America as Bottom Up Country Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

America as Bottom Up Country - Essay Example This is the line taken in Howard Fineman's "The Thirteen American Arguments". But to what extent is the United States of the 21st century really a bottom-up society, and does the Internet really enhance the powers of the ordinary person To answer these questions, we must first identify the ways in which government impinges on the citizen, and vice-versa. In a representative democracy the powers of the government, once it is elected, can be surprisingly draconian, and they are certainly very great. They always include the power to incarcerate citizens, and in some cases to kill them. There is obviously considerable variation between governments such as that of France, where the President can exercise almost monarchical powers in some situations, and governments such as that of Switzerland, where power is mainly decentralised to the Cantons and can be diluted by citizens calling for a referendum. The constitution of the United States probably places it about three quarters of the way between the centralist authoritarian extreme and the decentralist pluralist extreme. In other words, America is far closer to Switzerland than to France. This is hardly surprising, as the Founding Fathers in Philadelphia set out to devise a constitution that was full of checks and balances. The main ones are the separation of powers between Federal govern ment institutions, namely Congress, President and Supreme Court, and the sharing of powers between the Federal and State authorities. The theory seems clear, but the practice has often been murky. Although Lincoln is to be applauded for taking up arms to free the slaves, the Union armies effectively crushed the southern states for attempting to pursue an independent line. And governments down the ages have imposed swathes of regulations on their citizens, some of which compel people to do things, others of which forbid them from doing things. These regulations reach into every facet of our lives, ranging from speed limits to compulsory school attendance. Furthermore, the system of taxes and government spending in the United States, as elsewhere, has created an increasing transfer of effective decision-making power from the people to the government. In most Western countries, governments now tax and spend around 35-45% of their national income. In the case of America, the figure is around 36%, of which about half is spent by the Federal government and the rest by State and local governments. This means that ordinary people are losing more than one third of all the economic resources they create. And more than one third of the vast American economy is at the disposal of government officials, rather than being available to spend according to the preferences of individual citizens. The power to decide the allocation of economic resources is one of the most important ways in which people can shape their own lives and the society they live in. The era of big government programs which arrived with President Roosevelt's admirable New Deal in response to the Great Depression, is alive and kicking. It has suffered some set-backs, most notably during President Reagan's time, but with the fiscal deficit ballooning under President Bush in the past few years, and with President Obama promising a raft of fiscal stimulus measures to kick-start the ailing economy, Big Government is certainly far from finished. So what powers do ordinary people have over the government Well, of course, they have the

A Critique of the Western Notions of Progress from an Anthropological Essay

A Critique of the Western Notions of Progress from an Anthropological Perspective - Essay Example Western nations had colonized vast areas of the globe and had begun to exploit their resources in a systematic fashion. Old subsistence level work in agriculture was replaced by labor saving machinery, and mass production of all kinds of consumer goods. Goods became cheaper, and life, for those in the West at least, was made easier. This point of view treated all of the earth’s problems as matters which could be solved by mankind’s ingenuity. In recent years this notion that humans are moving in a positive direction, improving their lives as they move from caveman status, to hunter gathering, to farming and now to industrialization has been challenged. Jared Diamond (1994) reports these notions are widely assumed to be true but not proven. The theory that agriculture creates food surpluses, which allow people more leisure time, and thus the space to create cultural advances is just a theory, for example, and there are other possible interpretations of human history over the long term. Diamond cites the work of anthropologists with modern hunter-gatherer tribes as evidence that this lifestyle is precisely not inferior to the agricultural lifestyle: â€Å"these people (= Kalahari bushmen) †¦ have plenty of leisure time, sleep a good deal, and work less hard than their farming neihbors† (Diamond: 1994, 106)

