Palmolive Case Analysis

PMPC BA 115 A Case Title: Palmolive Naturals shampoo: Connecting with the Consumers Point of View: Ms. Gigi Alvarez Senior Product Manager of Palmolive Shampoo The Problem: Ms. Gigi Alvarez, senior product manager of Palmolive Shampoo, need to prepare marketing plan for Palmolive Shampoo in five days to be presented to the Marketing Review. Objective: To prepare a marketing plan for Palmolive Shampoo in five days to be presented to the Marketing Review. Areas of Consideration: 1. )Company Background The present company, Colgate-Palmolive, is an $8. billion consumer products company that serves people around the world with well-known brands that make consumers’ lives healthier and more enjoyable. Truly global in scope, its sales come from its international operations. The company focuses on five core businesses: Oral Care, Personal Care, Household Surface Care, Fabric Care, and Pet Nutrition. Now, it has become a leading marketer if not a leader in most product categories it co mpetes in. The parent company has research and development (R&D) operations in Piscataway, New Jersey, but it also established a regional R&D base in the Philippines. . )The Shampoo industry In 1996, there were three major shampoo manufacturers in the Philippines. The category leader was Procter and Gamble with five shampoo brands (Pantene, Rejoice, Head & Shoulders, Ivory, and Vidal Sasson), Unilever (Sunsilk, Lux, and Organics), and Colgate-Palmolive (Palmolive Naturals, Palmolive Optima, and Gard). The three manufacturers control about 91 percent of the shampoo market. More than one hundred other shampoo brands compete for the remaining nine percent. The shampoo industry was long dominated by Colgate-Palmolive and Unilever.Colgate-Palmolive was very strong during the 1960’s-1970 while Unilever took over the leadership briefly during the late 1970’s. Procter and Gamble entered the shampoo market by introducing Prell, quit the market and then re-entered the market thr ough Rejoice in the late 1980’s. Palmolive was still the brand leader nationwide because of good distribution and popular pricing. However, in Metro Manila, Procter’s Pantene was number one in some studies. Procter with five shampoo brands became the shampoo category market leader in 1995. 3. )Marketing Mix ElementsIn 1996, there were five variants of Palmolive Naturals Shampoo each catering to a specific hair type. Palmolive Naturals utilized a translucent plastic bottle with a label and full fliptop cap. Each had unique label and closure cover. Palmolive Naturals is the mass market shampoo of Colgate-Palmolive and was positioned as a shampoo made from natural ingredients that are hiyang (roughly translated, compatible). In 1990, Palmolive Optima 2-in-1 shampoo plus conditioners was launched with a hair scientist demonstrating the conditioning benefits of the shampoo to hair. Colgate-Palmolive also had a strong antidandruff shampoo brand in Gard.Product life cycles fo r shampoo brands are becoming shorter and â€Å"news† about a brand must be had at least every two years. Just recently, Procter and Gamble started importing shampoos from its subsidiary in Thailand. Colgate-Palmolive and Unilever continued to manufacture shampoo in the Philippines. Colgate-Palmolive had a good distribution system that matched the capabilities of its two competitors. Its relationship with its wholesalers and big retailers was quite strong. Allowances and trade support were adequate and competitive. Wholesalers and big retailers then supply the smaller account, mostly sari-sari (provision) storeowners.To win the shampoo war the brand must have extensive coverage. To make a brand ubiquitous it must be carried by the sari-sari stores. However, company support for the small sari-sari- stores was weak and some regions in Visayas and Mindanao have poor coverage. Palmolive Naturals was priced 5 to 10 percent lower than Palmolive Otima and other brands of Procter and Unilever. The market can be divided into three pricing segments, namely: economy pricing, medium pricing, premium pricing. When Palmolive Naturals was launched, Lea Salonga was its image model and celebrity endorser. The first of the series of commercials was aired in December 1989.It was shot in London and it was one of Lea’s first television commercial appearances in the Philippines. The campaign highlighted Palmolive Shampoo as being specially formulated for Asia long, black hair and it was called the â€Å"Palmolive shampoo with Conditioner: Special Care for Asian Hair† campaign. Palmolive aired several commercials with Lea Salonga. The campaign was aired on television and radio, and printed in newspapers. These were supplemented by campus tours where Palmolive promo girls distributed free Palmolive shampoo and soap, and flyers and catalogues featuring Lea Salonga.Palmolive was not to be left behind in the hair salons. They obtained the services of hairdresser, Ri cky Reyes, as an endorser and also sponsored his â€Å"Beauty School Plus† educational television show. He was also featured in commercials cum public relations in caring for the Asian hair and the â€Å"Palmolive Hair Crime News† campaign. Alternative Courses of Action: †¢The first alternative is to make a marketing plan based on the Price Strategies of Palmolive Shampoo. Advantages: Taking pricing decision is one of the critical factors of business for Palmolive Shampoo.To take the pricing decision a proper research needs to be carried out such as on the product availability, competitor's pricing strategy, customer's perceived pricing, customer’s willingness to pay the price of the product, demand factor etc. The pricing decision influences the demand of the product in the market, the pricing strategy of the competitors, the profitability of the company and the most important is the customer decision on purchasing the product such as which brand product t o buy and which not, which will give the major satisfaction to the customer by rendering the higher value at the lesser price then the competitors.Palmolive Shampoo may indulge in skimming strategy, which allows the company to often start with a high price for their unique products. . For customers, who buy the product first, it is a status symbol & these customers are willing to pay a very high price. So the company can â€Å"skim† the market. Later, the company has to make a price reduction to get more customers. With this price reduction, Palmolive Shampoo can give different discounts to their customers. A customer who orders a large quantity on an item may receive a quantity discount.A distributor who gives marketing information to the company or takes on other tasks of the company, for example, the transport, may receive a trade discount. The company can give a patronage discount for a customer who buys at this company for a long time or it offers a bonus if the customer buy a large amount during one year. Customers who pay cash may be given a cash discount. And the company can also give an employee discount for its own employees. Part of the price policy of Palmolive Shampoo is to decide who receives a discount.This makes it difficult for customers to compare prices of different companies. If Palmolive Shampoo wants to penetrate a market, it starts with a low price. With this penetration strategy, Palmolive Shampoo wants to win a lot of customers and it often wants to beat the competitors with the low price. This is called a low-price strategy. Later Palmolive Shampoo tries to raise the prices to make more profit. After penetrating the market, Palmolive Shampoo, capturing strategy comes in; if a company offers products which are linked in some way it can use different prices strategies for the different products.Disadvantages: The primary disadvantage to the company that engages in competition based pricing is that they are not pricing based on th e value delivered to customers or–less optimally–on the basis of their costs. Thus, they are unable to effective manage revenue to a target, creating a chaotic income stream, with all the disruptions in management and customer experience that may entail. Additionally, competition based pricing is an efficient way to drive profit out of the entire industry.Once a single company responds to a competitor with a price change, it is very difficult for other companies not to respond with price changes of their own. Almost always, those price changes are discounts, and become a race to the bottom. Another disadvantage is that Palmolive Shampoo would have fixed cost. The concept of fixed costs means that these costs never change. Rent and salaries are fixed costs. If the company produces and sells a thousand more products one month and sells fewer the next months, the fixed costs don't change.That means if costs is the main factor in pricing, then the pricing should fluctuate from month to month. Raw materials and sales commission are variable costs or costs that change from period to period. Consumers can be sceptical of pricing fluctuations and it erodes brand trust. If costs of production decrease, cost plus pricing suggests that pricing should decrease. Then, you Palmolive Shampoo would lose on profits, this would mean that Palmolive Shampoo is not efficient in their pricing. It works the opposite if production costs increase. Cost plus pricing doesn't inspire efficiency.As long as customers are paying production costs you don't have any incentive to lower costs or find faster, cheaper and more effective ways of producing products. It's easy for a company to become complacent. Meanwhile, competitors are taking steps to produce a better product faster, which allows them to steal market share. †¢The second alternative is to make a marketing plan based on the Distribution (Place) Strategies of Palmolive Shampoo. Advantages: If selling directly from the manufacturer to the consumer was always the most efficient methodology for doing business, the need for channels of distribution would be obviated.Intermediaries, however, provide several benefits to both Palmolive Shampoo and consumers: improved efficiency, a better assortment of products, routinization of transactions, and easier searching for goods as well as customers. Intermediaries provide a second benefit by bridging the gap between the assortment of goods and services generated by Palmolive Shampoo and those in demand from consumers. Palmolive Shampoo typically produce large quantities of a few similar products, while consumers want small quantities of many different products.In order to smooth the flow of goods and services, intermediaries perform such functions as sorting, accumulation, allocation, and creating assortments. In sorting, intermediaries take a supply of different items and sort them into similar groupings, as exemplified by graded agricultural products. Accumulation means that intermediaries bring together items from a number of different sources to create a larger supply for their customers. Intermediaries allocate products by breaking down a homogeneous supply into smaller units for resale.A third benefit provided by intermediaries is that they help reduce the cost of distribution by making transactions routine. Exchange relationships can be standardized in terms of lot size, frequency of delivery and payment, and communications. Seller and buyer no longer have to bargain over every transaction. As transactions become more routine, the costs associated with those transactions are reduced. With these advantages, this could strengthen the distribution strategy of Palmolive Shampoo. And it would greatly improve the company’s poor market in the Visayas and Mondanao region.Disadvantages: The main disadvantage of direct distribution is that Palmolive Shampoo typically lack retailing expertise, this greatly contribute to the poor coverage of the company in Visayas and Mindanao areas. The Company with a good product to offer the market may not be good at marketing it. By using other distribution channels to distribute their product, they are able to make use of the expertise of dedicated retailers and wholesalers. Not only that, the time that a manufacturer spends in retailing activities is time that might be better spent on production-related activities.Another downside is the cost factor. Costs associated with selling directly to the consumers are high compared with using intermediaries for the same level of sales. This includes costs of hiring and training salespeople, travel and transportation, telephone and postage costs. In addition, the overheads of opening and maintaining retail outlets and hiring work force to look after such operations are high. With cost come to hand, time would be another factor. With Palmolive Shampoo researching on new customers and visiting them to sell the products consumes m uch time.The salespeople spend most of their time haggling with customers over the price. Additionally, time is also spent following up on the existing customers to ensure repeated buying in future. Palmolive shampoo will most likely focus on the sales volume rather than targeting customer needs and their satisfaction. Additionally, the salespeople are driven by the need to earn large bonuses at the expense of customer satisfaction. Customer loyalty and poor brand image will result leading to declining sales in the long run. †¢The third alternative is to make a marketing plan based on the Promotions Strategies of Palmolive Shampoo.Advantages: Promotion is a form of corporate communication that uses various methods to reach a targeted audience with a certain message in order to achieve specific organizational objectives. Nearly all organizations, whether for-profit or not-for-profit, in all types of industries, must engage in some form of promotion In the context of the marketin g mix, promotion represents the various aspects of marketing communication, that is, the communication of information about the product with the goal of generating a positive customer response.Marketing communication decisions include: Promotional strategy (push, pull, etc. ), Advertising, Personal selling & sales force, Sales promotions, Public relations & publicity, Marketing communications budget. New customers might learn to love Palmolive Shampoo’s product and become long-term clients. Such efforts may range from multinational firms spending large sums on securing high-profile celebrities to serve as corporate spokespersons; the benefit of using celebrities to endorse your brand is you can capitalize on the goodwill they elicit from the public.Palmolive Shampoo having Lea Salonga promote their Shampoo products, Ricky Reyes also an endorser to the company; there is no question why consumers’ purchases of Palmolive Shampoo went up. Disadvantages: An obvious disadvan tage to a promotional strategy is its potential for failure. Worse, the long-term benefits of Palmolive Shampoo might not offset the costs of the promotion. Careful research and expert advice from a marketing consultant can help maximize Palmolive Shampoo’s chances for success, but nothing’s guaranteed.The longer a sales promotion lasts, the more likely Palmolive Shampoo will decrease the perceived value of their product. For example, if a restaurant offers a steep discount for children’s shampoo to attract families, parents might balk at paying more after they get used to the low prices. Palmolive Shampoo should keep promotions short to prevent long-term damage to their overall pricing strategy. If Palmolive Shampoo promotions occur in a predictable pattern, potential customers might wait for a sale rather than buy the product or service at full price.For example, if a retail clothing store offers a sizable discount on most holidays, sales will be low between h olidays, and relatively few customers will ever pay full price. Another, consumer might abandon as soon as the promotion is over and continue to hunt for bargains. Converting bargain hunters to permanent customers depends on developing brand loyalty. For example, if your excellent customer service or high-quality products impress them, they are more likely to stay with you after prices return to normal levels. The fourth alternative is to make a marketing plan based on the Product Strategies of Palmolive Shampoo. Advantages: Product strategy marketing deals with the tools, technology and methodologies a business uses to distinguish its products. With sound marketing, Palmolive shampoo may receive more attention for its efforts to woo customers and make its Shampoo products more desirable. With Palmolive Shampoo consistently comes up with sound product outlines and adeptly markets its merchandise is the darling of investors and securities exchange players.Effective product strategy m arketing enables Palmolive Shampoo to estimate potential cost and performance attributes for their products, as well as determine which attributes could spur profitability down the road. The goal for Palmolive Shampoo is to find out features that customers like and how much it will cost to add them to products, while keeping in mind profitability goals top leadership has set. This concept helps a business chart a product strategy compatible with other parts of its marketing plan — meaning Palmolive Shampoo must make sure it designs goods it effectively can sell, promote and distribute.Disadvantages: One of the disadvantages that Palmolive Shampoo would encounter is the higher cost of products. Related to the increased staff requirements are higher costs commonly associated with a product specialization strategy. Not only are there usually increased labour costs, but costs to customize products and research particular needs of each given customer market are expensive as well. Salespeople that sell to multiple markets also typically have to travel farther, which increases time spent travelling and costs associated with making sales.These higher costs mean the companies must generate more sales and charge higher prices to net profit When Palmolive Shampoo uses a product specialization strategy, it is inherent for branding that the development and marketing of the product remains consistent across all customer markets. If the company fails to deliver an effective product solution to a particular market segment, the negative damage to the brand's image can have effects across all of the company's customer markets.Thus, Palmolive Shampoo needs to maintain a consistent standard of quality and durability to maintain brand image. Another challenge of a product specialization approach is that Palmolive Shampoo can be too focused on product research and development and fail to react promptly to changes in customer demand and interest. With more customer-centric ap proaches to targeting customers, Palmolive Shampoo is more likely to keep up with changes within the marketplace to know how to evolve products and market them in a way that satisfies marketplace expectations.Recommendation/Conclusion: I recommend the second alternative, which is to make a marketing plan based on the Distribution (Place) Strategies of Palmolive Shampoo. With the use of intermediaries to distribute the products, Palmolive Shampoo would increase its lead in the market over its competitors. This would help the company gain new market and new consumers. This also aids the search processes of both buyers and sellers. Palmolive Shampoo is searching to determine their customers' needs, while customers are searching for certain products and services.A degree of uncertainty in both search processes can be reduced by using channels of distribution. In addition, Palmolive Shampoo can make some of their commonly used products more widely available by placing them in many differ ent retail outlets, so that consumers are more likely to find them at the right time. Intermediaries, however, provide several benefits to both Palmolive Shampoo and consumers: improved efficiency, a better assortment of products, routinization of transactions, and easier searching for goods as well as customers.Intermediaries provide a second benefit by bridging the gap between the assortment of goods and services generated by Palmolive Shampoo and those in demand from consumers. A third benefit provided by intermediaries is that they help reduce the cost of distribution by making transactions routine. Exhibit 1: Visayas Distribution Plan – Cebu is the main distributor. Distributing to neighbouring cities and provinces in Visayas. : Exhibit2: Mindanao Distribution Plan – Davao city is the main distributor. Distributing to neighbouring cities and provinces in Mindanao.

