New Idea for an Old Brand Essay

As a way to freshen up the traditional brand and to gain more exposure, the granddaughter of the Margaux family wanted to begin mass marketing a new wine brand. The idea would be to use different grapes in order to be more accessible to the younger generation. The target price range would be â‚ ¬20-â‚ ¬25 per bottle (Dessain, 2011). There are a large number of young wine drinkers who cannot afford the high prices of the current Gran Vin brand and are therefore not being attracted to the Chateau de Margaux vineyards. If these consumers were introduced to an affordable brand of wine from the Margaux estate, then they may be more likely to recognize and trust the brand. That way, when they are looking for a more expensive wine, they will first go to their label of Grand Vin from the Chateau de Margaux collection. General Concerns: Some of the issues with this suggestion are: maintaining the exclusivity of the original brand, ensuring that consumers still feel motivated to pay the higher price point, and they will also now need a distributor, marketing team, and an ability to focus on more than one brand of wine. In this particular case, the Margaux business has a close-tie who is very familiar with the distributorship and marketing of wine, and therefore this is a solution to one of the issues; however there are several of the other issues that remain very pertinent concerns, as we will discuss later on.

Are Energy Drinks Bad for You or Good

When people ask you, â€Å"What are energy drinks? † Everybody say drinks that give you energy. They are wrong. Energy drinks are beverages that claim to give an extra boost of energy from caffeine. Energy drinks such as Red Bull or Rock star are good and bad for your bodies. Red Bull (Energy Drink) Good qualities that energy drinks have are that there non-alcoholic. This means that the more teens that buy this, the less chance of accidents and situations to do with the law the teens have to go through. Sometimes Energy Drinks keep you awake from times you can’t/don’t want to be asleep. There are many bad qualities when it comes to Energy drinks. If a person of some kind consumed to many energy drinks, it can lead to heart problems or possibly death, as the caffeine rates in these drinks are jaw-droopingly gigantic. Caffeine can also cause Tremor / shaking, chest pains, and lots of headaches. Some teenagers mix alcohol with energy drinks at parties, which is a deathly and dangerous mixture. Questions you can ask yourself is: 1. Do I want to have a body with a lot of caffeine? 2. Do I want to ruin my life? 3. Alcohol or Non-alcoholic? 4. Do I need to suffer? Overall energy drinks are bad and not good for athletes. There are times to use energy drinks and times not too. But before you make your decision, think of the questions I asked you. And see if you want a good body or bad body. Make your mind up ?

Organizational behaviour Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2750 words

Organizational behaviour - Assignment Example It is a progression of sorts that keeps on happening. At Sony, this has meant that the company has understood its objectives and gone ahead with accepting them through the corridor of time and availability of resources at its end. Over the years, Sony has faced monumental losses in terms of finances and increasing competition from some of the bigger players in the technological business. Sony’s problems were broad and deep, which asked for a better understanding in terms of the change process which had to be brought in. The change that has essentially come in has accounted for a thinking amendment in terms of realizing that Sony existed as a powerhouse which is not the case anymore. Samsung and Apple – the two rivals of repute have usurped its market share which is simply an unacceptable awakening for Sony. The change process has therefore been negative for Sony more than anything else (Covin, 1999). What is needed now is a change that shall set things right, and that t oo within quantifiable proportions. Also the restructuring done within Sony amounted to heavy losses, which was another exercise in futility for the company. The profits which had poured in the recent years were not coming up like historical trends and the losses were immense. This has meant that Sony needs to change its course of action and that too within acceptable proportions. The determination to make change a success was destined for Sony, especially after Stringer wanted it to be implemented across the board. For this, he devised the policy of a central decision making authority for some of the key areas under Sony. Sony’s Electronics division was earmarked for this and Stringer decided to go ahead with it. He also played his role well within the development of the corporate culture which was deemed as an important entity (Heath, 1994). This was a change of sorts for the organization since the corporate culture decides the relevant course of action and highlights where the business can exceed the expectations that the stakeholders have of it. Since its products were top of the line and had made a name for their own selves over the years, it was only significant that Sony developed a corporate culture which could resonate well with the products that were being manufactured under its aegis. One should believe that these small incremental changes as well as the huge amendments are for the betterment of Sony at large. If a third party is appointed to oversee the change process, it will be able to fathom the kind of success that change shall eventually be able to bring in. The different types of change that Sony is planning for now are indeed focused on the right track and there is an effort to set things right. Also the incorporation of Stringer within the change methodologies is one that banks on trust and a will to do something inherently right. After evaluation of changes at Sony is done, one finds that these changes bank on the experience of Stri nger and how he wishes to take the company forward (Senior, 2006). Also his expectations from the people who matter the most within the organization is straightforward and depends on whether or not they would be able to manifest their truest selves when the need so arises. Fortunately, the need arises on a consistent basis which keeps everyone in the loop as far as change management and deployment avenues are concerned. One must not forget

Operations Management Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words - 13

Operations Management - Essay Example The international nature that is evident in the markets as well as competition has made many of the companies that operate globally to make reviews to their operations strategy and the companies are thus moving from the centralized operations to the decentralized ones so that they can benefit from the accessible resources while being closer to the markets. The organizations have also made several changes in the approaches, techniques and operations they employ with the goal of meeting the evolving requirements associated with the market. Companies therefore have to be in competition on the basis of more than one competitive performance goals that include quality, cost, receptiveness, suppleness as well as reliability.Mass customization has therefore developed to be a key goal as in many of the companies and the organizations are developing the build-to-order supply chain so that it can be flexible and responsive. To accomplish mass customization, the build-to-order model has to be ac tively implemented in a variety of industries, company like BMW allows the customers to make changes to the vehicles that they want within six days of the final assembly and this includes an entire change in the colour of the car. This enables the company for example, to build more than half a million permutations of the Z3 since they can be tweaked to the customer’s specifications in the event that he or she wants adjustments.As a result of the escalating international competition as well as a decline in the profit margins.

Domestic Violence Dissertation Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 4000 words

Domestic Violence - Dissertation Example C. The Dynamics of DV: This part attempts to understand victimization in and perpetration of DV. D. Types of DV Perpetrators: This part will try to understand the nature of DV perpetrators and how DV perpetrators are categorized. E. Domestic Violence and Children: This discusses the impact of DV on children. F. Evaluating and Enhancing the Effectiveness of Batterer Intervention Programs: This seeks to understand how existing batterer intervention programs are being viewed by various authors. A. Explaining Domestic Violence 1. Definition Reviewed literatures’ (Brewster 23-24; Davis 3; Hague, Mullender & Aris 1; McCue 2-4; Myers 735; Peters et al. 8; West 10) definition of domestic violence (DV) – also termed as intimate partner violence (IPV) – vary in terms of determining the acts and relationships that would qualify as such(Garner & Fagan 54, qtd. in Brewster 23). Among definitions, Oregon Domestic Violence Council’s (ODVC) is most explicit: â€Å"†¦ a pattern of coercive behavior used by one person to control and subordinate another in an intimate relationship.† Here, acts defined as coercive/abusive â€Å"include physical, sexual, emotional, and economic,† to which others added psychological (Peters et al. 8); while the purpose of coercive acts is defined as that aims â€Å"to engender fear in the victim in order to enforce compliance.† (qtd. in McCue 3) With most DV incidents reportedly perpetrated against women often by their male intimate partners (Hague, Mullender & Aris 1), DV is often understood as male chauvinism at its worst form, picturing men as animals or beasts whose gratification is imposing their power on women.... The intention of this study is domestic violence (DV) – also termed as intimate partner violence – vary in terms of determining the acts and relationships that would qualify as such. Among definitions, Oregon Domestic Violence Council’s is most explicit: â€Å"†¦ a pattern of coercive behavior used by one person to control and subordinate another in an intimate relationship.† Here, acts defined as coercive/abusive â€Å"include physical, sexual, emotional, and economic,† to which others added psychological; while the purpose of coercive acts is defined as that aims â€Å"to engender fear in the victim in order to enforce compliance.† With most DV incidents reportedly perpetrated against women often by their male intimate partners, DV is often understood as male chauvinism at its worst form, picturing men as animals or beasts whose gratification is imposing their power on women. However, some literatures noted that even women batter and t hat, men themselves are actual victims of DV, though their number is much smaller compared with women victims. Hence, DV – a universal reality that may happen anywhere, anytime, to anyone in any type of intimate relationships – can be understood as any form of abusive behavior willfully and systematically perpetrated against an intimate partner (victim) by another (perpetrator), causing physical injury, psychological trauma and death on the victim, purposely to ensure the perpetrator’s dominance and control over the victim and the relationship

