Friday, November 29, 2019

Mythological critiscism Essays - Culture, Monsters,

Mythological critiscism Mythological critiscism is almost any mythical (fictional) novel; this could also include: mythical creatures (dragons, goblins, Roman gods, etcetra...) and/or actions (magic, people with super powers and so on). Mythical novels are usually written based up on anthropology, psychology, history and religion. History and religion impact mythical writing almost the same way. Because they are both about ancient stories and cultures; both are impacting the writer's thinking process the same way (based on cutlure). Psychologically: this would be the writing effected by the writer's thinking process which is combined between culture and how they were treated in life, past experiances and childhood memories. If we have a look on different mythical books, such as: Harry potter, Ergaon, A dance with the dragons, or The lightining thief, we'll see how much they vary. The huge diffrences are unbelievable.These have almost no simliarities, unlike any other genre, that have very similar plots and concepts. I personally really like these kinds of books. They let you see how the author thinks. They open a door of imagination, where there are no limits what so ever. They show you a whole new world, a world where anything and anyone could be anything or anyone. "A monster calls" analysis It's a story about a little kid who has a lot going on in his life. His mother is sick and his father lives miles away. While he also faces a lot of troubles from his bullies in school and is pressured by his grandmother who he lives with. No one seems to make things any better, and nothing seems to be improving in general. Until one day a tree monster appears by his window. He guides him through that stage of his life, and helps him get through it by wisdom. The story obviously has a mythical creature out of imagination which is the tree monster. We can see how much anger the protagainst has towards the world; which might be a refliction of how the author himself is. It might also be due to childhood memories. The tree monster is big and scary, yet he's wise and kind, he helps people. The author might have wanted to send a message that consists of that not everything that's ugly has to be bad, breaking the usual stereotype. The protagainst is ayoung kid, yet he wasn't scared of the monster, which shows how much pain changes people and encourges them.

Monday, November 25, 2019

Bipolar disorder (manic depression) lithium Essays

Bipolar disorder (manic depression) lithium Essays Bipolar disorder (manic depression) lithium Paper Bipolar disorder (manic depression) lithium Paper Bipolar disorder is a condition characterized by experiences episodes of alternating of mood swings, and rapid changes in the energy levels and the ability to perform activities. The individual develops period of mania (excitability) coupled with depression. This results in the individual behaving in an irrational manner. The other symptoms of bipolar disorder include anxiety, loss of temper, aggressiveness, loss of self-control, sleeplessness, sexual urges, substance abuse, abuse of others rights, etc. The symptoms (3 or more) are present at least for a week (NIMH, 2007 Merck, 2005). The precise etiology of bipolar disorder is not known, but seemingly develops in close relatives. However, external and internal factors are responsible for the development of the condition. The condition more frequently occurs in identical twins. A single gene is usually responsible for the development of the condition. Bipolar disorder usually occurs in individuals who have experienced traumatic experiences in their lives. The neurotransmitters present in the brain function abnormally. The symptoms of bipolar disorder can also occur in other disorders such as AIDS, neurosyphilis, encephalitis, head injuries, epilepsy, etc. Certain medications such as antidepressants or corticosteroid may also be responsible (Ballas, 2006, NIMH, 2007 Merck, 2005). The acute symptoms of bipolar disorder do seem to be brought under control. However, relapses of the symptoms are common. If the individual is not given an treatment, the symptoms become more intense and severe. To some extent treatment can improve the quality of life and the ability to function normally (NIMH, 2005 Merck, 2005). One of the most frequently used and effective drugs for bipolar disorder is lithium (mood stabilizing agent). It helps to lower the symptoms of mania and depression, prevent the need for hospitalization, improves the quality of life, and improves the ability to function normally. It is effective in about 66 % of the patients suffering from bipolar disorders. Some of the side effects of lithium use include thyroid problems, weight gain, kidney problems, nausea, vomiting, fetal damage (in pregnant women), etc. Nowadays, newer drugs are come out which are more effective and have lesser number of side effects. Several newer drug such s Lamotrigine and gabapentin (newer anti-epileptic agents), atypical anti-psychotic agents (such as clozapine, olanzapine, etc), and benzodiazepines are found to be more effective and causing lesser number of side effects (Lloyd, 1996, pp. 986, NIMH, 2007 Merck, 2005). A study was conducted to determine the effect of lithium prophylaxis on bipolar disorder. About 200 patients were given lithium for about 2 years. These patients were stable after 2 years of lithium prophylaxis. The drug was stopped in a quarter of the patients and continued in the remaining three-fourths. However, the chances of the symptoms recurring were found to be high in those in whom the drug was stopped. If lithium is to be discontinued, the physicians should make a decision based on the dose of the drug required to maintain clinical stability (Biel et al, 2007). References: Ballas, P. (2006). Bipolar disorder. Retrieved March 11, 2007, from Medline Plus web site: nlm. nih. gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000926. htm Biel, M. G. , Peselow, E. , Mulcare, L. et al (2007), â€Å"Continuation versus discontinuation of lithium in recurrent bipolar illness: a naturalistic study. † Bipolar Disorder, 9(5), 435-442. ncbi. nlm. nih. gov/sites/entrez? Db=pubmedCmd=ShowDetailViewTermToSearch=17680913ordinalpos=5itool=EntrezSystem2. PEntrez. Pubmed. Pubmed_ResultsPanel. Pubmed_RVDocSum Culver, J. L. , Arnow, B. A. , Ketter, T. A. (2007). â€Å"Bipolar disorder: improving diagnosis and optimizing integrated care. † J Clin Psychol, 63(1), 73-92. ncbi. nlm. nih. gov/entrez/query. fcgi? db=pubmedcmd=Retrievedopt=AbstractPluslist_uids=17115430query_hl=10itool=pubmed_DocSum Lloyd, G. G. (1996). Psychiatry, In. Edwards, C. R. A. , Bouchier, I. A. D. , Haslett, C. (Ed), Davidson’s Principles and Practice of Medicine, (17th Ed), Edinburgh: Churchill Livingstone. National Institute of Mental Health (2007). Bipolar Disorders. Retrieved March 11, 2007, from NIMH web site: nimh. nih. gov/publicat/bipolar. cfm The Merck Manual (2005). Bipolar Disorder. Retrieved March 11, 2007, from Medline Plus web site: merck. com/mmpe/sec15/ch200/ch200c. html

Thursday, November 21, 2019

Storytelling can help making the brand means much to the audience Essay

Storytelling can help making the brand means much to the audience because the stories just like a bridge which create a real connection between the work and the audience - Essay Example Storytelling presupposes that a consumption story protagonist tells a personal story in which he consciously or unconsciously intertwines a brand. Most often the existence of the brand influences and changes protagonist`s life for better (Woodside et al., 99). Storytelling in business is exceptionally important because it creates credibility of the brand making the product more real. Good myth can deliver the main message less persistently and more naturally. It is impossible to create something that will not breed similar concurrent products; however, it is possible to make the of the product unique. Myths shape information about the product in an effective way- not with facts but with coherent experiences of people. We all are prone to believe more to what we read or what feel and experience, and storytelling and myths in marketing is the most reliable way of facts presentation. It is also important to mind that stories are usually shared, not facts, and the probability of the advertisement with a good story to go viral is much higher (Thomas 1). Whole Foods, one of the biggest health food companies in the United States is good example of effective storytelling. Their myth is about healthy benefits of their products that change life of consumers. They claim that natural food is much better for the body and you as you will feel more energetic and healthier eating it. Those who consume this food care about themselves while those who prefer other products do not (Mathews & Wacker, 13) Nike is another example of an effective storytelling in marketing. The company is selling the myth about personal perseverance and resistance to the world and the following success. Nike has created a philosophy based on sportsmen who dedicate their lives to fighting with ordeals, rivals, and themselves finally and achieving success in this fight. In the story the product itself is placed on the

