Thursday, October 31, 2019

Social Networking Distracting People Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Social Networking Distracting People - Essay Example Social network analysis examines the social structure by applying the Theory of Graphs and identifying the entities as "nodes" or "vertices" and relationships as "links" or "edges". The structure of the graph resulting is often very complex. However, the fact remains that technology plays a crucial role in such networks in the modern day and their sophisticated networks attract people and entice them to indulge in such activities. Thus, people at work or at school, and even those in places like churches get distracted by different forms of technology. Therefore, the largest form of technology distracting people today can be perceived as social networks. With photos and status updates about one’s daily thoughts and actions, these social networks are a way for people to keep up with their friends, family, and even favorite celebrities on a daily basis (Leigh, 2011). Services such as Facebook, Twitter, Tumbler, and the newly added Pinterest and instaGram are swiftly growing and t aking over the attention and time of today’s generation While social networking sites can provide a place for positive interactions, unfortunately, they have becomes a places for people to be not only distracted from more important tasks but also to cause personal and public harm to others. The first recognizable social network site, six degrees.com was launched in the year 1997 and it has had the facility of enabling its users to create profiles and list and surf their friends. Though some forms of profile sharing and social contacts existed through dating and community sites prior to the advent of social networking sites, these were not so popular or common place. Besides, they were also found to be lacking many of the features that the social networking sites presently have. AIM and ICQ buddy lists supported lists of friends, although those Friends were not visible to others. On the other hand, today these same social media and social networking sites have many

Tuesday, October 29, 2019

Company and Application Exercise Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Company and Application Exercise - Essay Example My past work experience, experience and interpersonal skills makes be capable of fitting into the job requirement. Together with the special software competence in engineering application, I am capable of achieving the requirements of the job across various cultures as per the job requirement. Therefore, it would only be ideal that i bring in my wealth of knowledge and experience into the company’s operation and use my leadership skills and competence to help realize the company’s objectives. Name [xxxxxxxxxxx] Address [street number] Mobile phone number, Home telephone: Email: Personal Profile I posses effective communication skills and I am capable of developing a communicating relationship with people I may not know it total varied environment making it possible to interact with various people across various cultures to ensure accomplishment of tasks. I have a demonstrated leadership track where I have managed to lead various groups of craftsmen as required in order to achieve designated task. Further, I am a team player who is ready and willing to work with others in creating the enabling environment for accomplishing tasks. I have proficiency in various engineering software necessary to accomplish tasks and analysis or various data to arrive at the necessary conclusion. These include CAD and MATLAB. I am also willing to learn more software application as my job will demand from time to time. Education 1. B. Sc .Civil and Construction Engineering, University of Mississippi, July 2011 The four year training in engineering was inclusive of practical skills such project supervision and design work. 2. A levels, Mississippi graduate school, Technical application, graduate, July 2009 At this stage, I acquired fundamental engineering knowledge with exposure on engineering projects and related works. Employment History 1. Field supervisor, City Council, August 11 – present I worked as supervisor in charge of plumbers with the responsibility of ensuring water connectivity to city residents. Coordinate the works of a team of 20 plumbers to various parts of the city to ensure that water connections were in place and correcting any possible problems. Also reported to the water engineer on the daily developments in the water supply of the city. The city council benefitted through the assured continuity of water supply to the residents and thereby reducing complaints from the residents leading to improved revenue collection from the residents by the Council. Achievement The major assignment during the attachment period was to research, analyze and propose the causes of water shortages and the available methods to solve. Providing a recommendation to be followed in solving the water shortage problem was the ultimate objective. Benefits to employer The city council was able to determine, through my services, the extent of water shortage and projection of such increases if they were not mitigated. The employer also adopted water shortage mitigation strategy as recommended by me which was effective and the pressure was considerably eased. 2. Assistant Engineer-Operations, Hayer Construction-China, August 10– Nov 10Â   Feature: To supervise and coordinate the site operations on the construction project Activity: Planning for the supply and availability of quality on the site. Assigning duties accordingly to different people to ensure the flow of the project activities. Benefit: The benefits the

Sunday, October 27, 2019

An Architecture for Source Code Protection

An Architecture for Source Code Protection Abstract—Due to great competition in software industry the source code and binaries have to be protected. Source code available in plain form could be easily stolen and launched on any computer using IDE. We will discuss a protocol that will be used in both (single user and teaming environment) in order to provide source code protection. This would be achieved though authentication, authorization, encryption/decryption and hashing. Keywords—Encryption; Authentication; Authorization; Hashing; Source code SC; Binaries; Integrated development environment (IDE); Authentication server Ticket Granting Server (ATGS) INTRODUCTION In software industry, the most important asset of the industry is the source code of the software which is being developed. There is a lot of work that has been done in the secure communication, secure databases, and other security services in applications but the source code itself is not being protected which might result in a great financial and data loss for an organization. Due to great competition in software Industry Company coming up with new and unique ideas and launches it in the market will in return generate great revenue. So in software industry it’s just about the idea that matters. Most of the software companies don’t leak out their upcoming products until they are ready to be released in the market. Due to the importance of the idea and source code, source code theft is the biggest threat in software industry. Source code theft could be physical or via some botnet. In physical source code theft a person might get access to your system and copies the source files and takes it to his own system to recompile with the IDE. He got access to all of your work without any difficulty. The other case could be a Lab environment where many users have access to a common machine. In this situation any person logging on the system can view history in the IDE he could also access those source files if they are made available. In the second type where your competitors know the importance of your system might launch a botnet on your machine. In this ways all your important files (including source files etc) could be stolen and sent to a remote machine. The person getting access to these source files might get a great benefit from it. Our work is to encrypt these source files and binaries generated by the IDE using cryptographic technique. Because if we don’t protect the binaries, the binary could be reversed engineered to extract source code using some decompiler [1]. JAD could be used to launch a reverse engineering attack on binaries [2]. Some software’s are available in the market that encrypts your files (including source files etc) but these files have to be encrypted manually every time. Due to this extra effort people just skip it. In our model source files and binaries would be automatically encrypted whenever the user performs the Save, Save As and Execute operation. In this way the developer could pay his full attention on software development without caring about its protection. Our technique will provide confidentiality to source code and binaries, tempering of source code and idea leaking. RELATED WORK The idea of protecting source code and its binaries was influenced from some of its related work Guy-Armand Yandji, Lui Lian Hao, Amir-Eddine Youssouf, Jules Ehoussou [3] presented a model for normal file encryption and decryption. The paper describes a methodology using AES and MD5 for encrypting files. The outcome file that will as a result be hashed and strongly encrypted through the software. Xiufeng Zhang and Qiaoyan Wen [4] described the flexibility of Java language, which makes the protection become very difficult. Using decompiler [5] such as Jad we can easily extract the source code from the binary file. Therefore, any malicious users can use the anti-compiler tools to make reverse-engineering attacks. The paper presented an AOP-Based J2EE Source Code Protection technique in they gave solution to the problem that arises when encrypting J2EE applications. ByungRae Cha [6] presented a CRYPTEX model for protecting software source code. The model presented safe protection and access control of software source codes. The access control to the source code was achieved using digital certificate. The CRYPTEX consisted of software source codes and an algorithm to control access. A White Paper sponsored by CA Technologies [7] for Protecting API’s against attack and hijack presented a secure API architecture. APIs are windows into applications and as with any window an API can easily be misused. APIs put applications under the hacker mi croscope and increase attack surface on client application. So a solution was presented using SecureSpan API proxy. SVN [8] and CVS [9] are used to control versions. A version control system keeps track of all work and all changes in a set of files, and allows several developers to access them. Access to these files is controls using authentication and authorization if the files are not open source. Subversion can operate on network which will allow various people to modify and manage the same set of data. RISK FACTORS Source code is the main asset of any product, if somehow the source code is compromised the whole product get compromised. It should be necessary to become aware of the threats that are caused when source code or the binaries are compromised: Source code can be used to steal the idea behind that product and can be used to make a similar product. Source code can give attackers information about the working of your application and it will also provide him the loopholes in your application which would help him to launch attacks. Binary files can be revered engineered to generate source files using a decompiler and possible attacks could be launched by those source files. By having the source code or binaries the attacker can add some unwanted feature to that product and make that malicious product available to the public Bypass license checks (patching) in your product and make a free copy available to public. MANUALLY ENCRYPTING AND DECRYPTING You can encrypt and decrypt the source files and binaries manually using some software but in our approach the source files and binaries would be encrypted and decrypted automatically without any extra effort. Time Consuming Because we have to do encryption and decryption manually with the help of some software so existing approach might be more time consuming then ours. Purchase of extra Software We might need to purchase extra software in order to perform this encryption and decryption of source files and binaries. In our approach no extra software is required to perform this task. This would be a feature inside the IDE. More Secure Our approach is more secure than the existing one because the developer might forget to do this operation and leave the source files and binaries unencrypted. While in our approach whenever you exit the IDE the source files and binaries would be encrypted before closing IDE. In our approach developer won’t need to care about the protection of source files and binaries these would be secured automatically at backend. SOURCE CODE PROTECTION ENVIRONMENTS Our focus is on two types of source code protection environments Single User Environment Teaming Environment Single User Envirnoment In a single user environment a single user using IDE on his system would face all the challenges to the source code that we have discussed above. The Source code is stored on the local drive onto the system in plain form. Anyone getting access to that drive can misuse the source code. We have to protect this source code by providing some kind of security measures. Proposed Solution First the user will be authenticated. So when the user launches the IDE a login screen will appear he would enter his username and password if his logging for the first time he has to get registered and the hash of the password would be taken and stored with username at some secure place (i.e. database ). If his already registered the entered password has to be hashed and is compared with the hash that is already stored with a particular username. Now if the both hash match then the user would be logged in to the IDE with a particular ID as shown in figure 1. If there is some kind of error the user would be asked to re-enter again, Skip and run IDE normally or exit. Fig. 1. Authentication sequence diagram Our main emphasis would be on Save, Save As, Open and execute operations because these operations require security enforcement. Say the user tries to open an existing

