Saturday, August 31, 2019

Vacant Chapter 7 Tradition

For the second time since she came into my life, Emily and I walk away from the Gale Street Shelter. After making the trip with her last year, which was her first Christmas without her mom, I know how important â€Å"giving back† really is especially where Emily is concerned. I can't help but glance over at her as we make the journey home. This girl – woman – has been part of my life for 487 days, give or take a few hours. As I look back now, I realize I'm keeping track because the day I met Emily was the day I began to live, a rebirth in the form of a brunette angel who's never asked for anything, yet I can't help giving her everything I can. The past year has been filled with much patience and restraint on my part. As I realize Emily is still a child in the eyes of the law, I struggle to keep my mind on a virtuous path. Sometimes I swear she's torturing me. This morning she decided to get a drink of orange juice after taking a shower but before getting dressed. She says she likes the taste of orange juice while the mint of the toothpaste lingers. I walked out of the bedroom, and there's Emily†¦ bending over†¦ reaching for juice†¦in a towel. And because I'm frugal, our towels are cheap and on the small side. I think she knows she's torturing me when she stands there, flexing her leg. I leave the house without my lunch or coat in haste to escape. I don't want to continue down this path with my thoughts. I've made a vow to myself that my relationship with Emily will remain chaste, but it doesn't mean I don't have to redirect my thoughts on a consistent basis. I'm only human. On my way to work I make a mental note to save some money so I can buy her a robe†¦ with full coverage. The temperature has dropped since our arrival at the shelter this morning, so we walk quickly. This is our Christmas tradition now. Emily asked that we visit last year as a way to remember her mother. Now, I see how lucky we truly are with what we have. There are so many who have nothing. Our home may lack many of the modern conveniences and technological advances of most, but we are healthy, bellies full, and we have a roof over our heads. Helping to serve dinner and visit with the shelter patrons is a way for Emily and me to pay it forward. We don't exchange expensive gifts. Instead, I always get her a new kitchen gadget from the Dollar Store, and she always bakes me butterscotch cookies. It's not much, but it's meaningful and the only thing that counts to us. As my arm swings with the rhythm of my feet, I brush Emily's fingers with my own. It's an innocent accident, though the sudden warmth in my chest is anything but. I'm not sure how much longer I'll be able to keep up this ruse, playing her brotherly protector. While Emily has never spoken about boys in her class or voiced interests of the romantic sort, I know it's inevitable. She has blossomed into a beautiful creature who has no idea of the devastation her beauty wreaks upon me and, surely, the boys around her. Her smile is infectious, and it's only a matter of time before a suitor comes knocking at our door. I kind of feel sorry for the poor boy, as my first time meeting him will most likely be ugly. I'm a fierce guardian where Emily is concerned, not just because it's my duty to protect her but because seeing Emily with another guy will end me. I want to reach out and take her hand in mine as we walk, but I don't. I have calculated the difference in our ages. Five years doesn't seem all that much when she is twenty and I'm twenty-five. However, she is seventeen and still a minor, which is the only important difference, no matter how hard my libido begs to differ. I have to prepare for her to have romantic feelings for someone her own age, not a twenty-two year-old guy who has to act like her older brother. Sisters rarely hold hands with their brothers. â€Å"Why don't you go out on dates?† Emily suddenly asks in the middle of New Year's Day dinner. She insists on serving black-eyed peas because they are lucky if you eat them on the first day of the year. They taste like shit, but as usual, I humor her by eating them. â€Å"Huh?† I stall. She's familiar with my deliberate stall tactic and narrows her eyes at me. â€Å"I've never seen you with a woman.† She pauses, like she's unsure how to broach the next part. â€Å"I mean, you're a good looking guy. There have to be opportunities for you to go out†¦Ã¢â‚¬  She stops and takes a deep breath as if preparing herself for my answer. â€Å"Uhhh†¦Ã¢â‚¬  Yep. â€Å"Never mind, Ethan. I can tell it's not a topic you want to talk about.† With that, she leaves the table and her half-eaten plate and heads for the bedroom, one of her only options for privacy . The door closes and I'm left feeling more confused than ever. I'm learning that girls are confusing, especially where Emily is concerned.

Friday, August 30, 2019

Boys and Girls Essay

Search for Identity in â€Å"Boys and Girls† In Alice Munro’s â€Å"Boys and Girls†, she tells us a story about a young girl’s rebellion to the womanhood prescribed by a society which has stereotyped views toward both sexes’ roles and identity in society. The story takes place in the 1940s when women have not gained so much equal rights as today, and they are still perceived as attached to males. The story is set is a fox family of Jubilee, Ontario, Canada, a rural area and the point of view of this story is first person â€Å"I†. The narrator is the female protagonist whose name has never appeared in the story directly, which symbolizes her lack of identity in a patriarchal society compared with boy children. There is a character whose name is given to us, the narrator’s brother with the name of Laird, meaning Lord in the Scottish language. The choice of name can truthfully reflect women’s role and social position at that time as well as men’s priorities in a way. Although women had no identity or social position at time, they are just the angel in the house as what they are expected to do, the narrator has never accepted this position and this unfairness easily and satisfactorily. She rebelled against those expectations the society had put on women. She tried hard to search for her identity in the society, to be â€Å"more that just a girl†. The search of identity is the major theme of Zhang 2 this little story, and such search can be best reflected on the narrator but also on her little brother. Here, the author of this thesis will try to analyze the respective process of their search, and the results for search of identity will not be the same because of the difference in gender roles. The narrator’s search for identity can better be represented in the following scenes. Firstly, her nightly stories. Her desire and dream for acting like a hero to protect others in these fabricated stories are the reflection of her burning desire to be not just a girl and her wish for freedom that was just recognizable hers. Before bedtime, she loved to sing the song â€Å"Danny Boy†, differently from her brother who would sing â€Å"Jingle Bell† whether it is Christmas or not. â€Å"I arranged myself tightly under the covers and went on with one of the stories that I was telling myself, when I had grown a little older; they took place in a world that was recognizably mine, yet one that presented opportunities for courage, boldness and self-sacrifice, as mine never did† (Munro, 115). The image she fabricated in these stories represented her ideal self, a girl, powerful independent, not â€Å"just a girl†, the complete opposite of the stereotyped† girl†, which her family wanted her to become and society expect her to become. It represents her desire to transcend the stereotyped role prescribed to women. In the second place, her ungirly behavior can also represent her rebellious search for identity. This obvious resentment for society’s womanly duties symbolizes the narrator’s desire to be more than â€Å"just a girl†. For example, even after her grandmother criticized her with commands like, â€Å"Girls keep their knees together when they sit down† (Munro, 121). And â€Å"Girls don’t slam doors like that† (Munro, 121), She continued to slam doors and sit awkwardly because she felt that it kept her free. In other words, she has not been prepared to accept and claim her gender identity. However, gradually, she began to take the identity of a girl. She began to decorate her room, her bed, pay more attention to her appearances when she communicates with her peers. In fact, after a long process of rebellious search for identity, she finally began to construct her identity as a girl, but a girl who is more than â€Å"just a girl†, a girl that finally achieves some freedom in her construction of identity. Thirdly, her desire to be outside of the house. She is torn between the outside where her father introduces her to and the warm inside where her mother tried protecting her from the brutal outside. In that time, girls were expected to be a help mate to mothers, doing housework, cooking and cleaning and so on. However, she totally rebels against this household identity of women. She will escape from the house before her mother yelled her to do housework, and enjoys working beside his father. â€Å"I worked willing fully under his eyes, and with a felling of pride† ( Munro, 120). Her father once introduced her to others as new hired hand. In this sense, her rebellion does make some difference in her life and she get some recognition in being not â€Å"just a girl†. Fourthly, the narrator’s association with and her identification with Flora also symbolizes her own thrust for freedom in metaphorical sense. The family would sometimes kill healthy horses that no longer had any use because the father fed his Zhang 4 foxes with horsemeat, and Flora was one of these horses, a beautiful female horse, violent and rebellious. In an accident, Flora broke away and ran wildly in the barnyard. When her father tried to catch it and shout to her to close the door, she got there just in time to close it, but instead she held it open for Flora. â€Å"It was exciting to see her running, whinny-ing, going up on her hind legs, prancing and threatening like a horse in a Western movie† (Munro, 126). The act of her opening the gate and setting Flora free is a rebellious act against the authority of her father and her pursuit for freedom in metaphorical sense. In the story, â€Å"Boys and Girls†, the narrator is not the only one who has come to terms with identity through search. Her little brother Laird also went through a process of searching for identity. Laird began in the story like a girl who is very timid, very obedient, just like his mother. In the beginning, he enjoyed more of the house than the outside world. He sings â€Å"Jingle Bell† before bed. However, gradually, he also developed her identity as a boy, perhaps under the aid of his elder sister whose desire for excitement drove her to do something fascinating and thrilling. She once made Laird climb the ladder to the top beam, persuaded him to look how the old shoot a horse. In the end of the story, there is a scene in which Liard commented his sister’s singing as â€Å"you sound silly† and another scene in which he told his sister that â€Å"we shot old Flora†. All these demonstrate that she has found the identity a boy should have in a society. In the end, he has developed a desire to do the masculine things around the house, as expected to be done by boys. Zhang 5 From the above analysis of the narrator’s and her brother’s search for identity in a society which tend to stereotyped the role of men and women, it is found that pure rebellion against the expectation does not make a girl more that â€Å"just a girl†, people should also try to come term with the society in a certain degree, because the construction of identity is a social integration, a social process. However, it does not mean to say that the narrator’s search did not have meaning. Actually it did help her to get some freedom and some peace in the heart.