Attitudes and behavior

Attitudes and behavior ABSTRACT The paper focuses on attitudes and behavior on the concept of the youths buying behavior towards branded sports shoes, different consumers have got different decision making process. The buyers ultimate goal is to buy the product of qualitative, quantitative with low/best affordable price. In order to identify different kinds of consumers behavior towards buying of different branded shoes and Nike sports shoe. I have carried out buying behavior of youth and different kind of consumer behavior models, literature and theory of consumer behavior; finally, I analyzed and concluded with research based on questionnaire of Nike shoes and case studies of Nike sports shoes at Halmstad University. 1. INTRODUCTION BACKGROUND Introduction: Why studying youth buying behaviour? Youth is perhaps the most difficult demographic group to communicate with. Not only they have a short attention span, they are also elusive in media consumption, fickle in brand preference, and simply challenging to engage and entertain. Marketers spend millions in marketing research every year trying to predict, or anticipate, changing youth behaviours. With the continually proliferating choices of sports shoe, not only does this group embrace technology at an early age, it quickly becomes the early adopters of all new trends and convergent platforms. One can argue that whatever youth does today foreshadows what older demographic groups will adopt in the near future. All this makes it extremely difficult to understand and target their behaviours. Background Consumer has been elated with the kind of reception; they are getting from various companies these days. The reason behind a drastic change in consumer behavior is because the consumer is no more treated as a hire purchaser but, he is treated as the decider of the companys fortune. Companies or marketers cannot hire any fortuneteller to guess the consumers attitude. Guessing or measuring the consumers attitude is not a cake walk but this is because predicting consumers attitude is as tough as predicting consumers mind (Bheri, 2004). Consumers are continuously choosing among the various products though they are not aware of the products and usage, even though they are intentionally purchasing the various new brands without any knowledge about the new products, furthermore if new company enters into the market, for every consumer it is very difficult to understand the features of the news products and this makes confusion among the consumers to obtain the information. For example: If one local company enters into the market then to gain the knowledge about the features of the new product, it will take long time for the consumers to understand (Nelson, 1970). The term consumer can be described as a person who acquires goods and services for self satisfaction and his often used to describe two different kinds of consuming entities: the personal consumers and organizational consumers. The personal consumers buy goods and services for his/her own use. In this context, the goods are bought for final use by individual, who are organizational consumers, they encompasses for profit and not for profit business, government agencies, institutions, all of them must buy products, equipment and services in order to run their organization (Hawkins, Best and Coney 1998). The consumer will respond according to the product quality and reliability, the fundamental understanding of products is necessary to understand the product features, products reliability and product benefits (Baker, 2004). The consumer is the end user for the product; consumers buy the products in market; in order to perform successful sales operations in the market an effective distribution channel and networks are required for the organizations. Distribution channels and networks play an important role in the consumer goods industry. Consumer is the ultimate user of every product, without any consumer there is no market as such (Baker, 2004). Every region wise the different consumers are using different kind of products. Every consumer has their own tastes and preferences. So, every consumers opinions and preferences are different from one another. The local marketers have good idea about, what the local consumers are using (region wise). For example: The south Indian food habits and tastes and preferences are different, when compared to north Indian food habits (Thomas, 2004). Based on above paragraph, direct marketing activities have big impact on every consumer, because through direct marketing every company knows about the behavior of every consumer in the market. Manufacturing companies, retailer and suppliers do not have an idea about the consumer behavior in the local market. So, author suggested that direct marketing activities should be left to the local market leaders, because the local market leaders have best idea of local market and local consumer behavior. This theory helps for the organization and sub-organizations to know the consumer behavior in different market environments, taste and preferences of the consumer behavior (Thomas, 2004). McDonalds would not have made a big impact in the Indian market had it persisted with its U.S. product line that included beef products, moreover, McDonalds repositioned the brand as family-oriented and children-friendly, catering the traditional Indian middle- class segment that finds pride in its family culture and is especially conscious of childcare. So in this point of view Mc Donalds have approached differently, because they identified that, which they followed earlier that will not get good impact on their business so, they immediately changed the business line to achieve the targets, thus, this is one kind of business strategy to achieve the set goals in huge populated countries (Dash, 2005). For perspective of globalization we can not change the system of tastes and preferences of Consumers. Another instance demonstrating the ignorance of local tastes in the wake of globalization features the multinational mobile phone makers, Nokia had tasted success with its soap-bar designed phones and ceased producing the flip phones that consumers found irritating to use (Zaccai, 2005). The Chinese business people are giving importance to Chinese traditional, patriotic values; the business people are running their businesses by showing their traditional, patriotic advertisement and promotional campaigns to get the business from the Chinese people. The Chinese consumers perspective, by assessing their preferences amongst a host of advertisements and promotional campaigns, later on the business people are started the global Advertisement campaigns with status and social appeal, they sought immense pride in clinging to the traditional, cultural and patriotic values through the local campaigns, with this theory helps by knowing the Chinese consumer behavior and also they are giving same importance to traditional and patriotic values in the name of advertisements. Finally, they want the advertisements with traditional and patriotic values of Chinese culture (Zhou and Belk, 2004). The consumers mind is different from one another in this as author said in the definition that according to the human psychology, demographical differences, age sex and to understand people needs. (Kotler, 2004), to assess the influences of every consumer approach is different, in theory explained that consumer is treated as decider of the company, what ever the product comes to the market, the consumer is the ultimate purchaser for every product, some times the consumers are choosing, selecting and going for family decision making to choose differently, in one point of time the consumers differentiated and explained that they are going for personal and some of the them are using products for profit. Demographical differences make new food habits for every consumer. The choice of variation for every consumer (Kotler, 2004). The example of above paragraph, two countries, therefore Chinese consumers are giving respect to traditional and patriotic values, where as Indian consumers are more religious when they are using the products. These are influences that make the consumer to purchase different products; mostly those influences are more related to the physiological, demographical, social, cultural, economic, family and business influences. According to Kotler (1994), consumer behavior is the study of how people buy, what they buy, when they buy and why they buy. It is a subcategory of marketing that blends elements from psychology, sociology, socio psychology, anthropology and economics. It attempts to understand the buyer decision making process, both individually and in groups. It studies characteristics of individual consumers such as demographics, psychographics, and behavioral variables in an attempt to understand people needs. It also tries to assess influences on the consumer from group such as family friends, reference groups, and society in general (Kotler, 1994) for example while consumers purchase the shoe, then they go for family decision, comfort, satisfaction, price and quality. Every family member doesnt have the same opinion to buy the same product; different family members have different choice to buy the product. So, in one family consumer behavior is different (Kotler, 1994). 2. PURPOSE OF THE STUDY The purpose of this dissertation is to contribute to a better knowledge of consumer buying behavior towards purchasing the sports shoes. The aim of the thesis is to find out the factors influencing the youth in purchasing sports shoes. The purpose of the study could be expressed by the following research question. Assessment factors, which influence the youth to buy sports shoes? 3. LITERATURE REVIEW The Definition: Consumer-buying behavior according to Kotler (2004, p.601) is defined as The buying behavior consumers individuals and house holds who buy goods and services for personal consumption. the term consumer can be described as a person who acquires goods and services for self satisfaction is often used to describe two different kinds of consuming entities: the personal consumers and the organizational consumers. The personal consumers buy goods and services for his/her own use. In this context the goods are bought for final use by individual, who are organizational consumers, encompasses for profit and not for profit business, government agencies, institutions, all of them must buy products, equipment and services in order to run their organization (Kotler, 2004). Peter and Olson, (1993) mention that interactions between the peoples emotions, moods, affection and specific feelings is called consumer behavior, in other words in environmental events which they exchange ideas and benefits each is called consumer behavior . Buying behavior of people, who purchase products for personal use and not for business purposes (Peter and Olson, 1993). The Physical actions of consumers that can directly observe and measured by others, by influencing behavior profit can be earned (kotler, Armstrong and Cunningham, 1989). The study of consumer behavior has evolved in early emphasis on rational choice (microeconomics and classical decision theory) to focus on apparently irrational buying needs (some motivation research) and the use of logical flow models of bounded rationality (Howard and Sheth 1989). The latter approach has depended into what is often called the information processing model (Bettman 1979). The information processing model regards the consumer as a logical thinker who solves problem to make purchasing decision (Holbrook and Hirschman 1980). Compares the four major approaches to create successful inter-organizational relationships and integrates them into a single prescription for managing important inter firm relationships (Palmatier, Dant and Grewal, 2007). Service fails, in satisfying the customers and developing customer loyalty over time in business to business markets. Cyert (1956) may have been the first to observe that a number of managers in addition to the purchasing agents are involved in buying process, and the concept was labeled buying behavior and popularized by Robinson (Faris and Win 1967). Webster and Wind (1972) famously identified five buying roles, they are: 1. users 2. Influencer 3.buyer 4. decider and 5 Gatekeeper (Webster and wind, 1972). Further categories have been suggested as the initiator (Bonoma, 1981), and the analyst and spectator by Wilson (Wilson, 1998). The product purchase decision is not always done by the user. The buyer necessarily purchases the product. Marketers must decide at whom to direct their promotional efforts, the buyer or the user. They must identify the person who is most likely to influence the decision. If the marketers understand consumer behavior, they are able to predict how consumers are likely to react to various informational and environmental cues, and are able to shape their marketing strategies accordingly (kotler, 1994). The consumer behavior influences are follows: The consumer behavior influences in 3 aspects, they are acquiring, using and disposing. The acquiring means that how the consumer spends money on the products, such as leasing, trading and borrowing. Using means some of the consumers use the high price products and some of the consumer sees the quality. Disposing is nothing but distribution, order or places a particular product (Hoyer, Deborah, 2001). By understanding consumer behavior deeply, different authors have given different information about the consumer behavior, how consumer buys the products, it involves four steps they are: need recognition, information search, evaluation of alternatives, purchase decision and post purchase behavior, the marketer can pick up many clues as and how to meet the buyer need and develop an effective program to support an attractive offer to the target market (Kanuk, 1990). According to Kotler (1994), the Consumers buying decision process is influenced by four steps those are as follows: Types of consumer buying decision behavior: Consumer buying behavior decision-making varies with the type buying decision. There are different types of buying behavior decisions. Complex buying behavior: Consumers undertake complex buying behavior when they are highly involved in purchase and complex buying behavior and perceive significant difference among the brands. Consumers may be highly involved when the product are expensive, risky, purchased in frequently and are highly expensive (Kotler, 1994). Dissonance Reducing buying behavior occurs when consumers are highly involved with an expensive, infrequent or risky purchase, but sees little difference among various brands (Kotler, 1994). Variety Consumers undertake variety seeking buying behavior in situations characterized by low consumer involvement, but significant perceived brand difference. In such cases, consumers often do a lot brand scrutiny (Kotler, 1994). 4. THE BUYING DECISION PROCESS Introduction of buying decision process Consumers make many buying decisions every day. Mostly large companies do extensive research on consumer buying decision, to answer questions like what does consumer buy, where they buy, how they buy, how much they buy, when they buy and why do they buy a product, for this question to reorganize the decision different stages needed they are, information search, and evaluation of alternatives, purchase decision and post purchase decision etc., The consumer passes through all five stages with every purchase, but in more routine purchases, consumers often skip or reverse some of these stages (Hawkins, Coney, 1998). The buying decision process The buying process starts with need recognition, where as buyer recognize the need. The buyers decision is depending on his/her internal external stimuli of consumer behavior. The internal and external stimuli of consumer behavior means that the consumer, which product should purchase, how much wants to purchase and externally which products are more reliable and usable. According to this internal and external stimulis the buyer will take the decision (Hawkins, Coney, 1998). The consumers are searching the information from the various sources those are information search, personal source, commercial sources, public sources and experimental sources; this is also process of the buying decision process before purchase of the product (Hawkins, Coney, 1998). Information search: The consumer can obtain information from any of several sources, which includes: Personal source: family, friends, neighbors, acquaintance etc. Commercial sources: advertising, sales people, dealers, packaging, displays. Public sources: mass media, consumer-rating organizations etc. Experimental sources: handling, examining, using of the product. Consumers receive most of the information about a product from commercial sources, which are controlled by the marketer. The most effective source however tend to be personal. Personal sources appear to be even more important in influencing the purchase. Evaluation of Alternatives: The consumer evaluates all the alternatives available to him/her to arrive at a brand choice. The consumer will see the product as a bundle of attributes with varying capacities, which satisfies his or her needs. The consumer will pay more attention to those attributes connected with their needs. The consumer is likely to develop a set of brand beliefs about, where each brand stands on each attribute. These of beliefs held about the particular brand is known as brand image, according to the beliefs and preferences of the consumer, evaluates the alternative products instead of using existing products (Kotler, 2004). Purchase decision: In the evaluation stage, the consumer ranks all the brands and makes a purchase intention. Generally the consumer purchase decision is to buy the most preferred brand, when purchasing a products, consumer will think about two things, which can be, purchase decision and purchase intention. The attitude of others and unexpected situation factors both directly or indirectly effects the consumers final decision to buy a particular brand. (Kotler, 2004). Post purchase behavior: The buyers job does not end when the product is brought. After purchasing the product, the consumer will be satisfied or dissatisfied and will be engaged in post purchase behavior. The satisfaction or dissatisfaction of the purchase of a particular product depends on the relationship between the consumer expectation and the consumer disappointment, if it meets the consumer expectations, the consumer can get satisfied. And if it exceeds he/she is delighted (Gilly and Gelb, 1986). 5. THEORETICAL FRAME WORK Consumer Involvement Theory The consumer involvement theory means that, how the consumer involving the purchase of various products in the market, after purchasing the product, how the consumer responding towards the products called consumer involvement theory. The consumers get the information through advertising, for that they purchase, use, and react that they see and hear about the products that they buy (Barry, 1987). Level of involvement an individuals intensity of interest in a product and the importance of the product for that person, those are enduring involvement and situational involvement (Homewood IL Irwin, 1987). Routinized response behavior is that the process used when buying frequently purchased low-cost items that requires little search- and decision-effort (Homewood IL Irwin, 1987). The consumer involved in purchasing of products and usage and, also, various aspects like high involvement and low involvement in process of purchasing of products. The consumer some times involves high and low in purchasing products, so, theory of involvement is explaining that the consumer recognizes the importance of the purchase and it considers that the degree of perceived risk, moreover, it reflects on self image perhaps information processing may be different from one another (Ray, 1973). The low involvement theory is explaining that the consumer would accept wide range of products with positive attitude with do-feel-learn strategy, firstly the consumer select any kind of product, use the product, if they are not sure about how to use the product, and they learn how to use the product. To purchase a new computer in market and using of the computer, if they are not satisfied then they go for learning of how to use the computer. The low involvement of consumer will be in manner that do-feel-learn strategy (Ray, 1973). In one of the consumer article author explained about the consumers, are influenced by television commercials and their relationship effectiveness of advertisements (Krugman 1987). High involvement theory is rational and emotional, and it is explaining about the consumers participations in the context very actively without any hesitation, moreover, they look after extensive problem solving. In this theory of involvement the consumers learn about the product, use the product, if they are feeling that the product is comfortable to use it, and then they go for buying the product, so this is called high involvement because after usage, they definitely buy the products. The high involvement theory is reversible order to low involvement theory like learn-feel-do strategy (Debruicker, 1979). How the involvement theory is useful, the emotions, specific feelings, learning of every product and involves when they want to use it and when they want to purchase it. So, this theory helps when the consumer purchasing any kind of product or after using the product. 6. CONSUMER BEHAVIOR MODELS Introduction Intergradations of three models There are three types of models, which will explain about consumers process of basic needs to selecting one particular product, In order to process consumer behavior the following three models are important, the first and foremost model is that the Hierarchy model of consumer behavior, in this model the author said that, without any basic needs the consumer can not survive, so, the consumer should have some basic needs, which have been explained below, secondly the consumer behavior model. In this model author mentioned about research and planning, in this process, the researchers are taking samples from consumer before manufacturing the new products in the market. Finally, lens model has been explained that in order to choice/select a product by the consumer. Most early psychologists studied people who had psychological problems, but Maslow Hierarchy needs tells us about the needs of consumer behavior. Hierarchy needs of consumer behavior model (Simons, Irwin and Drinnien, 1987) Maslow believes that people seek to fulfill five categories of needs. (Simons, Irwin and Drinnien, 1987) Maslows given the hierarchy needs for consumer behavior, before starting about the consumer behavior, the consumer needs are important; usually every consumer have some hierarchy needs, they are; self actualization needs, esteem needs, belonging needs, safety and security needs and psychological needs (Simons, Irwin and Drinnien, 1987). The self actualization needs: The term actualization means that the intrinsic growth of what is already in the organism, or more accurately, of what the organism is called self actualization needs. For example: one can play the music, he is called musician or artist, and one can paint the art is called painter, one can write the poems, is called poet. For surviving in competitive world one profession is important, this profession is not only for surviving, but also one kind of need for human being. In small words to understand simply one individual potentiality develop him by doing something; it is called the self actualization (Simons, Irwin and Drinnien, 1987). The author suggests that the self actualization need is important when the consumer wants to survive, consumer came with new professions, and it is one kind of need, it will help the consumer to survive in this competitive world (Simons, Irwin and Drinnien, 1987). Esteem needs: The term esteem means that need for things that reflect on self-esteem, personal worth, social recognition, and accomplishment, for example one can travel in the bus, motor bike, and car respectively, depends on his/her financial position they can travel. In this case travel is a need, so, in smaller words, if one can economically sound, then he/she arranges the esteemed need according to their financial possession (Simons, Irwin and Drinnien, 1987). The author said that, if she/he needs the esteem needs, then they should have good economic possession, if not no necessary to maintain the car or motor bike, it is very easy to use the public bus or walk (Simons, Irwin and Drinnien, 1987). Social needs: The social needs includes love of family or friends, for example, the boy loves his girl friend, the relationship between husband and wife, one child belongs to one family This is called belongingness or love (Simons, Irwin and Drinnien, 1987). This is one kind of need for every consumer, because every consumer has their personal belongingness and love. Safety needs: The safety might include living in an area away from threats. This level is more likely to be found in children as they have a greater need to feel safe. For example one wants to live safe and secure life in the society. Finally, always consumer wants to live a life, which is safe and secured (Simons, Irwin and Drinnien, 1987). Physiological needs: It includes the very basic need air, warmth, food, sleep, stimulation and activity. People can die due to lack of biological needs and equilibrium common needs like food, water, oxygen and other common minimum needs are wanted for every one to survive in the world. This is also a basic need of consumer (Simons, Irwin and Drinnien, 1987) Consumer behavior model The concept of consumer behavior model is that, all the consumer minds are not the same, because every consumer thinks in different manner and purchasing of products also different. The below figure is saying about the research and planning, now a days the products are many, the consumer is attracting towards new products and its features. The manufacturing companies are designing the products, before manufacturing of new products the researchers are taking the samples for research from the consumers, after taking the samples from the consumers, researchers are doing the research about the products, it encourages companies to constantly innovate better ways to serve the consumer needs (Yeowzah, 2003). The research planning depending on product design, insights and action. As author saying about the design, if products designs are good then every consumer attracted towards purchasing of new products, the product design is possible only by doing research. The insights is nothing but the product features, the product features are depend upon good research and planning, without any research and planning there is no product as such. In between these two aspects the action takes place to do good research and to get good results in the market (Yeowzah, 2003). 2. Consumer behavior model (Yeowzah, 2003) http://www.yeowzah.com/consumer_behavior_model.htm The significance of consumer behavior decision theory in some cases consumer has clear and strong choice or preference for particular product to purchase. According to the customer preference, companies can increase their sales to develop the 4 Ps marketing to affect the customer preference and test. Company can design the product to attract the customer to make the better sales. To analyze the competitor activity and make the most battle plan to fight in to the market (Hauser, 1993). Lens Model Product Features Perceptions Preferences Psycho-social cues Availability, Price Choice Lens model (Hauser, 1993) Description: The above lens model says that, the product features and perceptions are inter dependent, because the consumer see the product features before purchasing any product in the market, the product features arrow showing towards perception, the perception is nothing but understanding of the product, in this process consumer will understand about the product, after understanding the product, the perceptions is going to be preference of various products (Hauser, 1993). In this process of preference product, the consumer prefers the products, after preferring the product, consumer select the particular product that is called choice. The final arrow showing towards choice, but this whole process depends on consumer psycho-social cues and availability price of the products in the market (Hauser, 1993). The second way is that the psycho-social cues and perceptions are also inter dependent with the help of these two terms the consumer prefers the product and finally choose/select the product (Hauser, 1993). The third way is that the consumer chooses the product with the help of psycho-social cues, which means psychological influences, understanding of the product and availability price of the products (Hauser, 1993). NIKES INTRODUCTION (NIKES CASE STUDIES) The company was established in 1968. Philip H. Knight is the chairman and CEO of the company. The first idea was given by Philip knight to manufacture the shoes, the idea behind this concept is that, when he was studying MBA in Stanford University in USA, he completed the course and he was trying to do the project in different marketing contexts, for this project, he went to Japan to do project in tiger shoes in Japan, it is one of the best shoes brands in Japan, at the same time he presented himself as an American representative and started manufacturing of shoes and he has given name for that company is blue ribbon sports company later on he has changed the name Nike. Later he started manufacturing shoes, apparel and equipments and he renamed his company name like Nike hope for the best to happen after some time he turned in to his coach Bill bower man in his school for what to do next in this industry. So, Bill bower man came up with new idea. In 1979 the Nike was the worlds top companies in the world. Nike mainly concentrated on athletics, the main competitors was Reebok and Adidas. Now Ni