Friday, October 25, 2019

Union Essay -- essays research papers

Collective Bargaining: a process in which representatives of Labor & Mgmt negotiate the terms & conditions of employment. Structure: Single Employer Bargaining: a single employer involved w/ a single union (can also bargain w/ more than 1 unit). Boutique is a specialized Taylor agreement b/w employer & unit (usually seen in oligopolistic type market) Pattern Bargaining: Pick a target firm & then form an agreement (Pay, benefits, etc.) called a pattern (i.e. 6% over 2 years). Ex: The Caterpillar Company – United Automobiles Union (DEER) the Union wanted a pattern, company did not so they went on strike, ended up going back to work w/ no agreement, and then went on strike again. They ended up accepting less than the pattern. Bridgestone & United rubber are another example. They stroke because company would not allow ‘em to pattern bargain. Union did not survive strike, now combined w/ steel workers unions. Multi-Employer Bargaining: Employer meets w/ all units & comes up w/ the same agreement (i.e. all athletes, all grocery workers, etc.) They form an employers association & the representative of that negotiates. Book: a behavior theory of Labor Negotiations – Richard Walton & Robert McKenzie. It revolutionized thinking about negotiations. This book was done in both perspectives instead of just one side. There are 4 aspects of negotiation: 1.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Distributive Bargaining: involves $ typically & how $ distributed. Fixed sum is usually how $ is distributed. Union wants a bigger piece of the pie & company wants to hold onto that piece of that pie. Labor & Mgmt view each other as adversaries. Union asks for everything & a lot of it. Mgmt says take away, loss of privileges a little more subtle approach. 2.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Integrative Bargaining: The 2 groups get together & problem solve on ways to make the pie bigger. They get along w/ each other & must be creative. Their view is productivity can never be high enough. In the 1980’s Chrysler Corp. had a lot of problems & were setting records for losing $. They only had big cars that were gas-guzzlers (headed for bankruptcy). Chief Executive, Iakoka wanted to buy a little time so that they would be ok. Company wanted Gov. to bail ‘em out w/ working capital to get the company going again. Gov. did not lend the $, but offe... ...ucation Association, American Nurses Association, Union of American Physicians & Dentist) Law: State & local about  ½ states 1.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Right to unionize & bargain collectively 2.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Unfair labor practices for employers & unions 3.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Procedures for union representation elections 4.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Administration by a state board (i.e. California Public Employment Relation Board) 5.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Impasse Resolution procedures (i.e. mediation) 6.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Allowance for grievance arbitration Strikes: Workers in private industries have the right to strike (Section 7 of NLRA) 1.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Strikes that imperil the national health or safety 2.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  A no strike clause in the collective bargaining agreement Public Employee Strikes: Law forbids strikes by Fed. & postal workers. Strikes by state & local Gov. employees are prohibited in most jurisdictions (State, Fed, Local, Areas) Only 12 states allow a limited right to strike: Oregon, CA, Idaho, Illinois, Wisconsin, Alaska, Ohio, Vermont, Montana, Hawaii.

