Marijuana And Medicine Essays - Euphoriants, Entheogens,

Marijuana And Medicine I decided upon the question "Should Marijuana be Medicine?" because I wanted to confirm my strong beliefs of an anti-drug policy, but after research, my attitude towards medical marijuana changed because it seems the benefits far out-weigh the risks. Of the 60 some chemicals unique to the marijuana plant, the main psychoactive ingredient and the one for exploring the physiological as well as the psychological role in the anandamide system is delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol, or more commonly known as THC. The anandamide system is concerned with mood, memory and cognition, perception, movement, coordination, sleep, thermoregulation, appetite, and immune response (a). Cannabis is the term used to describe the dried hemp spike. When burned and inhaled, the cannabis receptors bond to the macrophages in the brain and spine, which control the anandamide system. Macrophages are chemicals in the body, which attack the infected areas in the body and help take away the waste from an injury (a). THC acts as a catalyst in this process. It speeds up the macrophages' disposal of the waste and is why therapeutic relief comes as such a rapid onset to the user (b). Even though the THC bonds with the processes going on inside the brain, there are few THC receptors in the part of the brain that controls the basic life functions therefore making it impossible for cannabis intoxication to lead to death (c). There are strong links to cannabis relieving aches and pains, numbing the symptoms of opiate withdrawal, improving sleep, reducing anxiety, and alleviating the vomiting, anorexia, and depression associated with certain AIDS related disorders, specifically AIDS wasting syndrome(c). Some studies have also shown that cannabis can relieve muscle spasms especially in multiple sclerosis patients' (b). "With smoked marijuana, patients get immediate relief, whereas with the oral drug they get a delayed, big rush of unpleasantness. " Studies on animals have shown it could also quite possibly be an anticonvulsant. Doctors have been able to make a synthetic delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol, which they call Nabilone, that helps relieve nausea and vomiting after chemotherapy and may pose as the strongest evidence that cannabinoids do work (a). It is a non-psychotropic drug and therefore greater accepted. Researchers have also developed a delta-8 tetrahydrocannabinol, which they call dronabinol (a). This oral drug has proven itself in stimulating the appetite of AIDS patients and has won approval from the American Food and Drug Association; one of only three drugs approved for this treatment. This drug has also been found to have analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties along with possible anxiolytic , hypnotic, and antidepressant properties, which gives this drug a profile unique to other man made drugs, and is compelling enough for further studies (a). The adverse effects have also been studied and there have been no deaths due to cannabis toxicity alone. Some of the most common side effects include sedation, euphoria, anxiety, and paranoia, dry mouth, blurred vision, and incoordination. Dependence can occur but withdrawal symptoms are mild. The smoke is toxic and may increase the risk of cardiovascular and respiratory disease (a). When I began this study, I was greatly opposed to marijuana for whatever reason it was being used, but now that I have found more information on the subject, my opinion has definitely swayed. I have attained a greater understanding for how this drug interacts with the body and why it has the effects on pain that it does. I think that if I were to compile more research, especially now that medical marijuana is actually a respected topic and no longer a joke, I think that I would find even more reasons as to why this drug should be seriously considered for therapeutic reasons. One of the reasons that this drug is so frowned upon is that society has taken for granted and abused a very unique and possibly beneficial drug therefore almost permanently attaching a bad name and delaying the necessary research which could be putting millions to ease. (a) British medical journal Cannabis as a medicine The major point that this article brought out was that delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol, the active ingredient in marijuana more commonly known as THC, does ease a wide variety of various symptoms from aches and pains to AIDS related disorders. They described how patients told their doctors how effective cannabis is in relieving aches and pains, numbing the symptoms of opiate withdrawal, improving sleep, reducing anxiety, and alleviating the vomiting, anorexia, and depression associated with AIDS related disorders. It also discussed how THC acts as a catalyst in the anandamide system, which helps dispose of the waste

John Rawls A Theory of Justice

John Rawls A Theory of Justice Introduction In A Theory of Justice, John Rawls deliberates on how applying logic in justice principles would solve common problems like societal structures, assigning right duties to individuals and distribution of economic and social advantages to all people in society among other pertinent issues. Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on John Rawls’ A Theory of Justice specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Instead of concerning himself with the elusive notion of restoring justice in any unjust society, Rawls’ elementary duty in this book is to come up with principles of justice that would be universally applicable and used in shaping an ideal society. To some extent, Rawls borrows from Immanuel Kant’s principles of ethics that campaign for principles of nature where an individual has to do to others as he or she would expect them to do to him or her. According to Rawls, principles that would govern a soci ety are principles chosen by individuals if they were in an ‘original position’ and they acted rationally having mutual neutrality. To expound these principles of justice, Rawls came up with two principles of justice viz. ‘Principle of Equal Liberty† and â€Å"Difference Principle.† These principles can be understood better by looking into what Rawls calls â€Å"Original Position’ and â€Å"Veil of Ignorance.† If people acted or chose situations that are ‘ideal’ for them with neutrality, then justice would become fair and this would overcome the infringements presented by theory of utilitarianism. Rawls provides a strong argument for these principles and these principles are good justice principles. The Two Principles Before putting forward his two principles of justice, Rawls begins with expounding a hypothetical ‘original position’ that each individual should adopt. At this position, the involved parties wou ld determine precepts of justice from behind a ‘veil of ignorance.† The ‘veil’ mentioned here would fundamentally subterfuge people from recognizing any facts about themselves hence eliminate the possibility of littering justice with personal issues. Rawls says, â€Å"no one knows his place in society, his class position or social status, nor does anyone know his fortune in the distribution of natural assets and abilities, his intelligence, strength, and the like. Advertising Looking for essay on philosophy? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More I shall even assume that the parties do not know their conceptions of the good or their special psychological propensities. The principles of justice are chosen behind a veil of ignorance† ((Perry, Bratman Fisher 580). Therefore, in accordance with this argument, there would be no class, talents or any social distinction in the society. Rawls appro aches this issue from hypothetical ‘original point’ to eliminate personal issues that litter justice principles. For long, people have made decisions and passed justice based on personal likes and dislikes without considering the other party. Rawls uses this ‘original position, to attain a neutral ground where individuals would pass judgment that they would wish to be passed on them if they were in the shoes of their subjects. This is where Rawls agrees with Kantian Ethics that are rooted on natural law of doing to others, as one would wish to be done to him or her. In other words, it is a case of one giving what he or she would expect to get back. Rawls’ original position eliminates personal interests and the eventual justice would be fair to all people in society. If justice would be decided from the ‘original position’, it would be fair for all. Rawls assumes that parties in the ‘original position’ would agree to his two princi ples of justice because of the following reasons: firstly, given the fact that these parties do not know their position in society neither do they know their class, there is a probability that they would end up in any class or get any natural asset. Therefore, due to this uncertainty, these parties would try their best to ensure that the justice passed favors all people regardless of their classes. In any case, an individual in the ‘original position’ would be passing judgment for him/herself. Considering this, all individuals would pass judgments that favor themselves to ensure that if they find themselves in any class, they would be comfortable in it. Therefore, in a bid to create an ideal situation that would favor the maker of the situation, the overall justice would be fair to all. It is natural that people want the best things for themselves; therefore, they would come up with structures that are best for themselves and because they do not know where they would be in future, the overall judgment would be ‘best’ for them and ‘fair’ to everyone else. Moreover, Rawls thinks that people in the ‘original position’ would agree to his two principles because these principles gives a standard way out in distributing natural resources, economic and social advantages in societies. However, what are these principles?Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on John Rawls’ A Theory of Justice specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More As aforementioned, Rawls puts forward two principles of justice viz. ‘Principle of Equal Liberty’ and ‘Difference Principle.’ The principle of equal liberty states that, â€Å"each person is to have an equal right to the most extensive scheme of equal basic liberties compatible with a similar scheme of liberties for others† (Rawls 301). On the other side the Difference Principle states that,  "Social and economic inequalities are to be arranged so that; they are to be of the greatest benefit to the least-advantaged members of society, and offices and positions must be open to everyone under conditions of fair equality of opportunity† (Rawls 303). The principle of equal liberty is egalitarian for it ensures that every person gets equal liberties. In this case, justice would prevail and societies would be structured in a way that would allow mutual understanding. This first principle is absolute in its nature, and to some extent, it echoes libertarianism whereby people will have right to speech. However, Rawls admits that on its own, this first principle may not address all issues facing the society. Therefore, he throws in the second principle and he is quick to point out that the second principle is important but for it to be realized, the first principle has to be fully applied. The second principle does not substitute the first; on contrary, it complements it by adding some specifications that the first principle may not address. The second principle as aforementioned is the Difference Principle. Rawls divides this principle into two clauses addressing the same issue of social inequalities. The first clause calls for distribution economic and social disparities in a way that, â€Å"they are to be of the greatest benefit to the least-advantaged members of society† (Rawls 303). This clause differs from the first principle by eliminating the egalitarian bit of it. It allows some people to have benefits over others; however, these benefits should be of great help to the less fortunate in society. For instance, talented people in society may have benefits over others; however, they should use these talents appropriately and channel their results back into society for the help of least talented in society. In principle, even though they have their talents, they should not use them for their own good.Advertising Looking for essay on philosophy? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More The second part of difference principle states that economic and social disparities should be distributed in a way that, â€Å"offices and positions must be open to everyone under conditions of fair equality of opportunity† (Perry, Bratman Fisher 578). This part is egalitarian just like the first principle for it calls for equality at all levels. Rawls explains these principles well by putting sense into them in a way that would compel someone to accept them. For instance, considering difference principle, Rawls provides a sustainable social structure that would eliminate injustice. The difference principle calls for formulation of projects that would allow some people to have more benefits in society than others. Some people would have more incomes, status and so forth over others. For instance, managers in blue chip companies would earn high salaries than street cleaners. This is logical and acceptable. People with talents in society would be allowed to pursue their tale nts and have higher social status than others. Rawls is fine with all these possibilities. Nevertheless, such disparities would only be allowed under certain controlled conditions that would allow better lives for the least advantaged people in society. Rawls puts forward two conditions; one, these disparities would be allowed if their outcome have direct or indirect positive effects in empowering the least advantaged in society. For instance, if paying a blue chip company manager millions of dollars would benefit the least advantaged, then so be it. As long as the outcome of such disparity is improving livelihood of the poor and less fortunate in society, then it is allowed. Secondly, Rawls indicates that as long as the procedure of accessing high posts in society is free and fair, void of irrelevant criteria and discrimination, then it is all right. Moreover, the difference principle addresses other ethical theories like the socialist idea, which calls for distribution of respons ibilities and benefits based on ability and need respectively. In essence, the least advantaged people in society have more needs whilst those greatly advantaged have the highest responsibilities. This boils down to merit where skills are rewarded and at this point, Rawls’ principles become good principles of justice. The society has for long promoted courses that would benefit only those who are well off in society leaving the least disadvantaged to groan under poverty and misery. However, Rawls first clause of the second principle of justice eliminates this problem. People should only change economic and social institutions if only they will benefit all people in society not the well off alone. For instance, there would be a proposal that seeks to allow erection of a nuclear plant in a family neighborhood whereby, the families around the nuclear plant would not benefit; however, the plant would provide well-paying jobs to professionals who are already well off. Under, Raw ls’ principles, this nuclear plant would not come to be; however, in contemporary society, this plant would be introduced regardless of the plight of the neighboring families. This is unfair; it is injustice. In the wake of these facts, Rawls’ principles of justice stand out as a better way out of the quagmire that societies have plunged into. Rawls’ principles are even better than utilitarianism. According to Perry, Bratman, and Fisher, utilitarianism states that as long as actions promote felicity, they qualify as ‘good’ actions (589). However, Rawls offers a better approach in addressing pleasure and happiness. Utilitarianism has many infringements that violate basic human rights; however, Rawls’ principles allows for equality and at the same time allow individuals to do what they love doing hence become happy. The difference between the two is what takes precedence over what. While in utilitarianism, the quest to derive felicity and plea sure takes precedence over human rights, Rawls’ principles are the exact opposite. Equality should prevail and this is why Rawls starts by taking people back to the ‘original position.’ After ensuring that equality prevails, Rawls then incorporates the issue of deriving happiness. In essence, if what an individual is doing does not benefit other people in society, it is wrong whether it brings happiness or not. Rawls’ principles are good because if societies are structured according to his suggestions, then at least everyone will be happy in society because justice would be fair for every body. Otherwise, without adopting these principles, societies would continue to suffer social injustices because social classes and positions have allowed people to pass biased judgments that benefit them alone. Conclusion Rawls comes out clearly in his principles of Justice. He starts by referring people to make judgments from an ‘original position’ covered with a ‘veil of ignorance.’ This veil covers people from acknowledging their interests, status, or positions in society. At this point, people would make judgments and decisions that are fair to everyone because these decision makers do not know where they would belong in future; therefore, they would pass judgments that are ‘best’ for themselves thus making the judgments fair to everyone. Rawls then gives his two principles. The first one is an egalitarian principle calling for equal distribution of liberties to all people in society. This provision eliminates many injustices while the second principle furnishes what the first does not address adequately. This second principle allows classes in society only if the outcome of such classes would be for the benefit of the least advantaged in society. Rawls provides a strong argument for these principles and these principles are good justice principles because they address pertinent issues of injustice in s ociety. They are better than utilitarianism for their basic objective is upholding human rights as opposed to utilitarianism’s happiness. Perry, John, Bratman, Michael, Fisher, Martin. â€Å"Introduction to Philosophy: Classical and Contemporary Readings.† New York; Oxford University Press, 2006. Rawls, John. â€Å"A Theory of Justice.† Cambridge: Harvard University Press, 1971.

