Assess the postmodernist views of the mass media Essay

PM argue mass media are central to the PM theory, as the decline of traditional communities, time-space compression and flexible production – all derived through the media. PM argue the global society is media-saturated, making it harder to distinguish between reality and hyper-reality, and making culture fragmented and unstable. PM challenge viewing audience as passive and easily manipulated, as they use media images to construct individual identities. The major criticism of PM is that their argument is based on abstract concepts and a lack of empirical evidence. Marxists criticise PM for ignoring inequalities in media access, and that the media messages can mislead the audiences, as the main effort behind them is maintaining profit for capitalists. PM argue the society today is media-saturated. BAUDRILLARD argues the media messages dominate and distort the perception of the world. People live media-led virtual lives, spending time on social networks (eg. Twitter) or playing such video games as Second Life. Media-saturated society had created increasing uncertainty in the world by making it hard to discern reality from fantasy. BAUDRILLARD notes people are bombarded with the mass media daily. As a result, the media define our sense of reality and self-perception. To support, BAUMANN suggests people live in a liquid modernity, where we base our identity around consumption, and pick n mix identities. BAUDRILLARD agrees that identity is driven my media-created pressure to consume. However, Marxists argue capitalism is behind media-created pressure to consume, and the growth of consumerism represents the success of capitalism rather than diverse media messages. Nonetheless, BAUDRILLARD still argues that identity is formed by media images, rather than class and imposed values. PM argue the media actively create reality. BAUDRILLARD argues media images have replaced reality to such an extent that we live in hyper-reality, i. e. reality structured by electronic communication. In turn, the media present simulacra (artificial copies of real events), which is hard to differentiate from reality. There is no longer separate reality for things like TV programmes, highlighted by media stories about fictional characters. TUCKLE notes that the lives of TV characters have become more real to the audience than actual communities. For example, people felt so strongly about TV show Cheers that they created Cheers bars in America, similarly to creating Central Perk coffee shops after popularity of Friends. Moreover, the media can create realities of such major events as wars. BAUDRILLARD argues that the First Gulf War was a simulation created by the media, noting that ‘the war only happened on TV’. While not denying the existence of conflict, he criticised its portrayal in western societies. However, the impact of hyper-reality and simulacra is uneven between social groups. They are only significant to those who can access them. PM are criticised for ignoring that media images can increase perception of inequality. More importantly, PM ignore concerns over concentration of media ownership and ideological function hyper-reality may perform. Marxists suggest the RC may create the hyper-reality to reinforce their ideology, whereas Feminists suggest some aspects of hyper-reality, particularly games like GTA, reinforce patriarchy and misogyny. PM highlight the increasing importance of popular culture promoted by the media. STRINATI notes the mass media have caused a breakdown of distinction between high and popular culture, making popular culture dominate the way people define themselves. Popular culture has more influence on our lifestyles than social structures, as opposed to Marxist view that the media owners influence the media output thus influence our identities. However, PM are criticised for not being able to empirically prove the link between popular culture and creation of identities. PM conducted small scale ethnographic research, as they reject possibility of discovering objective truth about social world. However, it severely undermines their argument. In support of PM, however, neo-functionalist PUTNAM found empirical evidence to highlight the breakdown of the real world social interaction and declining social capital due to the influence of the media, and especially new media. In conclusion, PM view of the media is influential in drawing attention to the impact of the media on creation of identities and how consumption influence people’s ability to create their identities themselves. However, the major limitation of PM theory is reluctance to recognise the significance of the market forces and concentration of media ownership in understanding the media impact on the society. Moreover, PM do not acknowledge the media’s role of promoting and exacerbating inequalities among audiences.

