Learning Strategies and Information-Processing Development Essay

Learning can be simply defined as the process that leads to relatively permanent change in behavior or potential change in a person’s behavior. Learning makes one change the way they perceive the environment, react to stimuli and interact. Cognitive psychology is a very important branch of modern psychology. The main focus of this approach is the memory-how information is stored and retrieved. Several theories have been developed with regard to this subject such as the stage theory (Atkinson & Shriffin, 1968). The stage theory model is widely accepted since it proposes that information is processed and stored in three sequential stages i.e. â€Å"the sensory memory, short-term memory, and long-term memory† (Atkinson & Shriffin, 1968, p. 90). In addition to this model other accepted theories include â€Å"levels-of-processing† theory proposed by Craik and Lockhart (1972), the parallel-distributed processing model and the connectionistic model. This paper examines how attention, memory, recognition and knowledge are related to various learning strategies. In addition, the paper discusses how visual-perceptual, motor and language relate to information processing development. Information processing development As stated in the introduction above, cognitive psychology forms an integral part of the discipline of psychology. The most widely used theory is the stage theory whose focus is on how information is stored in memory. Information is processed in three stages and this is done in a serial and scholastic manner. Another important theory is the â€Å"levels-of-processing† theory whose proposition is that the learner utilizes different levels of explanation as he or she processes in formation. A major advantage of the information-processing strategies is in their explicitness and accuracy in diving complex cognitive functions into distinct elements that can be easily studied. However, when it comes to analyzing cognition into its distinct parts; information processing fails to re-unite them into a general, comprehensive construct. In addition, most information processing tools such as computer models have lost touch with real-life learning experiences (Berk, 2009). Information processing approach towards cognition seeks to explain how the learner (children and adults) operate on the different types of information. Most scholars view the mind as a complex system (a type of computer) through which information flows and is manipulated. General models such as the store model by Atkinson and Shiffrin assume that information is stored in three parts of the brain for processing: â€Å"the sensory register, short-term memory, and long-term memory† (Berk, 2010, para.1). Craik and Lockhart (1972) level-of-processing model assumes that information is transferred from working memory to the long-term memory depending on the level processing. There exist several other information processing developmental models such as the Case’s theory which is a reinterpretation of Piaget’s theory of information processing model. Case views cognitive development as the increase in information processing capacity as a result of brain development which can be linked to more efficient learning strategies. Connectionism on the other hand explains information processing development as a result of learning strategies such as computer-simulated strategies which enhance; inter-connectivity of processing units that are well stratified just like the neurological structure of the brain. Siegler’s using his model of learning strategy choice argues that, learners always generate a number of strategies for problem solving, the more the experience, the more strategies are selected or discarded (Kail & Cavanaugh, 2008). Attention is a critical factor when it comes to human thinking, it dictates the information that will be considered when undertaking a task. Attention is greatly enhanced during early and middle stages of childhood. Thus, improved attention makes one to be more adaptable, selective and organized. Enhanced cognitive reticence and efficacy of attentional learning strategies are pertinent to the fine-tuning of selective attention. The fine tuning of attentional learning strategies takes place in four stages: â€Å"production deficiency, control deficiency, utilization deficiency, and effective strategy use† (para.2). Whenever there is a problem with attention students would develop learning disorders. The argument here is that, when a student is learning a new concept, their attention needs to be focused on the new concept.   If they fail to fully pay their attention, it means that they will have a serious problem with the learning of the new information (Kail & Cavanaugh, 2008). Memory strategies are said to improve with age, as children continue to develop various methods such as, organization, and elaboration. This increases the likelihood of storing information in working memory and its consequential transfer to the long-term knowledge bank. Thus, over childhood stages and even in adolescence, students’ recall steadily improves as knowledge is continually amassed and its organization is improved effectively. Children’s metacognitive abilities usually change from passivity to activity. A more productive view of mental functioning increases with the increase in awareness of information processing strategies, cognitive aptitudes, and task variables. Self-regulation cognitively develops gradually during childhood and adolescence stages. Recently, scholars of information-processing have focused their attention towards academic learning of children (Berk, 2009). Visual-perceptual, motor and language relation to information processing development A visual-perceptual skill is simply the brain’s ability to process information as seen.   Previously, most scholars had assumed that a deficiency in visual-perceptual skills was directly linked to the malfunctioning of the eye.   That is having a poor physical vision or poor muscle control in the eye. However, the presence or absence of physical vision has nothing to do with visual perceptual. Instead, visual perceptual refers to the ability of the brain the receiving of visual information, its interpretation, organization, storage, and transmission Thus, if a student’s brain is not properly storing information, recall will definitely be poor. This directly affects the student’s ability to concentrate and read since he or she has a slow recall of words. The slowing down of recall can also have a negative impact on their mathematical abilities let alone their fluency in speech and reading (Smith 2004). Language and phonological processing abilities are affected by the student’s ability to store, process, and retrieve information.   Usually language and phonological problems are rooted to reading disorders.   Many students with reading disorders have difficulty storing, processing, and retrieving information.   A normal student’s left brain hemisphere becomes dominant when they are carrying out tasks involving language processing (Berk 2009). A student’s motor skills are also an important factor when discussing about learning strategies.   Children will learn from their interaction with the environment; this ability is affected hindered by a child’s motor or verbal skills, a child will learn better when their motor skills are well developed.   This can be observed in a math class.   A conventional practice in the learning of fractions is the use of multiplication.   A student with a problem with their motor skills will have a problem with the use of manipulatives.   Thus they will definitely have it rough when it comes to the learning of fractions (Berk, 2010). Conclusion This paper argues that there exist several other information processing developmental models such as the Case’s theory which is a reinterpretation of Piaget’s theory of information processing model. Case views cognitive development as the increase in information processing capacity as a result of brain development which can be linked to more efficient learning strategies. The most widely used theory is the stage theory whose focus is on how information is stored in memory. Learning strategies such as memory strategies are pertinent to the process of information development. Information processing approach towards cognition explains how the learner operates on various kinds of information. The mind is a complex system (a type of computer) through which information flows and is manipulated. Deficits in information processing skills have negative impacts on a student’s ability to learn effectively. This is attributed to the reason that all learning is relatively cumulative.  Thus, problems in learning should be detected early in enough and solved otherwise; they would get worse with advancement of age.