Thursday, October 24, 2019

Global Business Cultural Analysis: Singapore Essay

Abstract This research paper will conduct a comprehensive Global Business Cultural Analysis of the nation of Singapore. The paper will point out the complexities of the relationship the US should consider before deciding to conduct business in Singapore. The analysis will explore the major elements and dimensions of Singapore’s culture, how these elements and dimensions are integrated by locals conducting business in the nation of Singapore, how these factors compare with US culture and business, and address implications for US businesses that wish to conduct business in Singapore. History and Geography Singapore, or the Republic of Singapore, was founded in 1819 as a British trading colony. It is located on the major sea route between India and China. Singapore is known today as one of the most prosperous countries and boasts the world’s busiest port. It is clean and orderly, and since becoming an independent country, Singapore is one of the least corrupt countries in the world. Because of such positive characteristics, multinational countries seek to do business in Singapore. Singapore, officially the Republic of Singapore, is a Southeast Asian city-state off the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula. Singapore is a parliamentary democracy and gained its independence in 1965. It is a multi-racial, multi-lingual, and multi-religious society consisting of four official languages: English, Chinese, Malay, and Tamil. Under the leadership of Lee Kwan Yew as prime minister, Singapore has developed into one of the cleanest, safest, and most economically prosperous cities in Asia. Si ngapore is the world’s fourth leading financial center, and its port is one of the five busiest ports in the world (De Prato, 2013). In order to understand the development of Singapore, we must first take a look into Singapore’s history. During the 16th and 19th century, the Malay Archipelago was taken over by the European colonial powers. The Dutch  controlled most of the ports in the region and established a monopoly over trade within the Archipelago region. At this time, Sir Stamford Raffles was appointed Lieutenant Governor of the British colony. During his reign, the trade route between China and British India passed through Archipelago. Raffles hoped to challenge the Dutch restrictions on trade by opening a new port. Once he received the funding, Raffles found an island that possessed a natural deep harbor, fresh water supplies and timber for upcoming ships. The island was named â€Å"the Lion City.† According to legend, when the Prince of Palembang, Sang Nila Tama, landed on the island, he saw an animal that was probably a tiger, but he mistook it for a lion, and so he named the island, Singa Pura, or â€Å"Lion City† (Singapore Country Report, 2003). Raffles rallied together with Temenggong Abdur Rahman, who headed a small Malay settlement, signed a treaty giving them rights to establish a tradi ng port. After the treaty was signed, modern day Singapore was established. The people of Singapore made up around 1000 in population and, due to migration from Malaya and other parts of Asia, population grew to 100,000. Raffles was prohibited from collecting port duties during the beginning operations of the port because the port was a free port. This news spread quickly and by 1825, trade volume increased. A second treaty was signed by John Crawford in 1823, giving the British access to much of the land and subjecting the island to British law. Under this law, Singapore had to take into account Malay customs, traditions, and religion. In 1826, the British settlements of Malacca, Penang, and Singapore were combined to form the Colony of the Straights Settlement (Business Source Complete, 2012). In the years between the 19th and the 20th centuries, the British established protectorates over the Malay sultanates on the peninsula. Large scale rubber and tin production as well as a system of public administration were developed during the British rule. The British had much control until World War II. After the war, territories of peninsular Malaysia joined together to form the Federation of Malaya in 1948. In 1963, the British colonies of Singapore, Sarawak, and Sabah joined the federation, which was renamed Malaysia (Business Source Complete, 2012). After becoming independent, Singapore faced many dangers: the threat of an attack by the Indonesian military and forcible re-integration into the Malaysia Federation on unfavorable terms. Singapore’s survival was in question. Unemployment,  housing, education and the lack of resources and land were also pressing problems. Singapore then joined the United Nations and the Commonwealth. Sinnathamby Rajaratnam was prime minister and he helped with developing diplomatic relations with other countries. The service and manufacturing sector grew. Singapore also attracted big oil companies like Shell and Esso. Education became a major focal point and English was adopted as the language of instruction. The government also emphasized training to develop a more suitable workforce. What are the major elements and dimensions of culture in Singapore? Communication Culture represents the historical experience of a people, is embedded in their institutions, and shapes their attitudes and expectations about the world (Zakaria, 2012). First, let’s begin with communication. Singapore has four major spoken languages: Malay, Mandarin Chinese, Tamil, and English. English is the most common language spoken which is very important in terms of conducting international business. Most of the schools in Singapore teach English as the first language. These two factors create a favorable advantage to doing business in Singapore. With Singapore’s port being one of the busiest in the world, English teaching and English speaking has proven to be a positive factor in conducting business. A business partner, with good English speaking background has very little difficulty in communicating with locals. Another positive factor besides Singapore’s multilingual background is its multi-ethnic blend. Ethnic Chinese people speak both Mandarin and Eng lish. This enables them to have access to the Chinese market. And it’s easier for importers, exporters and investors to do business with ease. Ethnic Indonesian speaking people provides better access to the market in India. Singapore may be a small country but its diverse culture help to create a country that is able to thrive in a very competitive market. When considering doing business with them, note a few characteristics that are important aspects of completing business successfully. Non-verbal communication is just as important as verbal. Singaporeans rely on facial expressions, tones of voice, and posture when interacting with a business partner. And they really trust these non-verbal messages. Singaporeans rather say â€Å"I will try† or â€Å"I will see what I can  do† rather than say â€Å"no.† This is what they call saving face and maintaining harmony. They believe in silence. One should pause before responding to show actual thought has taken into consideration before answering. Greetings are based on age and ethnic origin also. Younger Singaporeans shake hands with everyone while older Singaporeans are more reserve. In Ethnic Chinese, men and women shake hands but it i s custom for the woman to extend her hand first. In Ethnic Malay, men shake hands with men but not with women. Muslim men do not touch women in public. It is more appropriate to use the â€Å"salaam† bowing of the head greeting Religion Most modern states have policies for the management of religion (Lin, 2012). For those with diverse religious communities, such as Singapore, the question of how to ensure the peaceful coexistence of various religions becomes an important challenge for the governments concerned. (Lin, 2012). In an effort to maintain social stability and political power, the government introduced various measures, such as the White Paper on Maintenance of Religious Harmony (January 1989) and the White Paper on Shared Values (Ping, 2012). The major religious denominations in Singapore are Christianity, Buddhism, Islam and Hinduism. The origin of Christianity trace back to 1965 after Singapore gained its independence. English was the official language of Singapore, churches could easily communicate the gospel. Local laypeople and ministers became involved in establishing churches, Christian ministries and missionary schools. Missionary schools were established to produce the next generation of leaders. The National Council of churches was the first organization established to represent Christians. The Singapore Industrial Mission was established in 1966 to help promote the vision and the building of a viable human and mature community; to help the community to become a participant and creative community organized for the interest of all; and, to foster new social values that would help in cultivating inter-racial community understanding and solidarity (Goh, 2010). Today, Christianity still exists in Singapore with majority of the members being of Protestant denomination and the rest Catholic. Christianity is viewed as one of affluence, progressive value and an international flair. Buddhism originated in India when SiddhÄ rtha Gautama or Buddha went into meditation for 49 days and upon awakening, he had  complete insight into the cause of suffering and he knew the steps necessary to eliminate it. The Four Noble Truths became his teaching. They are: 1) there is suffering (dukkha), 2)there is a cause or origin of suffering (samudaya), 3) there is an end of suffering (nirodha), and 4) there is a path out of suffering (magga) which is the Noble Eightfold Path, (Ong and Chang, 2012). Buddha’s teaching are not just ethical guidelines but offer a grand insight into nature of reality. Buddhism, which was regarded as a newfound â€Å"religion†, became prevalent in the writings of travelers as well as philosophers and it was soon established as an academic discipline within various universities and colleges towards the close of the century, (Aljunied, (2005). Islam is a religion of peace, love, harmony, and tranquility for all human race (Tahir, 2012). The Almighty Allah revealed in the Quran, the Islamic Holy Book, guidance of humankind. The main focus of all the teachings of prophets is on the creation of a virtuous being, (p. 120). In order to become a muslin, faith in all the prophets or a revealed book is nec essary. The first prophet was Hazrat Adams and Hazrat Muhammad is the last prophet revealed by the Almighty Allah. After World War II and Singapore gaining its independence, Muslims became a minority due to the separation. Muslims were deprived of many social advantages and prestige they were once accustomed to. Racist feelings began to form among the people. Muslims formed the Dar Al-Arqam society in an effort to confront the effects of the Christian missionaries who were trying to convert individual faiths. The Dar Al-Arqam was formed with the objective of having a place where the new Muslim converts could get together and develop the fraternal, religious and social relationships among themselves. Official Hinduism is dominated by Agamic, Shaivite precepts and practiced by the elite in Singapore, (Sebastian, 2008). Sinha has argued that a large number of Hindu reformist organizations have established a presence in Singapore since the 1970s and that many of the adherents of these organizations refer to themselves as Hindus but â€Å"redefine the category in doing so by assigning new meaning to it†, (Sebastian, 2008, p.75) They are considered a minority but make their presence known by holding public festivals, establishing temples, and locals have established what they call, Little I ndia. Today, there are many temples dedicated to Hindu gods and goddesses. The Hindu Endowments Board and The Hindu Advisory Board are set up by the government  in order to monitor Hindu affairs. Values and Attitude, Ethics Singapore’s culture is based on Shared Values and Confucian Ethics. Asian cultures are distinguished by a set of values that include obedience to authority, intense allegiance to groups, and a submergence of individual identity. It is the state’s attempt to unite its people through the vision of a â€Å"shared fate.† The ideal of a shared fate is expressed by the state developing institutional and conceptual contexts in which different communities can foster ties and shared practices while preserving religious and cultural differences (Tan, 2012). Because of multiracialism in Singapore, Deputy Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong created a vision of â€Å"Our Shared Values,† which are intended to be shared by all Singaporeans, regardless of ethnicity, religion, and other differences. The Shared Values consist of the following five broad principles: * nation before community and society before self * family as the basic unit of society * community support and respect for the individual * consensus, not conflict * racial and religious harmony Confucian is based on the same theory. Confucianism upholds the cardinal belief that every individual possesses the right to human dignity and equality (Tan, 2012). Education In 1997, National Education (NE) was added to the curriculum to strengthen the messages of moral and citizenship education, particularly those to do with young Singaporeans’ attitudes to the country. National Education takes the form of school activities distributed throughout the school year. Its messages are also incorporated in school subjects wherever appropriate, and comprise the following: Singapore is our homeland; this is where we belong; we must preserve racial and religious harmony; we must uphold meritocracy and incorruptibility; no one owes Singapore a living; we must ourselves defend Singapore; and we have confidence in our future, (Han, 2007; MOE, 2004a) How are these elements and dimensions integrated by locals conducting business in Singapore? Combating Corruption Understanding corruption is imperative for legal scholarship, both as an intellectual subject and because corruption impedes the operation of law in much of the world and inflicts damage on well-being, governance, and quality of life (Nichols, 2012, p.145). Corruption inflicts substantial damage to a nation. It weakens the government and causes poor decision making. It also affects the composition of the decision maker. Corruption causes economic fragility, it degrades the connection between the government and the people, and it degrades the quality of life. The Transparency International’s Corruption Perceptions Index was developed by Johann Lambsdorff, and is used by specialist in order to find out how much corruption there is within a country. According to the index, Singapore scored 9.3 which means Singapore effectively is among those countries with the least amount of perceived corruption in the world (Nichols, 2012, p.151). Gender discrimination and job related outcomes When considering doing business in Singapore, expect to encounter female business partners. Female Singaporean business owners have at least 10 years schooling, while 35 percent held first or postgraduate degrees, 15 percent had professional or polytechnic qualifications and 50 percent had completed second;–level education (Ramon, Valerie, 1999). The five major factors which best motivate Singaporean female business owners in particular are: (1) the perceived presence of a business opportunity; (2) the desire to put their knowledge and skills into use; (3) the need for freedom and flexibility; (4) the desire to achieve personal growth and recognition; and (5) the need to make more money for financial independence (Ramon, Valerie, 1999; see also Teo, 1996). Although the Singaporean women choose to become members of the working population, society still expects the role of traditional women in the household to be played, particularly as wife and mother. The working women still f ace the conflict of work and family and despite the number of rising educational level and attainments, Singapore’s female managers are still fewer in number when compared to males. From a Confucian Perspective Singapore’s state vision, Shared Values, resemble Confucian values. How do they differ? Confucian does not recognize civil and political rights. Confucian upholds the idea that every individual possesses the right to human dignity and equality. For Confucians, social relationships are characterized by social positions, or roles, and social positions are defined in terms of obligations, (Nuyen, (2008). Confucian core teaching is the ethical idea of a noble person, the virtue of humanity, and the process of self-cultivation. Confucian values are group identity, duty consciousness, personal discipline, consensus formation, the priority of collective interests, and emphasis on education and pragmatism (Tan, 2012, p. 462). These values recognize cultural differences. From a Confucian perspective, shared values should not be regarded as a religion in the sense of being a faith system. Shared values should remain nonreligious. Many of Singaporeans religious teaching are compatible to Confucian. How do both of the above items compare with US culture and business? Communication Communication is one of the most important factors when considering doing business with Singapore. Due to the fact that English is the most common language spoken in Singapore, this has made conducting business with the United States easier. Understanding other factors will aid communicating with business partners. Communication differences can be found between the two countries. Singapore is a high-context country while the United States is considered a low-context country. In high-text, both the sender and the speaker are involved in the context and each are expected to interpret the conversation with ease. In low-text, what must be said, will be said. As I mentioned earlier, in Singapore, non-verbal communication is just as important as verbal. Singaporeans rely on facial expressions, tones of voice, and posture to understand someone who is conducting a business transaction. And they really trust these non-verbal messages. Americans prefer comparatively little touching and relatively large personal space. Singapore is a collective society and the United States is a highly individualistic society. Therefore, Singaporeans belong to in groups and rely on loyalty to between one another. In the United States, Americans look after themselves and their families. Communication between Singapore may be different but with interpretation and knowledge, a prosperous business relationship can be formed. Religion The major religion in the United States is Christianity. Singapore is very diverse. There are four major religions in Singapore, Christianity, Hinduism, Buddhism, and Islam. Americans are becoming more tolerable of one another beliefs. Religion should not be a problem when doing business in Singapore because the United States is more tolerable of different religious beliefs. And with Singapore and the United States both identifying the freedom of religion, mutual respect should be given to any religious background. It is good practice to become familiar with religious backgrounds in order to conduct business more effectively. Ethics Individualism pertains to societies in which the ties between individuals are loose; everyone is expected to look after himself or herself and his or her immediate family. Collectivism pertains to societies in which people are integrated into strong, cohesive in-groups from birth that continue to protect them in exchange for unquestioning loyalty (Hofstede 1980). Based on these theories, we assume that compared with individualist cultures, managers in collectivist cultures are relatively less likely to follow social norms such as honesty, integrity, and law obedience. When there is a conflict of interest between corporate insiders (the in-group) and outside investors (the out-group), managers may prefer corporate insider interests, resulting in higher agency costs in collectivist cultures (Zhang, X., Liang, X., & Sun, H., 2013). Values and Attitudes, Ethics When it comes to values and attitudes of Singaporeans and Americans, we must remember Singaporeans are group oriented and Americans are concerned with making a living for themselves. Singaporeans respect higher authority where Americans live by the saying, â€Å"liberty and justice for all.