Event study Statistics Project Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Event study - Statistics Project Example Market capitalization entails a multiplication of the total number that a company owns by the price of each share. With respect to the perspectives of the efficient market hypothesis and the PEAD, this paper aims at testing the PEAD phenomenon on a non-American market, Greek market. The paper considers the availability of 80 companies selected randomly for assessment on how PEAD affects the Greek market. The data for the 80 companies has been obtained from secondary sources especially the internet (Vaios). Considering available statistics, the Athens’ Stock Exchange a daily announcement of earnings effect on the markets. The data used in this paper considers four SUE portfolios based on events’ quoted prices as one method of testing the PEAD phenomenon and examination of whether market over and under reaction usually exist through the use of event study methodology. Finally, this paper also classifies the sample firms regarding their response or exposure to the PEAD phenomenon. In this paper, the selection of the used sample was based on the consideration of all companies listed in the ASE. Out of the 264 firms listed in the ASE, 80 were selected from which their reporting of earnings from the year 2001 to 2008 (Vaios). Among the data sets that will be considered in this case include the quarterly earnings per share, corresponding announcement dates of the quarterly returns per share, and the closing prices of the stocks (Brown and Warner, 328). Besides the random selection of the companies, all without quarterly earnings per share were excluded (Vaios). The exclusion in this case involves the dates of announcements and, therefore, the consideration of annual returns per share as this would not show the major changes that occurred after each announcement. For instance, considering that positive announcements can affect markets for as long as 40 days in the Greek market, it is clear that annual EPS may not reflect any major

Are we violating the human rights of patients in a persistent Essay

Are we violating the human rights of patients in a persistent vegetative state - Essay Example Other research objectives identified are: signs and symptoms, causative factors, legal preliminaries, etc. Using these research objectives, we have confirmed the findings through a wide choice of case studies. Analysis: The case studies used are 1)Tony Bland 2)Terri Schiavo 3)Leslie Burke 4)Glass v. UK. These case studies have gone into the depth of how and why it is necessary to have proper legal safeguard mechanisms to avoid human rights violations, because of various controversies that are inseparable from the very findings of PVS. Conclusion: The case studies, backed with solid strength of data in Literature Review, clearly confirm that there is a lot of possibility for human rights abuse in PVS, and relevant safeguard mechanisms have been suggested to alleviate concerns. Ch 1: Literature Review The aim of this dissertation is to determine the ethical and legal repercussions of a highly sensitive topic: Persistent Vegetative State, or PVS as we’ll refer to it throughout the paper. This topic has generated a lot of controversy in recent times, because it comes on the fence between the ethical perspectives of pro-life advocates and euthanasia supporters, which are two grossly different factions in this debate over what would constitute a better alternative for the patient itself. From the very outset, our interest lies in picturing an appropriate controversial definition of PVS. The term was first coined by Scottish neurosurgeon Bryan Jennet and American neurologist Fred Plum to describe â€Å"that condition in a patient’s physical and physiological well-being, that essentially makes them unconscious and unaware of their surroundings,

Humanities class Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Humanities class - Essay Example To illustrate this point, it will be best to cite an example in an epoch in history where St. Augustine’s teachings and philosophy were pervasive – the Dark Age. During that time, St. Augustine’s teachings that we are all sinners and deserving to be damned virtually preoccupied all of Europe’s consciousness that even the air they breathe is filled with sin. For St. Augustine, they were all sinners because Christ, despite of his sacrifice, did not after all save nor absolved us from our sins so we have to repent. So virtually all dimension of life in Europe during that time were filled with remission of sins such that a slight digression from this theological thought would suffice an individual to be charged as heretic and be burned at the stake. That same theological thought also proved to be an ideal ground to launch a crusade of violence and murder in the name of God. Pope Urban II exhortation and call for arms against the Muslims at Clermont, France in November 27, 1095 would not have gained ground if people did not believe that they were sinners and deserved to be damned (Tyrman 226-228). The pope knowing that this is the mindset of the people during those times, exploited their naivety by offering those who will undertake the crusade a full remission of their their sins and will be regarded as martyrs and could expect eternal salvation as the crusade is considered as a response of vow made to God (Riley-Smith 9). Naà ¯ve and gullible that this may sound to the modern mind, but the reward of not being damned by their sins is the religious impetus that provided momentum to the crusade, an idea borrowed from St. Augustine. Still not contented, the violence that were undertaken in Christ’s name who Himself abhorred violence but instead preached and practiced love and charity was also given a theological justification or excuse by the teachings of St.

PROJECT ENVIRONMENT ANALYSIS Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3500 words

PROJECT ENVIRONMENT ANALYSIS - Essay Example This is must to have a clear mission and strategic plan, as well as annual objectives. These are the blueprints that validate and guide the ideas emerging from the process of change. Detailed and outward-looking research into the organisation and role in it, as well as larger economic, demographic, political and social trends, are also important. To bring about change via project management must be as thorough as a new business start up. Learning serves as a basis for a competitive project management. It is to make company capable of utilising and encouraging the development of knowledge and skills of all employees across all functional levels. The company must integrate the knowledge into each member of project management team, and "encourage and reinforce all modes of learning, and align all of this learning with the companys strategic business directions." (Smith, 2005) The changes in the contemporary knowledge are in the background of many of the emerging challenges in project management, human resource and employee relationship in organisations. The practices of project management in global firms have their own value and status to gain knowledge for their success. The speed and quality in addressing the needs of learning is deciding the winners of tomorrow. Hence, success of a project is now depending on the ways its project management team practices, gain and responds towards available knowledge. However to be effective player in this new environment organisations have to be more flexible dynamic and to create an efficient project environment. They need to master a wide variety of skills, and the strategy of success should move around the interdependent layers of organisational capabilities which will reinforce each other across all the businesses, functions and markets. The secrecy behind such success of a project implies in developing the people who can act from

Great Pacific Garbage Patch Essay Example for Free

Great Pacific Garbage Patch Essay Everything that we throw into the environment as waste will always come back to haunt us in a larger form than we ever expected. With the level of consumerism that the society today have enjoyed because of the goods available in the market today, wastes also abound and without proper disposal mechanisms, it has led to the degradation of the environment. More so, the convenience of producing commodities in the form of plastic has led more and more wastes to be sent out in the environment. A great number of which has found their way into the oceans to become what is now termed as â€Å"The Great Pacific Garbage Patch. † It is noted for its relatively large size, the contents it has, and the area it has occupied. The Great Garbage Patch is an accumulation of plastic non-biodegradable wastes which have been dumped in the ocean or found its way to the sea from the land. The bottom line is that there is a great amount of garbage found in the ocean that is brought about by human activities. It affects marine life and will later on impact on the health of human beings. Interestingly, it has been noted that the ratio of plastic wastes in the water to that of sea life is 6 is to 1 (â€Å"The Great Garbage Patch,† n. d. ). In light of this information, it is no longer a surprising fact that there are indeed a significant volume of plastics that have been accumulated in the ocean because of the amount of materials dumped in it. The area which this garbage occupies is around 500 nautical miles from the coast of California up to Japan (Jacquot, 2008). The impact it has over the quality of life in the ocean is devastating as it grew more than the zooplankton and affects life within it (Kostigen, 2008). It is indeed proven that the Great Pacific Garbage Patch has taken over a large area of the ocean. Knowledge of this term leads people to an informed judgment next time plastics are used and results to a heightened consciousness in terms of their behavior. Moreover, private organizations should adhere to the use of biodegradable plastic or a similar technology in order to help the environment. In the future, the efforts of the individuals and organizations will greatly help in saving the environment. References Jacquote, J. (2008). The Great Pacific Garbage Patch: â€Å"Out of sight, of out of mind. † Retrieved March 9, 2009, from http://www. treehugger.com/files/2008/02/great_pacific_garbage_patch. php. This site provides scientific and factual information regarding the Great Pacific Garbage Patch. Kostigen, T. (2008). The world’s largest dump: The Great Pacific Garbage Patch. Retrieved March 9, 2009, from http://discovermagazine. com/2008/jul/10-the-worlds-largest-dump. It is an account of the author’s experience in relation to the Great Pacific Garbage Patch. The great garbage patch. (n. d. ). Retrieved March 9, 2009 from http://www. greatgarbagepatch. org/. It basically provides information in order to persuade the readers to take action.