Research Methods Essay

Methodology One of the primary ways in which marketing is defined is in terms of its difference from the so-called ‘pure sciences’ such as physics, chemistry, biology etc. Its use of theory and methodology is, therefore, closely related to this distinction. Academics of marketing often emphasize what too many of us are utterly obvious, that there is no certainty in the study of marketing sciences. This is because marketing not only deals with fiscal variables but also it deals with humanity, which is inherently transient. Taking this element of transience into consideration marketing scientists has to use not just quantitative but also qualitative methods of study. For this study of Establishing Islamic Fund to issue Islamic Bonds for Infrastructure Projects both the methods would be used. A Qualitative method of study differs from the usual quantitative methods (used in the study of pure sciences) in the sense that it tends to be far more subjective. This is in sharp contrast to the methods used in pure sciences which are exclusively objective. The research methods for marketing are a combination of both quantitative and qualitative methods. Being open to qualitative methods of study also allows social scientists to incorporate non-quantitative data (i. e. non-numerical data, such as words, images, gestures, impressions etc. ) in their study. Since human beings tend to operate in terms of such data and not in terms of the finance used in ordinary sciences this broader outlook is far more applicable in the study of social sciences. In keeping with the methodology employed in marketing researches the theories too are formulated and used keeping in mind that they aren’t necessarily applicable to all conditions. Be it psychology, history, political science or economics human events are most likely to influence the rules which define the basic theories of a marketing subject. Success in the field of marketing researches can therefore be achieved if and only if it is understood that the subject has no space or opportunity for water-tight methodologies or theories. It can always be stated that Qualitative research is a process that includes interpretative paradigm under the measures of theoretical assumptions and the entire approach is based on sustainability that is depended on people’s experience in terms of communication. It can also be mentioned that the total approach is based on the fact that reality is created on the social formulations. It can also be mentioned that the basic target of qualitative research is instrumented towards social context under normal circumstances where it would be possible to interpret, decode and describe the significances of a phenomenon. The entire process is operational under the parameter of interpretative paradigm that can minimize illusion and share subjectivity under contextualization, authenticity and complexity of the investigation. The basic advantages of qualitative measures are multifold. Firstly, it presents a completely realistic approach that the statistical analysis and numerical data used in research based on quantitative research cannot provide. Another advantage of qualitative measures is that it is more flexible in nature in terms of collected information interpretation, subsequent analysis and data collection. It also presents a holistic point of view of the investigation. Furthermore this approach of research allows the subjects to be comfortable thus be more accurate as research is carried on in accordance to the subject’s own terms. The best statistical method would be to interview long well formulated day to day working procedure at a specific and well selected location and in this case it would be the three selected events mentioned. Throughout the procedure, it should be noticed whether there are specific variables within the testable population or not. These variables would be extremely important while evaluating the basic data in the final stages where the adjustments would be made to the formulated data in accordance to the observations. However, it is important to completely take into account the aspects of fundamental variables of an individual such as ethnicity, religious belief or positive support from the sales structure of the management and individual. It is necessary to design a new experiment that test the statistical method. For the purpose it is necessary to collect a complete data of the site that would include different religion, ethnicity or gender. An open meeting with potential customers of the Islamic fund and bond would be very relevant in this context but only the upper income limits should be taken into account in the initial stages. This is because only upper sections are the groups that are most likely to be present at the upper grade cosmetics. The mixed gender of male and female potential customers could well be excluded as that would complicate matters in the context of gender variable juxtaposed with other pre mentioned variables but considering other dependable factors sustaining it would yield to be fruitful in the long run. Data would be collected in relation to the gender, colour, and religion of the potential customers in respect to the composition of the management under the same parameters. Furthermore, the favourable conditions in the context of experienced customer response would also be accounted. All these variables are considered as very relevant and important features of the statistical method and it is to be seen if these aspects are fundamentally acceptable in practical world and it could well be mentioned that service, especially Islamic fund and bond, are a very relevant manifestation of the social dimensions. As a result if the test is carried out in a proper manner with proper calculations of the population involved then there is no reason that the results would be both logical and true at the end consideration. In accordance to the basic test selected it could be stated that it could be possible that the outcome would be relatively logical in the sense that it would ultimately follow the trends of social facilitation theory in marketing and thus it would be agreeable with the statistical method and thus a well formulated