor for the price, they may tend to set the price too low for the firm to cover its fixed costs. Therefore, if variable-cost dat a are used as the basis for cost-plus pricing, managers must understand the need for higher markups to ensure that all costs are covered. 15-17. Briefly explain the concept of return-on-investment pricingA common approach to determine the profit margin in cost-plus pricing is to base profit on the firm’s target return on investment 15-18. Explain the phrase price-led costing. Target costing sets the target cost by first determining the price at which a product can be sold in the marketplace. Subtracting the target profit margin from this target price yields the target cost, that is, the cost at which the product must be manufactured. This simple, but strategically important, relationship can expressed in the following equation:Target cost = Target price – Target profit 15-19. Why is a focus on the customer such a key principle of target costing? To be successful at target costing, management must listen to the company’s customers. Management needs to aggressivel y seek customer feedback and then the products must be designed to satisfy customer demand and be sold at a price they are willing to pay. In short, the target costing approach is market driven. 15-25. Describe the following approaches to pricing new products: skimming pricing, penetration pricing and target costing.Skimming pricing; which the initial product price is set high, and short-term profits are reaped on the new product. The initial market will be small, due in part to the high initial price. This pricing approach often is used for unique products, where there are people who ‘must have it’ whatever the price. As the product gains acceptance and its appeal broadens, the price is lowered gradually. Eventually, the product is priced in range that appeals to several kinds of buyers. Penetration pricing; which the initial price is set relatively low. By setting a low price for a new product, the management hopes to penetrate a ew market deeply, quickly gaining a la rge market share. This pricing approach often is used for products that are of good quality, but do not stand out as vastly better than competing products. Target cost; where the company first uses market research to determine the price at which a new product can be sold. Given the likely sales price, management computes the cost for which the product must be manufactured in order to provide the firm with the cost for which the product must be manufactured in order to provide the firm with an acceptable profit margin.Finally, the engineers and cost analysts work together to design a product that can be manufactured for the allowable costs. This method is used widely by companies in the development stages of new products. It is projected long-run cost that will enable a firm to enter and remain in the market for the product and compete successfully with the firm’s competitors. 15-27. Briefly explain the potential negative consequences in pricing decisions from using a traditio nal, volume-based product-costing system. Use of a traditional, volume-based product-costing system may result in significant cost distortion among product lines.In many cases, high-volume and relatively simple products are overcosted while low-volume and complex products are undercosted. This results from the fact that high0volume and relatively simple products require proportionately less activity per unit for various manufacturing support activities than do low-volume and complex products, yet a traditional product-costing system, in which all overhead is assigned on the basis of a single unit-level activity like DL hours, it fails to capture the cost implications of product diversity.