How do organizations foster innovation Research Paper

How do organizations foster innovation - Research Paper Example According to the research findings the need for innovation in an organization is paramount and universal if the organization is to be successful. For organization’s customers and members to keep coming back over and over again, they must have the feeling that there will be a chance to see and do something different or new each time. As institutions evolve and the world keeping on changing, an organization needs to change its products and programs so as to be able to reach new markets to achieve the organizations missions. This calls for an environment that fosters innovation. There are three different variables that have been identified as the stimulus of innovation in an organization. These are the organization structure, human resource practices and organization culture. Yao et al notes that innovative organization are defined mostly by decentralized decision making, few hierarchal distinctions and lateral communication networks. In this case, he noted that information flow must be open and persuasive with a relatively flat organizational structure. For innovation to thrive in an organization, Yao et al suggest that organizations must be structured in a manner that is reflective about their practices by making an attempt to learn from their mistakes. This is because these organizations are capable of incorporating different points of view in an organization which is a factor that enables innovation to thrive. In this case, a rigid organizational structure neither recognizes nor implements innovation. ... In this case, he noted that information flow must be open and persuasive with a relatively flat organizational structure. For innovation to thrive in an organization, Yao et al (2006) suggest that organizations must be structured in a manner that is reflective about their practices by making an attempt to learn from their mistakes (France, 2011). This is because these organizations are capable of incorporating different points of view in an organization which is a factor that enables innovation to thrive. In this case, a rigid organizational structure neither recognizes nor implements innovation. Yao et al (20006) notes that many organizations foster innovation by ensuring that there are a well-developed formal practices within the organization that tap into informal activities. He notes that connecting informal and formal practices within an organization creates an environment for innovation which allows for its adoption and implementation. The connecting practices identified by Yao at al (2006) include promoting communication, socializing and creativity in the formal systems and creating a path that brings the best that emerges in the informal system into the informal system for implementation and development. Allowing employees free time to think is very crucial as it fosters creativity. Yao et al. (2006) notes that 3M usually allows its researchers to spend fifteen minutes of their research time working on whatever pleases them. On the other hand, Tech staff were noted to old informal brown bag launches to share what they have leaned after returning from their visit to science centers. Innovation involves interaction of different people

A Critical Research Paper on the Role of Audience in the Performing

A Critical on the Role of Audience in the Performing Arts - Research Paper Example and falling asleep, staying through the end of the presentation or will wait for a break before leaving, applauses only when its appropriate and dresses in an appropriate manner. These are the most common audience etiquette we can see in today’s modern performing arts. The shift of the 19th century audience mindset to modern standards of etiquette is indicative in America’s culture because these etiquettes are now being practiced in the corporate world. Etiquettes such as arriving early and actively listening are now being observed in America’s workplace and also in other countries. The shift also influenced larger communities such as schools and churches who are also practicing these kinds of etiquettes. The shift has greatly influenced the American culture because as we can see a lot of communities find it effective and efficient to implement these proper etiquettes. A portion of the contemporary audience will always have the patience of sitting through a play or an opera basing on their level of interest. There are still a lot plays and operas in the country which is being handled by people who are passionate and interested in these forms of entertainment. Even schools are producing plays and are encouraging their students to participate in this form of entertainment. Plays, symphonies and operas are not obsolete. As stated above it is still being produced by schools and people who are passionate and interested on these forms of entertainment. Shakespeare has been raised to such artistic heights that audience deference is now appropriate because of the integral part he has given on these forms of entertainment. Plays, symphonies and operas are far from being obsolete because of the integral value it has on the American culture. The fact that centuries have passed and still these kinds of entertainment exist is giving us very convincing information that plays, symphonies and operas will not be obsolete. There are modern day vestiges or traces from the

