Vans Paper

Vans Homework Assignment (Racquet Club) | | |Stephen Smith | |Shelby Harris | |Lauren Lindsey | |John Krc | |Aleksandra Petronijevic | 1. Product: What products does Vans sell? Vans sells skateboard shoes, appeal, and outer wear for guys and girls. 2. Mission Statement: Describe the Vans mission in less than three sentences. The mission statement of Vans expresses that they want to provide an attractive look to teenage kids.The employees of Vans want their customers to be happy and enjoy their new clothes. 3. Target: Who do they target in terms of gender, geography, lifestyle, income, interests and activities? Vans targets mainly males, but lately females are making a greater appearance. Originally, they focused on the west coast but they quickly expanded eastward. They target younger kids with interests that include: action sports, music, art, and street fashion. 4. Competitive Advantage: How does Vans describe its competitive advantage?How are they different and better than other b rands? They see themselves as the original; therefore, being original is their competitive advantage. They were the first to make the canvas, checkerboard skate and active wear shoes. 5. Distribution: Where is Van’s sold? What is their pyramid distribution strategy? How does it work? Vans are sold at most shoes that sell shoes; however, they decided to only give the mainstream retailers specific shoes. This is to protect their popular shoes in hopes to keep them popular.If only certain stores hold their most popular shoes, the shoes will not sell immensely all at once but will sell well over time. The most exclusive shoes goes to the top of the pyramid sellers and then the middle level shoes go to the more mainstream sellers. 6. What is their strategy in terms of their use of traditional media (TV, radio, magazine, outdoor)? List the different media and examples of specific media vehicles. They mainly rely on magazine promotion. They put their ads in all of the true skate, su rf, snow, and motocross magazines that are available.Then after magazines are events, for example: skateboard competitions, surfing competitions, etc. Next in the line of media is television and radio. 7. What is their strategy in terms of the role of the internet in Van’s communication strategy? Provide examples. 8. What is their promotional strategy in terms of their use of sales promotion with consumers? (samples, tours, contests, vacations, giveaways)? Provide examples. Some promotional strategies used by Vans are documentaries like Dogtown and Z-Boys, which is a 90 minute documentary.Vans has many commercials that advertise their shoes while people are skateboarding. 9. What is their promotional strategy in terms of their use of sales promotion with retailers? (samples, tours, contests, vacations, giveaways)? Provide examples. Vans gives away clothes and shoes to retailers so that they can promote them to customers and get their brand out and make it more well-known. 10. What is their promotional strategy in terms of public relations/publicity where events are staged to engage potential customers and the media? Provide examples including events.Later in their years Vans became a marketing company now their promotional strategies consist of many events such as, The Vans walk tour, Vans Triple Crown surfing, Vans downtown showdown, and many more skateboard, snow board and surfing events. 11. How do they make use of interactive marketing? Vans is known for hosting an array of events that are seemingly enjoyable and fun. It is very interactive more so because the Vice President of the company makes sure of he is at all events in a very approachable form. 12. How do they use spokespersons?Their events where they team up with different television stations and so on stands as there spokesperson. They more so work on letting the brand as a whole speak for itself. 13. How do they use cause marketing? Give examples of sponsorships. Vans uses cause marketing in the ads they have consisting of magazines, events, television and radio. One of cause marketing sponsorships they have is â€Å"Surf Rider† which is an organization founded upon keeping the ocean water clean. Vans teamed up with this organization by making exclusive shoes that has the name of the branch where Surf Rider branches are.Vans causes marketing by magazines and ad’s in only the true skateboard, snowboard and surfing magazines. They host actual events pertaining to all of these events to not only drive sales but form an interpersonal relationship with all Vans customers. Lastly they turn to television and radio to keep the name of the company in the mainstream media. 14. What types of information and research does Vans use to determine the effectiveness of their promotional strategy? Vans information and research comes from â€Å"bottom line†. As well as the constant surveys they receive from countless market research groups.Their website remains the number one action sport website. They also notice at events the numerous amount of clients that are wearing vans everywhere. 15. Do you think Vans’ promotional mix focuses more on a pull strategy or a push strategy? Why? I feel Vans’ promotional mix focuses more on a pull strategy than a push strategy. Vans’ does not chase different competitors out of their range of products. They focus more on pleasing the current clients who are looking for what Vans as a company has to offer. They pride themselves on being original and work on continuing to keep it that way.

New Hire Communication Essay

We would like to welcome all new hires to TMG Inc. We look forward to a long and prosperous work relationship with each and every one of our new hires. Our main goal is to make sure the customer is always satisfied. As customer service representatives you are the first point of contact with the customers so we are going to make sure that each one of you is properly trained to assist the customers in any and every way. Here at TMG Inc. we provide phone, cable, and internet service to our customers. During your training each of you will learn about all of the products and services available to the customers. We offer on-site paid training which will consists of classroom training for one week and on the phone training for two weeks. Hours of training will be 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. with two 15 minute breaks and an hour lunch. At the end of the training course there will be a skills test to determine if the trainees are ready to communicate with customers or if more training is required. Once training is successfully completed representatives will be assigned an eight hour shift between the hours of 7:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. with two 15 minute breaks and an hour lunch. Each representative is expected to report to work and back from breaks and lunches on time. Each representative is responsible for informing the company of any absences and lateness via the attendance line prior to the start of the assigned shift. Failure to follow the proper procedures will result in disciplinary action. Each employee is allowed two call outs per month. Comp time will start to accumulate once training is successfully completed. Comp time is accumulated by work hours. Four hours is earned for every forty hours worked. Comp time can be used once twenty hours are accumulated. The dress code is business casual with  dress down on Fridays. Welcome to TMG Inc. Let’s make this work experience last a lifetime!!!!

Competition in Healthcare

In the U. S. economy, when companies or organizations compete for consumers’ business, consumers usually win with lower prices and better quality product (Stossel, 2007). This idea has spread to the healthcare industry and is being encouraged as a way to increase value for patients (Rivers, 2008). With the healthcare industry being a very diverse industry, there are many different forms of competitions as well as benefits and shortfalls for competition in the healthcare market.Traditional competition in healthcare involves one more elements of price, quality, convenience, superior products or services, new technology and innovations (Rivers, 2008). There are different forms of healthcare competition. One form of healthcare competition is the competition that exists between individuals who provide healthcare such as physicians and other healthcare practitioners (Rivers, 2008). These entities compete for patients who are able to pay on their own, or who have their own health ins urance (Rivers, 2008). They also compete off of a non-price basis (Rivers, 2008).This means they are competing with their location, their colleague referrals, and their reputations (Rivers, 2008). Physicians and other healthcare practitioners may also compete in the medical market by reducing competition from non-physicians like psychologist (Rivers, 2008). The benefits for this type of competition are that it forces the healthcare practitioner and physicians to be more patient-orientated. It also encourages prices to competitive since some of these individuals are paying for the services out of their own pocket and is price conscious (Stossel, 2007).Another form of competition in the healthcare industry is healthcare organizations, such as hospitals (Rivers, 2008). These entities compete for physicians, third-party payers and patients (Rivers, 2008). They compete for patients by providing more services, better amenities and discounted prices (Rivers, 2008). They also compete for ph ysicians by trying to maintain a cutting edge of competition with their technology and new medical discoveries (Rivers, 2008). The final form of competition in the healthcare industry is between organizations that provide healthcare financing, insurance and plans.These entities compete with access, premiums, benefits, quality and different degrees of freedom in choosing a provider and the benefits or coverage services. The pitfall for this type of competition is that it can often be confusing for consumers who are comparing different insurance or financing plan. Competition in the healthcare industry is being encouraged to help better the quality of care patients receive as well as reduce medical costs. When patients have the choice of where they receive medical care, competition and having a competitive edge on opponents is important.Since the healthcare industry is so large and diverse, there are different forms of competition between healthcare entities. Ultimately competition is supposed to benefit the consumer and patients. resources: Rivers, P. (2008). Healthcare competition, strategic mission and patietn satisfaction:research models and propositions. Retrieved on October 13, 2012 from www. ncbi. nlm. nib/gov/pmc/articles/PMC2865678 Stossel, J (2007). The Competitive Advantage. http://abcnews. go. com/2020/story? id=36026262&page=1

Marketing planing Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Marketing planing - Assignment Example M&S has been operating for last 129 years and has â€Å"grown from single market stall to an international multi-channel retailer† (Marks and Spencer plc., 2013a). The company is operating in more than 50 territories all over the world and has almost 82,000 employees. The organization stands on the pillars of trust, innovation, service, value and quality and works hard to offers quality products that are relevant to the customers. M&S is diversifying its product range, channel, locations and store that will help the company in broadening the international operations and reduces the dependence on UK. The turnover that M&S generates from its operations in UK are segregated into two parts like general merchandise contributes about 46% and food contributes 54%. They have nearly 766 stores all over UK and a flourishing e-commerce business (Marks and Spencer plc., 2013b). The company sells great value and high quality food. They aim towards providing the customers with an outstandin g shopping experience. The study focuses on formulating a marketing plan for M&S after conducting the marketing audit and identifying its strength weakness opportunities and threat. 1. a. Review the changing pattern in the marketing planning and assess capability of your chosen company in carrying out the marketing plan. Changing pattern The process of bringing the ability of the organization and requirement of the customers under one roof is termed as marketing. Profit generation and marketing are two interrelated items. The customer receives benefits, gets satisfied, makes payment and in turn the company makes profits. However this balance in the market place is dependent on many factors, which is achieved through various practices and affects the marketing environment (Westwood, 2002). Cultural and Local preferences The customers are seen to show preference on some particular products based on the national culture, local conditions and local traditions. M&S has been expanding the ir business in large number of countries. In order to enhance the international buying process the company has amalgamated their central planning with the knowledge about local market and has created tailored products that reflects customers profile, culture and local seasonality (Marks and Spencer plc., 2013b). Government Policies The economic, political and legal conditions of the country in which a firm operates can affect the marketing plan; like exchange rates are often seen to influence the decision of manufacturing locally. The operating profit of M&S has been seen to decline by 9.9%, which was due to start up cost, macroeconomic condition and currency translation. The company has planned to launch in-country websites to reach the customers more easily. Competition The competitors are also seen to impact the marketing plan of the company. Product, pricing and many other facets are affected by them. M&S have many competitors like Tesco, BHS and Asda with whom they have to comp ete. Not only in the home market but also they face stiff competition in the other countries. Change in Technology The technology is undergoing dramatic changes, which is also leading to changes in the requirement of the customers. Innovation has lead changes the ways M&S conducts business. They have launched transactional websites in about ten markets. The company has

