Comparison Analysis of Personal Consumption Habits Essay

Comparison Analysis of Personal Consumption Habits - Essay Example Boone & Kurtz (2006) outline the first step in the consumer decision-making process as being the identification of a specific problem. In the case of my food purchase, a relatively empty refrigerator represented such a problem. In addition, a personal craving for pickles was the initial motivation to visit the food market, where a series of searches and evaluation of alternative brands ultimately led to a final purchase decision. There appears to be a general consensus amongst most marketing research professionals that buying decisions are largely based on elements of the marketing mix (such as price and promotion), as well as previous experience with any particular brand. Pickles, under the model of consumer behaviour, usually represent low-involvement, meaning that lower price and affordability, as well as the fact that the majority of pickle brands are quite similar, would dictate a rapid purchase decision. However, in my personal situation, I am quite particular about the texture and flavour enhancements which are added to pickles, hence I generally weigh my potential brand alternatives carefully before selecting my desired product. The final pickle purchase involved a heavy evaluation of alternative brands, comparing ingredients, my own experience and distaste for certain brands, and the promotional elements of the market which included sale versus non-sale items; representing a series of personal evaluative criteria. The process of searching, as stage two of the decision-making process.

Research question and case study Annotated Bibliography

Research question and case study - Annotated Bibliography Example This loss of demand for the products traded in by the retail company happens to render large amounts of impact on the productivity and revenue patterns of the concern. Thus the retail companies to sustain their enhanced market share and profitability in the global market must strongly work to reduce the amount of lead times involved. Retail companies that mainly focus on the trading of fashionable garments and merchandises along with toys and technological products generally tend to suffer from the pitfalls of an ineffective supply chain system. Increasing lead times in the supply chain systems of such retail concerns leads to the unavailability of the right merchandise at the right season or time thereby contributing to loss of sales. It is therefore required for the retail organizations to arrange for the merchandises specifically during the peak seasons to meet customer satisfaction and thereby gain in sale revenues. Again the increase in the lead times for such retail companies a lso amounts to piling up of unused or unsold merchandises in retail warehouses that in turn locks a considerable amount of working capital for the concern (Bakal and Geunes, 2010, p.2395-2396). The paper relating to the above fact tends to focus on cases where the retail business organizations have taken resort to technological and process innovations to help in reducing the amount of lead time involved. Fashion retail companies like Zara belonging to the Inditex group are found to take resort to process innovations in its retail operations to contribute in the reduction of lead times. The retail company is observed to suffer from the loss of sales owing to the emergence of assorted sizes pertaining to garments in their different stores. In that the fashion retail company required the store managers of different operating stores to render individual

Book Cover Analysis on the Pinocchio Effect Essay Example for Free

Book Cover Analysis on the Pinocchio Effect Essay Upon going through the vast artwork, one particular piece grabbed my attention. It was of a line up composed of men in boxer shorts in different colors. The overall look of the work gave it almost a vintage feeling because of the way the figures were drawn. It gave a sort of â€Å"pin-up† feel. Although composed of men, you can not help but be transported through time just by the visual aspect. The book was entitled â€Å"The Pinocchio Effect: On Making Italians, 1860-1920†. It dawned on me that these were Italians lined up, in a way that is reminiscent of a group of new recruits waiting to get their gears for war. As I further observed, these figures were progressing, starting from left to right. And taking this into consideration, I realized that this was a crude depiction of the evolution of an Italian man. The use of this illustration was very effective in stirring up intrigue in the work and as well as reinforcing what the book was about. Further research on the contents of the book revealed that this was indeed a book about the progression of the Italians after different Italian states began uniting into one nation (Stewart, 2007). This artwork was done by Isaac Tobin, an artist particularly renowned for his works on graphic design. The original look of the figures depicted in the work was compromised by the addition of color on the trunks. This added a comical feel to the overall mood of the figures, but is nonetheless effective in drawing out attention and to provide a contemporary feeling for the art. Overall, this artwork leaves a lasting impression and certainly a valuable addition to the cause of the book. It took the theme of the book and properly wielded the appropriate sources to tell its story at a moments glance.