Porn Addiction

In this dissertation, researcher has researched about the addictive nature of the colloge goers in Coimbatore district towards pornography. The main reason to conduct a research in Coimbatore city is based on three main factors. They are : Climate, Status and diversity.This Porn addiction topic seems to be an unusual to discuss because of the culture that we have been brought were sexual desires of a pervert is talked loudly and viewing pornography is a sin nowadays. It still remains a real issue for boys,girls,men and women.It is used to be a easy part for the parents to monitor their children in using internet but there are networks which provide faster connections that makes the usage irresistible that leads to a serious problem. Porn is a fantasy just like romantic and Sci-fi. Many experts have stated that it is been a serious issue in real romantic relationships.Viewing pornography has been became an addictive nature to colloege students which may affect their day-to-day life which also may cause inability to have sex in real life,Occupation,self injury, relationship problems,etc..This type of addiction may lead to unhealthy relationship towards graphic/ explicit contents. Porn contains such followed things : Magazines, videos,pictures, movies or graphic comics, etc.Though much occursphishing, hacking, cracking, pornography, sexting, morphing plays a vital role in major victimization. Due to lack of awareness of the law, many have lost their lives. People in place of recovering and providing assistance and Justice lacksknowledge of networking too.People get lot of chance to lose their consciousness towards society. It increases the breaking of bonding within the family. It takes out the peace and harmony of a human. Most importantly it has taken out many lives of innocent souls.People who all fond of using pornography might end in more progress towards extreme negative consequences which also may lead them to breakup in the real world and isolize themselves to a narrow way and hesitates to mingle with the common man withing their family. As majority of the users are not aware of the problems that they are about to face in the vast society. People get lot of chance to lose their consciousness towards society. It increases the breaking of bonding within the family. It takes out the peace and harmony of a human. Due to lack of awareness , many have lost their lives. As majority of the users are not aware of the problems that they are about to face in the vast society. People get lot of chance to lose their consciousness towards society. It increases the breaking of bonding within the family. It takes out the peace and harmony of a human. Due to lack of awareness , many have lost their lives.Pornography through internet may have harmful effects on adolescents. However, usage of the porngraphy doesnot stop here. College goers are consumers of internet pornography as well.Violent Pornography : It contains images that explicit the violence of various degrees perpetuated against an individual by another or group.Non-violent pornography : It contains images of no explicit content but may imply submissive or violent nature by the position of the models or the use of props. They also imply unequal relatioships by differential dress, positioning or costuming.Erotica : It contains sexual images that have their focus of mutually pleasurable sexual expression between people interacting. They have no sexist or viloent connections and are hinged on equal power between individuals. Non-concensual pornography : According to law professor at University of Miami, Mary Anne Franks, she states that revenge porn can be termed as Non-Concensual pornography which is more appropriate.Statement of the problem :The reasons for the researcher to pick on this topic is because of a major case happened in Tamilnadu. Those are : Vinupriya, a 21 year old girl who had committed suicide due to her morphed picture was released in internet by her neighbor. Where, she was being victimized again and again by the media, family members did not believe in her that she did not pose like that in the morphed picture. The case was filed under sections 65c,67&67A from IT Act 2000 on 23rd June 2016. She committed suicide on 26th June 2016, Facebook has replied on 28th June 2016 with the IP Address of the culprit. The IP which has been digged and provided by Facebook passed through 50 IP Addresses and 300 mobile numbers.Review of LiteratureThe internet enabled technology has changed the way of adolescents that they