Kant's Political Writings Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Kant's Political Writings - Essay Example However, our choice of leadership may not always be right and appropriate since as men we tend to be wrong at times due to our human nature. Nonetheless, a leader is always needed and we must submit to them irrespective of whether we agree with them fully or not. This was the origin of the supreme rule among men. It was the only way to establish law and order in any social setting irrespective of where that rule comes from. It is therefore an offense to go against the rule of law by organizing any form of resistance to the leaders in authority. Such an action is deemed offensive and should be punished according to the constitution in place. If anyone is against any law or figure of authority, they should find a constitutionally recognized way of placing their complaints without disorganizing or trying to forcefully overrule the structure of power. His approach to leadership in any social setting points to dictatorship and democratic doctrines. These principles cannot coexist hand in hand since one form will take over the other in time. However, these doctrines are beneficial to men in their quest to find stability in their day to day lives. I support his ideology on this subject matter since he gives some pointers to its advantages. He takes us back to the laws of nature that govern the animal and plant kingdoms. According to his third proposition, our full capabilities are only realized when in an organized group and not as an individual. This is because we are social creatures. He gives us an example of trees trying to collectively seek for air and light for their growth and other trees that do not participate in this union but go off on their own. The latter trees grow to be strong and blossom fully while the former do not grow to their full potential. The value of group association is enhanced since it comes with great benefits to the individuals joined in the venture. This does not come easy since they will be some problems experienced in one way or the ot her. These deviations are to be expected since peace comes with a price. This should be dealt with constitutionally as the people look to the greater picture of a centralized form of governance. The leaders should be capable of providing for its citizens and especially for those unable to do so. It then acquires the right to tax its citizens in a bid to avail certain resources for its entire people. This right to tax should not be abused but used for the greater good of its entire people. The people are then given some privileges by the constitution such as those of voting, legal ownership of property and the right to freedom. The right to rule conferred upon the state is given to it by its citizens. This power should be supreme and the means to an end. The leader should be then having more authority than the people he is ruling over. He can lead his people to a resistance but he must have made claim to his actions and offer protection to his subjects. This resistance could be again st the constitution or a part of it. This form of defiance could be unconstitutional since it points to the leader of the resistance as the Supreme authority yet he is meant to be a tool to follow through with the rule of law. This goes against Kant’s principles as it means that there is a flaw in the constitutional framework of the society. This is even graver when a coup is staged by the people who are meant to be subjects upholding the legality of the leadership they choose. Instead they should be able to stage complaints in the most peaceful of manners and if that approach fails, then submitting to the law would come in handy. In the case scenario of the murder of the leader as was seen in the execution of Charles I, there was the deviation from

Understanding Terrorism Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Understanding Terrorism - Essay Example Understanding Terrorism According to the FBI terrorism is the illegal use of violence against people or property to coax the reigning regime, the civilian population or a segment of society in the pursuit of political or social objectives. The Al Shabaab is an extremist group; their actions do more harm than good and show why terrorism cannot be justified no matter the cause. Q2 There are diverse classifications of fighters centered on their devotions, ways and means of combat, whereby a terrorist is one who uses fear, that is, terror, to achieve their political and social goals. Whiles a revolutionary is one who believes in an over haul of the government and in the way people think. Therefore, a revolutionary does not necessarily resort to violence although many revolutions have been characterized with a lot of violence as was seen in the French revolution and the Arab spring. A freedom fighter is one who strives to acquire freedom of his social group who he believes is oppressed by the reigning government . When struggling for liberation in Argentina, Che Guevara resorted to violence however not all freedom fighters will choose warfare as their style of combat. Guerillas combat in small crowds if possible under cover or at nightfall choosing for an autonomous and lopsided style of aggressiveness. Their smaller units enable them to strike faster and escape before their stronger opposing forces can organize a counter attack. A terrorist can become a guerrilla but not all guerillas are terrorists as the Philippine forces resorted to guerilla tactics during the Vietnam War (Kramer 98). Terrorist action is the use of fear to achieve sociopolitical ends. Q3 A relationship has been observed between terrorism and the level of freedom within a regime, an authoritarian regime is more likely to experience acts of terrorism than a liberal regime (Cinar 3). The feeling of oppression and denial of human rights is all the motivation required to resort to violence but there are cases of liberal gove rnments facing terrorist activities. Polish workers demonstrated against the regime of Wladyslaw Gomulka In 1970 because of the government’s continuous oppression of opposition views due to the poor working conditions and the (Shlapentokh 171). In 2011, the Arab spring revolution occurred and saw several Arab leaders face disapproval and removal from power due to their human rights violation. Muammar Gadaffi of Libya faced the revolt of his people due to gross human rights violation. In Syria, there are daily riots as revolutionaries and freedom fighters resort to guerrilla tactics and terror to remove the incumbent president Al Assad who they accuse of using excessive force to silence his critics within the country. The leading motive for the terrorism seen in liberal countries is the failure of appropriate application of the philosophies of democracy. Ethnic terrorism is the main form of terrorism observed in liberal democracies as ethnic or religious minorities feel that t here are not given equal treatment, their values are not respected (Cinar 5), or that there is cultural erosion of their culture for the dominant group such as the September 11 Airline smash of the Twin Towers by Bin Laden. One of the grievances of the Al Qaeda group is the spread of western values and culture that is eroding Arabic culture as well as the development of America the expense of their own countries. Spain a country known for its good

Write a critical commentary on the following document about the Lille Literature review

Write a critical commentary on the following document about the Lille to Paris Hunger March 18 November- 2 December 1933 - Literature review Example This study will therefore assess and help in noting down a viable commentary about The Lille to Paris Hunger March. The document seeks to expound on the problematic factors that contributed to this march. Mass unemployment pops up as the main reason contributing to the rise of the hunger march. It is also the main reason that sparked other protests in France, protests that occurred at different times in history, before and after the Lille to Paris Hunger March. This commentary is therefore posed to highlight on the pre and post-march periods, provide the main arguments and facts with evidence, and finally draw a conclusion of the important points that are pointed out in the document. The author of this document had in mind the urge to bring forth the intended message of history as regards the famous hunger march. The languages used are French and English though the former is used sparingly in the document (Perry, 2007). The document (Lille to Paris Hunger March) was written with the intention of providing information to Newcastle University students and other persons with the urge to know more about historical labour events in France and specifically, the 1933 Hunger march. The document is structured in such a way that one is able to highlight the sequence of events that took place prior to and after the famous 1933 hunger march. It is an explanatory kind of document where the causes, the actual hunger march event, and the repercussions of the march are clearly highlighted for easier understanding of what really transpired during that period in the history of France. In between the two world wars, France experienced four recessions that contributed heavily to a sharp increase in unemployment. The origins of this march lie with the success of the Saint-Nazaire to Nantes march that took place that same year (June 27-28 1933) and organized by the local CGT (Confà ©dà ©ration Gà ©nà ©rale du Travail [General Confederation of Labour]),and

HRM Assignment Guide Each individual student will be required to Essay

HRM Assignment Guide Each individual student will be required to prepare a written assignment on the following two questions - Essay Example In addition to this, the study will discuss the similarity and differences of these principles. A multinational or a domestic organization when develops human resource strategies and policies according to the host country’s work or religious culture, then it can be defined as domestic practices and policies. On the other hand, an organization develops human resources policies or strategies in several global operating market places according to the cultural or religious background of people or employees, it can be considered as multinational human resource policies and practices. Discussion Global business environment has become highly competitive as several leading organizations are operating within a similar industry. In addition to this, these organizations are continuously developing unique business strategies in order to maintain its significant competitive edge in global market place. Human resource department is considered as one of the important department of an organiz ation. Several leading national and multinational organizations have given significant importance to their human resource department in order to ensure effective business performance. ... National or multinational organizations generally try to develop human resource policies to improve the workplace environment and motivate the employees to perform well (Cooke, 2003, p.72). Each and every organization develops human resource policy in host or international country to foster recruitment and workplace performance management process. A multinational organization follows same step or process in all the operating countries regarding the recruitment activities. Job posting, advertising and interview procedures follow same structure in all the countries. Differences in human resource policy in domestic and international countries take place regarding organizational culture of an organization, workplace diversity programmes in an organization, leadership styles in the organizations and use of motivation tolls in the organization (Colling and Terry, 2010, p.98). It is true that an organization has to develop these strategies differently in several global markets due to differ ence in cultural background and behaviour of people. In addition to this, multinational organizations generally develop different types of policies due to various political aspects in different countries, such as wage distribution regulation, labour policy and employment policy. Differences It is important for a multinational organization to implement cultural or social research and survey activity before entering into the international market. It is very much essential to considered different external environmental factors as it helps the human resource department to develop policy. It already has been discussed that there are significant similarities in domestic and international