Gender Stereotypes in Early Years

Gender Stereotypes in Early Years The purpose of this research project is to investigate whether gender stereotypes existing in todays society affects childrens choices in play. The research will focus mainly on children around the ages of 2 3 years as this is when gender identity and the adopting of gender specific behaviour begins to show (Hughes, 2010). For many years society has been full of gender stereotypes and children have regularly learnt to adopt to gender specific roles as a result of this (REF). The research will also explore whether bringing children up in their set genders will have any effects on their later development. Aims and objectives The aim of this research is to discover whether gender stereotyping has an effect on the choices children make in their play, particularly looking at toy selection and areas the children gather in, in an early years setting. A discussion of how gender identity is formed and as to how gender roles are learnt and adopted by children will be a main focus in this study. The research will also explore how children being steered towards playing and behaving gender specific can hinder their development and what practitioners can do to avoid this. Rationale Past research that I have done has widened my understandings of how many children in settings adopt gender specific behaviour, for example not to cry if youre a boy and to be innocent and pretty if youre a girl. After doing placement in an early years setting and experiencing children playing in traditional ways for example boys with cars and girls steered towards playing with dolls and dressing up, I am extremely interested in finding out why children play in this way and as to what kind of an effect playing to a specific gender can have on childrens later/overall development. Although many of us believe in giving children as many opportunities and policy is in place to make sure this happens we still subconsciously treat boys and girls differently (REF). Therefore gender stereotyping appears to create many barriers to children receiving all the opportunities to play equal and personally I believe that this will have significant effects on their later life choices. Research Questions I will centre my research around these four main research areas: How do children develop gender role behaviour? What is the policy context around equality for girls and boys? Does gender stereotyping hinder childrens overall development? How can practitioners support inclusive practice for both sexes in the early years setting? 2. Literature Review 1,500 There has been extensive research carried out on gender stereotyping in children and many ideas have been formed as to how children develop gender specific roles. However before we begin looking into this topic it is fundamental that we define what is meant by gender. How do children develop a gender role behaviour There are many ways in which it is said children learn and adopt gender specific roles such as, paretns, peers, media, literature and practitioner interaction.. there is much discussion on whether it is nature or nurture side. According to Yellend (1998), gender development is a systematic process beginning at birth and frequently reshaped thoughtout life depending on the sex of the child. There are many studies which have been carried out with the social learning perspective in mind which propose that parents contribute to sex-typed behaviours in children and are a great influence to shaping their childs sex role development (Golombok, 2004). This is done through the different types of toys they buy and the way in which they respond to their children for example a positive response would be given to a girl playing with domestic type toys and likewise a boy playing with cars (Bee, Boyd, 2010). Socialisation Parents are key to gender roles as imitation is a vital part of young childrens lives and they learn many things through imitation especially around the ages of 2 3 years( REF) it has been said that children learn their gender roles by coping their same sex parent e.g. girl watching her mum do the cooking will then maybe assume that that is a role to be carried out by the female. Family are key when it comes to toy selection as they are generally the first people who buy for their children/grandsonsà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦adults selection of toys for their children/grandson are likely to be gender specific as society is so full of stereotypes we automatically separate boys and girls toys as it has become a subconscious motive? Many magazines will have toys under toys for girls and toys for boys having product such as dolls for girls and trucks, cars..for boys Peers can then continue the already existent believes children have about what should be played with if a girl or boy. Interaction with practitioners also contributes, use words such as pretty, boys discouraged from crying (touch gender). What is the policy context around equality for girls and boys? The equality act 2012 EYFS/ECM will have wrote something on opportunism Each setting will incorporate many policies within their setting The Early Years Foundation Stage, unique child states that children inclusive practice. Does gender stereotyping hinder childrens overall development? Does gender stereotyping have an effect on childrens academic achievents and later career choices? It is likely that traditional gender roles (stereotypes) will continue to limit both boys and girls academic opportunities little girls discouraged from leaderships tasks, and maths steered towards nurturing roles persistent adult beliefs about typical behaviour for boys or girls affect childrens experiences (Lindon, 2012, pg. 7). The ways in which children careers choices are relayed to children can be subtle but consistent, sending a clear message about the academic domains in which girls and boys are supposed to excel, for example giels are steered away from maths. Can be shown through the later academic achievements of children eg, girls do better in english? How can practitioners support inclusive practice for both sexes in the early years setting It is important that children receive as many opportunites as possible in the early years Hard cause we are so used to it we do it subconsciously Follow policy Gender neutral environment Challenging stereotypical thoughts within your setting. If a boy tells a girl she cant be a doctor, ask him why, and show him pictures of female doctors. If a girl tells a boy he cant be a ballet dancer have resources to hand that show a different story Role play is a great way to show gender equality Showing pictures of women firefighters, women builders etc. 3. Methodology 3.1 Sample The sample type I have chosen is a convenience sample, which refers to the collection of information from members of the population who are conveniently available to provide it (Sekaran Bougie, 2010, pg.276). Therefore I have chosen to interview practitioners in early years settings in the Northumberland area, I have chosen this area as firstly I know the area which means I will save on time as I wont have to find my way around a new place and secondly I have visited these settings before meaning they are easy accessible. 