Archaeology Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 2

Archaeology - Essay Example kler believes that for a creature to grow culture to a point that it can devise its way of life seems to offer freedom, but that freedom is a trap, and that freedom for any existing society is anarchy in a cooperative system of these societies. Anarchy — exceptional in the life history - makes inevitable a power struggle amongst societies. This perpetual competition, together with open-ended cultural innovation possibilities, inevitably drives social evolution towards an unchosen direction, according to the author: ways of life which do not confer adequate power, regardless of how civilized intrinsically, are eradicated, while the power ways are relentlessly spread throughout the system (Schmookler, 93). The author says that he experienced the vision containing his idea 1970, and the book developing the vision got published in 1984. In between those years, he asserts that he had conducted research in the many diverse relevant study areas to check out the main thesis and the various subordinate hypotheses that forms the components of the general theoretical edifice. Schmookler relies on schematically nursed parable to lay down his argument: how one aggressive tribe among an otherwise peaceful group can force the spread of power, civilization and involuntary cultural evolution. The author offers the reader with a model that makes his / her predicament comprehensible, and that is what makes the book important. It supplies pieces missing from a great puzzle (Schmookler, 83). While human well-being could be incidental to one foremost social- evolutionary force, there remains room for human ambition to dictate the other part of the evolution story. I therefore argue that not that Schmookler’s work has been the only force directing civilization evolution but only that it stands out as an extremely important factor. Civilization evolution can be seen as a dialectic between the organized selection for power and human striving for a civilized world, between the