Role of Students in Pakistan Movement

Assignment #1 Subject: pak &Islamic studies Class: BSCS-1C Last Date: 01-10-2012. Max. Marks: 10 Instructor name: Dr. Mahboobullah Date: 17-09-2012 ———————————————————————————— Instructions: 1. The assignment is research base so general in formations will not be appreciated. 2. Do not write more than five pages. One side of the page is considered one page. 3. No such assignment will be accepted which reveals the struggle of a single person. 4.No late assignment will be accepted without unavoidable excuse. 5. No re-take of assignment. 6. Write on the following format. ——————————————————————————– Topic: Prop osed reforms in the present politics It is appreciated that the following points are discussed. 1. Definition of politics. 2. Politics with the relation of politics. 3. Politics in the golden ages of Islam. 4. The present political system. a. The leadership. b. The constitution. c. Implementation of rules and laws. d. Flaws in the constitution and legislative structure. 5.The proposed reforms. ——————— Good luck by the teacher Assignment no. 1 The topic: Name of the student: Class: Enrollment no: Assignment Date:Submission Date: Submitted to: Table of contents: Topic:page no. †¢ †¢ †¢ †¢ †¢ †¢ †¢ †¢ Start of contents: References: †¢ †¢ †¢ †¢ †¢ †¢ †¢ Assignment #2 Subject: pak &Islamic studies Class: BSCS-1C Time allowed: 18-10-2012. Max. Marks: 10 Instructor name: Dr. Mahboobullah Date: 27-09-2012 ———————— ———————————————————— Instructions: . The assignment is research base so general in formations will not be appreciated. 2. Do not write more than five pages. One side of the page is considered one page. 3. No such assignment will be accepted which reveals the struggle of a single person. 4. No late assignment will be accepted without unavoidable excuse. 5. No re-take of assignment. 6. Write on the following format. ——————————————————————————– Topic: Importance of morality teachings in educational institution 1. Importance of morality. 2.Emphasis of Islam on good morality. 3. Importance of good morality in curriculum. 4. The morality which should be included in educational institutions. ——————— Good luck by the teacher Assignment no. 2 The topic: Name of the student: Class: Enrollment no: Assignment Date:Submission Date: Submitted to: Table of contents: Topic:page no. †¢ †¢ †¢ †¢ †¢ †¢ †¢ †¢ Start of contents: References: †¢ †¢ †¢ †¢ †¢ †¢ †¢ Assignment #3 Subject: pak &Islamic studies Class: BSCS-1C Time allowed: 01-11-2012 Max.Marks: 10 Instructor name: Dr. Mahboobullah Date: 18-10-2012 ———————————————————————————— Instructions: 1. The assignment is research base so general in formations will not be appreciated. 2. Do not write more than five pages. One side of the page is considered one page. 3. No such assignment will be accepted which reveals the struggle of a single person. 4. No late assignment will be accepted without unavoidable excuse. 5. No re-take of assignment. 6.Write on the following format. —————————————————————————– — Topic: Loyalty with the family, educational institutions and your country 1. Loyalty and Islam. 2. Loyalty with the family.. 3. Loyalty with the educational institutions. 4. Loyalty with the country. ——————— Good luck by the teacher Assignment no. 3 The topic: Name of the student: Class: Enrollment no: Assignment Date:Submission Date: Submitted to: Table of contents: Topic:page no. †¢ †¢ †¢ †¢ †¢ †¢ †¢ †¢ Start of contents:

