Csr Framework

Theoretical Framework: Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Definition CSR is a much broader concept than business ethics. Business ethics is the application of ethics and ethical theory to the decision of business. CSR claims that businesses are more than just profit-seeking entities and, therefore, also have any obligation to benefit society. CSR is about business and other organizations going beyond the legal obligation to manage the impact they have on the environment and society. In particular, this could include how organizations interact with their employees, suppliers, customers and the community in which they operate, as well as the extent they attempt to protect the environment. Nature According to Carroll’s four-part model, corporate social responsibility encompasses the economic, legal, ethical, and philanthropic expectations [placed on organizations by society at a given point in time. Motivation To be corporate social responsible, businesses must go beyond profit-making to be responsible for a variety of stakeholder groups other than focusing exclusively on investors. It is applicable to both large corporations and SMEs. The firm goes beyond compliance and engages in ‘actions that appear to further some social good, belongs to the interests of the firm and that which is required by law’. Outcome The outcome of CSR includes financial performance, corporate reputation – brand & image, employee commitment, cost saving, customers, government, and competitiveness. Components There are six stakeholder groups considered as the most important influence factors in terms of corporations’ social responsibility. They are shown as followings: Customer responsibility practices It demonstrates customer commitment by providing high quality service that includes complete information, responding to customer complaints, and adapting products and services to enhance customer satisfaction. Employee responsibility practices This element includes equitable employee selection, promotion, and compensation practices, supporting employee educational development, and helping employees attain work-family life balance. Investor responsibility practices It encompasses the factors related to seeking investor input on strategic decisions, responding to investor needs and requests, and providing all investors with a competitive return on their investment. Supplier responsibility practices It focuses on developing long-term collaborative supplier relationships founded on open communication and information sharing, cooperative goal- and decision-making, and offering suppliers price guarantees for the future. Community responsibility practices It demonstrates voluntary commitment to improve the quality of life in their local communities by giving resources to local charities, and sponsoring cultural, sports, and education programs. Environmental responsibilities It integrates environmental sustainability goals and objectives in organizational operations. It is typified by voluntarily exceeding government environmental regulations, implementing environmental management systems. Influence Factors There are two types of Influence Factors in CSR, which are Macro Factors and Micro Factors. Macro Factors are the external elements affecting CSR strategy development of the company whereas Micro Factors are those internal elements having effect on CSR strategy decision making of the company. Macro Factors can be the environmental factors such as Political, Economical, Social and Technological elements. On the other hand, Micro factors can be Firm size, Budget, Top management commitment, Decision maker morality and Company culture.

Conceptualizing a Business Essay

Strategic planning for the purpose of developing a business is vital. In my opinion, a strong vision, mission, and values make up the foundation that is required to build a successful business. This paper will introduce the business selected in week two and will explain the importance of the selected business’s vision, mission, and values as they correspond in determining a strategic direction. The created vision for this organization will clearly demonstrate the future plans for the business. The guiding principles or values for the selected business considering the topics of culture, social responsibility, and ethics will be defined. Next, an analytical overview of how the vision, mission, and values guide the organization’s strategic direction will be discussed. Finally, an evaluation of how the organization addresses customer needs and critiques how the business achieves competitive advantage will be performed. When selecting a business these planning processes are important and will help define what direction the business is going in for success. The first objective in strategically planning a business is to have a vision. As stated by BusinessDictionary. om, a Vision Statement is: â€Å"An aspirational description of what an organization would like to achieve or accomplish in the mid-term or long-term future. It is intended to serves as a clear guide for choosing current and future courses of action. † The vision for the company is to be like Wal-Mart, a one-stop shop. I envision the hair salon to become a unisex salon, spa, and barber shop. The vision is for a person to come in and get his or her hair, nails and skin care, while having the option to purchase professional hair and beauty products at a fair and reasonable price. The vision is to incorporate a boutique where not only can people get pampered but can also buy a nice outfit to complete their look. The motto is, â€Å"We keep you neat from your head to your feet,† and therefore incorporating a boutique will confirm the motto of the business. The vision is to incorporate services that will stand out only in said selected salon and to provide professional caregivers and products to make customers feel as if they are on top of the world relaxing in a cloud of comfort ability. The business selected is a professional hair salon. When considering starting a business, one should ask themselves, â€Å"What is the mission for my business? † The mission of a company is the unique purpose that sets it apart from other companies of its type and identifies the scope of its operations (Pearce, & Robinson, 2009). The mission for the selected hair salon is to supply products and services to customers with exceptional customer service. To create a pleasurable environment with high-level professionals, for desired hair and body care results. Our Motto is, â€Å"We keep you neat from your head to your feet. The chosen business strives to use high quality products with passion and courtesy to all clients. The name for the hair salon will be, â€Å"The Malveaux Hair Experience. † The Malveaux Hair Experience needs guiding principles or values considering the topics of culture, social responsibility, and ethics. It is the responsibility of the salon owner to ensure that all personnel are adequately trained, licensed, and understands each service offered (Fulbright, 2004). It is the salon owner responsibility to be aware of the liabilities of the salon, licensed personnel, clean environment, and clean equipment. The social responsibility of a salon is pondering hair trend, marketing, and clients. The salon should be run with individual morals and values as well as the values of the business. In a salon setting, the professionals must have respect for one another. There has to be a strong trust factor with each other personal items and salon products. The salon has personnel has to consist of a group of team players. Although stylist has their own style of artistry, they must all be on the same professional level. Each employee of the salon must portray positive attitudes and leadership skills. Customers will be greeted with a friendly smile and treated fair and with respect. It is the responsibility of the salon’s team members to create an environment that treats people the way he or she expects to be treated and not subject the business to anything short of this type of behavior. The vision, mission, and values guide the organizations strategic direction. The vision, mission, and values of the company help to forecast the business’s success. As long as the business is following the strategic plan by which the foundation and integrity of the company is built, customers will continue to come and receive services. People will spread the word of good service he or she received while visiting The Malveaux Hair Experience. Good values will help the business grow in areas the business could not imagine. If the employees and manager of the business follow the strategic plan of the company, the company will be successful and profitable. The vision, mission, and values will help all employees involved and will allow the team to be on the same accord. This is a perfect example of how to keep team communication consistent and giving excellent customer service to clients. When employees work toward one common goal, the organization is channeled in the right direction. The mission helps to generate possible and desired opportunities. The organization needs to evaluate how the organization addresses customer needs and critique how he or she achieves competitive advantage. The salon has to evaluate the services and products provided to the customers. Evaluate whether or not the needs are met in accordance to the ethics of the business. The business has to evaluate whether or not it is providing services that other salons are not offering. The business has to evaluate the competition it has and make sure its business providing the best customer service. The business can evaluate repeat customers and if the needs are being met. If a customer tells his or her family and friends about the services or services The Malveaux Hair Experience is providing, the word of mouth referrals will be a good evaluation of how the business is doing. This will also provide a way to analyze whether or not the company is meeting the needs of the customers and meeting or exceeding the competitive advantage. This paper explained the importance of a business’s vision, mission, values, and has determined the strategic direction. When a strategic plan is in place, this helps the business determine what needs to be the main focus. Planning helps the business show leadership and direction. The business has to have some direction to achieve goals set for the business. Working with a team of people who focus on the same goal will allow much success for businesses. Strategic management is the set of decision and actions that result in the formulation and implementation of plans designed to achieve a company’s objectives (Pearce, & Robinson, 2009).

Bakhara marketplace Essay Example for Free

Bakhara marketplace Essay Siad Barre’s rule was oppressive and divisive. Once an intelligence officer of the Italian fascists, he pitted clans against each other as a diversion from his decreasing popularity. Due to the strategic location of Somalia at the entrance to the Red Sea, it became of interest to both the United States and the Soviet Union during the Cold War. By 1966 Soviet Union became a supporter of Somalia and this would go on for 10 years. It supplied the country millions worth of arms and military equipment. But a territorial conflict between Somalia and Ethiopia in 1977 over the annexation of the Ogaden region of Ethiopia which is believed to be part of Greater Somalia saw a shift of support by the Soviet Union to Ethiopia which strained the relationship of the two countries. Siad Barre renounced their Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation, expelled all Soviet advisers, and ejected all Soviet personnel from Somalia. Barre then switched alliance with the United States. It supplied him with a total of $154 million worth of weapons and military equipment from 1981-1991. In this decade, Somalia descended into chaos with the continued warring clans. An insurgent group formed by the Hawieyah clan, the United Somali Congress, ousted Siad Barre from power in January 1991. Internal disputes led to a power vacuum and Somalia plunged into civil war. Two different faction leaders within the United Somali Congress announced their claims to power: Ali Mahdi Mohammed and Mohammed Farah Aidid. â€Å"It was this war, coupled with bad harvests, which led to the horrifying scenes of starvation that were televised around the world in 1992. By the end of 1992 about 350,000 Somalis had died. Another 1. 5 million, close to one-fourth of the remaining population, were thought to be in danger of starvation without massive food aid. â€Å" Somalia’s plight attracted international food aid. The United Nations launched Operation Provide Relief (UNOSOM – I) in August 1992 for Somalia. But the mission failed in their objective because food and supplies were often stolen and utilized as leverage for securing loyalty from clan leaders while almost three hundred thousand Somalis died of starvation. In December 1992, responding to the United Nations’ call for assistance, President George Bush obtained an approval from the U. N. that the United States combat troops lead an intervention force to Somalia. This was the famous Operation Restore Hope whose initial objective was to secure trade routes in Somalia so food could get to the people. The deployed troops would be sent home in time for then President Bill Clinton’s inauguration. Shortly upon his assumption of office, President Clinton intended to trim down U. S. troops in Somalia to be substituted by the United Nations peacekeeping troops. UNOSOM II was launched in March 1993 to restore order, improve infrastructure, and to help set up a representative government as part of its â€Å"nation building† mission in Somalia. During the inspection of Somali weapons storage site on June 5, 1993, 24 Pakistani soldiers were killed and it was believed that Aidid was responsible. The hunt for Aidid followed. Several military operations were done from June 12 to 16 in relation to Aidid’s capture including bombing a house in the capital, Mogadishu, where clan leaders were gathering. Four Western journalists investigated the scene but were beaten to their deaths by Somalis. By August 1993, four U. S. military police were killed and six soldiers were wounded. Then Task Force Ranger consisted of 440 elite troops from Delta Force led by General William Garrison flew into Mogadishu with the mission to capture Aidid. On that fateful October 3, 1993 the group raided the Olympia Hotel in Mogadishu. What followed was a seventeen-hour urban battle where eighteen U. S. soldiers were killed and eighty-four were wounded. Unfortunately, the Olympia Hotel was located east of the crowded Bakhara marketplace. Hundreds of Somalis were part of the casualties. However, the mission led to the capture of three important Aidid senior officers and about twenty Aidid supporters hiding within. News stories flashed and printed by the international media showed â€Å"chilling pictures of dead and captured Americans†, â€Å"television footage on CNN showed a frightened, wounded Blackhawk helicopter pilot†¦under interrogation by his Somali captors†, â€Å"Somalis watching as the body of an unidentified American was dragged through the streets at the end of a rope. † Bakhara marketplace. (2017, May 13).