The Eight Essential Steps to Conflict Resolution Essay -- essays re

  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The book that I chose to read for my book review was, The Eight Essential Steps To Conflict Resolution by Dr. Dudley Weeks. The reason I chose to read a book on conflict resolution was to further improve my skills at avoiding and dealing with problems. Because I feel that a person truly shows their character not when things are going well but when things begin to go bad. And having the ability to deal with those problems strengthens one as a person.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Dudley Weeks, PH.D. is widely commended as one of the world’s leaders in conflict resolution. He lives in Washington, D.C., has worked in over sixty countries and has counseled thousands of businesses, families, and communities in the United States. Dr. Weeks has twice been nominated for the Noble Peace Prize. Dr. Weeks is now teaching conflict resolution at the American University School of International Service and gives workshops throughout the world.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Dr. Weeks basically tears conflict resolution into eight steps. The first step is to create an effective atmosphere. The second step is to clarify perceptions. Third is focus on individual and shared needs. Fourth is build shared positive power. Fifth is look to the future, then learn from the past. Sixth is generate options. Seventh is develop â€Å"Doables.† And the last step is make mutual benefit agreements. Dr. Weeks also touches on topics such as handling anger, dealing with people who only want things their way, and dealing with conflicts that involve an injustice.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The first step is about Creating an Effective Atmosphere. Creating an effective atmosphere is a very important step in the conflict resolution process. It is more likely for mutual agreements be reached when the atmosphere is given careful consideration. When thinking about atmosphere remember these ideas; personal preparation, timing, location, and lastly opening statements. Personal preparation is doing all you can to ready yourself in positive ways to approach issues honestly and openly. Timing means that choosing a time that is best for all parties involved, a time in which no one is feeling pressed to move on or pressured in other ways. Location suggests that where you meet is as important as when you meet, it is best to pick a place where all parties can feel com... ...esolution. I found it extremely helpful incertain areas, I also found that I actually do some of the steps when I am dealing with a conflict. For example, when a conflict occurs I try to understand what happened with past conflicts and avoid repeating the same mistakes over again. Also when we are trying to find a solution I look for a solution that will be both beneficial to me and them. I did learn some good ways to organize our thoughts and solutions. I also learned to get to the heart of the conflict and focus on only that, and avoid all side issues.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  As for my opinion of the author, I think he may be a better counselor and doctor than a writer. I found some of the reading sort of confusing and complicated, and had to read several sections over a few times to totally understand his point. Some of the vocabulary he uses is a bit technical, many words I needed look up to understand Dr. Weeks’ point. So basically what I am saying is that I found the reading to be a bit difficult but I really enjoyed the informational aspect of the book and that I learned a lot on how we should work through conflict and come to a resolution that benefits both parties.