Wednesday, November 20, 2019

Marketing Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

Marketing - Assignment Example This would be followed by a few recommendations for the company, which would mark the end of the discussion Industry Environment Porter Five Forces Model presents a good framework to explore the environmental and industry forces, which are affecting the marketing of the company. First, the rivalry against the existing competitors within the industry is high (Armstrong, Harker, Kotler & Brennan, pp. 19-22, 2009). Despite the fact that more than 500 independent bookshops have closed as of 2009 due to their inability to compete with the big bookstores, the barriers of borders are coming down and thus exposing companies like Waterstones, with the help of internet and others, to competition on an international level. Furthermore, currently, there are three big players in the market namely Waterstone’s, Amazon, and WH Smith; however, the problem here is that none of them has a considerable lead and in the absence of huge differences in size, these competitors would fuel the rivalry to greatest limits. Rivalry decreases when competitors are aiming for different market segments or different niches in the industry; however, it appears that all of the major competitors are trying to appeal to all of digital and traditional segments of the market, thus, intensifying the rivalry (Armstrong, Harker, Kotler & Brennan, pp. 19-22, 2009). ... tailers here is that they cannot achieve a high degree of differentiation for the books they sell since the product remains the same (Kotler & Armstrong, pp. 41-48, 2008). Due to low degree of differentiation, the competition rests on the price alone thus forcing the customer to look for better bargains. As mentioned in the case that UK booksellers are having the lowest profit margins because of excessive discounting to appeal to the customer as compared to the book retailers in Ireland, USA, Finland, Holland, and Ireland. The supplier power in the industry remains moderate. Four major companies namely Hachette Livre, Bertelsmann, Pearson, and HarperCollins hold more than 50 percent of the market share in the publishing industry. Many authors cannot get their books published, sold, or promoted if they do not have any association with big publishers. Furthermore, they also pose a strong threat for forward integration in the market. However, there power is moderate because they depend highly on these high street retailers for promotions and shelf space for both new and old authors and books. Furthermore, with well-established players in the industry, they have lesser options to get good bargains (Peter & Donnelly, pp. 122-123, 2010). The threat of substitutes is high due to the illegal and pirated books that are easily accessible on the internet through various websites. Furthermore, these substitutes cost way less than the original books; in many cases, these are free, thus increasing their attractiveness to great limits. Lastly, the threat of new entrants also remains moderately high. This is true because not only setting up a bookshop is relatively easy but also because lately many supermarkets such as Tesco, Sainsbury and others have jumped into the industry with

Monday, November 18, 2019

Assessing HRD Need is Important in Developing Strategic HRD Essay

Assessing HRD Need is Important in Developing Strategic HRD - Essay Example Current paper focuses on the examination of a particular aspect of HRD: the development of strategic HRD process. Reference is made specifically to the relationship between this process and the assessment of HRD need. The examination of the literature published in the particular field has revealed that indeed the accurate and appropriate assessment of HRD need can increase the chances for the successful development of strategic HRD process; however, the terms under which the interaction between the above two activities/ processes can be developed are not always clear. It seems that the conditions in the internal and the external organizational environment can affect the level at which the assessment of HR need affects the development of strategic HRD process. All the potential aspects of the above relationship are examined and critically analyzed in this paper using examples – as possible – from relevant organizational practices.   This paper stresses that  the establishment of HRD policies in the workplace has been proved to be a challenging task; despite their value, these policies have also important requirements, which have to be appropriately addressed so that the targets set by the planners of these policies to be achieved. The challenges that HRD policies have to face in the modern market can be understood by referring to their characteristics and common forms.  In this way also, the requirements of these policies will be clearer understood and justified.  