Identity Construction of the Entrepreneur

Identity Construction of the Entrepreneur BECOMING AN ENTREPRENEUR: ENTREPRENEURIAL IDENTITY CONSTRUCTION OF AFGHANS IN PESHAWAR ENTREPRENEURSHIP AND BUSINESS 1.0 Introduction Wealth creation and economic growth has been one major factor which distinguish the developed countries from the third world countries and entrepreneurship is one of the main reasons, responsible for of the current progress of nations (Baumol, Litan et al. 2007). The identification of ‘entrepreneurship as a differential factor raises numerous challenges. One of those is to replicate the economic success in nations which lag behind, the developing countries and the third world countries. However it is of importance to answer some basic questions about entrepreneurship, what are its causes? What are its effects? And its different understandings and meanings specially when applied to wide arrays of contexts. In the seminal literature there exists an inherent divergence. Richard Cantillons (who used the term entrepreneurship for the first time) defined an entrepreneur are â€Å"wholesalers in Wool and Corn, Bakers, Butchers, Manufacturers and Merchants of all kinds who buy country product to work them up and resell them gradually as the inhabitants require them†. This description essentially included ‘replicative entrepreneurs who set up a business for livelihood purposes. This type of entrepreneurship can be found in abundance in capitalist economies however in terms of impact on economic growth ‘innovative entrepreneurship is of higher significance. Schumpeterian entrepreneur is one of its kinds among thousands, a hero, motivated by higher order goals than mere profit earning, fights against the odds, battles risks and achieves success. One implication of a celebrated figure of hero entrepreneur is that there is an elite group of higher order ‘homo-sapiens who are considered the driver of economies and whose vision will be followed by ‘lower order humans. Those working for ‘real entrepreneurs will be working either as ‘cogs in a machine or entrepreneurially in some respects, depending on the type of organization and the economy they are in. While the few ‘real entrepreneurs enjoy the fruits of their success and find infinite reasons for their success the rest have to be content with what they are allowed to take. The speed and trajectory of progress of ‘the rest differs, e.g. someone working for Donald Trump or Bill Gates can earn a fortune and easily spun out their own organization. While a lady working on handicrafts in far flung mountains of Afghanistan may never get to know the real value of the art her fingers create. Surely not even in terms of monetary rewards leave alone t he artistic and aesthetics appreciation of it. Entrepreneurship is a multidimensional concept. For entrepreneurial venture to materialize many factors must get aligned at a critical junctures. Because of the ‘hero entrepreneur model considers the ‘successful innovative entrepreneurs it might ignore all those potentially innovative entrepreneurial ventures which could not materialize. In other words ‘innovative entrepreneurship will be appreciated if it goes the distance. This essentially believes that humans will either be entrepreneurial or not. However Hornaday (1992) proposes that entrepreneurship rather lies on a continuum along three dimensions of organization creation, economic Innovation and profit-seeking in the market. This approach relies on the fact that entrepreneurship can only be rated (like rating points in gymnastics) and not measured (like clocking the exact time in 100 meter race) along three dimensions. This view is more humanistic, as the difference between an innovative entrepreneur and a me re factory worker is not that the former was born with abilities (and led a track) which implies 1 while the later was a zero. If all human beings are entrepreneurial to some level, that is that they essentially form unique combinations to create or add value, then entrepreneurship lies at the heart of human spirit. However it is necessary to see why it expresses itself in differently under different conditions. The question of where to find an entrepreneur is elaborated by Baumol, (1990) giving examples from history, suggests that variation can be found among societies in terms of both the total supply of entrepreneurs as well as their allocation between productive activities such as innovation and unproductive ones such as rent seeking and organized crime. This allocation is influenced by the relative payoffs society offers to such activities. It follows that numerous reasons pertaining to context actually allocate the entrepreneur to different sectors and thus there is no reason to eliminate any sector from entrepreneurship. For the developing countries and the third world, entrepreneurship is more significant than only economic development â€Å"Replicative entrepreneurship is important in most economies because it represents a route out of poverty a mean by which people with little capital, education or experience can earn a living†. ((Baumol, Litan et al. 2007, page 3). However it does not qualify everyone as an entrepreneur. There must be some scale on which one can segregate entrepreneurialism. Gartners (1990) reports distinct perceptions of entrepreneurship as ‘focus on characteristics and ‘focus on outcomes of entrepreneurship. Resource acquisition and integration under the head of new venture creation and organization creation emerged as the most agreed upon parameters for assessment of being entrepreneurial. This means that perceptually organizational creation will be creation of new organization will be one of the foremost requirement for people to start considering as entrepreneurship to be taking place. This research investigates entrepreneurial identity as it perpetuates the entrepreneurial process. The study takes a dynamic view of entrepreneurship. Entrepreneurial identity is seen as becoming rather than static phenomenon. 1.1 Background In Pakistan, cultural orientations discourages independent thinking which is a significant impediment to research, this results into low level scientific knowledge. The hierarchal system at every level of society means that elders can ‘never be wrong and children are ‘not expected to speak unless asked to (Jafarey, 2005). Though efforts have been made to stimulate research activities, the solution is still elusive. Social Sciences have emerged as the weakest, Altaf (2006,s.1) expresses his views: Research is mostly funded, demanded by foreign donor agencies and has no internal demand and thus never translates, locally, into actions. Pakistani culture predominantly oral, the response to written word is lukewarm and the world view deriving form this kind of wisdom is renewed very slowly. Researchers must direct existing and future knowledge and research to permeate popular wisdom and help it update much quicker. The situation is unique to us and cannot be achieved by only as setting up research and policy institutions and publishing journals. This has now led to the stagnation of continuous process of making sense and understanding. Educational institutes and faculty should be the mainstay of research, have failed to produce the desired results in Pakistan and they have not produced significant contributions (Inayatullah, 2005). A considerable increase in disciplines and number of teachers in social sciences has still resulted in low to average research output. Economics and business administration also suffer from the lack of local research and knowledge. A deeper analysis reveals that education is perceived as a direct means to employment. In the absence of well defined, overarching strategies in pursuance of clear goals corresponding to long term vision has resulted in mushroom growth of institutions following a convoluted meaning of ‘education and research. Whatever local indigenous, research activity is produced in these circumstances is neatly summarized by â€Å"We might have gone beyond the point of diminis hing returns and we are researching in the state of habitual mindlessness† (Altaf,1, 2006). Research in Pakistan has been largely initiated and funded due to foreign (donor bodies and funding agencies) interest (as mentioned already). This type of research, though beneficial, cannot drive the research towards the knowledge and understanding which can direct action. Thus there has been little effort to understand the local scenario. Particularly, there are very few mentionable publications on entrepreneurship and SMEs. Predominantly highlighting problems has been much more prevalent rather than exploring success stories. This study takes different and deeper view that explores success stories which are deeply ingrained with social and cultural factors. This research aims to make sense of the business successes achieved by Afghan Entrepreneurs in unfavourable business conditions. This research aims to answers the question of how this group of people construct their success as entrepreneurs. Peshawar, not the best city in Pakistan for business, where the local population grapples for any business opportunities and jobs are hard to find, Afghans appear to be highly entrepreneurial and successful entrepreneurs (Inayatullah, 2005). This study takes departure from a position where this phenomenon has been considered as a refugees practice of livelihood. The conventional idea of Business functions such as Finances, Marketing and Human Resource though highly relevant with self-employment their contribution is secondary to the entrepreneurial success in this case. The Success of Afghan Entrepreneurship is about a group of people with ancient culture and strong traditions faced with odd circumstances. The interpretation is that Self-employment and creation of sustainable business ventures translates into a strong entrepreneurial identity which leads to successful entrepreneurial activities. As a knowledge quest his study, firstly, will contribute to opening up new avenues of research in entrepreneurship. Understanding of entrepreneurship can be enhanced through contextualization (Morrison, 2006). Secondly, exploration of research consistent with local interests and more inline with local wisdom can be helpful in improving local business opportunities. My personal conclusion, based on me living for the last 15 years among Afghans in Peshawar, is that socio-cultural factors are the key factors in forming their entrepreneurial identity. Thirdly an Afghans are open to talking about their culture and their relationships which affect their business; this is compatible with an in depth research. 1.2 Motivations My experience with Afghans come from living together with them or 15 years as well as carrying out business transaction as I work for family business, â€Å"Junaid Paper Mart†, a printing and packing paper and board business , headed by my father. I have observed the rapid rise on many Afghans; they take part in diverse range of businesses. So much so that Afghans are found in every kind of business and it will be next to impossible to find a business without any Afghan Entrepreneur. 1.3 Expected Contributions This study researches a group among Afghans who are involved in entrepreneurial business activities; it opens up new areas for future research e.g. comparative studies with other groups. This study actually tries to find the roots of entrepreneurial identity as a social process in a refugee/immigrant context. In particular, the proposed study will have the following implications. i) This study is beneficial for wide range of audience (e.g. Governments, United Nations, humanitarian non Governmental organizations) concerned with refugees. From policy making to directing of aids and grants in efficient manner, the results form this study can be of importance. ii) The context of study makes it unique but is not the only one in the world (War Refugees crossing into nearby countries). As a contribution to knowledge, entrepreneurial identity has not been explored in a refugee context. iii) Underdeveloped and developing countries do not necessarily need to â€Å"Export Policies† from developed countries in order to progress. This research will explore the way entrepreneurship as a social practice, thus opening up new ways for promoting entrepreneurship. iv) Geographically, the area of study lies at the heart of South Asia and is of high importance to China, India, Iran , Pakistan and the oil rich central Asian states. Afghanistan, after the defeat of invading Russian forces, never settled. From the policy perspective, one main reason for failure is lack of local knowledge. This study will also prove to be a first step towards this direction. On the practice front, firstly, this research will make potential contributions to refugee and immigrant knowledge. The interest in this research is consistent with the current world scenario where population movement is a natural consequence in prevailing circumstances. Chinese economy growing ever stronger by economies of scale, the Europe Union forming an integrated economy and Canada and Australia encouraging valuable human resources to immigrate. The integration of new settlers is a matter of importance. The utilization of these immigrants in entrepreneurial ventures will be highly desirable by the host countries. This research can contribute to formulate better policies that govern current and new immigrants and refugees. CHAPTER 2: Literature review 2.0 Introduction There is no one agreed upon definition of entrepreneurship and it has led to an ever increasing debate. The word ‘Entrepreneur is derived from French word ‘entreprendre which means ‘to do something and it was used in the sense of ‘a person who is active, who gets things done (Hoselitz, 1951). In 1730, Richard Cantillon, a Paris banker gave the first economic theory of entrepreneurship in an article titled ‘Essays on the nature of commerce in general. In the mid nineteenth century John Stuart Mill, an economist, gave the term general currency. Since then the term has been used in variety of ways, all having some justification as they point towards different dimensions and forms of entrepreneurship. The distinction and relationship in basic terminologies can serve as a starting point. Essentially, the phenomenon, ‘entrepreneurial process, is made up of an activity (entrepreneurship) where a market place combines individual (entrepreneurs) act in a certain way (entrepreneurially) (Virtanen, 1997). Theories from different fields have been used in effort to capture the essence of entrepreneurship. This chapter will highlight different views of entrepreneurship as progressed by theories from various fields. 2.1 Views of Entrepreneurship: Definition and Meaning The research in quest for the how, what and why of entrepreneurship has been undertaken under the umbrella of social science, traditionally. However business schools are responsible for the current surge in studies of entrepreneurship (Swedberg, 2000). The contributions of Social Sciences can be broadly categorized as studies under Economics and non-Economics social Sciences. Social sciences (such as economics, anthropology, sociology and economic history) and business studies alike have contributed to highlight the different aspects of entrepreneurship, however the debate among different disciplines about the ‘usefulness of their insights still goes on (Swedberg, 2000) . A view progressively posed by business studies community is that Social sciences answer the ‘what and ‘why of entrepreneurship however they lack in terms of explaining the ‘how question (Jarillo Stevenson 1990:23). Though it is right to argue that business school ought to concentrate more on the ‘How aspect of entrepreneurship, at the same time social sciences have contributed to the preclinical side of entrepreneurship though the emphasis on what and why have been deeper than business studies. The different understandings given by social sciences and business studies gives a complex but deep insight in the phenomenon. 