Influence Of The Media In Forming Negative Body Image Among Females

We set out in this paper to explore the influence of the media in forming negative body image among females. In the course of the research, we also looked at the influence of media—primarily TV watching—on males just to compare the two groups and their responses to media images. Our findings reveal that although distortions in body image are growing among both males and females, females are especially vulnerable to body-image messages and respond to them with distorted behaviors around dieting and with lowered self-esteem or self-image.These conclusions are supported further by some of the work of Garner, Garfinkel, and Olmstead (1983) who claim that media exposure to stereotypes of very thin women models and reinforces the association between thinness and the characteristics such as physical attractiveness, desirability, personal self-worth, and success. This can lead to internalization of a thin ideal stereotype by females, which can result in distortion of the mental image of themselves (Downs & Harrison, 1985; Ogletree, S.M. , Williams, S. W. , Raffeld, P. , Mason, B. , & Fricke, K. , 1990; Salmons, Lewis, Rogers, Gotherer, & Booth, 1988). Indeed, Myers and Biocca (1992) claim that only 30 minutes of TV watch a day can alter a young woman’s perception of body shape. Why is this important? First, of all the effect of pervasive media influence, such as extensive TV watching and the reading of women’s magazine which are full of diet programs, are distorting the image of females’ perceptions of their ideal body image.Whereas, in some eras in history a â€Å"Rubenesque† or plump figure was considered a favorable body type, in this period of time the ideal type is an emaciated look. This distortion can lead to behaviors that create unhealthy dieting and exercise patterns that have the potential to seriously affect a young woman’s long-term health outlook and can lead to diseases such as Anorexia nervosa and Bulimia . A second consideration is the role of self-image. It appears as something of a chicken-and-egg issue. That is, do media images cause lowered self-esteem and lead to unhealthy dieting and exercise behavior.Or does the practice of consistently unhealthy behaviors that don’t lead to the distorted image that is imagined by some women cause lowered self-esteem? In an article on the Media Awareness Network, it is claimed that all this media barrage leaves the message that women are always in need of adjustment so that whether it starts with the chicken or the egg the woman is going after a mostly unattainable goal of extreme thinness and thus can’t win and will ultimately end up with a lowered self-image.The third point is that the media benefit from the constant message that women are inadequate. The article on the Media Awareness Network cites the fact that the diet, cosmetic, and plastic surgery industries are direct beneficiaries of women’s feelings that their b ody images are inadequate. They state that, â€Å"By presenting an ideal difficult to achieve and maintain, the cosmetic and diet product industries are assured of growth and profits. And it’s no accident that youth is increasingly promoted, along with thinness, as an essential criterion of beauty.Such women are more likely to buy beauty products, new clothes, diet aids, and memberships to health clubs. Obviously, this is a situation where a need is created, a consumer is convinced of the need, and services and products are introduced to fill the need. What are some of the considerations that exist that are trying to address and disrupt this unhealthy contract? The article on the Media Awareness Network states that â€Å"There have been efforts in the magazine industry to buck the trend.For several years the Quebec magazine Coup de Pouce has consistently included full-sized women in their fashion pages and Chà ¢telaine has pledged not to touch up photos and not to include models less than 25 years of age. † There was also significant attention to the models for Dove cosmetic products, who were average-sized women. These ads appeared in magazines and on TV. An informal scan of TV ads and programs might show some average-sized women, but they are still few and far between. Our unfortunate conclusion is that the fantasy image of a super-thin woman still sells products.

Communication System in Bd Essay

Communication system denotes the ways and means of movement of people and goods from one place to another inside a country and outside it as well. In other words it refers to the transport facilities that are available to people for traveling and carrying goods. It includes both the vehicles and the ways used by them. The history of the development of transport shows how people have been trying from prehistoric times to use more and more advanced types of transport thereby replacing the traditional means of conveyance. In modern times knowledge of science and technology came in a big way to help people to devise ways and means quicken and more comfortable movement of men and goods mot only on land and water but also in the air. Thus the vehicles that ply on land and water as well as in the air in a country to connect different place, far and near, constitute its communication system. The communication system greatly helps to set up towns, cities and trading centers, to introduce new tools and technology in agriculture and industry and to disseminate new knowledge and ideas. The communication system in a country in one of its most essential infrastructures required for its development. Train as one of the land communication system of Bangladesh Bangladesh Railway Conditions In Bangladesh : The communication system in Bangladesh is quite unenviable. Because of a large number of rivers crisscrossing it, building roads and highways, railways and bridges in all its parts has not been feasible. This is why, traditional country boats still serve as the most useful means of transport and communication. Besides, the economic condition of our country also does not allow mass mechanization of transport. Consequently we still see Bullock and Buffalo carts lumbering on the dirt roads of many parts of Bangladesh. Therefore, geographical and economic conditions are important factors which often determine whether a country will continue to use its traditional communication system or introduce modern transport. But now a days every country tries to modernize its transport system as far as possible, because modern transport holds out better prospects for development of a nation. Thus of late, Bangladesh has also made phenomenal development in its communication system. Ancient land communication system of Bangladesh Man using Bullock Carts Source: my own photo album A man push a cart for transporting goods Source: my own photo album Land Communication : The land communication has been tremendously developed in recent year in Bangladesh. A large numbers of roads and highways have been constructed throughout the country connecting all the districts. Besides, many old dirt roads have been metaled in all the areas of the country. Thus people can travel anywhere by bus and transport their goods by truck. Besides, construction of some bridges over different rivers have greatly improved the system of communication by land. All these have enormously facilitated the movement of heavy motor vehicles in all parts of the country. In addition to private motor vehicles owner Associations, there is also Bangladesh Road Transport Corporation of the Government. Thus both the private sector and the public sector are working side by side to carry men and goods across the country. But, Bangladesh railway is still the single largest means of land communication in Bangladesh. In recent times after the construction of theJamuna Bridge the railway communication has been revolutionized. Newer plans are also being taken up to expand and modernize the Bangladesh railway service. It is taken care of by the Bangladesh Railway Board. Boat as the water communication system of Bangladesh Source: my own photo album Water Communication : There are many large and small rivers as well as lake in Bangladesh which are an important factor for communication. Numerous motor launches and shifts ply on these rivers carrying a large number of passengers as well as a large volume of cargo. They connect the far-flung areas of the country with one another as well as the capital city. The international sea-ports and the internal rivers ports render a great deal of service in conducting trade and commerce of the country. The transport facilities available in the water ways of Bangladesh play a dominate role in its communication system. The internal water transport facilities are looked after by the Bangladesh Internal Water Transport Authority. Bangladesh Biman as the air communication system of Bangladesh Source: By Eduard Marmet [GFDL 1.2 (http://www.gnu.org/licenses/old-licenses/fdl-1.2.html) or GFDL 1.2 (http://www.gnu.org/licenses/old-licenses/fdl-1.2.html) Air Communication : The air communication network in Bangladesh is also witnessing a steady development. The Bangladesh Biman operates a large good number of internal and international flights which can transport a lot of passengers and cargo. The capital city is connected with Chittagong, Sylhet, Jessore and other places by air. This contributes a great deal to the development of the trade and commerce of the country and quick movement of the people from one place to another. In its communication system Bangladesh has a remarkable network of land transport, water transport and air transport. But the system tells a sad tale. Road accidents and motor launch accidents are very common events in Bangladesh. More often than not, these accidents which take a heavy toll of life make sensational head lines in daily news paper every now and then. Unfit and outdated vehicles as well as reckless drivers and crew are mainly responsible for these accidents. Steps should be taken to ensure safe travel and the whole system should be modernized to provide comfortable communication facilities to the people.

A Wrinkle In Time1 essays

A Wrinkle In Time1 essays In Willstead town, in North Carolina strange things are happening. Do you want to know more? Well in A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine LEngle, a wonderful writer tells all the weird things that are happening. The setting of this story is on North Carolina, at the town of Willstead in the year of 2005. One day Margaret was left by the Aliens when she was two- months old at planet Earth, and was found by the Murries, a nice couple, that had one year of marriage. Several years had passed and Margaret grew up like a normal girl. Now she has twin brothers and a Collie dog. At school everybody thinks that she is a freak, but she is a ten-year-old girl, with beautiful eyes and a lot of intelligence. She is an alien but no one knows not even her. Margaret came to Earth by a computer fraud that caused a wrinkle in time. An old woman called Mrs. Whatsit came to Earth with a job to take Margaret back. She visits Margaret and buys her nice things to win Margarets confidence. Mrs. Whatsit lived in the middle of the woods. One day a robbery had been reported to the police. It was a missing blanket and the thief was Mrs. Whatsit because she needed a lot of warmth because planet Earth was too cold for them. The Tesseract that is the name of the species that Margaret and Mrs. Whatsit belong to. At school some rare people that were the same species of Margaret went to do a contest. Margaret won the contest but this was no contest this were a series of exams that they had to do to Margaret to see if she could live in her home planet and see if she was fit to live there. Mrs. Whatsit was there and after the exams she sat down Margaret and started telling everything about her species and how she got here. At first Margaret didnt believe it but afterwards she started understanding all the things she had passed through all alone with no one that could understand her. Mrs. Wh ...

Running Delphi Applications With Parameters

Running Delphi Applications With Parameters Though it was much more common in the days of DOS, modern operating systems also let you run command line parameters against an application so that you can specify what the application should do. The same is true for your Delphi application, whether it be for a console application or one with a GUI. You can pass a parameter from Command Prompt in Windows or from the development environment in Delphi, under the Run Parameters menu option. For this tutorial, well be using the parameters dialog box to pass command line arguments to an application so that itll be as if were running it from Windows Explorer. ParamCount and ParamStr() The ParamCount function returns the number of parameters passed to the program on the command line, and ParamStr returns a specified parameter from the command line. The OnActivate event handler of the main form is usually where the parameters are available. When the application is running, its there that they can be retrieved. Note that in a program, the CmdLine variable contains a string with command line arguments specified when the application was started. You can use CmdLine to access the entire parameter string passed to an application. Sample Application Start up a new project and place a Button component on Form. In the buttons OnClick event handler, write the following code: procedure TForm1.Button1Click(Sender: TObject) ;begin ShowMessage(ParamStr(0)) ; end; When you run the program and click the button, a message box appears with the path and file name of the executing program. You can see that ParamStr works even if you havent passed any parameters to the application; this is because the array value 0 stores the file name of the executable application, including path information. Choose Parameters from the Run menu, and then add Delphi Programming to the drop-down list. Note: Remember that when you pass parameters to your application, separate them with spaces or tabs. Use double quotes to wrap multiple words as one parameter, like when using long file names that contain spaces. The next step is to loop through the parameters using ParamCount() to get the value of the parameters using ParamStr(i). Change the buttons OnClick event handler to this: procedure TForm1.Button1Click(Sender: TObject) ;var j:integer; beginfor j : 1 to ParamCount do ShowMessage(ParamStr(j)) ; end; When you run the program and click the button, a message appears that reads Delphi (first parameter) and Programming (second parameter).