Saturday, November 16, 2019

Strategic Analysis Of Carnival Corporation And Plc Tourism Essay

Strategic Analysis Of Carnival Corporation And Plc Tourism Essay Humans have since time immemorial been fascinated with ships, seas and oceans. Whilst ships have in the past been used mainly for transportation of goods and people and of course for war, seafaring has always been associated with travel to new and strange destinations, excitement and romance. With the contemporary day and age being firmly focused on new alternatives for leisure, excitement and life experiences, the western tourism industry has astutely used this human fascination with the seas to develop an extremely desirable tourism option; namely sea and ocean cruises. Such cruises offer exciting and pleasurable vacation options for people. They are offered by specialised cruise liners and provide customers the experience of travelling on the high seas in large, well appointed and luxurious ocean going vessels. Cruise holidays provide customers with luxury experiences and opportunities to engage in numerous leisure activities like (a) sun bathing on expansive ocean liner decks, (b) use of large swimming pools, (c) a range of body comfort activities through the use of spas, gyms and Jacuzzis, (d) various types of eating and dining options, and (e) a range of on ship holiday activities like games, contests, singing and dancing. The modern day cruise industry emerged in the 1970s in North America (Dowling, 2006). Whilst cruises originally aimed to provide customers with luxurious trans-ocean transportation options, the industry has since then transformed into a vacation alternative for people to travel to land based destinations or to sightseeing locations in the oceans (Dowling, 2006). A cruise now stands for a complete start-to-finish experience in luxury, comfort and the good life, rather than an option for travelling from point A to point B (Dowling, 2006). Whilst cruise vacationers still form a very small segment (just about 2%) of the global tourism industry, their volumes grew from 500,000 passengers in 1970 to 6.6 million passengers in 2000 (Gisnas et al, 2008). Such volumes have continued to grow during the last decade and are estimated to be 17 million annual passengers today (Gisnas et al, 2008). The industry experienced significant growth in the 1970s, when it first emerged, and has been growing at between 8 and 9% since then (Gisnas et al, 2008). Sectoral growth in the cruise sector has also not been cyclical like other shipping segments (Gisnas et al, 2008). Carnival Corporation and plc (Carnival Corporation) is the worlds largest operator of cruise ships. With 11 individual brands and a total fleet of 96 vessels, the organisation operates cruises in North America, Europe and Australia (Carnival, 2010). Whilst the global recession affected the travel and tourism industry significantly and also affected the revenues of the company to some extent, Carnival Corporation expects to grow significantly in the coming years, as recessionary forces weaken and individual and business spending starts moving upwards once again (Carnival, 2010). This specific analysis attempts to (a) examine the operations and mechanisms of the cruise industry, (b) analyse the strategies and operations of Carnival Corporation, and (c) recommend suitable future growth strategies for the company. 2. Overview of Cruise Industry 2.1. Brief history of Cruise Industry The first cruise route, historical records reveal, was established by British PO in 1882 with the introduction of S/Y Ceylon for pleasure cruising (Cartwright Baird, 1999). The ship operated on the western coast of Norway and was well known to wealthy UK citizens (Cartwright Baird, 1999). The most famous example of a cruise liner of those days is that of the Titanic, which sank on her maiden voyage from Southampton to New York, in April 1912, after a collision with an iceberg (Cartwright Baird, 1999). Whilst trans-ocean services between North America and Europe expanded greatly between the two great wars, the emergence of commercial aircraft after the closure of the Second World War led to the elimination of human transportation through ships (Cartwright Baird, 1999). The years that followed the closure of human transportation through ships however saw the emergence and the steady growth of pleasure and tourism oriented cruises (Cartwright Baird, 1999). The cruise market is currently dominated by three important organisations namely, Carnival Corporation (the subject of this study), Royal Caribbean International and Star Cruises. Whilst the industry was home to a number of players in the 1970s and 1980s, progressive mergers and alliances have led to the formation of oligopolistic market situation that is dominated by three strong entities (Gisnas et al, 2008). Carnival Corporation leads the business with a 45% market share, followed by Royal Caribbean (21%) and Star Cruises (10%) (Gisnas et al, 2008). Appendix 1 provides details of the capacities of the major cruise liners. The cruise market is divided into two main geographic segments, (a) the US market and (b) the European market. The US market, which includes North America and the Caribbean, forms 62% of the total market, whereas Europe accounts for 24% of cruise users (Kamery, 2004). The European market, whilst smaller than the US market, is growing swiftly and is expected to increase by more than 9% per annum in the coming years (Kamery, 2004). The UK market has until now been the dominant European market, even as the German, Scandinavian, Benelux, Austrian and Swiss markets are showing strong growth (Kamery, 2004). Cruises can be segmented into five main categories, namely contemporary cruises, budget cruises, premium cruises, luxury cruises and special cruises. Appendix 2 provides details of the different types of cruises. The industry can otherwise be segmented by languages, which surprisingly is an important point of differentiation (Gisnas et al, 2008). Individuals prefer to go on cruises with people who speak the same language (Gisnas et al, 2008). Important market segments are (a) American families, (b) senior citizens from the EU, (c) conferences and incentives, (d) themes and (e) adventure (Gisnas et al, 2008). In North America the target population for cruises companies comprises of adults, who are more than 25 years in age and earn more than 40,000 USD per annum (Gisnas et al, 2008). The target market includes (a) people who have cruised before, (b) vacationers who have not previously engaged in cruises and (c) non vacationers as well (Gisnas et al, 2008). The segment makes up practically 44% of the US population (Gisnas et al, 2008). Whilst the average age of passengers has come down to just below 45 in the US, The average age of passengers in the UK is also coming down significantly (Gisnas et al, 2008). The potential of the market is high because the existing penetration rate at 3% for North America, 1% for Europe and 2% for UK is very low. The main markets continue to be North America and Europe. The Asian market is however growing very slowly. Appendix 3 Provides details of passengers both by nationality and by origin. 3. Analysis of Carnival Corporation 3.1. Company Overview Carnival Corporation plc is the market leader of the cruise industry. Carnival Corporation was founded in 1972 by Ted Arison (Carnival, 2010). Both Carnival Corporation and Carnival plc have grown organically, as well as through mergers that have led to significant increases in organisational operations (Carnival, 2010). The present organisation came about from a merger between Carnival Corporation and PO Princess Cruises plc, wherein it was agreed that PO would be listed on the London Stock Exchange (Carnival, 2010). The organisation is thus dually listed on the London and New York Stock Exchanges and has head offices at Miami, USA, and at Southampton, UK (Carnival, 2010). The company has 11 cruise line brands, each of which controls a geographical location. To elaborate, AIDA cruises controls the German business, Carnival Cruise lines, Holland America Line, Princess Cruises, and the Seaborne Cruise Line operate in the United States, Cunard Line, Ocean Village, and PO Cruises service the UK market, Costa Cruises controls the Italian business, Iberio Cruises controls the Spanish business, and PO Cruises Australia controls the Australian business (Carnival, 2010). The organisation earned revenues of 13.1 billion USD in 2009 compared to 14.65 billion USD in 2008. It owns 93 ships, has a passenger capacity of 180,746, and employs 85,000 people. Carnival Corporation carried 8500 passengers in 2009 (Carnival, 2010). 3.2. Operational Performance The operations and financial performance of the company suffered significantly in 2009 compared to 2008. The sales and net income figures for these two years are provided below. Year 2009 2008 Sales Million USD 5912 6550 Percentage Movement (10%) Net Profits Million USD 885 1090 (19%) Net Profit Ratio 0.15 0.16 Whilst the company management states that they have been able to cushion the impact of the recession effectively, the financial analysis of key performance indicators reveals a different picture. Both sales and profits have come down sharply (Carnival, 2010). It also needs to be noticed that the sales of the organisation have come down by 10 %, even as the cruise industry overall contracted only by 3 % in 2009 (Carnival, 2010). Other operational and profitability ratios like ROI and have also come down in the wake of reduction in sales and profitability. 3.3. PESTEL Analysis The PESTEL frame works helps analysts to examine environmental factors in a methodical manner (Porter, 1980). The specific examination of political, economic, social, technological, environmental and legal factors assist in understanding key change drivers and external influences on the working of organisations (Porter, 1980). A PESTEL analysis helps organisational managements in aligning organisational strategies with environmental realities and work towards ensuring that organisations do not purposely follow strategic rules that are at variance or in opposition to environmental forces (Porter, 1980). With cruise lines essentially being international in the nature of their operations, their working can be significantly affected by terrorism related conditions (Porter, 1980). Increase in terrorism activities invariably leads to stricter immigration laws and to reduction in tourism enthusiasm (Porter, 1980). Apart from terrorism, cruise activity can also be affected by political instability in geographical locations that are part of the cruise network, as well as by tourism related taxation policies in different countries (Porter, 1980). Tourism, being an essentially discretionary activity is strongly influenced by changes in global economic conditions (Porter, 1980). The last two years have seen reduction in tourism business and cruise activity. Apart from the economic environment, the movement of exchange rates can also affect tourism and consequently cruise activity. Whilst tourism is currently going through a difficult phase, (having reduced by 4% in 2008 and 2009, and expected to grow by 0.3% in 2010) a post recession boom is likely considering that tourism contributes approximately 10.6% of global GBP. Social and cultural features play important roles in the cruise industry (Porter, 1980). The majority of cruise customers come from affluent and western social segments and place great stress on lifestyle quality (Porter, 1980). The market for cruises has until now been dominated by customers from the advanced western nations. Cruise liners are constantly investing in technology to make their ships more customers friendly as well as easier to operate. Internet sales enable customers to reduce costs through elimination of intermediaries (Porter, 1980). The tourism industry, because of the associated travel costs, is strongly associated with emission of green house gases. Any sort of rationing of petroleum products can as such lead to significantly adverse effects upon the tourism and cruise sector. The cruise business can also be influenced to some extent by trade laws and customs procedures and regulation. The existing global visa regime is tremendously skewed in favour of the inhabitants of rich countries and this can affect the growth of cruise customers from the emerging nations. 3.4. Critical Success Factors Analysis of available information leads to the conclusion that success in the shipping industry will depend essentially upon economies of scale and degree of differentiation (Gisnas et al, 2008). Extending this concept to the cruise industry, the critical success factors in the industry can be narrowed down to the four following factors (Gisnas et al, 2008). Exploitation of scale economies: Economies of scale can be achieved in different operational areas like vessel size, maintenance programmes, and economies of hotel operations Product Differentiation: This can be achieved through the conceptualisation and implementation of different types of cruises. Generation of Customer Loyalty: This will enable companies to obtain higher shares of repeat customer business Management of Strategic Investments: This will enable an organisation to get infrastructural advantage through optimisation of investments, both in terms of money and costs. 4. Strategic Recommendation Carnival Corporation is currently experiencing difficult environmental conditions because of the global recession that was triggered off by the housing collapse and the subprime crises in the USA (Porter, 1980). With the economies of affluent North American and European countries, wherein the brunt of the crises, global tourism was significantly affected during the past two years (Porter, 1980). The bulk of the cruise industry services the citizens of the United States, the UK and other affluent European nations and a sharp economic downturn in these nations will expectedly have significantly adverse on the sales and operational performance of the members of this sector (Porter, 1980). The strategic growth plans for carnival Corporation must accordingly incorporate the impact of the extra ordinarily difficult current environment (Porter, 1980). Whilst the current economic environment is challenging the companys operational and financial capabilities, it is also providing significant opportunities to strong existing players (Porter, 1980). The growth recommendations for Carnival Corporation have been based upon the information obtained from the PESTEL analysis, the utilisation of strategic theories like Porters generic growth strategy and Ansoffs growth matrix, the critical success factors for members of the industry and the opportunities and threats that exists in the current environment (Porter, 1980). Michael Porter, in his seminal contribution towards corporate strategy forwarded the theory that companies can achieve competitive advantage only through the adoption of specific strategies, namely cost leadership, differentiation, or niche occupation (Porter, 1980). Porter went on to state that whilst many organisations feel the need to adopt more than one of such strategies, such an attitude was essentially faulty, and the desire by company managements to adopt essentially distinct operational strategies could lead to loss of focus, confusion in growth objectives and engagement in contradictory and self destructive actions (Porter, 1980). Carnival Corporation has constantly followed a strategy of differentiating of products from that of its competitors. Whilst the organisations growth is also due to its origin and operations in the extremely strong US and British markets, the company has constantly differentiated its offerings through innovation in the types and lengths of cruises to its customers. The company is otherwise strongly focused on sustainability and is taking action to reduce its carbon footprint through the lowering of energy use on its ships, preserving clean air, and reducing operational waste. The PESTEL analysis reveals that whilst the industry is vulnerable to global terrorism actions and the political instability of countries that form part of the operational area of the industry (Porter, 1980). Apart from such political factors, the industry is vulnerable to economic downturns. It is however becoming obvious that the downturn has possibly bottomed out and that western economies are moving towards recovery (Porter, 1980). Whilst recent economic developments in Greece and Spain are disquieting, broad economic indicators show the possibility of some economic improvement in 2010 and firm upward economic movement in 2011. This situation provides abundant opportunities to the companys growth plans. Whilst 2009 has seen a dip in the companys sales and profitability, financial reports reveal that the company has a very strong cash position and comfortable leverage ratios. With its considerable financial ability and its experience in growth through buyouts and acquisitions, the current economic circumstances should provide significant opportunities for the company to acquire smaller and financially weaker organisations, who would be finding it difficult to survive in the present circumstances. Igor Ansoffs model of growth stipulates that companies move in their growth curve from selling currently available services in existing markets through various phases to selling new products in new markets (Tutor2u.net, 2009). Ansoffs growth model is provided in appendix 4. Carnival Corporation should clearly follow a carefully formulated strategy of external and internal growth. External growth should be targeted through the search and acquisition of attractive cruiser lines whose operations and viability has suffered because of the crises. The corporate management should aggressively scout for acquisition and use its strong financial resources to good effect. Such a strategy will also lead to better scale economies and will of course need efficient management of strategic investments (Tutor2u.net, 2009). The company, in accordance with Ansoffs model should steadily pursue strategies for differentiating their services through the conceptualisation and implementation of different cruise themes. It is also opportune for the company to seriously look at the emerging Asian tourism sector, preferably through the acquisition of a local cruise operator. The Asian economy is fairing much better than the European economy and significant accretion is occurring in the upper middle class segments of China and India. Such population segments are totally unexposed to cruise vacations and provide fertile ground for Carnival Corporation to thrust their Asian operations. Carefully conceived strategic plan of organic and acquisitive growth will enable the company to consolidate its leadership position and exploit current environmental opportunities (Tutor2u.net, 2009). 5. Conclusions