Thursday, August 29, 2019

Disease processes Lab Report Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Disease processes - Lab Report Example Prothrombin test is most common to use for monitoring in oral anticoagulant therapy Warfarin and related coumarins. The PT responds to reduction of three of the four vitamin K-dependent procoagulant clotting factors (II, VII, and X). This PT test gauges the time or period of reaction of Plasma to Thromboplastin and Ca++ that results to Fibrin Clot. The INR value is calculated from the patient's coagulation time. However, the ISI value is included in the calculation. The manufacturer calculates the ISI value (International Sensitivity Index) by comparison to an international standard thromboplastin. This way, the different sensitivities of reagents available in the market are compensated. Our result of INR 1.1 and PI% 90.9 is comparable and consistent with results of all other groups which ranges between 0.9 and 1.1 and it is also quiet comparable and consistent with the class mean result for INR and PI index. 6. Examine the ten results listed on page 4. These results were obtained when single quality control plasma (taken from the same bottle) was tested ten times. Are there any interesting features apparent with these results Do you think these results are acceptable The mean INR value for the results is 3.07,two readings i.e 2.6 and 2.0 are quiet distant from the mean and comp

Wednesday, August 28, 2019

What I have learned this year Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

What I have learned this year - Essay Example This year, this class has benefited me as I prepare for my future career.I have learned how to make presentations, which is an important skill that I will engage in during the preparation of presentations that I will be making to people. I have also learned how to create excellent essays while following every detail required while preparing great essays. In this case, I have learned the mechanics of writing essays while following the required format and style; the importance of good grammar; the choice of words in essay writing; and the importance of proofreading and editing my essays before submission. In addition, putting my ideas in an essay has taught me the importance of being assertive, which has improved my debating skills as I have gained the capacity to argue and defend my position. However, I know I can improve these skills by practicing a lot in order to be efficient when I engage in any activity. Reflective Essay Students undertake different courses in school in order to prepare themselves for future career work and their life. In this case, the classes that students undertake should help them build their skills and enhance their knowledge so that they can engage in their careers effectively. While some students fail to see the importance of some of the diminutive elements in their education, these elements are crucial in ensuring that students were well-equipped for future jobs and careers. For example, it is evident that an element such as cultural differences may appear minute while considering its face value. However, it is essential to point out that this skill is crucial during inter-cultural communication since different cultures interpret language differently. Hence, the failure to value the importance of this diminutive element may challenge communication between two parties and fail to achieve the objectives. That said, it is crucial for students to consider all key elements that enhance communication. Throughout this year, I have learned formidable skills that will help me build my career in busi ness since these skills will be crucial during communication as we are all aware that successful business involves effective communication of business proposal and ideas. First, I have learned the importance of preparing good presentations that will communicate my ideas and arguments in a manner that was clear and effective. Chivers and Schoolbred (2007, p.20) noted that good presentations should be â€Å"interesting and useful to the learning situation, but they can be enjoyable, even memorable.† In line with this, I have learned the skills of writing presentations that do not veer off the topic of discussion while avoiding regurgitation. In this case, I ensure that my presentations were clear and to the point in order to inform the reader or the listener about the content matter in the topic of discussion. In addition, I ensure that my presentations inspired the listeners and readers while they also grabbed and held their attention. However, I realise that I cannot prepare a good presentation without engaging basic skills that are required to develop the presentation. In line with this, this class has taught me the basic skills required to develop a good presentation. Beck, Bennett, and Wall (2005) identify preparation as the main essential element in developing an excellent presentation. Thus, I have learned t

Tuesday, August 27, 2019

Legalization of Prostitution Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Legalization of Prostitution - Research Paper Example According to these two definitions, it clear that financial gain is the result of offering or providing sex. A prostitute, therefore, is a person who offers or provides sex in exchange for financial gain. History of prostitution Prostitution is considered one of the world’s oldest professions going back to ancient times and civilizations. It traces its origins back to the Sumerians of Mesopotamia and their religious practices. This is from the practice that involved the king having sexual relations with the high priestess in order to secure the fertility of the earth in the process that brings people into being (Fanni, 2012, para. 2). The practice has continued over time and even has an account in the bible, in the book of Genesis. In ancient Greece, women were bought as slaves and taken to sex schools to learn how to provide revenue by selling sex (Fanni, 2012, para. 10). With these beginnings, it has been in existence with every civilization including slavery in Africa where kings owned women as slaves and sheltered them. To sustain themselves, they were expected to offer themselves sexually to men to receive gifts. In addition, .in Greek civilization, prostitutes went as far as to gain elite social status as a result of education and skill in their trade. Prostitution became a practice put into question with the rise of the Catholic Church in Europe, and its regard that all sexual practices outside marriage were sinful. As a result of the spread of Catholicism, prostitution became an offense that one could be prosecuted and punished for. Legalization of prostitution Prostitution in most parts of the world is an illegal practice and punishable by law. Legislative measures have been put in place to curb the vice that is practiced widely all over the world. In my opinion, prostitution has two sides to it, as to why it should, and should not be legalized. These points are highly controversial and of attract a lot of public attention, debate and opinion. E conomic activities Prostitution should be legalized as it benefits the women involved in the trade as well as the countries involved. In regard to this, prostitution is taken as an economic development project that can generate revenue to be used in the countries. The key idea in this development is to work towards sustainable prostitution under the notion that sex is a human need and that sexual needs must be met. Therefore, as a way to cater for the sexual needs of the human populations, there is a need to influence prostitution, which is here to stay, into a beneficial venture with more responsibility and accountability. Legalization of prostitution; and its use as an economic venture can be engaged by poor and marginalized women so as to earn a living (Raymond 2004, p. 1162). The results of the above argument have already manifested themselves in Australia. In Australia, where prostitution is legal, revenue collected in a span of one week is up to 7 million dollars. These revenu es are only from the state of Victoria, and only 60,000 men take part in the practice (Raymond 2004, p. 1162). If the revenue from then entire country were calculated, it would mean that it is a profitable venture. In addition, it is providing more employment opportunities to those with additional training on how to deal with persons with disabilities. For example, in Australia, some of those who are actively

Monday, August 26, 2019

Adaptive learning for ESL based on computation Research Paper

Adaptive learning for ESL based on computation - Research Paper Example The researcher states that in English as a second language class-based learning, individual students have diverse learning needs. Therefore there is need for such students to be given considerations while teaching by not just following the fixed learning sequences and contents. The diversity that exist within and between classes calls for provision of learning content basing on preference and the background of the students in order to achieve maximum performance. The authors perceive that English language learning (ELLS) should adopt an adaptive learning sequence approach in order to enhance the outcome in a situation of varied individual difference. This way, a learning profile is used. Learning profile defines one’s motivation, engagement and cognitive processing habits showing the distinctive and habitual ways through which learners fully utilize the instructional content in a learning environment. The authors propose a design and a form of evaluating an adaptive educationa l system in which cognitive styles that constitute an important factor to be considered with respect to adaptive learning. It is critical, given the complex nature of learning English language to use content material with a different learning difference in order to lodge diverse learning profile. It is of great importance to match the content with learning profile to avoid impeding of the learning process those results from mismatching (Ya-huei & Hung-Chang , 2011). The authors support their argument with a research data on the use of adaptive and teaching strategies to facilitate teaching-learning of English as a second language in a learning situation. Adaptive learning systems make teachers to adapt the use of instructions to individual style of learning and preferences of the students (Ya-huei & Hung-Chang , 2011). The adaptive education system that is implemented in the background of computer mediated lessons is referred to as intelligent tutorial system. This with dynamism use s the e learning content, the educational representation and human-computer interface to the objective, needs and first choice of human being users for effective lessons and knowledge. The research took into account aspects such as personality and cognitive style to determine whether there is a correlation between learning profile and ability, teaching atmosphere and classroom learning (Ya-huei & Hung-Chang , 2011). A proposed design and formative assessment of an adaptive learning system in which it is mainly constituted of cognitive styles was considered with respect to adaptive learning. The field independent and field independent are the dimensions extensively used. This enable for obtaining of stable patterns on how individuals encode, perceive, think and process information. The research shows effect of field-dependence and independence on the learning process facilitation and the outcome(Ya-huei & Hung-Chang , 2011). According to the author, there is high interaction between field dimensions and the methods of instruction in English as a second language learning situation. Individual difference that are based on the field –dependent or field independent dimensions are proposed as the necessary key consideration while designing the instructional skeleton and the instructional setting (Ya-huei & Hun

Sunday, August 25, 2019

Economics and care work Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2750 words