A Comparison of Themes in The Matrix and Allegory of the Cave

A Comparison of Themes in The Matrix and Allegory of the Cave One of the major themes that is noticeable in the Matrix is â€Å"being as such†. When considering the Matrix, Neo lives in complete delusion, a prisoner of artificial intelligence with no real control or perception of reality. He believes he is living in the city, enjoying hot weather when in reality his brain is in a body being tracked and controlled by machines thousands of years later than the time he thinks he exists. The plotline can be directly referenced to the old philosophical argument â€Å"Brain in a vat†. This argument simply asserts that if scientists were to insert a brain into a jar, and add stimulating chemicals that cause the brain to function as normal, the brain and its thoughts would exist and flourish as if it were in a body. The brain could have experiences, relationships, and form normal the normal scenarios of living in a body which ignites the question: What is reality? The brain will be the brain (being as such), it is not more complex than simply â€Å"being†. I relate this concept to the phrase â€Å"believing is not seeing â€Å" as what we percieve and believe is all that exists is not always the true reality of what actually exists. In Plato’s Allegory of the cave, this concept is addressed in a unique manner. The men that have been imprisoned in the cave do not know of the world outside of the cave. They know that they exist, and they can see only what is infront of them. As â€Å"shadows† pass by them in their travels from behind as well as infront of them they hear their voices yet they cannot differentiate or even understand that the voices are actually coming from behind them as well, rather than just the figures that are visible. They are not able to imagine or aknowledge what they do not knows exist as they are conditioned to focus on the present: â€Å"And suppose their prison had an echo from the wall facing them? When one of the people crossing behind them spoke, they could only suppose that the sound came from the shadow passing before their eyes. No doubt† (Plato 9) He also mentions the fire that burns behind them, which emits the light that the prisoners are naturally conditioned to. They have not seen brighter light before, and dont even consider its existence. It would difficult to aknowledge that their perception was so blurred to the actual reality of life if someone were to tell them. Plato proves this when he mentions that if the prisoners were to be unchained and forced to turn around and experience the intensity of the true light of the fire, it would cause them pain and perplexion and dilute their understanding of what is real; although it is right infront of their eyes: â€Å"He would need, then, to grow accustomed before he could see things in that upper world† (Plato). The prisoner is more inclined to return to the way he faced before as what is natural easier to distinguish for him. Another metaphysical theme in both the Matrix and in Plato’s Allegory of the Cave is wisdom. Wisdom is built through knowledge and experience. I remember that I am here not because of the path that lies before me but because of the path that lies behind me†(Morpheus in The Matrix Reloaded) When Neo sees the world for the first time in the Matrix, it is difficult for him to believe as well as percieve. Everything that he thought was reality was no longer relevant to actuality. He uses his own experience and the knowledge he gained from it to wake up the rest of humanity from the dream they are percieving as their reality. This theme in the matrix forms a direct analogy to the wisdom displayed in Platos allegory of the Cave when the prisoner is released from the cave and is blinded by the sun upon leaving. The light is so much stronger and larger than the only light that he ever knew to exist that his eyes physically could not handle it, causing him to be temorarily blinded. He must adjust and experience the light in order to observe the rest of the world that it illimunates. Once his eyes adjust, he immediately wants to return to the cave to tell the others about reality just as Neo did in the Matrix. Overall, comparing both of these storires sheds a brilliant light upon what is reality and really influences me to stay â€Å"present†. What struck me the most is the â€Å"Brain in a Vat† concept in the matrix as well as in Platos Allegory of the Cave. Much exists beyond what we can see as well as imagine, and to understand what exists beyond we must develop wisdom using our experience as well as our intelligence.

Natural Gas and Oil Horizontal Drilling Technology Thesis

Natural Gas and Oil Horizontal Drilling Technology - Thesis Example As the discussion declares the increased popularity of horizontal drilling led to substantive growths in the achievable length of horizontal boreholes. Currently, horizontal displacements can extend to more than 8,000 feet. On the other hand, technicians have been unable to demonstrate the commercial feasibility of horizontal drilling and wells used in the production of natural gas, although several horizontal wells have previously been used in the production of coal seam gas. According to the report findings an accepted description of what constitutes horizontal drilling has not been written. However, the following is a notable definition that combines the vital components of two noteworthy published definitions: horizontal drilling refers to a process of drilling and implementing, for the purpose of production, a well, which starts as a vertical linear bore, which extends from the earth surface to a sub layer location above the oil or gas reservoir. This target is referred to as the kickoff point, and the extension bears off a curve to traverse the reservoir at the well’s entry point. Thereafter, the arch continues at an almost horizontal attitude tangent to the curve to remain in the reservoir partially or wholly till the required bottom hole location is attained. The mechanical purpose of horizontal drilling is to uncover significantly additional reservoir rocks to a well bore surface than attainable through drilling traditional vertical wells.

Nursing Leadership In Global Healthcare Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Nursing Leadership In Global Healthcare - Essay Example   I relate to many leaders in my nursing field. Most of them have different ways in which they lead their teams depending on their personalities and the work experience they have in the nursing field. One of the leaders who I have interacted very well is my nurse leader. She has worked for 10 years in this field and I believe she has the best experience. She has good leadership skills, something that makes her the best team leader. She is hardworking, a good communicator, responsible, confident, honest, good team player, the good mentor, open minded, reliable resource, goal oriented and courageous. However, these attributes and behaviors can be considered either as positive or negative depending on when and how they are applied. I can say that my nursing leader is very flexible in her work. She can integrate new ideas into the team and how some measures can be taken to ensure that the best outputs are produced. This is a good show of how a good nursing leader should perform. Flexib ility in nursing is encouraged because through this attribute, many types of research are done and solutions for many nursing problems are identified (Barr & Dowding, 2012). New techniques and procedure are emerging due to this creativity in the nursing field. These techniques and procedures are then used to replace the traditional ways of problem-solving. Therefore, flexibility in leadership is a positive attribute because it leads to innovations that are used to improve the health sectors in the world.  ... She is never influenced by how other members think about the issue but she gives what she thinks is right. Nurses are encouraged to honest in their work. This is because honesty will make them work very well with their team members. One of the fields that each nurse leader must be honest is the financial issues. This is a very sensitive part in nursing and each leader must give the honest arguments just in case must matters arise on it. Any dishonesty might cause very many problems to the nurse leader in charge. However, it is very important for every nurse leader to be honest (Barr & Dowding, 2012). On the other hand, I think honesty in rare occasional can be a negative attribute. This is because some truth can harm the team members who are opposing some issues. For example, some promises can be to the team members and later, the fulfillment delays. Nurse leader will have to use some tricks to make the other members believe on the reasons they are given (Ivanov & Blue, 2007). Theref ore, honesty can be a negative attribute but in a very small degree. She is a very hard working person. Her experience as a nurse leader, she got all the strength and ways in which she can manipulate others in doing the work. She always leads the team on the work to be accomplished. She is a goal getter and everything she starts must be completed with good results. She gives us tasks to do and always encourages every to give the best. This is a positive attribute of nurse leader. This attribute maximizes the work productions and makes the other members to work hard since the leader acts as the role model to them. Through her confidence, she is able to do many tasks that can be hard to other people in the team. Sometimes, she gives very difficult tasks to

Attributes Determining Lynettes Success in the Business Case Study - 2

Attributes Determining Lynettes Success in the Business - Case Study Example As a positivist, Lynette saw opportunities where previous managers found obstacles. In addition, the entrepreneur was able to free her mind from any disappointment in order to achieve the dream of profitable and expanded business. Patience: Lynette purchased the business with one clear mind of turning it around. It is evident from the case study that she assumed the role of a salesperson and spend a considerable amount of time trying to convince clients to renew their membership while at the same time registering new entrants by mainly focusing on corporate clients. Persistence: Certainly, the future holds the unknown and when Lynette purchased a loss-making business, she never got discouraged. Even with the numerous challenges that the entrepreneur had to come across, her persistence and sense of focus played a key role in meeting the dream of transforming the business back to profitability. Merger: The entrepreneur was operating in this line of business and this means she had some other businesses of similar nature. Bearing in mind the poor performance of this business, I would have considered merging it with other profitable businesses and change its name completely. This would have totally replaced the current business with one of the best performing businesses in the market hence attracting many clients. Offering discounts: I would introduce discount packages for both new entrants and clients renewing their registrations. This would not only act as a motivation to both groups but also indirectly boost new registrations through referrals and take advantage of reduced subscription fees. According to the case study, Lynette claims to have carried out homework before signing the ownership contract. Basically, not all entrepreneurs would consider purchasing a loss-making entity that is on verge of  collapsing. In this sense, by Lynette said to have done homework means that she had conducted research on this business. Such research must have revolved around this particular business to understand what was ailing it.

Lectures review Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Lectures review - Essay Example Moreover, it has also been learnt from the study that brands are categorised into different categories including personal brands, cool brands, kids branding, nation brands and super brands among others. In this regard, according to brand managers, the brand is more than an entity which creates certain amount of awareness, prominence and reputation in the market. Brands play a very important role in the consumer life. Through the brands, customers can easily know about the products which they can purchase. Moreover, brands help the customers to reduce search cost along with helping them to identify the quality. Similarly, brands are very much an important factor for the organisations. It helps the companies to influence the customers and to generate the desired level of revenue. In today’s scenario, brand has emerged as the key term for any organisation. In this world, everything can be branded and branding is helpful for the company to reside in the minds of the customers. In the present scenario, from beer to vacuum cleaners everything can be branded and one of the top branded products is Coca-Cola in the current day context (Slade, 2013). Moreover, from the related study it is observed that according to American Marketing Association, brands and brand management is a tangible symbol that can differentiate from one organisation’s product to another. The main principle of brand management is to recognise strong consumer awareness about the brand. Moreover, brands are emotive to symbolize a promise and generate the uniqueness of idea. Similarly, brand is made distinctive by its positioning, relative to the competition and builds its personality through its images (Slade, 2013). It is further observed from the study that the notion of brand positioning signifies the manipulation of every element of the marketing mix to the segmented audience. In this regard, personality branding is the unique combination of functional attributes and values which hel ps the target audience to identify a company’s strategies. In this scenario, it has been learnt that brand image is the overall impression and the unique set of associations communicated to the public. Moreover, brand awareness refers to the consumer’s ability to recognise the brand under different conditions. Brand positioning facilitates to segment the market as per the consumers’ needs and wants. With the aid of a key focus on brand positioning and awareness, in the global arena McDonald’s, Davis Milling Co and Leo Burnett among others have evolved to be regarded as top brands in the present day context. Moreover, a few of the organisations follow certain key influences of the brand positioning and personality. Brand positioning helps these organisations to identify the competing products and attributes that define the product space. Brand positioning also helps to collect information from a sample of customers about their perception of each of the pro ducts regarding certain relevant attributes. It is also learnt that brand personality follows the five-scale-factor. These factors include sincere, exciting, competent, sophisticated and rugged. In brand personality scale, sincere signifies the brand that is down to earth, honest, wholesome and cheerful about its customers and manufacturers, for example, Kodak and Hyundai. Furthermore, the exciting scale means that the