Wednesday, November 13, 2019

A Comparison of the Main Approaches to Personality Psychology Essay

A Comparison of the Main Approaches to Personality Psychology Psychology of personality is a difficult concept to define and quantify, therefore most personality theories, however different they may be in other respects, share the basic assumption, that personality is a particular pattern of behaviour and thinking, that prevails across time and situations and differentiates one person from another. Most theories attempting to explain personality represent part of the classic psychological Nature verse Nurture debate. In other words, is personality â€Å"inherited†, or developed through our interactions with the environment. In addition, we shall compare and contrast two of the main approaches to personality psychology by concentrating on Psychoanalytical Theory (Freud) and Social Learning Theory (Bandura). By looking at the Psychodynamic approach, developed by Freud, we can argue that it emphasizes the interplay of unconscious psychological processes in determining human thought, feelings, and behaviours. The basis of this approach is that psychological factors play a major role in determining behaviour and shaping personality. Freud argued that personality is composed of three major systems the id, the ego, and the superego. The id (biological part of personality) is present at birth and consists of inherited instincts and all psychological energies. The id operates according to the pleasure principle, seeking to reduce tension, avoid pain and obtain pleasure. The ego (executive part of personality) is conscious part of the mind, the â€Å"real† us. The function of the ego is to express and satisfy the desires of the id in accordance wit... ...ogist, 33, 344-358t Bandura, A. (1982). Self- efficacy mechanism in human agency. American Psychologist, 33, 334-358 Mischel, W. (1984). Convergence and challenges in the search for consistency. American Psychologist, 39, 351-364 Rotter, J. B. (1966) Social learning and Clinical Psychology. Englewood Cliffs, NJ; Practice Hall Rotter, J.B. (1966) Generalized expectancies for internal verse external control of reinforcement. Psychological Monographs, 80 (1, Whole No. 609) Alfred, A. (1927) The practice and theory of individual Psychology. New York: Harcourt Brace Jovanovich Carlson, R. Neil and Martin, Neil, and Buskit, W. (2004) Psychology (2nd European edition). Essex: Pearson Education Limited Gross, R (1996).Psychology, The Science of mind and behaviour (3rd Ed). London: Hodder & Stoughton

Monday, November 11, 2019

Facebook Case Analysis

Case Study: Facebook| Introduction Recently, the social networking sites are getting much more popular on the internet. They are playing a vital role in the way that individuals can easily create their own online profiles, construct their identities and help communicate with each other. Literally, there are many social networking sites worldwide; however, Facebook is the most well-known one since the number of its visitors is significantly increasing.Historically, Facebook was founded almost nine years ago by three undergraduate students of Harvard, Mark Zuckerberg and his two colleges, where it was firstly used by the members who have only ‘. edu’ email addresses. A month later since Facebook had been launched; it was spread very fast where it was used by the majority of Harvard students, then the number of Facebook users increased rapidly after Zuckerberg had left Harvard and move to California in order to make the site expanded more and more (Valenzuela, Park, Kee, 20 08). The majority of the individuals who are surfing the internet, spend lots of time on Facebook.They are able to visit their own profiles as well as they can even browse profiles of other people and share interests like photos, games and information (Mikolaj et al. , 2011), (Boyd & Ellison, 2007). In this paper, there are a number of questions concerning the Facebook and will be answered. Question 1: Why do people use Facebook, and what do they do when they are on the site? What are the implications of this behaviour for individuals, organizations and for Facebook? Facebook is one of the social networking sites, which has become the most popular site globally (Lipsman, 2011).The number of individuals who registered in Facebook site reached a billion about four months ago (Mikolaj et al. , 2011). Generally, individuals are doing a variety of activities using Facebook platform on the internet. People have a great opportunity to create their own public profiles, in which their old an d recent information can be browsed, where Facebook users are able to write their personal information on their own profiles like names, living places, interests, study programs, contact details, photos and pictures as well as the other favoured sites (Hargittai, 2010). In addition, Facebook nables the individuals to communicate and connect with distant friends, colleagues and strangers, showing and sharing their lists of connections as well as extend and strengthen their relationships and friendships, meet each other and sharing their interests, and they can even share the media content (Griffiths & Kuss, 2011). People can also shop online using Facebook browsing shopping pages, seeking for groups or members, and browse people’s walls (Mikolaj et al. , 2011). Moreover, Facebook users are able to play free social games such as Zynga, which in turn would help them connect with the other communities.According to Piskoriski (2011), there was a survey done by Information Solution Group demonstrated that more than 30 percept of Zynga game players pointed out that the games enabled them to connect with family and present friends whereas another third admitted that playing games on Facebook made them connect with old friends and one third used them in order to make new friends. Additionally, concerning the effect of Facebook on organisations, organisations are using Facebook platform to make their names much more well-known which in turn leads to increase their sales and profits (Mikolaj et al. 2011). Actually, there are two main factors that have made Facebook the most popular social site internationally: Firstly, the need to belong, secondly, the need to view limitation. All those factors could be influenced by several variables such as demographic and personal attributes, and social and cultural background (Ashwini & Stefan, 2012). In contrast, using Facebook could be leading to the negative consequences. In other words, the increasing hours people spend on line, may be indicative of potential addiction particularly for students (Griffiths & Kuss, 2011).Grabmeier (2010) claimed that there is a strong link between using Facebook and low grades achievement at universities. This is correlates with the recent study showed that â€Å"Facebook users had lower grade academic performance and spent less time studying than students who did not use this social networking sites† (Griffiths & Kuss 2011, 10). Furthermore, Griffiths and Kuss (2011) claimed that Anecdotal case study evidence reported that some Facebook addicts are more likely to have potential mental health problems.Moreover Accessibility of the others’ privacies using Facebook could also be considered as one of the negative impacts of using Facebook. Question 2: How can organizations leverage Facebook for commercial purposes? How effective are company pages on Facebook? Facebook platform is playing a crucial role in commercial purposes, particularly for companies. They are able to create free profile page in order to post information about their products and receive comments about them, as a result, Facebook might invest more in order to enhance advertising products (Mikolaj et al. , 2011).Additionally, further investment in this social site assist the firms improve their own applications, letting the Facebook users engaged in some social events that they might be interested in and consequently the relationship between the firms and their fans would be strengthened (Mikolaj et al. , 2011), (Piskoriski, 2011). Facebook also made new business pages which permitted businesses, brands, products, artists, and public figures to build free custom Facebook pages and attract Facebook users to like them so that users would then see status updates, pictures and videos which posted by the organisation on their page (Mikolaj et al. 2011). This can create an effective negotiation between the firms and their fans. Companies can also advertise their pages on Face book to be liked by users. New advertising products were improved using Facebook which in turn leveraged its users in terms of social relationships (Mikolaj et al. , 2011), (Piskoriski, 2011). To illustrate, friends of a certain company would see ads about that company regularly (Mikolaj et al. , 2011). As a result, Facebook has achieved massive financial benefits from those developers and applications.Question 3: Regarding the Facebook platform, what role does it play for both individuals and organizations? Facebook has some approaches that make it different from other social sites. For example, Facebook users are able to browse each other’s profiles as long as the profiles’ owners allowed that (Boyd & Ellison, 2007). Moreover, Facebook permitted users to add applications in order to enhance their profile and they were set up by Facebook developers (Mikolaj et al. , 2011).One of these applications is games, where more than 40 % of Facebook users had been attracted to play games by 2011. A year after Facebook extended its API to comprise other actions, such as listening to music or reading an article and might be also shared with other users (Mikolaj et al. , 2011). Facebook platform also play a significant role in increasing the profitability of the firms. The immense increase in the number of the Facebook users has made it much more attractive to the traditional companies (Piskoriski, 2011).Firms started to create application platforms and look for new customers and engaging the existing ones on Facebook site by advertising and offering new special prices and posted them on their own profile page (Piskoriski, 2011). As a result, the number of visitors to that profile page of that firms would be increasing which led to a substantial increase in the number of users who are interested in the their applications and brands. Individuals can also see other brands using advertisements for those brands on Facebook. Then the firms’ incomes would b e increasing dramatically. Question 4:Finally, review the final paragraph on page 14. How would you respond to these questions? What should Facebook concentrate on? Recently, there has been a huge collaboration between firms and Facebook platform in terms of commercial aspects. In fact, offering free profile pages on Facebook has made it much more attractive and valuable to many companies. Firms have been able to utilize this feature by doing businesses with Facebook through which they capable to advertise their brands and products on Facebook users’ profiles so that companies can increase their revenues (Mikolaj et al. , 2011).In addition, Facebook application developers have great opportunities to create additional applications, and update and enhance the old ones based on users’ interests due the massive increasing in the number of Facebook visitors who have different desires and needs (Egele et al. , 2012). Therefore, Facebook plays an essential role in products di spersal and increasing sales and then profits of the firms as a result of advertising and applications. Facebook should be focusing on deploying much more effort in order to support its businesses with organisations based on the interests of the users.Development its tools is another factor that can increase its attraction to the investors and then increase profits. There is also an important issue that Facebook should concern about which is privacy in terms of data hankering. Facebook should be aware of keeping its users privacies secure. Otherwise, it will lose its admiration in terms of limiting the objectives for both individuals and companies (Fowler & Geoffre, 2010). Conclusion There is no social networking site as popular as Facebook. It can be used either for communication between individuals worldwide or for commercial aspects.Facebook has several advantages in terms of strengthening the social relationships as well as providing new marketing strategies which in turn leads to the increasing the growth of economy. Nevertheless, Facebook has some negative impacts such as students’ achievement and browsing the others’ privacies. In general, Facebook is experiencing massive challenges to keep and advance its reputation. References Ashwini, Nadkarni, and Hofmann, Stefan G. â€Å"Why do People use Facebook? † Personality and Individual Differences, vol. 52, issue 3 (2012): 243-249.Egele, M. , Moser, A. , Kruegel, C. and Kirda, E. â€Å"PoX: Protecting Users from Malicious Facebook Applications. † Computer Communications 35, no. 12 (2012): 1507-1515. www. scopus. com. Fowler, Geoffrey A. â€Å"Corporate News: Facebook Fights Privacy Concerns. † Wall Street Journal, Aug 21, 2010. http://search. proquest. com/docview/746178017? accountid=10382 Grabmeier, J. â€Å"Study Finds Link Between Facebook Use, Lower Grades In College. † Research News (2010). http://researchnews. osu. edu/archive/facebookusers. htm Hargittai, E. , and Hsieh, Y.P. (2010). â€Å"Predictors and Consequences of Social Network Site Usage. † Information, Communication and Society, 13, 515–536. Lipsman, A. â€Å"The Network Effect: Facebook, Linkedin, Twitter and Tumblr Reach New Heights in May. † (2011, June 15). http://blog. comscore. com/2011/06/facebook_linkedin_twitter_tumblr. html Mikolaj J. , Thomas R. , David C. and Brian F. † Facebook†. Harvard Business School Publishing. (2011). Patrick Van Eecke and Maarten Truyens, â€Å"Privacy and Social Networks. † Computer Law & amp; Security Review, vol. 6, issue 5, 535-546. http://www. sciencedirect. com/science/article/pii/S0267364910001093) Valenzuela, Park, & Kee, F. K. (2008). â€Å"Lessons from Facebook: The Effects of Social Network Sites on College Students’ Social Capital. † http://online. journalism. utexas. edu/2008/papers/Valenzuela. pdf * Boyd, D. M. , & Ellison, N. B. (2007). Social network sites: Definition, his tory and scholarship. Journal of Computer-Mediated Communication, 13, 210–230. * Online Social Networking and Addiction—A Review of the Psychological Literature