Global Cosmopolitan Homogenization And Hetrogenization Cultural Studies Essay

Global Cosmopolitan Homogenization And Hetrogenization Cultural Studies Essay The rhetoric of shrinking spaces and the rise of mass consumer culture are the often cited characteristics of the globalization. The outcome of which is a global cosmopolitan world that is deeply interconnected, interdependent and where speed of flows (goods, services, people, capital etc) have increased thanks to the technological and scientific innovation in the era of globalization. Before making such a statement, definitional clarification becomes a must between globalization and globalism. Taking Keohane and Nye (2000) definition, globalisation is a condition of increase whereas globalism is a condition that could both increase or decrease. Globalism is a state of the world involving networks of interdependence at multicontinental distances (ibid: 105). It is a state of world that involves networks of connection and muticontinental distances for such connection to be considered global. Globalization thus refers to the increase of globalism. The increasing flows have taken place at all level economic, environmental as well as socio cultural. Major arguments surrounding globalization has been concerning whether it is a new or an old phenomena or just old wine in a new bottle; or concerning the homogenization, heterogenization, hybridization of the world due to the increased influence and interaction of global processes at all levels. The following paper reviews the major discussion surrounding the latter argument of creation global cosmopolitan culture or whether such flows have created heterogenization and at what levels. Social globalization discussed here is in context to culture. The major thrust of the paper will be the impact of globalization on local cultures and its consequences. What is Culture? Culture has been defined by anthropologists as shared customs and artefacts that bring about a sense of togetherness. Ethnologists describe culture as transmission of intellectual, emotional and behavioural features through learning and interaction. Sociologists emphasis on identity based on habits and thoughts that is required for membership. (Scruton, Roger, 2007:1). Despite definitional confusions one can safely say that culture produces an identity for individuals that are constructed by their language, history, religion and environment. As a result of which internal and external boundaries are created that in way assign distinctiveness to a culture. Religion is an important aspect of culture when one speaks of cultural authenticity (Murden, Simon, 2008:420) it usually refers to religious totems and religious heads who preach them. Speaking in the globalization context, culture in its various forms has become an important agent of globalization process. According to Arjun Appudarai there have been five kinds of flows (in Beynon, John and Dunkerley, David (2000), Globalization the Reader) Ethnoscapes: referring to the movement of people whether (migrants, refugees, exiles, tourists, workers). Technoscapes: increased and faster movement of messages across the globe. This has resulted in a complex relationship between money, political possibilities and availability of both high and low skilled labour. Financescapes: this mainly refers to the flow of capital across borders on a massive scale carried out in split seconds. With such an increase the vulnerability of economies to volatile capital also increases. Mediascapes: The inescapable influence of media through images and narratives. It can have both positive and negative impact. It could be highly informative and progressive providing a medium for the subaltern voices. But at the same time it could be used to promote fundamentalist ideas by fanatics, construct and mould choices and preferences of consumers by the Multinational corporations. Ideoscapes: this mainly refers to flow of ideas and ideologies. Notions of citizenship, democracy, freedom, representation; welfare, human rights, equality of opportunity, Privacy of persons and property, sovereignty and patriotism, individual and collective responsibility, the value of rationality and the rational mind. Waters introduces another dimension that is sacrispaces that refers mainly to the flow of religious ideas and associated values. The cultural traffic is both ways north to south and a vice a versa. However the content of traffic varies. The flow of traffic from north to south has been in gigantic proportions mainly comprising of corporate traffic. Trade liberalisation has facilitated cross border trade, consumptions abroad, commercial presence and presence of natural persons (Hodge.J, 2001: 221). The flow from South to north is more diffused carried mostly by migration. The north to south flow is much more dense and wide; in the case from south to north it is more diffused and gets acclimatised easily. This two way flow carry symbols of globalization which carry with them whole bunch of socio cultural premises. Culture as a carrier of globalization has become an important arena of contestation for national, religious and ethnic identity. Although reactions to contemporary globalization are seen in developed world like Japan, Europe where modern values prevail, however in Muslim countries that are characterised to be traditional and radical harbour different values of identity and society. In such a scenario Lieber and Weisberg (2002) point out to intense reactions redirected at external targets through forms of transference and scape goating. The major debate of the impact of globalization on culture seems to be between those who consider globalization as enriching and aiding a cultural community in development on one hand and the pessimist view that considers it as an evil that corrupts so called authentic culture. Samuel Huntington in his writings on the Clash of civilizations states that with the end of the cold war and its contest of ideologies and as a result of disruptions brought by modernization, urbanization and mass communication, the fundamental source of international conflict will not be primarily ideological but cultural.(pp ibid: 3). Cultural resistance to globalization has been mainly in context to rational and scientific notions western modernity. Two types of impacts come into view economic impact of modernity. The most commonly referred is the consumer culture spread by the MNC through media and entertainment industry. The second impact mainly refers to the western values of reasoning, secularism, religious tolerance, democracy, liberty, rule of law, gender equality, human rights etc. Thus there is resistance to such western ideas that challenge religious unscientific traditions that many communities consider as important identity marker of culture. The Islamic revival of 1970s, Hindu revivalist RSS, VHP that challenge secular foundation of India. In China the rise of Falun Gong movement inspired by Chinese guru in U.S.A post relaxation of communist totalitarianism. In Russia and Eastern Europe, the revival of orthodox and other christen sects. Murden.Simon: 420. Destabilizing Effect: Modernity = Westernization? Octavio Paz outlines that socioeconomic modernity is the fate of all cultures in that they are integrated at a structural level in the orders of the nation-state system and the global capitalist market but this integration which is structural fait accompli, not a cultural option- alters the terms of culture irrevocably, since it entails a one way agents journey from tradition to modernity. Cultures are condemned to modernity not simply by the structural process of economic development but by the process of self development. The enlightenment project has not resulted in emancipation as seen in the alienation, anomie, and iron cage of instrumental reason. (Tomlinson, John 1991:142). Such a critique of modernity could appear as a critique of homogenization or equating modernity to capitalist society. Tomlinson rightly argues the importance of capitalism in making of modern societies but it is a certain inflection of modernity and not vice versa. He calls for a critical approach that pro bes the embeddedness of modernitys discontent in a political economic system which simultaneously offers attraction over traditional societies. Amratya Sen refutes the very argument that considers liberalism and reasoning as exclusively western .According to him such ideas did exist in the past in non western worlds. The usage of the term western may create anti western sentiments in some societies which are seen in the way of glorifying Asian values and Islamic ideals. For him part of the reason lies in the anticolonial sentiments and the alienation faced that have lingered on for generations. He underlies the humiliation faced in the form of racialism, slave trade, physical abuse that harboured such antiwest sentiments. This gives rise to a colonized mind where there is both admiration and resentment of west. However where the latter dominates it gives rise to: needless hostility to many global ideas under the mistaken impression of western ideas, distorted the intellectual and scientific history if the world, the support it has given to rise of fundamentalism and terrorism. (Sen.A 2006:84-89). Alvin Edgall points defines culture as values, attitudes, beliefs, mindsets, central tendencies, worldwide views and orientations that are prevalent in a given society. Giving emphasis on the importance of culture as guide to institutions, as underlying principle of economic activity and as social capital, he cites Tu Wie Ming who discusses alternative forms of modernities owing to its success to Asian values. This suggests that imported institutions and ideas are filtered and modified by culture of the native place. Thus questioning the idea of equating modernization and westernization. It becomes important to emphasis here that different communities may identify culture differently and the importance they give to different aspects of cultures as well. In parts of Middle east, South Asia and Africa have resentment against west is due to their problems with modernity of the west that impinges on their identity. In East Asia and Latin America it is cultural alienation generated by pro liferation of American culture that creates a sense of unease. But often it concerns the intellectual elites than general public. (Wieser and Lieberg, 2002) Mendes and Soares (1996) while discussing cultural pluralism, identity in globalization highlight the inappropriateness of communal emphasis as a reactive to globalization, it was also a way of establishing a sense of identity within the globalization arena. From the above arguments it is clear that none refute the claim of central importance of culture and its fluidity to reshape by both internal as well as external factors. Cultural Homogenization Globalization of culture entails two opposite views, it could either be progressive or it could erode local cultures and threatens its existence. When one talks in terms of globalization of culture it mainly refers to the spread of consumer culture fed through technologies and global media houses to the public. David Held (2003) points out to pop music, television, cinema and tourism as principal agents of globalization. A major addition to this category would be the cyber space where blogging has helped create a sphere of public reasoning and discursion. Benyon and Dunkerley point two way dynamism between the global and local, the global impacting the local and vice versa. Riesar and Davis invented the term globalize that was tantamount to universalization. This has further reinstated neoliberals and hyperglobalists. This has given rise to what is called cultural convergence characterised by global markets, mass media and cyber space that have created homogenised world. The creation of Bretton woods institutions and the United nations have further provided impetus to this project that seek to promote global governance with convergence of ethical and moral principles. Another major shift has been the change in the role of the state with increasing role of capital forces that have given rise to consumerism. The optimist argument of such homogenization talk interms of cosmopolitan global culture. Held argues that there is nothing new about globalization but the current stream of globalization has given rise to a highly networked and organised links in the form of global economy where markets rule the roost but at the same time new regulatory forms of governance have also come into place. In consequence has given rise to a host of global problems concerning issues on environment, economy to sovereignty that has reshaped global politics that today is not only anchored in traditional geopolitical concerns of power, security and trade but larger social and ecological questions(ibid: 467). The rising cosmopolitanism of belonging to a single order. In a world where nationalistic feelings are subsiding while cultural identity is emphasized it is important to accommodate four principles of cosmopolitanism Individual egalitarianism or individualistic moral egalitarianism where all human beings belong to a single realm where each individual is to be treated equally. The principle of reciprocal recognition that seeks tolerance from all individuals belonging to that single ethical realm. The principle of consent that calls an uncoerced political process where free interaction of individuals is possible. Principle of inclusiveness and subsidiarity which calls for giving voice to those who are more affected by public decision making. Although he does recognise the pessimism against globalization but he also seems to firmly believe in a cosmopolitan accommodative world based on the above mentioned principles. The common overlapping issues over divergent interests help create cosmopolitan governance and social justice. J.AScholte (1996) discusses an intercultural community that transcends the debate between communitarianism and cosmopolitanism. That is based on seven Rs Relaxation, Recognition, Respect, reciprocity, restraint and resistance. All this reveals a very optimist an accommodative view about global cosmopolitanism. The pessimistic view of homogenisation stresses on the devouring of local cultures in the wake of global consumerism; and that authenticity resides today only in museums and theatres. Domination of homogenised culture through transnational forces will be the reality. The coca-lization and Americanisation are terms that describe broadly the homogenizing effects of capitalist consumerism. Another major criticism against consumerism is the attack on authentic culturethrough creation of false consciousness among people. A notable example in this regard is the commodification of culture through tourism where the local is packaged to suit the taste and