† Singapore’s first Shared Value principle is, â€Å"nation before community and society before self.† This is opposite of the American value system. American shared values consist of Americans working, talking about their achievements, and  earning monetary rewards. Education It is mandatory to attend school in the United States. It is mandatory for primary age students to attend school in Singapore. If the child does not attend school, it is a criminal offense. Both the United States and Singapore have primary, secondary, high school and education beyond graduation. Today, the United States government provides sponsorship for Singaporeans to attend schools in the United States. These students attend the most prestigious schools such as, Harvard, Cornell, and Stanford. Singaporeans are noticed for their high achievement in math and science. The United States government offer scholarships to outstanding Singapore students. The number of Singaporeans studying in the United States reflects that Singapore and the United States relationship could not be any better. Hofstede’s Analysis Using Hofstede’s cross cultural analysis model is one way to understand the difference in culture between Singapore and the United States. From 1967 to 1973 Geert Hofstede applied the subset of cultural dimensions to the field of business management, segregating them into independent areas to be further divided in order to get a more precise understanding, Satterlee, 2009, p. 56). He analyzed a data base of employee values from IBM which covered more than 70 countries. Hofstede included Power Distance Index, Individualism, Masculinity, Uncertainty Avoidance Index, and Long-Term Orientation. Singapore scored higher in Power Distance Index. This means that members of organizations rely on their higher ups for authority rather than making decisions for themselves. Relationships are unequal between people. The United States scored higher in Individualism. Singapore is a collective society. The Americans are more concerned about individuals or themselves. Singapore scored in the mi ddle in the Masculinity Index but tends to lean more to the feminine side. This shows a modest, humble, and softer aspect of culture. The Uncertainty Avoidance Index is the level of tolerance for uncertainty and ambiguity within the society. Singapore scored low. Singaporeans abide by the rules due to high PDI. Singapore has many fines. The Americans operate on the idea of freedom of expression and do not require a lot of rules and strict laws. The last dimension is  Long-Term Orientation. Long-term orientation refers to long-term versus short-term orientation toward the future, (Boonghee, Donthu, and Lenartowicz, 2013, p. 194). Singapore scored in the middle of this Index also. Singapore is showing an immense economic success. Singaporeans are showing a way to do things. The United States has seen signs of economic growth in Singapore and, by using Geert Hofstede’s five dimensions to further understand the country, business relations are sure to continue in the future. What are the implications for US businesses that wish to conduct business in that region? Singapore and the United States are close strategic partners. Singapore is the United States’ 15th largest trading partner and 11th largest export market. United States investment in Singapore is over $116 billion and Singapore has $22 billion of foreign direct investment in th United States. Job creation and economic development in Singapore due to American companies using Singapore as a regional base for doing business. U.S. Trade with Singapore and ASEAN Singapore sees in the United States an economic partner and security ally that offers the most present value, hence motivating it to forge a free trade agreement as well as foster a military strategic partnership (Page, 2007). Economic conditions, an urgent demand for security, and fear of diplomatic isolation, are factors that lead to the United States and Singapore to put into effect the United States-Singapore Free Trade Agreement (USSFTA). There were other extenuating circumstances that also drove the United States and Singapore to sign the FTA, most notably their common frustration with the stalled multilateral trade liberalization during the WTO’s first decade; the sluggish progress in the regional economic integration within the respective free trade region of ASEAN and the Free Trade Area for the Americas; the inability of the 21 APEC members to come to binding terms as to the way the ambitious Bogor agenda can forge Pacific Basin economic integration; Singaporeâ€℠¢s desire to spur ASEAN cohorts to move faster with market opening; the US desire to bind the right of preferential access to the world’s largest market to Washington’s global security agenda;  and finally, ASEAN’s inability to keep political risk low to discourage capital flight (Page, 2007). The agreement was signed by the President of the United States, George Bush and Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong, May 2003 in Washington, DC. Both the United States and Singapore benefit from the signing of the FTA. With a population of 287.7 million and a per capita income of US$36,273, the United States can provide a strong economic stimulus which is badly needed during these times of sluggish regional growth and uncertainties (Tongzon, 2003). U.S. littoral combat ships (LCS) in Singapore In early 2012, US flexible basing in the region inched forward when the United States requested concurrence from Singapore to deploy up to four littoral combat ships (LCS) to Singapore by 2016 (Dalpino, 2012). The primary missions of the (LCS) are antisubmarine warfare, mine countermeasures and surface warfare against small boats. The Singapore military agreed to allow the naval ships to deploy in Singapore. The United States and Singapore navy will work together to finalize the process. Previously, Singapore had agreed to deploy two ships. Agreeing to deploy a total of four ships will strengthen U.S. engagement in the region. This is another strong in implication that the U.S. wants to conduct business in Singapore. U.S. Foreign Domestic Investment (FDI) Analysis Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) refers to an investment made to acquire lasting interest in enterprises operating outside of the economy of the investor. The investor’s purpose is to gain an effective voice in the management of the enterprise (Journal of US-China Public Administration). While no standard percentage of ownership exists, most nations consider the threshold to be within the range of 10 to 25 percent. The US Department of Commerce’s FDI ownership is 10% (Satterlee, 119). Most companies seek out foreign investments as a way to gain a better return for their money. So, the company is looking to expand in global markets but what about the local economy? Do local firms benefit from FDI? Spillover effects and linkages play a key role in this determination. Spillover effects relate to increased productivity benefits of local firms and technology diffusion from multinational enterprise (MNEs) to the domestic economy. Up until the 70’s, attitudes toward MNEs were hostile. Governments have since changed their policies pertaining to investors entering the local markets due to the potentially positive impact of FDI. Governments attempt to attract FDI expecting to increase the productivity of local firms. Intangible assets, such as knowledge and technology are â€Å"spilled over† to local firms. It is believed that local firms benefit from superior knowledge of product or process technologies or markets without occurring a cost that exhausts the whole gain from the improvement (Asian Social Science, p.68). In addition, the Asian Social Science journal explains how MNEs set up direct linkages to suppliers when entering through FDI (Stephan, (2013). Linkages are non-equity relationships with suppliers or customers and are a crucial channel for knowledge diffusion. When MNEs enter the host country, local firms do not have knowledge about technical innovation or it may be too costly for them. This leads to locals feeling a sense of uncertainty, which is an example of knowledge confusion. Another example refers to the movement of labor. MNEs may provide more training for their employees and invest in staff development than local firms. This builds more human capital. The spillover occurs when these MNE employees move to other local firms and transfer their gained knowledge to loc al firms, increasing the local’s productivity. Another example of the spillover effect on locals refers to increased competition. When MNEs enter the market, local firms are forced to become more efficient. Local firms have to update their technology or use it more efficiently in order to become more competitive. This could yield productivity gains and also increase the speed of adoption of new technology. Increased competition can also lead to productivity losses for local firms. This article gives an example of how a study of 4000 Venezuelan companies that the productivity of wholly domestically owned firms decreases when FDI increases. The presence of MNEs lead to a loss of market share and referred to this loss as the â€Å"market stealing effect† of MNEs. The presence of MNEs may lead to crowding out of local firms. SWOT Analysis Strengths ? Singapore is the fifth least corrupt country in the world. ? Strikes and labor protests will remain rare, if not absent, for the foreseeable future. Weaknesses ? The government censors the media and limits the distribution of foreign publications. Opportunities ? Owing to the lack of progress at the WTO, the government has committed the country to sign 18 bilateral free trade agreements with 24 trading partners. ? Singapore has one of the best business operating environments in Asia. Threats ? The city-state has previously been identified as a target by Islamist militants from neighboring Indonesia and elsewhere, (Singapore Defence & Security Report, 2013). Conclusion As stated earlier, Singapore is known today as one of the most prosperous countries and boasts the world’s busiest port. It is clean and orderly, and since becoming an independent country, Singapore is one of the least corrupt countries in the world. It is a multi-racial, multi-lingual, and multi-religious society consisting of four major languages and four major religions. These factors aid in having successful business relation. By identifying cultural similarities and differences, Americans can benefit from the structure of the Singaporean family values. Americans are known for making money instead of building relationships and establishing strong social bonds. There is opportunity for economic growth within the Singaporean region. The United States has already recognized the prosperity within the region and has built on that knowledge. The United States and Singapore will continue to develop a better relationship in the future and form a solid base for amicable relations b etween the two countries. References Aljunied, S. (2005). Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles’ Discourse on the Malay World: A Revisionist Perspective. SOJOURN: Journal of Social Issues in Southeast Asia, 20(1), 1-22. http://search.ebscohost.com.ezproxy.liberty.edu:2048/login.aspx?direct=true&d b=bth&AN=17381757&site=ehost-live&scope=site Dalpino, C. (2012). US-southeast Asia relations: Conflict in the east; Opportunity in the west. Comparative Connections, 14(1), 57-67,152-153. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com/docview/1030087243?accountid=12085 De Prato, Giuditta; Simon, Jean-Paul. (2013) Singapore, an Industrial Cluster and a Global IT Hub. Communications & Strategies. 89 (First Quarter 2013): 125-136. Boonghee, Y., Donthu, N., & Lenartowicz, T. (2011). Measuring Hofstede’s Five Dimensions of Cultural Values at the Individual Level: Development and Validation of CVSCALE. Journal of International Consumer Marketing, 23(3/4), 193-210. doi:10.1080/08961530.2011.578059http://search.ebscohost.com.ezproxy.liberty.edu:2048/login.aspx?direct=true&db=a9h&AN=62668126&site=ehost-live&scope=site FDI Contributes to Output Growth in the U.S. Economy. (2011). Journal of US-China Public Administration, 8(1), 104-109. http://search.ebscohost.com.proxy163.nclive.org/login.aspx?direct=true&db=a9h&AN=58738936&site=ehost-live Han, C. (2007). History education and ‘Asian’ values for an ‘Asian’ democracy: The case of Singapore. http://search.ebscohost.com.ezproxy.liberty.edu:2048/login.aspx?direct=true&db=ehh&AN=25728526&site=ehost-live&scope=site Nichols, P. (2012). The Psychic Cost of Violating Corruption. Vanderbilt Journal of Transnational Law, 45(1), 145-210. http://www.vanderbilt.edu/jotl/manage/wp-content/uploads/Nichols_CR5.pdf Nuyen, A. (2008). Ecological education: What resources are there in Confucian ethics?. Environmental Education Research, 14(2), 187-197. doi:10.1080/13504620801932590 http://search.ebscohost.com.ezproxy.liberty.edu:2048/login.aspx?direct=true&d b=a9h&AN=31519142&site=ehost-live&scope=site Ong, W., Chang, P. (2012). Business Ethics and Buddhism. Review of Business Research, 12(4), 139-149. http://search.ebscohost.com.ezproxy.liberty.edu:2048/login.aspx?direct=true&db=bth&AN=84358993&site=ehost-live&scope=site Pang, E. (2007). Embedding security into free trade: The case of the United States-Singapore free trade agreement. Contemporary Southeast Asia, 29(1), 1-32. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com/docview/205240058?accountid=12085 Ramin, C. M., & Valerie, P. G. (1999). Female business owners in Singapore and elsewhere: A review of studies. Journal of Small Business Management, 37(2), 96-105. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com/docview/221003775?accountid=12085 Satterlee, B.C., (2009) Cross border commerce, Culture (pp.1-177) Roanoke, VA: Synergistics Inc. Sebastian, R., & Parameswaran, A. (2008). Hare Krishnas in Singapore: Agency, State, and Hinduism. (Cover story). Sojourn: Journal of Social Issues in Southeast Asia, 23(1), 63-85. doi: 10.1355/sj23-1c http://search.ebscohost.com.ezproxy.liberty.edu:2048/login.aspx?direct=true&db=a9h&AN=33063696&site=ehost-live&scope=site Singapore: Country Conditions: Background. (2003). Political Risk Yearbook: Singapore Country Report, 59. http://search.ebscohost.com.ezproxy.liberty.edu:2048/login.aspx?direct=true&db=bth&AN=10272527&site=ehost-live&scope=site Singapore Defence & Security Report. (2013). Singapore Defense & Security Report, (2), 3-75. http://search.ebscohost.com.ezproxy.liberty.edu:2048/login.aspx?direct=true&db=bth&AN=87379364&site=ehost-live&scope=site Stephan, G. (2013). Do Local Firms Benefit from Foreign Direct Investment? An Analysis of Spillover Effects in Developing Countries. Asian Social Science, 9(4), 67-76. http://search.ebscohost.com.ezproxy.liberty.edu:2048/login.aspx?direct=true&db=a9h&AN=87058564&site=ehost-live&scope=site Tahir, A. (2012). Islam’s Concept of Jihad (A Philological Analysis). Interdisciplinary Journal of Contemporary Research in Business, 4(5), 119-127. http://search.ebscohost.com.ezproxy.liberty.edu:2048/login.aspx?direct=true&db=bth&AN=83574864&site=ehost-live&scope=site Tan, C. (2012). ‘Our Shared Values’ in Singapore: A Confucian Perspective. Educational Theory, 62(4), 449-463. doi:10.1111/j.1741-5446.2012.00456.x http://search.ebscohost.com.ezproxy.liberty.edu:2048/login.aspx?direct=true&db=a9h&AN=77873291&site=ehost-live&scope=site Teo, S.K. (1996). Work-Home Role Conflict in Female Owners of Small Business: An Exploratory Study,† Journal of Small Business Management 28, 30-39. Tongzon, J. L. (2003). U.S.-Singapore free trade agreement: Implications for ASEAN. ASEAN Economic Bulletin, 20(2), 174-178. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com/docview/219628565?accountid=12085 Zakaria, F. (2002). Asian Values. Foreign Policy, (133), 38-39. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com/docview/822409129?accountid=12085 Zhang, X., Liang, X., & Sun, H. (2013). Individualism-collectivism, private benefits of control, and earnings management: A cross-culture comparison. Journal of Business Ethics, 114(4), 655-664. doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10551-013-1711-5