Outline marketing plan for the next year for Atlantic Quench 02133 Essay

Outline marketing plan for the next year for Atlantic Quench 02133 - Essay Example With the changing demography, the level of health consciousness has paved the way for new flavoured beverages. The beverage industry has kept on increasing in respect to the number of players and the target market. The demographic change has led the beverage industry to introduce new products. The aging population in US and other economies have forced companies to continuously innovate their marketing activities vis-a-vis product, price, place, promotion and communication. Atlantic Quench Cranberries Inc is US based company that produces juice and non juice products for more than 80 years. It is an agricultural supportive, which is owned by 46 grapefruit and 630 cranberry farmers. It has the largest market share in the fruit juice industry in US. It not only sells juice and non juice products in the US market, but it has also extended its operations in UK. Under juice product, it mainly sells under the brand name juice max, grab n go, cranberry original juice, etc and under non juice products it sells as new conserve, cranberry sauces, etc. The political situation of Europe is a very stable one. It follows a democratically elected system of government (Market Line., 2013). The political system of UK is embedded in its deep system of political stability that is given by the democratically elected government. After the world wars the UK has grown considerably over the years followed by a stable political system. For Atlantic quench this is a good sign as it provides a favourable investment climate for the company. Per capita GDP of the UK is high and the investment climate of UK is favourable. However in the recent years the country is suffering from high debt and fiscal deficit. There was negative GDP growth in the year 2009 that would result in the not-purchasing of any this that the consumers did not consider essential (West, Ford and Ibrahim, 2015). UK has also witnessed high rates

Perception Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Perception - Research Paper Example Many individuals mistake these two separate entities as one in the same. This paper will distinguish the difference between the two and provide clarity of each one’s function. This paper will also define how we as individuals acquire a cultural sense of sensation and perception through our experiences. This paper will define terms that will help you understand the history behind the functions of sensation and perception. The research in this paper will define abnormalities that can affect sensation and perception and the effects of those abnormalities as well as medical research and breakthroughs. Perception and Sensing of Our Everyday Environment Perception and Sensation though working together are different entities performing different functions. The functions performed by both perception and sensation are important to the interpretation of how we experience everyday life in the world around us. Sensation and perception are answerable to the brain. The brain is like a telep hone pole and sensation and perception are some of the wires plugged into it to communicate. Perception and sensation to diffuse the confusion honed by most must be described and defined individually. Let’s begin by first defining sensation and describing sensations functions. Myers (2009) observes or defines sensation as the process by which our sensory receptors and nervous system receive and represent stimulus energies from our environment. So what does this mean in laymen’s terms? Basically sensation is the signal we send to our brain that represents our physical experiences in this world we live in. Sensation receptors are recognized by the brain through receiving input up to the brain, which the brain interprets and sends out. There are several interpretation methods that we know as the senses. The five senses are vision, hearing, tasting, touching and smelling. These five senses are used on a daily basis and play very important roles in our everyday lives. Witho ut the use of the five senses, the function of sensation would not exist in our world. Vision is the way we see and interpret the world around us. Vision occurs through the eyes. The eyes have several components that receive and send out light to form visual images. The eye contains several parts, the cornea, the iris, the pupil, the lens, the retina, the fovea, the rods and cones, and the optic nerve to name a few. For the sake of the length of research I will only cover a few parts to give the summarization of the eye’s function and how it transmits to the brain. The parts of the eye that will be discussed are the retina, the rods and the cones and the optic nerve. The â€Å"retina is the light-sensitive inner surface of the eye, containing the receptor rods and cones plus layers of neurons that begin the processing of visual information† (Myers, 2009) The â€Å"rods are the retinal receptors that detect black, white, and gray; necessary for peripheral and twilight vision, when cones don’t respond† (Myers, 2009) The â€Å"cones are retinal receptor cells that are concentrated near the center of the retinal that function in daylight or in well-lit conditions. The cones detect fine detail and give rise to color sensations† (Myers, 2009) The â€Å"optic nerve is the nerve that carries neural impulses from the eye to the brain† (Myers, 2009) So basically when putting all these functions together here is what happens. Once light enters the eye through the cornea, the retina processes the light through

The Key to Patience Essay Example for Free

The Key to Patience Essay Patience is a word that I constantly hear from my mother. My mother’s days as a young child were rough and not as convenient as things are now. Back in the 1970’s, in Dominican Republic there wasn’t such things as iPad’s, iPod’s and Iphone’s. Although it wasn’t the best life, she always had patience with everything she did and it truly brought her a long way. In the book â€Å"Life Lessons†, patience is one of the topics that the author Elizabeth Kubler ‘Ross and David Kessler mentions. It discusses on how patience affects our lives and the consequences in not having patience. I myself know I don’t have all the patience in the world however, by reading this book I actually think I’m not so bad. Elizabeth mentions how one of the hardest and frustrating lessons in life is realizing that we don’t always get what we want. You may want something now but you may not get it for a while. One of my favorite lines in this chapter is â€Å"In this modern world, people are not used to living in discomfort.† I adore that line because it is absolutely true! We all expect our results quickly and were all used to having things done immediately. For instance, if were hungry there’s always food available, from microwave dinners to all night grocery stores and restaurants. I’ve learned that according to the book, we need to develop faith and believe that everything will be okay. Trying not to always be in control of the situation and just letting things happen when there supposed to happen is what we need to do. In this world patience is crucial. For example, waiting in line to purchase items, our job, cooking, and people! Increasing the input of patience in everyone will bring out a better atmosphere and create a healthier way to work things out.

Bible Essay Example for Free

Bible Essay There are many accounts in the Bible that state God as the creator. Genesis 1 and 2 are both creation stories but slightly differ in their accounts; Genesis 1 is a day by day account of all the things God created in not so much detail whereas Genesis 2 explains the creation story in a way that focuses more on the creation of man and woman than just the lands. Having two accounts of the creation story means that it is easier to come up with your own conclusion as to how the earth was created. The first line of Genesis 1 is â€Å"In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth† There is no explanation as to where God came from or why He is there, He just exists and creates the heavens and the earth. This alone is showing God as the creator. Genesis then carries on to state all the things God created all with no scientific or physical proof or evidence as to why and how God is doing so. â€Å"So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them† This quote is from line 27 and is on the 6th day. The repetition of the word ‘created’ is enforcing to the reader that God is the creator of everything and this is done so that there is no doubt in the readers mind whether God is the creator or not. God creating man and woman in his own image is showing that we are superior to other beings such as animals which shows that God is the humans superior. Being made in Gods image is his way of blessing the humans in life as we are made in the ‘Creators’ image. â€Å"Rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air†¦Ã¢â‚¬  This quote is saying that God is passing down his ‘ruler ship’ on to the humans. This means that God is starting to ‘back away’ from his previous role and now feels that he has created a world that the inhabitants (humans) can look after. Genesis two is another creation story but has a few differences to Genesis 1. While Genesis 1 speaks a lot more of the specifics of how and when each part of the earth was made, Genesis 2 speaks a whole lot more about the creation of humans rather than the land. The most time that the creation of land is mentioned is at the beginning of Genesis 2. â€Å"This is the account of the heavens and the earth when they were created. When the LORD God made the earth and the heavens-â€Å" This is the first thing said in Genesis 2 and it is stating that God is the creator. It says that God created both the heavens and the earth; there is never any question or vagueness about God creating the heavens and the earth it is all very matter of fact. Although Genesis 2 doesn’t always speak of God ‘creating’ things it often personifies God in such a way that he is planting or making objects. â€Å"And the LORD God made all kinds of trees grow out of the ground-â€Å" This quote doesn’t say that God created the trees but made them grow from the ground, this is essentially saying that He created them as it was the first sighting of trees but is said in a different way as so not to force the ‘creation’ down your throat like Genesis 1 does. This is so that you can come to your own conclusion about which one is more plausible or correct but there is still no doubt as to god being the creator. Job 38 from the Book of Job is a story of how Satan and God have a disagreement where Satan was saying that Job only worships God because he is prosperous in his life, God then agrees to take away all his possessions and leave him with nothing to show Satan that Job would still worship him even if he was left with nothing. Job’s three friends Eliphaz, Bildad and Zophar try to comfort Job but they end up doing the opposite and tell Job that the reason for all his losses is because he has sinned and now God is making him suffer. In the end Job has had enough and questions God, this makes God angry and then Job has a better understanding and realises that he should have trusted God all along. God then returns all of Jobs health and possession in better amounts than they previously were. This story is God showing his power and his superiority to humans. â€Å"Where were you when I laid the earth’s foundation? † This is God saying that he is mightier than any human and they do not compare to His power. This is also showing that God is omnipotent and that we know nothing compared to him. This is all enforcing that God is the creator and better than all the humans. â€Å"Have you ever given orders to the morning, or shown the dawn it’s place,† This is saying that God has dominance over everything in the world, humans and nature. After Gods account of all his majestic works (such as the world and humans) and power, Job has to acknowledge God’s right as creator to do as he pleases and to not be questioned. Job is essentially the personification of all humans who do not believe god as the creator, Job doubted God and his ability so god became angry; this is supposedly what happens every time someone doubts God. Psalm 8 is a song about the lord God and his creation. â€Å"You have set your glory above the heavens† While this quote form the first verse isn’t directly linked to God being the creator it is saying that God has stated his glory in a way that so far in this psalm we do not know yet, we know that God has glory which could mean he has done something great. â€Å"When I consider the heavens, the work of your fingers† Now we start to work out what it is that causes God to have glory, â€Å"the work of your fingers† we are literally told that God has made the heavens with his ‘fingers’. This personification of God shows that people saw him as one of them but also appreciated his greater power, this could possibly relate to humans being made in God’s image. â€Å"you made him a little lower than the heavenly beings† This quote is, like Job 38, stating God’s dominance over the humans. God made humans a little lower than heavenly beings so that they knew their place and that they were lesser than himself ‘the creator’.