preferences of western elites. This in a way thwarts indigenous culture. Global Impact on the Local: Rise of Consumer Culture the sum of the processes by which a society is brought into the modern world system and how its dominating system is attracted, pressured and forced and sometimes bribed into shaping social institutions to correspond to or even promote, the values, structures of the dominating centre of the system. (Tomlinson, John 1996: 103) The irony that globalization creates is quite astounding where water may not be able for far off distances in rural India but Coke, Pepsi and packaged food would be readily available at tiny shops. The rise of consumer culture is often linked to spread of capitalism establishing cultural imperialism. This gets further elaborated into, first culture in service of capitalism and secondly cultural critique of capitalism producing a globalised consumer culture by commodifying action and experience. Baudillard argues that the media is not a means of communication as there is no feedback per say. He discusses medias potential in creating a hyper real world such that it absorbs the real within it. It is not true there is no response after the media reception but the nature of output is quite debatable. The problematic area actually lies in construction and moulding of preferences by the media through its various channels. Media monopoly in this context can be quite dangerous as only six media houses control almost 20-30% of what is globally televised. eg News Corp, Time Warner, Disney, Burtelsmann, Viacom and Vivendi Universal most of which are based in OECD countries. As a result of which there is a limited band of choices and choices are imposed. There is no doubt regarding the extent of media influence but it must also be noted that when alternative viewpoints are not allowed a voice media very often becomes a device for such voices to be heard. Tomlinson in his arguments of cultural imperialism argues that there needs to be a distinction made between creating conditions for spread of capitalism and viewing it as a socio economic system (as a product of capitalist spread). This reductionist critique suffers from economic explanation rather than explaining cultural experiences. Secondly it falsely assumes that people are ideologically manipuable and capitalism relies on ideological manipulation of people. Furthering the critical theory argument suggests consumerism to be treated as a part of a wider structural context of capitalist modernity. Structural differentiation referring to the separation of domestic and work sphere. This inturn creates structurally imposed needs (ibid: 132). These needs may not be real needs but imposed on them by the conditions in which they live. They also create clash of interest between differentiated roles and interest. In such conditions recognition of autonomous individual needs and desires be comes difficult. Moreover the depth and extent of impact of consumer capitalism of the west is questionable. Howes also argues that treating human beings as passive recipients is highly problematic. Although there is no denial that local cultures are subject to western influences, however this westerness may be modified to suit their own needs. The use of term globalization as westernization and universalization have become redundant (Scholte.J, 2000) and that globalization should be understood more interms of deterritorialization or rise of supraterritorial linkages that are continuously influencing social space. This does not imply an end to territoriality, however there is move from three dimensional geography (latitude, longitude and altitude to four dimensional spaces to include globality that increasingly changes the map of social relations. (ibid). This brings us to the argument of heterogenization and hybridization. Heterogenization and Hybridisation Cultural globalization must be understood as faster movement of both tangible and intangible in a deeply interconnected and interdependent world. Although one cannot deny the increasing presence and spread of homogenizing symbols, there has been also resurgence in protecting and maintaining distinctiveness on one hand at the same time cross cultural interaction has resulted in what is commonly used as hybridisation of cultures and reproduction of new cultures. Tomlinson argues that the mere presence of western commodities does not imply that the local cultures and national cultural identities will be eroded. Instead there might be a reassertion of such forces. Indeed there is no contention on the global presence of such consumerist cultural symbols (that are considered as agents of homogenization) but these symbols are being increasingly being modified to suit the native needs.Peter Jackson argues that globalization is a site of contestation than an established fact. By drawing examples from China and South Africa, he emphasizes that producers are more and more modifying their products to suit native taste and preferences. In China post the Open Door Policy of 1970s Cadbury had to adopt Chinese way of doing business and products were given local names with decreased quantities of sugar and increased quantities of cocoa content. In the presence of Indianized version of Pizza-paneer salsa and chiken tikka as well as introduction of Chilli an d Garlic sauce to Mc Donald. All these examples are evidence of resilience of local cultures to the transnational products. From the above it is clear that it is not only the global but local that impacts. It can be said that the local coexists with the global resulting in hybridisation or heterogeneous voices of dissent. In a way globalization has encouraged reassertion of indigenous identities and what is also called new social movements. Eg global tourism has intensified Hawaiian sensibilities, global deforestation has triggered indigenous activism in Amazonia, the activation of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) resulted in armed rebellion in Mexicos Chiapas State (Scholte,Jan Aart 1996 :578). In India the increasing social unrest against development induced displacements triggered by the proliferation of Multinational projects in the tribal belts. Expanding supraterritoriality has also been linked to increasing secessionist movements in the form of ethnic revivals by communities who were previously under a larger nation state. Eg the case of former Soviet Union, Czechoslovakia and Yugoslavia. This reveals that such collective identities are becoming more and more conscious of their distinction. Reactions of ethnic identities against globalization world mainly spread of global capitalism, biased global governance agendas and on global environmental issues has also emerged. Apart from this detteritorialization has also resulted in assertion of identities that may not be connected to a particular place and a common issue that cuts across borders binds them. For example women movements, movements against racism, gays and lesbian movements, against human rights atrocities. Scholte gives an excellent classification of supraterritorial identities based on race, gender, class and youth. There has been loosening of nationalist identity as a product of modern territorial states on one hand and rise of supraterritorial nationalism. Globalization and the technological diffusion accompanied have resulted in strengthening ties between dispersed immigrants. The nationality principle may be reasserted on a global platform through use of media, efforts are being made to revitalize native la nguages etc. At a more individual level Scholte talks about fragmentation of the self and the production of multiple identities and often get lost in a multiple categorizations of gender, class, race, orientation, religion etc that have become even more sharper. Kinvall (2004) borrowing from Anthony Giddensattempts to give psychological explanations to the phenomena of supraterritorial nationalism or voices of decent in an alien nation. Ontological security referring to persons fundamental sense of safety in the world and includes a basic trust of other people and existential anxiety that is Protection against future threat and dangers which allows individuals to sustain hope and courage in the face of whatever debilitating circumstances she or he might later confront.(ibid: 746). In this sense migration is viewed as a sense of psychological process where the migrant may feel insecure and feel a sense of homelessness. Social constructivist theories emphasize on the linguistic and na rrative construction of identity which has been criticised by Kinvall as being unable to explain meaning of fluid identities. There is also mention of the thick signifier approach that probes how individuals define themselves in relation to others according to their structural axis of power(ibid) thus there in advent of heightened ontological insecurity people seek a stable identity. This can be seen in the increased efforts to create a home like environment in a place that one may not belong natively. Eg establishment of religious places of worship where the community gathering can take place and recreate rituals of home country in foreign land by celebrating of cultural festivals. Self categorization and other social identity theories attempt to explain own groups in relation to others as well as understanding self at different levels (individual, intergroup and inter species). Despite limitations a common thread running through all these theories is an attempt to explain how people form associations, try to replicate their native conditions to feel a sense of belongingness in an environment of heightened insecurity. In such conditions nationalism and religion become influential in offering save havens against such insecurities. Both national and religious identity make claims to a monolithic and abstract identity that is, one stable identity that answers to the need of securitized subjectivity Kinvall There needs to be a distinction made between religion as a cultural experience and religion as a fundamentalist expression. It is the latter form that reveals the uglier side of cultural preservation where violence becomes a defence mechanism. What we appear to be witnessing is a deprivation of religion, global desecularization of the world with an increase in anti-secular movements and discourses disenchanted with the project of modernity and insistence on the political potential and public role religious beliefs and practices.(Karner and Alridge, 2004). Revival of protestant Christianity in Latin America and parts of Sub Saharan Africa. There have been studies conducted to show that participation in religious fundamentalism and spread of religion is quite substantial among downtrodden and unemployed youth. Fundamentalist edge of religion is further sharpened when politics enters. Eg the Islamic revolution in Iran, rise of hindutva in Indian politics. The homogenising effect of cons umerism is proved wrong by the reaffirmation of religion based identities where religion becomes a potent weapon that threatens to deststabilize tolerance. The global chaos theorist argues the same stating that convergence of values and imposition that are unwelcomed that results might take the form of violence. (Dutceac, Anamaria, 2004: 3) Leiser and Weidberg talk about culture as an arena of contestation within three overlapping popular, folk and high culture. Popular culture dominated by the so called American music, movies, fashion, music. Folk culture being destroyed to suit the foreign needs and preferences and high culture (culture associated with elites) with expression found in museums, international festivals, internet etc. (ibid: 283). Each of these become sights of contestations between different cultures. This cultural backlash varies from place to place. In developed societies reactions to Americanisation is seen more interms of policy responses. Eg France, Italy and Spain have tried to control the amount of American imports in films by imposition of tariffs. China and North Korea on western images and goods. The reaction is worse in Muslim countries where backlash takes violent forms intrusion of western influences and crisis of traditional societies in the wake of socio-ecomic changes. The terrorist atta cks are examples in this regard. The west inturn defends itself by blaming inherent trouble within such societies. It has become too useful a smokescreen for Muslim nations many deficits? Their corruption, their incompetence, their oppression of their citizens, their economic, scientific and cultural stagnation. America-hating has become a badge of identity, making it possible a chest beating, flag burning rhetoric of word and deed that makes men feel good. It contains a strong streak of hypocrisy, hating most what it desires most, and elements of self loathing. (We hate America because it has made of identity disregard and self what we cannot make of our selves). What America is accused of? Close mindedness, stereotyping, ignorance? Is also what its accusers would see if they looked into a mirror? -Salman Rushdie A .Sen. (2006) explains the distinction between multiculturalism and plural monoculturalism. Multiculturalism implies coexistence with interaction whereas plural monoculturalism implies coexistence without interaction. It is the latter that may fan hostilities between communities. However multiculturalism must encourage diversity and at the same time provide freedom of choice and decision making, it must not be coerced. Conclusion There has indeed been an increase interaction and deepening of networks that characterizes contemporary form of globalization however that should not be mistaken for increased homogenization or westernization or Americanisation! There is no contention on the flow of goods and availability of western goods and services in foreign lands but that does not imply moving in the direction of sameness. Local cultures develop resilience mechanism however crude in form they may be. The very fact that western goods are marketed keeping in mind the taste and preference of natives is a proof that homogenisation is not a norm. Escobar rightly exclaims that when a border is eliminated it reappears somewhere else. (Culture sits in its place. He further two subaltern strategies place based that are attached to territory and culture and glocal strategies that utilises global networks. In sum a case can be made for hybridisation of culture or what is termed as creolization where new meanings are assign ed to imported culture. A straight jacketed theory of placing individuals into one category or assuming them to be self interested individuals would be too reductionist view. Individuals have multiple roles to play and it is important therefore to examine ways by which communities try to hang on to their cultures even when they are part of translocal networks.