3.2 Research method Interviews I have chosen to use face to face interviews for my research. Interviews are a method whereby one person asks questions of an individual with the expectation of getting answers to a particular question (Mukherji Albon, 2010). Interviews are the best suited method for my research due to the in depth collection of data, allowing for exploration of issues (OLeary, 2010). I will be carrying out a semi structured interviews meaning I will be able to explore around the topic and not just collect responses to set questions. Interviews are a research method that provides us with qualitative data (REF). I have chosen a method that collects qualitative data rather than quantitative as the topic I have chosen to research requires in depth understandings and practitioners opinions and not just simple yes and no responses. 3.2(iii) Semi-structured approach There are many types of interviews however I have chosen to use semi structured interviews, often called a conversation with a purpose (REF). Semi structured interviews are where the interviewer has a checklist of topics and questions to explore however the way in which these are explored will vary dependant on the flow of conversation with each individual (Holmes, 2005). By using this type of interview I will be able to explore around the topic as there will be area for on the spot questions. The role of the interviewer is important to know to conduct an effective piece of research. The interviewer will probe the interviewee however will know when they need to be quiet (REF). The interviewer knows the areas he or she wants to cover with the interviewee, but allows the interviewee the options to take different paths and explore different thoughts and feelings. All interviews will be recorded and transcribed verbatim and this will contribute to the reliability of the research (Royse, 2008). After having transcribing the data I will analyse the data through content or discourse. 3.2(i) Advantages of method Interviews are an excellent qualitative research method meaning they allow for in depth rich data to be collected about key themes (REF). One to one interviews allow for a rapport to be developed between the interviewer and the interviewee (Matthews Ross, 2010). This could potentially lead to more information being expressed as the participant is likely to feel comfortable and therefore this gives reliable/valid data. Face to face interviews have traditionally been seen as the most effective method in regards to the response rate (Vaus, 2002 à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦) The response rate is always achieved as interviews are scheduled meaning answers are gurantueed Another advantage of using interviews is the way in which the interviewer is able to observe the interviewees facial expressions and body language which in turn will give the interviewer a clearer indication of the interviewees true feelings. This will add to the validity of the research. 3.2(ii) Disadvantages of method Although there are many advantages of using the research method interviews there are also many disadvantages. Firstly interviews are time consuming, scheduling the interview, conducting the interview, and transcribing recordings takes up a lot of time (May, 2011). Secondly the interviewers presence can have a great deal of an effect on the participant, factors such as tone of voice, the way a question may be rephrased, voicing an opinion, inadequate note taking, even the gender and appearance of the interviewer may lead to errors and bias (Fontana Frey, 2000). Thirdly achieving reliability is challenging because each interview is unique in some way (Conway,Jako Goodman, 1995). This can be because there are differences between the way each interview is conducted, difference in the way questions are asked due to there not being standardised responses, and the data collected. Fontana, A. Frey, J. H. (2000) The interview: from structured questions to negotiated text iin N.K. Denzin and Y.S. Lincoln (eds), Handbook of Qualitative Reasearch. 2nd ed. London: SAGE Conway, J. M., Jako, R. A., Goodman, D. (1995). A meta- analysis of interrater and internal consistency reliability of selection interviews. Journal of Applied Psychology, 80, 565-579. 4 Ethical considerations Before carrying out any research it is crucial that ethical considerations are taken into account (May, 2011). Informed consent is essential, and should ensure that the participants are fully informed prior to participation and are aware that their involvement is completely voluntary (McLaughlin, 2007). Therefore in advance to carrying out the research it is vital that I receive informed consent from all participants, this will be achieved by obtaining a signed consent form from each participant (See Appendix). It is fundamental that participants know who is doing the research, the aims and objectives, what is being asked of them, how the data will be used and what steps will be taken to ensure confidentiality (Walliman, 2011). Another ethical consideration to consider is confidentiality, thus meaning we are obliged to protect the participants identity (Silverman, 2011). Information will be treated with respect and the participants would remain anonymous; both of which are extremely important to the ethics base (Hobart, Frankel, 2004, GSCC, 2002) Therefore all participants names will be changed so as to protect them; participants will be informed of this. All participants have the right to withdraw themselves and their results fromthe research. Interviews will be recorded so that they can be transcribed, this means the data will be kept for some time (Matthews Ross, 2010) therefore it is important that this data is klept in a secure place. (data protection) Beneficence is another ethical issue that will be key in this study. Beneficence relates to the Non maleficence, the principle of not doing harmà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦must be applied to all participants Although my research would have benefited from me carrying out observations of children in their early years environment unfortunately due to the University ethics statement I am prohibited from doing this and therefore unable to observe children in their environment as part of my research. Research Methods for Business: A Skill Building Approach Uma Sekaran, Roger Bougie 5, illustrated John Wiley Sons, 2010 Surveys in Social Research Social Research Today Series Research methods/Sociology David A. De Vaus 5, illustrated, reprint Routledge, 2002