2.1 Contributions of Economics Economics literature on entrepreneurship is not nearly as intensive as it should be on entrepreneurship because mainstream economics have great difficulty in fitting entrepreneurship in its theory. The work done in economics (on entrepreneurship) has therefore only been possible through invention in conventional economic model. 2.1.1 Early contributions the legacy of Joseph Schumpeter Among economists, Joseph Schumpeters contributions are a landmark because firstly, he is able to give a comprehensive account of entrepreneur and entrepreneurship and fitting it in economic theory. Secondly his views on entrepreneurship have evolved into a multi-dimensional and eventually (1940 and onwards) into multidisciplinary perspectives. Joseph Schumpeter was born in 1883 in todays Slovakia in family with business background; he also tried his hand in venture capital later on. There is some evidence which suggest that Schumpeter did not had much success in his business endeavors. He started with a thesis in economics and followed Leon Walrus, the great mathematical economist; believing equilibrium theory is the solution to every problem in economics. Schumpeter developed felt that Walruss static economic model does not take account some essential parts of economy. According to Walruss model economy is static and responds to external impulses (e.g. population growth) by trying to adapt and get back into equilibrium. In his book The Theory of Economic Development (1911) Schumpeter progressed dynamic view of entrepreneur. He emphasized that entrepreneurs are responsible for all important changes in economies, thus changes in economies are not only form external impulses. Schumpeter classified the activities in all pheno menon (including economics) as consists of two types of activities, the routine and repetitive ones and the new and innovative ones. In 2nd edition of the same book (1926) Schumpeter suggested a comprehensive theory of economics with entrepreneur placed in centre. His views became more moderate e.g. Innovation, described in terms of business cycles was simply ‘new production function (Schumpeter 1939; 87). Entrepreneurship was defined as making of new combination of already existing resources, it is innovation not invention. Accordingly no one is an entrepreneur forever but only when they are doing an act of entrepreneurship. In other words it can be concluded that humans are essentially entrepreneurial, though they differ on the extent to which they are entrepreneurial and for the time they act entrepreneurially. Schumpeters view of newness is applicable to variety of situations; he broadly categorized entrepreneurial behavior consisting of ‘essentially new a) Good; b) Method of production; c) Market; d) Source of supply and e) Organization of industry. Schumpeter also highlighted the motives behind a n act of entrepreneurship. Entrepreneurs are not purely motivated by profit; in his view three main factors motivate the entrepreneur The dream and will to found (strive for independence and power) The will to conquer (or thirst for success) The joy of creation ( to get things done) Considering profit motive as a contributing factor and not the foremost primary motivational factor is well founded in research. Hirschman (1967) argues that many businessmen would never start a business if they come to know in advance how difficult it was going to be. Though without any profit motive, an act of entrepreneurship may not be considered entrepreneurial. Profit motive might be acting as a catalyst which induces the act of entrepreneurship. Whereas, afterwards the entrepreneurial process requires further motives and money is not enough as motivator. After 1940s Schumpeters works consist of sociological work, mainly Capitalism, Socialism and Democracy (1942), where he argues that routinization of change, demystification and rationalization of innovation has created an environment of less opposition towards entrepreneurs. This environment is not conducive for breading real entrepreneurship (Schumpeter). The presence of opposing force for ‘unleashing entrepreneurship has been evident throughout history, though in different forms, ranging from dissatisfaction with current job to need for a basic ‘bread earning activity. Schumpeters views entrepreneurship as not limited to a single person and organization (social or business) or institution (even as a society) can be entrepreneurial; this argument comes from his belief that theory of entrepreneurship should be based upon the actual activity of entrepreneurship rather than researchers personal injunctions. Schumpeters views on entrepreneurship does glorify entrepreneur to some extent. This element does not lend Schumpeters entrepreneur to be explained through mathematical economics. Some may view this as detrimental even unacceptable in terms of economic contribution, however in essence Schumpeters work lives on even today only because his views are ‘practical. Schumpeter ‘spoke of realities which he tried to explain through theories rather than theories trying to explain the reality. 2.1.2 The Contributions of Mainstream Economics Economics is unable to place Entrepreneurship in its mainstream theory, though the presence of entrepreneurship has been largely accepted by economists. The lack of entrepreneur from economics has been termed as the performance of Hamlet with Danish Prince missing (Baumol 1968; 64), so much so that Blaug (1986; 229) calls it a ‘scandal of keeping the students of economics unaware of entrepreneurship. Economics does have some thoughts on entrepreneurship mainly Schumpeters thoughts, which are supplemented by theories of Israel Kirzner and mark Cason. Other also takes account of William Baumol and Austrian economics such as Friedrich Von Hayek and Ludwig Von Mises. The first two economists who considered entrepreneur were both French. Richard Cantillon defined entrepreneur as those willing to buy at a certain price and sell at uncertain one. (Blaug 1986; 220) while Jean Baptise Say tertmed entrepreenruship as combining of factors of production into an organiasm. Entrepreneur and capatilst were also confused however it was suggested that entrepreneurial profit can be termed as rent of ability (Hans Von Mangoldt 1824-68). Among the Neo-classical economists entrepreneurship was classified as ‘rent on ability (Marshal 1842-1924) while others ignored entrepreneurs as neutral entities in terms of profit or loss in equilibrium conditions (Walrus cited by Schumpeter 1954: 893). Frank Knights Risk, Uncertainty and Profit (1921) explained entrepreneurship in terms of risk (where objective probability can be calculated) and Uncertainty (where nothing can be known). She classified entrepreneurial profit as profit derived from bearing uncertainty which is consistent with neo-classical framework as entrepreneurs. Mark Cason views entrepreneur as specialist on decision making regarding coordination of scarce resources (Cason 1983; 23). Isreal Kirzner termed entrepreneurship as alertedness to profit making opportunities; he argues that entrepreneurs restore the equilibrium of economy. The argument is often contrasted with Schumpeters thought of entrepreneurs as disrupting the equilibrium. Mises and Kirzner bo th agree that one entrepreneurs error becomes other entrepreneurs opportunity. Kirzners insights also draw from Ludwig Von Hayek (199-1992). Hayeks relates entrepreneurship to knowledge. The knowledge about local condition where profit can be made come more in form of ‘discovering new information rather than being preceded by analysis of already present information and diagnosing it as incomplete. The above insights are of significant importance for theory and practice. An entrepreneur is someone who takes on selected uncertainties as he is alert to ‘appropriate for profit uncertainty. Entrepreneur is specialist decision maker and goes through ‘discovery of information process. A comprehensive sketch of entrepreneurship consists of various external and internal forces shaping the process of entrepreneurship. At an individual lies the ability of a human to interpret opportunity, decide to take on an uncertain situation while discover information throughout the process. Economy is but one element of the ‘habitat of entrepreneurs, they are doing all these activities in a social setting where all non-economic social sciences become relevant to exploring the concept in further detail. 2.2 Contributions of Non-Economic Social Sciences literature Non Economic social sciences have contribution from a much larger variety of perspectives on entrepreneurship though it lacks the coherence which is the mainstay of economics literature on entrepreneurship 2.2.1 The contribution of psychology Psychological theories of entrepreneurship pay attention to personality traits, motives and incentives of one individual. Entrepreneurship has been researched by focusing on the individual since long mainly under the field of psychology. The approach used in this study adheres to these traditional approaches (that are going to be discussed in the following) which consider Entrepreneurs as unit of analysis, however it takes a more holistic view. Various studies researched the traits responsible for entrepreneurship (e.g Gartner 1998, 1989; Bird 1989, baron 1998). Psychology has mainly contributed two broad categories of insights, both have at its core, the personality of an entrepreneur 1) the trait theories of entrepreneurship take a view that internal characteristics of an individual are responsible for entrepreneurial behavior, 2) the more social psychological insights into entrepreneurship take a view that an entrepreneurs personality is shaped by outside forces (Swedberg, 2000). Entrepreneurs and non-entrepreneurs are differentiated on the basis of attitudinal and behavioral factors. In general, tra it theorists see non-monetary rewards as the main source of motivation for entrepreneurs. Entrepreneurship is dictated by innate characteristics. Nature rather than nurture is what would determine entrepreneurship. McLelland Winter (1971) concluded that a strong need for achievement is a distinguishing trait of entrepreneurs. Yet as Virtanen (1997) summarize In analyzing entrepreneurial behavior we should pay more attention to expectations, motives and incentives. â€Å"The forces in the brain region† (needs) foster expectations, motives and incentives to take some action. What kind of motives and incentives are required to enforce entrepreneurial activity? Why would someone start a new venture? The reasons, as well as the businesses, may differ from case to case. Why do People act entrepreneurially? The Motivation for entrepreneurship comes from diverse sources but at the individualistic level Vrooms (1964) expectancy model takes into account the desirability and the feasibility of becoming an entrepreneur. Recent studies of OECD-Member nations shows that dissatisfied people draw satisfaction from the very acting of creating own business (Noorderhaven et al., 2003; Hofstede et al., 2004). Results of studies focusing on trait theories show a large variation of characteristics that are held responsible for entrepreneurialism e.g. need for achievement and strong urge to build (David McClelland ,1961), toughness, pragmatism unwilling to submit to authority (Collins and Moore, 1970), mercurial, cunning, opportunistic, creative, and unsentimental behaviour (Bird, 1992), overconfidence (Busenitz and Barney 1997). Trait theories project the image of entrepreneur as some one who is (or assumes to be) in control historically because of higher need for achievement and high self-efficacy. This high level of self control has roots in Descartes philosophy of self, which argues: While the external world, including the thinkers body, is subject to the laws of physics and other external contingencies, the mind is not. I, being pure mind, enjoy a supreme degree of independence from my body and everything physical. †¦..The radical separation of mind and bodyand of the mental and the physical in generalis known as Cartesian Dualism†. (frostburg, September 2007) The field of Psychology has produced more studies than either in mainstream economics or sociology (Chell et al 1991). The status of psychological theories of entrepreneurship is fairly low among social scientist mainly because firstly, the existence of a distinct blueprint for ‘entrepreneurial personality is doubted and secondly, psychology has tried to explain about entrepreneurship what other fields e.g. sociology or economic history would be better equipped to explain (Swedberg, 2000). 2.2.2 Sociological view of entrepreneurship Indeed, some theories have pointed at the dynamic view of entrepreneurship. Entrepreneurial process feeds on change and in fact can create it, as Bagby (1988, 5) concludes: â€Å"Entrepreneurs capitalize on change, or even create it.† This means that Change and dynamism can be favorable for entrepreneurship. This thought leads to a process view of entrepreneurship which is dynamic â€Å"Entrepreneurship is the process of doing something new and something different for the purpose of creating wealth for the individual and adding value to society† (Raymond 1993). The notion of ‘becoming emphasizes the nature of the entrepreneurial process as a dynamic rather than static phenomenon. According to Bygrave Hofer (1991, 14) the later contains all the functions, activities, and actions associated with the perceiving of opportunities and the creation of organizations to pursue them†. The process itself is not taking place in vacuum. Social institutions play a major role, they are defined as the written and unwritten ‘rules of the game: laws, norms, beliefs, etc. (North 1990). How the social system works varies and different social system that places a high value on innovation, risk-taking, and independence is more likely to produce entrepreneurial events than a system with contrasting values (Amir, 2006). The way in which culture, societal values and personality create this effect is complex and highly interrelated 2.3 Entrepreneurship as an embedded process In this thesis I will propose that entrepreneurship is deeply rooted in society. It is a dynamic process of interaction between socio-cultural factors and personal attributes; change is the essential ingredient of this process. Such embeddedness perspective is highly relevant to most of the eastern part of the world. The reasons for greater need for affiliation, strong family structure and embeddedness is one plausible explanation is given by Amir (2006), the environment of weak resource-sharing institutions are vulnerable and thus entrepreneurs ‘must bond themselves by affiliating with a social network. For deeper insights the entrepreneurial process rather than entrepreneur in isolation should be researched. Entrepreneurship is an economic process drawing from the social context which influences outcomes, so it is fitting to call it socio-economic. Jack and Anderson (2002) emphasize that; â€Å"Embeddedness is process whereby entrepreneur (acting as agent) becomes a part of the local structure; both the agent and structure affect each other through diverse mechanisms. The social structures nature is understood; ties forged through enactment of re-enactment and maintained, this leads to drawing on resources and creating opportunities.† 2.4 Discussion Entrepreneurs give different understandings to their own selves and may be acting entrepreneurially and not knowing, For instance, a businessman may say that why would he want to know if he is entrepreneurial or not, he thinks he is (Gartner, 1990). It is mo