Capitalism Essays -- Economic System, Freedom

Discuss your own impressions of what Capitalism is. My personal view of Capitalism is the freedom of choice to use your property any way you choose to use it. We as Americans have been giving rights to this choice. According to Murphy, That is why it is also known as the free enterprise (or free market) system, because it allows people freedom to choose: freedom to choose their own jobs, freedom to sell their own products at whatever prices they like, and the freedom to choose among products for the best value. (pg.1) As Americans, we have taken advantage of this freedom. We can work in whatever job that we love regardless of qualifications. Like many others, this choice has giving us the ability to make a living for our family. Many countries today do not get the opportunity to experience freedom of choice. These countries are governed by a socialistic system. This socialistic system says that, in their county there is no right to private property at all: everything is owned -or could be confiscated –by the state for t he benefit of â€Å"the people† (p.2) Views of Capitalism There are many critics of Capitalism according to Murphy that would say, â€Å"Even though we have this freedom to choose their jobs the still stand at the mercy of the employers† (p.2) As a citizen of the United States we can leave a job if we feel despondent about our jobs. There no law in place that can give an employer for any reason to hold you to a job. In addition, I have the right if self employed to sell my goods or services at any price beyond reason. In contrast, under a socialist system, the dissatisfied citizen’s only recourses are to leave the county (if that’s even allowed), or to start a revolution. (p.3) It is your choice of salary!... ... as those institutions perform for the public. (McConnell p. 637) Banking institutions and Thrifts makes loans and make deposits from the Central banks. The Federal System was established to control money supply through monetary policy. Congress established this system as an independent agency of government. They wanted to protect the Fed from political pressures so they can control the supply of money and price stability effectively. (McConnell p. 639) Conclusion Economics is all around us each day. In essence, we as consumers can control our own economic perspective. We sacrifice at any cost to get what we want. Our utility is increased when we pursue any pleasures and happiness through the purchase of goods or services. The author learned a great deal about economics. We function in a world all around us consumed by the economic pleasures of life.

Nurture and Nature - Influence of Parents on Childrens Sexual Orientat

Influence of Parents on Children's Sexual Orientation      Ã‚  Ã‚   Do parents influence their children's sexuality?   The answer may surprise you: no they do not.   It has been found that about 90% of sons of gay fathers are heterosexual (Bailey 124).   It was also found that 90% of daughters of lesbian women are also heterosexual (Golombok 4).   According to a poll taken by Northwestern University almost 95% of people expect children of homosexual parents to be homosexual themselves (Bailey 125).   This popular belief has affected many child custody decisions because of the possibility of the parents molesting the children, or the possibility of the children becoming homosexual themselves.   Even if the children becoming homosexual is a possibility, why deny custody to a parent based on his or her sexuality?      Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The question has been raised on what can and what can't make a child homosexual.   Some believe that children learn by imitating their parents.   This theory cannot be totally rejected, but due to recent research it is believed to be more unlikely.   Others have said that children identify with an opposite-sex parent and copying their behavior, this coupled with a distant same-sex parent makes the argument even more believable.   It is also possible that homosexual parents reinforce certain types of behavior, either homo- or heterosexual (Bailey 125-126).      Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Some say that hormones affect the sexuality of children, which may be inherited from the parents.   For example, an anatomical difference in the hypothalamus of homosexual men has recently been identified, but the reason for this difference is still unknown (Golombok 4).   Sex hormones are seen by some... ... Whether it be hormones or genes inherited from the parents, or the environment a child is brought up in, researchers still need to complete their studies on the issue to find out the truth behind the matter.    Bibliography    Bailey, J. Michael. Sexual Orientation of Adult Sons of Gay Fathers. Developmental Psychology.   1995, Vol. 31, No. 1, 124-129    Golombok, Susan. Do Parents Influence the Sexual Orientation of Their Children? Findings From a Longitudinal Study of Lesbian Families.   Developmental Psychology.   1996, Vol.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   32, No. 1, 3-11    Meyer-Bahlburg, Heino F.L. Parental Influences on the Development of Homosexual Orientation.   Developmental Psychology. 1995, Vol. 31, No. 1, 12-21    Patterson, Charlotte.   Sexual Orientation and Human Development.   Developmental Psychology.   1995, Vol. 31, No. 1, 3-11   

Energy and the Environment: Fossil Fuels Essay -- Environment Environm

Energy and the Environment: Fossil Fuels Fossil Fuels are one of the most important things on this planet to the human race. Without fossil fuels we wouldn't have today's current means of transportation, we would have less heating for the general population, energy uses would be more expensive, and overall the economy and the world would not be able to sustain themselves. Even still, the fact that fossil fuels are on this planet will never change, but how we use them and what impacts their use has will always be an issue. Even though fossil fuels provide for the most percentage of energy usage in the world, there is still the issue of pollution and other environmental impacts. Just oil and natural gas alone provide for more than 60 percent of the energy consumed in the United States (US Dept. of Energy). With this amount of fossil fuel usage taking place, and the fact that burning, transporting, recovering, and processing fossil fuels creates pollution, one can see how much total damage that is occurring on a daily basis. Some of the many environmental impacts from the result...