encounter and consume sexually explicit material. Once it was a telephone line attached to a personal computer but now, internet is availbale on laptop, video games, mobiles,etc., which has lead to the easy access towards pornography( Eric W. Owens, Richard J. Behun, Jill C. Manning & Rory C. Reid (2012) ). The devices which are being enabled with internet have indiscriminately allowed people of all ages to consume,create and distribute sexually explicit content and it has become more common for adolescents worldwide (Flood,2007, Lo&Wei,2005).Internet has become a highly sexualized environment and research has shown significant increase of adolescents who intentionally or accidentally encounters porngraphic materials online ( Peter & Valkenburg, 2006a, Mitchell, Wolak, & Finkelhor, 2007). The volume and range of sexually explicit content in the internet are remarkably high in rate.The risk of cyber bullying, sexual victimization or harassment from others is real and pervasive (Coopersmith, 2006, Federal Bureau of Investigation, 2011).If a minor access to a porn site then he or she can simply click on the button with the label â€Å"Click here if you are 18 years of age or older†(FreemanLongo 2000).Krauss and Russell(2008), states that if an individual is exposed to pornography in the earlier age then the person seems to have the chance of earlier onset of sexual contact.Research MethodologyThis chapter contains the methods and sample selection done by the researcher to complete this study.Objective:To find the addictive level among college goers.Hypothesis:The respondents will have high addictive nature.Universe: The Universe of the study is decided to be College Goers in Coimbatore City, Tamilnadu. Sample:The sample of the study comprises all (willing) college students in Coimbatore City.Sampling Technique: The technique followed by the researcher for this study is Convenient Sampling in Non-Probability Sampling Technique.Sample Size: Totally 60 (Both Male & Female) samples were collected from the college students. Data Collection:The data for the study was collected using a tool developed by the researcher which includes addictive measure of the respondents.Study Tool: Researcher with the help of the guide has developed the Socio-economic demographic variable which remains the Part-I of the questionnaire. Part-II of the questionnaire shall consist of Addictive measurements.Part-I Socio-demographic data sheet:It used to collect personal data of the college students: Age, Sex, Marital Status, Year of study, recharge interval, Access of internet.Part-II Addictive Measurement:The questionnaire consists of 18 questions to be answered with the scale of 7 as never to all the time. Where addictive nature is measured with the total of 70 counts. Pilot Study: Pilot Study was carried out on a sample of 18 females college students in Coimbatore city, Tamilnadu. According to the result of pilot study, no modifications were done.Field Work: The researcher started to collect data from 25th March 2016 to 27th March 2016. The data was collected according to the research work circumstances. The researcher introduced to the respondents, the purpose and nature of the study were explained and complete confidentiality of the data was assured. The respondents were asked if they were interested and agreed to participate in the study. After that questionnaire was distributed and asked to complete the questions. Researcher also created a tool in Google form and sent through mail Ids and private messages to the respondents.Ethical Consideration: There is no risk in taking the samples during the application of the research. Each respondent were informed clearly about the need and purpose of the study. Researcher also emphasized that participation would be voluntary. The confidentiality of the data was maintained, explained and also printed in the questionnaire.Statistical Analysis: The obtained data was reviewed, prepared for computer processing, coded, analysed and tabulated. Data Entry was done by a computer software package, while statistical analysis was done by using statistical software package SPSS version 21. Data was presented in the form of mean, median, mode, one sample T-test and standard deviations.Significance (One Sample T-Test):The term â€Å"Significant† means important, while in statistics â€Å"Significant† means probably true. The P value is a probability, with a value ranging from zero to one.P>0.10 No evidence against the null hypothesis. The data appear to be consistent with the null hypothesis.0.05