Economics and care work - Essay Example The dynamics of care work have changed from the care work practices provided in the Victorian period. Economic conditions during the Victorian era were quite harsh. Middle-class men worked like machine to earn livelihood and their desire to return home after hard labor was fructified by the comforting home environment provided with the home care efforts and artful handling of the home sphere by the ladies working whole day providing needed care to all members of the family. Relationship between the middle class spouses was based on mutual trust of exchanging and sharing gifts unlike the â€Å"crass† (Nelson, 2006). The Victorian ideology was not a totally correct presentation of the economic life; the lower class underwent all the harshness of economic reasoning of working as labor in shops along with their children over time without any additional wages. Thus, in the Victorian times, the ideology of â€Å"angel in the house† put curtains on the job of running a home and exploitation of the poor women and children by increasing industrialization (Nelson, 2006). Nuns used to perform care work out of religious bonding or until they got married. Theme of charity was behind most of care provided to the needy and under-privileged by nuns, single women and married women with earning husbands. It was assumed that nurses, healthcare workers, foster parents, and child care providers felt emotionally charged and motivated in Victorian times but the same legacy has led to believe in the wrong notions that people either work for money or freely out of love and compassion (Nelson, 2006). Care work is perceived by society to be done with the profit motive only, as is evident from the reference to the foster care provided by Rosa Fernandez who takes care of two foster children besides her own two children. Irony of the care providing mother is that she develops kinship with the foster children and her attachment while nurturing them creates a bonding although she is being paid for the care work she is providing but she will miss the children when taken aw ay by the lawyers and the case workers for adoption. There are not only emotional but financial constraints if the children are taken out of the foster care. Difference between a foster parent and a case worker and lawyer, as told by Rosa Fernandez to the sociologist, Teresa Toguchi Swartz, is that money is the leading motive of the case workers and lawyers irrespective of the welfare interest of the children (Nelson, 2006). This case shows that Rosa and her family is related and attached to the children under her foster care because of economic and at the same time ethical considerations. The social service providers overlook the love angle between the foster children and Rosa and assume that money is the only motive of the foster care provided by Rosa. They are least caring about the financial compulsions of the working-class people who would bear the pangs of separation from the child as their love is reciprocal; the child would also feel the loss of separation likewise Rosa and her family (Nelson, 2006). The crucial question that arises here is that is it possible to be inspired by love and money both. Some care workers acceptance of monetary help does not mean that they are not kind-hearted because they have accepted money and â€Å"commodified† the transaction. Here, the issue of motivation and care becomes crucial not only to be decided in care work but in any job taken to earn money (Nelson, 2006). Motivation being the significant factor in providing free care in the Victorian era, it could be either intrinsic motivation or extrinsic motivation. Both these are crucial and basic elements of motivation theory, which says that it is non-spatial irrespective of the rewards accruing from intrinsic motivation elements or extrinsic elements although the issue of motivation is quite personal and difficult (The Happy Manager, 2011). When care work provides intangible rewards, it is because they are inspired from within and, therefore, highly

Saturday, August 24, 2019

Justification of the Chemistry lesson plan and concept map Essay

Justification of the Chemistry lesson plan and concept map - Essay Example But after going thru the comments I realised that the heading is indeed quite broad and indicative of encompassing a wide range of topics. Though quite relevant one, but for a 60-90 minute class we need to have a more focused topic. Therefore, I changed the topic to, ‘Describe the use of pH scale in comparing the concentrations of acids and alkalis’. In addition, the prepared lesson plan appeared quite comprehensive; therefore I changed the duration of the lesson plan also to 90 minutes from 60 minutes. I do realise the fact that it might become a tiring experience for students to be attentive for a full one and half hours, but the fact that there are some interesting and interactive experiments within the lesson, will help in sustaining the interest of students all this while. In this case also, initially my effort was to demarcate the outcomes in an objective manner. So I included a total of 5 points under the head ‘objectives’ and seven points under the head ‘Key concepts/ ideas’. But the feedback made me realise that, with more points the lesson might give a lengthier look, which may result in putting off the students in the initial stages itself. Therefore in the revised lesson plan I included only three objectives viz. It certainly helps to be objective in order to grab the attention of students and make them feel comfortable. Ridley (2004) came out with the assertion that in order to overcome the differences in expectations existing between them, the teacher and students must have a minimum level of sensitivity and understanding towards each other. This is stated to be of particular importance in the beginning of an academic programme or while teaching a new concept. Therefore, too many points might give them a feeling of an overdose for the day. But it must be taken into consideration while we try to explain the ideas to the students we will

Globalization (Extended Analysis) Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Globalization (Extended Analysis) - Essay Example Moreover, it never realized that state alone could not produce enough of wealth without people participation willingly – not forcefully. Also, it failed to understand that non-efficient or laggards could not be equated with efficient and committed workers in terms of rewards. Capitalism by its very philosophy rewards those who contribute most in the wealth generation. It is also true that communism did thwart the process of globalization at least until 1989 when the entire communist bloc, in principle and practice, collapsed completely across Europe and other parts of the world. It is obvious that when one political system or ideology – especially, when it has generated a great deal of hopes, fails miserably; people begin to look at other political system – ignoring whatever shortcoming it may have and that is what precisely happened. Capitalism bulldozed the old rotten ideas of socialism completely and began spreading its wings across most part of the world. It is perfectly fine to state that capitalism and globalization, in last two decades, went ahead neck to neck. Though the failure of communism is certainly one of the reasons for giving a way to globalization but it is equally true that technology and internet has been instrumental in accelerating the pace of globalization. It is because of the internet that messages get transmitted from one end to another in few seconds without any help from postal or courier services. Due to this, peoples across the world with different cultures, creeds and races have started feeling much closer than ever in the history of mankind. People need not move from one country to another for accomplishment of any task. A capital transfer from one country to another is virtually instantaneous without any inhibitions. Currency markets are now working round-the-clock and capital moves from one country to another just by click of a mouse. The fact remains that, if any country refuses to acknowledge or participat e in this process then it is certain to bring misery for its people. All said above, it should never be construed that globalization is a panacea for all evils. Barber correctly argues, â€Å"The collapse of state communism has not delivered people to a safe democratic haven† (29). According to Barber, the world is now racing ahead with Jihad and McWorld side by side. He further argues that Jihad and McWorld are not important in themselves; however, their relationship is important because anarchy rules them both. Both lack conscious and collective human control. Barber opposes both Jihad and McWorld equally. While Jihad emerges from narrowly conceived faiths that belie mutual dependence and social cooperation of people for growth and stability, McWorld tends to develop colonizing culture. Barber may be true in acknowledging that jihad is prospering in some parts of the world in last few decades but it is not an outcome of globalization. It is technology that has facilitated t hem. Further, I do not agree with him that both are interdependent. Globalization has more to do with economic system or free market economy that rests on efficiency of operations and comparative advantages of the nations. The proportion of â€Å"Jihadis† is very small compared to the total global population and majority of the world population do not

Friday, August 23, 2019

Foreign Policy Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Foreign Policy - Essay Example This will involve taking out military plans. However, it may take time to create enactment areas and rescue teams before U.S. personnel are placed in the country. The success of the military is hence going to be boosted by the presence of CIA intelligent that will have carried covert investigation within the rebel insurgent territories. It will be imperative that your lead the administration in approving several intelligent orders and increase funding for human intelligence sources so that the CIA can carry out underground operations against the insurgent operations (Taft 40-40). This will provide important intelligence about the insurgent rebels and their base in Atropia. The army will put numerous Special Forces units on the ground that will help in combating the enemy. The people of Atropia will assist the army since they are well aware of the territory, and because they have scores to settle with the rebels. But if this will prove to be quite ineffectual, important numbers of Uni ted States troops will be put on the ground. This will be done so with a view to Americanizing the soil war (Taft 70-80). After emergency planning with your advisors, calling in airstrikes when the battle is engaged will be another action. The rebel insurgent territory will receive heavy and accurate shelling using the most refined guided mechanisms in the world. With all these sophisticated battle technology, it will be particularly easy to rid Atropia of the rebel insurgents. Therefore, you will be required to pattern your cabinet into an effectual consultative instrument for the conduct of the war and demonstrate your leadership style. Furthermore, it will require you to be extremely decisive as well as pragmatic by all standards. The interagency process will involve... Foreign Policy After the 9/11 attacks persuaded American of the astuteness of these arguments. The United States can in no way again afford to let down its guard. It is the duty of the American government to take care of the welfare of all its citizens across the globe. But of late, the rebel insurgent SUPA of Atropa has beset the formal government, with the support of the support of neighboring country. According to intelligent report, the rebel insurgents plan to attack the American Embassy and the headquarters of the American cooperation. This is a crucial matter that needs to be treated with strong seriousness that it deserves (Walt 30-50). As the United States Nation Security advisor, I enjoy substantial independent over the national security bureaucracy. The National Security Act rightly so grants me the power to principally assist you as the President of United States if America in all matters pertaining to the national security. Yet still, for this mission to be wholly successful, it will r equire a top notch voluntary collaboration among the powerful agencies responsible for foreign and defense. However, you will only be compelled to use military action as opposed to declaring a state of war. The military action will ensure that there is peace and stability by working closely with the formal government of Atropia with a view to defeating the rebel insurgents. Conversely, there is a unanimous knowing that the decision to evade Atropia will eventually attract a string of criticism.