Harriets Hats Essay

1. A year-end physical count of office supplies on hand reveals supplies worth $1,800. The balance sheet reflected a balance in the office supplies account of $3,700 before any year-end adjustments were made. What is the amount of supplies expense that will be included on the current year income statement? 2. On December 1, 20Y1, Nelson collected rent of $7,200 (for December, January, and February rent) from a tenant renting some space in its warehouse and credited Unearned Rent Revenue for the entire amount. What is the balance sheet value of Unearned Rent Revenue on 12/31/Y1? 3. On July 31, 20Y1, Smith Company paid $10,200 to rent warehouse space for the period 7/31/Y1 to 7/31/Y2. This warehouse space was also rented from 7/31/Y0 to 7/31/Y1. Smith’s 1/1/Y1 balance sheet reflected a balance in the Prepaid Rent account relating to this warehouse of $5,775. Determine the amount of rent expense that would appear on Smith’s 20Y1 income statement. EXAM 1 REVIEW | PAGE 1 Reporting Special Income Items Plush Textiles had a beginning balance in its retained earnings account of $580,000 on January 1, 20Y1. Income from Continuing Operations (before-tax) was $225,000 for 20Y1. The company’s tax rate is 30% for all years presented. Following is a list of special items that have not been considered in the amounts above. All amounts are before taxes: Extraordinary gain Correction of a 20Y0 revenue understatement Loss from operations of a discontinued textiles division Gain on sale of the textiles division Omission of depreciation charges from January and February 20Y1 $31,000 $50,000 $22,000 $60,000 $10,000 Prepare a partial income statement for 20Y1 starting with Income From Continuing Operations before Taxes. What is the 12/31/Y1 balance in the Retained Earnings account? Change in Accounting Principle Tom Zuluaga Company began operations in 20Y1. In 20Y1 and 20Y2, the company estimated its bad debt expense by using the percentage of credit sales method. During 20Y3, the company’s management decided to change to the aging-ofreceivables method for determining bad debt expense. Yearly bad debt expense using the two methods is presented below. Tom Zuluaga has a 35% tax rate. 20Y1 20Y2 20Y3 % of Credit Sales $450,000 $300,000 $320,000 Aging-of-Receivables $380,000 $270,000 $290,000 How much bad debt expense will be reported on the 20Y3 Income Statement? What is the dollar value (if any) of the 20Y3 adjustment to the beginning balance of Retained Earnings to reflect this change in accounting principle? Debit Credit What Balance Sheet account other than Taxes Payable and Retained Earnings needs to be adjusted in 20Y3? By how much? Account Change in Accounting Estimate $Â  Debit Credit Tom Zuluaga Company placed an asset in service on January 2, 20Y1. Its cost was $1,350,000 with an estimated service life of 6 years. Salvage value was estimated to be $90,000. During 20Y3 the company’s management determined, due to technological obsolescence, the asset’s remaining useful life is 2 years, and the salvage value is estimated to be $45,000. The company uses the straight-line method of depreciation. Assume a 35% tax rate. How much depreciation expense will be reported on the 20Y3 Income Statement? How much depreciation expense will be reported as an adjustment to the beginning balance of Retained Earnings? $Â  Debit Long-Term Contracts On July 1, 20Y1, Tribe Construction Company Inc. contracted to build an office building for Moser Corp. for a total contract price of $2,500,000. On July 1, Tribe Construction estimated that it would take between 3 and 4 years to complete the building. On December 31, 20Y4, the building was completed. Following are accumulated contract costs incurred, estimated costs to complete the contract, and accumulated billings to Moser for 20Y1 – 20Y4. Contract costs incurred to date Estimated costs to complete the contract Billings to Moser to date Collections to date At 12/31/Y1 $ 250,000 1,750,000 325,000 200,000 At 12/31/Y2 $ 1,300,000 1,100,000 2,000,000 1,800,000 At 12/31/Y3 $ 1,800,000 750,000 2,300,000 2,000,000 At 12/31/Y4 $ 2,650,000 -02,500,000 2,500,000 Complete the following information regarding the amount of profit/loss Tribe will recognize each year of the contract: At 12/31/YI At 12/31/Y2 At 12/31/Y3 At 12/31/Y4 Percent Complete Method Completed Contract Method Prepare a 12/31/Y2 partial balance sheet related to the above contract, assuming Tribe uses the percentage of completion method.

Do violent video games cause behavior problems? Essay

Violence in video games lead to violent outbreaks and bad behaviour in real life, many people believe so. Are these violent video games moulding and fuelling today’s generation of young minds to a more violent side, forgetting the idea that these games are solely for entertainment purposes. Many studies have taken place surrounding this idea, giving valid points to both sides of the topic. Video games are extremely popular all over the world, connecting people through the internet allowing them to interact with one another through a cyber-portal for entertainment, with varying genres of games from card games, first person shooter’s, racing or even 3D strategy games. These games connect millions of people all around the world, gamers spending countless hours glued to screens looking at a bunch of pixels. These games are evolving every year, as technology gets better so do the games, with more realistic graphics, sound effects and scenarios. So with this, the violent game s are also becoming far more realistic, violent and aggressive. Are these prolonged hours spent playing these games damaging these people’s minds? Many of the violent war games being released today have age restrictions on them, R16 or R18 warning people of the violent content the game has, however this does not stop underage people getting their hands on them. In the article â€Å"Video games and youth violence: A prospective Analysis in Adolescents† written by Christopher J Ferguson, it quotes â€Å"The potential influence of violent video games on youth violence remains an issue of concern for psychologists† , stating that this topic is widely concerning to many people. Many studies have taken place to look into whether or not these games are causing bad behaviour, but in this article Christopher J Ferguson states that none of these studies have developed well validated measures of youth violence caused by the games. This article also points out that having depressive symptoms can lead to violent outbreaks due to antisocial traits with the individual, and gaming is an antisocial activity, therefore these games attract to those who  already have these depressive symptoms and the potential to act out violently. And the violent game has nothing to do with making the person violent, as these potential issues are there prior t o the individual even playing the game. There have been many studies based around violence in video games, whether it is elevated blood pressure, aggressive behaviour or violent outbreaks. A study led by Brock University PhD student Paul Adachi has proved that yes these violent games are causing aggressive behaviour, but this is based on how competitive the game is and not due to the violence. Therefore a non-violent game that is equally competitive will lead the user to show similar aggressive behaviour. In many cases, like the 1999 Columbine High school massacre where Eric Harris and Dylan Klebold killed 12 students, one teacher, and injuring 21 other students before turning the guns on themselves. It was well known that the two teenagers who committed this extreme violent act were excessive players of the violent video game called â€Å"Doom 3D†, in which the player embarks on defending mars from aliens with large automatic weapons. A lot of people claim that this game caused the two to violently outbreak into the massacre, however there is no proof, and once again, the game has not caused anyone else, out of its millions of players over the years to commit t he same heinous crime, Eric and Dylan were capable of these crimes before playing the game, it is however a possibility that the game helped their psychopathic views to be glorified. Where normal people do not have these psychopathic traits in the first place and play games like this for entertainment only. Children failing in school can become violent or show aggressive behaviour due to the low academic marks and failing to achieve, and many studies state that video games cause children to fail school, thus leading to violent aggressive behaviour. This is falsely accusing video games based upon facts that can be associated with various other activities. Spending six hours a day watching TV, shopping, or sleeping will just as equally affect your school grades, it is down to the individual how they use their time effectively. In the article â€Å"Violent video games do not cause aggression† written by Lester Haines, it states that the university of Illinois carried out studies regarding the possible link between violent video games and real world aggression, concluding their findings from their first long term study to show that the violent games â€Å"did not cause any substantial increase in said aggression†. Violent video  games bring millions of people around the world entertainment, and social interaction through the internet connecting them with other gamers, who have similar interests. Allowing interaction through talking and playing the game, there are many people who believe that these violent video games are causing many people to act out violently, recreating what they see or play in these games. Blaming these games for people’s actions is obscured. If someone is capable of committing extreme violent acts, or acting in an aggressive manor, they were capable of it well before they took part in playing a computer game. It is down to the individual who plays these games to act responsible, know right from wrong, and play the games for entertainment only. Violence is not just in video games, it is everywhere and all around us. Works Cited Poole, S. (2000, Apr 26). Parents 2: Healthy living: Video games will make your kids violent and more likely to fail at school, according to new research. nothing could be further from the truth, says games junkie steven poole. The Guardian, pp. 16-2.16. Retrieved from http://ezproxy.aut.ac.nz/login?url=http://search.proquest.com/docview/245514814?accountid=8440Ferguson, C. J. (2011). Video games and youth violence: A prospective analysis in adolescents. Journal of Youth and Adolescence, 40(4), 377-377-391. Retrieved from http://ezproxy.aut.ac.nz/login?url=http://search.proquest.com/docview/858659823?accountid=8440Keenan, T. (2008, Apr 04). Do some video games encourage violence?; one former soldier thinks that this type of entertainment is teaching kids to kill. Nanaimo Daily News, pp. C.6. Retrieved from http://ezproxy.aut.ac.nz/login?url=http://search.proquest.com/docview/361607229?accountid=8440Study finds competition in video games, not violence, causes aggression. (2011, Sep 03 ). Daily Gleaner, pp. C.4. Retrieved from http://ezproxy.aut.ac.nz/login?url=http://search.proquest.com/docview/887134689?accountid=8440Grace Shin. (2008). Video Games. A Cause of Violence and Aggression.Retrieved from http://serendip.brynmawr.edu/exchange/node/1723Lester Haines, (2005, Aug 15), Violent video games do not cause aggression, retrieved fromhttp://www.theregister.co.uk/2005/08/15/video_games_and_aggression/