Biofuels Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Biofuels - Essay Example This paper examines cons associated with biofuel production as well as their counter views. Advantages of biofuels As earlier noted, biofuel is produced from agricultural crops, especially corn. This means biofuel has generated a market that competes with the food market for crop harvest. Recent studies have shown that the increased dependence on this type of fuel has led to a rise in the demand for food crops in the energy market. Farmers are motivated to channel their crops there due to high market prices for their produce. This has in turn has led to a decrease in supply of agricultural products in the food market. In effect, low supply of food commodities in the food market has translated to increased global food prices (Bruce et al, 2010). According to FAPRI (2009), biofuel production has also encouraged farmers to limit their production of other crops and concentrate on corn. This has led to the reduction in the supply of other types of crops hence an increase in their prices. Extensive corn production has also encouraged extensive land use and potential encroachment into wild habitats, forests, and swampy areas. This threatens the potential of the land to sustain future generations, especially encroachment to wetlands. Bruce et al (2010) states that during biofuel production, a lot of energy is used making the project uneconomical. In some cases, the energy used is more than what is produced. For others like ethanol, 1 unit of energy produces 1.5 units of ethanol. It should also be noted that biofuel are produced from biomass. This is renewable and degradable hence it will have cumulative long-term negative effects on the future generations. A study on biodiesel utilization has revealed that there is an increase in NOx in biodiesel emissions. This means, it has not served to mitigate the effects of fossil fuels upon the environment. Counter views Concerning the contribution of biofuel to increased global food prices, biofuel cannot be totally be blamed f or it. This is because such a project can only be undertaken by a country after a thorough assessment of its ability to feed its people and the availability of excess for biofuel production. Currently, there are enough farms to grow crops that support this project. Countries which produce biofuel like the US and Brazil have significantly increased their corn, sugarcane and vegetable oil production. Farmers plant this crops knowing they are meant for two markets. In some cases, they even have a surplus of these commodities at the end of the year. According to Colitt (2008), improved economic condition leading to better feeding can be blamed for the rise in food prices. Though it may be said that biofuel production is uneconomical due to its input verses output, the situation has changed over the past couple of years. There have been significant improvements in technology

Immanuel Kant Essay Example for Free

Immanuel Kant Essay HUME’S FORK David Hume divides knowledge into two classes: ‘relations of ideas’ (i. e. tautologies) and ‘matters of fact’ (i. e. empirical statements). His book concludes (on p. 165) with the following paragraph: â€Å"When we run over libraries, persuaded of these principles, what havoc must we make? If we take in our hand any volume; of divinity or school metaphysics, for instance; let us ask, Does it contain any abstract reasoning concerning quantity of number? No. Does it contain any experimental reasoning concerning matter of fact or existence? No. Commit it then to the flames: for it can contain nothing but sophistry and illusion. † LOGICAL POSITIVISM Hume’s Fork was updated by modern logical positivists (such as A. J. Ayer, Antony Flew and Gilbert Ryle) who proposed the Verification Principle. This claims that sentences are only meaningful if they are tautologies (which are true because of the definitions of the terms involved, e. g.a square has four sides, six is bigger than four), or if they are in some way empirically verifiable (i. e. connected with actual experience, e. g. Harold lost at Hastings, electrons are both particles and waves). Any other statements will be meaningless, because their truth is not decided by either definitions or evidence. According to Ayer, this makes discussion about religion and morality meaningless. Religious statements like God is love are not false, they are incapable of being either true or false. SIX IMPORTANT CONCEPTS Area Term a priori Meaning Knowable before experience, through thought alone Empirical; known through experience has to be true (in all possible worlds) capable of being either true or false tautologies; statements concerned only with meanings of words statements concerned with information about the world Example five is bigger than four Problems Can anything be known without experience? (e. g. maths). Could you know something about the world a priori? Could someone (e. g. God) know everything a priori? Is it possible that all truths are necessary, even empirical ones? Or is it possible that there is no such thing as a necessary truth? It may be arbitrary which terms are definitions, and which are claims about the world. We might reorganise a language so that the analytic truth became synthetic, and vice versa. Epistemology a posteriori necessary Metaphysics contingent analytic Language synthetic cars have four wheels air is a gas air contains oxygen there’s a stone in my shoe triangles have three sides Hume and the Logical Positivists believe that these terms fall strictly into two groups: a) a priori-necessary-analytic, and b) a posteriori-contingent-synthetic. This means that if something is necessarily true, this is because it is true by definition, and can be known by thinking about it. If a statement is about the real world, then it could be false, and you need experience to know it. (This would immediately rule out the Ontological Argument for God). These empiricists claim that a priori synthetic truths are impossible, whereas rationalists like Kant think you can know things about the world just by thinking about them (e. g. maths). APPLICATION TO RELIGION Statements are only meaningful (it is claimed) if they are true by definition, or if they are empirical. So which group do statements about religion fall into? If they are only true by definition, then outsiders can ignore them because religion is just an arbitrary game like chess. If they are empirically verifiable, then sceptical philosophers can demand to see some relevant evidence. Flew’s Gardener Parable (p. 225) is a demand for evidence. If none can be offered, then the claim is meaningless (not ‘false’). DEFENCES OF RELIGION The most basic defence is to deny empiricism (consider the views of Plato, Anselm, Descartes and Kant). Logical Positivism can be attacked. Its main problems are 1) the Verification Principle can’t be stated clearly it is either so precise that it eliminates sensible conversation, or so vague that it allows religious language; 2) the Verification Principle must itself be either a tautology or empirically verifiable; 3) a sentence like God is love can be proved meaningful by connecting it very vaguely and remotely with some empirical observation. BRAITHWAITE’S DEFENCE Braithwaite (following the later Wittgenstein) claims that language is meaningful, not if it passes the Verification Principle, but if it has an appropriate use in actual life. The main use of religious language is to express the intentions of believers. In Braithwaite’s view this is primarily a moral intention. Because a sentence like God is love is part of a way of life in which the speaker is committing themselves to live by love, the sentence is meaningful. HICK’S DEFENCE (‘ESCHATOLOGICAL VERIFICATION’) Hick’s defence is that religious language is a commitment to something which will happen in the future, and so it cannot be verified now (e. g. decimals of ? not yet discovered). He tells the parable of the Celestial City (p. 26). He discusses problems with knowing in an afterlife whether religion has indeed been verified, but clearly it could be. Suppose, for example, that we confronted God, and were overwhelmed by his love? Such faith in the future may be open to other objections (‘why believe this? ’), but the claim seems at least to be meaningful (just like Aristotle’s problem about the truth today of ‘there will be a sea fight tomorrow’), because Hick has shown that there is some (future) evidence which is relevant. Minimum reading: The Existence of God (ed. J. Hick) pp. 217-220, 225-27, 239-41, 258-60.