marketing strategy can be constructed for the benefit of the strategies of the Islamic fund and bond. However, it should be stated that there would be few independent variables in the context of the test that could not be explained by the statistical method statements. Here the ethical consideration of the potential customers or the ethnic background of the potential customers may not be a very relevant factor. Thus there could be some flaws to the collection of the population but if these aspects are kept in mind then the shortcomings would easily be negotiated during the ultimate computations. As a result the test would appear to be a full proofed measure that would be able to define and prove the fundamental aspects and statistical method applied. However it could be stated that the most basic distinction is between a quantitative or qualitative evaluation. In a quantitative evaluation, the purpose is to come up with some objective metric of human performance that can be used to compare interaction phenomena. This can be contrasted with a qualitative evaluation, in which the purpose is to derive deeper understanding of the human interaction experience. A typical example of a quantitative evaluation is the empirical user study, a controlled experiment in which some hypothesis about interaction is tested through direct measurement. A typical example of a qualitative evaluation is an open-ended interview with relevant users. As a result this method would be used widely. As descriptions of statistical methods that will be used it could be stated that in order to isolate the results for this particular study, only a survey questionnaire done would have been utilized. These questionnaires would be delivered to potential customers and retailers along with the administrators of the events. The results were divided into these same categories to ensure validity and reliability. General information in regard to identifiers was utilized in order to ensure that there would be no bias. This information provided the researcher with a more clarified view of perceptions in regard to the possibility and impact of economic, social and market penetration in the Islamic fund and bond strategy analysis of their successes and failures of their strategy. The objective in this study was to see the possible effect of the Islamic fund and bond strategy analysis of their successes and failures of their strategy. The study would in fact be balanced in its validity and reliability by results in questionnaires delivered. The objective would be to discover whether a prior knowledge of management of market segmentation would be beneficial or detrimental toward the company and their understanding of the use of strategies as marketing tools. Data would be gained from a specific area for ease of accessibility and for targeted accuracy lending reliability and validity to the research process. The variables involved would also include age groups, amount of education, and understanding of security needs and responsibility. Other variables may be inclusive of the economic standings of the potential customers of the Islamic fund and bond along with the same standings for the customers at the edge of the market segment interviewed. A third series of variables includes the types of studies that are managed and the cultural background of the customers at each of these areas. The research paradigm considered by the researcher in regard to this work included the consideration of groups and how strategically developed planning would target them. These considerations included in management and how the different respondents would in fact classify usage of event goers. The data for this work was managed through a single questionnaire handed out to potential customers and current customers of the Islamic fund and bond. The researcher utilized gender identifiers and numbers or letters to separate each questionnaire for validity and reliability of results and to ensure bias reductions. The questionnaire is located in the Appendix section for understanding of the questions. Each question had either a yes or a no answer or followed positive or negative reactions to certain questions. The process to deliver and collect these questionnaires would be spanned around approximately two weeks. The data sampling would be randomly managed utilizing stratified means with thirty-seven questionnaires completed by both male and female potential customers. The choice to use potential and existing customers alone in this research was made for three reasons. First, it was far simpler to have access to customers in regard to the researcher’s availability. Second, the focus itself is on customers’ attitudes and understanding of the gadget. Third, the quantification of such information allows the researcher to gain a broader perspective on how customers observe and realize the validity and reliability of information received from a variety of sources and how they apply it to daily life in terms of events. It should be noted that reliability for the researcher was achieved in the assurance that only a specified group of men and women were utilized in regard to the research. That group was focused mostly on customers and retails along with administrative personnel. This gave the research a more focused view of the research goal. The validity was managed as a result of this focus and emphasized in the considerations involved in the data collection, variables, and sampling methods. Privacy and confidentiality methods included assigning numeric and alphabetic coding to each responding questionnaire. This ensured anonymity in regard to the researcher and the subjects of the research process. Thus the most important objective of the interviews regarding this study concerning the market segment of the Islamic fund and bond would be building an impact regarding the profitability of this market for the stakeholder. As a result the study would feature qualitative interviews of personnel and personalities that are well known to the arena of marketing and a huge amount of potential customers who would provide complete views of their needs through as series of open and close ended questions. The interviews and questioners would certainly