Saturday, November 9, 2019

Cant and Chant

Cant and Chant Cant and Chant Cant and Chant By Mark Nichol Cant is jargon or trite commentary, or singsong speech. A chant is a type of song. Is there a connection between the words? Yes, and many other words are more or less obviously related. They are both derived from the Latin verb canare, which means â€Å"sing.† Cant originally referred to the repetitive, practiced patter of beggars seeking attention (and alms) and, by extension, came to pertain to the jargon of the underworld and then to terminology promulgated by anyone one opposes or holds in contempt. Cant is also an unrelated term from Latin (possibly by way of an earlier Celtic word) meaning â€Å"angle† or â€Å"slope†; this is the source of canton (meaning â€Å"corner† and used in reference to regions, as in the divisions of Switzerland) and possibly cantilever, which refers to a projecting structural element anchored only at one end. Chant is a noun referring to a simple, repetitive form of singing and, by extension, rhythmic repetitive speaking, often spoken loudly and in groups, as in a protest or at an athletic competition; it is also a verb describing such performances. A chanter is one who chants; the feminine French form, chanteuse, was adopted into English to refer to a female singer, especially a nightclub entertainer. The variant cantor, from the Latin word referring to a vocal performer, is now used primarily to an official singer and prayer leader in a Jewish religious ceremony or service; precentor (â€Å"singer before†) is an equivalent term for a choirmaster in some other religious traditions. Other related terms include canto, an Italian word for song that now usually pertains to a section of a long poem; â€Å"bel canto† (in Italian, literally â€Å"beautiful singing†), a form of opera; cantata, which refers to a song, often religious in character, with voice and instruments and sung in several parts; canticle, meaning â€Å"little song† (with the same diminutive ending element as, for example, article and particle) and referring to a hymn; and canzone (Italian for â€Å"singing† or â€Å"song†), a word for a medieval sung poem. Descant, with a prefix that means â€Å"apart,† refers to a high melody sung distinct from the main melody of a song. Additional words include chanson, which is from an Old French word for â€Å"song† and refers to a cabaret-style song; chantey (with the variations chanty and shanty)- likely from chantez, the imperative form of chanter, a French word that means â€Å"song†- which refers to a sailor’s work song; and chanticleer, which derives from the character of a rooster in medieval verse narratives. Also descended from canere, we have recant, which means â€Å"renounce an opinion† and stems from requiring heretics to disavow their beliefs by chanting the renunciation. An incantation, meanwhile, is a chanted spell or other vocalization as part of a ritual, and enchantment, which originally pertained to being subject to a magic spell, by extension came to mean â€Å"charmed by beauty or another quality†; an enchantress is a woman who has this effect on others. (Charm itself, which pertains to the action of charming or to the quality of charm or to a magic amulet, is indirectly related as well.) More obscure relatives include accent, which refers to a particular pronunciation or emphasis, and incentive, which originally applied to that which stirs one’s mind or soul but in the mid-twentieth century acquired the mundane sense of â€Å"something that motivates.† Want to improve your English in five minutes a day? Get a subscription and start receiving our writing tips and exercises daily! Keep learning! Browse the Vocabulary category, check our popular posts, or choose a related post below:Math or Maths?Between vs. In BetweenHow Verbs Become Adjectives