Resource Based View (RBV): Advantages and Disadvantages

Resource Based View (RBV): Advantages and Disadvantages This report reviews the empirical studies of the resource based view (RBV) and examines the benefits and limitations of RBV as the best strategy route in the developing a firms strategy. By having a clear and focused strategic intent, it mobilises an organisation towards achieving the desire position. Firm would be able to achieve sustainable competitive advantage (SCA) by analysing its internal and external environment using the RBV and Porters industry analysis (IA) respectively, The significant of RBV is through an understanding of the relationships between resources, capabilities, competitive advantage, and economic rent. The RBV identified characteristics of advantage-creating resources such as value, rarity, imitability and Organisation (Clulow et al, 2007; Barney, 1991). In contrast, Porters IA focuses on lower cost and product differentiation in achieving sustainable competitive advantage. Despite the conflicting issues, the RBV has examined issues and new directions that will help to clarify the value and boundaries by integrating with Porters industry analysis. Porters framework and the RBV of the firm essentially perceived the primary role of strategy in attaining a SCA (Hax A. C. and Wilde II D. L., 2003). Thus, both frameworks are complementary as they emphasised in different dimensions of strategy (Hax A. C. and Wilde II D. L., 2003). (183 Words) Introduction The RBV is one of the contemporary strategic management concepts to develop a firms strategy. The objective of this report is to accept or reject the contention that RBV analysis has a strong relationship with firms performance in attaining a SCA. This report reviews the literature on competitive advantage and firm performance. It is divided into five main components. The first section summarizes the literature on competitive advantage from two viewpoints, the RBV and Porters IA. The second section discusses on the strengths of the RBV in reviews with the literature on strategic intent, threshold resources, capabilities, competitive advantage, core competencies, SCA and VRIO. The third section illustrates Porters IA in reviews with cost, differentiation, and market focus. The fourth section deliberates the criticisms of the RBV. The fifth section illustrates how researchers have overcome some of these boundaries. It reviews an integration of the RBV and Porters IA in the proposed model of core competencies, competitive advantage and firm performance (Chabert J. M., 1998) (165 Words) The Resource Based View of the Firm Thompson et Al (2010) point out that RBVÂ  [1]Â  uses a companys VRIOÂ  [2]Â  strengths and competitive capabilities to deliver value to customers in an approach that rivals find it difficult to imitate. The RBV emphasises on the internal capabilities of an organisation in formulating strategy to achieve SCAÂ  [3]Â  in its markets and industries (Henry, 2008). It holds that firms can earn sustainable abnormal returns if and only they have superior resources and its protected by an isolating mechanism preventing their diffusion throughout the industry (Value Based Management.net, 2011). The Resourced Based View Assumptions The RBV assumed that resources are diversity and immobility (Barney, 1991; Mata et al, 1995). According to Mata et al. (1995), resource diversity concerns whether different firms possess bundles of different resources and capabilities; while resource immobility refers to a resource is difficult to obtain by competitors because the supply is inelastic or costly. These two assumptions can be used to determine whether an organisation is able to create a SCA by providing a framework to determine whether a process or technology provides a real advantage over the marketplace (Brown, 2007). Thus, the RBV tends to focus on the types of resources and the characteristics of these resources that make them strategically important. The RBV as the best strategy route in developing a firms strategy Today managers are moving manufacturing offshore to lower costs of labour, streamlining product lines to capture global scale economies, instituting quality circles and JITÂ  [4], and adopting Japanese human resource practices (Hamel and Prahalad 1989). It was believed that the application of concepts like strategic fit (between resources and opportunities), generic strategies (low cost, differentiation and market focus) and the strategy hierarchy (goals, strategies, and tactics) have often aided the process of CAÂ  [5]Â  (Hamel and Prahalad 1989; Andrews, 1971). Most companies have approached competitor analysis that concentrates on the existing resources like human, technical and financial of current competitors. Whereas, companies are only aware to the resources that able to increase the future margins and market share as their primary threat. There are few Japanese companies possessed RBV, manufacturing volume or technical competence of U.S. and European leaders. For instance, Canons first halting steps in reprographics business looked very small compared with the $4 billion Xerox powerhouse (Hamel and Prahalad 1989). Strategic Intent In addition, strategic intent envisions a desired leadership position and establishes the criterion of adding value to the RBV of the organisation, for instance, Komatsu set out to encircle Caterpillar (Hamel and Prahalad, 1989). The concept emphasises on an active management process that involved focusing the organisations attention on the principle of winning. For example, the Apollo program where landing a man on the moon ahead of the Soviets was as competitively focused as Komatsus drive against Caterpillar. It also motivates people through shared value, enabled individual and team opinions, sustaining enthusiasms as environments change and using intent consistently to guide allocation of resources (Hamel and Prahalad, 1989). Barney (1991) and Peteraf (1993) point out that a firm is said to enjoy superior performance comparative than its competitor when the firm can produce economically and higher customer satisfaction, thus empowered them to attain CA. Whereas, Porter (1985) defined CA as the ability to earn returns on investment consistently above the average for the industry by focusing on the companys external competitive environment and how they position themselves against that structure (Halawi L. A., Aronson J. E, and McCarthy R. V., 2005). In contrast, the RBV of strategy points not to industry structure but to the unique cluster of RCÂ  [6]Â  that each organisation possesses (Henry, 2008; Collis and Montgomery 1995; Stalk et al, 1992). Firms Outperform and Maintain Competitive Advantage The Benefits of RBV RBV is best applied for the assessment of a firms existing resource portfolio or when exploiting the firms resources to move into new product markets (Sheehan and Foss, 2007; Barney 2001; Penrose 1959). There are two essential reasons for using the RC as a substance to its strategy. It provides a direction for firms strategy and they are the primary source of return for the firm. The RBV perceives the value derived from management skills, information capabilities, and administrative processes as scarce factors that able to generate economic rents (Sheehan and Foss, 2007). Firms as bundle of Resources Threshold resources are defined as the unique combination of assets and capabilities within a firm that enable firms to develop and implement strategies to meet customers minimum requirements and to improve its overall performance (Scholes J. G., and Whittington, R., 2008). It can be classified as either tangible or intangible resources. Tangible resources refer to the physical assets that a firm possesses. In order to add value, these physical resources must be capable to respond to marketplace changes. Intangible resources comprise of human and organisational capitals. It may be embedded in cultures and practices that have developed over time within the organisation (Henry, 2008). It involves knowledge based economy, the tacit knowledge and specialist skills of many employees which are difficult for competitors to imitate (Henry, 2008). Nonaka and Takeuchi (1995) classified knowledge as explicit and tacit. A communication that can be readily transferred is known as an explicit knowledge; hence, it requires protection like copyright. While, tacit knowledge is discovered through its application and acquired through practices such as beliefs and perspectives and cannot be codified (Henry, 2008). RBV and Organisational learning The RBV stresses the significance of developing and enhancing those resources that are distinctive as distinctive capabilities (Olavarrieta and Ellinger, 1997). Ten3 Business e-Coach (2001) defined capabilities as the capacity for a set of resources to interactively perform a business process. Capability is a source to SCA as it is based on organisational routines and processes that are socially complex, knowledge-based and difficult to imitate. A firm is able to possess dynamic and operational capabilities, where dynamic capabilities are defined as those processes that allowed the firm to change its resources based on techniques to meet the differences in strategic and competitive challenges (Zubac et al, 2010; Helfat et al, 2007). The perception of a dynamic capability was developed to expound why some firms have been able to outperform their competitors over long periods of time and despite significant changes in the marketplace (Teece et al, 1997). It is specific and identifiable processes involved conceptualisation, product development and strategic decision making (Eisenhardt and Martin, 2000, p. 1105). Conversely, an operational capability is the firms capacity to combine, assemble and deploy the firms assets using pre-determined activities, routines, processes and the skills of its employees to make goods and services that are a source of potential profits to the firm available to its customers (Spanos and Lioukas, 2001). However when a firm is adopting a differentiation strategy, they would focus on new product development, whereas a firm which implementing low cost strategy would focus on improving manufacturing process efficiency (Henry, 2008). Capabilities are not built in short period; they are dependent on employees, knowledge based, understanding of the marketplace and customers requirements and operations (Olavarrieta and Ellinger, 1997). The Competitive Advantage of RBV Competitive advantages and disadvantages in resources are equivalent to strengths and weaknesses respectively, which stimulate cost and differentiation advantages or disadvantages in competitive product markets (Valentin K. E., 2001). When an organisation implements a value creating strategy where it is not implement by the rivals then it is said to have CA (Halawi L. A., Aronson J. E, and McCarthy R. V., 2005; Barney, 1991). CA can be created in various methods through size, location and accessibility to resources (Halawi L. A., Aronson J. E, and McCarthy R. V., 2005; Ghemawat, 1986). The CA gained by these RC is then reflected in superior performance of the firm in financial terms such as higher profits, increased sales or market share (Clulow et al, 2007; Hunt and Morgan, 1995; Collis and Montgomery, 1995; Fahy, 2002; Wilcox-King and Zeithaml, 2001). The Competencies of an Organisations Henry (2008) evaluated competency as the internal capabilities that firms require in order to be able to compete in the marketplace. In addition, Zubac et al (2010) defined CCÂ  [7]Â  as the collective learning of individual members within the firm and their ability to work across organisational frontiers. Prahalad and Hamel (1990, p. 82) stated that: The skills that together constitute core competence must coalesce around individuals whose efforts are not so narrowly focused that they cannot recognise the opportunities for blending their functional expertise with those of others in new and interesting ways. Thus, a CC or strategic capability can be thought as a collection of features that a firm possesses which enables them to achieve CA. Honda and BMW are examples of the organisations that have achieved CC in a way they configure their value chain respectively (Henry, 2008). RBV and Sources of Sustainable Competitive Advantage (SCA) Barney (1991) suggested that there can be heterogeneity or firm-level differences among firms that enabled them to attain SCA. Ten3 Business e-Coach (2001) describes SCA as the continued benefit when an organisation is implementing a value-creating strategy that is not being implemented by potential competitors and incapable to imitate the benefits of this strategy. Therefore, the RBV emphasises on strategic choice, structuring the management of the firm with the important task of identifying, developing and deploying RC to maximise returns (Value Based Management.net, 2011). Bharadwaj et al (1993) propose a framework of SCA for a firm is derived from the RC of the firm. The extent of the service firms SCA is essentially determined by the degree of imitability inherent in the firms resources. Kerin et al (1992) presented an integrative framework of the literature on first mover advantage, suggesting that the realisation of SCA, through market pioneering, is contingent on the resources that a firm possesses (Olavarrieta and Ellinger, 1997). Strategic resources and Superior performances As a source of CA, RC must have four attributes which is VRIO in order to outpace others. A resource must be valuable as it empowers the firm to perceive or implement strategies that enhance its efficiency and effectiveness through lower costs and incline of revenue (Ecofine, 2010). Substitutability states that there must be no strategically equivalent valuable resources that can be exploited to implement the same strategies (12manage, 2008). For instance, Wal-Mart sells most of the same merchandise as its major competitors, but the effectiveness and innovation of its logistics system ensures that it is the market leader in the industry. Wal-Marts valuable and imitability point-of-purchase inventory control systems and cross-docking distribution plants have resulted in competitive advantage relative to its major competitors (Olavarrieta and Ellinger, 1997; Barney, 1995). Porters Framework Porters Industry Analysis Porter (2008) illustrates CA as an understanding of industry structure that guides managers toward productive possibilities for strategic action that includes positioning the company to be better cope with the current competitive forces, anticipating and exploiting shifts in the forces, and shaping the balance of forces to create a new industry structure that is more favourable to the company. There are three sources that is irreproducible, for instance, market structure that limits entry, a companys history which by definition will require time to imitate and tacitness in relationships refers to the routines and behaviours which cannot be imitate since the organisations themselves are unsure how they work (Henry, A., 2008). Porters mentioned that there are only two generic studies to compete either through low cost or product differentiation that lead to superior performance (Hax A. C. and Wilde II D. L., 2003). To assist managers in understanding, improving, and implementing a low cost or differentiation strategy, Porter (1985) developed the value chain framework; it is a generic activity that is used to decompose the firm into the individual activities it undertakes to create value for the customer (Sheehan and Foss, 2007). Economies of Scale Cost leadership is achieved through the aggressive pursuit of economies of scale, product and process simplification, and significant market share that empower companies to exploit experience and learning effects (Hax A. C. and Wilde II D. L., 2003). Dell being one of the organisation are protected by scale economies in their direct-sales method, efficient lean-manufacturing approach, expertise in logistics and supply-chain management. Hence, these capabilities provide it with CA and which its competitive incapable to imitate (Henry, 2008). Differentiation and Core Competencies It requires firm to differentiate for creating a product that customer perceives as highly valuable and distinctive (Hax A. C. and Wilde II D. L., 2003). The first-mover advantage refers to firms which benefit from the learning and experience they acquire as a result of being first in the marketplace like Toyota has achieved CC in the production of petrol-and-electric hybrid cars (Henry, 2008). Hence, a CC should provide access to a diversity markets, make significant contribution to perceived customer benefits of the end products and difficult to imitate. Honda is one of the organisations that focuses on the technical excellence of 4-cycle engines, have facilitated it to leverage its CC to compete in markets from motorcycles to automobiles to a broad range of gasoline-engine products (Grant, M. R., 2001). Market focus Strategy can be viewed as building defences against the competitive forces or discovering the weakest forces in the industry. For instance, Paccar, a firm with heavy-truck market, has chosen to focus on owner-operators group of customers. They have customised the value chain to work immensely with the forces in the segments. Thus, Paccar has earned a long-run return on equity (Porter, 2008). Criticisms RBV Implications The RBV of the firm is a contemporary theory that provides insights on both strategic and organizational issues. An often-recurring critique on the RBV is that its core logic contains circular reasoning in the specification of the relationship between rents and resources (Truijens, 2003). It resulted based on the assumptions of firm heterogeneity and economists preference (Truijens, 2003). Rents are frequently used as firms critical resources which acknowledged by comparing successful firms with unsuccessful firms (Truijens, 2003; Mosakowski et al., 1997, p.2). The RBV also emphasises on the role of human capital in the creation of CA, which at the same time caused issues for accountants in terms of total business and intangible asset valuation (Toms, 2010). Accountants equally are concerned with controls which prevent misappropriation of resources that ultimately are shareholders property. Thus, a theory of value also needs to be accountability (Toms, 2010). Conclusion Porterian thoughts on value chain activity actually ways in which to configure and coordinate internal RC in various ways to achieve value at every stage until it results in SCA, and ultimately, achieving strategic intent, i.e. a desired leadership position. Porters value chain model was a contribution that helps complement his views on strategic positioning and CA. His views on analysing the industry five forces and selecting one of the generic strategies ultimately require the firm to look into its value chain activities. If, for example, the goal is to achieve cost leadership, then every activity, resource and capability in the value chain will be configured, coordinated, combined and utilized in such a way as to bring down costs and achieve greater productivity and higher profit. The strategic intent may be to attain no. 1 position. But cost leadership as a generic choice becomes the driver that guides all RC decisions and activities in the value chain. Activity-based drivers and RBV has many similarities, both influence a firms cost and differentiation position, and both need managerial involvement in a way that drivers must be made controllable, while resources must be organised (Sheehan and Foss, 2007). Although these frameworks have often been presented as conflicting views; they can contribute greatly to the development of a strong business strategy. By integrating these frameworks, it enables activity-based view solves implementation issues that are unresolved when using the RBV (Sheehan and Foss, 2007; Barney and Arikan, 2001). It enhances many of the individual weaknesses of the two views. The activity-based view is weak in its assumptions about factor markets, which would be addressed by the RBV (Sheehan and Foss, 2007; Teng and Cummings, 2002). Thus, Porters IAÂ  [8]Â  remains crucial and the choice should not be seen as one of either but rather one of complementarity.