How Does Hosseini Tell the Story in Chapter 2 Essay

During this early stage of the novel, narrative is fundamental in forming the basis and definition of Amir, the protagonist and teller of the story. As well as this, several expectations for the novel are also established, particularly in terms of characterization and plot. Whilst the book as a whole can be described as a psychological exploration into the complexities of guilt and jealousy, this chapter differs in the sense that the narration deliberately refrains from discussing any thoughts or emotions of Amir. Founded on factual knowledge such as dates, times, births, deaths, and directly quoted dialogue, the formal tone may reflect the writer’s attitude to the material being discussed; perhaps he is ashamed and wants, during this chapter, to distance himself from emotional implications and accountability? Instead, we are introduced to the voices of other characters, such as Baba, Ali and Sanaubar. This begins to embed the idea that the plot will revolve around a delicate web of interpersonal relationships. Furthermore, Hosseini’s first-person narrator makes the larger story of Afghanistan’s troubles seem very personal, as Amir’s tale of personal abuse, betrayal, and redemption, mirrors the tale of Afghanistan itself. Hosseini uses contrast to illustrate the inverse lives of Amir and Hassan. Endless description of infinite luxury, marble surfaces, the warmth of fire, and curved walls steering through one room after another, is followed by a single sentence, almost as an afterthought, mentioning Hassan and Ali’s humble mud hut at the bottom of the garden. The choice of sentence structure is reflective of their positions in society; their respective lifestyles are the culmination of ethnic tensions and intolerances. However, a degree of similarity remains, a similarity that is irrelevant of society. Both Hassan and Amir have lost their mothers, and as a consequence, only have their fathers and each other. They are closer than regular friends, or more like brothers. Their relationship plays a central role in the book, and it figures in another theme that is introduced in this chapter: standing up for what is right. But despite this undeniable connection, Amir cannot call Hassan a friend, in the same way that Baba never refers to Ali as a friend either. The looming division of religious beliefs is further intensified by the blasphemous language used by the soldiers in reference to Hassan’s mother, which gives an impression of the control and sadistic ways associated with the treatment of Hazaras by the Pashtuns. The significance of setting becomes increasingly apparent as the book goes on, and in this chapter we are introduced to the pastoral environment that sets the scene for the childhood that Amir and Hassan shared. Hosseini crafts a typical landscape in descriptive detail of the Afghanistan that once was, of sunlight, trees, fruit, and autumn colours. This imagery is recurrent in passages of retrospective throughout the novel, and is part of a structural plan to effectively shock the reader in later chapters when Amir returns to Afghanistan.