Wednesday, November 6, 2019

Principal methods for healthcare research The WritePass Journal

Principal methods for healthcare research Introduction Principal methods for healthcare research IntroductionTheir Respective Research Design and philosophyThe Contrasting   Research HypothesizesApproaches to samplingData Collection Methods and Data analysisQuality of studiesCriteria to establish rigor in qualitative methods. Patton (2002) p.552-558Study:Jeppson et al (2003)Binge and Purge Processes in Bulimia Nervosa: A Qualitative StudyMy interpretationQuestionDiscussionRelated Introduction Bulimia Nervosa (BN) is an eating disorder, which is characterised by repeated episodes of over eating and bingeing and by a set of   compensatory behaviours intended to cause weight loss which includes vomiting, purging, fasting and excessive exercise. The American Psychiatric society (A.P.A. DSM-IV, 2000) and the World Health Organisation ( World Health Organization. International Statistical Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision (ICD-10). Geneva, Switzerland: W.H.O., 1992),   both suggest the following diagnostic criteria for the disorder 1. A persistent preoccupation with eating and irresistible craving for food. 2 .Repeated episodes of binging/overeating in which large quantities /amounts of food are   consumed 3. Patients experiencing BN take excessive measures to compensate for the ‘fattening‘  Ã‚   effects of food e.g. vomiting, purging and fasting. The Beating Eating Disorder Association (BEAT). Formerly known as the Eating Disorders Association, a voluntary sector group in the UK., as provided figures that up to 1.15 million people in the UK, experience a significant problem with BN, and up to 90.000 people are receiving treatment at any one time. It is not therefore surprising that BN is a major and widespread   problem. Consequently a number of treatments have been developed and trialled, based on focused research, and developing an evidence base. The National Institute of Clinical Excellence (NICE). Published guidance in 2004, (Eating disorders: Core interventions in the treatment and management of anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa and related eating disorders. London: National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) 2004). Which recommends Cognitive Behavioural therapy (CBT) as an efficacious treatment as well as Selective Serotonin Re-uptake Inhibitors (SSRI’s) such as Fluoxetine. Research in this area is an important on a number of counts. Firstly, on clinical intervention grounds so that the treatment offered for the disorder can be expanded and improved and secondly given that the Disorder was only recognised in 1979 ( Russell, G.1979), and with a widespread epidemiology, sufferers experiences of t he disorder are important in clinical practice to deepen understanding of sufferers experiences.. The two papers presented here both focus on the condition from different perspectives and   ask different questions. The first paper is a qualitative study: Binge and purge Processes in Bulimia Nervosa: A Qualitative Investigation (Jeppson et al. 2003) using a grounded theory design focusing on the two core diagnostic behaviours of BN; binging and purging. They aimed to elucidate information on these processes and their function for Bulimic’s experience. The second paper is a comparative intervention study, following a quantitative research design a   form of Randomised Control Trial (RCT) Cognitive-Behavioural, Fluoxetine and Combined Treatment for Bulimia Nervosa: Short- and Long-term Results (Jacobi et al.2002). Both papers illustrate their design paradigms and contain a number of flaws, which will be discussed in relation to their respective research methods. Their Respective Research Design and philosophy Jeppson et al(2003), deployed a qualitative research design, which followed a grounded theory approach (Glaser Strauss,1967). Grounded theory was originally developed by these social researchers, before the approach ‘split’ into different camps, (Stebbins, R.A., 2001),   the approach essentially emphasizes the ’generation of theory’ from data that is acquired in the actual process of conducting the research. So rather than beginning with an hypothesis that needs to be tested   that is the hallmark of the experimental quantitative research design, grounded theory begins the research process with an aim for exploration. The quantitative paradigm illustrated by the Jacobi et al. (2002) paper, forms the basis of RCT’s and Therapy trials which are common in much of health care research, including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and treatment approaches/interventions to Bulimia Nervosa.   At its philosophical ‘core’ is the notion of empiricism (Owen, F. Jones R, 1977), whereby quantitative properties and phenomena and their relationships are observed and studied. Thus the process of measurement is crucial to the paradigm and this affords the connection between ‘empirical’ observations i.e did X effect Y and mathematics, through the expression of quantitative relationships As measurement is crucial to the quantitative paradigm, the choice of Randomised Comparison Study is entirely appropriate for the Jacobi investigation, as it wants to compare the treatment effects of three different conditions treating the disorder. Studies of this type are a form of scientific experiment, with RCT’s often referred to as the ‘gold standard’ for intervention studies (Cartwright, A. 2007). They are often used for ‘safety’ studies in drug trials and for testing the effectiveness   of clinical interventions and services The two research studies presented here, display different philosophical foundations, which shape their whole approach to research deign. The Contrasting   Research Hypothesizes Jeppson et al (2003), developed an aim for their qualitative study based on previous research they had encountered on the BN binge-purge process that is seen to be central to the disorder. The study was not concerned with assessing the ‘effects’ of interventions on binge and purge behaviour, but rather to try and understand what these behaviours meant and the functions they served for the patients they studied. They considered in previous research that quantitative methods, had focused on self-monitoring of these episodes and ranking them to ‘measure’ links to mental state e.g. Stress, and had deemed that it had not sufficiently led to an understanding of their function as experienced by BN patients themselves. They had an idea that these behaviours were crucial and played a part in assisting sufferers with their ‘emotional regulation’, but were curious and wished to expand an understanding of their role. They therefore set out with an ‘aim’ for the research to find out what BN patients experiences of these two processes and the meanings /function they served for them, I believe this ‘aim’ was entirely congruent with the qualitative method, and provided a question that RCTs looking at interventions had not and could not study. The Jacobi et al., paper(2002),   asked a different set of questions. They were interested in how CBT compared with the SSRI Fluoxetine, and a combination of them both .   They considered that both the psychological (Wilson, G.T., Fairburn, C.G., 1993) and pharmacological interventions (Goldstein et al.,1995) had developed an evidence base for treating BN. They designed an ambitious study to investigate the question of the relative short and long-term effectiveness of the three interventions. They questioned whether the combined approach would be more beneficial in the long-term, as previous research studies investigating a combination approach, had experienced high drop-out rates due to the side effects of the of the SSRI, which may have influenced their results. The study did not include a control or placebo condition, which would be the normal procedure for intervention type studies.The reason for this was that they considered   previous research had demonstrated the effectiveness of CBT and   Fluoxetine, and was not needed. The study had four aims: To compare the effectiveness of CBT, Fluoxetine and there combination, to compare the short and long-term effects of these treatments. To inquire about the possible ‘additive’ effect of combined intervention and to examine the differential effects of the treatments. These types of intervention question are suitable for a randomised study as the questions Jacobi and team are asking are essentially ones of intervention and differential effectiveness/measurement on a number of variables e.g. Binging and purging episodes, short and long term effects as ascertained by validated psychological questionnaires and clinical interview. Approaches to sampling It is generally considered that sample size is generally much smaller in qualitative studies than those recruited for quantitative studies such as RCT’s (Cresswell,J.W., 2003).   As qualitative studies are generally smaller in size, criticisms have been leveled at this paradigm. Although the paradigm does not seek to study the ‘total‘ population, issues surrounding diversity and variation within a population are often cited (Jones,2007). The Jeppson study used only eight participants The approach to sampling used in the study is important   as the process of selecting participants is relevant to the aims of the study.   They used purposeful sampling to generate the data for their enquiry. Purposeful sampling generally refers to the selection of participants who have experience or knowledge of the area under investigation (Procter et al, 2010) As all participants were selected with a specific diagnosis of BN (APA., DSM-IV,1994) they would all currently have experiences of the processes under investigation. They were recruited from a suburban area in Utah, USA., Descriptive information, including socio economic variation, inpatient and out patient status and educational information was given.  Ã‚   This form of sampling used in the study is not random or based on statistical probability as in quantitative studies. Sampling in quantitative research design, especially RCT’s, differs. This type of sampling is in essence the selection of of observable units, which can be measured (Maxim, P.S., 1999). As outlined in the introduction, BN is widespread in the UK (and other european countries). It is not possible in the Jacobi study to observe the effects of the treatment interventions with the whole population of people experiencing BN. Therefore quantitative studies tend to study a sample of the group or population which may represent the larger population. The study recruited its patents by a mixture of media advert and direct referral to the Department of Psychology at the University of Hamburg. All underwent telephone screening, by a clinician not involved in the study (to assess inclusion criteria) and a semi structured psychiatric interview,and physical examination As selecting people for therapy trials is   open to sampling errors, in that   some people selected,may be ‘exceptional’ or ‘different’ from those of the larger ‘Bulimic’ population.The method attempts minimize these possibilities, by careful inclusion/exclusion criteria and the random distribution of   the participants into one of the three treatment conditions[1] The size of sample for the Jacobi study is more important than the qualitative study, to gain meaningful results. Data Collection Methods and Data analysis The Jeppson et al study (2003) study, collected its data from interviewing eight participants who agreed to take part in the study, by using a semi-structured interview format, lasting one hour. The semi-structured format differs from a more limited ‘formalized’ set of questions, by nature of its flexibility. It allows for new questions to be added in response to what the interviewee says, inviting and generating further information, which the study utilised. The study used a ‘framework’ and ‘interview guide’, which is a collection or set of topics to guide the interview process (Lindlof Taylor, 2002). The paper, makes reference to this, but does not provide specific details of what constituted the ‘guide. To enhance validity, ‘member checks’ were conducted post interview, all participants received a 20 minute phone call, where findings were ‘shared’; allowing corrective feedback on accuracy. Transcripts were also read by three mental health professionals The study reported that ‘redundancy’ or theoretical saturation occurred between interview 5-7. Grounded theory employs this framework, so sampling frame   may be modified as a result of a process deemed, ‘constant comparison analysis’ i.e, that data is determined by its recurrence and re-evaluation to assist with the ‘theorizing   process’ of the area under investigation. The type of process involved in the   purposeful sampling used in Jeppsons study, accepts that it is impossible to identify ahead of time, all categories of emergent data that the researcher needs to review.   