Philosophy of Science or Scientific Philosophy? :: Philosophical Essays

Philosophy of Science or Scientific Philosophy? ABSTRACT: Pursuit of Ultimate Reality forms the foundation of philosophical inquiry. The present paper represents a pursuit of this sort. Here I make a humble effort at making philosophy scientific— an effort which is based on the revival of Atomism initially formulated by some ancient philosophers of the East and West: Jainas, Vaisesikas, Democritus, Beucippus and others. Every material particle, however minute, is composite and divisible; naturally, the original 'stuff' of the Universe is required to be 'non-particular.' Modern physicists have reached the terminal point of the method of analysis and succeeded to transform a very little part of a nuclear mass into an enormous kinetic energy by way of fission and fusion. The 'energy' as such, being the 'power' of activity dormant in the nuclear mass of every atom, is obviously 'non-particular' and original. Thus 'mass' is continually being transformed into 'energy' and conversely, resulting in the evolution of everything that makes up the universe; so that the original power is amenable to transformation and alien to annihilation. The present paper is an attempt to explore a possible reply to the query inserted in the very title. Here I shall make a parochial use of the term "Science" to mean the physical or Natural Science, and present only the prà ©cis of the whole thing for the sake of brevity. I The world is a big zero. The Earth and all other planets move round the Sun, satellites move round the planets, the negativity charged * electrons move round the positively charged nucleus to constitute an atom ; even each of the elementary particles in the nucleus (nucleons) has a spin of its own, like the Earth; the orbits may however, be circular, elliptical, angular or the like. Whatever be the type or form of the orbit, the circumference described by any body moving round its centre (nucleus) can never come to an end. Man is therefore apt to consider the universe to be eternally present. II The living cell has a nucleus; two human beings of opposite sexes constitute a unit, i.e., a family in which any one of them normally acts as the nucleus; because the society may be Patriarchal or Matriarchal; each such family, again, serves as the nucleus of a larger family, the largest being the human society as a whole; and 'a society' in 'The Society' found in every habitable part of the globe is governed by a person or a group of persons that 'the society' centres round.

Bennets The Executioner :: Bennet Executioner

Bennet's The Executioner   Ã‚  Ã‚   "I am the executioner. When the crime is committed and the Lord God does not take vengeance nor does the exalted State move to declare and then to punish, I say when these bitter events happen, then comes the time for the executioner to declare himself or herself as the case may be. I have waited long enough. So the time has come, and I declare myself the executioner.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The three criminals are hereby sentenced to death. By fire. By earth. By water."   Ã‚  Ã‚   This is the direct and powerful quote taken from the novel, The Executioner. It explains the basic plot of the story of the one word that every man fears: Revenge. The Executioner was written by the Canadian born author, Jay Bennett. The strengths and weaknesses of this report will be discussed in detail, and the plot of this murder, suspense, and horror story are revealed. The plot will be discussed, for easier comprehension of the story.   Ã‚  Ã‚   This plot begins when Bruce , an 18 year old high school boy was at a bar with his best friend Raymond, and a few other friends named Ed, and Elaine. Unfortunately, Bruce got intoxicated, but still decided to drive the others home from the bar. On the way home, Bruce began arguing with Ray, (the only sober one), and the car was steered of the road into a tree. Raymond was killed by the accident. However, everyone thought that Bruce was not intoxcated at the time, and the car just accidentally swerved off to the side.   Ã‚  Ã‚   Throughout the next chapters, Bruce keeps facing the guilt of killing Ray, and tries to admit to everyone that he did. No one believes him though, and think's he's just making up the story to cover the guilt up. This carrries on for a while, and Bruce feels even more depressed. A few days later, a mysterious man, (the executioner) comes into the bank, and takes out a letter (The one at the introduction of the review) and says, "The first shall die by fire."   Ã‚  Ã‚   The next thing the story shows is a scene in a building, where Ed and Bruce are walking. All of a sudden, Ed is trapped in a room, which is set

drugs Essay -- essays research papers

Throughout history, America has been fighting against drug and alcohol abuse in teens and adults. Many ways companies and anti drug groups try to prevent drug and alcohol abuse is through education in school systems and out of school systems. They teach young students about drugs and alcohol before they risk being around them, and they teach older students about drugs while they are around in their daily lives. Are these education programs really necessary? That’s the question many people ask, and also the question I’m going to attempt to answer. The government is usually the group that attempts to educate people about the causes and effects of drugs and alcohol through programs such as D.A.R.E (drug abuse resistance education) or S.M.A.R.T. (Specific Measurable Achievable Realistic Time-Specified objectives). D.A.R.E. tries to educate kids about drugs and alcohol while S.M.A.R.T. conducts studies to see how effective these programs really are. There have been several studies done that failed to find any value in the DARE program. About 26 million American school children are taught to resist the lure of drugs and alcohol by the DARE program, a studied showed that most of the students who took the 17 week DARE program ended up using drugs and alcohol at the same rate as children who learned about them in a normal health class. Many people think that DARE is the magic bullet to solve the drug and alcohol problems in the nation. Another study conducted in Illinois on about 1800 students, showed that DARE students used the same amount of drugs who did not take the program, and another study concluded that DARE students were more likely to use drugs than students without the education. Many tax payers demand to see what impact their money is having on substance abuse. The SMART program conducts many tests to show how effective or ineffective the use of drug and alcohol prevention or education programs really are. SMART has come to a conclusion that there is a â€Å"Null Hypothesis†, which means that X education programs has no significant effect in bringing substance abusers into long term abstinence. In 1995 SMART studied nearly 1000 people, from these they were able to find 99 who were discharged with the notation of â€Å"treatment complete.† Of these 99 they selected 50 people at random and were able to find only 18 of those 50 people, and of those 18 people, on... ...codes only through contract rights. At Indiana University-Bloomington, alcohol is prohibited in all on-campus undergraduate residences supervised by the University, and in all other areas open to the public. While that is the rule, enforcement is difficult. Using a strong enforcement hand is very difficult, and not well accepted by students and many parents. These students were educated about the rules of alcohol at their college and also about the causes and effects of alcohol to the body and brain, but they still do not listen and studies show that they still drink regardless of what prevention program they underwent when they were teens. As you can see, and as the results from all the studies done show, drug and alcohol education programs have little and sometimes absolutely no effect on the use of drugs and alcohol among students any age. Teens in high school, or adults in college, they all abuse drugs and alcohol no matter what drug education program they went through. Many people are even killed through the use of drugs and alcohol. The government needs to realize that educating people about drugs only makes them aware that the drugs are out there and available to them.