ARTICLE REVIEW Feminism and the role of gender politics in Literature

ARTICLE Feminism and the role of gender politics in International relations - Literature review Example Issues between feminist and experts in international relations cannot be reconciled; the reasons could be that feminists and scholars of international relations are working on different realities and knowledge perspectives. Tickner states that silence occurs between feminists and IR women scholars because of their drawing on different realities and using dissimilar epistemologies. Some IR scholars refer to gender as â€Å"a category of analysis†. Gender differences must be appropriately understood with more constructive dialogues on both sides. In bridging the gap between feminist and IR scholars, Tickner focused on feminist answers to questions and ideas from ordinary IR scholars. Identified were three types of misunderstandings on the debate between feminists and IR scholars: 1) the misunderstandings about what gender means in personal conversations and actions; 2) the various realities or nature of things as expressed by feminists and non-feminists when they talk about inte rnational politics, considering that feminists also do not talk about the same subject matter of IR; and 3) the epistemological gap about the question that feminists do not deal with theory. Claims of gender neutrality in language are filled with masculinist assumptions. Feminists provide the meaning of gender with socially and culturally constructed words like â€Å"power, autonomy, rationality, and public,† words which belong to the masculine world. These words have opposites (weakness, dependence, emotion, and private) which refer to the feminine gender. Masculine characteristics are designated with positive values, and both masculinity and femininity are interrelated: to be called â€Å"a man† one must not exhibit â€Å"womanly† weaknesses. Martin Wight (1995 as cited in Tickner 1997) lamented the lack of international theories about Western philosophies because the international system was characterized with less intellectual and moral aspects. Wightâ€℠¢s thoughts had some significance in that feminists had problems with theories when referring to the international subject. Realist and feminist theories could not reconcile. IR scholars comforted with the Kantian tradition that promoted a healthy debate on social relations and not on anarchy. Linklater (1982 as cited in Tickner, 1997, p. 5) supported the concept that citizens should cooperate with other states to develop â€Å"free lives.† IR scholars posit that Kant’s philosophy on women depends on time which can easily be countered in a gender-sensitive world. Feminists believe that the Western philosophy is embedded with masculine traditions that cannot be depended upon in creating a gender-sensitive IR. Tickner concluded that feminists and IR scholars have never reached a point of agreement; instead, their conversations have always been misunderstandings about ideas and theories on feminism and international relations. Some of the reasons for their misunderstandin gs are the use of ontologies and epistemologies, but also on power differences. IR scholars do not know full well feminist approaches. Both sides have to settle their differences by means of constant dialoguing and understanding of the problems. However, feminists and constructivists can share the same ontology, although there are some differences. IR feminists see that gender and power should go together in the