Distinction between Crimes against Humanity and 'Cultural Genocide' Essay

Distinction between Crimes against Humanity and 'Cultural Genocide' - Essay Example However, there are some treaties that do not qualify to be expressions of customary law in situation where they have not be assimilated or complied with by countries that are considered civilized; thus, some customary law are not integrated in these treaties. Definition of Cultural Genocide (Article II of the Genocide Convention) Genocide has been encapsulated in the Genocide Convention of 1948, thereby undertaking an insufferable ratification for years; in fact it has been textually static. Genocide is not classified under national criminal codes; thus it is an international crime that is subjected to periodic re-evaluation and codification based on objectives of developing an integrated body of law. According to The Genocide Convention of 1948, Cultural Genocide is considered a form of crime that involves intention to obliterate entire or a section of racial, religious, or ethnic group. Moreover, this is a common of the five selected crimes, which are accomplished through a war. Ne vertheless, there have been precisions regarding definitional expectations of Conventions, which were provoked during debate when this Convention was being drafted among other ratifications that were involved. Definition of Cultural Genocide (Article VI of the Rome Statute) Article IV of the Rome Statue considers Genocide to be a means of committing acts, which are aimed at destroying a whole or section of national ethnical, racial, or religious group, and moreover, it specifies by indicating, this also entails murdering members of a certain group, causing serious physical or psychological harm to these members, or inflicting conditions that are considered physically destructive to a group of people. There are elements of the international Criminal Court (ICC) that add other requirements of genocide acts committed in the context of a manifested trend, which resembles this conduct being direct against a given group. Moreover, this involves behaviours, which is deemed to have effect t hat can cause destruction of a given group. Definition of Crime against Humanity (Article VII of the Rome Statute) Article VII of the Rome Statue defines crime against humanity is a perspective that considers it to be an attack on a territory that is very large to be considered â€Å"widespread†. In this case, the Rome Statue defines crime against humanity as â€Å"an attack or a course of conduct that involves multiple commissions of specific acts against a civilian population, who is a pursuant or in furtherance of a country or organized policy to undertake this attack†. Therefore, this statue considers the fact that crime against cannot be perpetrated by a single person by himself or herself, without involvement of a campaign against civilians2. On the other hand, the Article VII of the Rome Statue has recently added a list of crime against humanity, which entails deportation, extermination, forcible displacement of a population within a given country, incarceration , afflict, rape, enforcement of people to engage in activities such as sex slavery, prostitution. Other acts that have recently been considered crime against humanity include enforced pregnancy, enforced sterilization, and other acts, which count to be forms of sexual violence. Besides, persecuting against people of a certain political, racial, ethnic, cultural, gender, national or religious group is also considered a crime against hum

Examine with reference to relevant case law the extent to which it is Essay

Examine with reference to relevant case law the extent to which it is true to say that in the event of a breach of contract the - Essay Example D.). There may be money damages someone can collect when a contract is breached; however, there are limitations to how much damages may be collect due to a breach of a contract. When a teacher is employed by a school district the teacher is under a contract. The contract states that the teacher will remain on staff throughout the duration of the school year, and the school district promises that the teacher will have a job for the duration of the school year(N. A., N. D.). Sometimes the contract between a teacher and a school district is breached. Under certain circumstances the school board may terminate the teachers contract during the school year. When the school board terminates the contract during the school year the teacher is left without a steady paycheck. When someone is fired the person does not normally receive a severance pay. The teacher may be entitled to severance pay in the amount the teacher would have received in wages for duration of the school year. The teacher is limited to only this amount of damages. If a teacher terminates a contract and leaves during the school year, the school district will need to find a replacement to teach the students. The school board may then be entitled to compensation because the teacher terminated the contract. The school board would again be limited to the amount of damages specified in the contract (N. A., N. D.). If someone hires a construction company and the construction company does not complete the job on time, or the construction company creates a faulty structure then the person who employed the construction company would be entitled to damages caused by the construction company breaching the contract made between the person, and the construction company (N. A., N. D.). The person is only permitted to collect damages in the amount of how much damage was caused by the construction company when the construction company did not complete the job on time. The person may have planned to rent the structure, and lost rental fees because the person was unable to rent the structure. The person would be entitled to the amount of fees lost because the person was unable to rent the structure when the company did not complete the structure on time. If a construction company does not complete a project within the time specified in the contract the person who employed the construction company is legally permitted to terminate the contract without any legal ramifications. The person who enters into a lease with an apartment complex is entitled to stay in the apartment community until the end of the lease (N. A., N. D.). The person signed a lease, and agreed to pay the apartment community the amount specified in the lease every month until the end of the lease. If for some reason the tenant is not able to pay the specified amount of monthly rent, and defaults on the rent, the apartment community may be entitled to damages caused by the tenant not paying the rent. The apartment community is entitl ed to collect the amount of money owed. If the tenant breaches the contract by nonpayment in the tenth month of residency the apartment community is limited to collect the fees owed for three months of rent, and attorney costs. A breach of a contract case is usually heard before a judge. A person in a breach of a contract case is entitled to receive a trial by a jury, but not always. The Constitution does not specify for a jury trial at all trials. In a breach of a contract case the judge, and possibly jury will hear all of the credible evidence

Financial Markets and Bank Management Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words - 2

Financial Markets and Bank Management - Essay Example We understand that you wish to expand your business operations and therefore, your fund requirement has increased. Our observations on your firm’s balance sheet are as per the following. The current ratio of the firm has declined in the year just completed though it still stays above 1.0; however, the quick ratio appears to be under strain. We notice that the acid-test ratio has gone down below 0.50 in the latest financial year. Net margin has also declined from 2.5 percent in year 2013 to 2.1 percent in the latest fiscal. Moreover, the net interest cover of the firm has also declined from 3.0 times to 2.7 times that provides marginal safety net for the firm in the current sluggish business environment. The declining stock turnover (in days) year after year is a good sign. In fact, it also establishes the declining needs of the working capital for your business. We have worked out the working capital requirement for your firm based on the information provided by you. The increased working capital requirement for the projected sales of  £1,550,000 is likely to be  £167,000 (working in annexure A). Considering the strength of your balance sheet and increased worki ng capital requirement, our bank increases existing overdraft limit from  £90,000 to  £180,000 and that should be adequate to meet your requirements. Our bank is in receipt of your loan request to increase the overdraft facility to  £10,000. We understand that you have to meet some essential expenses such as school fees for your son. Kindly find our detailed reply to your loan application in the following paragraphs. We extend overdraft facility to our valued customers essentially to meet some contingencies and sort out temporary cash flow issues when you fail to receive your dues in time. Though you started with initial overdraft of  £2,000 it has steadily increased and has reached to  £3,600. We notice

About culture(anthropology) Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

About culture(anthropology) - Essay Example Pranzo was the mid- day meal was the most important meal of the day which consisted of grain products. Some of their specialties consisted of anchovies or tuna on bread, pickled vegetables (sott’acetti) and well preserved meats such as salami or prosciutto which was served along with fresh sliced cantaloupe or fresh figs. Most Florentines love the primo course the best which consists of a filling minestra – pasta or bread in soup. In the 1980’s, Polenta which is another well loved soup made of cornmeal mush which could be eaten either fried, or cooked with tomato sauce or even just plain. Traditionally meat played a minor role where Florentine cuisine was concerned because most people did not find it very tasty and used it mostly as toppings or flavorings. Now –a – days most of them eat vegetables cooked in either sauce or fried with eggs. Dinner was called cena and was eaten between 7.30 0r 8.00 pm. It was much lighter than pranzo and consisted of bread with butter, wine, sugar or olive oil. But in the 1980’s the merenda (snack) was made up of sweet cookies, bread and Nutella (processed chocolate hazelnut) By the fag end of the 20th century, the variety of snacks outside meals increased considerably. (Vercelloni 1998, 985) There was a strict separation between sweet and salt that the Florentines adhered to. Now – a – days I feel don’t have such a distinction and eat whatever they feel like eating. Sweets were rarely eaten and deserts were prepared only on special occasions. Every meal of pranzo or cena concluded with a fresh seasonal fruit. Sundays were special and special meals were cooked which usually included chicken. Christmas and Easter were special occasions where meals were elaborate- but not any more because people’s attitudes have changed and they feel – everyday is a holiday! The most important item in Florentine cuisine is