include the Administrators, Managers, marketing experts and Scholar, senior managers and obviously the potential customers of the Islamic fund and bond. The involvement of the administrators is a logical conclusion as this is the main stronghold that would be able to render the impetus of the market with his valued opinions. It should be noted that the interviews of the organization managers would be very helpful as they are the personnel who directly understand the ground reality of the nature and feasibility of the game plans established in the market segments of the Islamic fund and bond Strategies. Marketing and cosmetic industry management scholars and experts are also important for the basic strategy development these are the people who would be able to provide the theoretical framework of entire project. Interviews of the senior administrators, Journalists and retailer are very important because not only these people are well respected and their words highly valued, these are the people who are able to influence the structure of the Islamic fund and bond Strategies with their experience and insights. Lastly, interview would also be taken of experienced and potential consumers because they are the key objective of the entire scenario and these are the people who would actually present the objective of the market and would be instrumental directly to make the market worth venturing. To sum it up it should be mentioned that the methodology will involve client interviews, client’s strategic customer interview, event records, secondary research through the Internet and university database, it will also use strategic analysis tools for development of the marketing plan. In this context it should also be mentioned that the purpose of the project is formulated in a mutually beneficial way such that from an academic perspective there would be a huge gain in the context of valuable experience, and simultaneously add value by providing insights as well as a fresh & objective outlook on any matter relevant to the organization. Method of Analysis Information from the interviews will be classified into meaningful categories, which can be derived from the objectives and the literature. In using this categorisation approach, the data can be ordered and summarised according to the topic areas discussed and the depth of information attained. This could be done by establishing a suitable matrix and entering the data into the appropriate cells. However, it is essential to ensure that the categories devised are a coherent set so that the analytical framework is well structured and allows for effective analysis. This approach will allow the researcher to identify the most prevalent opinions and viewpoints as well as identifying polarised opinions. The analysis will help to draw out key themes and relationships, which will hopefully establish meaning in the data set. The key themes from the two types of interviewees can often be compared and contrasted in an attempt to create a clearer understanding of meaning. Lamb suggests that when existing theory has been used to formulate objectives, the theoretical propositions that enabled the researcher do this can also be used as a framework to help organise the data analysis. A clear theoretical framework was not used to establish the research question, although the objectives do acknowledge the relevant theory, so it is possible to use some theoretical framework to assist in the data analysis. The secondary data analysis will be used to support and augment the primary data. Analysis and Findings Analysis of information in regard to research managed by the researcher must include complete and full understanding of the questionnaire. This understanding focuses in the use of the questionnaire created specifically for this process. It is the considerations realized within the questionnaires, no matter their simplicity, that will focus considerations in later chapters of this work. Within this section of Analysis and Findings there will be measurement of all responses in regard to the questionnaire. Analysis strategy included a full series of statistical diagrams of all information collected including positive and negative responses, gender variations and marital status. This strategy provided the researcher with a wider spread for the conclusions that became evident in regard to the researcher’s focus. This information was broken down into specific charts for the benefit of visual context. The visual context provided insight in regard to perceptions of credit use and considerations by collegiate consumers in regard to financial planning and execution. These perceptions and considerations provide the researcher with evidence to support the hypothesis made in that there would in fact be adverse affects in the abuse of credit and that the use of credit, if not held in check, could in fact have auxiliary outside influence on other portions of daily life for collegiate students and perhaps for those outside the realm of collegiate studies. The researcher held awareness of the potential for study in regard to Islamic fund and bonds and their use or abuse through many methods. Those methods include observation, interaction and extensive research. The awareness of the media discussions of credit usage amongst collegiate level men and women and the similar studies within this idea would in fact have influenced the choice made. The choice of analyzing how students amongst this particular collegiate population would in fact consider their credit use and knowledge allows for a singular perspective isolated from the more broadly painted view including financial advisors, professors, parents and more. The focus itself was on the students and how they absorbed this information from the various resources available before applying it to their personal financial decisions. Overall, the respondents to the questionnaires provided insight in regard to how many individuals are learning more and more about financial management. This also provides insight in regard to some steps financial entities including banks and Islamic fund and bond issuers might consider in regard to further educating the general public, starting at the younger ages including