Various factors that have influence in their business process Essay

Various factors that have influence in their business process - Essay Example This research will begin with the statement that the world of the 21st century exists in a highly competitive global environment, which is powered by tremendous growth and fast development. The emergence of the internet in the last couple of years along with the fact of the rapid development of various kinds of technological gadgets has resulted in the process of faster and better connectivity in the markets around the world. The author has rightly presented that the global connectivity has increasingly helped in connecting the markets around the world, and has successfully converted the globe into a single and well-connected entity. The present research has identified that it is of high importance to mention that the better levels of technology-powered connectivity are resulting in the successful diffusion of various global trends, which emerges from various markets around the world. Because of faster dispersion of the globalized trends, it can be said that the consumers are getting more and more aware of their needs and wants. The paper tells that it also has to be said that the better connectivity is helping the rapid dispersion of global trends from the well-established markets to the emerging markets, thereby creating the opportunity for development of consumer demands. This entire cycle of having an increase in consumer demand is having a direct impact on the part of the consumers in a circular manner.... The evolution and advancements in the field of communication technology has already played a major role in regards to the diffusion of various kinds of global trends to various developing and newly emerging markets. Because of this spill over effect of the trends of globalization, it can be said that the consumers of both the developed and developing regions and markets have started to become more and more demanding in nature. The emergence of new consumer demands is resulting in the process of evolution of new kinds of business opportunities. Discussing in connection to this, it can be said that various business organizations and entities are evolving from various corners of the world for the purpose of emergence of new market based opportunities. This is paving the way for the thriving and survival of a widely diversified nature of business organizations. Talking on these lines, it can be said that various kinds of business organizations exists in today’s business environmen t of highly competitive and dynamic nature. The organizations may be multinational, international, transnational or global in nature. Talking in more elaborate manner, about the various kinds of organizations, it can be said that multinational business organizations are organizations, whose various divisions and business processes are spread across multiple countries around the world. Experts of the business domain reveal that a key factor of conducting a multinational business is the fact that organization works along with its various subsidiaries on the basis of certain degrees of decentralization. Talking in specific terms, it can be said that the decision making power of the subsidiaries located in various nations and countries around the world are comparatively high. In

Histroy Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Histroy - Essay Example Henry IV killed Rudolph and this increased the conflict between Henry IV and George VII. These issues caused the tone and the language with which the two used to express themselves. From the story, it is clear that Henry IV and Gregory VII chose to use the language they used because they were wounded by pride and large ego. With pride and ego, Gregory VII says that â€Å"of the pope alone all princes shall kiss the feet.† This statement signifies how the pope was burning with so much pride and ego. Similarly, Henry IV had his own pride and ego that drove him to want to retaliate. In his letter to Gregory VII, he says, â€Å"Hildebrand, at present not pope but false monk.† (Ernest 396) This shows how much pride he feels. Here, he condemns Gregory as a usurper. Secondly, the two leaders chose to use the words they used because they wanted to receive the ceremony and honor at the top of the medieval hierarchy. They wanted to be celebrated by the people as achievers and to be seen as heroes and better than others. That is why Gregory exalted the title of a pope while he was a pope, and Henry IV referred to himself as a king and condemning Gregory VII as an

Asgnmt Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Asgnmt - Assignment Example terus, increased amniotic fluid, prolonged or rapid labor, medical instruments which cause trauma during delivery and placental problems such as placenta previa can lead to postpartum hemorrhage. In order to ensure the safety of the mother a thorough assessment is done by the nursing staff after labor. During the postpartum assessment nurses need to include any history of postpartum hemorrhage along with the present condition of the mother. The video clearly explains the various assessments and interventions that are required to be done. The video gives a clear explanation of the procedures for carrying out various preliminary investigations postpartum such as palpitation of the uterine fundus and determining the firmness of the uterus. Massage is given in case the uterus does not appear to be firm. In case of a full bladder the mother should be encouraged to void. The video also explains how to determine the amount and color of lochia and that increased bleeding could be indicative of risk of hemorrhage. Medication is administered in case of a prolonged uncontracted uterus by injecting into the IV fluid followed by constant monitoring. The labia and perineum are examined for pain. In addition the episiotomy and presence of hemorrhoids are also examined. The mother is taught about the various methods by which pain can be reduced using ice and analgesics or narcotics. Sprays are used to decrease topical discomfort and tucks can help decrease pain due to hemorrhoids. Immediate assessments also include recording of vital signs such as temperature and blood pressure, skin temperature and color and mucus membrane are also assessed. In case of a C-section, the mother is additionally examined for the level of consciousness in case of general anesthesia and for epidural anesthesia the feeling and movement of extremities are assessed. The respirations, oxygen saturation are also monitored in case narcotics have been used. In addition, the intactness of the surgical