So its is purposely designed to pursue data collection categories to the point of concept or ‘data saturation’, which occurs when the data   is stable and the pattern(s) unlikely to change (Locke,2001). They found this occurred during the interviewers   5-7, and added 1 further interview according to protocol. (Lincoln Guba, 1985) Once   Jeppson collected the data, key points were assigned (or marked) to it, referred to as ‘codes’. Concepts and categories were then then worked out. The categories that emerged are seen within this methodology as the basis of theory generation for the study. This process as been referred to by Glaser and Strauss (1967) as the reverse emergence ‘hypothesis’.   Thus, it was considered that to gain information on the participants binge and purging behaviours it was best to ask them about their experiences so as generate theory from their responses, rather than to come to the study with a pre-determined hypothesis or theory which needed testing. As the researcher is part of the ‘research process’ and data collection, ‘reflexivity’, is a feature of the data collection process. This can be divided into ‘personal reflexivity’ and ‘epistemological reflexivity’. ‘Personal reflexivity’ involves the researcher being aware and examining their own values, experiences etc. and how this may have shaped the research. It also involves thinking about how the research may have affected and possibly changed people and researchers. ‘Epistemological reflexivity’ as such, asks   how the research question is defined and conducted and how it may of limited what was found? by asking   searching questions about the data and its findings (Willig,C. 2001). Jeppson notes, that he was ‘aware’ of himself and the potential influence on the study. Jacobi, collected its data by using a battery of   validated Psychological Measures to assess outcomes from the three intervention conditions.They were administered at pre and post treatment, and   at 3 months and one year follow up. Descriptive statistics[2] were given using the mean[3]   and standard deviation[4] of patients with regard to age, marital status, and   education. Frequency of binging and vomiting, onset of these behaviours , lowest BMI etc., no table provided. Data analysis was conducted by using a number of inferential statistical tests, to ‘measure’ and quantify a host of possible influences on the outcome results obtained form the measures of each condition. Individual one-way analyses of variance ( ANOVAs) were used to compare data, i.e., demographics, clinical variables:   frequency of binging etc pre and post.   The ANOVA technique involves measuring the variance of the group means and comparing that to the variance predicted if all groups were randomly sampled   from the same population i.e ANOVA, tests hypotheses about the mean(s) of a dependent variable(s) e.g frequency of binge eating across the different treatment groups, in relation to the independent variables i.e. group condition To analyze the differential effects of the 3 treatments is was originally proposed to use uni and multivariate analyses of covariance[5], e.g .to study the covariance of say mood state with frequency of purging across the treatment conditions, to see if the amount of change between two or more variable maps changes in another variable, an estimate of correlation.[6] Sample size, through attrition was assessed as to small to run theses tests, at one year follow up. The ANOVAs and MANOVA tests used in this study produce the F-statistic[7], which is used to calculate the P-value,[8] and significance. The choice of tests was appropriate[9], given 3 treatment conditions, and the comparative nature of the research question/hypotheses. A   intention to treat analysis, conducted for drop-outs was in line with the research protocol for this study design. Quality of studies The two papers have approached the subject of BN from different research designs. It is important when considering   research papers to assess their quality, in respect of their chosen methods. Jeppson’s paper, in a my opinion is a well designed study. The aim is suited to qualitative methodology. Assessing the quality of the study as proved challenging as its requires a different set of criteria, from quantitative research (table 1), And Patton (2002), outlines a series of considerations to establish rigor for qualitative research (table 2 ). The use of one interviewer, sample containing severe bulimics (Anorexia?), may have influenced the themes and results?   Also some ‘reporting issues‘   concerning method etc,, can   all factors effecting quality. Table1 . Critical evaluation of qualitative study Table 2. Criteria to establish rigor in qualitative studies Criteria to establish rigor in qualitative methods. Patton (2002) p.552-558 Study:Jeppson et al (2003) Binge and Purge Processes in Bulimia Nervosa: A Qualitative Study My interpretation (a)  Ã‚   Persistent observation(b)   Peer debriefing (c)  Ã‚   Progressive subjectivity (d)   Member checks (e)  Ã‚   Triangulation (f)  Ã‚  Ã‚   Transferability (g)   Dependability (h)  Ã‚   Authenticity and fairness (i)  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   confirmability Themes became redundant before last interview -observationStudy does not mention that this procedure occurred. Unclear in paper- could be implicit in methodology, not mentioned overtly Yes conducted Yes Makes case in conclusion for clinical enrichment and therapeutic alliance Process was of medium/high quality audit conducted Study was conducted and reported with ‘fairness’ to process Researcher is ‘aware’ of potential influence audit conducted The Jacobi research aims were entirely suited to the quantitative randomised trial it adopted   to look at the effect of the three treatment interventions and there effects in the short and long term . It, however, suffers from a number of serious flaws, undermining its validity and effects when assessed to by RCT quality criteria (Greenhalgh T.,2006). Firstly, the study fails to provide a power calculation. For to detect differences between   the   three intervention groups using randomisation, it is considered that the study should be ‘powered’ i.e contain enough patients to determine statistical accuracy. Normally 80% is considered the minimum standard of accuracy for clinical trails. (Ellis, Paul D, 2010), and leaves it open to type 2 errors.[10] This was not assisted by the attrition rate, especially at follow up. It contributed to the study being significantly ‘underpowered’, so much so that the results   at one year follow-up   being of   poor quality, the results could be dismissed[11] (Table 3 provides a critical evaluation) Table 3. Critical evaluation of quantitative study. Question Study: Jacobi et al. (2002) Cognitive-behavioural, Fluoxetine and Combined Treatment for Bulimia Nervosa: Short and long term results Does the study address the focussed question? Yes Were the patients randomly selected from a defined population? Patients were selected/recruited by advertisement and referral to the Psychology dept. Of Hamburg University. All had met the diagnostic criteria for BN. Was the assignment of patients to the intervention and control group randomised? There was no control group. Study compared effects of three different treatment conditions. Paper states they were randomised, but does not say how and by what method Were the participants and observers both blinded? Not stated though this difficult to achieve within psychotherapy trials Aside from the intervention were the groups treated equally? Yes Was a follow up completed Yes- at I year Did the study have adequate power to see an effect if there was one? No, there was no power calculation provided though this is common in psychotherapy intervention trials/studies. Very high attrition rate at follow up. Were all the patients who entered the trial properly accounted for? Full disclosure is given about the dropouts, calculations were made that suggest that the results at   follow up lack validity Were the results of the trial presented in a manner that allowed for full examination? No: adequate data was presented on tests MANOVA/ANOVA.   Ci’s not reported Secondly, the randomization procedure which gives the randomized controlled trial its strength. The investigators did not provide details of the randomization methods its used for the study[12], although this may be attributable to poor reporting, its is a significant emission (Jadad, 1998). The paper whilst providing a range of data, omits to report confidence intervals (CI)[13] for the three conditions and its results, and their were no   proposed effect sizes included the aims/hypotheses. Discussion Both studies addressed their research using different methods. Both were appropriate for the investigation, illustrating that methodology needs to be tailored to   the aim/hypotheses of the question under investigation. The Jeppson study was well designed, and managed to explore its research aim sufficiently, so some its findings had generalisability in treatment settings, and would benefit the CBT practitioner working with BN and aid ‘therapeutic alliance’ by taking into account its findings. By increasing understanding of how the processes have functions for the individual, well beyond the ‘behaviour’ itself. Jacobi’s study, although ambitious with a good design in principle, was seriously flawed. The under-powering of the study, the absence of good reporting on a number of methods and data, leave the study flawed. Its hypothesis and aims were suited to the methodology, but its sample size and attrition rate made   generalizability of the results difficult. It did provide some evidence (weak), that CBT is efficacious for the treatment of BN, which continues in clinical practice. Word Count:   3489 References   American Psychiatric Association (1994). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders. Washington DC., American Psychiatric Association. Cartwright, N. (2007). Are RCTs the Gold Standard? Biosocieties(2): 11-20. Cresswell, J. W. (2003). Research design: Qualitative, Quantitative and Mixed Methods Approaches. Thousand Oaks, CA., Sage. Daly, J., Lumley, J. (2002). Bias in Qualiative Research. Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health 26(4): 299-230. Ellis, P. D. (2010). The Essential Guide to Effect Sizes: An Introduction to Statistical Power, Meta-Analysis and the Interpretation of Research Results. Cambridge, C.U.P. Glaser, G. B., Strauss, A. L. (1967). The Discovery of Grounded Theory. Chicago, Aldine Publishing Company. Goldstein, D. J., Olmsted, M., Thompson, V.L., Potvin, j.H., Rampey, A.H. (1995). Long term Fluoxitine treatment of bulimia nervosa. British Journal of Psychiatry(166): 660-666. Greenhalgh, T. (2006). How to read a paper: the basics of evidence based medicine. London., BMJ Publishing Group. Jacobi, C., Dahme, B. Dittmann, R. (2002). Cognitive-Behavioural, Fluoxitine and Combined Treatment for Bulimia Nervosa: Short- and Long-Term Results. European Eating Disordrs Review(10): 179-198. Jadad, A. R. (1998). Randomised controlled trials: a users guide. London, BMJ Books. Jeppson, J. E., Scott Rchards, P., Mac Hardman, R.K. Mac Granle, H. (2003). Binge and Purge processes in Bulimia Nervosa: A Qualitative Investigation. Eating Disorders(11): 115-128. Jones, R. (2007). Strength of evidence in qualitative research. Journal of Clinical Epidemiology(60): 321-323. Lehman, A. K., Guba, E.G. (1985). Naturalistic inquirey. London., Sage. Lindlof, T. R., Taylor, B.C. (2002). Qualitative Communication Research Methods. Thousand Oaks, CA., Sage Publications Locke, K. (2001). Grounded Theory in Mangement Research. London, Sage Publications. Maxim, P. S. (1999). Quantitaitive research methods in the social sciences. oxford., Oxford University Press. NICE. (2004). Eating disorders: Core interventions in the treatment and management of anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa and related eating disorders. N. I. f. H. a. C. Excellence. Owen, F., Jones R, (1977). Statistics. London, Polytech Publishers. Patton, M. Q. (2002). Qualitative Research Evauation Methods. Thousand Oaks, CA., Sage Publications. Procter, S., Allan, T., Lacey, A. (2010). Sampling. The Research process in Nursing. Eds Gerrish, Lacey, A. Oxford, Wiley-Blackwell. Ragin, C. C. (1994). Contructing Social Research: TheUnity and Diversity of Method, Pine Forge Press. Russell, G. (1979). Bulimia nervosa: an ominous variant of anorexia nervosa. Psychological Medicine 9(3): 429-480. Stebbins, R. A. (2001). Exploratory Research in the Social Sciences. Thousand Oaks, CA:, Sage Publications. W.H.O. (1992). International Statistical Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision (ICD-10). Geneva, Switzerland: . Willig, C. (2008). Introducing Qualitative Research in Psychology. 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Monday, November 4, 2019