A Report About Bloods Vs Crips

A Report About Bloods Vs Crips My exam paper is about one of the biggest gang wars in the whole world: The Bloods versus The Crips. The reason I have chosen this subject is because not so many people are aware of what’s going on between those two gangs. There are more gangs who are sometimes involved in this war, such as MS-13 (Florence 13) and the KKK (Ku Klux Klan), but the arguments with these groups aren’t half as worse as the war between the Bloods and the Crips. The MS 13 is a Mexican gang. They are the one of the most dangerous gangs in the whole world, sais the FBI. They mostly operate in Mexico, but also in El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and in Nicaragua. In the US they operate in states as Texas and California. The Ku Klux Klan is a group of people who are very racial against outsiders. They mostly hate black people (à   Bloods and Cribs), because they weren’t happy about the decision back in the days that all black people were free. But the do not only hate black people, they al so hate other people with a color, people who are anti-catholic and Jews. Sometimes these people get killed by members of the Ku Klux Klan. But as I was saying, the conflicts with these groups aren’t half as bas as the conflicts between the Bloods and the Cribs. Everyday people die because of these conflicts. Also everyday more and more people become members of these groups. The two groups operate especially in the West coast and in the South coast, mostly in Los Angeles and Compton. First I’m going to give you some information about The Crips, than I’m going to give you some information about The Bloods. The Crips TheCrips(Community Revolution In Progress) are a primarily, but not exclusively,African Americangang. They were founded inLos Angeles, Californiain 1971 by Raymond WashingtonandStanley Williams. File:Stanley ‘Tookie’ Williams mugshot.jpgStanley â€Å"Tookie† Williams met Raymond Lee Washington in 1969, and the two decided to unite their local gang members from the west and east sides ofSouth Central Los Angelesin order to battle neighboring street gangs. Most of the members were very young.Some of them weren’t even 18 years old yet. The most of them were African American, but there were also Mexican people who joined there group. Stanley Tookie Williams(December 29, 1953 – December 13, 2005) was born inNew Orleans,Louisiana andwas one of the two leaders of the Crips. In 1979 he was condemned of four murders that he committed during robberies and he went to prison for the rest of his life. In jail, he write many books about his live and other things, like books including anti-gang and violence literature. Tookie Williams was asked to help the police with the investigation to get the criminals of his gang, but he refused to help and was involved with many attacks on guards, tried to escape a couple, but there wasn’t any evidence that he planned this. In 1993, Williams began making changes i n his behavior, and became an anti-gang activist while onDeath Row inCalifornia. He renounced his gang affiliation and apologized for his role in founding the Crips. He also co-wrote children’s books and participated in efforts intended to prevent youths from joining gangs.[1]A biographical TV-movie entitledRedemption: The Stan Tookie Williams Storywas made in 2004, and featuredJamie Foxxas Williams.

Computer Antivirus Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Computer Antivirus - Research Paper Example One of the most notable disadvantages of using a free antivirus is the lack of technical support from companies developing them. Whereas the majority of paid antivirus companies provide some online and phone support to their clients, freeware users normally must look after themselves. Some freeware providers such as Avast provide email support that is sometimes said to be ineffective and slow. Considering how close both categories of products are with regard to effectiveness and speed, the two most fundamental elements are customer support and software features. Given some exceptions, a paid product has better customer support systems and better-enhanced features as compared to free computer antivirus software. Comparing Top Paid Computer Antivirus vs. Top Free Computer Antivirus Avast Free Antivirus Software Avast, Free Antivirus combines highly rated all round freeware virus detection with a well-designed and speedy package. Avast has an easy installation process, minimum effect on the performance of the system as well as smooth interface design. Studies have shown that in customary signature-based virus tests, Avast scored highly by detecting approximately 95% of sampled malware, which according to analysts is neither bad nor good. The software additionally recorded a decent performance when tasked with the detection of real-world viruses by successfully detecting and, blocking completely about 75% of virus attacks and partially thwarting about 5% of virus attacks, a performance that was categorized as average.

Discipleship in the Gospel of Matthew Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3500 words

Discipleship in the Gospel of Matthew - Essay Example he concept of discipleship will be explored and subsequently validated through comparisons to the role of faith, devotional learning and ministry within contemporary Christian communities. The English word disciple customarily denotes a follower, adherent or student of a great master, religious leader or teacher.2 Discipleship, in relation to the teachings of New Testament principles, focuses around Christs establishment of a group of individuals who digest, adopt and consequently administer these lessons to other individuals for the sake of promoting Christian doctrine. Moreover, a primary objective of Christs ministry was to appoint citizens of the community of Israel to the role of disciple where, as He preached and educated them regarding His new covenant, these newly selected ministers were moved to faith for the sake of servitude to Christianity.3 It is crucial to highlight the fundamental principles of new Christian doctrine, as Jesus teachings offered a radical reinterpretation of scripture and Jewish tradition whereby He frames the invitation to an abundant life within a new Christian community through a calling to rigorous discipleship.4 In the New Testament, Christ administers His absolute authority to promote a new doctrine for acceptable living by citing His relationship as the appointed messenger of God. Through His teachings, those who were appointed as disciples formed the nucleus of the modern church and that the pattern of the relationship between Christ and his disciples was essential for the establishment of a communion between the risen Lord and members of His church.5 Thus, discipleship can from God through Christ. It is within the Gospel of Matthew where elements of discipleship are most apparent which point toward the goals of adherents to Christianity and the role of disciples in promoting Christian morality and Gods law for the sake of building not only the modern church, but in establishing salvation for others through ministry. The

Philosophy Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Philosophy - Essay Example he possibility of the program itself, that is, the general program which is what constitutes the context of the picture theory of meaning is ascribe and ascertain a "totality of facts". He claims at the outset of the text that "the world is the totality of facts, not of things"[Tract. 1.1]. So, to take this absurdity one step further, a metaphor is necessary to describe this wider program. Wittgenstein's picture theory, once reduced to being either factually true or factually false, is equivalent to an attempt to draw a map of the world on a 1:1 ratio. That is, a picture perfect image where there is no discernible difference between the difference of the description of things, alongside with the very description itself. This is of course, close to being impossible, the world which Wittgenstein is referring to is a world of "facts", and the picture theory of meaning is one which is not describing the world of the senses, although the senses can often perceive factually true phenomena. To use a metaphor from a fairly obtuse philosopher, Martin Heidegger, there is a distinction between the "earth and world" for Wittgenstein, and if one mistakes his world for the earth (or, that which is perceived by the senses), then, one lapses into viewing the totality of facts as pictured, as achieving nothing less than a map of the earth on a 1:1 ratio. This is of course absurd, which is in a sense why one has to view the Tractatus as a type of idealism., and more importantly a theory of ontology or of the nature of reality. Further, his concern resembles more of a possible world than an actual world in this regard, and one might phrase this program in the following way: supposing one wanted to exhaust the possibilities of truth, what type of formal system along with its... Exhausting the limits of reason concerning reality, perhaps there is another and more ‘silent’ means which Wittgenstein sought in order to establish to fulfil what Max Black refers to as the â€Å"metaphysical obsession†. It is ultimately difficult to ‘transcend’ the ‘otherness’ of social existence, or social life, and therefore, such an attempt can really only provide for a state of alienation, and arguably a form of false consciousness. Heidegger characterizes human existence as 'being-in-the-world'. This expression contains two notions: 'being-in' and 'in-the-world'. Thus, human existence is essentially 'being-in'. It involves the idea of 'there'(Da). So human existence is the 'Da' of the 'Sein' of the world. The main concern, of this section is to dwell on the nature of Dasein by analyzing the way in which Dasein is in his 'there', viz., his 'being-in'. In elaborating this point, we will consider the meaning and modes of Dasein's 'being-in' and knowing the world as a typical mode of Dasein's 'being-in'. concepts which are essentially a private language? The language of everydayness is important because it says a lot about what Heidegger meant by language. That is, even though what was being talked about had a somewhat negative connotation. The line between the social and the individual is one that is at the forefront of consideration. 'Being in the World' is a fundamental fact about human existence, but so too with finitude. Part of being socialised, involves a relationship with language and one of the forms or types of language that Heidegger is most critical of, is the language associated with the throwness of everydayness, which is a mouthful. Our struggle with language as individuals, is a struggle with finitude or our own finitude which stands as a 'fact' about our ontology.

The Shopping Cart Economics Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

The Shopping Cart Economics - Essay Example So, Goldman hired decoy shoppers of all ages and both sexes to push the thing around the store. That and an attractive store greeter did the trick, making him a multimillionaire and a legend. Market research showed that shoppers purchased more when the size of the cart is bigger. So as the stores grew, so did the cart and today’s average grocery cart is almost two times the capacity of the original. So, how can a shopping cart affect our economy? Goldman’s concept was simple: Make shopping easier for the customers and they will visit the store more frequently and buy more, generating Goldman more income. To make customers feel more comfortable while shopping, there are many additions made to a shopping cart like booster seats and seat belts for young children, miniature sized carts for children to shop alongside their parents, and shopping cart vehicles for the elderly and disabled. After all, a happy shopper makes a good income for the store. Since the customers are not bothered with weary arms carrying loads of grocery items, they have the extra time to check out other items, compare prices and contents. This has a subtle but big impact on the economy since this will foster a healthy competition among product manufacturers which will have two results: Whenever we see a shopping cart we just see it as a necessary object that makes shopping easy and convenient but the truth is companies are investing on these carts to give them more profit. This has been used for many years by companies to manipulate its customers to buy more and spend more time doing

Business forecasting Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Business forecasting - Essay Example Budgets do not simply indicate the upcoming period’s expenses and revenues, as competition in the market place increase, companies have recognized the need to accurately predict their future operations’ outcomes and the related resource requirements. Budgeting involves use of forecasting techniques, it is an organization-wide process and is central in strategic planning. Effectiveness of the budgeting process depend on the accuracy of forecasts, reliability, simplicity, and cost effectiveness, this accuracy can be enhanced by use of various techniques, using more than one method of forecasting, and obtaining enough and more accurate data (Rasmussen 2003, p. 113). Where budget forecasts fall far from actual outcomes for the period, it is likely that poor decisions on future projections are made and management may end up lacking trust in budgets made while the whole organization may suffer poor planning. Poor budgeting forecasts results from poor budgeting tools lack of s taff training on forecasting techniques, too little time allocated in making correct projections. Correct budget forecasts makes financial planning and execution of operating activities like staffing, inventory management, marketing plans, and performance easier. Budget forecasting is used in making different types of budgets including purchase of raw materials, inventory levels, adjusting incentive plans and staffing levels. Budget forecasting is central in project planning and costing, financial outlays and staff.