Television Talk Shows Essay -- Entertainment Papers

Television Talk Shows The United States’ longest running program is actually a news/talk show called Meet the Press. It began as a radio program in 1945, and had little changes when it was aired on NBC for the first half-hour television broadcast in November 1947. Meet the Press May have been the first talk show to be shown on television, but it wasn’t the first regularly scheduled talk show. Sylvester Weaver produced the first regularly programmed talk show called Broadway Open House from May 1950 to August 1951. Two Veteran Jerry Lester and Morey Amsterdam, who were stand up comedians, shared the hosting duties for this talk/variety program. Broadway Open House was a mixture of routines, singing, dancing and comedy, which would start a trend of new talk shows to soon follow. The Tonight Show staring Johnny Carson, which premiered October 1, 1962, was one of those shows that followed Broadway Open House. With Johnny’s little competition, appearing on his show became one of the first big breaks for many upcoming stars on the road of fame and fortune. His show became so big that Johnny negotiated a deal with NBC to give him 2 million dollars per year, while his taping schedule included twelve weeks of four shows weekly, twenty-five weeks of only three shows a week, and fifteen weeks of vacation. Some of the stars that made got their start on The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson were people like Jerry Seinfield, Roseanne, and Gary Shandling. When Johnny Carson decided to retire, his show was given to comedian Jay Leno, making The Tonight Show one of the greatest and longest running shows ever. Early Morning Talk Shows A typical morning for most Americans consists of eating a hearty breakfast, drin... ...9.htm Larry King Live Retrieved October 29, 2001 from the World Wide Web: http://www.cnn.com/larryking Scott, Gini, Graham. (1996) Can we Talk? The Power and Influence of Talk Shows. New York: Plenum Press. Survey. â€Å"Reason for Watching Talk Shows.† Nov. 1, 2001. Survey. â€Å"Talk Shows Watched by Students.† Nov.1 2001. Studios USA(2001). Report: Maury Povich. Nov. 1, 2001. Retrieved from the World Wide Web:http//www.studiosusa.com/maury/html. The Rosie O’Donnell Show. Oct. 20, 2001. Retrieved from the World Wide Web: http://ytv.yahoo.com/fc/ytv/rosie_o_donnell_show. Tolson, Andrew. (Eds.). (2001). Television Talk Shows. New Jersey, Mahwah: Lawrence Erlbaum. T.V. Talk Shows( 2001). Report: Research on T.V. Talk Shows. Oct. 18, 2001. Retrieved from the World Wide Web: http://www.Missouri.edu/~advcf/tv-talk-shows.html.

Time Machine

Eliot states that, â€Å"Home is where one starts from, as we get older, the world becomes stranger, the pattern more complicated. † I do agree with T. S. Eliot, and I do have one story about my past that will prove his quotation. When I was 4 years old, I thought that life was a fairy tale. A typical fairy tale where I would be married to a handsome prince, and we will live happily ever after. Life would be very simple and laid back.All I needed to do was to learn how to read, write, and count numbers. I didn't have any bills due at the end of every month, and I did not have to work very hard to get what I want. I remember those days where crying gave me everything I desired. I wish that I can stay young forever; however, that is not how life works. Life is about growing up and maturing whether I like it or not. As I get older, things become more complicated, and I learned that not everyone will always stay by my side. Especially my dad who died in the early age of my life. M y dad had been a huge art of my life.He molded me and taught me a lot of things about life. I learned that there will come a time where I have to stand up on my own, and not depend on someone to defend me. Time is the only thing that I could never bring back, no matter how hard I try. I Just wish I could make things right with my dad so he would know that I really love and cherish him always. I was seventeen years old when I lost my dad. I could still remember his warm smile that brightened up my darkest day. My dad have a slightly squint-eyes that guided me to the inner side of his soul.With is deeply tanned skin and calloused hands, I could proudly say that he worked hard day and night Just to give my family a better life. One day, a single car crash took away the life of my dad. If I could be with my dad again, I would treasure him more and take another chance to correct my previous mistakes. Regrets make my life miserable in different areas. Never a day that passes by that I do not ask myself, â€Å"What if my dad were still alive? † This thinking drives me crazy, and I wish I could travel back in time so I could make some changes; however, that is Just an illusion.Time is the only thing that we could never bring back, no matter how hard we try. I just wish I could make things right with my dad so he would know that I really love and cherish him always. My dad worked odd Jobs, took night classes to get his high school diploma, and raised us with love and discipline. I knew I wasn't an easy kid but he never complained, not even once. As a teenager, I always envied my classmates who have everything they ever wanted in life. Their parents were executives, ambassadors, or celebrities.One time, I saw Tiffany bragging about her Calvin Klein lack leather Jacket, a white mid-thigh length Dolce and Cabana sundress, and a pair of knee-high Giorgio Airman leather black boots. I felt insecure when I looked at myself, wearing my usual clothing; baggy t-shirt and Jeans. When I got home, I excitedly ran and knocked on my parent's room. My dad gestured his arms widely so I could give him a warm hug. With a big smile, I asked my dad if he could buy me some beautiful clothes so that I could feel beautiful like the other girls in my class. His face suddenly changed and I could trace the confusion from his eyes.With a gentle and raring voice, he told me that real beauty is about being comfortable in my own skin. It is about knowing and accepting who I really am. It is not measured by the brand of clothes I wear nor the amount of cosmetics I put on. Inner beauty comes from the inside and captivates the heart of a true person. I could see the sincerity in his eyes as he looked at me with integrity. I could sense the emotion and honesty in every word that he say. The 21st of August, 2013, is the most unforgettable tragedy in my life because that is the day when my dad passed away.The moment I woke up to repaper for school, my mom knocked at my door and with a shaky, yet gentle voice she told me that my father died in a car crash back in the Philippines. When I heard that, I was speechless; I was lost. My body violently shook, the fear ran cold in my veins. I broke out in a nervous sweat, but I could not stop shivering like I was suddenly in southern part of Antarctica. My fingers had held a vice grip onto the legs of my tights, my nails dug holes into the seams. Tears drenched in every inch of my face, all over my cheeks, and over my chin.Liquid ran down my neck and devoured y clothes beneath it. I wanted to stop shaking; I wanted to be able to breathe again. I could not believe that my dad is gone and I could not do anything because I am in America. All off sudden, our happy memories started to play in my mind. I remember when he went to my high school graduation; he was so proud of me because I was one of the top students. My dad and I went to the salon to get ready for my graduation. We rarely visit salons and malls due to lack of budget, but this time he said that he could buy me a new shoes because I did a great Job in school.He wore his favorite polo with a Ana blue neck tie and his hair is brushed on one side. When the principal called my name, he proudly stood up and accompanied me to the stage. My dad walked on the stage with a smile that is brighter than the sun, he hung the shiny gold medal on my neck. I felt like I am on cloud nine. The flowers danced and rejoiced over my success. I heard the people clapped their hands while the principal announced all the achievements that I had during my high school years. I remembered the day when we were at the airport, the day when I last saw my dad's beautiful face.We did not have any conversation on our way to the airport. The car was filled with silence and I felt the sadness in his eyes. I have a lot of things that I want to tell him, but I could not figure out what words would exactly fit the emptiness and grief that I am feeling inside. The moment that I laid my feet on the airport, my shoulders became heavier, hours became minutes, and minutes became seconds. The lady announced that we have to fall in line because our plane would depart in less than fifteen minutes. My dad held my hands and hugged me.I saw my ad's tears ran down his cheeks, but he tried his best not to cry in front of me. His once tanned face became red and looked like he would burst in tears in Just a matter of seconds. His red lips became pale and his hands are shaking. He ran his fingers through my hair and put it beneath my ears. My dad looked at me with sincerity and told me that he loved me. The words were so heartwarming that it left me with tears. I did not want to look at him anymore because it would only make me cry harder. Those memories would forever be treasured in my heart.I would never forget those detersives moments that I had with him. I regret many things in life. If only I could go back in time; then I wouldn't have to worry anymore. I cou ld be with my loved ones for as long as I could. I would make our time together to be as memorable as possible. I could correct those errors, and maybe my dad would know how much I loved him before he died. Since time machines do not exist, all I could do is to accept the fact that everybody would leave me; nobody would stay with me forever. Death leaves a heartache no one could heal, and love leaves a memory no one could steal.Without all those trials and circumstances, I would never be the person that I am right now: stronger and braver than I was before. What I did wrong before is that I never treasured the people that surrounded me. I thought they would be with me forever so I took them for granted. Life is so unpredictable, which makes it challenging. Growing up is not easy especially when a huge part of my life is gone; however, that is how life works. People come and go no matter what happen. The main question is, are we prepared to lose someone during our Journey in life? 1 572 words