DHL supply chain security analysis Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

DHL supply chain security analysis - Essay Example Disruption in supply chain management can negatively impact the overall value chain performance of companies. In such context, Closs and McGarrell (2004, p. 8) elaborated the concept of supply chain security management as â€Å"application of policies, procedures, and technologies to protect supply chain assets (products, facilities, equipment, information, and personnel) from theft, damage, or terrorism, and to prevent the introduction of unauthorized contraband, people, or weapons of mass destruction into the supply chain.† Considering the mentioned definition, Thai (2009) stated that supply chain companies need to coordinate with government bodies in order to improve security measures to prevent issues like counterfeit, theft, terrorism, missing of merchandises etc. Sarathy (2006) also pointed out that security related threats can occur at any point of supply chain activities including freight carriers, people associated with the transportation facility, factories, goods, v ehicles. Occurrence of any security threat can cause both financial and physical loss to companies hence companies logistic companies like DHL, FedEx and others provide significant importance to improvement of security in supply chain activities. ... conomic Operator (AEO) and Customs-trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT) in order to increase security measures of international supply chain management and movement of cargo. Consideration of the research works of Gutie?rrez and Hintsa (2007) reveals six attributes of supply chain security analysis such as cargo management, information management, facility management, management of human resources, disaster recovery & crisis situation management and business network of the company. Up to this point, the essay has used theoretical arguments of various research scholars in order to prepare the background for conducting supply chain security analysis of DHL. As DHL is the focus organization in the paper, the research will cover pertinent issues regarding supply chain security in context to business operation of the company. In the next section, the essay will analyze five areas of supply chain security in context to business operation of DHL such as 1- supply chain policy, 2- Se curity Policy, 3- Technology Policy, 4- Government Regulations and 5- Sustainability. However, Yang (2011) suggested that supply chain security analysis should include issue like personnel control, inventory control, transportation root map analysis but covering these issues is beyond the scope of this paper. Supply Chain Policy-DHL According to report published by Asian Development Bank Institute (2013), DHL uses certain customer centric policies not only to improve supply chain efficiency but also achieve forward and backward value integration. In case of DHL, supply chain policy is not derived in overnight manner rather the company customizes supply chain policy in accordance with underlying business issues and needs of customers. DHL (2013a) reported that DHL generally integrates issues

Saturday, November 2, 2019

Disability and Its Everyday Use Dissertation Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

Disability and Its Everyday Use - Dissertation Example Disability is considered as a curse or a characteristic of poverty in some third world countries, but it is treated as a normal medical condition in some First the World countries. Bangladesh is also another developing country with serious cases of disability and poverty. The country records one of the highest levels of disability rates in the world. 16% of the country’s population has disabilities (Mitra et al, 2011). The highest percentage of people with disabilities in Bangladesh is made up of women (23% compared to 10% for men). Disability prevalence is higher in poor countries than in rich countries. People with disabilities in Zimbabwe, Bangladesh and Burkina Faso also have a lower level of educational attainment and low employment rates (Eide & Ingstad, 2011). Disability is considered a curse or a characteristic of poverty in some third world countries, but it is treated as a normal medical condition in some First World countries. Bangladesh is also another developing c ountry with serious cases of disability and poverty. The country records one of the highest levels of disability rates in the world. 16% of the country’s population has disabilities (Mitra et al, 2011). The highest percentage of people with disabilities in Bangladesh is made up of women (23% compared to 10% for men). Disability prevalence is higher in poor countries than in rich countries. People with disabilities in Zimbabwe, Bangladesh and Burkina Faso also have a lower level of educational attainment and low employment rates (Eide & Ingstad, 2011). Disability affects millions of families in third world countries. About 650 million people around the world currently live with the disability, amounting to around 10% of the world’s total population (Mitra et al, 2011). Around 80 percent of the total number of people with a disability lives in third world countries. Disability is more common in poor communities than rich communities (Eide & Ingstad, 2011). While the tota l population of people with disability is only 10 percent of the world’s total population, the percentage is 20 percent among the world’s poorest communities. Developed or industrialized countries have adopted laws and practices to protect the rights of people with disability. For example, U.S.A. has anti-discrimination laws which allow people with disabilities to have access to work. The U.S.A. also has a large number of people with disabilities who own small businesses. Some companies in the United States and other developed countries also have disability management programs in the workplace. Furthermore, disability benefits and insurance programs are provided by employers in U.S.A as required by the law. However, U.S.A. still records a large number of people with disabilities without work. Employers argue that people with disabilities are not able to perform the required tasks effectively.