Philosophy Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Philosophy - Essay Example he possibility of the program itself, that is, the general program which is what constitutes the context of the picture theory of meaning is ascribe and ascertain a "totality of facts". He claims at the outset of the text that "the world is the totality of facts, not of things"[Tract. 1.1]. So, to take this absurdity one step further, a metaphor is necessary to describe this wider program. Wittgenstein's picture theory, once reduced to being either factually true or factually false, is equivalent to an attempt to draw a map of the world on a 1:1 ratio. That is, a picture perfect image where there is no discernible difference between the difference of the description of things, alongside with the very description itself. This is of course, close to being impossible, the world which Wittgenstein is referring to is a world of "facts", and the picture theory of meaning is one which is not describing the world of the senses, although the senses can often perceive factually true phenomena. To use a metaphor from a fairly obtuse philosopher, Martin Heidegger, there is a distinction between the "earth and world" for Wittgenstein, and if one mistakes his world for the earth (or, that which is perceived by the senses), then, one lapses into viewing the totality of facts as pictured, as achieving nothing less than a map of the earth on a 1:1 ratio. This is of course absurd, which is in a sense why one has to view the Tractatus as a type of idealism., and more importantly a theory of ontology or of the nature of reality. Further, his concern resembles more of a possible world than an actual world in this regard, and one might phrase this program in the following way: supposing one wanted to exhaust the possibilities of truth, what type of formal system along with its... Exhausting the limits of reason concerning reality, perhaps there is another and more ‘silent’ means which Wittgenstein sought in order to establish to fulfil what Max Black refers to as the â€Å"metaphysical obsession†. It is ultimately difficult to ‘transcend’ the ‘otherness’ of social existence, or social life, and therefore, such an attempt can really only provide for a state of alienation, and arguably a form of false consciousness. Heidegger characterizes human existence as 'being-in-the-world'. This expression contains two notions: 'being-in' and 'in-the-world'. Thus, human existence is essentially 'being-in'. It involves the idea of 'there'(Da). So human existence is the 'Da' of the 'Sein' of the world. The main concern, of this section is to dwell on the nature of Dasein by analyzing the way in which Dasein is in his 'there', viz., his 'being-in'. In elaborating this point, we will consider the meaning and modes of Dasein's 'being-in' and knowing the world as a typical mode of Dasein's 'being-in'. concepts which are essentially a private language? The language of everydayness is important because it says a lot about what Heidegger meant by language. That is, even though what was being talked about had a somewhat negative connotation. The line between the social and the individual is one that is at the forefront of consideration. 'Being in the World' is a fundamental fact about human existence, but so too with finitude. Part of being socialised, involves a relationship with language and one of the forms or types of language that Heidegger is most critical of, is the language associated with the throwness of everydayness, which is a mouthful. Our struggle with language as individuals, is a struggle with finitude or our own finitude which stands as a 'fact' about our ontology.

Business forecasting Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Business forecasting - Essay Example Budgets do not simply indicate the upcoming period’s expenses and revenues, as competition in the market place increase, companies have recognized the need to accurately predict their future operations’ outcomes and the related resource requirements. Budgeting involves use of forecasting techniques, it is an organization-wide process and is central in strategic planning. Effectiveness of the budgeting process depend on the accuracy of forecasts, reliability, simplicity, and cost effectiveness, this accuracy can be enhanced by use of various techniques, using more than one method of forecasting, and obtaining enough and more accurate data (Rasmussen 2003, p. 113). Where budget forecasts fall far from actual outcomes for the period, it is likely that poor decisions on future projections are made and management may end up lacking trust in budgets made while the whole organization may suffer poor planning. Poor budgeting forecasts results from poor budgeting tools lack of s taff training on forecasting techniques, too little time allocated in making correct projections. Correct budget forecasts makes financial planning and execution of operating activities like staffing, inventory management, marketing plans, and performance easier. Budget forecasting is used in making different types of budgets including purchase of raw materials, inventory levels, adjusting incentive plans and staffing levels. Budget forecasting is central in project planning and costing, financial outlays and staff.

The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho Essay Example for Free

The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho Essay The book The Alchemist was originally written in Portuguese by Paulo Coelho in 1987. To date, it sold 35 million copies and is reigned as the most translated book in the world by a living author. The Alchemist was the second book of the now 67-year old Coelho following his first novel attempt entitled The Pilgrimage. It was Coelho’s second book that made him known worldwide, but amazingly, it just took him a course of one two-week spurt of creativity to complete the novel The Alchemist. The novel was about one Andalusian shepherd boy’s mystical trek towards realizing his recurring dream of finding his treasure located at the Egyptian Pyramids. Eventually, as he go on through his journey, he learns to speak the Language of the World and discovering the essence of alchemy. He meets different people along his way, starting with the fortune-teller whom he asks to interpret his recurring dream that night while sleeping near a sycamore tree in the sacristy of an abandoned church. The lady says he should pursue finding his treasure and when he does find it, he must give her a part of it as payment for her service. The second person he meets is a mysterious old man who seems to be able to read his mind. This man introduces himself as Melchizedek, or the King of Salem. He tells the boy about good and bad omens and says that it is the shepherds duty to pursue his Personal Legend. Melchizedek then gives him two stones, Urim and Thummim, for him to use when he needs help to interpret omens. The boy decides to follow what the man has said to him and sells his herd to purchase a ticket to Tangier, in northern Africa. But shortly after he arrives there, a thief steals all of his money, so he decides to look for a way to make enough money to return home. He finds work in the shop of a crystal merchant, where after a year he makes improvements that is gratified by financial rewards. He then leaves to proceed in the pursuit of his treasure. He joins a caravan traveling to Egypt. There, he meets an Englishman who wants to learn the secret of alchemy, or turning any metal into gold, from a famous alchemist who lives at an oasis on the way to the pyramids. While traveling, the boy begins listening to the desert and discovering the Soul of the World. The caravan reaches the oasis after some  time, and there he falls in love to an Arab girl named Fatima. The caravan leader tells them that tribal warfare prevents them from continuing their journey so they are staying at the oasis a little longer. One day, the boy wanders from the oasis into the desert and sees two hawks fighting in the sky with a vision of an army entering the oasis. Because attacking an oasis is a violation of the rules of the desert, he shares his vision with the oasiss tribal chieftain. Soon afterward, he is confronted by a black-garbed, veiled stranger with a sword, who sits atop a white horse. It is the alchemist. The tribal chieftain arms his men, and they are well-prepared when the oasis is indeed invaded. The alchemist offers to cross the desert with the boy. Soon the two men enter into an area of intense tribal warfare. Warriors hold the two men captive, but eventually allow them to continue their journey after the boy manages to demonstrate to them that he can be one with the wind. The alchemist tells the boy that he needs to return to the oasis, and that the rest of the trip is his to make alone so that he can claim his Personal Legend. The alchemist shows him how the Elixir of Life and the Philosophers’ Stone are made and he gave him the quarter of the gold before leaving the boy on his own. The boy arrives at the Egyptian pyramids and begins to dig. He finds nothing buried in the ground. Thieves come and see him, they beat him and rob him of his gold. After he tells them of his dream, though, one of the thieves recounts his own dream about a buried treasure in the sacristy of an abandoned church. He then realizes where his treasure can be found. Returning to Andalusia, he goes back to the church where he dreamed of the treasure near the pyramids. He digs where he slept, beneath a sycamore tree, and there it is, his treasure. He plans to return with it to Al-Fayoum, where he will reunite with Fatima, who awaits him. This story, for me, is really one of a kind. It’s not every time that I get to read novels like this which is simply a work of a truly passionate and creative mind. According to The Alchemist, Personal Legends serve as the only means by which an individual can live a satisfying life. In fact, the universe can only achieve perfection if all natural things continuously undergo a cycle of achieving their Personal Legend, evolving into a higher being with a new Personal Legend, and then pursuing that new goal. This  concept, that the individualistic pursuit of a Personal Legend exists as life’s dominant—perhaps only—spiritual demand, lies at the center of the unique theology of The Alchemist. I love how the alchemy was introduced and explored in the story. I know little about the science of turning metals into gold – though I have been hearing it – but this book is just so well-written that after I finished reading it, I have a certain feeling of understanding what it really is and what it is really meant for. The story also emphasizes that it is not the destination but the journey that shapes us. In the book, the boy’s destiny wanted him to learn many things beyond being a simple shepherd, so he was sent to a journey that he never thought he would ever experience in pursuit of a treasure in his dream, only to find out in the end that it was just located in the place where his dream occurred. Even with this, he did not regret that he went through that far because he knew that what he found along the way was the most precious treasure a man could ever have. Moreover, in The Alchemist, the spiritual unity represented by the Soul of the World binds together all of nature, from human beings to desert sand. This idea underlies the parallel we see in the novel between the alchemist purifying metal into gold and the shepherd boy purifying himself into someone capable of achieving his Personal Legend. According to the novel, the Soul of the World has created an ultimate desire, or Personal Legend, for everything, whether a man or a piece of iron. To accomplish its Personal Legend, each thing must learn to tap into the Soul of the World, which purifies it. That continual purification ultimately leads to perfection. This notion of humans, metals, and all other things sharing the same goal demonstrates that all elements in nature are essentially different forms of a single spirit. Recalling from the book, there also is the mentioning about the Language of the World, and that every heart knows and understands it if we will just learn how to listen to what it has to say, like how the boy learned to communicate to the nature through his heart. Another relevant thing in this novel is the presence of omens everywhere and at any given time. It was said there that we just have to learn how to read them, and that they are there to guide us towards achieving our destined Personal Legends. But just like what is implied in the story, fear prevents people from realizing their destinies, so we tend to ignore the omens, and their call to be recognized are eventually becoming  more and more silent. I also noticed the involvement of religions (Islam and Catholic). I have always thought that talking about religious beliefs and practices is as complicated as discussing the theories of origin of the universe. But in this case, I am relieved that none of the sectors is being favored nor left behind. Not that there is a competition of which is right and which is wrong, but if I would be asked, I’d rather not to answer. Lastly, and probably what really stole a good bit of me is the foreign phrase maktub that was mentioned how many times in the book. It means â€Å"it is written†, which pertains to the destiny we each has that’s written by a Superior Hand for us to fulfil. I always thought that everything that happens serves a purpose, maktub.