Wednesday, October 23, 2019

Exercise 10: Acid Base Balance

EXERCISE 10: Acid-Base Balance Student Name: ______________Student ID#: ______________ Student instructions: Follow the step-by-step instructions for this exercise found in your lab manual and record your answers in the spaces below. Submit this completed document by the assignment due date found in the Syllabus. Rename this document to include your first and last name prior to submitting, e. g. Exercise10_JohnSmith. oc. Please make sure that your answers are typed in RED. (You may delete these instructions before submission. ) Grading: True/False, Multiple-Choice, and Fill-in-the-blank type questions will be worth 1 point each whereas Short-answer type questions will be worth 2 points each. This lab will be worth a total of 45 points but will be converted to a percentage grade when registered in your â€Å"Gradebook†. ACTIVITY 1: Hyperventilation |Answers | |A substance that dissolves in water to release hydrogen (H+) ions is a(n) _______. |Acid | |Which of the following is n ot a regulatory mechanism for acid/base balance in the body? D – Digestive System | |the kidneys | | |the respiratory system | | |protein buffers | | |the digestive system | | |The maximum pH measured during hyperventilation was _______. |7. 58 | |The tidal volume (TV) when breathing at rest was about _____ ml. The TV with hyperventilation was |3 | |about _____ ml. |4. | |Describe the normal ranges for pH and PCO2 in the blood. |Min Pco2 – 40 Max Pco2 – 40 | | |Min pH – 7. 41 Max pH – 7. 41 | |Describe what happened to the pH and the carbon dioxide in the blood with hyperventilation. |Min Pco2 lowered to 25. 94 (well below normal) | | |Min pH stayed around normal at 7. | |Explain how returning to normal breathing after hyperventilation differed from hyperventilation |With straight hyperventilation the pH stayed within average and | |without returning to normal breathing. |the carbon dioxide lowered tremendously. With the | | |Hyperventilation then back to normal breathing the carbon | | |dioxide levels did not lower as much and the pH stayed around | | |the normal zone as well. | |Describe some possible causes of respiratory alkalosis. serious cardiac disorder | |ACTIVITY 2: Rebreathing | |In cases of acidosis, the pH of the blood is |C – Less than 7. 35 | |Between 7. 4 and 7. 55 | | |Between 7. 35 and 7. 45 | | |Less than 7. 35 | | |Greater than 7. 5 | | |In this lab simulation, the minimum pH during rebreathing was _______. |7. 24 | |If a person is â€Å"treated† in a hospital emergency department by breathing in and out of a paper |Rebreathing | |sack, this is a classic example of _________ to lower the blood pH. | | |Hypoventilation results in |C – An accumulation of CO2 in the blood | |lightheadedness. | | |numbness around the lips. Answer: _________ | | |an accumulation of CO2 in the blood. | | |a good treatment for respiratory acidosis. | | |Describe what happened to the pH and the PCO2 levels in the blood during rebreathing. |Min pH lowered to 7. 24 Max pH raised to 7. 42 | | |Min Pco2 stayed the same at 40 Max Pco2 raised to 53. 02 | |Describe several possible causes of respiratory acidosis. airway obstructions or inadequate ventilation, also possible | | |from over production of Pco2 | |Explain how the renal system can compensate for respiratory acidosis. |the renal system compensates by retaining hco3 and excreting | | |hydrogen ions | |ACTIVITY 3: Renal Responses to Respiratory Acidosis and Respiratory Alkalosis | |When carbon dioxide (CO2) mixes with water in the blood stream, carbonic acid is formed. This |Hydrogen | |carbonic acid can then dissociate into the _______ ion and the _______ ion. Bicarbonate | |When more CO2 is produced by the body than can be expired from the lungs, the pH of the blood mig ht|C – Decrease | |increase | | |stay normal | | |decrease | | |either stay in the normal range or decrease. | | |True or False: The renal system is able to fully compensate for acidosis or alkalosis. |True | |Describe what happened to the concentration of ions in the urine when the blood PCO2 was lowered. H Decreased | | |HCO3 Increased | |What condition was simulated when the blood PCO2 was lowered? |Alkalosis | |Describe what happened to the concentration of ions in the urine when the blood PCO2 was raised. |H Increased | | |HCO3 Decreased | |What condition was stimulated when the blood PCO2 was raised? Acidosis | |ACTIVITY 4: Respiratory Responses to Metabolic Acidosis and Metabolic Alkalosis | |The cellular gaseous waste product than can accumulate in the blood stream is ______ ______. |Carbon Dioxide | |In this lab simulation, when the metabolic rate was increased to 80 kcal/hour, the pH of the blood |C – 7. 25; 63 | |lowered to ______ because of an accumulation of _______ [H+] in the blood. | | |7. 2; 45 | | |7. 30; 42 | | |7. 25; 63 | | |7. 09; 92 | | |When the metabolism was decreased, the number of breaths/minute _________ (increased, decreased, or|Decreased | |remained the same). | |True or False: In a hospital, the treatments for respiratory acidosis and metabolic acidosis are |False | |usually the same because these conditions are so similar. | | |Describe what happened to the blood pH when the metabolic rate was increased to 80 kcal/hr. What |The blood pH decreased to 7. 26, BPM increased tremendously, PCo2| |body system was compensating? |and also H increased as well. The HCO3 decreased. | |List and describe some possible causes of metabolic acidosis, i. e. how the acidosis is caused. Keto Acidosis – A buildup of keto acids that result from | | |diabetes mellitus | | |Salicylate Poisoning – a toxic condition resulting from | | |ingestion of too much aspirin or oil of wintergreen, alcohol, or| | |strenuous exercise. | |Describe what happened to the blood pH when the metabolic rate was decreased to 20 kcal/hr. | | |What body system was compensating? | | |List and describe some possible causes of metabolic alkalosis, i. e. how the alkalosis is caused. |Ingestion of alkali, vomiting, constipation |