Indian calling to far away towns

Indian calling to far away towns 1 Introduction With the development of economy, call centres have played an important role in the companies operation (Patel Broughton, 2002). However, in recent years, the economic challenges have made the increasing number of corporations which from developed countries moved their call centers to developing countries (Keith, 2001). This paper will evaluate the journal article of Taylor and Bains â€Å"India calling to the far away towns: the call centre labour process and globalization† critically. This paper is organized as follows: firstly, it will have a comprehensive understanding of the authors aim, and evaluate in terms of the research methods briefly. Secondly, it will use a series of research method literatures to find the drawbacks or limitations of the journals research design and approach. Furthermore, a number of studies in the literature of call centre will be presented to strengthen the authors claims. The essay will conclude by giving some suggestions about any other alternative research methods that can prove the authors ideas. 2 Research design and methods used Taylor and Bain (2005)s article argues that the increasing number of prominent UK-based companies have migrated operations to India. Scotland and India both were main call centres in the world, but now â€Å"there would not be a call centres in Scotland in five years† (Donoghue, 2003).The authors attempt to though an investigation of the Indian call centre labour process to prove the assumption that the offshoring of call centre is unproblematic. Furthermore, the authors provide a range of adequate academic literatures for the proposed research, and reveal a clear framework though the study of Indian development (Taylor Bain, 2005). Several issues that authors reported in the research had been raised in the critical review. The central one is tensions of operators that because of the Indian context, all employees from call centre must be both customers-oriented and cost-efficient. As Korczynski (2002) says customers-oriented and cost-efficient are two main logics that should be infused by operators. Another issue is comparing with British, Indian has different culture and working style, whether can Indian operators accept the routinized workflow has become a question. In order to solve those questions, the authors use a series of research methods to explore that situation about offsourcing practices, including: case study, semi-structured interview, formal and informal interview, sectoral audit conducted by questionnaires analysis (Taylor Bain, 2005). Basing on collecting the quantitative data, the authors mainly use the qualitative methods to tackle the issues. Qualitative research methods are valued in concept understanding (Hodges et al, 2007), and combining the quantitative research methods, the research study will be more convictive (Saunder et al, 2009: 151). The authors access seven call centres in Indian by virtue of National Association of Software and Service Companies (NASSCOM). Nasscom presents that as third-party operations, call centres have become various sectors of companies, and Nasscom also provides several useful materials about Indian call centre to authors. It cannot deny that using the secondary date which from other organization is really helpful, because of it is hard to search information of other countries. However, relying on Nasscom, the information that authors can select and evaluate is limited. Taylor and Bain (2005) get the detailed information such as recruitment, culture capability, and workflow about call centres by having semi-structured interviews with senior management. Semi-structured interview is one of the greatest methods to obtain specific qualitative information from a person, and gain insight into specific issues (Davis, 1990). And the interviews will be recorded by audio-recording (Saunder et al, 2009: 321) in order to provide convenience to further researchs. Additionally, the authors have formal interviews with Nasscom senior personnel, industry leaders and trade union officials. Authors also find opportunities to communicate with personnel from across the industry though participating in three industry conferences (Taylor Bain, 2005: 266). Researchers may gain unexpected achievement from informal interview. The authors also can learn more information that cannot be directly observed by using the interviews. Scotland provides useful materials for evaluating UK trends to complement the Indian data which extracting from questionnaires. The questionnaires were distributed to 290 call centres, and conducted between February and July 2003. Finally, 250 full questionnaires were collected (Taylor Bain, 2005: 267). The questionnaire is one of the most widely used methods to collect data, and â€Å"it provide an efficient way of collecting responses from a large sample prior to quantitative analysis† (Saunder et al, 2009: 361). Saunder et al (2009) also says comparing with face to face interviews, questionnaires can give people deep impress. It is very useful in large sample size and wide areas data collection. Questionnaires are easy to analyze and easy to complete. It is familiar to most people. And the most important advantage is the respondents will not be influenced by the researchers ideas. 3 Literature review, discussion and findings Having a critical review of Taylor and Bains journal, it is can clearly find that Indian has advantaged factors to become a major region of call centres. The key advantage is India has cheap labour forces. In order to reduce cost, the increasing numbers of companies remove their call centres to India. A study by McKinsey, Indian can ahead of China, France in call centres rely on the labour pool, costs and skills. And Indian operators also have high-quality in professional knowledge. According to Keith (2001), Indian can catch the computer skills faster than any others because India has large resource of computer technologies. Indian can think independently and critically. Another similar study by O2I (2009) says that comparing with China, Philippines, Malaysia and other Asian countries, most of international companies choose India for their call centers, because of â€Å"Call centres in Indian offer cost-effective customer support services without compromising on quality† (O2I , 2009). With low-cost in labours, and high-quality call center outsourcing services, Indian call centres can save half cost that if performed in the US or UK. In addition, Taylor and Bain (2005: 268) say â€Å"Indian government commitment to economic reform and the tenets of the Washington consensus liberalization, privatization and globalization have facilitated migration†.The Indian government has raised some policies to support the offshoring, such as reducing the tax of companies. The Indian government also helps compaies to build facilities and infrastructure in order to make India become the worlds most preferred call center (O2I, 2009). Taylor and Bain (2005: 272) mention that comparing with UK counterparts, Indian operators work in more pressurized environment. And Indian workers cannot have normal sleep because of the time different. Furthermore, working in a narrow space and breathing foul air under a long time, Indian workers will have healthy problems. Other researchers have similar findings in this field. A research by Patel and Broughton (2002) presents that people work in call centres will has a risk of hearing damage, the noisy from headsets will higher than regular level. A survey by Boyce et al (2007) reveals that the operators who have worked in call centres for 8 months gain the same average weight for males and females at 5.1 kg. Obesity has become another healthy problem for call centres workers. Indian call centres also encounter such problems: denial of identity, working in tensions, and long commuting distance. Cornell (2009) mentions that distance and isolation between clients and workers is a main problem of call centres, so that operators must adapt the culture of west countries. Indian call centres provide a range of activities to avoid those problems, selecting workers in attitudinal characteristics: positive attitude, personal skills and the work efficiency under the high pressure. And providing training to operators to improve their skills and English pronunciation (Taylor Bain, 2005: 274). In order to avoid the risk of hearing damage, call centres hold trainings about using the headset and how to protect their ears regularly (O2I, 2009) 4 Limitations and drawbacks This research by Taylor and Bain achieves success. However, there still have some limitations and drawbacks. The information that authors gain from Nasscom may be limited and unuseful. Secondary data may not be accurate, and the data maybe out of date (Borders et al, 2000). The authors are hard to find valued information from the limited data. This research also has drawbacks in the interviews of Nasscom supervisor, industry leaders and trade union officials. The number of interviewees is unknown, and the detailed questions are not mentioned. In order to get the information the researchers want, interviewees will be asked some directedness questions (Wimmer and Dominick 1997:162). And validity and reliability of the interview data may also be influenced by interviewees consideration (Breakwell et al, cited in Oatey, 1999). Considering the relationship of other companies, the interviewees will give optimistic information rather than objective information. And it cannot reflect the information fully because of usually the sample size is small. The questionnaire is directed to different cases has different types, including self-administered questionnaires, interviewer-administered questionnaires, and telephone questionnaires (Saunder et al, 2009: 363). However, in Taylor and Bains essay, which type of the questionnaires is not mentioned. And the truth of the questionnaires might be doubted. In a similar survey (Boyce et al, 2007), the researchers distributed 1100 questionnaires to workers of the call centres, unfortunately, only 393 employees completed the questionnaires. The low response is in expectation, because employees had to find time during the work shift to complete the questionnaire. This research also not provides the detailed questions in the questionnaire. It has no strong data to persuade people to believe this analysis. 5 Conclusion In conclusion, Indian have become the major call centre in the world, more and more companies remove their call centres to India, because of the low-cost, customer-orientated, the government supporting and the high-quality of Indian operators. However, Indian call centres also encounter difficulties. Indian workers must to adapt the western customer and work in tensions. And healthy problems have become the main emergency of call centres. From taking a brief look at other researches, the qualitative research methods such as interview, case study are suitable methods in doing researches. Combining with qualitative and quantitative methods together is the best way to do researches. In most cases, researchers fall into researches because of only rely on one research method. Researchers like to use questionnaires but have not do a clear analysis, or only use qualitative methods. Most of readers are not experts, cannot understand the rationalistic analysis. Quantitative research methods are designed to ensure objectivity and reliability. The researcher uses this method to survey the external environment, and record the first data to further research. Qualitative research methods are designed to give the researcher with a clear view about the situation and result. Researchers also use this method to have a deep interaction with people who take part in this research. â€Å"Integrating quantitative and qualitative research m ethods lends depth and clarity to do researches† (Weinreich, 1996). This combination of approaches is necessary because of the range of data can help researchers have a deep impress of this situation. And then researchers should use qualitative methods to analyze the data in order to extract more useful information to support the arguments. In this journal, the authors use both quantitative and qualitative research methods to analyze the issues. Taylor and Bain gain the secondary date from Nasscom, and have interviews with supervisors, analyze the questionnaires of call centres. The achievements should be acknowledged, however, it cannot deny that this research has a lot of limitations. There are several suggestions that can improve further researches. Firstly, the secondary data should be checked, in the case study, authors did not mention that whether the data has selected. Because of some of the information from other organizations may not true. Secondly, authors should provide the data of how long the interviews lasted, and the details about the interviews. Thirdly, the researchers should give more data or tables of the research. With numerous data, the results of researches will more convincing. Furthermore, in the final of the research report, the authors should give more information about the difficulties they encountered when they did the researches, and how they overcame the difficulties. References Borders, T. F., Rohrer, J. E., Vaughn, T. E. (2000) ‘Limitations of secondary data for strategic marketing in rural areas, Health Services Management Research : an Official Journal of the Association of University Programs in Health Administration / HSMC, vol. 13, no. 4, pp. 216-222. Boyce, R. W., Boone, E. L., Cioci B. W., Lee, A. H. (2007) ‘Physical activity, weight gain and occupational health among call centre employees, Occupational Medicine, pp. 238-244, retrieved December 13, 2007. Cornell, G. (2009) ‘Offshoring work is a quick fix laden with many pitfalls, NJBIZ Back Issues, 19 October, p. 2. Davis, D. (1990) The communitys toolbox: the idea, methods and tools for participatory assessment, monitoring and evaluation in community forestry, Bangkok : Regional Wood Energy Development Programme in Asia. Hodges, S., Hernandez, M., Pinto, A., Uzzell, C. (2007) ‘The use of qualitative methods in systems of care research, The Journal of Behavioral Health ServicesResearch, vol. 34, no. 4, pp. 361-368 Keith, F. (2001), India call center advantage: competitive options in a tough economy, from http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qa3995/is_200108/ai_n8983959/ Korczynski, M. (2002) Human resource management and service work, Basingstoke: Palgrave. Oatey, A. (1999) The strengths and limitations of interviews as a research technique for studying television viewers, Retrieved April 19, 1999, from http://www.aber.ac.uk/media/Students/aeo9702.html O2I (2009) Call centers in India, from http://www.outsource2india.com/why_india/articles/call_centers_india.asp Patel, J. A. Broughton, K. (2002) ‘Assessment of the noise exposure of call centre operators, The Annals of Occupational Hygiene, vol. 46, no. 8, pp. 653-661.Retrieved March 8, 2002, from Oxford Journal. Saunders, M., Lewis, P. Thornhill, A. (2009) Research methods for business students fifth edition, Harlow: Pearson Education Limited Press, pp. 321, 361-363. Taylor, P Bain, P. (2005) ‘India calling to the far away towns: the call centre labour process and globalization, Work, Employment and Society, vol. 19, no. 2, Retrieved June, 2005. Weinreich, N. K. (1996) Integrating quantitative and qualitative methods in social marketing research, Retrieved Winter, 1996, from http://www.social-marketing.com/research.html Wimmer, R. D. Dominick, J. R. (1997): Mass media research: an introduction. Belmont, MA: Wadsworth.