The Diagnostic and Statistical

People have their own personal faith and belief. Our cultural and parental upbringing influence our life’s principles and beliefs. We may encounter differences with other people based on views and perception on things. And these differences among people comprise the earth’s diversity. There are people who are intolerant of other’s opinion and prejudice. They are also raged by other people belonging from a different race or ethnic background (â€Å"Bigot†). They may also feel outraged by other’s lifestyle and identities that are different from their own. Bigotry is the characteristic and attitude of a bigot.It is the corresponding mindset of people who are extremely judgmental other people. Bigot is a term used in describing people who are firmly devoted in their prejudices, especially when their views are threatened or challenged. It is used to refer to people who hold blindly and intolerantly of their personal creed, opinion and belief (Adamson 200 ). Bigot is often mistaken by people as prejudice. Most people are confused between the two words. Prejudice happens when we tend to easily judge someone or something based solely on our personal opinion or attitude. Prejudice is also a learned behavior.We are taught of what to think about people of different gender, race and disability. It is influenced by our parents and neighborhood. Bigotry is hate. It is a form of prejudice carried to an extreme manner (Martin 149). There are various kinds of bigotry such as religious, racial, political, national and cultural bigotry. Bigotry is most likely seen in aspects of religious and political field. Many people hold fanaticism in their religious and political views. Individuals and groups tend to be blindly deluded by the belief that their religion, race, political party, nation and culture are more superior than the others.Such beliefs made them blindly and intolerant of others (Adamson 200). Based on the canonical definition of psychop athology, it seems to apply on visceral bigotry. Bigotry is not considered as a sickness but it can be regarded as a dysfunction based on some influential definitions of psychopathology. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders define mental disorders based on distress, disability and increase in harmful effects. Alvin Poussaint, a Harvard psychiatrist, believes that bigotry fits the definition and advocates in putting it on the list.Bigotry may be a dysfunction in responding to large segments of humanity. It may constitute impairment in responding healthy and responsible ways toward the targeted groups because of irrational hatred and contempt and other negative attitudes (Martin 130). If a person professes negative remarks blaming single mothers on the impairments of the society, it may be a form of bigotry. This may be under sexism or the belief that one judged the other based on their sex or gender and not through their capability as an individual. They believe that one sex is superior than the other.This is evident in the workplace environment where performance and capabilities are judged based on sex rather than having better qualifications. Sexism may also happen at home, school and society or community (â€Å"Forms of Bigotry†). In the case of having blamed the single mothers for the social ills in the society implies many unverified perceptions toward our women, specifically our single mothers. Single mothers refer to women raising their children in the absence of the father or their husband. Being a single mother is never an easy task. They take on many difficulties in trying to raise their children while earning for a living.Single mothers do not have the aid of their husband either partially or totally. This may cause difficulty in their part. Bigots toward them may blame them for taking part on the national aid extended by the social welfare department. The government extends financial aid on poor families with unemployed h ead of the family. There are also shelters that welcome homeless individuals. Sexists may blame the single mothers for their incapability to find decent jobs and provide the needs of the children. They may also blame the single mothers if their children turned nuisance to society.The delinquency of the children is blamed on their mothers for their incapability to rear them appropriately to become good citizens of the society. If their children become problems of the society, mothers are on the line questioning their eligibility and capability as a mother. It does not question the single fathers trying to raise their children and earn a living at the same time assuming that single fathers can perform the two tasks flawlessly at the same time. This may be viewed as a bias for some women, who may do better than some single fathers.Some single fathers also may be involved in neglecting their children or other types of child maltreatment. It may be a form of bigotry for it generalized si ngle mothers as the culprit of social ills in the society. Being a sexist undermines the qualifications and abilities of people belonging on the other sex to take on a job or task. A sexist may view their sex as superior to others. They may view the other sex as inferior to them and not at their level. Viewing one sex as superior to other creates biases and prejudice toward the views on sex. Bigotry is involved when there is an extreme prejudice, hatred and contempt towards the other sex.Works Cited Adamson, Joseph J. What the World is Coming To?. Lincoln, NE: I Universe, Inc. , 2004. â€Å"Bigot†. Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary. 2009. 26 January 2009 . â€Å"Forms of Bigotry†. articleworld. org. 24 January 2006. 26 January 2009 . Martin, Mike W. From Morality to Mental Health: Virtue and Vice in a Therapeutic Culture. New York, NY: Oxford University Press, Inc. , 2006. Martin, Renee J. Practicing What We Teach: Confronting Diversity in Teacher Education. Albany, Ne w York: State University of New York, 1995.

An Evaluation of the Relevance and Utility of Lean Manufacturing Approach to the Pharmaceutical Supply Chain