Cloud Development Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Cloud Development - Essay Example As the temperature decreases the molecules lose some of their energy, and compress onto particles in the atmosphere, shaping clouds. Water molecules are stored in the atmosphere in all three states of matter. Water vapor in the atmosphere is commonly referred to as humidity. If liquid and solid forms of water can overcome atmospheric updrafts they can fall to the Earth's surface as precipitation. The formation of ice crystals and water droplets occurs when the atmosphere is cooled to a temperature that causes condensation or deposition. Four processes that can trigger such atmospheric cooling are oro-graphic uplift; convectional uplift; air mass convergence; and energy loss. [01] Precipitation can be defined as any aqueous deposit, in liquid or solid form, that develops in a saturated atmospheric environment and generally falls from clouds. A number of different precipitation types have been classified by meteorologists including rain, freezing rain, snow, ice pellets, snow pellets, and hail. Fog represents the saturation of air near the ground surface. Classification of fog types is accomplished by the identific ation of the mechanism that caused the air to become saturated. [01] The distribution of precipitation on the Earth's surface is generally controlled by the absence or presence of mechanisms that lift air masses to cause saturation. It is also controlled by the amount of water vapor held in the air, which is a function of air temperature. A figure is presented that illustrates global precipitation patterns. Clouds and Their Formation: A cloud can be defined as a visible mass of condensed droplets, frozen crystals suspended in the atmosphere above the surface of the Earth. More importantly, these clouds can also occur as masses of material in interstellar space, where they are called interstellar clouds and nebulae. [02] On Earth the condensing substance is typically water vapor, which forms small droplets or ice crystals, typically 0.01 mm in diameter. [02] When surrounded by billions of other droplets or crystals they become visible as clouds. Dense deep clouds exhibit a high reflectance (70% to 95%) throughout the visible range of wavelengths: they thus appear white, at least from the top. Cloud droplets tend to scatter light efficiently, so that the intensity of the solar radiation decreases with depth into the cloud, hence the gray or even sometimes dark appearance of the clouds at their base. [02] Thin clouds may appear to have acquired the color of their environment or background, and clouds illuminated by n on-white light, such as during sunrise or sunset, may be colored accordingly. In the near-infrared range, clouds would appear darker because the water that constitutes the cloud droplets strongly absorbs solar radiation at those wavelengths. [02] Types of Clouds: Although there are many types of clouds with respect to their different characteristics, clouds are mainly divided into three major classifications. These are as under, Cirrus Clouds: The name originates from the Latin word meaning "curl of hair". These feathery clouds form very high up in the sky (at altitudes between 5 km and 14 km) where it is very cold. [03] They are therefore made up of tiny ice crystals rather than water droplets. Cirrus clouds occur in warm air which is being slowly lifted over a large area by an approaching cold front, and they

Economic Growth in US Spurred by New Innovative Technologies Essay

Economic Growth in US Spurred by New Innovative Technologies - Essay Example The essay "Economic Growth in US Spurred by New Innovative Technologies" talks about the last 30 years of the 19th century which was a time in the United States history that was defined by economic growth spurred by new innovative technologies. The greater overall levels of prosperity lead to a massive population growth in this country.For example, the city of New York had a population of 468,492 in 1869, twenty years later the population had grown to 1,093,701 inhabitants. The cities became overpopulated and there was a need to expand away from the cities into the suburban areas. Society was in need of more housing for the new residents that were entering the country either through immigration or through natural birth. The most influential factor that spurred the economy during this era was the construction industry.There were big changes during this era in the capability humans had to travel longer distances in shorter periods of time. New technological breakthroughs in transportat ion systems shorten the distances between rural areas and cities. Some of the key transportation technologies that appeared during this era were the cable street car, the electric trolley, and elevated railroads. With the ability to travel further distances the population and families were able to move away to intermediate regions between the city and rural space, thus the suburban neighborhood was born. At this time construction of homes picked up and enter into the middle class was defined by ownership of a home.

Ancient Religions Essay Example for Free

Ancient Religions Essay The ancient Norse religion was commonly followed and practiced by people in northern regions of the world, such as Scandinavia, Norway, Iceland and surrounding countries. It was believed that the world first came about when a northern and southern land, Niflheim and Muspellheim, both joined together. Niflheim (house of mists) , an extremely cold, icy land and Muspellheim (home of desolation) the seemingly opposite of Niflheim, a hot, fiery land. As both lands joined together, the reaction of the contrasting temperatures caused the ice of Niflheim to melt creating the first two living creatures Ymer, the giant and Audhumla, a female cow. From these two the first Gods were created (Odin, Vile and Ve), and from them the first human beings were created by Odin from an elm and ash tree. Due to a disagreeance between Ymer and the God’s, the giant was killed and from his body, landforms and other living races were created. The gods were revered by many as they were the creators of the races and established the different parts of the world, the world tree or Yggdrasil included. The Yggdrasil is one of the principal beliefs in Nordic religion as it was known as the centre of their nordic universe, the world tree was said to have held nine different realms within its branches. The realms were situated in different areas of the tree at the top, within the canopy; Asgard (heaven) was located. This is where many gods lived including Odin in Valhalla. In addition to Asgard two other realms Vanaheim (home of the fertility god) and Aflheim (home of light elves) were located at the highest level of the world tree. These realms were known as â€Å"divine†. Norse folk believed that Midgard, the middle section of Yggdrasil held the human world. Along with midgard, Nidavellir, Jotunheim and Svartalfhiem, home of the dwarves, giants and dark elves were also present here. At the third and bottom level of the tree the two lands that created the first living beings are found. It is believed that Hel, the place of death, is part of the harsh, destitute lands of Niflheim. Hel is connected to one of the three main root of the world tree and it is known as the underworld, the second root leads to Jotunheim( realm of the giants) and the third is connected to the divine realm, Asgard. The roots linked together the different levels and realms of the tree, likewise Bifrost, a magical bridge located between Asgard and the human world, Midgard was another connection between realms, allowing gods an entrance into the mortal world. The Influence of the Nordic beliefs in society was great as followers of the ancient religion could identify with the extreme life conditions and harsh weather that was also portrayed in the Nordic creation story. The Norse saw their conditions of life as a blessing from the gods and often used these gifts to the greatest advantage for example men often became farmers, cultivators, tradesmen or traders. Women in Nordic society also searched for meaning and insight from the gods as they held powerful positions in the religion. Women played a strong part in the community and often had to run the villages when the Viking warriors were away. The Norse strived to maintain a balanced lifestyle from the influence of what they had learned and incorporated from the gods. Odin was known as a wise and great warrior and many Viking men chose to follow the same path by becoming a warrior also. I was believed that one of the only worthy ways to die was to die in battle. This factor greatly contributed to the decisions of the Norse men. When a warrior died in battle he would go on to Valhalla, in the divine realm, if not they would go to Hel. The Norse people not only sought meaning from the gods, but from the actions and rituals they performed.