Tuesday, October 22, 2019

SWOT Analysis for Samsung

SWOT Analysis for Samsung Introduction Samsung is a large South Korean electronics company that has global market coverage. This firm was started in 1938, by Lee Byung-Chill as a trading firm. During these years, this firm traded as a retail firm, mostly in apparels. The firm received a massive growth and extending its line of products to include food processing, insurance, textile and securities. The firm was able to grow rapidly because of the enabling environment.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on SWOT Analysis for Samsung specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More This firm entered the electronics industry in 1960s. The management of this firm had seen some of the benefits of operating in the electronic industry. Technology was becoming relevant, and this firm realized that there were a lot of opportunities in this industry. The management believed that the firm was able to make it through given the kind of labor it had, and the resources it had mana ged to amass. In 1970s, this firm entered shipbuilding and construction industry. The management was determined to diversify in as many industries as possible in order to minimize the effect that may arise due to any external factor that may affect any of the industries. This was one of the first few firms that embraced Total Quality Management as a tool for ensuring that there is constant customer satisfaction. Since then, this firm has received a consistent growth in various sectors it has invested in. this firm currently operates in different units, with each unit in its own industry, and operating semi autonomously. Samsung Electronics is the world’s largest IT Company in terms of revenues earned (Montgomery, 2012). This unit has been in constant competition with Apple in the Smartphone industry, and given the current trends, it is easier to predict that this firm may soon become the leading manufacturer and distributer of Smartphone. Samsung Heavy Industries is the secon d biggest shipbuilder on the basis of the revenue earned. Other notable Samsung products include Samsung Engineering which offers various engineering solutions, Samsung Life Insurance which offers life insurance, and Samsung Everland among other products. SWOT Analysis of Samsung According to Montgomery (2012), SWOT analysis is always a very important tool that helps in determining the internal ability and weaknesses of the firm, and the opportunities and threats that are available in the external environment. This analysis will help in understanding this firm, and in knowing some of the factors that have propelled it to its current position in the market. Strengths and Weaknesses of the Company Samsung has some special abilities that can be considered its main strength in the market. The ability of this firm to diversify in about ten industries which includes electronics, locomotives, insurance, entertainment, transport, among others is a special ability that makes it stand out in the world as one of the few firms to operate in more than ten industries (Samsung mobiles, 2012).Advertising Looking for essay on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More To help it succeed in these industries, this firm has come up with a quality control unit in all its subsidiaries in order to ensure that it delivers quality products to the customer. Ability to deliver quality service to the customer has made it develop a special niche in the market making its products popular across the world. The firm is also one of the first firms that embraced value chain management (Cheap Samsung phones, 2012). Through this, the firm has been able to continue satisfying its customers at a cheaper cost. The ability of this firm to adopt the emerging technologies has been considered as strength by other firms. Samsung Galaxy is one of its recent products that demonstrates its capacity to deliver special satisfaction to its customers by bringing products that are a little beyond the expectations of the market. Despite the above strengths for this firm, it has some weaknesses that have impeded its growth to a given degree. One of the main concerns that this firm has not addressed properly is the issue of environmental management. The components of the products of this firm are known to be very dangerous to the environment (Samsung mobiles, 2012). Old phones, television sets, laptops among other products pose a serious challenge to the environment. This firm has been criticized by a number of scholars, alongside other firms, to be leading in the pollution of the environment. This firm is yet to come up with a clear structure on how it can manage environmental pollution caused by its wastes around the globe (Yodhia, 2013). The firm has claimed that it has been engaging in corporate social responsibility. However, this has not been enough to make the public believe its commitment to a cleaner enviro nment (Cheap Samsung phones, 2012). Opportunities and Threats In every industry, there are always opportunities and threats that a firm may come across in the external environment. There are various opportunities that exist for Samsung in its operations in the global market. One of the opportunities that this firm has had is an expansive and unexploited market in the third world countries (Cheap Samsung phones, 2012). Most of the electronics firms have focused their effort on building a large base of loyal customers in the leading economies like the United States and the European markets. This firm has managed to tap into the emerging markets in African and parts of Asia. The stable economic growth in the major economies means that there is increased opportunity for this firm to increase its sales in such countries as the American markets and the markets in Europe (Cheap Samsung phones, 2012). This growth of the economy means that the consumers will always have enough to spend on lu xurious goods such as Samsung Galaxy. There is an interesting trend in the market where this firm is competing with Apple for the market share of the tablets.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on SWOT Analysis for Samsung specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More The Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1 and Apple iPad 3 have been competing in the market for supremacy (Samsung mobiles, 2012). Although this may be considered as a threat, this competition has offered the two firms an opportunity to acquire a special niche in the industry, outsmarting some of the former industry giant like Nokia and Motorola. The emergent of an economically empowered youth around the world is also another opportunity that this firm has been able to exploit (Cheap Samsung phones, 2012). In the IT industry, their main target market is the youth. With an economically empowered youth, this firm can generate a lot of benefits through increased sales. There are threat s that exist in this industry that is worth noting. Technology is probably the main threat that this firm faces in this industry. Samsung has used technology to reach its current position. It is one of the few firms that have managed to adapt to the emerging technologies very fast. However, it is a nightmare trying to figure out what some of the competitors can do with this same technology. Another threat that this firm faces is the stiff competition posed by rival firms. This industry is one of the most competitive industries in the world (Samsung mobiles, 2012). Any slight mistake by the firm may result in a situation where its market share is taken over by other rival firms. Evaluation of SWOT Analysis The SWOT analysis above shows that Samsung is in a very strong competitive position in the market. The firm is in a sound position to compete favorably with other firms and achieve desired results. The firm can easily continue pursuing its current strategies profitably. In order to turn its weaknesses into strength, this firm should consider increasing its campaigns on environmental conservations. This can be achieved by developing new strategies taking into consideration the current prevailing circumstances Conclusion The analysis of Samsung done above clearly demonstrates that this firm has a higher capacity to achieve the best result in various industries in which it operates. This firm should consider coming up with a marketing management strategy that will make its products not only known, but also cherished in the market. The management should put customer’s satisfaction above immediate gains such as profitability. Profitability of a firm always comes as a result of a built trust between the firm and the buyer. It may cost the firm trying to develop this trust. However, once the trust is developed, there will be a continuous profitability to the firm. The management should also take into consideration, the need to maximize emerging technologies a s a way of remaining competitive.Advertising Looking for essay on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More The market has become very hostile, and Samsung must ensure that it develops competitive strategies regularly to counter threats posed by competitors. This can be achieved through structuring the company on the basis of the current market forces, and ensuring that technology is at the core of all operations of the firm. References Cheap Samsung phones. (2012). The history. Web. Montgomery, A. (2012). Apple and Samsung on the rise in Best Global Brands ranking. Web. Samsung mobiles. (2012). Samsung history. Web. Yodhia, A. (2013). Sample of SWOT Analysis: Samsung case. Web.

Monday, October 21, 2019

The eNotes Blog 8 Required High School Books Youll End UpLoving

8 Required High School Books Youll End UpLoving You may or may not have been eager to read Shakespeare as a teenager, but it’s likely that the classics you encountered in high school left a lasting mark on you. The books we read in our formative years stay with us long after, often becoming lifetime favorites. The universality of our favorite required reading books is one of their best traits, and this is furthered by the fact that most of us encountered them during our teenage years. They’re required for a reason! 1. Hamlet by William Shakespeare It’s hard to get out of high school without reading any Shakespeare, and his works show us a lot about literary history. Hamlet’s characteristically indecisive nature is at once infuriating and relatable to most high school students, but we love it beyond the curriculum for its complex take on revenge and tragedy. Page count: 416 Publish date: 1603 2. Invisible Man by Ralph Ellison†¨ Ellison’s masterful novel creates an intricate web of metaphors that examine the invisibility of the black body in the US- a topic as heartbreakingly relevant today as it was during the novels publication in 1952. While many students may wrestle with the complex life of the unnamed narrator, the themes of identity and power are bound to leave a lasting effect on readers. Page count: 192 Publish date: April 14, 1952 3. Lord of the Flies by William Golding†¨ This novella examines the notion of civilization and its potential to degrade in many situations. The more dramatic points, such as Simons and Piggy’s deaths, are intensely memorable. We love this novella for its ability to remind us that civilization is not inherent, which is a revolutionary and rebellious, but crucial, notion. Page count: 182 Publish date: 1954 4. The Catcher in the Rye by J. D. Salinger†¨ One of the most divisive books of the required reading genre, Salinger’s solitary novel remains a favorite to many people after high school graduation. The story follows distraught-and-disillusioned-teen Holden Caulfield as he works through ideas of identity and loss while making a solo journey through New York City. Holdens journey takes on different meanings to different generations, and the gravity of his coming-of-age experience resonates especially well with teenagers. Page count: 277 Publish date: July 16, 1951 5. The Crucible by Arthur Miller†¨ Arthur Miller’s play examines the rise of McCarthyism through an allegorical lens: the Salem witch trials. This work is particularly valuable in the classroom, because it teaches about two significant points in American history at once. The play also serves as a cautionary tale in many ways, warning against the pull of group hysteria and advocating for the value of truth. Page count: 143 Publish date: January 22, 1953 6. The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald In what many consider to be the classic American novel, Fitzgerald unpacks the idea of the American dream. You may have been excited to read this book given the glitz and glamour that the 1920s setting implies. Hopefully, even after the sparkle wears off as you get further into Gatsby’s life, the depth of the book still held you. The Great Gatsby remains well-loved, even outside of the classroom, as its brutally honest debunking of the American dream rings true across generations. Page count: 182 Publish date: April 10, 1925 7. The Metamorphosis by Franz Kafka Gregor Samsa’s transformation into a ungeziefer (a German word which roughly translates to â€Å"vermin† or â€Å"insect†- an incredibly insulting term) tells a larger story about class relations. This novella hooks younger readers in with its dark yet whimsical plot as well as one of the most well-known opening lines in fiction: â€Å"As Gregor Samsa awoke one morning from uneasy dreams he found himself transformed in his bed into a monstrous vermin.†   You may have been surprised or even confused when Gregor’s sweet sister turns on her transformed brother, making the story’s ultimate message about work and societal value that much more potent. Page count: 201 Publish date: 1915 8. To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee†¨ Voted as America’s favorite book, Lee’s debut masterpiece sells millions of copies each year to this day. We love To Kill a Mockingbird now just as much as we did in high school for its power to affect the reader with a deep sense of empathy and compassion. This book remains talked about and studied for a multitude of reasons, even in recent times- a testament to the nuance of one of the most-readable required books. Page count: 324 Publish date: July 11, 1960