The San Jose Tech Museum of Innovation :: Technology Tourism Galleries Essays

The San Jose Tech Museum of Innovation Living in the heart of Silicon Valley, technology plays a very important role in the everyday lives of the people who populate it. Large portions of this population are children. When we think of our children, we think about the future of this world. As a group, we believe that our job as a society is to introduce technology to children in an enlightening and fascinating manner. By doing this, we can inspire children to become innovators of technology and apply this to the future of technology. The San Jose Tech Museum of Innovation is a place that dedicates itself to introducing technology in a very attractive style. The 132,000 square foot facility houses four permanent themed galleries and over 250 exhibits (www.thetech.org/about/factsheet.cfm). The museum is also home to "The Spirit of American Innovation, an exhibit about the National Medal of Technology, the nation’s highest honor for technological innovation" (www.thetech.org/about/factsheet.cfm). Inside, everyone, whet her they are children or grandparents, everyone gets to participate in hands-on activities that teach and introduce them to a variety of activities ranging from the beginning steps of web-design, riding and designing an Olympic bobsled to participating in a virtual heart surgery. With all the wonders that exist in this museum, children have the opportunity to learn about technology in a variety of different forms and are able to "discover new insights into technology and the process of innovation through exploratory activities" (www.thetech.org/about/mission.cfm.). People of all ages engage in the exploration and experimentation of the technology that affects their everyday lives. Exploring the Tech Museum of Innovation and the activities it presents and offers to children, as well as others, helped us to better understand and learn of the positive ways in which technology is presented to our youth. In this report we first discuss our rationale and focus, describing the importance of the Tech Museum of Innovation and the connection it makes with the representation of technology, particularly for children. In the second part we identify the research question that we investigated. We then illustrate how we gathered and analyzed our data. Following this, we apply a number of course concepts to specific examples in order to answer our research question. Finally, we discuss how the implications of our analysis relate to communication and technology and how our findings support or do support what we have looked at in class.

Business Proposal for a Retail Shop Selling Sports Clothing and Equipme

Business Proposal for a Retail Shop Selling Sports Clothing and Equipment - Introduction - In this coursework I have chosen to plan a proposal for a new business. The type of business I have chosen is a retail shop selling sports clothing and equipment. The shop will be called "Sporting Glory" and will be situated in the High Street of Sutton in Surrey. The aim of the business is to provide quality sports clothing and equipment to it's customers at affordable prices. Through this coursework I will decide how the business will be set up, what stock the business will have to sell (i.e. How much and over what range), how the business will advertise itself, how the business will overcome it's competition (if possible at all) and how the business' cash will be managed (who invests into the business, how much staff get paid etc.). The location of the business will also be decided as Sutton High Street has the capacity of many shops and a shopping mall/centre therefore it has to be decided exactly where the business will ...

Larry Bird :: essays research papers

This program will be in its 15th annual cycle during Summer 2002 and is designed to attract students to various fields of clinical research. Students also gain valuable experience assessing validity of current clinical practice standards in a discipline. Research methods and data analysis aSTUDENT RESEARCH FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM This program will be in its 15th annual cycle during Summer 2002 and is designed to attract students to various fields of clinical research. Students also gain valuable experience assessing validity of current clinical practice standards in a discipline. Research methods and data analysis are emphasized. Target audience: First and second-year medical students will be eligible for summer fellowships. Some undergraduate pre medical students as well as graduate students will be eligible (depending on availability of funding and mentors). Additionally, one to four positions are reserved for first or second year law students and one to three for advanced degree nursing students. Program components: Student applicants will complete a research fellowship application form. Specific sponsors or preceptors will be identified for qualified students as funding becomes available. Attempts will be made to place a research student in an area of personal interest. Review criteria for selection include strong student academic records, personal achievement and integrity, research skills and experience, and recommendations from scholastic advisors. Sponsors/preceptors will be encouraged to participate in the recruitment of students and will provide students with guidance and workspace during the summer. Students are expected to consider the program as their full-time summer employment. Structured academic training programs and clinical observation beyond the specific project (provided by the mentor(s)) will also be encouraged. Stipend: Each student will receive a stipend of $766.66 per three-week period for a maximum award of $2300 over a nine-week program. Progress milestones: Each student will be requested to attend a series of dinner meetings at three-week intervals. The purpose of these programs is to provide research fellows with additional information on abstract preparation, poster preparation, manuscript preparation, and data analysis. The dinner meetings serve as a forum to present preliminary data and to become acquainted with other students and mentors. Each student will be expected to deliver a brief verbal report at each meeting. At the conclusion of the summer program, a student must prepare a meeting abstract, research poster, and research manuscript evaluated by his/her preceptor in order to receive final stipend payment. If performance evaluation at the conclusion of the program is desired, a written evaluation by each preceptor can be prepared. These evaluation summaries can be forwarded (if a student requests them) to their respective campus academic advisors. Midwest Alliance for Health Education and Indiana University School of Medicine- Fort Wayne Center for Medical Education Larry Bird :: essays research papers This program will be in its 15th annual cycle during Summer 2002 and is designed to attract students to various fields of clinical research. Students also gain valuable experience assessing validity of current clinical practice standards in a discipline. Research methods and data analysis aSTUDENT RESEARCH FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM This program will be in its 15th annual cycle during Summer 2002 and is designed to attract students to various fields of clinical research. Students also gain valuable experience assessing validity of current clinical practice standards in a discipline. Research methods and data analysis are emphasized. Target audience: First and second-year medical students will be eligible for summer fellowships. Some undergraduate pre medical students as well as graduate students will be eligible (depending on availability of funding and mentors). Additionally, one to four positions are reserved for first or second year law students and one to three for advanced degree nursing students. Program components: Student applicants will complete a research fellowship application form. Specific sponsors or preceptors will be identified for qualified students as funding becomes available. Attempts will be made to place a research student in an area of personal interest. Review criteria for selection include strong student academic records, personal achievement and integrity, research skills and experience, and recommendations from scholastic advisors. Sponsors/preceptors will be encouraged to participate in the recruitment of students and will provide students with guidance and workspace during the summer. Students are expected to consider the program as their full-time summer employment. Structured academic training programs and clinical observation beyond the specific project (provided by the mentor(s)) will also be encouraged. Stipend: Each student will receive a stipend of $766.66 per three-week period for a maximum award of $2300 over a nine-week program. Progress milestones: Each student will be requested to attend a series of dinner meetings at three-week intervals. The purpose of these programs is to provide research fellows with additional information on abstract preparation, poster preparation, manuscript preparation, and data analysis. The dinner meetings serve as a forum to present preliminary data and to become acquainted with other students and mentors. Each student will be expected to deliver a brief verbal report at each meeting. At the conclusion of the summer program, a student must prepare a meeting abstract, research poster, and research manuscript evaluated by his/her preceptor in order to receive final stipend payment. If performance evaluation at the conclusion of the program is desired, a written evaluation by each preceptor can be prepared. These evaluation summaries can be forwarded (if a student requests them) to their respective campus academic advisors. Midwest Alliance for Health Education and Indiana University School of Medicine- Fort Wayne Center for Medical Education

Chinese Moon Festival Essay

Oh my gosh! The Chinese Moon Festival is coming up and I totally cannot wait! Just think of the moon cakes, chestnuts, sweet potatoes, rice balls and the big feast (with lobster, shrimp and ect. ) when our relatives come over makes me drool. Oh, and walking with the toy lanterns at night (I guess I’m too old for that) I’m sorry, and I think I’m just too excited because the Chinese Moon Festival is my 2nd favorite holiday in Chinese custom and it’s coming up on September 22nd (this year)! It’s just 2 more weeks! In order to celebrate and have the spirit of the Moon Festival, you’ll need to know the story behind it. There are lots of legends about it, but the one that my grandma tells me and my siblings each year has happened in Chinese history. Ok, so long, long ago when the Chinese was in war with the Mongols for rebellion, the Chinese was banned to have to discuss things together. This made it almost impossible to make plans and overthrow the Mongols. Knowing that the Mongols eat anything but moon cakes, this person called Zhu Luanzhang had an idea. He timed the plot to overthrow the Mongols. Then he asked permission to give out thousands of moon cakes to the Chinese residents of the city to bless the Mongol king with longevity. However inside the moon cake had a paper that read:†kill the Mongols on the 15th day of the 8th month. † So that night on the Moon Festival the Chinese successfully attacked and overthrow the Mongols. And this is why we celebrate the Moon Festival and eat moon cakes. Now that you know the story it’s time to learn how my family and I celebrate the Moon Festival. Every year BEFORE the Moon Festival we would have to visit our relatives and people that close to us with a box of moon cakes or money enough to buy a box of moon cakes if you forgot to get one. This shows that you respect them and bless them (expesscially to the elder ones). Then a day before the Moon Festival my mom, little brother, little sister and I would go to China town and do some shopping. We would buy some food for the big dinner (last year we made lobster). Then we would buy moon cakes, chestnuts, peanuts, fruits, rice cakes, and rice balls. Then our mom would let us pick a toy lantern we like, for the night walk on the day of the Moon Festival (quick reference: lanterns symbolize good luck) On the big day, my sister and I have a really large chore, we would have to clean up and decorate almost the whole house and the yard. After cleaning up I would help my grandma cook. Her dishes are always the best! This year my grandma plans to make crab, the soup, the rice and her famous fruit tart for desert. After cooking I would help my dad and grandpa to set up the tables at the yard. Later we would wait for the relatives to come and greet them. The relatives would bring in yummy dishes for the dinner or boxes of moon cakes. Then they would hug each other, talk, and ask really boring questions and comments (like Wow look how tall you grew). I would talk to my cousins around my age and the little kids will play together. After all the gibberish we would set all the dishes on the food tables in the yard. Then we feast! And talk. For desert my grandma would serve moon cakes and fruit tart (for this year). After desert we would have a performance and every year our grandma would always hold a puppet show about the story of the Moon Festival (I have to admit my grandma is pretty cool). During the year my cousins, friends and I have been emailing each other to plan the performance. This year my sister and I are going to play a song called â€Å"The Moon Symbolizes My Heart† on the violin. When the performance is done, it’s time for everyone to go home. After everyone leaves, my dad will bring my siblings and me for a walk with our lanterns and admire the beautiful full moon. Then we would clean up some of the things and leave the rest for tomorrow. I have to tell you, it’s really tiring. But it’s worth it. It’s nice to see my relatives for so long. And I love the food. And it’s great to get to know more about my relatives. I think it is really fun playing with my cousins. Oh yes, since I’m the teacher, you will have a homework assignment. I would want you to do something for the Moon Festival like try some moon cakes, have a family dinner, buy or make a lantern and have a stroll at night, or tell about the moon festival to other people. Like I told you, that the moon festival is 14 days later and I can’t wait!