Thursday, August 22, 2019

Bronchodilator Essay Example for Free

Bronchodilator Essay By definition, a bronchodilator is a drug used for the treatment of chronic breathing complications such as emphysema, asthma, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease also known as COPD. Bronchodilators are used to reverse the effect of obstructed airways acting as decompressor and mucus removers that cause breathing complications. There is short term or short acting bronchodilators that act as â€Å"rescue medications† (Webmd. com). These rescue medications are used in more emergency instances as with asthma. Long-acting bronchodilators are used for the maintance of such diseases as COPD which is more chronic. Each bronchodilator type â€Å"opens bronchial tubes so that air can move through†¦. And help clear mucus from lungs (webmd. com). Bronchodilators such as uniphyl and Phyllocontin come in the form of a pill or tablet and are a sustained release formulation of another drug called Theophylline which opens constricted lung passages. These are more long term treatments. Short term or more frequent usage as with advair, symbicort, serevent, Foradil, are inhaled and last between two and four hours while long term tablets use lasts upwards of 12 hours. Although bronchodilators provide control over congested airways, they also act as stimulants and have an array of side effects. These side effects include: nervousness, hyperactivity, heart palpations, upset stomach, trouble sleeping, and muscle aches. Bronchodilators are approved by the FDA and originated in emergency room settings, where the necessity was abundant for chronic asthma attack patients. Albuterol, commonly used for the maintenance of asthma in an inhaler form is often however more effective than most other long acting bronchodilators. Albuterol is considered an anticholinergic bronchodilator. As previously mentioned, theophylline, an inexpensive bronchodilator acts as a stimulant similar to caffeine. Theophylline stimulants the heart and nervous system, relaxing airway muscles. Some side effects of its use include nausea, diarrhea, stomach ache, headache, and irregular heartbeat. Some bronchodilators contain adrenaline so mixing with other stimulating drugs for the treatment of high blood pressure, diabetes; thyroid, hyperactivity, and heart disease are discouraged from the use of bronchodilators. Inhaled bronchodilators â€Å"enable the drug to reach into the lungs for maximum benefits† (medicine. net). It is a possibility to overdose on inhaled bronchodilators. Some signs of overdose include seizures, headaches, fainting and dizziness, and chest pains. If one is experiencing symptoms similar while using inhaled bronchodilators it is advised to visit a local emergency room or primary care physician. Alternate treatment conducive to bronchodilators includes pulmonary rehab and therapy. Excessive use of bronchodilators makes the treatments less effective and increases the probability of side effects. It is uncommon to have allergic reactions to bronchodilators but in the event, rash, itching, swelling and further complications occur, further use is discouraged. Some conditions treatable with bronchodilators are commonly COPD or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. COPD is â€Å"an irreversible disease associated with air flow obstruction†. (purdue. ca/products/products-asthma-asb) COPD umbrellas a category of other conditions such as emphysema, (irreversible lung damage/over inflation/weaking of air sacs) and chronic bronchitis (inflammation and scarring of airways tubes. Common symptoms of these conditions include: chronic chough, wheezing increased mucus, shortness of breath, and tiresome minimal activity. COPD is more predominantly caused by cigarette smoking however; other causes may include genetics, air pollution, cystic fibrosis, and childhood infections. Another condition treatable with bronchodilators is asthma. Asthma is also a chronic lung disease that causes swelling of the airways which creates complications with breathing. Causes of asthma are less solid than those of COPD but implicate being due to an† immune-mediated processing which inflammatory cells and inflammatory mediators enter airway tissues to cause disease† (purdue. ca/products/products-asthma. asp). One who is diagnosed with asthma often becomes sensitive to hair sprays, cosmetics, cleaners, paints, pollens, animals and cock roaches, chemicals, temperature, and even some foods, An asthma attack is experienced with shortness of breath, wheezing, chest tightening, persistent coughed and dyspnea. Bronchodilators are most effectively used while avoiding things that further complicate breathing. This is especially true with cigarette smoke which should be avoided first and second hand. Bronchodilators work most when used according to prescription and consistency. One should always educate self when or before exposing the body to such drugs as bronchodilators which are often stimulants and cause brief and sudden body changes.