Customer Relationship Management (CRM) Technology Impact

Customer Relationship Management (CRM) Technology Impact THE IMPACT OF CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIP MANAGEMENT TECHNOLOGY ON INFORMATION AND STRATEGY IN THE RETAIL Industry EXECUTIVE SUMMARY: This report examines CRMs impact on information use and strategy in the retail sector. Regarding CRMs impact on information use the reports reveal that CRMs data warehousing, automation, mining, knowledge management and knowledge sharing capabilities have significantly impacted how organisations retain, share and disseminate information to relevant areas of the business. Key information on buying trends, customer profiles can be elicited so that appropriate modifications can be made regarding pricing, product, promotional and other elements to provide enhanced products and services. CRM, for many retail organisations, has meant information is now used as a source of competitive advantage. Examining CRMs impact on strategy, the report illustrates through the MIT90s framework that strategic alignment between CRM technology and the organisations structure, its strategy, its people and culture is essential for technology to be integrated effectively. The reports findings reveal numerous barriers to CRM. These centre on an over focus on the technical-requirements than on business strategy, a lack of cross-functional coordination, failure to support monitor and evaluate CRM performance, an unreceptive organisational culture to technological change and an inability to see CRM implementation from a holistic approach. An unwillingness to share information and knowledge was also highlighted as a potential inhibitor to unlocking CRM potential. Evidence illustrates that barriers essentially fall under a strategic misalignment between technology, structure, strategy or culture of an organisation. In response, a number of recommendations to aid retail organisations in unlocking CRM potential are provided. These include: a holistic perspective towards CRM implementation; a focus on strategic alignment between CRM and the organisations strategy, structure, individuals and culture; a CRM strategy, outlining its strategic objectives; understan ding the organisations data needs; encouraging organisational agility to provide a more adaptable structure that CRM technology can be integrated more easily into; introducing tailored recruitment and training programs to foster the right CRM competencies backed with an effective incentive system and the facilitating a communal culture organisational culture emphasising teamwork, empowerment, communication, innovation and a strong customer orientation. INTRODUCTION: With managing customer relationships now central to organisational success (Kohli et al, 2001; OHalloran, 2003; Nguyen et al, 2007), developing long-term customer relationships through user enabling Customer Relationship Management (CRM) technology has moved to the ‘top of the corporate priority list for many retail organisations (Smith, 2006:87). But what precisely are the direct implications CRM has on information and on strategy? and why is that many CRM projects in the past have failed? What can retail organisations do to ensure CRM success? It is these areas that this report seeks to explore within a retail sector context. The author has selected to investigate these areas in a retail sector context due to its sheer growth, impact and scale of usage within this industry (Anon, 2009). It has revolutionised the way retail companies utilise data to identify key information trends and thus elicit and apply this knowledge to potentially increase profits (Miller, 1999). The repo rts main body is therefore split into two sections, with section one examining the impact CRM technology has on information use and section two, using the MIT90s framework, exploring the potential consequences CRM has on strategy for retail organisations. Lastly, barriers associated to successful CRM implementation are considered and recommendations presented as to how retail organisations can fully unlock and capitalise on their CRM capabilities. SECTION 1: USE OF TECHNOLOGY The following section provides an explanation of CRM from a theoretical standpoint, through an analysis of literature definitions and a practical one, in terms of hardware, software and data structures. 1.1 Explanation of Technology The range of CRM definitions emerging over the years have provided many interpretations of what precisely CRM is and does (McKie, 2000). Broader, arguably looser definitions view CRM as a natural progression from relationship marketing (Light, 2001), where ‘information systems†¦enable organisations to realise a customer focus (Bull, 2005:593). Richer, complex definitions view CRM technology enabling organisations via the utilisation of customer related information to ‘foster closer relationships with their customers (Levine, 2000; Hsieh, 2009:416). More specifically, McNally (2007:169) defines CRM as a ‘strategic process addressing all aspects associated with identifying customers, creating customer knowledge, building customer relationships, and shaping organisation and product perceptions. Nguyen (et al, 2007:103) echoes this, but provides a more simplified version, ‘CRM is a strategic process that helps companies better understand their customers needs so they can provide these needs to their customers at the right time while improving the companys processes. The emphasis on strategic process in the former two definitions fits particularly well when explaining how CRM works in the retail sector in terms of hardware, software and data structures. Here transactional data from EPOS sales systems, web systems, sales contact systems systems and loyalty schemes (data) through automated data capture is sent to the client server mainframe at head office (hardware) where an analysis of relationships (using software) is conducted (Mutch, 2008). It is then data warehoused and structured in a way that allows the user (with the use of CRM tools) to extract patterns and relationships on important trends, such as information on particular customer profile groups and their purchasing habits, average spend, preference for offers etc. This can then be utilised to identify potential ways of improving profitability and disseminated back to relevant departments. 1.2 Impact of CRM on Information use in the Retail Sector The following section analyses CRM technologys impact on information use in the retail sector. Information here is broken down into three main elements: data; being raw statistics, symbols, numbers, information; processed data considered and knowledge; the application of data and information (Beynon-Davies, 2009). The relationship between one another is also presented throughout. 1.2.1 Impact of CRM on data use A. Provided more efficient and effective use of data, through warehousing, mining and cross-functional integration. CRMs capability for integrating multiple databases across different areas of the retail organisation has impacted data use in the sense that it has enabled users to have access to real time, relevant and accurate customer data. Fallon (2008) and Kaplan (2009) indicate that CRM allows retail companies to absorb raw customer data from multiple sources and integrate it into a centralised CRM system. There it is warehoused and later mined so important trends and information can be elicited and utilised (as applied knowledge) to improve customer relationships (Park and Kim, 2003; Chowdhury, 2009). Where CRMs impact on data use lies is that through data warehousing, users with the aid of CRM mining tools, can analyse masses of real time transactional data such as sales amount, transaction time, place and buyer and non-transactional data, such as customer inquiries/feedback and separate this out into key information on product lines, pricing and customer profile and trends, down to each spe cific retail department and individual store (Miller, 1999). They can then filter back important information and knowledge to management and staff so that the right people at different organisational levels have the necessary know-how to provide enhanced levels of customer service, solve problems and increase profitability (Park and Kim, 2003). B. Negatively impact as a form of customers surveillance Amid growing concerns over data sensitivity and the increasing cross-referencing sale of data CRM has negatively impacted data use (Bodenberg, 2001: Mutch 2008). Literature indicates that CRM technology, with its capability to collect vast amounts of customer data for own strategic purposes, has led to a mass surveillance and monitoring of customer behaviour (Park and Kim, 2003). Consequently, data access and exchange has become more restricted due to stringent data protection legislation and company guidelines over the storage, access and lawful use of personnel customer information (Mutch, 2008). 1.2.2 Impact of CRM on information use A. Information now used as a source of competitive advantage†¦using real time data and information enable a real time response A CRM system allows retail organisations to pull all the transactional and non transactional data together and through the use of CRM tools, extracts key information critical to help coordinate sales, marketing, and customer service departments to better and faster serve customers needs (Smith 2006). In the retail industry CRM has particularly impacted on the way information is used to formulate customer profiles. Organisations can now quickly identify who there customers are, what they buy, how often, the quantities in which they buy etc and use this information to modify pricing, product or service offerings and other elements such as customer service to create an in-depth understanding of customer needs and provide fair value to all customers (Park and Kim, 2003). Put simply, CRM has impacted information use in that users can quickly provide comprehensive summary reports on critical business information to make informed decisions and responses to reduce costs and increase profitab ility at a much faster rate (McLuhan, 2001). 1.1.3 Impact of CRM on how knowledge is used A. CRM impacts on organisations potential for improving knowledge retention, management and sharing†¦.knowledge as a resource Literature advocates that CRM has enhanced organisations ability to share and utilise knowledge (Krebs, 1998; Fan and Ku, 2010). Reychav (2009:235) concurs CRM has improved ‘employees ability to share knowledge both tacit and explicit and thus develop a customer orientation right throughout the business. This is supported by Krebs (1998) although he argues that codifying and storing tacit knowledge to be a much more intricate process. Irrespective, a wealth of evidence indicates CRM has changed the way knowledge is used in terms of how it is shared (Krebs, 1998). For example, in the retail sector, knowledge on particular buying habits of customer groups can be stored on a CRM system at head office where it is accessed by relevant departments (marketing, accounts, sales) who design appropriate promotional deals or joint offers on product lines to increase sales and profitability. This ‘knowledge can than be disseminated to appropriate retail outlets/stores to be implemente d. SECTION 2: STRATEGY The following section examines CRMs impact on strategy within the retail sector and begins with a short outline of the key issues of CRM that prevent CRM from fulfilling its potential capabilities in practice. These are conceptualised in the following sections using Scott-Mortons (1991) MIT90s framework (see below), which stresses strategic alignment and integration of CRM technology within all areas of the business is essential to capitalise on CRM potential. 2.1 Context The key issues of implementing CRM technology and its impact on business strategy are: 1. Strategic alignment between CRM technology and business retail strategy 2. Ensuring the organisations structure works synonymously with CRM technology 3. The provision of individual training, recruitment and within this revised job descriptions to ensure the development of necessary competencies to maximise CRM potential 4. How organisational culture positively or negatively affect an organisations and its employees ability to use information elicited from CRM technology These are now explored in more depth in the following sections using the MIT90s framework model illustrated below. 2.1 Strategy History is littered with past CRM failures, Carsdirect.com (Anon, 2000) and Lexmark (Songini, 2002) being perfect examples. McLuhan (2001) and Ramsey (2003) indicate most CRM failures are due to focusing overly on technical-requirements (technological determinism) rather than on the business strategy and the organisations needs. A lack of cross functional coordination, failure to support monitor and evaluate CRM performance and a failure to approach CRM implementation from a holistic approach are some of the other cited reasons as to why CRM projects fail (McLuhan, 2001; Bull, 2003). Other academics argue an unreceptive organisational culture to technological change coupled with an unwillingness to share information and knowledge as inhibitors to unlocking the potential benefits that CRM offers (Kotorov, 2003; Pavlovets, 2005). Essentially the problems cited by literature come under the central issue of strategic alignment, a notion stressed in Henderson and Venkatramans (1993) Strategic Alignment Model and Turbans, et al. (1999) cultural model, though arguably conceptualised to greater effect in the MIT90s framework (Scott-Morton, 1991) which is predominantly the main framework used in this report. The model advocates that for IT change to be successful, technology must be aligned to the company as a whole, so that organisational strategy, infrastructure, existing technology, individual roles, training programs, management and the organisations culture work synonymously with each other (Scott-Morton, 1991). Macredie et al. (1998), supports this perspective, concurring that CRM success is dependent on alignment between organisational strategy, structure and culture. Misalignment between these areas prevents CRM from fully delivering its potential capabilities. For example, if a retail organisations structur e restricts CRM access to marketing and senior management only than it is unlikely that crucial information will be fed down to middle management and employees at operational level (those who interact with customers on a day to day basis) who require it most. Conversely, if the CRM system is not complemented with a recruitment and training policy that is designed to source and develop core competencies required to use CRM technology efectively, than it will most likely fail. Thus, a strategically aligned approach to information strategy (see appendix figure 1), ensuring information systems strategy, information management strategy, information technology strategy and information resource strategy are connected to each other and the overall organizations strategy is a critical success factor for integrating CRM effectively throughout the organisation (Earl, 2000; Van Bentum, 2005). The following sections now turn towards ensuring alignment within other areas of the organisation. 2.2 Structure Numerous writers cite the sheer importance of aligning organisational structure with strategy, technology, the environment and its organisational culture (Mintzberg, 1989; Miller, 1989). In other words, to maximise your IT capabilities, an organisations structure must fit with its environment (Burns and Stalker, 1991; Senge, 1994). Over the years, this has led many retail organisations to shift away from traditional large-scale bureaucratic and hierarchical organisational forms to less traditional divsionalised structures facilitated by business process reengineering. However, evidence suggests such structures not only lose the benefits associated with large-scale bureaucratic organisations such as functional specialism and data interpretation from middle level managers, but also often fail to build strong links between divisions of the business, leading to a loss of shared core competencies and knowledge (Mabey, Saloman and Storey, 2001; Mutch, 2008). Literature is therefore indicat ive neither structure is particularly appropriate when integrating CRM technology. More recently, de-structured organisational forms, with an emphasis on high performance, knowledge creation and the empowerment of teams reflect a more suitable organisational structure in aiding retail organisations to elicit the potential their CRM application offers (Mabey, Saloman and Storey, 2001). Here, structure is built with speed, integration, innovation and flexibility in mind and an adhoc, boundaryless approach more receptive to technology change is instilled throughout the organisation. This encourages a free flowing information exchange throughout strategic, tactical and operational levels, structuring the organisation in a way where senior and middle management staff at retail organisations disseminate key important information and knowledge to employees at operational level. Where CRM role comes into play, is that it can be used to support these networked/lattice forms of organisations (Zuboff, 1988). It therefore appears that organisational agility, termed by Gunneson (1997:3) as ‘a flat, fast, flexible organisation, with continuous interaction, support, and communications among various disciplines, with highly decentralized management that recognises what its knowledge base is and how it can manage that base most effectively, is an essential component of structure. To achieve this, retail organisations must adopt a lattice/network like structure that has a mix of stability and flexibility to support the organisations capabilities and the empowerment of team working through cross functional teams with a focus on developing the collective intelligence of teams to meet the complexity of the dynamic environment (see Lorrimar, 1999). Such a structure is typically flat with large spans of control, features lateral communication and helps develop and maintain a project teamwork ethos and customer focus to ensure decision-making is guided by customer satisfaction (Friesen, 2005:33 ). This increases employee involvement, enhances communication, speeds up decision-making and breaks down boundaries thus enhancing flexibility and capacity to adapt (Clayton, 2006). 2.3 Roles Literature advocates that it is organisational peoples use of CRM, not the technology itself, which is where organisations truly capitalise on opening up CRMs full capabilities (McNally, 2007:169). Accordingly, recruitment, job descriptions and individual training should be amended in order to ensure the retail organisations have the right processes and programs in place to ascertain the competencies needed to utilise CRM technology. Job specifications for staff or ‘librarians accessing CRM should be amended to encourage a proactive approach towards their duties (Owens, Wilson and Abell, 1996). In addition, selection criteria should be adjusted to identify candidates who possess CRM capabilities through IT/CRM related qualification/certificates or direct experience gained through previous employment. Various levels of CRM training programs tailored to each department, and manager should be introduced and should centre on themes which retail procedure and policies regarding data analysis (McKean, 1999), communication competence, such as the use of emails (Ciaborra and Patriotta, 1996) and the ethical use of information to protect the identification of individual customers (Mason, Mason and Culnan, 1995), as well as CRM operational and functional use and how it works across the organisation (Mutch, 2008). The above changes should help retail organisations foster the necessary competencies to ensure CRMs correct use throughout the organisation (Alter, 2009). It is argued that these changes (jobs, processes and a lattice/network like structure), supporting richer communication and information sharing, allow workers to become informated by CRM and view the organisation in its totality, making information and processes once hidden, transparent (Zuboff, 1988). 2.4 Culture Different aspects of organisational culture impact CRM use both positively and negatively in numerous ways. Van Bentum, (2005) analysis of organisational culture distinguishes between several variants of culture. Of these more ‘mercenary (characterised by heavy inward competition and intense internal and external rivalry) types of culture, often lend themselves to a communication framework that does not match with the knowledge management, knowledge retention and sharing capabilities that CRM offers. This impacts CRM use negatively, creating reluctance on behalf of the individual to use a system that transfers their core knowledge to an internal ‘rival. It is this mismatch between culture and technology that is why many CRM projects fail. Such organisational cultures restrict CRMs knowledge sharing capability and discourage its use by workers (Van Bentum, 2005). Sub-cultures operating within departments or functions of the organisation are also seen to negatively hinder C RM use, often displaying resistance and an unwillingness to change and adapt to CRMs integration (Leverick, et al. 1998). In illustrating a more positive impact culture can have on CRM use, Van Bentum, (2005) advocates a ‘communal culture based on openness, innovation and continuous learning. Here culture positively impacts CRM in the sense that it is embraced by organisational people with a clear customer orientation, who in turn seek to utilise its capabilities to the fullest in their day-to-day activities. It is this type of culture that retail sector organisations currently operating a ‘mercenary type culture, should move towards. Another cultural aspect impacting CRM use is that organisational peoples belief system regarding CRM ease-of-use and usefulness can have a significant impact on its performance highlighted (Avlontis and Panagopoulous, 2005). If perceived useful and easy-to-use, CRM leads to performance improvements. Conversely, if perceived as not useful and difficult to use, CRM will have little impact on performance and on fulfilling its strategic objectives (Avlontis and Panagopoulous, 2005). The above cultural impacts on CRM use are indicative of a clear correlation between the type of organisational culture and IT performance (Davis, 1989; Avlontis and Panagopoulous, 2005). Literature indicates that retail organisations (particularly management spearheading/championing CRM) must nurture a communal CRM culture through an environment of teamwork, innovation, trust and a receptiveness towards CRM technology in order to ensure its embracement throughout the organisation (Avlontis and Panagopoulous, 2005:Van Bentum, 2005). an appropriate cultural foundation, is prerequisite to CRM success. SECTION 3: CONCLUSIONS RECOMMENDATIONS This report has sought to examine CRMs impact on information use and strategy in the retail sector, revealing some of the reasons was as to why CRM projects fail and recommendations to capitalise on CRM potential. The reports main findings and recommendations are summarised below: 3.1 KEY FINDINGS 1. CRM technology has significantly impacted the relationship between data, information and knowledge and their use in the retail industry. Data and information are now used as a source of competitive advantage. Knowledge is now seen as a resource through retention and sharing. 2. Strategic alignment is a critical for CRM success. 3. There are numerous barriers to successful CRM often attributable to a strategic misalignment (summarised in appendix figure 2). 3.2 RECCOMENDATIONS 1. A holistic perspective towards CRM implementation and strategic alignment between CRM and the organisations strategy, structure, individuals and culture is a critical for CRM success (Scott-Morton, 1991; Macredie, et al. 1998; Bull, 2003). 2. A CRM strategy, outlining its strategic objectives and a clear plan for integrating it into the organisations business processes and systems are perquisites for any successful CRM implementation project. 3. Understanding data needs and how the data will be used to extract information and elicit knowledge to increase profitability is critical. 4. Organisational agility to adapt to contextual factors such as new CRM technology is essential. De-structural changes in specific departments such as implementing flatter structures, introducing cross-functional teams and lateral communication channels is more suited to unlocking CRM potential (Lorrimar, 1999; Mabey, Saloman and Storey, 2001). 5. Organisational peoples role in how CRM is used is a major determinant of its success (McNally, 2007). Tailored recruitment and training programs to foster the right CRM competencies supported with an effective incentive system are critical (Avlontis and Panagopoulous, 2005). A communal organisational culture emphasising a strong customer orientation, teamwork, empowerment, communication, innovation, accurate expectations regarding system usage and a receptiveness towards new technology is crucial to elicit employee commitment to CRM (Van Bentum, 2005). APPENDIX * Open focussing on technical-requirements reather than on the business strategy and organisations needs (McLuhan, 2001; Ramsey, 2003) * Lack of cross functional coordination (McLuhan, 2001) * Failure to support monitor and evaluate CRM performance (McLuhan, 2001; Bull, 2003) * Failure to approach CRM implementation from a holistic approach (McLuhan, 2001; Bull, 2003) * An unreceptive organisational culture to technological change (Kotorov, 2003) and sub cultures displaying resistance and an unwillingness to change and adapt to how CRM fits into their working duties acts as a barrier to unlocking CRM potential (Leverick, et al. 1998) * An unwillingness to share information and knowledge as inhibiting CRM potential (Kotorov, 2003; Pavlovets, 2005)