Healthcare management Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Healthcare management - Essay Example However, the affordable healthcare act now stipulates that all citizens who do not have a form of employment are covered by Medicaid (Pipes, 2010). This, therefore, means that all patients are eligible for healthcare regardless of their risk factors and financial ability. This is a nightmare for most hospitals because it raises the cost of operations because the funding of this healthcare act is a collective venture (Pipes, 2010). As a result, there are certain costs that hospitals must try to avoid in order to maintain the business. First and foremost, hospitals must reduce redundancies in order to reduce recurrent expenditure. (Healthcareitnews.com, 2012) This is a tricky process as there is often a shortage of personnel hospitals, however, this must be done. Some personnel often carry out work that could be done by someone else or outsourced. For instance, some procedures that are non-essential could be outsourced to other hospitals. Also, the hospital should invest in a more stringent scrutiny measure for patients. (Ache.org, 2012)While this is an additional cost, it becomes an efficient criteria for identifying patients with high risk factors that could increase potential losses for the hospital. Finally, hospitals must look to find additional investors so as to increase the amount of capital in the running of the hospital. Healthcareitnews.com. (2012).  8 key issues for population health management in 2012 | healthcare it news. [online] Retrieved from: http://www.healthcareitnews.com/news/8-key-issues-population-health-management-2012 [Accessed: 18 Jan

The Bill of Rights and the 14th Amendment Essay

The Bill of Rights and the 14th Amendment - Essay Example Further, the 14th amendment will also be considered and discussed as a means of providing a greater degree of equality, citizenship, and fairness under the Constitution and the law. The most cited of these ten amendments is naturally the first. As a fundamental right of the citizen, the first amendment gives the right to freedom of speech, press, religion, and petition. From a societal perspective, this is the amendment that, perhaps more than any other, allows for the continual growth and development of the American society based upon the premise of the enumerated freedoms. As freedom of religion, press, speech, and petition are guaranteed as a fundamental right which cannot and should not be infringed, the ability of the citizen to express a degree of self determination that would otherwise not be possible under a different code of ethics or laws is actionable (Kayman 324). Naturally, as with all the Bill of Rights and further amendments to the Constitution, each of these is given by means of entrusting the citizen not to break any law in the practice or implementation of these rights and privileges. The second of the ten amendments relates to the right to keep and bear arms. This hotly debated issue comes to the forefro nt of the political and societal discourse as acts of horrific gun violence bring out the anti-gun and pro-gun forces to a nearly seasonal battle royal in which both camps argue over the true meaning of the second amendment and how it relates to our current cultural reality (Case Law 1). With the exception of some key restraints being placed on the ownership and use of automatic weapons and a few regulations concerning what defines a handgun and what defines a rifle, the interpretation of this amendment has been historically quite liberal. In this way, American society has seen that, as with the other amendments in the Bill of Rights, the judiciary is keen on upholding the original intent, as best they see it, of the framers. Although it receives little attention, the third amendment which is included in the Bill of Rights is nonetheless important. Whereas the colonies experienced great hardship during the Revolutionary War period as well as before with relation to being required to quarter and provide sustenance to British Redcoats, the framers sought to enumerate upon the rights of the populace with regards to being required to provide material support for the military. Accordingly, this amendment secures the rights of the citizen against imposition by the military or the government in both time of peace and time of war with relation to providing quarter for soldiers and/or other military personnel. Socially, this amendment has experienced little growth and/or development due to the fact that the need of the government to require such an imposition of its citizens has been limited. The fourth amendment is infinitely more complex than the others which have heretofore been discussed. This fourth amendment states that the rights of the citizen to be free in their house, person, papers, and effects.