Contraceptives and the Population Problem :: Environment Environmental Pollution Preservation

Contraceptives and the Population Problem The question of overpopulation's impact on the environment is multi-dimensional and far beyond the scope of a single essay. The issue has to do with considering the environment a normal good while at the same time understanding the impact of industrialization on increased pollution levels. Relationships between industrialization, overpopulation, global pollution, regional pollution, resource depletion, and numerous other environmental and social concerns form a multi-dimensional series of feedback loops, all of which feed back on the original system. Computer models developed by economic research institutions to predict environmental and developmental impacts of population growth (ex. The World Bank, The Economic Research Service) are n-dimensional, only to be accurately evaluated using advanced statistical regressions and matrix analysis. As such, this paper will assume that there is a direct correlation between population and natural resource depletion (environmental degradation by way of pollutants is an entirely different, and more complicated issue), and the most cost-effective way of amelioration would be to restrain population growth. Given that, what is the correct means for policy to approach the population problem? The options include contraceptive distribution, family planning, general economic development, and gender equality among others. Essentially, policy has to address whether population can be restrained with a "tech fix" such as contraceptives or only after a broad socioeconomic shift. In 1992, Professor Jay Forrester and his team at MIT developed a computer model designed to simulate likely future patterns of the global economy based on a technique known as system dynamics. The system dynamic technique relies on feedback loops to explain human behavior, and this particular model predicted an overshoot and collapse of the natural resource economic base. This Malthusian prediction reinforced Paul Ehrlich's contention articulated in The Population Bomb (1968) that unbridled population growth is the foremost factor in environmental degradation and natural resource depletion. However, these pessimistic models failed to take account of the substitutive and absorptive capacities of humanity and the environment. In fact, these key economic principals temper the adverse effects of overpopulation and may increase general human welfare as a result. But the fact (or widely acknowledged as such) still remains that population growth, particularly in undeveloped nations puts an increased strain on the environment and the population supported by the local ecosystem. The 2003 World Development Report which is published by The World Bank Group indicates that farmers in third world countries are being forced to farm on marginal lands due to the growing scarcity of arable lands.