Wednesday, August 21, 2019

The Dynamic Changing Nature Of Business Environment Marketing Essay

The Dynamic Changing Nature Of Business Environment Marketing Essay The dynamic changing nature of business environment has necessitated the continuous development and refinement of an organisational strategy encompassing its product or services, operational activities and most significantly the marketing communications. Marketing orientation (the customer oriented business philosophy) has set customer needs and satisfaction as the utmost priority of an organisation. Organisations now sought to seek a competitive edge by establishing superior brand image. According to Asia Market Research (2003), it is due to the proposition that consumers buy not only a product (commodity), but also the image associated with the product, such as power, wealth, sophistication, and most importantly identification and association with other users of the brand. A companys inability to maintain its desired differentiation or meeting basic expectations of performance standards, lapses in technical quality, culpable accidents affecting the safety of individuals, poor servi ce potential or unethical conduct, etc. cause negative publicity of its brand which leads to an adverse impact on its brand image. Although, a negative publicity influences consumer purchasing behaviour, an adequate reaction to such crisis can prevent the negative brand reputation kept to a minimum. An inadequate reaction may result in much negative publicity, whereby consumers will never or hardly ever buy the respective branded article again (Riezebos, 2002). In order to recover the brand from a colossal damage caused by such a crisis and prevent forming further rumour, a reliable, unambiguous and comprehensive message should be communicated to the public. The message should express the organisations concern regarding the crisis and should contain information on its efforts to recover from that crisis. However, most popular forms of communication mix such as advertising, personal selling, direct marketing, sales promotion, etc. have loosen publics confidence because of their superfluous exploitation and therefore can not be relied on to attain greater attention of the targeted audience in such a sophisticated brand crisis communication. Moreover, the extent of information supplied through these mediums is not adequate for changing public opinions. In this context, public relations (PR) is the sole medium which is perceived to be relatively unbiased and effective in establishing direct communication with the mass. During a brand crisis, PR assists an organisation to present a matter in its own point of view and creates a platform to apology to the public for any mistake. Apart from that, properly planned PR initiatives extend the ground for communicating with target audience of an organisation and thus reduce the risk of adverse impact on its brand reputation. This provides the cont ext for an increased importance and emphasis given by brand managers on exploiting the deliberate potential of public relations to assist in protecting, differentiating and upholding an organisations brand image. Rationale for the Chosen Topic There have been a limited number of researches carried out into the role of public relations in brand image crisis management. Although, some researchers have put emphasis on the effectiveness of public relations in brand image crisis communications, most of them have considered it as a secondary function in line with other areas of marketing communications. In a literature, Grunig et al. (2002) tried to establish PR as an independent corporate communication function and claimed its attitudinal superiority over other areas of marketing communications. Kotler and Armstrong (1996) have also acknowledged the significance of public relations over other communications mix in crisis management by stating that consumers are five times more likely to be influenced by editorial coverage than by advertising. (p. 617). However, none of these researchers has attempted to provide considerable evidence to support the credibility of PR in brand image crisis management. Therefore, this study is vital to fill up this substantive research gap. The study will evaluate the significance of PR campaigns in upholding a brands reputation during image crisis. The research findings will aid the decision making of managers who are responsible for corporate communications, marketing or branding. Besides, this will provide them with the guidance to determine the appropriate actions to be taken when a crisis hits the brand image. Most importantly, the study will direct an organisation to allocate PR budget within its communications expenditure. Moreover, this will help managers to identify suitable PR programs or techniques for different nature of image crisis. Last but not least, the study will provide implications of best practice between in-house PR practice and hiring a PR consultancy. Statement of the Problem The principal intent of this study is to establish that organisations now a day prefer to undertake public relations campaigns than other marketing communications mix whenever a crisis hits their brand image. The motive behind such preference might be that, people (i.e. the targeted audience of a PR campaign) perceive the medias and techniques used in a PR campaign to be relatively unbiased source of information than other widely used communications mix such as advertising, sales promotion, personal selling, direct and interactive marketing, etc. So, the information delivered through PR programs is positively accepted by public. Therefore, an organisation can easily achieve its crisis communications objective i.e. restoring the brand image through addressing negative issues in positive manner or apologizing to the public if necessary. However, among a variety of PR programs and techniques, the most persuasive one need to be identified and consequences of both in-house PR practice and hiring a PR consultancy should be addressed. Research Questions Answers to the following questions are desirable in order to accomplish the research goal: Is there any shift in the preference and usage of public relations in brand image crisis communications? If such a shift has taken place, how much increase has there been in various organisations public relations budget? Is public relations credible in defending negative publicity during brand image crisis? To what extent is it effective than other channels of marketing communications in influencing public opinion and restoring a brand? Which specific type of PR program or technique is considered most persuasive for changing consumers perception? What are the underlying reasons for such consideration? Which one does an organisation regard as best practice for crisis communications? Holding an in-house department for PR practice? Or hiring an external PR consultancy? What dominates its choice of best practice? Research Aims Objectives The significance of the proposed study rest on the following five issues: To analyse the degree of preference given to PR as a brand image crisis communications function in different organisations; To determine the level of shift in various organisations PR budget; To evaluate the credibility of public relations in defending negative publicity during brand image crisis and to compare its effectiveness with other channels of marketing communications in influencing public opinion; To identify the most persuasive PR program or technique among various practices for changing consumers perception. To establish the best practice between holding an in-house department for PR practice and hiring an external PR consultancy; Structure of the Dissertation Chapter 2 Literature Review Provides a review of the relevant previous research, literature and assumptions primarily consisting of various models, theories, analysis, organisational practices and practitioners remark regarding public relations, brand image crisis, etc. In a whole, this chapter provides a conceptual framework of the study. Chapter 3 Methodology Discusses chosen research method to achieve research aims and objectives (i.e. research design, sampling method, data collection procedure, analytical techniques, ethics, reliability, validity and the pattern of presentation of gathered data). Chapter 4 Findings, Analysis Discussion Present the gathered data with relevant analysis. Provides a comparison between the findings and the emerged frame of reference of this study and summaries research findings in light of research questions. Chapter 5 Conclusions Recommendations Includes summary, comment, recommendations and implications for organisations, limitations of the study and scope for future research. Chapter 2 Literature Review This chapter provides a critical review of the previous research, literature, assumptions and organisational implications which are relevant to this research. In light of related theoretical models, issues, concepts, analysis, organisational practices and practitioners remark, it presents a conceptual framework of the study. The literature review is divided into seven major sections: Marketing Communications Mix Public Relations (PR) Brand Brand Image Crisis Its Impact Role of Public Relations in Brand Image Crisis Communications Ethical Issues in Public Relations Summary Marketing Communications Mix Marketing communications mix refers to the various channels used to communicate a promotional message of a companys offerings to the target customers. According to Rowley (2006), an appropriate marketing communications mix is fundamental to achieve the objectives of any given promotion strategy. Lancaster, Massingham and Ashford (2002) states that, the basic purpose of different communication modes is to communicate with customers in order to persuade them to buy the companys products. Among various modes of marketing communications Kotler and Armstrong (1996) defines five major channels as following: Advertising: Any paid form of non-personal presentation and promotion of ideas, goods, or services by an identified sponsor. Sales Promotion: A variety of short-term incentives to encourage trail or purchase of a product or service. Public Relations Publicity: A variety of programs designed to promote or protect a companys image or its individual products. Personal Selling: Face -to-face interaction with one or more prospective purchaser for the purpose of making presentations, answering questions and procuring orders. Direct Interactive Marketing: Use of mail, telephone, fax, e-mail or internet to communicate directly with or solicit response or dialogue from specific customers and prospects. Public Relations (PR) Defination Public relations practitioners and scholars hold different assumptions in terms of defining and describing the purpose and effects of public relations. According to the Chartered Institute of Public Relations (2008), Public relations is the discipline which looks after reputation, with the aim of earning understanding and support and influencing opinion and behaviour. It is the planned and sustained effort to establish and maintain goodwill and mutual understanding between an organisation and its publics. This definition provides an idea that public relations is one of the corporate communication functions that focus on establishing a superior brand image of the organisation or its products or services. Kotler and Armstrong (1996, p.616) defines public relations as a variety of programs designed to promote or protect a companys image or its individual products. According to Grunig (1992), some scholars describe public relations as dissemination of information, resolution of conflict or promotion of understanding (p.4). He suggests an academic definition for public relations as the management of communication between an organisation and its publics. McElreath (1996) describes public relations as a management function that uses communications to facilitate relationship and understanding between an organisation and its publics (p.3). Cutlip et al. (2000) defines PR as the management function that establishes and maintains mutually beneficial relationships between an organization and the publics on whom its success or failure depends (p. 6). Again, Stanley (1982) states it as a management function that determines the attitudes and opinions of the organisations publics, identifies its policies with the interests of its publics, and formulates and executes a programme of action to earn the understanding and goodwill of its publics (p. 40). However, all these definitions took the organisational point of view in describing public relations function. Johnston and Zawawi (2003) describes PR as the ethical and strategic management of communication and relationships in order to build and develop coalitions and policy, identify and manage issues and create and direct messages to achieve sound outcomes within a socially responsible framework (p.6). Jane, Morgan and Summers (2005) provides a definition stating the role of public relations in management: Public relation is defined as a management function that evaluates public attitudes, identifies the policies and procedures of an organisation with the public interest and executes programs of action (and Communication) to earn public understanding and acceptance (p. 178) Some management educators and professional managers equate communication with techniques such as the writing of reports or letters, interpersonal communication, or publicity and media relations. They eliminate the term Public Relations from their policy and create new titles for the functions such as public affairs, issues management, corporate communications, or external relations(Grunig, L.A., Grunig, J.E and Dozier, D.M., 2002). Definition of Public in a PR Campaign A public relations campaign must not always be targeted at customers. It can be aimed at any individual or group irrespective of age, gender, profession, group, social status, etc. According to Kotler and Armstrong (1996, p.616), A public is any group that has an actual or potential interest in or impact on a companys ability to achieve its objectives. The intended audience for the campaign can be any one from the stakeholder groups. The purpose of public relations campaign is to assist organisations in building relationships with the publics from the several categories of stakeholders (Grunig, L.A., Grunig, J.E and Dozier, D.M., 2002). Lancaster, Massingham and Ashford (2002) describe the following stakeholders as publics targeted at a PR campaign: The Community Employees The Government The Financial Community Distributors Consumers Opinion Leaders Electronic News Media Brand Definition The predominant concept of the brand can be traced back to product marketing where the role of branding and brand management has been primarily to create differentiation and preference for a product or service in the mind of the customer (Riezebos, 2002). The American Marketing Association defines a brand as a name, term, sign, symbol, or design, or a combination of them, intended to identify the goods or services of one seller or group of sellers and to differentiate them from those of competitors (Kotler and Armstrong, 1996, p.418). Branding is an integrated part of Marketing and an essential expertise of a professional marketer is the ability to build, sustain, defend and increase brand image. Another definition