collegiate level students and providing access to learning materials in this regard. The concern for this researcher would in fact be the lack of true knowledge in regard to Islamic fund and bond debt and its downfalls. The fact that there is much higher usage of Islamic fund and bonds and other forms of credits now than in years past causes more concern in regard to how to manage that growth of Islamic fund and bond debt in future endeavours. Limitations However, it should be mentioned there are certain limitations of the study. A number of people (usually senior administrators) may also insist that the consumers have no contribution to the issue. Many of them may think that consumers come into the working formulation only during the advertising scenario and never in the development plan of the marketing procedure. As a result they do not use the requisite strategic management techniques or adaptive methods that need to be exercised while developing a study such as this. However, it creates a void in the test as this limitation can be overcome by taking the subject into better mode of confidence. However, at the same time, it should also be noted that there are certain limitations regarding the methodology of the interview aspect. It could be mentioned that past history has shown that it is not always people revealing a context in a survey or interview holds much truth in the long run in general sense. This is one variable that is able to corrupt any well formulated strategically set formulations. But this again is a possibility and not the general rule. At any case it should be noted that all steps would be taken with utmost care so that such variables are not allowed to upset the basic test of market segmentation beyond a certain permissible limit. If all these parameters are well implemented there could be no reason why a long term strategy for operation in a full length marketing penetration and procedure cannot be established. Conclusion The understanding of this information gathered is proven in the statistics within the questionnaires that were completed and submitted. The research found that all respondents understood the material being requested and filled the questionnaires accordingly in timely fashion. This information was then examined thoroughly for consistency and validity. The researcher now understands that there is a great deal of diversity in the understanding of financial matters based on how those financial matters are taught to individuals whether through personal research, a parent, a bank representative, friends or other family members. The number of participants who pursued avenues toward understanding was surprising to the researcher in that there were far more to ask advice and to heed initial learning methods in regard to financial stability and concerns. The majority of respondents claim to have been taught financial management by a parent. Twenty-six respondents gave this as their response. Twelve also claimed that a professor had been beneficial in their learning. Bank representatives comprised eleven responses to the inquiry and six employers. The numerous choices for other methods of learning financial management included one grandparent, five respondents claimed their friends, two said internet resources, and one said society while two would actually work in the field. The diverse, yet incredibly stratified methods for learning and understanding financial management provide the researcher with interesting insights on how well these financial management methods are learned. Of the thirty-seven respondents to the questionnaire, the majority, including twenty-six respondents stated that they did inquire as to advice prior to application toward credit. This is intriguing to the researcher as it proves that students are understanding more and more in regard to their financial stature. Regarding whether positive or negative effects are seen or felt in regard to credit, most respondents claimed positive effects were seen. That number included twenty-one respondents with sixteen claiming there were more negatives than positives. When asked whether the students felt targeted by credit advertisers, the overwhelming response was yes with twenty-five respondents stating this. The remaining twelve said they didn’t feel targeted. The respondents overwhelmingly responded positively toward the need of courses on financial management. When asked if credit issuers were doing enough to educate consumers, the response was negative for the majority of respondents. When asked whether college campuses should provide financial planning assistance and credit understanding for students, the overwhelming majority of thirty-six to one said yes. The same response came in regard to having financial managers from banks and other financial institutions working with the college campuses for educational purposes in regard to use and abuse of Islamic fund and bonds and other forms of credit. Factors that manage approval of studies such as this one in regard to Islamic fund and bond use and abuse on college or university campuses would include the verifiable reports of credit usage by agencies including credit issuers, banks and debt management corporations. The rise in bankruptcies and such provide a very thorough glance into the behaviour of consumers and how that behaviour in the use of credit is affected by their ready knowledge of credit facts and figures. The researcher finds that the hypotheses made in the progression of the research would indeed have been validated through responses from the selected population. This further approves the necessity for further study and research into methods toward equilibrium in the use of credit. References Asif, M A L; Islamic Banking and Financial Institutions: The Progress and Probability; Book Resonance; 2005, 337, paragraph 3Iqbal, D; Birth of Islamic Banking; Part II; HDT Ltd. 1999, 33, 5-7 Syyed, S; Thinking and Acting in Islamic Finance Market; ABP Ltd, 2001, 98, 1 Zia-ud-din, Md. A; The Market Strategy; Large Alliance Publishers; 2004, 229, 4-8 Csermely, P; (April 28, 2006); Weak Links: Stabilizers of Complex Systems from Proteins to Financial Networks; SamsiReza Trust Allison, PD; (Nov 1, 