Project Manager Status Report Essay

Provide a quick executive overview of the status of the project in this section It is intended for high level management so it should not get too much into the details of the project. However, it should highlight anything specific, which should be brought to their attention. The Scope/Schedule/Cost/Quality table above is a quick way to present a color coded dashboard for the status report. Typically a variance of +/- 5% will warrant a yellow cautionary color and +/- 10% will warrant a red warning color. For a project which needs tighter control +/- 2% and +/- 5% are used for these thresholds; whereas, other projects with less strict control may use 10% and 20% variances. The percent complete here should be the percent completion of the entire project. For any constraint which is yellow or red this section should contain brief explanation the reason why. Example: The project schedule is 7% behind schedule due to inclement weather which has affected the installation of the fiber optics throughout the campus. This should not affect the project completion date as crews are planning to make up the time by working weekends and extended hours next month. The project risks is red due to the inclement weather and servers which were delivered last month weren’t configured with the correct hardware specifications. The impact of the inclement weather on the schedule will be mitigated by having crews make up the time by working weekends and extended hours next month. Currently we are working with the server vendor to resolve the server hardware configuration problem. The configuration delivered will not handle the work load of going live in two months; however, it is sufficient for development and testing activities scheduled prior to going live. Once you have finished understanding this section you can just highlight the directions and example and place your specific information for your team’s weekly report. Work Planed for Last Month For this section you can copy the â€Å"Worked Planned for Next Week† section from last week’s status report and paste it into this section. Work Completed Last Week In this section you should provide a highlight of work performed and milestones and/or deliverables met during the past week. Work Planned For Next Week Provide an overview of the work being performed during the next week and any milestones or deliverables you expect to meet. Open Issues This section should contain a list of open issues along with their status. Open Risks This section should contain a list of all open risks (risks which have occurred, or are on the verge of occurring). Deliverables and Milestones This section is a quick table, which shows the status of the project milestones and deliverables. The first column is for the name of the Milestone or Deliverable as it’s in the project plan. The next column is the Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) number, this makes it easier to find the milestone/deliverable in the project plan (You will create WBS numbers when you create your Work Breakdown Structure form, so for now you can just leave this blank). Planned is the planned date according to the approved project plan, the forecasted is the date you expect and actual is the actual date the milestone was met or deliverable was delivered. The status is a simple one or two word status such as; completed, on schedule, behind schedule, accepted, etc. Milestone WBS Planned Forecasted Actual Status Deliverable WBS Planned Forecasted Actual Status Open Change Requests Use this section to track all changes to the project and report the status of those changes. Tracking of changes starts with the request for the change, tracks the approval status and ends when the change is added to the project, the project plan and schedule update and it has become a part of the project. (You can create your own change request numbers) EXAMPLE Change Request Name Change Request Number Request Date Current Status Add xyz Functionality CR55043 3/14/20xx In Review by Change Control Board Add Redundant Servers CR55012 2/17/20xx Approved and Being Added to the Project Plan Key Performance Indicators (KPI’s) Many managers turn right to this section as it provide a clear view of the status of the project according the earned value metrics. In your project you need to decide which metrics to monitor, but be sure not to include too many as you may end up providing the same information but in different forms. We like to track SV, SPI, CV and CPI in the layout below. Next to the schedule and cost headings you should state whether the project is ahead of or behind schedule and over or under budget. Notice we left out the word on – it is highly unlikely that you. If you like you can also include a paragraph at the beginning of this section presenting the earned value results in verbose. IF a budget is involved you will need to include information in this section: Schedule – Project is Ahead of/Behind Schedule Schedule Variance (SV):$xxxx Schedule Performance Index (SPI):x.xx Cost – Project is Over/Under Budget Cost Variance (CV):$xxx Cost Performance Index (CPI):x.xx