Foil between Mr.Darcy and Mr.Wickham

Path to Elizabeth's Heart Criticism and manners determine the image given to a person from society. The satire, â€Å"Pride and Prejudice† by Jane Austen, portrays the social life of young women who marry for love or money. The Bennet family becomes the center of attention through the conversing between Jane Bennet with Mr. Bingley, and Elizabeth Bennet with Mr. Darcy. Women married the wealthy for security and fortunate living. However, the men devise their own ways of courting women. Mr.Wickham and Mr. Darcy become foils of each other, through their many acquaintances with Elizabeth. First impressions create prejudice of a person, which cannot be easily changed. Elizabeth’s first encounter with Mr. Darcy is during a ball, â€Å"Mr. Darcy soon drew the attention of the room by his fine, tall, handsome features, noble mien†¦ the gentlemen pronounced him to be a fine figure of a man† (6). His physical features reflects his wealth, as well as the description o f a fine figure of a man.However, his physical features were not the only characteristics that were revealed during their first encounter, â€Å"his manners gave a disgust which turned the tide of his popularity; for he was discovered to be proud, to be above his company† (6). Mr. Darcy’s conversations with strangers were turned into declarations of superiority and detestment. Elizabeth saw this as a ungentlemanly manner which lead her to hate Mr. Darcy on her first encounter with him that night. Mr.Wickham on the other, â€Å"was the happy man towards whom almost every female eye was turned and the agreeable manner in which he immediately fell into conversation†¦ that the commonest, dullest, most threadbare topic might be rendered interesting† (52) Elizabeth also notices Mr. Wickham’s charm to making friends as well as his gentlemanly manner of conversing with others. She also takes an interest in what Mr. Wickham has to say, due to the conformation al bias of Mr. Wickham’s history with Mr. Darcy supporting her opinion of Mr. Darcy.She instantly trusts Mr. Wickham only because of his  manners and first impression of being of good manners. Mr. Darcy also states that, â€Å"Mr. Wickham is blessed with such happy manners as may ensure his making friends† (63). Mr. Wickham is agreeable but he also has no interest in the poor, because he only makes friends with those that will benefit him at the moment, and cast aside anyone who has played their part. The contrast between the men creates irony, because she she eventually marries the man whom she detest at first rather than the man who was agreeable at first. However, her impression on him changes once she receives the letter from Mr.Darcy. He reveals Mr. Wickham’s true nature during his visit in Pemberley was, â€Å"unquestionably my sister's fortune, which is thirty thousand pounds; but I cannot help supposing that the hope of revenging himself on me was a s trong inducement. †(137) This changes Elizabeth’s impression on Mr. Wickham and it influences her to review all that she had thought and said to Mr. Darcy. She states that she did not understand herself any more, causing her to realize the mercenary attention Mr. Wickham had given to Miss King. She could not call upon the traits to defend Mr. Wickham besides his manners.The roles of Mr. Wickham and Mr. Darcy have switched, Elizabeth visits Pemberley and reunites with Mr. Darcy, â€Å"they soon drew from those enquiries the full conviction that one of them at least knew what it was to love†¦ overflowing with admiration was evident enough,†(175). Revealing the true feelings that Elizabeth has for Darcy and the evident admiration from Darcy, Austen portrays an ideal love scene from the dreams of a woman during the era. The foils of Mr. Darcy and Mr. Wickham emphasises the prejudice of society and first impressions which cover the truth. The history between Mr. Darcy and Mr.Wickham display a forked path to their own personalities. Mr. Wickham was the son of Mr. Darcy’s father’s steward who was â€Å"of a very respectable man, who had for many years the management of all the Pemberley estates,† (135). The juxtaposition of being the son of the lord and the son of the steward who worked under him, displays the contrast of Mr. Darcy’s and Mr. Wickham’s personalities. Darcy would have been educated by his father or schooling, and thus he spent years alone, with his sister, after his father died, meanwhile Wickham learned his manners from being a steward under Pemberley.Their own paths formed the personalities which they have become. Another example appears within Darcy’s letter, Mr. Wickham â€Å"had some intention†¦ of studying the law, and I must be aware that the interest of one thousand pounds would be a very insufficient support therein† (136). The legacy of one-thousand pounds that Mr. Darcy’s father left to Wickham was not enough to allow Wickham to survive through is years. Darcy gives Wickham three-thousand goals to allow Wickham to attend law school, however the law soon declined and was not a profitable field to enter.Coming back to Darcy for assistant, Wickham gets denied of money. Wickham seeking vengeance, â€Å"he so far recommended himself to Georgiana, whose affectionate heart retained a strong impression of his kindness to her as a child, that she was persuaded to believe herself in love, and to consent to an elopement† (137). Wickham was after the fortune on Miss Darcy as revenge for not helping him through his years of distress. Contrast between evil intentions and pure hearts exposes the satire behind Austen’s writing.The irony of falling in love with a corrupted man while being pure at heart, emphasises blinding love. Darcy’s and Wickham’s history with each other reveals the different paths which both of them tak e. Jane Austen expresses her views of social life of the poor and the wealthy through Darcy’s and Wickham’s first impression on Elizabeth. Her prejudice and pride blinds her from realizing the truth behind Darcy and Wickham. The foils of the agreeable Wickham and discerning Darcy, portrays society as a loveless defect with only money on their minds. Foil between Mr.Darcy and Mr.Wickham Path to Elizabeth's Heart Criticism and manners determine the image given to a person from society. The satire, â€Å"Pride and Prejudice† by Jane Austen, portrays the social life of young women who marry for love or money. The Bennet family becomes the center of attention through the conversing between Jane Bennet with Mr. Bingley, and Elizabeth Bennet with Mr. Darcy. Women married the wealthy for security and fortunate living. However, the men devise their own ways of courting women.Mr.  Wickham and Mr. Darcy become foils of each other, through their many acquaintances with Elizabeth. First impressions create prejudice of a person, which cannot be easily changed. Elizabeth’s first encounter with Mr. Darcy is during a ball, â€Å"Mr. Darcy soon drew the attention of the room by his fine, tall, handsome features, noble mien†¦ the gentlemen pronounced him to be a fine figure of a man† (6). His physical features reflects his wealth, as well as the descriptio n of a fine figure of a man.However, his physical features were not the only characteristics that were revealed during their first encounter, â€Å"his manners gave a disgust which turned the tide of his popularity; for he was discovered to be proud, to be above his company† (6). Mr. Darcy’s conversations with strangers were turned into declarations of superiority and detestment. Elizabeth saw this as a ungentlemanly manner which lead her to hate Mr. Darcy on her first encounter with him that night.Mr. Wickham on the other, â€Å"was the happy man towards whom almost every female eye was turned and the agreeable manner in which he immediately fell into conversation†¦ that the commonest, dullest, most threadbare topic might be rendered interesting† (52) Elizabeth also notices Mr. Wickham’s charm to making friends as well as his gentlemanly manner of conversing with others. She also takes an interest in what Mr. Wickham has to say, due to the conformat ional bias of Mr. Wickham’s history with Mr. Darcy supporting her opinion of Mr. Darcy.She instantly trusts Mr. Wickham only because of his  manners and first impression of being of good manners. Mr. Darcy also states that, â€Å"Mr. Wickham is blessed with such happy manners as may ensure his making friends† (63). Mr. Wickham is agreeable but he also has no interest in the poor, because he only makes friends with those that will benefit him at the moment, and cast aside anyone who has played their part. The contrast between the men creates irony, because she she eventually marries the man whom she detest at first rather than the man who was agreeable at first. However, her impression on him changes once she receives the letter from Mr. Darcy.He reveals Mr. Wickham’s true nature during his visit in Pemberley was, â€Å"unquestionably my sister's fortune, which is thirty thousand pounds; but I cannot help supposing that the hope of revenging himself on me was a strong inducement. †(137) This changes Elizabeth’s impression on Mr. Wickham and it influences her to review all that she had thought and said to Mr. Darcy. She states that she did not understand herself any more, causing her to realize the mercenary attention Mr. Wickham had given to Miss King. She could not call upon the traits to defend Mr. Wickham besides his manners.The roles of Mr. Wickham and Mr. Darcy have switched, Elizabeth visits Pemberley and reunites with Mr. Darcy, â€Å"they soon drew from those enquiries the full conviction that one of them at least knew what it was to love†¦ overflowing with admiration was evident enough,†(175). Revealing the true feelings that Elizabeth has for Darcy and the evident admiration from Darcy, Austen portrays an ideal love scene from the dreams of a woman during the era. The foils of Mr. Darcy and Mr. Wickham emphasises the prejudice of society and first impressions which cover the truth. The history between M r. Darcy and Mr. Wickham display a forked path to their own personalities.Mr. Wickham was the son of Mr. Darcy’s father’s steward who was â€Å"of a very respectable man, who had for many years the management of all the Pemberley estates,† (135). The juxtaposition of being the son of the lord and the son of the steward who worked under him, displays the contrast of Mr. Darcy’s and Mr. Wickham’s personalities. Darcy would have been educated by his father or schooling, and thus he spent years alone, with his sister, after his father died, meanwhile Wickham learned his manners from being a steward under Pemberley.Their own paths formed the personalities which they have become. Another example appears within Darcy’s letter, Mr. Wickham â€Å"had some intention†¦ of studying the law, and I must be aware that the interest of one thousand pounds would be a very insufficient support therein† (136). The legacy of one-thousand pounds that Mr. Darcy’s father left to Wickham was not enough to allow Wickham to survive through is years. Darcy gives Wickham three-thousand goals to allow Wickham to attend law school, however the law soon declined and was not a profitable field to enter.Coming back to Darcy for assistant, Wickham gets denied of money. Wickham seeking vengeance, â€Å"he so far recommended himself to Georgiana, whose affectionate heart retained a strong impression of his kindness to her as a child, that she was persuaded to believe herself in love, and to consent to an elopement† (137). Wickham was after the fortune on Miss Darcy as revenge for not helping him through his years of distress. Contrast between evil intentions and pure hearts exposes the satire behind Austen’s writing.The irony of falling in love with a corrupted man while being pure at heart, emphasises blinding love. Darcy’s and Wickham’s history with each other reveals the different paths which both of them take. Jane Austen expresses her views of social life of the poor and the wealthy through Darcy’s and Wickham’s first impression on Elizabeth. Her prejudice and pride blinds her from realizing the truth behind Darcy and Wickham. The foils of the agreeable Wickham and discerning Darcy, portrays society as a loveless defect with only money on their minds.