Developing Consumerism through Design

Developing Consumerism through Design Consumerism All over the place, from the popular culture to the propaganda system, there is constant pressure to make people feel that they are helpless, that the only role they can have is to ratify decisions and to consume. Consumerism is a way of life and an ideology which is developed further by mass phenomenon. In Singapore, consumerism has become very much a way of life with the popular Great Singapore Sale, major IT Exhibitions, perpetual discounts in most retail outlets nations wide and many delicious restaurants with culture involved. Thus, it is important for us to recognize the value of consumerism that is within and around us. People are consuming in different aspects, and Food Beverage is taking a big part in the society. However, people need to consume, people consume also because of the thousands of designed space which attract them to go and explore more for their life. In another word, consumerism is becoming design driven. According to dictionary, the meaning of consumerism is that the movement seeking to protect and inform consumers by requiring such practices as honest packaging and advertising, product guarantees, and improved safety standards; the theory that a progressively greater consumption of goods is economically beneficial; and attachment to materialistic values or possessions: deplored the rampant consumerism of contemporary society. Consumerism is known as an action where people purchase goods, which are more than necessary for their lives, but it can affect more than buying habits and personal and family life. Sometimes, it may even make people less aware of their own emotional reactions, as they seek to buy yet another item that will distract them. On the other hand, consumerism also keeps people up-to-date and modern as consumerism globalized. In fact, consumerism has been around human civilization at the first place. It had a great turn in consumerism arrived just before the Industrial Revolution. In 21st century, consumerism is one of the arguments of scientists, and researchers, they try to find out how and why do people waste money in such expensive things, such as clothing, electronic items, cars, technological devices etc. One of many reasons that makes consumer spend lots of money for their consumption is advertisement. According to research, Billions of companies throw their commercials into market as many ways as they can. They will show their brand names on TV, magazines, in movie theaters, malls etc. To attract consumer, companies have million ways to entice people by advertising. If a company wants people know about its name or products, they then try to make an attractive poster or a nice page in magazine to advertise their products to the public. Containing a nice explicit picture and attractive colors, the poster is made to send an implicit message -the key- to consumers; this key convinces people to buy products. This has become a trend internationally. Indeed, a company advertised themselves is a way of designing themselves looks better and sounds greater to sell the product. From a design perspective, will a good design bring more consumers to the place? The answer is definitely yes. Designing a place is designing an experience, and how to leave people with a memory. It is the atmosphere that provides for the customers, which has a significant impact on them, and make them want to come back and hang out. Moreover, consumerism is not only happened in the fashion world as motioned before, Consumerism is also applied for other industries as well. For Singapore, tourism and food beverage are the most important industry which makes the income for the whole country. Food beverage industry is the basic needs for people, how good the basic industry is, and it reflects how well the country has developed. In another world, the fundamental shows all. However, food beverage is not lonely the food and drinks, it is a place where provides the feel of gathering; the atmosphere and the environment which design dress them up together. For some of Singaporeans, they consume on food beverage as a lifestyle to eat fine food at well designed restaurants. Based on research from Singapore Tourism Board, the busy life that Singaporeans have, the among of tourists come to Singapore keep growing year by year and the mixed culture background, all of these determine that there is a demand to open more fine dining restaurants. Singapore especially has a strong influence of western culture, the percentage of Singaporeans who drink wine has grown over 214 present during last 10 years, so that it is a potential to open a wine shop here as well. . As a result, the proposal for the Utopia project is to design a wine appreciation club and fine dining restaurant which aims to add on more value to the Singapore society, to adopt a wine culture to Singaporeans. According to the chosen site at South beach building which is located at the CBD area, the target market would be businessmen, tourists and local Singaporeans. The design intention is to create a space which carries the knowledge about the wine culture, the process of making wine and history of wine etc. The design concept is based on the process of making wine, the three key steps are harvest, crushing and ageing. The idea behind these three key words is that: harvest is a place to gather people and collection of grapes, it will become the reception and welcoming place at first when people get into the space; following by the crushing step, it is translated to the whole design language of the entire space, after reaching welcoming space, the crushing step forms a wine process gallery, normally, a gallery should be open and big space, yet in this case, in order to feel more about the crushing step of winemaking process, the space is designed to be narrow and low-volume space; Now ageing, this key word is designed as a journey in the space, why? The reason is ageing is a matter of time, a space that is changing or transforming like the wine making process, from grapes to wine, form sugar to alcohol; As people walking in the space, the space is able to speak and lead people through the designed journey. The space will be changing in term of volume, proportion, scale, lighting and different materials of the space. Through designing the space to bring peoples attention and draw people into the place to purchase and enjoy, it is a way of consumerism. Indeed, consumers come to the place not only to dine, but to also engage with new things, to experience the space, to add on value to them, to spend time with friends in the atmosphere of wine knowledge. Leave a wonderful memory to the consumers.

Essay example --

Hidden Emotions to Be Revealed The novel follows Clarissa Dalloway, the main character and other characters throughout their lives in 1923. The narrator of the book goes into the character’s mind and shows their emotion through each event that occurs throughout the day. The characters are trying to find a way to express their need for communication but also to demonstrate their need for privacy. Mrs. Dalloway, by Virginia Woolf, expresses the idea of hidden emotion being the sole benefactor of the actions taken by the characters aiming to instability within them. Clarissa Dalloway is the main character and the protagonist of the book Mrs. Dalloway. Clarissa Dalloway provides a unique example of the difficulty there is in finding happiness in the world. (Lauren Klein) She is 50 years old; she displays her energy and time into being a high society hostess by throwing lots of parties. Since she throws parties this is her way to convey her pathway to communication and an attempt to draw people together. In the beginning of the novel, we see Clarissa as an upper class woman who seems to be a bit shallow. (Lauren Klein) she is a bit shallow because she is the wife of a government worker and looks down on a person who doesn’t follow the social standards that are set for them. Deep down inside of her, she doesn’t feel attractive to the world because she cares a lot about what other people have to think about her. On the outside she shows that she happy and talkative but inside she is lacking confidence. She is always questioning and wondering if she is truly happy about the way that her life is. â€Å"It was, she thought, partly their clothes, partly being taken out of their ordinary ways, partly the background, it was possible to say thing... ...bservation that killing oneself is cowardly, that Septimus had fought and was brave, but that her husband was no longer Septimus– is given the task of constantly pointing things out to Septimus in an attempt to connect him to the outside world, but to no avail.† (Lauren Klein). She believes her husband has gone for the worst and he is not the Septimus that she first met and the one she decided to marry. After all in Mrs. Dalloway each character has their own flaws that they are trying to get through and reveal their hidden emotions. â€Å"They went in and out of each other’s minds without any effort.† (Woolf) this quote represents my whole paper and exactly their hidden emotions. Mrs. Dalloway, by Virginia Woolf, expresses the idea of hidden emotion being the sole benefactor of the actions taken by the character to stabilize their lives and feelings throughout the book.

Elementary School Teaching Essays -- essays papers

Elementary School Teaching Elementary School Teacher Elementary school teachers teach pupils at levels kindergarten through sixth grade or, in some cases, through eighth grade a wide range of academic, social, emotional, and motor skills. They plan and present programs of instruction using methods and materials to meet the needs of the students. In order for all this to happen though, Elementary School Teachers must have a passion for educating as well as love children. Education requires dedication, organization, and thought out lesson plans on a daily basis. To ensure that the students get top-notch education, teachers attend staff meetings, serve on committees, and attend workshops or in-service training activities. When students get restless of being indoors, they have a special designated spot in their schedule reserved for outdoor activities, which they are responsible for. They must be willing to Prepare bulletin boards, correct papers and tests, and keep records and reports of the student. Every year, a teacher must evaluate student performance, and when need be, counsel pupils with academic and adjustment problems. Parents are always so interested in what happens in the school aspect of their child’s life, so teachers involve themselves in a Parent-Teacher conference day, in which they meet with the student’s parents to discuss the student’s progress and performance. Many of these tasks are done at the teacherâ€℠¢s home, not in class. Therefore, the teacher brings home more than an average career profession. As a result, they must not mind to take the papers home to read, check, and grade. But in class, they have an important job. Teachers may have up to 30 students looking up to them as an inspiration and... ...s, a teacher may teach one special subject usually involving music, art, reading, science, or physical education to a number of classes. Teachers often work with students from various ethnic, racial, and religious backgrounds. I am going to complete my studies for Elementary School Teaching at Schoolcraft College. Then from there, I am going to transfer either to the University of Michigan or Eastern Michigan University to finish up my remaining years required for the four year degree. When I transfer, I am going to get my major in my career and use it, to teach little children and open there minds, as well as inspire them in life. When I do get my degree in teaching, I am going to have it so I can teach at any level from K-12. With my drive of determination and my passion to make a difference, I believe that I will make a reliable Elementary School Teacher.