Education system essay Essay

From the articles I have read, it seems as though parents, teachers, and the education system continue to blame one another for poor student performance in school and on state tests. However, I believe that each of these groups plays a key role in student success or failure. School administration and board members seem to be completely oblivious to the real reasons students perform poorly and parents lack involvment in their children’s schooling and education at home. I do believe that income does play a key role in education, however, I don’t agree with it. Schools in low income neighborhoods don’t recieve the proper funding to provide students with the materials they need to be successful in school, but the students don’t score high enough on state tests to earn the school money for these materials; it’s a lose lose situation (Barbanel, 2002). For these issues, I believe the lack of government involvment and recognition is the cause of student failure. Despite all these factors, students should also be held accountable for being successful in school. Even if schools recieve proper funding, materials, and training, it is ultimately up to the student to stay motivated to succeed. From personal experience, I found that it was much easier to stay motivated in classes that I felt engaged in. The classes that teachers made a connection with me in and really knew their stuff were always the classes I had a higher success rate in. I think teacher involvement is a huge deal in school, it makes a student want to go to school, and feel like they belong rather than just going because they have to. Recently, Maine and fourty-four other states have adopted the new Common Core standards that will make academic standards even higher for kids in grades K-12 (Gallagher, 2013). The purpose of these standards is to increase critical thinking skills and teach students to solve problems on their own. Common Core is designed to allow teachers to be facilitators and students to take responsiblity for their own education. However, as positive and ecouraging as Common Core sounds, experts say that a drop as high as 40% will be seen in the new testing in 2015 (Gallagher, 2013). ____________________________________________________________ BARBANEL, J. (2002, March 31). Elementary and Middle School Report Cards. Retrieved from The New York Times: http://ethemes.pearsoncmg.com/0205405940/article_06/index.html Ghallagher, N. K. (2013, July 7). Back-to-school means facing tougher academic standards this fall | The Kennebec Journal, Augusta, ME. Retrieved from http://www.kjonline.com/news/test-scores-likely-to-drop-under-new-standards_2013-07-20.html

Nicki minaj and Michael Jackson Essay

The Jackson 5 (also spelled The Jackson Five, sometimes stylized The Jackson 5ive), later known as The Jacksons, or simply Jacksons, are an American popular music family group from Gary, Indiana. Founding group members Jackie Jackson, Tito Jackson, Jermaine Jackson, Marlon Jackson and Michael Jackson formed the group after performing in an early incarnation called The Jackson Brothers, which originally consisted of a trio of the three older brothers. Active from 1964 to 1990, the Jacksons played from a repertoire of R&B, soul, pop and (in the 1970s) disco. During their six-and-a-half-year Motown tenure, The Jackson 5 was one of the biggest pop-music acts of the 1970s, and the band served as the launching pad for the solo careers of their lead singers Jermaine and Michael, the latter brother later transforming his early Motown solo fame into greater success as an adult artist. The Jackson 5/The Jacksons have sold 100 million records worldwide, making them one of the best selling artis ts of all time!!!!!!!! Nicki minaj Born in 1982, Nicki Minaj grew up with an abusive, addicted father. She attended La Guardia High School for the Arts, she was introduced to rapper Lil Wayne, who launched her career. Her 2010 debut album, pink friday,wit the single â€Å"Your Love,† topped the Billboard charts. A frequent â€Å"cameo† singer, Minaj’s voice was featured in seven songs on the charts. In 2012, Early Life Hip-hop artist and singer Nicki Minaj was born Onika Maraj on December 8, 1982, in Trinidad and Tobago, and moved with her family to Queens, when she was 5 years old. Minaj’s father was a severe drug addict with a long history of violence. At one point, he set fire to the family’s home and tried to kill Minaj’s mother. Those early struggles, Minaj has said, helped fuel her drive to rise above the life her parents knew. â€Å"I’ve always had this female-empowerment thing in the back of my mind,† she told Details magazine, â€Å"because I wanted my mother to be stronger, and she couldn’t be. I thought, ‘If I’m successful, I can change her life.'† To reach that point, however, nicki developed personas for herself that would allow her to be a â€Å"new person.† An early incarnation was someone she called â€Å"Cookie,† then came â€Å"Harajuku Barbie,† before finally settling on Nicki Minaj. â€Å"Fantasy was my reality,† she has said. Minaj clearly had a knack for performance. At the age of 12, she authored her first rap, then went on to delve into acting at La Guardia High School of Music and Art, the school that inspired the movie Fame. Rapper and Singer Determined to make it in the music business, Minaj took on backup singing roles for local New York City rappers. Soon, she began writing her own material. She was eventually discovered by Dirty Money CEO Fendi, who came across Minaj’s MySpace page, loved what he heard, and immediately signed her to his label. That connection led Minaj to Lil Wayne, who collaborated with her on a series of mix tapes, the first of which, Playtime is Over, was released in April 2007. The recording, and subsequent mixed tapes, showcased Minaj’s female swagger and out-front style. By early 2010, considerable anticipation had built up around Minaj’s much discussed, much covered debut album, which was scheduled for release that fall. In April of that year, she released her first single, â€Å"Massive Attack.† Two months later she won Best Hip-Hop Female at the annual BET Awards. She dedicated the award to Lil Wayne.she later became an America idol jugde.