goes with the customers perspective: a product or service, which a customer perceives to have distinctive benefits beyond price and functional performance (Knox et al. 2000). The process of developing a brand is called Branding. According to Randall (2000), Branding is a fundamental strategic process that involves all parts of the firm in its delivery. It is about marketing, but is not confined to the marketing department. The brand must always deliver value, and the value must be defined in consumer terms. Mathieson (2005) describes branding as the means by which an organisation builds a compelling consumer experience that distinguish the companys offerings from the competition, generates sales and/ or creates an emotional bond with customers. Kapferer (2004, p.38) symbolizes the term brand to six levels of meaning: Attributes: A brand brings to mind certain attributes. Mercedes suggests expensive, well-built, well-engineered, durable, high-prestige automobiles. Benefits: Attributes must be translated into functional and emotional benefits. The attribute durable could translate into the functional benefit I wont have to buy another car for several years. The attribute expensive translates into the emotional benefit, The car makes me feel important and admired. Values: The brand also says something about the producers values. Mercedes stands for high performance, safety, and prestige. Culture: The brand may present a certain culture. The Mercedes represents German Culture: organised, efficient, high quality. Personality: The brand can project a certain personality. Mercedes may suggest a no-nonsense boss (person), a reigning lion (animal) or an austere palace (object). User: The brand suggests the kind of consumer who buys or uses the product. We would expect to see a 55 year-old top executive behind the wheel of a Mercedes, not a 20-year old secretary. Figure 2.2: Burnett Model of Brand Dimensions Source: Randall, Geoffrey (2000), Branding: A Practical Guide to Planning Your Strategy, 2nd rev edn, Kogan Page Ltd, London, p. 7 Differences Essence Personality/ Image Source What is it? What is to for? What does it do? How is it better? How is it different? What does the company stand for? What is the aim? How do people feel about it? Do they like / respect it? FunctionsBrand Identity Kapferer (2004) presents a comprehensive study of brands and proposes the idea of brand identity. He indicates the most important parts of brands that make up the whole: name, logo, design, packaging, etc. which he describes individually as brand identity. Schultz and Bailey (2000) describe brand identity as the outward manifestation, name and visual appearance of the brand that distinguish customers identification and perception of a product or services. Brand Image The term brand image depicts the perception of the brand in the mind of the consumers. According to ESOMAR (2006), The total impression created in the mind of a potential consumer by a brand and all its functional and emotional associations. The total image can be seen as the sum of several images such as the product, user, occasion, service and personality images. Customers hold a set of brand beliefs which makes a brand stand alone to other. The set of beliefs about a brand make up the brand image (Kotler and Armstrong, 1996, p.206). Yadin (2002) defines brand image as perception of market of the brand identity. However, Mooij (2005) suggests that the brand image is not necessarily the same as the brand characteristics the marketer uses to build the brand identity. He points out that many global brands that desire a consistent brand identity and hope this will result in a consistent brand image end up with different brand image across cultures. According to Rugimbana and Nwankwo (2 003), a companys history, style and dynamism are often the determining factors in creation of a brand image. Kotler and Armstrong (1996) again claim that consumers brand image vary with their experiences as filtered by effects of selective Brand Identity Sender Messages Receiver Signals transmitted: Products People Places Communication Brand Image Other sources of Inspiration: Memory Opportunism Idealism Competition and Noise perception, selective distortion and selective retention. Figure2.3: How Brand Identity Characterize Brand Image by Kapferer, J.-N. (2004) Source: Kapferer, J.-N. (2004), Strategic Brand Management, Kogan Page, London, p.98 Brand Image Crisis Its Impact As stated in the first chapter, a companys inability to maintain its desired differentiation or meeting basic expectations of performance standards, lapses in technical quality, culpable accidents affecting the safety of individuals, poor service potential or unethical conduct cause negative publicity of its brand which leads to an adverse impact on its brand image. Such a crisis can even destroy the most recognized brands. Millar and Heath (2003) describes several incidents which can tarnish the brand image both human-made and natural, such as tampering with a product, discovery of criminal activity, unwanted or hostile takeover, loss of an important customer, environmental accidents, etc. Due to the modernization and increased speed of information dissemination and reception, Millar and Heath (2003) states that, news of a crisis can spread so quickly that it can potentially paralyze the top management before they can effectively control the crisis situation. Negative publicity can slow down the regular function of the organisation. Riezebos (2002), states through the publicity the norms and values and the operating procedure of the organisation are brought under discussion (p.239). He divides the factors that influence the extent to which a brand can be confronted with negative publicity into three areas: market, product and brand related factors. According to Riezebos (2002) when there is fierceness of competition in the market, an incident can and will be more quickly used to wage a negative publicity by competitors. Again a product related crisis can occur when products are not capable of maintaining standards or affect the consumer. Brand related crisis can be negative brand perception or experience. Different Natures of Crisis that Affect Brand Image Crowthers (2007), Baines and Egan (2004) and Aaker (1996) suggest some frequent crisis that organisations usually undergo and which affects its brands: Government investigation Product recall Epidemic of food poisoning caused by companies products Controversial law suit Accusation of discrimination based on race, sexual preference or gender Big disruption in service Lapses in performance standards Serious injury to someone within or outside of the organization Poor technical quality Stakeholders Protest Workers Strike unethical conduct Physical violence between co-workers discovery of criminal activity Insider trading scandal Safety Hazard Usage of Illegal ingredients or means Plummeting stock price Sexual harassment case Dramatic downsizing causing significant job loss in a geographic region Chemical spill Radiation leak A major competitor has a huge crisis, throwing attention on your company Caught in a lie False advertising accusation Celebrity spokesperson embroiled in personal scandal Closing of a facility Role of Public Relations in Brand Image Crisis Communications Potential Significance Credibility of PR Defending Bad Reputation: The most important role of a PR campaign is to counteract negative publicity surrounding the organisation and its brands (Haig, 2003). Communicating positive information about the organisation through press release, newsletters, press kits, etc. are perceived to be unbiased by the public and thus prevent bad reputation. Jane, Morgan and Summers (2005) defines role of public relations in crisis management as programs of action (and Communication) to earn public understanding and acceptance (p. 178) Considerable Steps in Management of Brand Image Crisis Hubbard (2006) suggestes five steps for properly managing a crisis through PR: Addressing the public without delay following the discovery of the crisis; Maintaining honesty since the community is keener to forgive and forget an honest fault than a calculated lie; The organisation facing crisis ought to be informative since the press as well as the community will generate their own assumptions if sufficient communication does not take place resulting rumours can cause considerably more damage to the organisation than the reality. Showing concern and care for people because public will be more tolerant if they realize that the organisation cares about the victims of the crisis. Maintaining two-way relationships in order to be informed of the status of public opinion. Shift in the Practice of PR in Brand Image Crisis Communications In recent years efforts to control corporate crisis, or crisis management has matured as a public relations function and grown into a specialty area (Millar and Heath, 2003). The underlying reasons behind this development include: the appreci ation of electronic media as primary source of news, the increasing speed of the media to acquire information, improved database management systems, increased number of special interest groups and efficiency of media. The following figure shows aggregate FMCG executives of ten leading firms emphasis given to various communications mix as a crisis communication function. Here, + = increase, - = decrease , #= No Change NC = No Comments Figure 2.6: Perception of Change in Marketing Communications in terms of Emphasis (1980-89) source: Kitchen, P.J. (1993), Public Relations: A Rational for its Development Usage within UK FMCG Firms, European Journal of Marketing, Volume 27(7), p. 59 The figure shows that six of ten companies emphasis on advertising in crisis communication declined, three showed increase and one remained unchanged. The companies which demonstrated movement away from advertising gave reason to increased cost of advertisement. Again nine out of ten firms indicated decrease in personal selling showing reason to concentration of grocery trade leading to centralization of buying activity by multiples. However, nine companies stated increased emphasis on PR and most of these appreciated the effectiveness of PR and blamed the increased advertisement cost behind such shift. Increase in Organisations PR Budget Expenditure There is a significant increase in organisations PR budget in recent years. A study by Paley (2006) revealed that, total PR expenditure of UK organisations in 1991 was only à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¤5 billion which increased to à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¤16 billion in 2005 which shows à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¤11 billion increase in 14 years whereas advertisement expenditure increased à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¤8 billion. Moreover, point here to be noted that, creative public relations can affect public awareness at a fraction of cost of advertising (Kotler and Armstrong, 1996). The company does not require compensating for the space or time taken in the media. It compensates only for the team or individual who write and pass the story or organise any occasion. Communications Mix Approximate Expenditure (in billions) 1991 1995 2000 2005 Advertising à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¤14 à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¤17 à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¤20 à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¤22 Sales Promotion à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¤5 à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¤8.5 à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¤16 à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¤16 Public Relations à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¤4 à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¤9 à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¤17 à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¤19 Selling à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¤7 à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¤11 à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¤16 à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¤17 Direct Marketing à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¤5 à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¤8 à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¤12 à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¤11 Table 2.2: Approximate Estimate of Communications Mix Expenditure in UK source: Paley, Norton (2006), The Managers Guide to Competitive Marketing Strategies, Thorogood, London (N.B. Industry Estimates has wide variations) PR Other Areas of Marketing Communications There has been a lot of debate regarding the relationship between public relations and other areas marketing communications mix. Academics, scholars, practitioners or managers present different views in comparing PR and other marketing functions. Many of the arguments are based on the matter of outlining the relevant roles of the two functions. From the marketing point of view, the primary function of a public relations campaign is publicity (Kotler, P. and Armstrong, G., 1996). According to Shimp and Delozier (1986), Public relations provides tactical support for marketing communications. However, this theory contradicts with PR practitioners and academics perception who describes the role of public relations is to manage the relationships between an organisation and those strategically important constituencies (can be any type of stakeholder) within its environment (Cutlip et al., 1994). After a careful study Kotler and Mindak (1978) suggested five models to demonstrate the relationship between an organisations public relations and other areas of marketing communications: separate but equal functions; separate but overlapping functions; marketing as the dominant function; public relations as the dominant function; public relations and marketing as the same function. Kotler and Mindak (1978) claimed that any single model can not demonstrate the relationship between these two. However, they claimed that there is a broader relation between two of these functions i.e. to uphold the brand image. But, Grunig and Hunt (1984) strongly disagree to accept this as relationship. According to them this is mere similarity of outcomes not functions Marketing/PR Image Assessment Media Strategy Corporate Advertising Relationship Marketing Direct Mail Branding Sponsorships Promotions Public Relations Publications Events Lobbying Community relations Media Relations Social Investment Crisis Communications Issues Management Marketing Market Assessment Customer Segmentation Customer Relations Product Development Client Servicing Telemarketing Sales Pont of Sales Promotion Advertising Figure 2.7: Relation between Marketing Public Relations Source: Johnston, Jane and Zawawi, Clara (2003), Public Relations, 2nd edn, Allen Unwin, Australia, p.13 2.5.6 PR Vs Other Areas of Marketing Communications Source: Article Filter [online] (Cited 12 April 2008) Available from A theory of Grunig, J.E and Grunig, L.A. (1992, p.357) tried to distinguish PR from marketing functions claiming that marketing and public relations serve different functions and that public relations can not be excellent if it is subjugated to marketing function. The authors acknowledge the signif