Marketing environment and buyer behaviour Essay Example

Marketing environment and buyer behaviour Essay Example Marketing environment and buyer behaviour Paper Marketing environment and buyer behaviour Paper The external marketing environment (1 000 words) Choose two environments within the external environment to analyses demographic, socio-cultural, economic, technological, natural, competitive and political and legal (500 words per environment) Provide a definition of each chosen environment and justify in relation to your product (4 marks) Explain how each chosen environment impacts your product, using evidence from your research (business sources) to justify (20 marks) Discuss the opportunities presented for your chosen product in each environment (8 arks) Discuss the threats presented for your chosen product in each environment (8 marks) 1) Political First of all, political factors refer to the stability of the political environment and the attitudes of political parties or movements. This may manifest in government influence on tax policies, or government involvement in trading agreements. Political factors are inevitably entwined with Legal factors such as national employment laws, international trade regulations and restrictions, monopolies and mergers rules, and consumer protection. The difference between Political and Legal factors is that Political refers to attitudes and approaches, whereas Legal factors are those which have become law and regulations. Legal needs to be complied with whereas Political may represent influences, restrictions or opportunities, but they are not mandatory. One of the important aspects that Apple Inc. Just consider is a market and product launching regulations. In Europe, many residents do not even have a land line phone system, and the mobile phone is the primary and only) phone number. Thus, the political environment is more possessive Of the cellular standards. This is also one of Apples biggest weaknesses. Keep in mind there are different political systems in different countries that must agree on the same cellular standard. The cellular standard must be transparent to a country that is a monarchy as well as a socialist country. The E has made it clear that the political aim of the governments role in cellular standards is to entertain more competition that shares the same standards. One more issue that Apple must confront is the apparent De facto reductionism of Monika and Ericson. These two companies are extremely important to their economy, as Monika has been mentioned as one of Rupees most important companies. The future is pretty safe for those two telecommunications giants, and Apple will be at a disadvantage if it must wrestle with them. There is an argument that with cellular standard conforming to European standards, US companies such as Motorola and Apple may be at a disadvantage in keeping up with Rupees cellular manufacturers. One can argue that this can be supported by the 2. G release of the phone Europe as opposed to the G standard. Apple can argue the European standards are exclusionary and discriminatory as Apple has invested large amounts of money into R standards. At present, mobile devices based on current US technology are now locked out of the E market since the W-CDMA standard has been converted into a requirement. (Wallis- Brown, Von Hellene, et al, 2000) The development of the phone under two different standards is a burden for Apple. The ELI arguably also protects its two telecommunication giants, Monika and Ericson. Apple is not alone in this fight, as Korean manufacturers such as LEG and Samsung face these burdens. Apple also shares this dilemma with Motorola on IIS soil. However, these competitors are established companies that have introduced product since the early adopter phase of mobile technology. Apple is a late entry in mobile phones. The development of the phone must balance the development of the phone to conform to US standards, E standards, and still maintain its uniqueness that the Apple brand has always maintained. 2) Technological The technological environment refers to new technologies, which create new product and market opportunities. Technological developments are the most manageable uncontrollable force faced by marketers. Organizations need to be aware of new technologies in order to turn these advances into opportunities and a competitive edge. Technology has a tremendous effect on life-styles, consumption patterns, and the economy. Advances in technology can start new industries, radically alter or destroy existing industries, and stimulate entirely separate markets. The rapid rate at which technology changes has forced organizations to quickly adapt in terms of how they develop, price, distribute, and promote their products. The four Ups of marketing are directly affected the moment a new sign is created. New technology is an ever- growing competitive industry based on consumer demand. Consumers want to do everything faster and easier, thus causing companies to combine their technologies into one product. The idea of multi-media device is not new, mobile phones have been able to make calls and access the internet for some years now. With the latest craze of listening to music outside of the car and Disdains becoming a history channel special, digital music; MPH has skyrocketed. With many Pads supporting a Windows based SO, consumers were able to buy a memory arid, load music, insert that into their phone, and listen via Windows Media player. The phone is different because it allows music to be stored directly onto either a 4 or KGB hard drive (Apple Inc. , 2014). The phone uses a new multi-touch display and new software so everything can be controlled by touch. It capabilities of listening to music and watching videos are amazing compared to standard software on Pads and other multi- media phones currently available. The phone capabilities are the same, you just simply touch a name and press call on the display, and there are no buttons to press. The internet allows you scroll web pages while downloading, just like a computer. However, in the international market, if Apple were to enter into Europe, they would be faced with a challenge of accommodating their technology. Rupees largest mobile phone service provider, Videophone, uses G/LISTS technology, which the phone does not support. Phone currently operates on GSM; however rumors have been spread about the possibility of Apple developing two versions of their phone. If a contract between Videophone and Apple was generated and the two versions of the phone were available for OTOH markets, the launch of the phone would be astounding. As technology is growing fast it is a big advantage for Apple because if it continue innovates like today it will be able to keep a pace of the high technology growth in the world. Increasing demand in technology can lead the company to new success. One of the biggest mobile wireless developments in 2008 was the increased availability of G mobile phones, such as Apples phone G. Moreover, Sprint is planning to offer a Woman based G services by 2009. Other mobile providers (including AT T, Verizon wireless, and T-Mobile) are currently purporting new Long Term Evolution (LET) G technology based on the SIMMS cellular standard. Chips are already developed that support both types of G networks and are expected to be included in Notebook computers, mobile phones, digital cameras and other consumer devices. Moreover, the mobile cloud is the recent trend, which includes not only giant carriers and Mobile device makers (Apple, Samsung), but also a full convergent of internet based companies and software giants (Amazon, Google, Face book, Microsoft and more). Apple launched cloud in October 201 1 and this new service stores music, applications, photos, calendars, intact, and documents and wirelessly pushes them to multiple ISO devices, Macs and Windows-based computers (Apple Annual Report, 2011 Apple Inc. Is on top of the market because of investing highly in research and product development. Moreover, innovation has shown big portion of this brand and has shown to pay out (Apple Inc. , 2014). B. Consumer buyer behavior (1500 words) What type Of buying decision is used for your product? Justify your answer by considering the level of involvement and other factors influencing this (10 marks) How might need recognition be triggered for your product? Explain how one factor influences this stage (1 0 marks) How could information search be undertaken for your product? Explain how one factor influences this stage (10 marks) Provide an example of a typical evoked set for your product and describe how alternatives could be evaluated for your product. Explain how one factor influences this stage (10 marks) How might the decision to purchase be made for your product? Explain how one factor influences this stage (ID marks) How might a consumer undertake post-purchase evaluation for your product? Explain how one factor influences this stage (10 marks) Studying consumer attitudes toward brands is of paramount important because thats what comes closest to revealing if a consumer intends to buy the brand in question. The Attitude toward object model is suitable for measuring attitude towards a product category or specific brands. According to this model, the consumers attitude toward a product/brand is a function of the presence (or absence) and evaluation of certain product-specific beliefs and/or attributes. That explains the number that turned up at various launches of the phone across the country. This also explained by the Attitude toward behavior model. This model is designed to capture the consumers attitude toward behaving or acting with respect to an object rather than the attitude toward the object itself. The appeal of this model is that it seems to correspond somewhat more closely to actual behavior than the attitude toward object model. Now this where Apple fails. There are 5 important steps that a consumer makes before they decide upon purchasing a product or using a service. What goes on in their head? Understanding these processes will help with developing marketing strategies targeted to the consumer. Brand awareness plays a huge role in the consumer decision making process. When consumers show an interest in buying a certain product, many of them will follow a decision making process which follows the next steps: problem recognition (unsatisfied need), information search, evaluation of expected outcome, purchase, post- purchase behavior. This process is a guideline for studying the way consumers make decisions, but it is important to remember that they can abandon the whole idea at any stage, and they do not necessarily continue with this decision making process up to a purchase. Consumer behavior is influenced by many things, including environmental and marketing factors, he situation, personal and psychological factors, family, and culture. Businesses try to figure out trends so they can reach the people most likely to buy their products in the most cost-effective way possible. Businesses often try to influence a consumers behavior with things they can control such as the layout of a store, music, grouping and availability of products, pricing, and advertising. While some influences may be temporary and others are long lasting, different factors can affect how buyers behave whether they influence you to make a purchase, buy additional products, or buy nothing at all. The first stage in the buying decision is problem recognition. Problem recognition occurs when a consumer is faced with an unsatisfied need (the need for a more convenient mode of communication) and desires a fulfilled outcome that satisfies this need. Problem recognition is triggered by either external stimuli (advertisements) or internal stimuli (hunger or thirst). Consumers can recognize unfulfilled wants in several ways, for example when an old product is not performing as well as it should, or when consumers are made aware of a new technology that will enhance their current product experience. The core off marketers goal is to make consumers aware of possible unsatisfied needs, and to show the consumer how the product or service will fulfill that need. Look at how Steve Jobs came along with the phone. No one needed it, but he made sure that the phone was something that everyone needed to have. Human beings are social, and they need people around them to interact with and to discuss various issues in order to reach better solutions and ideas. We learned that these social factors typically consist of the consumers small groups, their family, and their social roles and status. We also learned about social roles such as Initiators, Influences, Deciders, Buyers, and Users. These roles play a part within social groups consisting of friends and families in aggravating a buyers hunger for a certain product. The second stage in the buying decision is the search for information and the organization of this information within the individuals frame of reference. The information search involves exposure to different sources, such as promotional material and displays of the product, actively researching the product, or relying on historic information in the consumers mind, such as reconciled ideas about a product or a previous experience (good or bad) with such a product (our personal and psychological factors). Affecting consumer buyer behavior, Psychological Factors, are the consumers own personality is constructed by the unique psychological characteristics that create relatively consistent, lasting behavior in response to their own environment. These characteristics include Self Concept, Motivation and the five motivational needs, Perception, Learning, and Beliefs and Attitudes. In Summary, all Of these factors and stimuli illustrate an important point: nonusers are complicated. Not all buying decisions rely this heavily on the gathering of information, and the extent to which a consumer conducts an information search depends largely on the perceived risk of the purchase. When we are confronted with a decision, emotions from previous, related experiences affix values to the options we are considering. These emotions create preferences which lead to our decision. We are capable of rationally processing information about alternative choices; but were unable to make decisions because they lacked any sense of how they felt about the options. However, for consumers, perhaps the most important characteristic of emotions is that they push us toward action. In response to an emotion, humans are compelled to do something. In a physical confrontation, fear forces us to choose between fight or flight to insure our self-preservation. In our daily social confrontations, insecurity may cause us to buy the latest phone to support our positive self-identity. The third stage of the decision making process, is the evaluation of expected outcome. The consumer is now ready to make a decision based on all the information gathered, and those discarded. The consumer has now developed a set of criteria against which he will base this decision, and will most likely be able to narrow his search down to only a few products. The goal of the marketing manager is to determine which attributes of a product will convince a consumer to buy it. Recent studies have shown that attributes which plays on emotions (such as perceived trustworthiness, perceived comfort, perceived excellence or perceived status) are the ones that weighs the heaviest in decision making processes. This stage of the decision making process is critical, because many consumers are not able to make a rational session by weighing up alternatives, and if they have reached this stager the more emotional consumer has reached an uncritical blindness in which they become obsessed with buying the product. The next step in the decision making process is to purchase the product. The consumer has decided which product to buy, or not to buy anything at all. If he decides to make a purchase, the next step in the process is an evaluation of the product after the purchase. While demographic variables such as income, education, and marital status are important, we will look at gender, age, and stage of life and how they influence purchase decisions. Men and women need and buy different products. They also shop differently and in general, have different attitudes about shopping. You know the old stereotypes. Men see what they want and buy it, but women try on everything and shop till they drop. Theres some truth to the stereotypes. Interestingly the process does not stop at the point of purchase because there is a stage five called the post-purchase evaluation. The process continues even when the product or service is being consumed by the individual or business. So if it doesnt meet your needs or solve your problem o can take action to improve the product or service. Your actions at this point might inform other potential buyers who would be keen to hear about your experiences. The level of satisfaction that the consumer will experience will depend largely on how many of his expectations were met. Lets look at an example based upon buying a new Phone. The first stage is likely to be that you have a need for communication or access to the Internet, or problem because you cannot interact with friends using social media. So the second stage is where you speak to your friends and surf the Internet cooking at alternatives, which represent stage two or your information search. As a buyer you might visit a local phone store and speak to the sales staff to help you complete stage three, I. E. Your evaluation of alternatives. Stage four is the selection of product and you go and make your final decision and buy your Phone from a local store or using an e-commerce website. Stage five involves your post-purchase evaluation whereby you use the phone and have a positive, negative or mediocre experience of the product. If it doesnt satisfy your needs you take action and more importantly youll tell ethers of your problems. If youre pleased with the product, you will tell your friends and this will influence stage two (their information search) when they decide to buy an Phone.

Week8 cal Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Week8 cal - Essay Example nts with regard to carrying out research internally or externally, and also how related matters or politics within the organisation could best be managed. Various types of organisational politics were discussed. I learnt about PAR i.e participatory action research, and about grounded research i.e. research where data is collected and then a theory developed, rather than the more usual creation of a hypothesis in the first instance. Research ethics was considered both from the reciprocity point of view i.e where researchers and those under consideration could both benefit, and also from a safety/informed consent/confidentiality view point. Bell and Bryman, (2007) stated that ethics should not just be a check list to be completed, but an aspirational part of research design. The members of my learning set helped me on the subject of research being emancipatory, that is free from imposed constraints, or not. The main features of PAR are diversity, case orientation, collaboration, the linking of social action to scientific knowledge, eclecticism, using local knowledge and the emergent process. In my particular situation it is collaboration between the various sectors within the company which needs to be improved and this will require the participation and intervention of top management. Zuber-Skerritt and Perry in 2002 made suggestions as to how to both connect, and at the same time differentiate, between the theories behind a piece of research and the pragmatic actions required. I will be able to follow their advice during the preparation for my thesis. My major concern is improving the motivation levels of employees as I stated earlier. The creation of knowledge and its dissemination are improving. There are employees who have come gradually to understand the importance of this, but others remain seemingly overly concerned about their job security, feeling that if lots of information is created and shared around this could place their further employment in

Case anaylise Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Anaylise - Case Study Example In essence, there was lack of specialization in the structure and processes of the company. Poor adoption of technology by the management also exposed the company to increased competition and pressure from competitors (A New Caterpillar Emerges 63). The poor organizational structure resulted in disharmony, comparably low quality products, and poor marketing strategies. The change strategy adopted by Fites basically revolved around changing the organizational structure to reflect the Japanese decentralized model (A New Caterpillar Emerges 63). Fites integrated marketing staff, manufacturing engineers, and product designers into the different product development teams (A New Caterpillar Emerges 63). Fites also decentralized the marketing processes to the regional levels from the corporate headquarters. The third strategy was the incorporation of the aspect of modernization into the manufacturing processes for enhancing productivity and efficiency. This third approach enhanced the productivity of Caterpillar to 30 % (A New Caterpillar Emerges 63). The splitting of the company structure to 14 divisional teams enabled each unit to work in a semi-autonomous manner so that specific performance could be assessed. In the revised organizational structure, the different manufacturing teams were now responsible for the performance of the divisions. The overall impact of the decentralized model was an increase in performance in all areas of the