Space Essay -- essays research papers fc

McMaster University Introduction to Professional Engineering The Mechanics of Space TABLE OF CONTENTS 1.0 Abstract†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦. 3 2.0 The Mechanics of Space †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦...†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦4   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  2.1 The Mechanics of Space: Introduction †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.4   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  2.2 The Mechanics of Space: Main Body†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦4   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  2.3 The Mechanics of Space: Conclusion†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦7 3.0 Work Cited†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.8 Abstract Aeronautics has allowed mankind to understand the concept and surrounding of the universe. From ancient times, there have been discoveries made by Egyptians, Incas and many others who have used different tools to discover consolations and planet, which often symbolized gods. Trips were not made into space until the twentieth century, but as soon as they started, there was an explosion of discoveries. First man observed the moon through space stations, and then soon afterwards landed. Then it was Mars, but man is yet to land on the surface. NASA is known as one of the fathers of space. The organization has developed shuttles, space stations and many other apparatuses. NASA continues to provide research data and plans of upcoming missions. Though lots of calculations can be made for missions to be complete, humans are still unable to explore the wonders beyond the Milky Way Galaxy. The Mechanics of Space Galaxies, black holes, stars, and planets all relate to one another. These enormous elements belong to what man has come to call space. Space discoveries are made everyday. Whether they’re large or small, it is still newly discovered knowledge for mankind. Mechanics, more specifically Astronautical Engineering has made discoveries more valid and lets scientists calculate specific quantities of data acquired. Aeronautics has allowed the human race to get to where it is today and further use of knowledge in this field allows future discoveries to be made. Space has always boggled the mind of many scientists for thousands of years. Many different instruments have been used to observe the skies above us and the natural phenomena’s that occur on rare occasions. Different tools have been used to calculate and analyze numerous aspects of space, and in conjunction with these t... ...for data gathered. Astronautical engineering will become ever more useful as flying cars and talks of living on Mars come into play. The fact is that mankind will become more dependent in the knowledge of this field and will make use of it to better suit future generations. Mechanics will prosper for years to come and become inevitably crucial for centuries ahead. Works Cited [1] Clarke Newlon, 1001 Questions Answered About Space. Cornwall: The Cornwall Press, 1971. [2] Heinz Herman Koelle, Handbook of Astronautical Engineering. New York, McGraw-Hill Book Company, Inc., 1961. [3] National Aeronautics and Space Administration, NASA Space Plans and Scenarios to 2000 and beyond. New Jersey; Noyes Publications, 1986. [4] Beginner's Guide to Propulsion, March 4 2004, http://www.grc.nasa.gov/WWW/K-12/airplane/bgp.html [5] Chemical Propulsion Information Agency, 2004. The Johns Hopkins University http://www.cpia.jhu.edu/ [6] Harry O. Ruppe, Introduction to Astronautics, Volume 1. London, Academic Press Inc., 1966. [7] National Aeronautics and Space Explorations, â€Å"Aeronautics†, 2004. http://www.nasa.gov/about/highlights/index.html