Peer Violence Essay

Peer violence/abuse is something that takes place in the everyday life of some people and their families. Peer violence/abuse is when a person undergoes improper or unfair physical or verbal maltreatment, injury, sexual assault, violation, unjust practices, wrongful practice or custom, offense, and crime. There are many different types of peer violence such as verbal, physical, cyber bullying, and social alienation. As you continue to read you will better understand the effect, consequences (in school and out of school), and examples of peer violence. Youth violence has played a big part of everyday life for some; youth violence includes bullying, punching, slapping, verbal abuse and using weapons, towards another. These violent acts are a disruption to people’s lively-hoods and to the learning process. The most serious effect that youth violence has on people is death and injury; most students are victims of homicides in the schools and suicides at home. Most of these deaths occur before, after, or during lunchtime. Other victims can be examples of nonfatal injuries like cuts, broken bones, bruises and even gunshot wounds. Some can even have a long-term effect on a person emotionally/mentally, a person can suffer depression, fear other people, anxiety and even post-traumatic stress which does not just effect the person but it also effects the persons immediate family and close friends. Peer violence can affect the way a child lives and their lives, they will feel shame for being a victim and won’t tell anybody what’s going on and could be afraid that the problem might escalate if they do tell a trusted adult. In recent news, in Southern Las Vegas two brothers were sentenced to jail and correctional facilities for the bullying of a disabled boy who attended their school. The boys had one of their friends record the attacking of the boy and posted it on YouTube. One of the boys was sentenced to 12 months of probation and 40 hours of community service while the other was sentenced to serve time at Spring Mountain Youth Camp with supervision until released. Consequences are one of the things many people do not think about before they began bullying each other or began attacking one another. In most schools a punishment is 3 to 6 days of suspension and even a court date with the victim. In Las Vegas depending on your age you can get anything from probation to 30 days in a juvenile correction center or a correctional center such as boy’s town or Spring Mountain Youth Camp. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Columbine_High_School_massacre#Medication http://www.modernmom.com/article/the-effects-of-school-violence-on-victims http://www.modernmom.com/article/the-effects-of-school-violence-on-victims

Annotated Bibliography Essay

Juleen K. Buser, Journal of Multicultural Counseling and Development 37.2 (April 2009): 94-104 This article is a great article that relates to African Americans seeking mental health treatment at lower rates than whites. The article states that this disparity can be attributed to attitudes toward services, alternate coping, and differences in care. This article also illuminates biases in counseling. Snowden, Lonnie R, Barriers to Effective Mental Health Services for African Americans, Vol. 3, Issue 4, 181-187 (Dec. 2001). Social Services and Welfare, Psychology This article states that many African Americans do not seek proper mental health care. It states that the ones that do generally drop out. The article attempts to define the causes and the effects that would help alleviate this problem. McField, Edward, Culture, acculturation, and social capital: Latinos and use of mental health services. Loma Linda University, 2010. 3405317 This article states that Latinos suffer from the sam e mental disorders as others, but when they do, they receive less than standard care. The article gives the results of studies that state that state that there is an association between acculturation, models of illness, stigma, need, and mental health service use. Organista, Kurt C. New Model for Latinos in Need of Social Work Services, Social Work, 54.4, (Oct 2009). 297-305 This article is wonderful in that it gives some of the best pragmatic models and concepts in the cultural competence literature. This article states ways in which to enhance cultural sensitivity, as well as increasing awareness of the Latino experience and understanding of problem patterns in their historical, social, and cultural contexts. Borup, J. (1999, May/June). Foundations of social work practice with lesbian and gay. Families in Society, 80.3, 308-309. Describes a foundation for helping gay and lesbians for the human services worker. When helping or working with a person who is gay or lesbian it is important to have knowledge of professional literature,  experiences from professional peers, history, and the actual case information. It is also important to remember the family history, for this characterizes and confronts any myths associated with this particular lifestyle. The lack of social support and homophobia can create consequences to those who are not accepting of this community. The author is educating students about the knowledge and facts on working with the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender community and the most important is the code of ethics for social workers. Cavet, J. (2000, Oct). Children and young people with a hidden disability: and examination of the social work role. British Journal of Social Work, 30.5, 619. The recent study described that children and young people with hidden and impairment received a social work service which was at a minimal level. It is recognized that the level of social services intervention available to these families may be a reflection of a low priority assigned to disabled children. A change in priorities is needed which recognizes the importance of knowledgeable support to disabled children as a means of improving their environment and reducing families stress levels and the likelihood of abuse or rejection. Copeland, C.A. (2011, January/February). School librarians of the 21st century using resources and assistive technologies to support students’ differences and abilities. Knowledge Quest, 39.3, 64-69. This article describes the many ways librarians can help differently abled children realize they are special. And by librarians having all the resources (informational and technical) they can further help these differently abled children understand how truly especially able they are. It opens their eyes to their own gifts and abilities and this helps the librarians these abilities to develop the information literacy skills and multi-literacies necessary for lifelong learning. The National Center for Education Statistics shows that approximately one in seven students have one or more characteristics society defines as a disability. Technologies can be selected and so they can best meet the needs of the students who are differently abled. Donahue, P. (2005, July-September). Current perspective and future directions  for social work practice and research. Families in Society, 86.3, 359-366. This article describes the aging gay and lesbian community. Past research of this community focused more on the gay White man, well-educated, active in the gay community and high socioeconomic backgrounds. This study examines current roles of social work regarding research with older gay men and lesbians and presents recommendations for both practice and research in the years ahead. Not only is this community of sexism, they are also victims of ageism. Future work must strive to be more representative of older lesbians, geographic diversity, and classes because these variables play an important role in shaping the gay aging experience. Bell-Tolliver, L., Burgess, R., & Brock, L. J. (2009). African American therapists working with African American families: An exploration of the strengths perspective in treatment. Journal of Marital and Family Therapy, 35(3), 293-307. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com/docview/220979644?accountid=35812 When working with African Americans and Native Americans human service workers must consider important factors. When doing a study researches found 5 strengths that African Americans showed. They have strong kinship bonds, strong work orientation, adaptability of family roles, strong achievement orientation, and strong religious orientation. African American family† is defined as †¦ an intimate association of persons of African descent who are related to one another by a variety of means, including blood, marriage, formal adoption, informal adoption, or by appropriation; sustained by a history of common residence in America; and deeply embedded in a network of social structures both internal to and external to itself (Bell, 2009). Waites, C. (2009). Building on strengths: Intergenerational practice with African American families. Social Work, 54(3), 278-87. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com/docview/215269004?accountid=35812 These families are diverse groups of people with their own ideas, opinions, and values. African American families have strengths, and that the use of those strengths within the therapeutic setting can lead to successful outcomes. We also believe that understanding the strengths of African American families can help mental health professionals develop successful treatment outcomes for families. It is critical that professionals gain an understanding of how these strengths impact the functioning of the African American family to empower families who are struggling. When helping this group we should focus  on their strengths and not their weaknesses (Waites, 2009). Michael, T. G., & Eugene, F. P. (2000). Red as an apple: Native American acculturation and counseling with or without reservation. Journal of Counseling and Development: JCD, 78(1), 3-13. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com/docview/219014436?accountid=35812 The United States Bureau of Indian Affairs (1988) legally defines Native American as a person who is an enrolled or registered member of a tribe or whose blood quantum is one fourth or more genealogically derived from Native American ancestry. When working with Native Americans one must remember that they are very religious and hold traditional values and beliefs. They practice only traditional tribal customs and methods of worship. However some Native Americans may be more willing in the practices of other cultures. That is why the counselor must not make assumptions without gathering further information (F.P, 2000). Kathleen, A. E. (2000). Counseling with Native American Indians and Alaska Natives. Families in Society, 81(5), 543-543. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com/docview/230163172?accountid=35812 Culturally based treatments may be needed. This group can be offended very easily and the counselor must be careful not to overbear (A.E, 2000). Latino-Kuglin, M. (2009). Latino outreach. Children & Libraries, 7(3), 42-46. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com/docview/212161869?accountid=35812 â€Å"It’s a way to celebrate Latino heritage, literacy, and families coming together at the library,† said Watts. She said Dà ­a celebrations at HCL have two goals. The first is to â€Å"celebrate the heritage of the community that we see already. We’ve got libraries that have large Spanish- speaking populations that actively use the library, so this is a way to celebrate and acknowledge the community that is already there. â€Å"‘No-show’: Therapist Racial/ethnic Disparities in Client Unilateral http://psycnet.apa.org. N.p. In the present study, the authors examined the source of racial/ethnic minority disparities in unilateral termination form of dropout that is associated with poor alliance and outcome. First, the authors must be tested whether some therapists were more likely to have clients who reported unilaterally terminating as compared with other therapists. Next, the authors examined 2 competing hypotheses regarding the therapists role in  termination disparities: (a) that racial/ethnic disparities in unilateral termination are similar across therapists and thus due to other components of the treatment process or (b) that racial/ethnic disparities in unilateral termination are specific to therapists, where some therapists are more likely, on average, to have higher rates of unilateral termination with REM clients as compared with white clients.