Saturday, October 19, 2019

An Investigation Into the Mental Health and Substance Abuse Among Veterans Essay Example for Free

An Investigation Into the Mental Health and Substance Abuse Among Veterans Essay There are numerous issues facing American veterans returning home from war, both past and present. They are taught how to transform themselves into different people who are better adept at performing under severe war-zone stressors. They are prepared physically and sometimes mentally for what they will be entering into on foreign territory but not often enough for the challenge of re-entering civilian life. Soldiers are falling through the cracks in our system upon returning home, shown through an increase in post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and substance abuse among veterans. Two theories that I will be exploring in this paper are Conflict Theory and Phenomenology Theory. There is more conflict everyday over what our troops should be doing and why. Any doubt of following the path to become a soldier is critiqued as going against the protection of our country, yet once they come out the other end of this journey the supported soldier is gone and in its place is either the glorified hero or sympathized victim. The phenomena of PTSD can create confusion for everyone involved. There is rarely a great understanding of a soldier’s mind and how it interprets their experiences into reactions after war. These experiences have a real effect on their lives and how they care and handle themselves after war. The way society has constructed what a soldier should represent does not include asking for help and makes them appear weak when if they show vulnerability. This issue is important because even today with easier access to treatment, many veterans today won’t or can’t seek out help. To many it is easier to turn to substance abuse to self-medicate and erase confusion from past experiences. In the book Fields of Combat, stories are told of how soldiers are trained to kill and understand that to be a true soldier you must accept you own death. Author Erin Finley describes what it is like for soldiers who came home and developed PTSD, and puts their experiences into a social and cultural perspective. She paints a portrait of PTSD to reveal to readers that there is no comprehensive way to understand or experience it. â€Å"As an anthropologist, I find the web of tangled arguments over PTSD fascinating because these conflicts are in many ways about the nature of war-related suffering itself† (Finley, 2011). She describes how to understand PTSD, we must listen to the experience and concerns of the veterans before we can begin to help them. The Conflict Theory can be applied to many aspects of a veteran’s life, the individual, their families, communities, and organizations around them. These troops return home without knowing how to integrate back into society. The families who should be overjoyed about the safe return of one of their members are displaced without having proper resources to help their loved ones mental health. They are not given the same stress and trauma training the soldiers is given, nor do they know of the experiences causing change in the soldier. There is not often enough knowledge available to the family of what it will be like for the family to have a soldier return home and can be caught off guard by what the soldier will experience upon return. Communities are affected by having one of their members experiencing side effects of war form attempting to re-enter the work force to social events and even the death of such troops of veterans. There is much debate about how war is handled in t he United States. It is generally agreed upon that protection of American citizens is of importance, but from there on out there is little agreement among groups. When thinking about this debate I cannot help but recall driving up to an intersection in my hometown and seeing picketers on either side of the street. Pro-war protesters held signs on one hand that said â€Å"FREEDOM IS NOT FREE† while anti-war protesters fought back with signs that reminded drivers of the ever-growing death toll of soldiers and civilians. Each side questioning the motives behind the other, from wasting America’s resources to question one’s loyalty to America. While these groups have different interests about sending our troops off to war, they should be able to come together when the troops return in order to offer services to help return to a life as normal as possible. From a Marxist view, veterans can be seen as an exploitation of the government by using the troops to their advantage and profit. While the troops are deployed the government basically owns them, but when they return they must often fend for their own mental and physical well-being. Capitalism has created a class division in this case. The bourgeoisie of our government sit back passively and brush off the symptoms of PTSD as a common experience expected after war. The most common symptoms of PTSD for veterans are thoughts of suicide, domestic violence, substance abuse and panic attacks. These symptoms would cause concern from anyone else but they are brushed under the rug for veterans because it is simply assumed that war experiences will have these kid of severe affects on those exposed. To critique the theory that a small elite group is responsible for deploying troops, we must acknowledge that many groups with similar interests come together to enable war to take place. Propaganda is imposed among society from interest groups on either side of the fence on war. Troops do not simply decide to pack up and head overseas to kill people, nor are they currently forced into deployment; it is their choice to enlist. The people in higher government position who can declare war do not just wake up in that position, they are elected there by the people of this country knowing, for the most part, what views they stand behind. This theory is consistent with social works ethics because it represents the working class and wants to bring consciousness to those who hold power and how we can reduce conflict, ignorance, and inequality. In the book, David Grossman tells readers how soldiers killing patterns have changed over time. During previous wars years ago soldiers were more reluctant to kill and fired their weapons more as a warning instead of a kill shot. The Army has since taken steps to increase the percentage of shorts fired to be directed at the actually enemy. Since it was shown to have be easier to get soldiers to kill from a distance instead of up close, machines were provided to allow for distance physically and mentally. The soldiers are basically be dehumanized to be better weapons to the government. He refers to this as Acquired Violence Immune Deficiency, where people have such a fear of what they are experience that their brain reverts to classical and operant condition, which the government has replaced by weakening the part of the soldier that does not want to kill and inserting the actions they prefer. This action represents yet another way that higher ups are using soldiers as their own material resource, in context to the Conflict Theory. The exploitive subordination of soldiers allows the government to profit by actually influencing how the soldiers think. The government understands that changing the social behavior of a soldier will lead to more power over them and their actions. This theory would show clear winners being the government who benefits from soldiers subordination and the soldiers who suffer. In contrast, you cannot presume that every action the ruling government takes over soldiers is for their benefit alone. The actions, while not always moral, are taken to protect the entire country. Treatment is provided for returning soldiers, even if it is not know or easily accessible to all. The emphasis is not solely social control but consensus and conformity. To go to war is a decision made by different group, not only elites, and a general agreement must be reached before actions are taken with soldiers or deployment. Soldiers are not forced into employment; they conform to the position because their attitudes, beliefs and behaviors are similar to those around them in the Army. In the article by David Zucchino, it tells about a soldier who opened fire from his home without warning because he felt he was under attack. This event took place after he received inadequate treatment for PTSD after being diagnosed at â€Å"high risk† for the disease. He was sent to a prison that did not offer him any further treatment for PTSD since they were not affiliated with the military. He is one of the many veterans that has not being given proper treatment after being diagnosed to be at rick for PTSD and ending up in civilian prison where they cannot access further help. He is now left in prison where his symptoms and condition will only worsen. From the Phenomenology standpoint we would look at expectations of his experience to understand and describe this phenomena. Looking at what appears to be instead of reality, his subjective experiences show emotions he is not fully aware of. His actions, like those of other veterans, stem directly from past and present sensory experiences and cannot defined the same way for each person. The appearance of returning veterans is seen as this joyous moment where they step off a plane in to the loving arms of family and are then forgotten about by most of the culture. Families and communities are left to deal with the veteran’s actions without knowing the driving forces behind their appearance of their actions. The government sees what it wants to see and transfers that to the public. We are shown this ideal soldier who is deployed to protect us and comes home a hero, which our consciousness retained as a singular memory of a soldier. That is what society wants to believe about war because our consciousness does not want to identify killing, death, and destruction with our freedom or it would not be as easy to ship off members of our own community to their impending death. Once they return they are given a pat on the back for a job well done and turned over with the intention of re-entering a community as a normal member once again. We define the content of our consciousness as making this place, America, better by using an object, the soldier, to do so. â€Å"Central Prison has done a good job of treating Eisenhauer’s physical wounds† (Zucchino, 2012). We treat what we can see, but leave what we do not understand unattended. In this theory we can only see one side of the situation at a time, and we are stuck on this glorified soldier but cannot combine with him the vulnerability and confusion he returns home with. In critique to this theory, there are things outside of our memory and consciousness that do exist. Just because we cannot fully grasp what is happening to these veterans does not mean that it is not happening. They are sent essentially sent to another world to deal with hardships and are thrown back into reality without being reprogrammed. There are not always theoretical structures that will allow us to understand the phenomena of what the veterans will go through. References Carter, A. C., Capone , C., & Eaton Short, E. (2011). Co-occurring posttraumatic stress disorder and alcohol use disorders in veteran populations. Journal of Dual Diagnosis, 7(4), 285-299. Finley, E. P. (2011). Fields of combat: Understanding PTSD among veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan. Ithaca: Cornell University Press. Grossman, D. (2009). On killing: The psychological cost of learning to kill in war and society. New York: Back Bay Books. Levinson, N. (2012). What really happened to america’s soldier, The Nation. Retrieved November 20, 2012 from http://www.thenation.com/article/168652/what-has-really-happened-americas-soldiers# Litz, B., & Orsillo, S. M. (2010). Iraq war clinician guide . (pp. 21-32). Department of Veteran Affairs. Retrieved December 1, 2012 from http://www.ptsd.va.gov/professional/manuals/manual-pdf/iwcg/iraq_clinician_guide_ch_3.pdf Stecker, T. (2011). 5 Survivors: Personal stories of healing from PTSD and traumatic events. Center City: Hazelden Foundation. Zucchino, D. (2012, June 24). Accused soldier is a prisoner to ptsd; believing he was under attack by insurgents, he started firing from his home. Los Angeles Times. Retrieved on December 1, 2012 from http://search.proquest.com.ezproxy.uvm.edu/docview/1021854523/13AE8FF837D23A623BE/7?accountid=14679 An Investigation Into the Mental Health and Substance Abuse Among Veterans. (2017, Feb 13). We have essays on the following topics that may be of interest to you