The Dual Role of Gods in The Iliad Essay -- Iliad essays

The Dual Role of Gods in The Iliad      Ã‚   With even a cursory exposure to ancient Greek texts, it is obvious that the gods and goddesses are very important in traditional Greek culture. As literary figures in mythos and specific poetry and drama, the gods dabble in the life of man, predict his fate, and routinely thwart any attempt for him to entirely forge his own future. But for those of us who are not extensively schooled in antiquities, it is hard to pinpoint exactly what the gods are to the ancient Greeks, and what they are to us as readers of literature who live outside the culture. Were the gods accepted as parable figures, meant to instruct? Were they used to explain acts of nature? Do they now belong to anything outside the scope of literary history?    Rather than speculate about the role of gods in all of Greek culture, it is more manageable to look at one specific text and determine the role its gods play within its world. In The Iliad, the gods are an integral part of the poem. Their foibles and fickleness recall for the reader the humanness of the Greek gods, and spark a mental association of men to myths. This makes the long-dead warriors more real to anyone who reads the poem. But the gods of The Iliad also inculcate what could be nothing more than a dry account of a historical war that no one recorded while it was happening. This historical-cultural element, one that connects the events of that unwritten war to readers by pulling the past into the present, make the old archetypes oddly modern and applicable to the present day world and its men. One of the most interesting lines in The Iliad is when one Aias tells the other that he recognizes Poseidon, who has disguised himself as K... ...ormalized remembrance; the gods' inclusion make that remembrance bigger than any sterile account or battlefield casualty list could be. This expanded scope makes relevant the deaths of would-be anonymous warriors, makes tragedy out of widows and orphans, makes us think about the cycles of human aggression. The gods and their powerful presence is one element of this relevant piece of historic art.    Works Cited and Consulted Camps, W. A. An Introduction to Homer. Oxford: Clarendon Press, 1980. Homer. "The Iliad." Western Literature in a World Context: The Ancient World through the Renaissance. Ed. Paul Davis et al. vol 1. New York: St. Martin's Press, 1995. 25-156. Steiner, George, and Fagles, Robert, eds. Homer: A Collection of Critical Essays. Twentieth Century Views, ed. Maynard Mack. Englewood Cliffs, N. J.: Prentice Hall, 1962.   

Writing Personal Statements :: College Admissions Essays

Writing Personal Statements      As colleges and universities diminish their reliance on LSAT and GPA numbers in the selection of students to admit, narrative submissions become more significant.   The personal statement is the primary way you can make sure the people on the admissions committee are familiar with who you are -- not merely what you have accomplished.   Remember that it is an essay you are preparing that should be interesting and revealing about you.      Ã‚  Ã‚   Below are some suggestions you may find useful as you prepare your personal statement.   Describing one's self   is never an easy endeavor.   Do not become frustrated if your first draft (and you should have more than a couple) is less than satisfactory.   Be sure and proofread your statement multiple times and have someone else proofread it as well.   It is also a very good idea to read it aloud.   After the second or third draft, set it aside for a few days and then return to it after the initial efforts.      Ã‚  Ã‚   Certainly you want a polished product:   correct grammar, punctuation, diction, and spelling are vital.  Ã‚   In addition you should present the statement in a double spaced format with sufficient margins.   The length should be no more than is specified by the school's instructions.   If there are no instructions you should write no more than two or three pages (at most).   Specificity, accuracy and truthfulness are essential.  Ã‚   Write no more than two pages.   Put your name on each page.      Ã‚  Ã‚   Beyond these general observations you should avoid:   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚     Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚     Ã‚  Ã‚   clichà ©s   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   overuse of thesaurus   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   use of third person to refer to yourself   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   a title to your statement   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   conclusions regarding your abilities or potential   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   self aggrandizement   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚     Ã‚  Ã‚  whining (i.e., why you got a C in literature 201)   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   making the statement a resume   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   procrastination in its preparation   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   gimmicks such as poetry, quotations, etc.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   vague or obscure references   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   pretentious phrases   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   ostentatious vocabulary   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   appearing cynical

Formal Letter in the Public services Essay

This is a formal letter used to send information out to external parties. This specific letter is used to engage students in an exciting opportunity and potential career option. Letters are used by all in the public services and this letter that I have has been given is used by someone in the armed forces as they need to tell the headteachers about an excellent challenge for their students. Letters like this are used to inform someone about a meeting that will be happing at a certain time and day and where it will be at. In the RAF this would be a normal form of communication that they would use to inform one another of important dates coming up, but in the normal day an e-mail would suffice. Firstly on this letter the name of the Sergeant sending it is highlighted in bold this is so it will get the reader’s attention straight away and the reader will want to continue to read it, it will also show who they need to respond to in order to get the day out for their students and then underneath it states that it is from the RAF so this is letting the person know where the letter has come from and who they are, and then underneath this there is other information about where the letter will be sent off to and who will be getting the letter, this information will let the person that is delivering it know where it has to go to as it has the street name and the post code. Secondly they have information about the person that it has been sent to they use lines to split it up so that they page looks better and the information will be easier to read, Tony splits it up because he does not want the reader to think that there will be lots of information to read through which often puts readers off reading it as they think it is going to be too much, and too much effort. This also would get the readers to view the letter as the reader will think it is important and will want to know the information that he has written in on the letter. Thirdly the information they have put in the other side of the split up box is about if the person would like to write back to them, so if they need more information or just want to ask them something about what they have written in the letter they can contact them on the provided details and use the reference so Tony knows immediately what they are talking about. This information is also given because they will need to reply to say that they would.