1984); Financial Industry History Analysis: Regression for Longitudinal Event Data; SamsiReza Trust Mortimer, Jeylan T. & Shanahan, Michael J; (May 30, 2006); Handbook of the Life Course; Peterson Works. Box-Steffensmeier, JM & Jones, S; (April 5, 2004); Industrial History Modeling: A Guide for Social Scientists; Trans Europe Publications Ackoff, R &Emery, F; (Nov 15, 2005); On Purposeful Systems: An Interdisciplinary Analysis of Individual and Social Behavior as a System of Purposeful Events; Raduga Publication Hedstrom, Peter & Swedberg, Richard; (Jan 13, 1998); Social Mechanisms: An Analytical Approach to Management Theory; Raduga Publication Riddell, J. Palmatier, C & Gallanis, P; (Jan 2006); Meetings and other Social or Business Events; Reflex Publications. Yamaguchi, K; (Jul 18, 1991); Financial History Analysis; Batmen Class Publishers Kagle, JD; (1995); Social Work Records; Walter Vilges Habisch, A. Jonker, J. Wegner, M & Schmidpeter, R; (Nov 23, 2004); Corporate Social Responsibility Across Europe; UltraVista Rubington, E & Weinberg, MS; (Jul 26, 2002); The Study of Social Problems: Seven Perspectives; Reflex Publication Arthur, D. , Scott, D. and Woods, T. (1997) ‘A Conceptual Model of the Corporate Decision-Making Process’ Journal of Sport Management, 11, 223-233 Carrigan, M. and Carrigan, J. (1997) ‘UK Sports Sponsorship: Fair Play or Foul? ’ Business Ethics, Volume 6, Number 2 Kotler, P. , Armstrong, G. , Saunders, J. and Wong, V. (1999) Principles of Marketing Second European Edition Prentice Hall Europe Mason, J. (1998) Qualitative Researching; Sage Publications Mason, J. (2002) ‘Qualitative Interviewing: Asking, listening and Interpreting’ in Tim May Qualitative Research in Action Sage Publications Mintel (2000) ‘Sponsorship’ Mintel International Group Limited July Saunders, S. , Lewis, P. and Thornhill, A. (2003) Research Methods for Business Students Third Edition Pearson Education Limited Yin, R. (1994) Case Study Research, Design and Methods Second Edition Sage Publications Banyard, P. 2005, Ethical Issues and Guidelines in Sociology, Flanagan, Cara Publication, London, New York Hall, T. 2006, Urban Geography, Routledge Contemporary Human Geography Series; 3rd Ed, & Francis Routledge, London, New York Hood, J. 2003, Financial Management systems, Journal of Risk Research 6 (3), 233–251 (2003), Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow Hutt, M. & Speh T. 2001, Business Financial Management: A Strategic View of Industrial and Organizational Markets, Harcourt Collage Publishers, Philadelphia. Â  

Beard vs Graff

As an ex-marine and a supporter for increased personal independence, you take pride in offering customers a variety of helmets and accessories that allow the consumer to express themselves confidently.Without your creative vision, this company would not have the sales growth that it has had over the ears due to your persistent work ethic. I am eager to continue to learn from you how to operate a profitable independent business, as I wish to accomplish similar successes in the long run. The number of U. S. traffic deaths has been on decreasing over the years; however, more people are dying in motorcycle crashes. 4,612 motorcyclists died in 2011, more than two times the amount in 1997.Out of the 4,612 lives taken from motorcycle accidents, around 750 could have been saved had the rider been wearing a â€Å"DOT† certified helmet. As you know, we have sold many novelty helmets over the years that o not meet â€Å"DOT† safety requirements, and these helmets provide no protec tion in a crash. Research has concluded that there is a â€Å"100-percent probability of brain injuries and skull fractures,† indicating that these helmets are worn more for style rather than safety. As this issue becomes more prevalent in the media, customers will begin to question whether price and style trump a lifesaving protective â€Å"DOT† helmet.As you have served in the military, you know how important each person's life is. With 800,000 novelty helmets being sold per year, imagine how many lives you ould save by excluding novelty helmets from our product line. Although this would be a large change in our business strategy, this change can increase profits, limit motorcycle fatalities, and positively portray the morals of our fear that I can see you having with only selling â€Å"DOT† helmets is that profit margins would diminish.Yet, we can increase our bottom-line if we inform our customer base of the extreme differences in protection that both helmet s provide. Once our consumers understand the importance of â€Å"DOT† helmets through statistics and estimonials of current customers whose lives were saved, we can incrementally increase these prices. It's also vital to note that with possible legislation being enacted that would ban novelty helmets and require all riders to wear â€Å"DOT† certified helmets, your company would be far more prepared for these changes than anyone else.Not to mention, in this litigation intense environment that we currently live in, banning novelty helmets from our product line would lower the probability of law suits exponentially. This is an opportune time to make a decision that will allow your company to grow for any years to come, and banning novelty helmets from your product line will be the right choice. You have always been extremely innovative, and with your leadership, we will continue to provide our customers with products that exceed our competitors' efforts.I would like to s et up a meeting with you on Friday, November 1 5th so that we can go forward with this project, and discuss the changes that must be made to expand our profits. I am confident that you recognize the benefits of going forward with this idea, and I will see you on Friday to resolve any other concerns that you may have. Sincerely, Sales, Marketing Department

How have anthropologists tried to understand depression in other Essay