Friday, October 18, 2019

Differences between Qualitative Research and Quantitative Research Essay

Differences between Qualitative Research and Quantitative Research - Essay Example Methods of Qualitative Research There are three main methods by which qualitative research is carried out that is personal or group observation, in- depth interviews and focus group. All these three methods contain unstructured and structured questions and based on reactions and experiences the results are estimated (Mack and Woodsong 2005). Uses of Qualitative Research Qualitative research is used in a specific format to give a complete idea of the study. This formatting helps the researcher in formulating surveys and questions in a manner that the right results can be achieved for the inquiry. Since qualitative research is focused on feelings and experiences so it is important that the questions formulated relate to the research and so do the answers (FHI 360 2011). So it is important to carry out a formative research. You can also refine your findings through formative research and avoid response bias by creating different sort of questions that people don’t hesitate to ans wer and give explanations more freely rather than an atypical answer. Qualitative researches also tend to validate the whole research in a way that the information collected verifies the numerical data collected (FHI 360 2011). Social and economic factors are included in qualitative research that helps in justifying results and providing long lasting analysis to the study. This form of research is advantageous for experimental and investigation research topics because unstructured questioning opens up new eras of research and a better understanding of the problem is reached by the researcher (FHI 360 2011). Subjects and topics that have no previous study or research can also be explored well in detail through in depth interviews by... There are two main forms of research that are being carried out currently in the field of research and development. These are the qualitative and quantitative researches. Qualitative and quantitative researches are two different approaches that deal with each aspect of the concerned study in a different perspective. The methods and techniques adopted for each category is also different and this term paper discusses both the researches in details and their link to digital information. The interpretation of the results collected also varies according to the researcher due to diversity and complexity of views. Qualitative research and quantitative research are two different aspects of research and each differs from the other. Qualitative research is all based on intangible things and hypothesis. This research focuses more on understanding experiences. Quantitative research on the other hand involves two variables, an independent variable and a dependant variable. Qualitative research is objective in nature and involves numerical figures and data. Quantitative research involves all forms of sampling and data is collected in the form of statistical figures. Structured interviews, surveys and questionnaires are a perfect example of quantitative research.Quantitative research can be conducted using digital recording systems and online platforms for the purpose. These systems help in repeating the information or data recorded earlier in clear quality and analyzing data.

In Bacon's rebellion, why was it said to be only a rebellion, not a Essay

In Bacon's rebellion, why was it said to be only a rebellion, not a revulation - Essay Example Bacon thought the Indians, all Indians, were the enemy. After warring Indians made raids on the white population, Bacon wanted to eradicate them. The common men liked this sentiment, so started following Bacon. Fear and racism led to Bacons successful recruitment of his followers. Bacon did not have a revolutionary statement. His rallying cry to the men was kill the Indians, not overthrow the government. Since, the government wanted to capture and execute the warring Indians, Bacons ideas were not revolutionary. Bacon rebelled because the government would not give him permission to kill the Indians. Even the permission that Bacon did receive was forced by Bacons men. The King never gave Bacon permissio to lead this band of men. If Bacon would have stuck to fighting Indians, his actions might not have even been considered a rebellion. However, his men started plundering richer citizens that sided with Berkeley. Racism against the Indians motivated Bacon, but so did greed. He plundered not only from the Indians, enslaving them, but Berkeleys friends and the richer class. When Bacon died of the bloody flux, his followers quickly disbanded. Other than a few followers, when Berkeley came back the men switched allegiance to him. The Bacon followers who did not vow allegiance to Berkeley were executed. No real change was made in the government by Bacons influence. Bacons original message about eradicating Indians was the intent of the Berkeley led government all along. Thus Bacon did not even influence this aspect of governmental policy. Berkeley had made up his mind that all Indians were bad. Bacon did not give Berkeley a chance to implement this idea, until after Bacons own death. Both men shared their hatred of the Indians. If Berkeley would have focused on taxes, corruption, or lack of protection from the Indians, a revolution could have occured. Real change could

Article Analysis I Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Article Analysis I - Essay Example Pakistan itself is a newly industrializing country (NIC) and therefore alongside India and China, a big emerging market (BEM). President Musharraf’s is no longer in power in Pakistan, but the social and economic situation in the country is more or less the same with free market incentives and continued privatization. Thus, it â€Å"offers investors a rare, dual strategic opportunity, as both a production and export platform and as a growing market itself†. From a westerner’s business perspective looking to identify new opportunities for investment, the socio-cultural, political-legal, economic and the competitive environment are all important considerations. At the same time however, it is a country beset with numerous problems too. For example, social inequalities are a big problem, its social infrastructure is not fully developed; there have always been tensions with India over Kashmir, and there are American trained militants in the border areas with Afghanistan. So, whilst Pakistan’s economic growth has tremendous potential, there are also risks and pitfalls peculiar to Pakistan. MNCs and other business people can avoid these pitfalls in many ways. The major points and issues are listed below. All of these fulfill the need for information and awareness, which is the primary purpose of a robust multinational and global market research. Strategic advantages can be gained by being quick, or if possible first, as this helps to gain market share. Telenor for example, is a Norwegian company that has quickly established itself as a major player in the telecom industry in Pakistan. A good understanding of culture â€Å"is critical to understand the wide range of cultural identities in Pakistan when developing market segmentation strategies, pricing policies, and promotional strategies†, and for targeted marketing. Central to this is knowing that the partitioning of India and Pakistan led to the latter being created as an

Thursday, October 17, 2019

You decide Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 1

You decide - Essay Example not all will be able to use communication as a tool to improve one ’s self professionally, it is used in everyday living and is crucial to more important things. For instance, a relationship may be ruined if there is no proper communication or if there is a lack of it, or misunderstandings occur when one is not so articulate as to get the message through. One of the most important parts of communication probably is persuasive speaking. This is so considered due to the fact that people have the need to be understood and have other people agreeing or supporting one’s opinions. I consider this the most interesting part of our lesson because I think it is does not just involve the use of words but of emotion, logic and credibility. This is a truly challenging part of communication because it could show how much a speaker is informed about something and may reveal how a person processes information. I think it is also used daily in many forms because as mentioned earlier, people have the need to be understood and have their opinions supported by others. Therefore, a good reputation may help a lot for a speaker to be heard and believed. No one would definitely listen to a carpenter speaking about medicine but people will rely on information brought by a specialist known to have spent years of study in his field. Moreover, a display of emotion in persuasive speaking helps a lot. For instance, a scientist calls for support for a program that would help deter global warming; he might need to use emotions to convince listeners the need for the promotion. What is most interesting to me about persuasive speaking is the logic used behind it. During the process, a speaker should remember that his listeners do not believe the same things he does and it is his job to convince them and have them agree with him. One cannot just manipulate people to believe things as another person does or to agree with every word a speaker says but, through words and the display of

Window Shopping in Britain Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Window Shopping in Britain - Case Study Example The reports by the media that shopping is a major pastime activity in Britain, is true. Zara Fashions is one of the fashion and clothing companies that invest heavily in marketing its products. Shopping is an important activity in Britain. Shopping is not taken just as a necessity whereby individuals go to buy what they need; it has more of a social meaning. In Britain, shopping is one of the pastime activities. Shopping for necessities such as food is done on a regular basis and without much thought. However, shopping for goods that are not necessities is more organized. For luxurious goods, more effort is put in shopping with prior preparation that involves research on potential shopping areas. Most of the people in Britain do their shopping when they have enough time rather than when they are in a hurry. Thus, most of the shopping is done during the evenings and on the weekends. As a social activity, most shopping is not done just by an individual rather; most of the shoppers are accompanied. Window shopping has a high social meaning in Britain. This behaviour is observed in most of the cities and towns in Britain. Most people admire products in shopping marts and supermarkets. Window shopping plays a big role in helping most people make decisions on the kind of products to buy. Although window shopping is common in almost all products; clothing and fashion marts attract most of the window shoppers (Sullivan, Adcorck, 2002). This shopping behaviour in most of the Britain people has influenced the way marketing for clothing and fashion is done. Window displays are a key means of marketing fashion and clothing. The trend of fashion and clothing involves frequent changes in fashion. In consequence, the taste of the customer also changes. Most customers are attracted to fashions that are new to the market and are attractive to their eyes. Thus, before making a decision on the kind of fashion or clothing to buy, individuals must have come across the fashion or clothing. In making decisions, most customers base their decisions on having seen someone else in the fashion or having come across the fashion in a display window. A display window is the first thing that a customer comes across before entering a fashion shop (Leydenfrost, 2006, 230). When entering the shop, the customer usually has an idea on the kind of clothing that he or she is attracted to. Most people go for window shopping in fashion shops to update themselves on the new fashions in the market. Thus, the displays in the fashion shops are made in a manner that is attractive to customers and that send a good message about a product of a business Zara Fashions is one of the most successful fashion and clothing company in the world. In London, the company has a store along Regent Street. In all its stores, Zara fashion takes its marketing very seriously. The displays in the stores enable the different varieties of fashions to be displayed under different categories (Sullivan, Adcorck, 2002, 23). The major categories in the London Zara fashion store are the men's and women's apparel. The other categories are children's fashion and fashions for various occasions. Occasions such as weddings, executive affairs, church and casual dressing are featured in the store. The window display in Zara fashion aims to attract all categories of customers. Men's and women's clothing are displayed in the window. The display in the store portrays a sense quality. The fashions