Media hint

IntroductionMedia has always been in the forefront as a radical voice all over the world, and naturally, it has invited the wrath of all the regimes autocratic and democratic alike. Among the media types, the broadcast media, particularly television has suffered the greatest suppression, whether it is in the Europe, the Americas, Africa or in the East. The most recent example comes from Pakistan, a Muslim nation in South Asia, where the military ruler Parvez Mushrraf had shut down the television stations soon after he suspended the constitution and imposed emergency.Broadcasting – the transmitting of programmes to be heard simultaneously by an indefinitely large number of people – is a social invention, not a technical one. (Curran J. & Seaton J., 2003). Television is perhaps the only modern media that had played a dual role, as a voice of the radical opinion and as a media of propaganda. The emergence of the global television has made revolts of the people and radical opinion in any part of the world irrepressible. This has always made headaches for the ruling elites to respond in the same manner, to use television itself in order to suppress the opinion.Revolt against televisionIncidents of revolt against television as a mirror of the truth have occurred before the advent of the satellite television, where the regimes controlled the broadcasting system. The history can be traced from the wide spread information suppression and the iron curtain that characterised the erstwhile Soviet regime. Later we numerous incidents around the world, mostly in autocracies where the official television run by the regime, disseminated the news suppressing any other viewpoint. This has occurred in Iraq, in other states of the Middle East like Saudi Arabia, Iran and mostly many of the Muslim Sheikdoms.Suppression, ideology and televisionCommunication has the power to define, persuade, inform and to disinform. An analysis of communication at the level of community and nation is obliged to recognise that truth is not necessarily separated from falsehood; rather, the process of propaganda blurs the elements in order to be persuasive. Taylor (1986) puts the matter succinctly:‘Communication with a view to persuasion is an inherent human quality. I can take place in a private conversation or a mass rally, in a church or cinema, as well as on a battlefield. It can manifest itself in the form of a statue or building, a coin or painting, a flag or a postage stamp.’ To the above list Taylor adds ‘speech sermons,songs, art, radio waves, television pictures.’Whether they operate between individuals or people in millions, the task of the analyst remains the same – to investigate the intent of the act of communication and the ways in which members of the intended audience respond to that communication. It is arguable that most mass communication, whether it is a party political broadcast, the TV news, a pop song, a soap op era or sitcom is in some way or another, to a greater or a lesser extent is an exercise in propaganda. (Bagdikian A.,1987)Thompson identifies four forms of power exercised in society- economic, political, coercive and symbolic. Economic power emanates from the possession of wealth or the means by which wealth is generated; political power rests in decision making arising from being in a position of elected, appointed or inherited authority; coercive power springs from the use of, or potential use of, superior strength. Other classifications include position, resource, and charismatic power each overlapping with Thompson’s categories and each one somehow connected with communication processes.Yet the media have never been either separate from or independent of the forces which create them and which in turn they shape and influence. They work as Thompson points out, within institutional frame works. As such, they operate as cultural apparatus, part of the machinery of state or of most powerful interest groups within the state. Historically media have more often served as the voice of the powerful than of the people. They have been classified by Althusser as one of the prime Ideological State Apparatuses, along with religion, family structures ad education: that is, they are crucially important channels for the transmission of ‘rules of conduct’ in society; the guardians of a culture’s dominant norms and values. They play a part in all power forms, including – in a contributory sense – coercive power.The Chinese revoltThe memorable television images that emanated from Beijing on June 4, 1989 indicated to viewers that the China’s revolutionary activity had been effectively extinguished. The military show of force at Tiananmen Square preserved the political authority of Deng Ziaoping and the Chinese Communist Party for the short term. Following the historic Third Plenum of the Eleventh Central Committee meeting of the CCP in December 1978- a satellite based national television system was made a top priority for achieving a wide range of   propagandist objectives.Television was peaking as a communications medium in China during the troubled 1980s and had itself become a significant symbol of the national modernization. By the middle of the decade nearly every urban household had bought a television receiver. But when push came to shove, televised reports of the military invasion of the student-worker encampment at Tiananmen Square were not transmitted in China. While the rest of the world tuned in to pictures of courageous students, intellectuals, and workers standing up to brute force of tanks and the political power of ageing bureaucrats, Chinese television viewers saw very different visuals and accounts of the tragic events in the capital city, and even those images came very late. Television had been forcibly restored to its original place as a blatant propaganda device.By managing televisi on coverage of the brutal crackdown and subsequently constructing a massive propaganda onslaught, Chinese government officials hoped to re-establish social stability, reassert the place of the CCP as the nation’s legitimate political authority, and minimize ideological damage brought by the economic, political, cultural and social stresses that China experienced in the late 1980s.Why television news is so fearful? – the other side of television newsThe research of the Glasgow University Media Group has been very controversial since the publication of Bad News in 1976, as well as the subject of a great deal of criticism, not least from the journalists and broadcasters. Bad News was concerned with the television coverage of industrial relations in 1975. the GUMG’s analysis of the television news led it to conclude that viewers had been given misleading portrayal of   industrial disputes, a portrayal that distorted the real situation.The group’s work conti nued with More Bad News in   1980, which examined the language used to describe the two sides in industrial disputes. The descriptions attached to management were such that they persuaded the audience of the rightness of the management position against demands made by the unions. Trowler (1996) has produced an excellent summary of the major findings of their studies.The vocabulary of broadcast news is biased against specific groups and this bias structures the listener’s perspective. Stories are selectively reported. The effects of strikes are reported more often than the causes of strikes. The ‘visuals’ used are again selective and help to structure the message being put across. The tactics of the protestors are reported more often than their viewpoints, especially when the tactics are deemed ‘antisocial’.There is a hierarchy of access to the media, so the voices we mainly get to hear are those of ‘experts’, specialist and the establi shment. News is reported from a particular ideological position. The media set the agenda for debate – they tell us what to think about. They also act as gatekeepers, thus excluding some stories and including others. This rationale of these findings can be applied not only in fighting the ‘bad news’ by television but also in fighting an anti-people regime and sometimes in propaganda. This has been the mainstay in most of the democratic nations around the world. Even the Gulf War telecast by the CNN fits to this agenda. (Jones M. and Jones E. 1997)ConclusionTelevision of course is itself an authoritarian institution of sorts, one that articulates confidently and widely. Critics in all societies around the world, complain that the medium has the power to serve the interest of its owners by creating a narrow agenda and monopolizing public opinion, that it debases culture, and that it nearly mesmerizes viewers psychologically. Thus it has invited suppression around t he nations.Reference:Curran J. and Seaton J. (2003) Power without responsibility: The press, broadcasting and new media in Britain, London: Routledge. Boyd-Baret et.al. (ed). (1997) Media in global context: A reader, New York: Arnold. Philip.M.Taylor M.P. (1986) Munitions of the mind: A history of propaganda from the ancient world to the present day, New York : Arnold Thompson J.B. (2002) The media and modernity: A social theory of media, London : Sage Jones M. and Jones E. (1997) Mass Media, London : Macmillan. Bagdikian A. (1987). The Media Monopoly, Massachusetts: Beacon Press.

Statistics – Elements of a Test Hypothesis

Elements of a Test of Hypothesis 1. Null Hypothesis (H0 ) – A statement about the values of population parameters which we accept until proven false. 2. Alternative or Research Hypothesis (Ha )- A statement that contradicts the null hypothesis. It represents researcher’s claim about the population parameters. This will be accepted only when data provides su? cient evidence to establish its truth. 3. Test Statistic – A sample statistic (often a formula) that is used to decide whether to reject H0 . 4. Rejection Region- It consists of all values of the test statistic for which H0 is rejected.This rejection region is selected in such a way that the probability of rejecting true H0 is equal to ? (a small number usually 0. 05). The value of ? is referred to as the level of signi? cance of the test. 5. Assumptions – Statements about the population(s) being sampled. 6. Calculation of the test statistic and conclusion- Reject H0 if the calculated value of the test statistic falls in the rejection region. Otherwise, do not reject H0 . 7. P-value or signi? cance probability is de? ned as proportion of samples that would be unfavourable to H0 (assuming H0 is true) if the observed sample is considered unfavourable to H0 .If the p-value is smaller than ? , then reject H0 . Remark: 1. If you ? x ? = 0. 05 for your test, then you are allowed to reject true null hypothesis 5% of the time in repeated application of your test rule. 2. If the p-value of a test is 0. 20 (say) and you reject H0 then, under your test rule, at least 20% of the time you would reject true null hypothesis. 1. Large sample (n > 30) test for H0 :  µ =  µ0 (known). Z= x ?  µ0 ? ? v n Example. A study reported in the Journal of Occupational and Organizational Psychology investigated the relationship of employment status to mental health.Each of a sample of 49 unemployed men was given a mental health examination using the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ). The GHQ is widely recognized measure of present mental health , with lower values indicating better mental health. The mean and standard deviation of the GHQ scores were x = 10. 94 and s = 5. 10, ? respectively. (a). Specify the appropriate null and alternative hypothesis if we wish to test the research hypothesis that the mean GHQ score for all unemployed men exceeds 10. Is the test one-tailed or two-tailed? (b). If we specify ? = 0. 05, what is the appropriate rejection region for this test? c). Conduct the test, and state your conclusion clearly in the language of this exercise. Find the p-value of the test. (Ans. H0 :  µ = 10; Ha :  µ > 10; One-tailed test; Rejection region: Z > 1. 645; Test score: Z = 1. 29; Do not reject H0 , GHQ score does not exceeds 10; p-value = 0. 0985) Example. A consumer protection group is concerned that a ketchup manufacturer is ? lling its 20-ounce family-size containers with less than 20 ounces of ketchup. The group purchases 49 family-size bottles of this ketch up, weigh the contents of each, and ? nds that the mean weight is 19. 6 ounces, and the standard deviation is equal to 0. 22 ounces. (a). Do the data provide su? cient evidence for the consumer group to conclude that the mean ? ll per family-size bottle is les than 20 ounces? Test using ? = 0. 05. (b). Find the p-value of the your test in part (a). (Ans. H0 : = 20; Ha : < 20; Rejection Region is Z < ? 1. 645 (one-tailed test); test score Z = ? 4. 45; Reject H0 at ? = 0. 05, su? cient evidence to say that the mean ? ll per family-size bottle is less than 20 ounces; p-value = 0) Example. State University uses thousands of ? uorescent light bulbs each year.The brand of bulb it currently uses has a mean life of 900 hours. A manufacturer claims that its new brands of bulbs, which cost the same as the brand the university currently uses, has a mean life of more than 900 hours. The university has decided to purchase the new brand if, when tested, the test evidence supports the manufacturer ’s claim at the . 10 signi? cance level. Suppose 99 bulbs were tested with the following results: x = 919 hours, s = 86 hours. Find the rejection region for the test of interest to the State University. ? (Ans. Rejection Region: Z > 1. 28) 1 . Small sample (n ? 30) test for H0 :  µ =  µ0 (known). t= This test requires that the sampled population is normal. x ?  µ0 ? s v n Example. A random sample of n observations is selected from a normal population to test the null hypothesis that  µ = 10. Specify the rejection region for each of the following combinations of Ha , ? , and n. (a). Ha :  µ = 10, ? = 0. 01, n = 14. (Ans. t < ? 3. 012, or t > 3. 012) (b). Ha :  µ < 10, ? = 0. 025, n = 26. (Ans. t < ? 2. 06) Example. According to advertisements, a strain of soybeans planted on soil prepared with a speci? d fertilizer treatment has a mean yield of 475 bushels per acre. Twenty farmers who belong to a cooperative plant the soybeans. Each uses a 40-acre plot and records the mean yield per acre. The mean and variance for the sample of 20 farms are x = 462 and s2 = 9070. ? Specify the null and alternative hypothesis used to determine if the mean yield for the soybeans is di? erent than advertised. (Ans. H0 :  µ = 475; Ha :  µ = 475) Example. A psychologist was interested in knowing whether male heroin addicts’ assessments of self-worth di? er from those of the general male population.On a test designed to measure assessment of self-worth, the mean score for males from the general population was found to be equal to 48. 6. A random sample of 25 scores achieved by heroin addicts yielded a mean of 44. 1 and a standard deviation of 6. 2. Do the data indicate a di? erence in assessment of self-worth between male heroin addicts and general male population? Test using ? = 0. 01. (Ans. H0 :  µ = 48. 6; Ha :  µ = 48. 6; Test score t = ? 3. 63 Rejection Region: t > 2. 797, or t < ? 2. 797 (two-tailed test); Observed t-score falls in the rejectio n region. Reject H0 at ? = 0. 1. Data indicate a di? erence in assessment of self-worth between male heroin addicts and general male population) 3. Large sample test for H0 : p = p0 (known). Z= p ? p0 ? p0 (1? p0 ) n For this test, sample size is considered large if p0  ± 3 p0 (1? p0 ) n falls between 0 and 1. Example. The National Science Foundation, in a survey of 2,237 engineering graduate students who earned their Ph. D. degrees, found that 607 were U. S. citizens; the majority (1,630) of the Ph. D degrees were awarded to foreign nationals. Conduct a test to determine whether the true percentage of engineering Ph.D. degrees awarded to foreign nationals exceeds 50%. Use ? = 0. 01. (Ans. H0 : p = 0. 5; Ha : p > 0. 5; Test score Z = 21. 63; Rejection region; Z > 2. 33 (one tailed test) Reject H0 at ? = 0. 01. True percentage p exceeds 50%. p-value = 0) Example. The business college computing center wants to determine the proportion of business students who have personal computers (PC’s) at home. If the proportion exceeds 30 percent, then the lab will scale back a proposed enlargement of its facilities. Suppose 250 business students were randomly sampled and 85 have personal computers at home.Conduct a test to see if the scale back of the proposed enlargement of its facilities is needed. Use ? = 0. 05. (Ans. H0 : p = . 3; Ha : p > 0. 3; Large sample z-test for proportion; test score: Z = 1. 38; Rejection region; Z > 1. 645; Do not reject H0 at ? = 0. 05. Scale back of the proposed enlargement of its facilities is not needed) 2 Example. A method currently used by doctors to screen women for possible breast cancer fails to detect cancer in 15% of the women who actually have the disease. A new method has been developed that researchers hope will be able to detect cancer more accurately.A random sample of 70 women known to have breast cancer were screened using the new method. Of these, the new method failed to detect cancer in six. Specify the null and a lternative hypothesis that the researchers wish to test. Calculate the test statistic, determine the rejection region if ? = 0. 05, ? nd the p-value, and state the conclusion clearly in the language of this exercise. (Ans. H0 : p = 0. 15; Ha : p < 0. 15; Test score: Z = ? 1. 51; Rejection Region: Z < ? 1. 645; Do not reject H0 ; Insu? cient evidence to conclude that the new method is more accurate than the one currently used. -value= p(Z < ? 1. 51) = 0. 5 ? 0. 4345 = 0. 0655) Example. The Midwest Organization of Retired Oncologists and Neurologists (M. O. R. O. N. ) has recently taken ? ack from some of its members regarding the poor choice of the organization’s name. The association bylaws require that more than 60% of the organization must approve a name change. Rather than convene a meeting, it is ? rst desired to use a sample to determine if a meeting is necessary. A random sample of 60 of M. O. R. O. N. ’s members were asked if they want M. O. R. O. N. to change i ts name. Forty-? ve of the respondent’s said †yes. Find the p-value for the desired test of hypothesis. (Ans. p-value= p(Z > 2. 37) = 0. 0089) Example. Increasing numbers of businesses are o? ering child-care bene? ts for their workers. However, one union claims that more than 80% of ? rms in the manufacturing sector still do not o? er any child-care bene? ts to their workers. A random sample of 480 manufacturing ? rms is selected, and only 27 of them o? er child-care bene? ts. Specify the rejection region that the union will use when testing at alpha = . 05. (Ans. Ha : p > 0. 8; Rejection region: Z > 1. 645) 3