Merck and River Blindness

Onchocerciasis, known as river blindness, is caused by parasitic worms that live in the small black flies that breed in and about fast-moving rivers in developing countries in the Middle East, Africa, and Latin America. The disease, if untreated causes extreme discomfort and eventually, blindness. In 1978, the World Health Organization estimated that over 300,000 people were blind because of the disease and another 18 million were infected. At the time, there was no safe cure (Trevino, & Nelson, 2011).In 1978, Merck, while testing invermectin (a parasite killing drug for animals), found that invermectin killed a parasite similar to the one that caused river blindness. The problem for Merck was that river blindness generally only affects people in very poor areas and there was very little chance to recoup their financial investment by selling the drug.The ethical dilemma represented by this situation is focused on what course of action Merck should take. Does Merck invest precious res ources (both time and money) into testing and developing a drug that will not increase their profits? Or should Merck invest the resources knowing that their work, while not profitable, has the potential to save millions of lives and end the suffering of tens of millions more?On the Merck website, I found this listed first among their Values: Our business is preserving and improving human life. We also work to improve animal health. All of our actions must be measured by our success in achieving these goals. We value, above all, our ability to serve everyone who can benefit from the appropriate use of our products and services, thereby providing lasting consumer satisfaction (Our values, 2008). Corporate success (profit) vs. Corporate philosophy, while it is easy to  talk about ethics and charity, the river blindness scenario was a huge test of Merck’s corporate character.Section 2: StakeholdersAfter reading the case in our textbook and going out to read about this river bl indness issue, I have changed my opinion on who the stakeholders are in this situation (compared to what I wrote in the weekly discussions). The stakeholders, in my opinion are:1)Merck shareholders and investors 2)Merck employees 3)Merck management 4)People affected by (or potentially threatened by) river blindness This list is not a ranking of stakeholder importance as that is truly a subjective measure based on your view of the situation.Merck shareholders and investors may or may not share the company’s â€Å"people first† vision. For this group, the impact must be looked at in light of how the development of a drug (that will most likely be given away for free) affects the return on their investment. We have to remember that not all investors are rich billionaires like Warren Buffet, some are average, working class folks who rely on their investment income to help them survive. People invest in Merck because they expect a certain reasonable return on their investme nts and Merck has a responsibility to act in the best interest of their shareholders. If Merck decides to spend time and money on a philanthropic endeavor, how does the investment of time and manpower affect their other drug trials?Merck employees are stakeholders because their livelihood depends on Merck making enough profits to continue paying them. A few years ago I would not have viewed employees in this light but the more I learn about the company/employee dynamic, I begin to understand that employees, whether or not they have some financial interest in the company (other than salary), have a vested interest in the success of the company. Like the shareholders, employees make a choice to invest in a company. In their case, it is an investment of time and their investment is tied to  professional growth. Merck must make decisions that do not recklessly jeopardize the future of their employees.Merck management’s stake in this is similar to that of the employees. The diff erence is that not only are they invested professionally; the management team has been given stewardship over the Merck brand and corporate identity. They must make the decisions that set the company’s path so that the brand is financially successful while being true to the corporate vision that was discussed earlier.Last, but certainly not least, we get to the people who are affected by the river blindness disease. These people have voice in what Merck chooses to do but at the same time they are the reason that Merck is in business in the first place. As of 2006, estimates are that 37 million are infected with, and up to 100 million people are at risk of contracting, river blindness (Hearney, 2007). For a company like Merck that claims to be more concerned with people than profits, these people are definitely stakeholders in Merck’s decision to move forward with invermectin trials.Section 3: Analysis Based on Ethical TheoriesCultural relativism means that any decision is right (or wrong) depending on whose side you are taking at the moment. Because the United States doesn’t have a single, ethical baseline that guides our actions, each individual view holds equal weight and there is no absolute right or wrong. For this case, Merck could decide to cut the research on invermectin, order it’s scientists to not discuss the issue, and sit back while millions of people suffer through a horrible existence without a second thought. People who oppose Merck’s decision would have no standing to say anything about the decision because it is the right decision for the business culture in which Merck operates.For the suffering masses, this decision could be viewed as something akin to the Nazi decision to kill millions of Jews but based on the cultural relativistic school of thought, their view would not be any more important or morally superior than Merck’s. Part of the problem with this theory is that we are forced to accept barba ric actions as acceptable (burning people at the stake, cannibalism, beheading, â€Å"honor† killings,  stoning, etc.) because it is accepted by another culture. I find it ironic that there would have been a huge public outcry (from the very people who support cultural relativism) if Merck had decided to stop testing and not develop the drug. In general, these â€Å"liberal and enlightened† folks are only tolerant of the cultures and people with whom they agree.The teleological approach to this dilemma would require an examination of the issue and a breakdown of all the possible consequences of the various options presented.StakeholderDevelop – HarmsDevelop – BenefitsDon’t develop – HarmsDon’t develop – Benefits Merck ShareholdersCosts of development causes delays in other projects. Lost revenues cause stock price to drop. People on fixed incomes lose dividend money and are forced to live in poverty.Positive public reaction t o charitable act. More investments, higher stock prices.NoneFocus resources on other drug lines could result in higher profits, increasing stock prices. Investors make more money and their standard of living increases.Merck EmployeesCompany loses money, loss of profits forces layoffs.Chance to contribute to a worthwhile cause. Work on invermectin could lead to breakthroughs in other drugs.Loss of respect for Merck leadership. Perception that values are overshadowed by financial considerations.Focus on more lucrative products, increasing profits and salaries/benefits. Merck ManagementLoss of time/resources forces delays in other projects/products. Delays cause stock to drop.Loss of job.Public confidence spikes, stock price goes up. Influx of cash allows us to expand other projects.Public confidence crashes. Backlash forces investors to pull out. Jobs lost due to loss of capital. Focus on more lucrative products, increasing profits and salaries/benefits. People affected by river blind nessPossible fatal side effects (similar to other drugs).Cure for disease increases standard of living.Continued suffering from disease.None.Using the chart above, we would look at how the benefits and harms balance out to maximize the benefit for society. Obviously, using this method, we can see that the benefits of continuing the research and development of this drug has the potential to save millions of lives while the potential harms  are restricted to the loss of some profits and the possible delay of some other drugs. This approach isn’t about right or wrong; as long as the maximum societal benefit is reached, the actions taken to get to that point are not part of the equation.The deontological approach removes the harm/benefit comparison and focuses on the duty and obligation of Merck to do the right thing once they discovered that there was a possible cure for this disease. Merck’s corporate values statements show that this is the approach they choose to take in their daily operations. Profits are not the prime motivator, helping people is what they are all about. In this case, Merck decided to continue the research and help the people regardless of the consequences involved.According to the Merck website, since 1987, Merck has donated more than 2.5 billion tablets of MECTIZAN ® (ivermectin) in more than 30 countries worldwide. According to some deontological approaches, certain moral principles are binding, regardless of the consequences. Merck’s stance now matches up with what George W. Merck said in 1950, â€Å"We try never to forget that medicine is for people. It is not for profits. The profits follow, and if we have remembered that, they have never failed to appear. The better we have remembered that, the larger they have been.†As someone who follows the deontological approach myself, I can appreciate how difficult it can be to remain committed to this principle. Merck is a business and as such it doesn’t ex ist to give money away. I have argued that the people who invest in Merck have a huge stake in what the company does but part of the investment process is doing due diligence and research to make sure you are comfortable with how a company operates.Merck devotes an entire section of their website to Corporate Responsibility and they have detailed information on the initiatives they support. Part of the culture at Merck is one of giving back to the community and helping others so for Merck, the decision to develop invermectin was an easy one. Having a strong moral and ethical foundation makes it easy to make the right decision when faced with â€Å"easy† decisions that fall into the ethical gray area.The virtue ethics approach would looks at the motivations and intentions of  the decision maker as opposed to the results of his or her actions. In this case, if Merck had decided not to pursue the research and the CEO stood up and explained that the reason was because they had an obligation to their shareholders to focus on developing products that would be profitable, he would have been right due to the professional expectations of his office. CEO’s are supposed to make companies profitable, period.As long as Merck was operating legally, the moral questions about the results of the decision are not relevant to the virtue ethics approach. If the board announced that Merck, based on their stated corporate values, was going to continue to expend time and resources on a cure for river blindness even though it wasn’t a profitable project, their motivation for action would be guided by Merck’s established values and the sense of corporate responsibility that is important to them. Neither position would be wrong regardless of the outcomes because both courses of action were guided by the best intentions of their leadership.Section 4: Conclusion and RecommendationsIn this case, I feel that Merck made the proper decision based on their core c orporate values and the deontological approach to ethical decision-making. While I might have gone a different direction if I was making decisions for Merck, it is obvious from all my research that this program is helping millions of people each year. I was wrong about the river blindness issue in my original discussion post, this isn’t just about philanthropy or looking good for the public, this program (and the many other like it) run by Merck is all about being true to their core values.Even when they could not get financial backing for this project, they did what they felt was right regardless of the cost. The success of the river blindness campaign led Merck to begin providing ivermectin to treat lymphatic filariasis (Elephantitis) in Africa (Voelker, 1998). I am not so naà ¯ve as to think that Merck isn’t reaping some benefits from these programs but whatever small reward they are getting is well deserved when measured against the lives they have touched.There a re no recommendations I could make for Merck in the way they handle these situations. Merck’s actions are consistent with their stated policies  and they have managed to thrive while ensuring that the original intent of their founders (people before profits) is not lost in the rush to be commercially successful.