Curse: Having Diverse Ethnic Identity

CURSE: HAVING DIVERSE ETHNIC IDENTITY Multicultural people can be defined as a people who have more than one culture in other words who grew up with more than one cultural identity. A person who grew up with more than one culture is having a mixed ethnic identity. Amin Maloouf, who has mixed ethnic identity, is a Lebanese author, who born in Beirut. His father was from Melikte Greek Catholic community and on the other hand his mother was from Turkey. Also Maalouf (1998) mentions that he has lived in France for twenty-two years, (as cited in Eken, A. N. amp; Rodrigues, B & Atabas, H. G. & Harris, J & Gunceri, M & Bilgic, M. L. & Tack, S& Onel, Z, 2010, p. 255), which shows that he is living three different cultures, in other words he is having mixed ethnic identity. Maalouf argues that â€Å"having mixed ethnic identity is not a curse; on the contrary, it is blessing. † As arguments and evidences show that having mixed ethnic identity is not always blessing, it is mostly a curs e for some reasons like; psychological and behavioural problems, educational and communicative problems and some problems in team work.Having different cultural identity is having two different cultures both from your mother and father, which will come up with; both having different perspectives and which will make person to remain open-minded. Different perspectives make people to think in different ways also different conversations thus Parekh (2006) argues that â€Å"different perspectives intended to equip individuals with the ability to converse in multiple cultural idioms, leading to an appreciation of the complexity of the truth, freedom from ethnocentric practices and the ability to learn from other cultures. (as cited in McGlynn, 2009, p. 300), which makes mixed identical people better than mono identical people. Even though bi ethnic individuals having bad experiences like marginalizing from society and come across with racism. On the other hand also they are experiencing the positive way of having mixed ethnic identity like being open-minded. As Korgen (1998) and Ross (1996) argued that, as a result of being open-minded, people with diverse identity correspond to the situations and people in different ways, thus this makes them to have â€Å"ability to see things from different point of views. (as cited in Abu-Rayya, 2006, p. 670). According to what Maalouf says, without any counter argument diverse ethnic identity is blessing just for having ability to see things in different point of views and being open-minded for different situations and different. In contrary what Maalouf has said, that mixed ethnic identity is blessing, in diverse team work there are both positive and negative effects of multicultural diversity but the negative effect of the diversity makes the team performance less effective than non diverse team.With having different cultures at the same time means having various acquirements and being interested in more than one thing as mixed cultural identity provides. Thereby Bodenhausen (2009) argues that team performance will positively affected by mixed cultural members of the team which they come up with various knowledge and skills. By bringing different skills and knowledge together in the group, Somers (2006); Wrap & Mahoney (2008) argue that these differences make other people to think in more sophisticated way, which makes the team performance better. (as cited in Bodenhausen, 2009, p. ) Sharing the knowledge by mixed ethnic members, there emerges a competitive motivation that will increase the performance in the team (Launt & Philips, 2007). Because of these reasons in the group each member of the team will complement each other and it will end with the increment of the team performance. In contrary to this positive situation, there are bad effects of having diversely ethnic members in the team. Trianduis (1960) argues that interpersonal problems and communicative difficulties have occurred by cultural diversity in the group, which does affect the performance negatively.Additional to this Kirchmeyer & Cohen (1992) indicate that this communicative difficulties bring to an end to the emotional conflicts. This communication problem and emotional conflicts or generally conflicts within the group are because of not having a common, exact culture. More over Pfeffer (1983) says that the reason for these problems are â€Å"having fewer shared experiences, having less in common and expressing more difference of opinion. † (as cited in Collin & Tagesson, 2008, p. 24). Because members express their selves in different way, they will be misunderstood by the other members of the team, and even because they do not have in common much; like culture or experiences; they will come across with a communication problem. As a result of these, O’Reilly, Cardwell, and Barnett (1989) claim that these problems will â€Å"threat the cohesiveness of the team† (as cited in Collin & Tages son, 2008, p. 224). In these circumstances, performance of the diverse eam will be much lower, when it is compared with ethnically homogenous team. Beside mono cultural identity; multicultural identity enables people to compose their own identities but while composing, some problems emerge like; not forming a coherent identity because of the result of acculturation, also undermining the national identity. Sen (2006) â€Å"rejects a plural mono culturalism that essentializes identity in favour of multicultural practice that endows the freedom to cultivate reasoned choice of identity priority (as cited in McGylnn, 2009, p. 00). In contrary to blessing part of having diverse ethnic identity, there is an issue that called acculturation which is the â€Å"exchange of cultural features that results when groups of individuals having different cultures come into continuous first hand contact. † This acculturation may cause culture shock or acculturation stress while identifying your self. In other words Jensen (2003) says, in forming a coherent identity, people come across with difficulties because of acculturation.They are having paradox because of the cultures’ various requirements. Thereby, they cannot properly decide which one to own or which one to not so, they mess up and then with the identity confusion they are marginalized from homogenous society. More over because of multiculturalism; Uberoi (2008) claims that â€Å"multicultural policies sometimes make people to focus on their cultural identities instead of their national one, thus making the latter unimportant to them. Having multicultural identity bridges the cultures and makes these cultures develop but on the other hand it has negative effect on identity which are cultural shock and acculturative stress; which is not blessing but it is cursing for a person who has diverse ethnic identity. For the positive side of having diverse ethnic identity Parekh argues that â€Å"no single culture c an embody all that is valuable in human life nor develop the full range of human possibilities. † (as cited in McGlynn, 2009, p. 00) In other words, cultures correct and complement each others’ both mistakes and missing and also expand each others’ perspectives by bringing different cultures in one body, which shows that they are bridging each other. More over multicultural identity help humans to develop their selves by learning from others. But in contrast to this, bridging and complementing the cultures, it affect people negatively and it brings acculturative stress and cultural shock both behavioural and psychological way. While trying to bridge cultures it come up an end with behavioural and psychological problems because of identity confusion.By identity confusion Arnett claims that â€Å"substance use, prostitution, armed aggression, and suicide† have emerged in multicultural individuals. (as cited in Jensen, 2003, p. 194) Because diverse ethnic ind ividuals sidelined by the society, they are having some psychological problems like; â€Å"low self-esteem, feelings of anxiety, depression, guilt, despair, hopelessness† (Brown (2001); Moyotshi (1990), as cited in Abu-Rayya, 2006, p. 669) also the feeling of ambivalence over their personal, racial, or ethnic identity (Brandell (1988); Brown (1990); Pinderhuges (1995), as cited in Abu-Rayya, 2006, p. 69). For example; Abu-Rayya mention about Arap-European children who are the having both Arabic and Europen culture together, â€Å"which may subject them to psychological maladjustment and disturb their personal and ethnic development. † More over Abu-Rayya says that as a minority group in the mono-ethnic Arabs, they live as scattered individuals and â€Å"may be perceived as a threat to the continuity of the ethnic and cultural structure(s) of the Arab group† which this threat may surrender them to social exclusion.Although the social exclusion or any behavioural or psychological problems, multicultural education is more effective in culturally integrated school, however less parents choose these integrated schools. Reich (2002) indicates that multicultural education is more effective in schools which are culturally integrated (as cited in McGlynn, 2009, p. 301). According to McGlynn it is effective but it is â€Å"frequently highly contentious. † Children are not attending to integrated schools because of their parents.In Northern Ireland, education system remains separate, McGlynn claims that: â€Å"with children either attending Catholic maintained schools or de facto Protestant controlled schools. Parents are against to integrated school in Northern Ireland; under 1989 Education Reform (Northern Ireland) Order to government has a duty to meet the needs of parents requesting integrated education and provides two types† (p. 301), both integrated schools and controlled schools According to NICIE (2008) only 6% of the pupil pop ulation attend integrated schools (as cited in McGlynn, 2009, p. 01). This shows even the education is better in integrated, diverse schools; parents do not want their children to study in those schools because of the other problems. As a conclusion, Amin Maalouf, who has ethnic diverse identity, has said that having mixed ethnic identity is blessing; but as evidences shows that it is not blessing it is cursing because of the behavioural and psychological problems, having difficulties in education, decreasing the team performance and problems while creating the identity.So; having diverse ethnic identity is not blessing, it is cursing. BIBLIOGRAPHY: Abu-Rayya, H. M. (2006). Ethnic identity, ego identity, and psychological well-being among mixed-ethnic Arab-European adolescents in Israel. Brithis Journal of Development, Vol, 24, DOI: 10. 1207/s1532706xid0604_3 Bodenhausen, G. V. (2009). Diversity in the person diversity in the group: Challengesof identity complexity for social percep tion and socail interaction. European Journal of Social Psychology, 40 from http://icproxy. abanciuniv. edu:2055/ehost/detail? sid=1cd41c5e-d9eb-4053-86e0-b31165dd43e1%40sessionmgr12&vid=20&hid=12&bdata=JnNpdGU9ZWhvc3QtbGl2ZQ%3d%3d#db=a9h&AN=47805859 * Jensen, L. A. (2003). Coming of Age in a Multicultural World: Globalization and Adolescent Cultural Identity Formation. Applied Developmental Science, Vol. 7 from: * http://icproxy. sabanciuniv. edu:2055/ehost/pdfviewer/pdfviewer? vid=20&hid=12&sid=1cd41c5e-d9eb-4053-86e0-b31165dd43e1%40sessionmgr12 * McGlynn, C. (2003).Integrating education: Parekhian multiculturalism and good practice. Intercultural Education, Vol. 20, DOI: 10. 1080/14675980903351938 Tagesson, T. (2008). Ethnic and gender diversity, process and performance in groups of business students in Sweeden. Intercultural Educati? n, Vol. 19, DOI: 10. 1080/14675980802078608 Uberoi, V. (2008). Do Policies of Multiculturalism Change National Identities? The Political Quarterly, Vol. 79, DOI: 10. 1111/j. 1467-923X. 2008. 00942. x http://en. wikipedia. org/wiki/Multiculturalism

The Cost and Reimburstements of Medicare Research Paper

The Cost and Reimburstements of Medicare - Research Paper Example This study focuses on cost and reimbursement of Medicare as well as challenges facing the program. Medicare services can be provided to the beneficiaries either through traditional fee-for-service (FFS) program or private health plans such as Medicare Advantage (Kaiser Family Foundation, 2008). Whereas clients can be served in any hospital and by any doctor under FFS those using Medicare Advantage should be treated by providers in a network or pay extra charges for treatments received from out-of network providers (Mason et al., 2013). The program is available in four parts namely Part A, B, C and D. "Medicare covers Hospital Insurance (part A), Medical Insurance (part B), Prescription Drugs (part C) and Medicare Advantage" (part D) (Kaiser Family Foundation, 2008). Clients who apply for part C receives various benefits offered in other parts. Currently, some people prefer Medicare Advantage because it offers extra services in addition to those provided under FFS. Part A of the Medicare is financed through payroll tax charged on employees and the employers whereby each contributes 1.45% to make a total of 2.9% while for self employed persons they contribute full 2.9% since they are both employees and employers (Mason et al., 2013). Part C and D are financed by premiums contributed by enrollees of the Medicare and revenue from the general fund. Medicare in partnership with local insurance companies pay compensation to claims presented each year by the Medicare beneficiaries (Kaiser Family Foundation, 2008). The Medicare uses various methods to compensate the medical service providers for the services they offer to their clients covered by health insurance. For example, Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services introduced Accounting Care Organization model to harmonize medical service delivery among the service providers by enabling them to coordinate their service delivery to reduce expenses, improve quality and outcome of the

Economics Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Economics - Case Study Example To earn the wealth countries need to trade and maximize the difference in their balance of trade by maximizing exports that is a source of generating revenue and minimize imports that cost it to pay. There were two types of manufacturers; one who were export oriented and others who were domesticated with their products. Export oriented manufacturers favored the mercantilist approach and believed in subsidies, tax rebates etc. to increase their sales to foreign countries. But the domestic manufacturers foresee threats to their produces and wanted tariff quotas and stringent policies to restrict the trade. This mercantilist theory was before Adam Smith's. Then came the theory of absolute advantage; according to Adam Smith countries should export goods in which they have an absolute advantage and import other goods from countries that have absolute advantage in producing them i.e. goods in which they are more productive. Adam Smith's criticism to Mercantilists approach was that it confused the accumulation of treasure with the accumulation of wealth. The gold and silver that the country holds is not the wealth of the country. Wealth of a country according to him is measured by the wealth that the nationals of the country hold. And thus use the term absolute advantage to compare the productivity of people with other people, firms with other firms or between nations. The contemporary of Adam Smith was David Ricardo, who gave the concept of comparative advantage; according to Ricardo if there is no difference in productivity then there is no absolute advantage and hence no trade will take place amongst countries. There are some subtle and slight differences among the absolute and the comparative advantage theories, but it is important to take into account the differences. Firstly, as the term absolute and the comparative in the name themselves suggests that Adam Smith's theory takes absolute measures of productivity to compare and David Ricardo's relative measures to compare the productivity amongst the nations. Therefore if absolute productivity is same then trade should not occur according to Adam Smith but Ricardo suggests that it is important to look at the relative productivity for the trade to occur or not. Adam Smith's trade theory does not incorporate any differences that might arise from the different use of technology or probably the difference in the combination of the labor or capital input used. David Ricardo's model has an inherent assumption and a more practical approach that tells that countries differ in their usage of production technologies such that obviously one country will be more productive in use of its resources than the other. And therefore if both the countries specialize in their production areas then output for both the countries can increase. This increase in output would be because of enhanced productivity even when no more inputs are put into the production process. Then countries can contract between themselves and trade goods that are there specialty i.e. import products in which other country specializes and export in which it has its specialization. Then both countries can benefit from one another. Adam Smith's absolute