How have anthropologists tried to understand depression in other societies - Essay Example According to the prediction of WHO, in 2020 depression will be the second major cause of disability (Bhugra &Mastrogianni 2004, p.13).According to Murry and Lopez (1997), ‘In developing countries major depression is projected to be the leading cause of disease burden’(as cited in Bhugra &Mastrogianni 2004, p.13). According to Kleinman and Good (1985, p.1) the terms ‘depression’, ‘melancholia’, ‘mania’ have long and continuous history in European thought. Greek and Roman writers also mentioned the presence of some ‘melancholic diseases’ among people which are similar to the ones identified today. Depressed patients are treated with medical regiments consisting of antidepressants and supportive therapies. This universal treatment of depression is of no surprise for biomedical researchers due to the fact that they consider depression to be a disease that is identifiable throughout the world. Past decades majorly contributed in identifying the biochemical and psychological factors that give rise to depression, but it does not show us the complete picture because of the recent research on neurotransmitters. Growing evidence identifies the issues about the universal perception of depression and conceptual complications. Kleinman and Good state, à ¢â‚¬ËœBioamines involved in the transmission and regulation of neurological messages-and a set of hormones are implicated in depressive illness.’ (1985, p.1) It implies to the presence of culture about depression. This essay analyses the contributions of anthropologists for understanding depression in non-Western societies. Initially depression was considered to be the issue of west only. It refers to the perception of a less evolved brain in other parts of the world (Vint 1932 as cited in Skultans & Cox 2000, p.76). Prince (1967), German (1972), and Marsella (1976) identified not only an inadequate body of research about depression when it comes to non-western societies but also found

Chemical Castration of Pedophiles Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 19500 words

Chemical Castration of Pedophiles - Essay Example There is considerÐ °ble clinicÐ °l reseÐ °rch focusing on violent sexuÐ °l offenders, including child molesters. The relÐ °tionship of T to Ð °ggressive sexuÐ °l behÐ °vior in men hÐ °s Ð °lso been extensively reseÐ °rched Ð °nd some studies hÐ °ve shown positive correlÐ °tions between plÐ °smÐ ° T levels Ð °nd sexuÐ °l Ð °ggression. The chemicÐ °l cÐ °strÐ °tion treÐ °tment of sexuÐ °l offenders is Ð ° chemicÐ °l method of reducing the sexuÐ °l drive Ð °nd consequently Ð °ffecting the sexuÐ °l behÐ °vior of sexuÐ °l offenders. It hÐ °s been Ð °ssumed thÐ °t the direction of sexuÐ °l drive wÐ °s unÐ °ffected. Recent work with cyproterone Ð °cetÐ °te (CHEMICÐ L CÐ STRÐ TION) showed differentiÐ °l effects on sexuÐ °l Ð °rousÐ °l pÐ °tterns with Ð ° reduction of pedophilic sexuÐ °l Ð °rousÐ °l but less effect on the sexuÐ °l Ð °rousÐ °l to Ð °dult mutuÐ °lly consenting heterosexuÐ °l intercourse. Cyproterone Ð °cetÐ °te hÐ °s chemicÐ °l cÐ °strÐ °tionic, Ð °ntigonÐ °drotropic, Ð °nd progestÐ °tionÐ °l effects (LiÐ °ng et Ð °l., 1977). Its principÐ °l mode of Ð °ction is on the Ð °ndrogen receptors. CHEMICÐ L CÐ STRÐ TION blocks the intrÐ °cellulÐ °r T uptÐ °ke, the intrÐ °cellulÐ °r metÐ °bolism of the Ð °ndrogens Ð °s well Ð °s the receptor binding (MÐ °inwÐ °ring, 1977). CHEMICÐ L CÐ STRÐ TION Ð °ppeÐ °rs to hÐ °ve Ð ° mÐ °in effect on receptors thÐ °t hÐ °ve Ð ° high Ð °ffinity for dihydrotestosterone (DHT). CHEMICÐ L CÐ STRÐ TION hÐ °s both desirÐ °ble Ð °nd undesirÐ °ble side effects Ð °nd those influencing sexuÐ °l behÐ °vior Ð °re desirÐ °ble in the treÐ °tment of the pedohiliÐ °. he side effects Ð °re, to Ð ° lÐ °rge degree, dose dependent.... It is these individuls who need to be treted using chemicl pproch in ddition to cognitive behviouril therpy. Further, pedophili lone is very severe public helth problem of stggering proportions, with between 6 nd 62% of girls nd 10 to 30% of boys being the victims of sexul buse in childhood ccording to vrious studies (Peters, Wytt, & Finkelhor, 1986). Furthermore, in the United Sttes the costs of incrcerting individuls convicted of sexully busing children is stggering, with more thn two billion dollrs spent in 1990, while t the sme time there is no evidence tht the deterrence of incrcertion hs ny impct on the problem (Pithers et l., 1995). t this time, no one is certin of the cuse of pedophili nd other sexul devitions. In ddition, the ctul incidence nd prevlence of the pedohili is unknown. The level of sexul buse victimiztion of children in the generl popultion tody is firly consistent with tht reported by Kinsey (Gebhrd & Johnson, 1979). In study completed in the 1940s, 24% of 4,000 femles surveyed disclosed sexul interction with mle t lest five yers older thn them when they were 14 yers of ge or younger (Gebhrd & Johnson, 1979). Sexul intercourse occurred in 93% of cses, nd in 31% of cses there ws mild petting or fondling without involvement of the genitls. ntionl survey by the Federl Government of Cnd on sexul violence ginst children nd dolescents found tht 18.1% of children (23.5% of femles nd 12.8% of mles) were victims of childhood sexul buse. In only 20% of cses were the perpetrtors strngers, with friends, cquintnces, prents, nd other fmily members being the perpetrtors in the mjority of cses (Federl Government of Cnd, 1984). The ctul levels of the prevlence of pedophili in the generl popultion is unknown, but it

Impact of Tourism on the Quality of Life on the Citizens of the Essay