Personality Notes Essay

* Personality is the unique and relatively stable way in which a person thinks, feels, and behaves. Character is value judgments of a person’s ethical and moral behavior. Temperament refers to the enduring characteristics that a person is born with. * There are four main personality theories. The psychodynamic perspective focuses on the role of the unconscious mind in the development of personality and biological causes of personality differences. The behaviorist perspective is focused on theories of learning and the effect of the environment on behavior. The humanistic perspective focuses on a person’s life choices and experiences in personality development. The trait perspective is not concerned with how personality forms, but the end characteristics of personality. * Freud believed the mind was divided into three parts: the preconscious, the conscious and the unconscious. Conscious is where current awareness exists. Preconscious contains memories, information and events that one is easily aware of. The unconscious is where thoughts, feelings, memories and other information is kept that is not voluntarily or easily brought into consciousness. The id is the first and most primitive part of the personality. It is unconscious, pleasure-seeking and amoral. The pleasure principle is the principle by which the id functions, immediate satisfaction without regard for consequences. * The ego is the second part of personality that comes from a need to deal with reality. It’s mostly conscious, rational and logical. It functions on the reality principle, satisfying the needs of the id only when negative consequences will not result. * The final part of the personality according to Freud is the superego, which functions as a moral center. It contains the conscience, which produces pride or guilt depending on how acceptable the behavior is. * Fixation is defined by Freud as getting stuck in a developmental stage. * Psychosexual stages are the five stages of personality development that Freud tied directly to a child’s sexual development. * The first stage is the oral stage in the first year of life. The mouth is the erogenous zone. It is governed by the id. Weaning is the major conflict. * The second stage is the anal stage from 1-3 years, in which the anus is the erogenous zone and toilet training is the major conflict. Children who rebel against toilet training are said to grow into an anal expulsive personality: messy, destructive and hostile. Children who refuse to poop are said to grow into an anal retentive personality: neat, fussy, stingy and stubborn. * The third stage is the phallic stage, from 3-6 years, in which the child develops sexual feelings. Freud believed that children developed an Oedipus complex during this stage, in which they develop a sexual attraction to the opposite-sex parent and jealousy of the same-sex parent. Latency is the fourth stage, occurring during the school years, in which the sexual feelings are repressed in order for the child to develop in other ways. * Genital stage is the fifth stage, from puberty to death, in which the child has to come to terms with their sexual feelings. * Psychoanalysis was Freud’s term for the theory of personality and the therapy based on it. * The Neo-Freudians were followers of Freud who developed their own competing psychodynamic theories. * Carl Gustav Jung disagreed with Freud about the unconscious mind. He believed there was a personal unconscious, as Freud described, and a collective unconscious of all memories shared by the human species. Collective human memories are called archetypes. * Alfred Adler also disagreed with Freud about sexuality being the driving force of personality. He believed that as children, people felt inferior to more powerful adults and everything after that point was not seeking of pleasure, but seeking of superiority. He also developed a theory that birth order had input into personality. Karen Horney didn’t study directly with Freud, but taught his work until she left because of disagreement over penis envy, which she countered with womb envy. She didn’t focus on sexuality, but instead anxiety. She said that children are born with basic anxiety, which is created when a child is born into the bigger and more powerful world of older children and adults. Those with less secure upbringings end up with neurotic personalities, in which they have maladaptive ways of dealing with relationships. Freud did no experiments and only based his theory off of his own experiments. He took it as his right to interpret experiences of his clients as fact or fantasy depending on how they fit in his theory. * According to behaviorists, personality is no more than a set of habits. Habits are defined as a set of well-learned responses that have become automatic. * Social cognitive learning theorists focus on both the effects of other people’s behavior and of a person’s own expectancies of learning. In the social cognitive view of Alfred Bandura, behavior is also governed by cognitive processes like anticipating, judging, memory and anticipation. * Reciprocal determinism is Bandura’s explanation of how the environment, personal characteristics and behavior itself affect future behaviors. Environment includes the physical surroundings, people who may or may not be present and the potential reinforcement in the setting. Self-efficacy is one of the most important variables Bandura speaks of. It is the individual’s expectancy of how effective their efforts to accomplish a goal will be in any particular circumstance. * One important pattern of responding is the locus of control, which is the tendency for people to assume they either do or do not have control over events they experience in their own lives. Like Bandura, Rotter believed a combination of factors affected behavioral response: expectancy and reinforcement value. Expectancy is a person’s subjective feeling that a particular behavior will lead to a reinforcing consequence. The humanistic perspective is the â€Å"third force† in psychology, which focuses on aspects of personality that make people uniquely human. * Carl Rogers believed that humans are always striving to fulfill their innate capacities and abilities to become all that their genetic makeup will allow. Striving for fulfillment is called the self-actualization tendency. An important tool for this is self-concept, an image of oneself that develops from important interactions with significant people in one’s life. Self is awareness of one’s own personal characteristics and level of functioning. Two components of self-concept are real self, which is one’s perception of actual characteristics, traits and abilities, and ideal self, the perception of what one should be or would like to be. * Positive regard refers to the warmth, affection, love and regard that comes from significant others in one’s life. Unconditional positive regard has no strings attached. Conditional positive regard depends on what a person is doing. * A fully functioning person, according to Rogers, is in touch with and trusting the deep, innermost urges and feelings. The trait theories describe characteristics that make up human personality in order to predict future behavior. Traits are consistent, enduring ways of thinking, feeling or behaving. * Allport was one of the first trait theorists. He and his partner looked through the dictionary, picked words that could be traits, then narrowed it town. He believed traits were wired in to the nervous system to guide behavior. * Raymond Cattell built on that and described two types of traits, surface traits and source traits. Surface traits are easily seen by others. Source traits are more basic and form the curve of personality. Introversion is a dimension of personality in which people withdraw from excess stimulation. * The five-factor model or the Big Five is a model of personality traits that describes five basic trait dimensions. Openness is a willingness to try new things and be open to new experiences. Conscientiousness refers to the thought a person gives to organization and thoughtfulness of others; dependability. Extraversion divides people into introverts (solitary) and extroverts (social). Agreeableness is the basic emotional style of the person. Neuroticism is the degree of emotional stability or instability. * Mischel has emphasized that there is a trait-situation interaction where the particular circumstances of a situation will influence how a trait is expressed. * Behavioral genetics is the field of study devoted to discovering the genetic bases for personality traits. Several studies have found that the five factor traits have a 50% heritability over several cultures. Interviews cause the problem of false reports and the halo effect, in which a person’s personality is so good that the interviewer interprets them to be good all around, especially when that is false. * Projective tests present ambiguous visual stimulus to clients and ask them to respond with whatever comes to mind. The Rorscach inkblot test uses 10 inkblots as the ambiguous stimuli. The Thematic Aperception Test uses 20 black and white pictures of people. Projective tests are very subjective, not very reliable or valid. * Other tools for assessment are direct observation and personality inventory.