Discusion question Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Discusion question - Case Study Example Many e-commerce businesses are detached from the customers and they find no new ways to entice more customers. With Zappos however, their free shipping and free returns policy is what makes it not only stand out but likeable as well. Even though they act in good faith, every business needs to be strict and have boundaries between them and their customers or potential customers. The 365 days return policy is not the best of choice considering the items they sell. People can take advantage of the products use them and later return them with fraudulent claims but having served their purposes. The next customer will therefore get a used product and even with the free shipping costs, the quality of the products remains questionable. 3. Which of the management challenges-globalization, leading a diverse workforce and ethics character and personal integrity-have had an important impact on the evolution of Zappos? Explain your answer Globalization has presented the major challenge in the management of the organization Zappos. This is so because with globalization, many e-commerce companies are facing hard competition from the multinational companies which are physically present in most locations where they provide the same products Zappos provides and without any time delay or risk of return. Globalization has also meant that customers come from all over the world and since the company is shouldering the shipping costs, they end up incurring a lot of cost for shoppers who are in different continents. This has restricted its growth as they still are unable to make huge profits and it even took long for it to breakeven. This slow trend is hindering its evolution. 4. How has Zappos CEO Tony Hsieh addressed the management challenges of globalization, leading a diverse workforce, ethics, character and personal integrity and

What was the main theme of chapter six in the Douglas narrative Why Assignment

What was the main theme of chapter six in the Douglas narrative Why was it important - Assignment Example The treatment of slaves in Baltimore town is humane as compared to the rural masters who mistreat their servants. The theme of knowledge and empowerment is important because it enables one to have the freedom the mind and feel respected. For instance, it is evident when Mrs. Auld insists to Douglas that education helps in freeing the mind. Initially, Mrs. Auld had not owned a slave and so she thinks that it is bad not to educate them on the basics. She indicates that education is the first step towards attaining physical and mental freedom (Douglass 30). The chapter ends with Douglas illustrating the fury over the mistreatment of Mary, who is a slave in the neighboring house. Although slavery is the prevalent theme, Douglas discovers that it is influenced by their lack of knowledge. It emerges that attaining education helps in understanding that slavery is unaccepted and people should avoid it. The whites take advantage of their slaves by owning them as property because they cannot fight for their

Modern Organisational Theory and Applied Science Assignment

Modern Organisational Theory and Applied Science - Assignment Example The abovementioned makes the question of methods effectiveness and appropriateness to each certain case extremely important. This project will examine the appropriateness and effectiveness of qualitative research methods in organizational studies as well as provide an overview of the specific characteristics and methods of qualitative research. Historically, quantitative approaches and methodologies have been the first and foremost choice in the area of professional organizations and management research. The quantitative bias can probably be explained by the origins of modern organizational science which relies heavily on the natural sciences such as mathematics, economics, and sociology. Quantifiability and precision have traditionally been among the most essential features of these sciences and quantitative paradigm was undoubtedly the best choice to maintain and reinforce them (Patton and Appelbaum, 2003: 60). The primary task of a qualitative study is to provide the researcher with data that relates to a specific context or setting, for example, explaining participants' perception of an organization, understand participants' understanding of various phenomena, reveal their experiences, motivations, etc. At the same time, extrapolation of the qualitative study results in other similar situations and contexts is also an important aspect of qualitative research (Hoepfl, 1997). There is a definition of qualitative research found in the literature. Strauss and Corbin (1990) define qualitative research as "any kind of research that produces findings not arrived at by means of statistical procedures or other means of quantification" (p. 17). Denzin and Lincoln (1998) describe qualitative research as "...multi-method in focus, involving an interpretative, naturalistic approach to its subject matter. This means that qualitative researchers study things in their natural settings, attempting to make sense of, or interpret, phenomena in terms of the meanings people bring to them' (Denzin and Lincoln 1998: 3). Cassel and Symon (1994) claim that the most characteristic feature of qualitative research is "...a focus on interpretation rather than quantification, an emphasis on subjectivity rather than objectivity" (p.7). These three definitions identify the basic distinctions between qualitative and quantitative research and highlight the key features of qualitative me thodology mentioned above. It shall be noted though that quantitative and qualitative research shall not be perceived as absolutely antagonistic to each other: "qualitative research usually does use some form of quantification, but statistical forms of analysis are not seen as central" (Mason 1996: 4).

Innovation, Ethics and Sustainability in Engineering Research Paper

Innovation, Ethics and Sustainability in Engineering - Research Paper Example Since engineers are able to do several works, it means that they are able to use numerous materials in a bid to meet their objectives. However, it is of paramount significance to note that the materials that the engineers use are important because without them, they would not be able to accomplish their missions. This means that it is vital to exercise innovation, ethics and sustainability in engineering because without this, development will come to standstill. Introduction Engineering is very diverse because the people who work in the field have the responsibility of doing several essential things. Engineers have the opportunity to do several things, which are: production of food, ensuring quality supply of water, provision of houses, waste management and sanitation, development of energy, building of roads. In addition, they have the right to ensure that there is adequate industrial processing, development of natural resources and ensuring that waste sites are cleaned up. Moreover , they ensure that natural disasters are prevented by discovering and preventing them, reducing natural disasters by restoring rivers, forests, wetlands among others, provision of better industrial processes that will reduce consumption of energy as well as waste production and providing appropriate technology that will increase production of the things that area needed in the society (Pollan, 2007). This shows that engineers are very important in the society because they ensure that life runs smoothly for all the people (Small, 2007). Innovation ensures that engineers are able to come up with ways that will best utilize the available materials. It is of paramount importance to note that materials, when misused, will be depleted and, as a result, the engineers will have nothing to use in their activities. This is the reason why innovation is important for it ensures that new methods of production are implemented which will ensure that sustainability is achieved (Small, 2007). On the other hand, ethics is very important because it guarantees that all laid down rules are followed to the latter. It would be useless to set rules that are not followed by the people whom the rules are meant for. However, sustainability requires engineers to be fully aware of the rules that ought to be followed in their profession. Sustainability cannot be achieved if the professionals do not follow the ethical standards set. However, all that needs to be done, in order to ensure that sustainability is achieved, is just to follow the set ethical standards (Pollan, 2007). Literature review Sustainability involves adhering to three factors which are: social equity, ecological health and economic welfare. Between 1992 and 2002, many accomplishments were achieved in the engineering sector. The World Engineering Partnership for Sustainable Development (WEPSD) was formed with the sole purpose of ensuring that all engineers across the world follow ethical standards that ensure that material s are used sustainably. It is extremely important to note that all engineers across the globe understand that it is unethical to misuse the materials that are provided because there is always a tomorrow (Pollan, 2007). Sustainability does not focus on the needs of the current generations but puts more emphasis on the generations to come. This means that the people have to be responsible for anything that they do because otherwise, they

The Quality of Service Provided by the Accounting Department Essay

The Quality of Service Provided by the Accounting Department - Essay Example The idea that non-managerial employees should not be involved in the interviews and instead limit the interview to the list of managers whom he or she perceived to be useful to the interview is inimical to the research because the exact identification of respondents is tantamount to pre-selecting the subjects that would represent the population. It is important to point out that the internal customers of the accounting department that perceives them include all employees in the company and that includes both the rank and file and managers. Limiting the samples that are supposed to represent the entire organization in the study among managers would make the study anecdotal in evidence because the small sample does not represent the entire organization. Hoeken and Hustinx stressed that anecdotal evidence is never superior to statistical evidence in any study. Statistical evidence is also far more persuasive than cherry picking the samples (Hoeken and Hustinx, 2008). In addition, the pr ofessor would also like to be present during the interviews of the members of the accounting department under the pretext that this will be an ideal opportunity to understand the operations of that department. The intent to study the operations of the accounting department is a terrific initiative given the issue that besets the accounting department. It is not however advisable in the context of a study because studying its operation by a third party is not part of the objective of the research and therefore does not contribute to the purpose of the study. I would beg the professor for us to discuss our methodology first that would allow me an opportunity to air my concern about his presence during the interview and to air my disagreement about the inadequacy of the focus group discussion that will be limited among pre-selected managers. I would suggest that he can instead have the transcript of the interview and to include rank and file staff in the focus group discussion where th e selection is random. I will also include a survey to have a wider sampling since the population of study is too large (the whole company) to be represented by a mere focus group discussion. 2. What are the likely outcomes if the research goes ahead as suggested by your professor? Having anecdotal evidences as primary data will result to an invalid study because it cannot answer the intent of the research which is to determine the extent of the match of perceptions between accounting department and internal customers. It only has the perceptions of the managers as input which does not compose the entire internal customers of the company. In addition, the professor’s insistence to be present during interview of the staff of the accounting department may also have distorted the outcome of the study due to the Hawthorne Effect. Hawthorne Effect is â€Å"the tendency for people to behave differently when they know they are being studied...’ (Davis & Shackleton, p. 55 cit ed in Chiesa and Hobbs, 2008 pg. 69)†. There is a chance that the presence of the professor may influence the answer of the staff of accounting department during the interview that could distort the outcome of the interview. 3. Negative impact on people can occur in research. What is the prospect of this kind of consequential impact on participants in this case? Participants may be tagged as trouble makers