Remote Electronic Voting: A Simple, Safe, and Accurate Voting System Es

Remote Electronic Voting: A Simple, Safe, and Accurate Voting System Does it not seem obvious that the United States should be voting over the Internet by now? Considering all the vitally important monetary and information-related transactions that occur over the Internet every day, one would think this could and would have happened already. However, Remote Electronic Voting, especially on a national scale, presents us with some possibly troubling implications and problems. These implications and problems, especially those concerning security, have prevented the U.S. from employing such Internet voting in a national election so far. Is such a system in our future? Many experts believe so. But as of yet, the risks seem to outweigh the rewards. Before going any farther, it is important to clarify the difference between Internet voting and Remote Electronic Voting. Internet voting already occurs in many places. It refers merely to voting from a computer that is under the control of election officials, usually in a specific precinct’s polling place. On the other hand, Remote Electronic Voting is the new prospect of voting over the Internet from a remote, unsupervised location (Alvarez 4, Rubin). This new prospect has sure advantages but many likely drawbacks as well. The greatest advantage that Remote Electronic Voting could provide would be ease of voting. The weather, waiting in line, and being confused about where one’s polling place is would no longer be issues. Also, Remote Electronic Voting would practically eliminate the need for absentee ballots, which often are not counted. In fact, in the 2000 and 1996 presidential elections, it is estimated that about 40% of oversea... ...r the fairness of the system. It is probably just as crucial that issues concerning the â€Å"Digital Divide† and coercion be resolved as issues concerning security. The last thing the U.S. should want is a simple, safe, accurate, and grossly unfair voting system. WORKS CITED Alvarez, R. Michael, and Thad E. Hall. Point, Click, and Vote: The Future of Internet Voting. Washington, D.C., Brookings Institution Press, 2004. Hardy, Michael. â€Å"Pentagon Nixes Internet Voting, Questions About Security Linger.† 23 February, 2004. Federal Computer Week.com Online Magazine. http://www.fcw.com/fcw/articles/2004/0223/pol-pentagon-02-23-04.asp Rubin, Aviel D. â€Å"Security Considerations for Remote Electronic Voting over the Internet.† Florham Park, NJ, A&T Labs – Research, with Internet Policy Institute e-voting workshop. Online. http://avirubin.com/e-voting.security.html

Organ Donation essay/ not finished Essay

Source 1: Rainbow raw author of the Organ Donation Should be Compulsory article, created on 30th May, 2012 discusses the forever asking question that all citizens should be made to donate their organs once deceased. The author addresses the topic with the use of statistics from the Australia’s organ donations site. Rainbow raw has no known qualifications or expertise; although the information provided is true and I believe reliable even though it is not from a registered site e.g. gov, edu. The author presented the information in exposition form with facts and their own personal opinion which outlines the science and religious sides of organ donation. Source 2: The site Debate ORG is presented in a debate form, created and written by anonymous writers, debating whether organs should be compulsory. This site holds no qualifications or expertise but shows the different opinions and beliefs behind organ donation. Source 3: Samuel Walker is a Politics undergraduate at the Universi ty of Warwick whom is the author of the article Why Organ Donation Should be Made Compulsory. Walker explores and outlines the science and religion behind organ donation throughout. Walker uses rhetorical techniques to discuss the topic. Part B: Should all citizens be made to donate their organs? The science behind organ donation is simple, one whom has died has the opportunity to save another’s life by donating their organs, but there are religious aspects that need to be looked at, many religions and cultures do not believe in giving one organs as they are a part of them, they need them for reincarnation, many believe that once you die they must be kept whole. It is an ethical issue as thousands of people are put on waiting lists to receive and organ. There are Why is it though that if we let the government have this control of our organs we lose our freedom of choice when what we are doing is saving other’s lives, theres a saying ‘ if you don’t want to donate your organs then you should not receive one when in need’ why should you have access to a new liver when you wouldn’t give up your own? What about our freedom rights? You can’t force someone to give up their organs even when their deceased, you can’t ask a grieving mother to have permission to cut her  child up, well with this law just do what you please, that child’s organs may save a life but the mother will never see it that way, her child just died, her baby’s gone, forever and the thought of them being poked and prodded adds to the grieve and loss. But it’s a life we’re talking about, you have the power, the opportunity to save someone, how can you let that go, your gone why should perfectly usable organs be buried with the deceased to rot in the ground, and become food for worms and bugs. Religious expectation play into hand with this argument, many religions such as blah believe that you should never give out ones organs as Throughout this essay the following ethical issue will be discussed, Should all citizens be made to donate their organs? citizens of the world have rights, individual freedom rights, why should that be taken away from them? The government has so much control alreadly over our chocies why should we give up our organs, the government doesn’t own them do they? Personal property, I was born with them, I should have control of what happened to them even after death. It’s my choice; don’t take that away from me. Everybody wants to be some type of hero in their life, why not save someone with your organs that will be useless in the ground with your body; you could save at least 10 people’s lives, children’s lives, a mother, a brother, why wouldn’t you want to make that choice? Are you scared would it become easie r if it was to become mandatory?