Impact of Tourism on the Quality of Life on the Citizens of the Historic Center of Venice, Italy - Essay Example To achieve this primary objective, the first step is to survey and record the present distribution of retail shops and the type of primary goods such as food and other daily commodities sold therein. The number of shops that predominantly sell tourist-oriented goods would be recorded and a â€Å"touristization index† would be formulated to estimate the prevalence of tourist-oriented shops in the region. Another index, viz. â€Å"shopping comfort† would also be formulated to measure the quality of life based on the importance and necessity of products sold in these retail shops, the accessibility of the stores, the number of people of different age groups in each shop’s vicinity, average price of basic goods etc. Once these indices are computed, the shopping landscape of Venice from the time of World War II (1945) to 2005 would be recreated. This will facilitate the study of the evolution of the retail landscape of Venice in 60 years, and will also equip the resea rchers with enough data to help in identifying the trends in its evolution. The research problem that this study wishes to address is whether tourism has influenced the quality of life of people living in Venice, by affecting its retail sector. The study wishes to ascertain whether shops selling basic and daily commodities have been replaced by tourist-oriented shops selling artifacts and souvenirs, thereby affecting the common people’s daily lives. Access to shops selling foodstuff and other necessities, the age of individuals living in the shop’s vicinity and the distances travelled to procure goods for daily needs will thus be assessed by the study. research problem that this study wishes to address is whether tourism has influenced the quality of life of people living in Venice, by affecting its retail sector. The study wishes to ascertain whether shops selling basic and daily commodities have been replaced by tourist-oriented shops selling artifacts and souvenirs, thereby affecting the common people’s daily lives. Access to shops selling foodstuff and other necessities, the age of individuals living in the shop’s vicinity and the distances travelled to procure goods for daily needs will thus be assessed by the study. The study also intends to propose alternatives, and public and private interventions to stop or even reverse the trends, in case they are found to have a negative impact on the people’s quality of life. II. Research Paradigm The proposed research aims at challenging popular claims that increasing tourism in Venice has led to the replacement of shops selling goods of basic necessity with shops selling tourist-related goods such as souvenirs and apparel. Although this has been the common perception of local citizens since the past 30 years, the belief is largely anecdotal and is not backed by quantitative or qualitative evidence. Moreover, no investigation has been done until date on the type of local stores t hat have been running and those that have been shut down since the second World War. Therefore, the belief that tourism has negatively impacted the people’s quality of life by changing the retail scene is based on unconfirmed assumptions. The researchers thus wish to challenge the hypothesis that â€Å"Venice is becoming a harder and more costly place to live in, where souvenir shops have displaced stores providing primary necessities to the aging local population†. It is expected that this hypothesis will either be confirmed or decried after the successful completion of the proposed study. If the hypothesis is confirmed, potential solutions will be proposed. However, if the hypothesis were disproved, it would result in a paradigm shift in the local perception

Seatbelt and Exhaust System Defects Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Seatbelt and Exhaust System Defects - Essay Example The company should recall these cars to be fixed, if not replaced, in order to ensure the customer's safety. 3) Ensure the market that such problems are inevitable and are easily dealt with. Approach and Analysis: The first step into solving this problem is to reacquire the previously sold cars and repair the defects. The owners must be contacted, informed about the problem and be requested for a recall. This process entails sacrifices for both parties which mean that a just compensation must be provided to get the customers' full cooperation. The whole repair will, after all, be done in forty minutes. Even with an estimate of 1.35 Million cars to be recalled, the process could not be that troublesome. After acquiring the cars, experts should be present to asses the defects. See if it is uniform among the cars or are there differences. Data should be gathered differentiating the defects and damages acquired across the models, logistics, etc. Then the data should then be analyzed by economists, medical experts and the board along with the car experts. A decision should then be made whether to continue production alter the design or revamp the design all in all. Though this process, better techniques on both manufacturing and detecting defects on sold cars must be made. The market should then be wooed so as not to loose trust for the company. This is very important since the world is undergoing financial crisis. Many companies has already downsized or closed up, Toyota should not be one of them.Results: Recalls are still yet to be done but as of the moment some cars had been gathered and upon inspection of the acquired cars, the said defects had been confirmed. The seatbelt indeed can cause fire. When the tensioner is activated upon collision, the sound insulator may melt thus causing a fire, just as mentioned earlier. The exhaust pipe on the other hand, is prone to damage and will probably crack. This might cause substandard emissions to leak out which will endanger the environment. So far, no other defects were found. Discussion: The industry knows that releasing cars with defects are inevitable. This though must be detected immediately, preferably before the product even leaves the show room. The mistake seen on this situation is the delay of detection. This might possibly be seen earlier if the cheapest model in the market was not overlooked. An equal attention between cars should have been given. The recall of the cars will further the understanding of the company about the defects on the car parts and how testing should be done. There must also be enough cars to be reverse engineered to see a better picture. Most cars will be going to the dealer and get the desired repair but it must also be seen that some cars are to be acquired to be further tested. The mistake of just fixing and not doing in depth investigation must be avoided. The gathered data should be used to develop better techniques. This includes all aspects from manufacturing to sales to maintenance. This will ultimately benefit the company. Ethical and Economic Discussion: Recalls may be bothersome for both the owner and the company but it should be looked as a beneficial process,