Introduction This critical analysis report is aimed at evaluating the relevance and utility of the Lean manufacturing approach to the pharmaceutical supply chain. It covers the principles and application of Lean manufacturing in supply chain management; its potential advantages to the management of quality and efficiency in pharmaceutical industry; and whether Lean is appropriate for the pharmaceutical supply chain. Novartis and Lundbeck case studies are used to describe how the Lean approach is applied to pharmaceutical industry. Principles of Lean manufacturing in supply chain management Lean thinking is a concept that describes a production philosophy aiming for progressive elimination of waste whist safeguarding the critical value (Ende 2011). According to (Sople 2012: 113), the principles of Lean manufacturing are â€Å"customer value, value stream analysis, demand pull, continuous flow, and waste elimination.† The purpose of a Lean supply chain network is to bring the lowest cost in differential customer value, which can be met through collaborative priorities in demand, real-time information on markets, and logistics delivery efficiencies, to name a few. The concept of networks of supply chain partners suggests that the success of companies is through their constant origination from new networks of supply chain partners in order to meet certain objectives. As a general rule, these constantly developing networks can act in response to the dynamic characteristic of customer demand (Sople 2012). The manufacturing function must not be the only domain to whic h Lean principles must be applied. Rather, it must also be applied across organisations in the supply chain to decrease the wastes usually associated with supply chain operations. The full benefit of Lean manufacturing and supply chain management necessitates that the scope of Lean implementations must go beyond a single function and must be structured as a part of managing relationships with customers and suppliers (Lambert 2008). It may therefore be analysed that with the adoption of Lean techniques, the management is tasked to align corporate activities with Lean manufacturing in supply chain management across organisational functions. Lean thinking also allows the organisation to direct business relationships with customers and suppliers. Application of Lean Principles Lean thinking is apparently applicable to pharmaceutical development and manufacturing (Wigglesworth and Wood, 2012). Lambert (2008) states that whilst the various material flows as well as flows of goods and information are the focus of Lean supply chain operations, Lean application to the management of supply chains is further from the physical flows of inventory. It also takes account of the entirety of the business relationship amongst firms. When a firm applies Lean manufacturing concepts to its supply chain management, it begins to focus on value drivers; revenue development; asset efficiency, and reductions in cost, inventory, and working capital. All of these are apparently beneficial to an organisation. Applying Lean thinking to supply chain management is very likely since both of them share commonalities, such as long-term perspectives, value and customer creation; systems view; and structured business relationships;amongst others (Lambert 2008). These commonalities indicate how much Lean thinking and supply chain management lend to each other. Based on this, one can conclude that Lean approaches are aligned to supply chain management and that the two are generally not in contrast with each other. Potential advantages of Lean approach to managing quality and efficiency in the pharmaceutical industry One of the potential advantages of Lean approach in the pharmaceutical industry is the reduction of cost of goods in pharmaceutical development and manufacturing. The implementation of Lean thinking can be carried out by developing workflows and infrastructures to reduce inventories (Ende 2011), which are in fact a target of quality and efficiency efforts within pharmaceutical companies. The concept of continuous manufacturing in pharmaceutical companies deals with the challenge of overproduction, which leads to surplus inventory and longer cycle teams. These are the focus of efficiency on which pharmaceutical companies must be engaged. Its significance is seen in the fact that excess inventory is considered the greatest waste because it brings upon itself certain costs related to the management, storage, and transport of inventories adding to the waste (Schneider 2010). Therefore, when Lean techniques are used, such wastes are reduced, if not totally eliminated within the pharmaceu tical firm. Novartis and H. Lundbeck case studies Novartis is one of the world’s largest pharmaceutical firms (Abreau 2013). The upstream part of its supply chain indicates flow of information and full visibility. Novartis uses product-to-demand technique based on demand, whereby its daily variable demand stream is integrated to production (AMR Research 2006). Between its levels of supply chain are limited visibility and flow of information (Abreau 2013). Despite being ranked number 2 behind Pfizer in cost of goods sold in 2006, Novartis decided to take on Lean principles and become the â€Å"Toyota of pharmaceuticals.† Using Lean principles, the company is focused on reducing its cycle time to 70 per cent and reducing spending by 40 per cent, as well as pursuing continuous manufacturing with raw materials going in one end of the chain and finished products coming out the other (AMR Research 2007). Along with this is the reengineering of every process and role, leveraging information technology, and setting up process-oriented teams in the absence of first-line supervisors so that personnel would report directly to one team leader (Shanley 2004). Here, one can see the application of Lean techniques to Novartis’ supply chain, thereby helping the company to improve its internal processes and eliminate waste. Lundbeck, on the other hand, is an international pharmaceutical firm that began its Lean adoption in 2005. The company went through certain phases in its Lean adoption, such as building consensus in the management group and running a range of Lean events and building a culture around these events. In the first phase, Lundbeck implemented 40 Lean events assisted by external experts, followed by 70 to 80 Lean events each year, with all personnel in the supply chain being involved (Simpler Consulting 2010). Through its adoption of Lean principles in its supply chain, the company was able to cut costs by 25 per cent. Workflow analysis within the organisation is also aided by video cameras, which leads to further improvements. Part of its Lean techniques adoption is the use of large bags instead of small box packaging, which reduced production delays from four hours to only an hour (Miller 2012). Is Lean appropriate to the pharmaceutical supply chain? Yes, Lean techniques are appropriate to the pharmaceutical supply chain. Despite Lean thinking’s origination from Toyota manufacturing, its adoption is still suitable to the pharmaceutical industry. In fact, its applicability is seen in the number of pharmaceutical companies that continue to adopt Lean manufacturing techniques. Although many of these techniques cannot be taken on to the more complex pharmaceutical manufacturing plants, their adoption mirrors the pursuit of increased optimisation (Shanley 200). Boyer and Verma (2010) surmise that whilst the original focus of developing Lean thinking is the manufacture of automobiles, it can still be applied to other industries. This is because Lean approach is more than a set of techniques but is a mindset for all personnel and managers who are focused on waste elimination and reduction of variability in the entirety of the business process. The advantage of Lean’s adoption in the pharmaceutical industry is the ability of pharmaceutical companies to experience logical rhythm through the supply chain. With the Lean enterprise, adaptive supply chain is carried out, causing the whole organisation to possess real-time process visualisation (Hafeli 2006). Argument for agility in the pharmaceutical supply chain Pharmaceutical companies are inclined to be bureaucratic, which results in several wastes in internal processes. With the application of Lean principles, pharmaceutical companies are able to strengthen their relative agility (Radeka 2013). This would mean that despite the relative limitation of the application of Lean principles in the pharmaceutical supply chain as pointed by WCI Consulting Limited (2011), the result is still improved agility in the supply chain. Apparently, the need for agility in supply chain management is founded on decreasing product life cycles and demand patterns of increasingly volatile markets. Sweeney (2009) points out that Lean is not enough, that agility in supply chain is required because of emphasis on speed, with time being a major competitive weapon. This argument is reasonable given the rapidly changing market in which pharmaceutical companies operate. However, as emphasised above, Lean thinking is also applicable to the pharmaceutical industry. An argument arising about the adoption of Lean thinking in the pharmaceutical industry is the risk that goes with it. Such adoption is said to put the supply chain to increased vulnerability to disruptions and unpredictable events due to lack of slack on which to withdraw. With Lean techniques making the supply chain vulnerable, a question that may come up is whether this would mean Lean is not suitable at all. The answer is pharmaceutical companies can apply Lean techniques to cut costs and adopt agility in order to obtain supply chain resilience, as pointed out by WCI Consulting Limited (2011). Conclusion This paper provides a critical analysis of the relevance and utility of Lean techniques in the pharmaceutical supply chain. Lean thinking allows the elimination of wastes and cost reduction in pharmaceutical companies. Lean supply chain considers the entirety of the business relationship amongst firms. Reduced costs of goods and reduced inventories are the potential advantages of Lean approach in the pharmaceutical industry. Novartis and Lundbeck case studies provide an example where Lean techniques and supply chain management become integrated. Despite the effectiveness of agility in supply chain management, Lean cannot be set aside as a valuable tool. References Abreau, P. E. M. (2013) An ANP Model to Support Decision-Making in a Portuguese Pharmaceutical Supply Chain. Reterived on March 22, 2014 from http://run.unl.pt/bitstream/10362/10724/1/Abreu_2013.pdf AMR Research (2006) Supply Chain Saves the World. US: AMR Research, Inc. AMR Research (2007) Risk!: Navigating an Uncertain World. US: AMR Research Inc. Boyer, K. and Verma, R. (2010) Operations and Supply Chain Management for the 21st Century. First Edition. Mason, OH: South-Western, Cengage Learning. Ende, D. J. (2011) Chemical Engineering in the Pharmaceutical Industry: R&D to Manufacturing. New Jersey: John Wiley & Sons. Hafeli, R. (2006) Enabling Lean and Compliant Manufacturing at Novartis with SAP. Denver: SAP Adaptive Manufacturing Summit, September 28. Lambert, D. M. (2008) Supply Chain Management: Processes, Partnerships, Performance. Sarasota, FL: Supply Chain Management Institute. Miller, G. (2012) Lean Earns Lundbeck Big Prize, Cost Cuts. Retrieved on March 22, 2014 from http://www.fiercepharmamanufacturing.com/story/lean-earns-lundbeck-big-prize-cost-cuts/2012-01-18 Radeka, K. (2013) The Mastery of Innovation: A Field Guide to Lean Product Development. NW: CRC Press. Schneider, O. (2010) Adding Enterprise Value: Mitigating Investment Decision Risks by Assessing the Economic Value of Supply Chain Initiatives. Zurich: vdf Hochshulverlag AG Shanley, A. (2004) Novartis Goes Lean. Retrieved on March 22, 2014 from http://www.pharmamanufacturing.com/articles/2004/111/ Simpler Consulting (2010) Lean Management of the Pharmaceutical Sector Brings Increased Efficiency and Improved Quality While Increasing Profits. Retrieved on March 22, 2014 from http://www.simpler.com/success-stories/Lundbeck_Case-Study.pdf Sople, V. V. (2012) Supply Chain Management: Text and Cases. New Delhi: Dorling Kindersley Pvt. Ltd. Sweeney, E. (2009) Lean, Agile and Resilient Pharmaceutical Supply Chains: Jargon or ActionIrish Pharmachem Buyers Guide (September), 38-39. WCI Consulting Limited (2011) Keeping the Supply Chain Agile. Retrieved on March 22, 2014 from http://www.wcigroup.com/Nostrapharmus/Keeping%20the%20supply%20chain%20agile.pdf Wigglesworth, M. and Wood, T. (2012) Management of Chemical and Biological Samples for Screening Applications. Germany: Wiley-VCH Verlag & Co.

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