Tuesday, August 20, 2019

Mission statement summarizes companys strategies for achieving its goals

Mission statement summarizes companys strategies for achieving its goals Introduction A corporate formal mission statement summarizes a companys strategies for achieving its goals, by stating the important goals that its employees must strive to meet (David, 2009). It is a statement that states the reason why a company exists and states a companys purpose in the business world. Constructing a formal mission statement that explains a companys interest in the market world is among the most difficult tasks that an executive committee leader faces. In this paper, Coca-Colas formal mission statement will be evaluated by comparing the core values, suppliers, products and services, markets, shareholders, employee and customers concern for profitability and philosophy. Coca Colas Mission Statement Coca Colas mission statement is to maximize shareowner value over time. Its strategic business objectives are to expand its production volume, expand its share of worldwide nonalcoholic ready to drink beverage sales, improving its economic profits and economic value and lastly to maximize the long term cash flows. In order to achieve its mission statement, Coca Cola Company has taken the initiative of creating value when serving its constraints which includes its customers, its bottlers and the community. The company explains that its mission of existence is to refresh and benefit anyone that uses its products. According to Dess et al (2007), evaluating a companys mission statement involves conducting a research on whether the mission statement fulfills the following conditions; if it focuses on fulfilling the companys need rather than focusing on the product, clear and easily understood by all, it explains how it will serve its customers, based on the companys strengths, motivates and inspires it employees, realistic and fits in the current market situations and lastly if it is specific, short and states what the company wants to be remembered for in the future (Thompson et al, 2007). A company must redefine its formal mission statement after a considerable time so that it does not lose its credibility in defining the definite course for a company. Without a formal mission statement, a company may lose track and drift according to the pressures in the business environment. Viljoen Dann (2003) stated that for a company to stay focused in the business environment, it should have a clear and a concise formal mission statement. Coca Cola company mission statement defines the business and this can be depicted from the amount of sales that is realized in the company. Its mission was to get access to all persons by making them enjoy their products. Its local marketing strategy enables Coca Cola Company to listen to all voices around the world and this has contributed to making beverages that can be consumed by any person, anywhere depending on personal preferences and occasions. The company is not only determined to make great drinks for its customers, but it also contributes to communities in the local market through involvements in education, diversity, health and wellness. In order to achieve its mission statement, Coca Cola company has come up with visionary goals and articulate corporate philosophy which includes; being a great place to work for its employees, bringing a portfolio of different brands that satisfies peoples needs and desires, building mutual loyalty with its partners, being a fast moving organization and highly effective, maximizing returns to shareholders while at the same time being mindful of their responsibilities and lastly being a global citizen that brings a difference in the market. The companys mission statement can be perceived to be effective basing on the fact that it has established a wide range of markets and consumers. According to Woo and Cooper (2002), a companys mission statement is perceived to be effective and appropriate if it fulfills its goals such as fulfilling its community and customers needs and desires. The company has produced a nonalcoholic beverage that caters for each and every customers need, financial status, occasion and preference. The corporate level is the highest level in any organization. According to White (2004), corporate managers have the duty to address issues pertaining to overall organization, decision making and planning strategy which affect the other levels in the organization. Marketing involves strategic planning in all levels of an organization (Corner, 2004). Grand et al (2011), defines strategic marketing as marketing activities that affect the business, corporate and marketing strategic plans. The marketing activities try to involve everyone in the organization towards achieving the companys mission statement, goals and objectives. It helps organizations to execute a marketing philosophy that can be applied through the planning process (Jones et al, 2007). According to Grant (2010), a companys vision specifies what the company wants and how it plans to achieve that. Hill et al (2007), indicates that a comprehensive vision should state a companys market, objectives, desired public image, core values and basic companys basic philosophy. Most organizations developed a mission statement to communicate their corporate vision to the interested parties. A mission statement then becomes an important element that can be used in the strategic planning process because it specifies the boundaries under which a business operates. According to Grant (2010), the Coca Cola Company being the leading distributor, manufacturer and marketer of nonalcoholic beverages in the world, has an efficient personnel who make all this achievable. It the worlds largest producer, marketer and distributor of coca cola products and it operate in more than 200 countries worldwide. Strategic management, as defined by Hamel (2002), is the process that identifies a companys objectives and mission statement and developing policies and plans that can be used to achieve the objectives. It provides a guideline to those in the managerial position to work towards accomplishing an organizational goals and objectives. It is the highest managerial activity that is performed by an organizational chief executive officer (CEO). Strategic management deals with study of functions and responsibilities of those in the managerial position in the organization (Lewis et al, 1999). A companys CEO undertakes strategic monitoring in the company, to check t he progress of the company toward achieving its goals and assessing whether the company needs any modification to arrive at its goals (Hill et al 2007). According to Mintzberg et al (1998), having knowledge on strategic management helps the CEO to be in a position to know his business environment and how to control it, know how to manage and understand how policies can be formulated to achieve the companys goals. Coca Cola Company is headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia and its current CEO is Muhtar Kent, U.S. Kent has worked in the Coca Cola Company for a long period and when he ran Coca Colas international units, it accounted to 83% profit and sales value of more than $20 billion (Grant 2010). He joined the Coca Cola Company in Atlanta in the year 1978 and has held a lot of operational roles in his career. Between the years 1995 and 1998, he served as a managing director of the coca cola Amtil-Europe Company and covered operations in 12 countries. He was then named president and chief operating officer of the Coca Cola Company in Northern Asia, Middle East and Eurasia from the year 2005 till 2006 (Grant 2010). He served as the international president through the year 2006 until when he was appointed the Chief Executive Officer on 1st July, 2008. He succeeded Neville Isdell who was at the post. Under his leadership, various Coca Cola bottler companies experienced extra ordinary growth, over 250 percentage increase in the market capitalization and triple digit growth in different financial sectors. He has then joined as a chairman of board of directors in Coca Cola Company on 23rd April, 2009 (Grant, 2010). Evaluation of a CEO Performance According to Johnson et al (2005), a successful CEO is one who is available to subordinates and is able to relate with his or her organization in a trusted way. This extends to the way he/she conducts himself/herself to the public, its employees, suppliers and customers. Grant (2010) argues that he/she should be able to motivate the employees in an effective way so that they can work towards fulfilling the customers needs and desires. A good operational organization should have a CEO who can be looked upon by the other members of staff for decision making process. Liebeskind (2006) indicates that the performance assessment of a CEO can be done by observing the management system in an organization. A good CEOs performance will be reflected in the companys overall performance in the global market as it competes with the others. This requires a transparent communication concerning a companys progress with its customers, suppliers, employees, media and shareholders. It has been observed that Coca Colas CEO performs well in his position. He does this by promoting business care internally. According to Evens and Wurster (2007), a good performing CEO should place highlights to its employees in a persuasive manner, by motivating them to work towards achieving the companys goals and most importantly along the mission statement. The employees should also be motivated to work towards fulfilling the needs of the customer and this is what is seen in Coca Colas CEO. The CEO also engages the financial sector by focusing on the interest of the shareholders. He has engaged proactively with their major investors, bankers and insurers on issues that affect the companys innovation and business opportunities (Grant 2010). He has also articulated purpose, principle and values both internally and externally. He does this by communicating and behaving in a manner that is consisted with the companys proposed values, purpose and mission statement. The CEO makes sure that he holds regular meetings with his employees, interacted well with his business associates, holds dialogues and communication with the stakeholders and organizing for annual reports and other corporate publications. Shareholders It is observed by Barney (2001), that Coca Cola Companys mission statement drives and focuses on the interest of the shareholders. The companys CEO has identified several long tern objectives that maximize share owners value over time. The companys shareholders congratulates the efforts of the CEO who has seen that the company involves them in the decision making process. The Coca Cola Company as argued by Grant (2010) has committed itself to supporting the community in various ways such as; ensuring access to clean water and environment and providing employment opportunities which promotes economic growth. Suppliers According to White (2004), the principal raw material used by Coca Cola Company in United States is corn syrup, a form of sugar that is found from different local and domestic sources. The raw material that is used by the soft drink industry outside United States is sucrose which is also available from different sources. The managers have been observed to maintain a good relationship with its suppliers who contribute to the good performance of the company. Coca Cola Company has employed methods such as minority ownership and strategic alliances to improve and secure god and fruitful relationship with its suppliers (White 2004). Employees The employees at Coca Cola Company enjoy the benefits that the company offers. White (2004) argues that the company has initiated the use of total quality management system (TQM), which requires a well trained workforce that participates fully in ensuring the companies goals and objectives are achieved as stipulated in the companys mission statement. Such participations are usually reinforced by rewarding the employees and taking them through training programs (Nag et al, 2007). The employees of Coca Cola Company state that the ongoing education and training program in the company has helped them improve their knowledge, skills and the quality of work they produce, and makes it easy for the company to realize the objectives stipulated in the mission statement. The CEO of Coca Cola company has ensured that its employees are encouraged to be more responsible, communicate effectively and that they act creatively and innovatively. According to Thompson (2007), people mainly behave the wa y they do in organizations on the basis of how they are remunerated, and this can be linked to customer satisfaction (White 2004). Coca Cola has spread its interest to its employers by working so closely with them by asking them to openly identify, communicate and discuss environment issues to the top management. It hands out global employee engagement surveys regularly to allow the employees to make suggestions concerning the companys performance, and thus provides checks and balances to ensure the mission statements objectives are well maintained. Customers Coca Colas mission statement focuses on identifying customers needs and fulfilling it. The company has worked hard to reach to its potential and existing customers by considering their views and suggestions when making decisions. Johnson et al (2005), explains that the most effective way to reach to the customer is listening to what they have to say about the company. The Coca Cola Company has done excellent job in creating a friendly, convenient and informative website to discuss the factors that affects its organizations. The website also allows the customers to give personal suggestion on the products offered by Coca Cola Company. It has also fulfilled it goal by fulfilling the customers needs. It has a range of products that can be consumes freely by any consumer irrespective of the status or income level. It has also nicely packaged products which makes it easy for customers to carry about. Conclusion In line with the definition of a good manager as argued by Hamel (2002), the performance of Coca Cola CEO can be summarized to be one of a good manager. According to Corner (2004), a companys CEO has the ability to influence decision making process in the organization. He has the ability to control the internal factors in the organization by focusing on the companys stakeholders. The CEO has to ensure that the company operates in line with the companys mission statement, and at the same time fulfilling the companys visionary goals. Coca Cola company has matched its mission statement by involving the employees, customers, suppliers and shareholders in the decision making process. It has implemented an open door style to its stakeholders in which any of them can go to the management in case of any problem. All this has made the CEO to think out of the box when making decisions in the company. It has also enabled the CEO to identify and solve small problems before they become big and irresolvable. The majority of the top managers have well rounded backgrounds in the company, and this gives the CEO an easy time in handling them. It has also allowed problems in the company to be looked at from multiple angles all of which ensures that the mission statement objectives are met. Coca Cola Company conducts annual chief executive officer performance evaluations, which ensure that he offers the best leadership for the company. His performance is measured against the companys goals and objectives as projected in the mission statement. Coca Cola has nearly 7 million potential customers and counts its success by its ability to satisfy more of their beverage demand and adding value to the customer. It also does this by placing the right products in the right market at the right time, thus making it a reliable source of beverages for its customers and thus maintains its corporate image as projected in the mission statement.

Monday, August 19, 2019

Essay --

I think that there are and aren’t any limits to ‘appropriation’ in art and design. I think because in art and design, there are different ways that artists use ‘appropriation’. Certain artists use it as their base of inspiration or parody, but there is a limit to appropriating an artwork. It depends on the material used for the artwork that lets it be determined if it is fair enough to say it has been â€Å"appropriated† or not. Personally, I thing it is only considered appropriation if the material used and the meaning of the artwork has been changed. For example, Jeff Koons, he is known for his animal balloon sculptures made out of stainless steel with a mirror surface. Picture source: http://design-milk.com/a-closer-look-at-jeff-koons/ He took an everyday object and re-created it by changing the material and the size of it. He is best known for his orange balloon dog that was sold at $58million. So far, there aren’t any bad comments about his balloon sculptures as the material he used also intrigues people. Koons once complaint that a gallery infringed his rights by selling bookends that looks exactly like this balloon dog. But as I quote the gallery as they filed a complain for declaratory relief stating â€Å"As virtually any clown can attest, no one owns the idea of making a balloon dog, and the shape created by twisting a balloon into a dog-like form is part of the public domain.† But despite being known for his work, Koons has also been sued several times for copyright infringement over the use of other artist’s image and recreating it with minimal changes. One example would have to be the case of Rodgers Vs Koons. It is said that he had lost the case because Rodgers owns all copyright to the photograph he took. I persona... ...ot so successful when they attempt to do it. Although to some artists, copyright isn’t an issue. But how much changes do we have to make to appropriate an art piece, for it to be considered complying with the copyright law. The copyright law protects an artist’s exclusive right to reproduce or authorize others to reproduce the artist’s work. But the copyright law isn’t as strict as we look at it to be because there isn’t such a thing as international copyright law because in different countries, there are different agreements on what a copyright law should be about. Source credit: http://painting.about.com/cs/artistscopyright/f/copyrightfaq1.htm http://99designs.com/designer-blog/2013/04/19/5-famous-copyright-infringement-cases/ http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jeff_Koons#cite_note-104 http://www.owe.com/resources/legalities/30-jeff-koons-copyright-infringement/

Sunday, August 18, 2019

A Critical Evaluation of Charles De Gaulles Handling of the Algerian Insurrection :: European Europe History

A Critical Evaluation of Charles De Gaulle's Handling of the Algerian Insurrection The 1950s was not a particularly good decade for France. The Fourth Republic, which had been established in the aftermath of the Second World War, remained unstable and lurched from crisis to crisis. Between 1946 and 1954, there had been a war in French Indo-China, between a nationalist force under Ho Chi Minh and the French. The war was long and bitter and towards the end, the French suffered the ignominy of losing the major fortress of Dien Bien Phu to the guerrillas on 7 May 1954. An armistice was sought with Ho Chi Minh, and the nations of North and South Vietnam emerged from the ashes of the colony. It is entirely likely that the success of the guerrillas influenced the Algerian insurrectionists, the National Liberation Front(FLN), in tactics and in the idea that the time was ripe to strike. It is clear that the FLN employed similar methods to those developed by the nationalists under Ho Chi Minh.1 For several months, France was at peace. The insurrection began on 1 November 1954. The insurrection precipitated the fall of the Fourth Republic. Charles de Gaulle, hero of the Second World War, became President of France in 1958, and was intent on securing a political solution to the insurrection, rather than one based on force. His efforts were largely successful in avoiding a civil war in France, and ending the insurgency - although it took four years to do so. It has been estimated that more than a million Algerians died in the insurrection.2 Before 1954, Algeria was not considered to be a French colony - rather it was seen as an integral part of France. The region was composed of departments, like those of the mainland. There were over a million white French nationals living in Algeria at the time and around eight million Muslims.3 This was a greater proportion of French nationals than in the other major North African colonies of France - Morocco, and Tunisia.4 Although there were benefits to remaining with France, the colonial administration was heavily weighed against the Muslims - particularly with regards to voting rights. In 1936, for instance, the Popular Front Government of Blum introduced legislation to the Assembly proposing to extend French citizenship to over twenty thousand Algerian Muslims.5 The initiative failed when all the European mayors of Algerian towns resigned in protest.

Digital Divide Essay -- essays research papers fc

Some say the Internet is the savior for the world. It will bring all the people of the world together for universal peace. The great equalizer the educator the cash cow, the greatest communication infrastructure ever. The World Wide Web is the single greatest evolution of technology in my lifetime the â€Å"end all and be all† of killer applications for the Personal Computer. Well what if you have never used a computer, maybe you have never seen one in real life. Would you know how to turn it on, let alone log on to the information super highway? I bet not. America was founded on the idea of equality for all her citizens. The price of a computer is the same for all consumers but that doesn’t make it affordable for all. So what do we do when equality is not enough? Only 41.5% of us households have the Internet in their homes. (In Class Charts I) Most people turn to other locations for example school, work, community centers, libraries or web cafà ©Ã¢â‚¬â„¢s for access t o the Internet and computers. By no fault of their own the Infrastructure is simply not completely in place to allow access to every citizen. Is universal access to the Internet something the government is prepared to provide or something we as independent citizens will do? With the concern concentrated on technology Infrastructure we can bridge the Digital Divide. The Digital Divide is the poverty line of the twenty-first century. It is the term use to describe the separation between the people who have access to, knowledge of, and training on, new technology from the people who have little to no access and no technical knowledge of technology. The term Digital reefers to the format used by computers called binary code. Binary code is compiled of ones and zeros (1001110001) it is a basic computer language. When technical gurus began to talk about codes and servers you might become confused but what if the term’s disk drive, modem, upload download, e-mail was just as confusing. This is a reality for a large section of the population. The distribution of our technological knowledge and access to the technology is not demographically balanced. This division is not based solely on economic factors, cultural and education factors also play major roles. This Digital Divide is a fixable problem and in fact the divide has begun to close. The Digitally Divided population have a similar demographic, usually they ... ...hink of millions of students all being trained on Acme software and Acme systems when they get a good job and purchase there own computer chances are they will stick with Acme and that is how capitalism is supposed to work. So I would say to Acme take a risk on our poor and uneducated they need to have a level playing field. Works Cited Casillas, Ofelia; Los Angles Times; August 4, 2001; An Assist by Magic Johnson. URL http://latimes.com/news/local/la-000063338aug04.story In Class Charts Digital Divide Lecture, John Decker, December 4, 2001, URL http://courses.sdsu.edu/bin/common/course.pl?course_id=_57_1&frame=top Johnson, Carrie; Washington Post; December 11, 2001; Microsoft Revises Private-Lawsuit Offer; URL http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A22672-2001Dec10.html Linn, Allison; Los Angles Times; November 26, 2001; Microsoft Settlement Plan Criticized; URL http://latimes.com/technology/wire/sns-ap-microsoft1127nov26.story Newman, Morris; Los Angles Times; January 25 2001; Cyber South Central; URL http://latimes.com/technology/la-000007046jun30.story NTIA National Telecommunications and Information Administration, 2000, URL http://www.digitaldivide.gov/

Saturday, August 17, 2019

Homelessness in Sacramento

Social class in society, those who fall in the underclass are referred to as the poor. They typically live in areas with high rates of poverty and few opportunities to Improve their lives. But what about those who have less than the lower class. There Is d rising population of people who have lost everything and therefore must take shelter In the local parks, abandoned buildings, overpasses, and any other form of protecuon against the elements (Schutt, 201 1 | Homelessness Is a social problem affecting our nauon, which can only continue to grow If society does not make a hange.Eltzen, Zinn, and smith (2011) define a social problem as Inducing material or psychic suffering for certain segments of the population; there are sociocultural phenomena that preventa significant number of societal participants from developing and using their full potential; and there are discrepancies between what a country such as the united states Is supposed to stand for (equality and and democracy) and th e actual living conditions In which many ot its people live (PS). The population ot those who are homeless is difficult to specifically identity.Many are otten huddled in small areas and do not travel tar trom a location, but others may travel trom region to region causing the numbers to be skewed. Sacramento, Calitornia has many local and nationally run organizations and businesses dedicated to assisting those who have fallen on hard times. One organization particularly has provided many opportunities to not only provide assistance to the local homeless population, but also worked with local and statewide policy makers to reduce the rates of homelessness in the region. Sacramento Steps Forward (SSF) is more than just a food bank.Providing both temporary and permanent housing for adults and families with children, providing access to employee training, and also advocating for community support are some of the services they do (SacramentoStepsForward, 2013). Sacramento Steps Forward also monitors and evaluates the services provided to those in need in order to ensure the diverse needs of Individuals experiencing homelessness are met _ They have created the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) which Is an electronic database used to store characteristic service needs Information of Individuals experiencing homelessness.Each year Sacramento Steps Forward conducts a Point- In-Time count of individuals on the streets in order to determine the number of homeless In the Sacramento region (SacramentostepsForward, 2013). The staff and volunteers take to the streets for one night throughout the Sacramento region to talk to Individuals experiencing homelessness In an effort to gather demographic and living condltlon data. using HMIS will help us to provide an accurate and more consistent representation of our regions homeless population.According to the ssF website, â€Å"overall, homelessness In our (Sacramento) region Is on the decline. However, we have seen a staggenng 41. 5% Increase In one population-tamlly homelessness. † The youth and young adults ages 14-24 make up nearly ot the total population experiencing homelessness in the Sacramento area (SSF, 2013). negative perception that follows the stigmas associated with being homeless can lead to social rejection for many individuals.When we look at people who are still in their teenage years, and are not fully developed mentally, these stigmas can lead the individual to follow the person-blame approach. The homeless are to be blamed for heir own living conditions because if they were to Just get a Job, then they would not be where they are. People are generally afraid of what they do not know. The economic elite and powerful who live in the upper class are not exposed to people who are homeless as often as those who belong to the lower-class of structured societies.It is easy for people who belong to the economic elite to look down on those who are homeless as view them as infe rior. Since the effects of homelessness may only catch their attention when they are driving on their way into work and see a man on the corner with a cardboard sign. Those in the upper class are less likely to be as tolerable towards these individuals. There opinions would lean on the side of the person-blame approach of attribution.When we consider that the majority of Americans live in the lower and middle class levels of society, the likelihood of acceptance for those who are homeless can be greater since they have more exposure in their communities to the homeless population. Individual interpretations suggest that homelessness is the result of personal deficiencies, such as substance abuse and social disaffiliation, whereas structural interpretations uggest that it is the result of systemic factors, such as lack of affordable housing and employment opportunities (Cronely, 2010).The lower class beliefs of homelessness can be directed towards the system-blame approach, feeling t hat the individuals are where they are as a result of a flaw in society. People who consider homelessness a structural problem are more likely to favor government action than those believing in individualistic causes (Lee, Lewis, & Jones, 1992). When analyzing homelessness, we can also use the sociological imagination. C Wright Mills describes the sociological magination as awareness of the relationship between an individual and the wider society (Eitzen, Zinn, & Smith, 2011, p. ). The sociological imagination allows us to look beyond our limited experiences and knowledge in order to see the world and it's people how they really are. Few people are willing to try to understand what the lives are like for individuals who are homeless. The people who are willing and able to help are limited in the resources available to them. Food banks are open and supported to provide a meal for the individuals and families that are homeless, but ewer Job assistance and training programs are availab le.The homeless will be kept alive with minimal meals, but little else is available to assist in the change of their conditions. Food banks serve a valuable purpose in keeping those in need alive, Society is only sustaining them by giving a little when what they truly need is teaching, coaching, and counseling on how to become a contributing member to society, and not someone tagged with a social stigma or considered deviant. One way to remedy the problem is reduce the economic inequality that exists in society.The tax breaks for the powerful which do not get redistributed to state funding are hindering the full potential that organizations like Sacramento Steps Forward are truly capable of achieving. By challenging the current social order and demanding the redistribution of wealth from the elite to the lower classes is one way to ease the homelessness is to offer and provide more counseling to those who may have a mental disorder and/or a drug problem. The longer that a stigma of deviant, loser, hopeless, and homeless are attached to an individual, the less self-confident that erson may become.Being treated like an animal that do not deserve to belong toa society can do mental and emotional damage that could leave damage that a trained professional may be required to assist that person. Experiences of homelessness negatively affect people's sense of identity to destructive proportions. Experiences of homelessness may have profound effects upon people's sense of identity both personally and socially (Williams ; Stickley, 2011). Homelessness is a social problem affecting our nation, which can only continue to grow if society does not make a change.