Time Management Essay Example for Free

Time Management Essay Time Management in the Business World It is true that the majority of the time, people learn to manage their time the proverbial hard way (i.e. working late at night, trial and error, barely meeting deadlines, etc.). The definition of time management can be stated to be the process of both controlling and understanding the time spent on a variety of activities. Time management is by and large affected by a variety of certain methods, techniques that are utilized to accomplish the goals, objectives and tasks at a company within a particular time frame. Time management has typically been discussed in business sectors, however, throughout the years; there have been an incorporation of personal activities within the topic. Literature has noted that how one manages their time is a fundamental question that should be inquired upon within the business management arena. The subject of what is time has also been expressed in the business area in order to get individuals to better understand how to utilize it more effectively and more efficiently. The definition of effectiveness is being able to accomplish a given project in a prudent manner; while efficiency operates on ensuring that the tasks associated with the given project run as smoothly as they possibly can (Adair and Allen, 2003; Covey, 2004; Saunders et al., 2004). Ritter (1989), Irons (2003) and Schwartz and McCarthy (2007) ruminate that the core issue surrounding time management is that time is a resource that is restricted and that employees have to have energy for a business to run successfully. Schwartz and McCarthy (2007) took a step further by stating that the behaviors and rituals associated with employees at companies have a direct effect on that companys revenue and reputation in addition to the factors of performance and productivity. Hence, time management becomes an even more precise concept to both analyze and examine in order that businesses function to the best of their ability (Jex and Elacqua, 1999). Time management is a â€Å"balancing act† ( Friemann, 2000). Employees and staff at certain companies and corporations have problems with time management mostly as a consequence of not learning how to manage their time prior to entering  into the career world (Chase, 2003; Gamauf, 2012), personal and/or workplace stressors (Adebisi, 2013) and a lack of discipline (Viswanathan and Olsen, 1992; Kay, 2011; Mancini, 2003). To combat the issue of time management, certain journal articles have posited that management needs to implement certain types of strategies that help employees, managers and staff manage time well within certain projects and tasks that they are given (Anonymous, 2009; Chesbrough and Appleyard, 2007; Oshagbemi, 1995; Oncken and Wass, 1999; Nagra, 2011). There is reason to believe that certain strategies along the lines of goal setting (Irons, 2003), Pareto analysis; and quadrant goal implementation also referred to as the Eisenhower Method (Adair and Allen, 2003; Mancini, 2003; Thatcher, 2006), as well the my time or yours strategy noted in (Saunders et al., 2004), which outlined the importance of time management for companies and corporations that operate on both virtual teams and what would be perceived as the typical 9-5 work routine. Certain literature has even posited that certain strategies work better at particular times of the year (Bingham et al., 2011). What essentially the n is the best practice associated with time management? How can companies and corporations ensure that their staff is managing time to the best of their ability so that they run smoothly? Statement of the Problem Time management is a problem. Many companies and corporations often suffer at the hands of goals and projects not being completed on time. This results in cutbacks, frustrated employees and workers who are not being recognized accordingly (i.e. appraisals, compensation) (HRLook.com, 2007; Mancini, 2003) and a lack of output for the companys products. While trial and error is typically the best way individuals learn to manage their time better, it becomes all the more important in the business management setting that time is managed, and managed properly; just not at the expense of the employees, managers and staff. Description of the Problem The focus of my research then will be to determine the best strategy (ies) that companies can implement to curtail the issue of time management. What courses of actions and methods best suit all sectors? While that is a loaded question, as there are many strategies that can be put into motion within  companies and corporations, there is rationale to ascertain that one strategy or two at a minimum can be employed in all areas of business management (in all sectors). As aforementioned, there are many different courses of action that a company can take in terms of aiding employees and staff to manage their time better so goals are properly executed. Stephen Covey (2004), in his book, The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People stated that time management could be approached from any of his four categories: first generation, which was noted to be based on timepiece, whose job is alerting individuals that a duty needs to be completed; second generation, which was more along the lines of planning solely based on setting goals; third generation, which was a prioritization technique utilizing certain objects daily to elucidate priorities efficiently and fourth generation, which was a blend of the first through third categories with urgent matters taking precedence (Covey, 2004). Perhaps, his discussion on time management can be expounded upon in the research to better understand what strategy actually works and what does not, the best. Definition of Key Terms Each of the presented key terms will be used throughout the research to highlight the topic of time management in the business sector. * Attention management which relates to an individuals devotion of the resources mentally to a particular outcome or task (Mancini, 2003; Warren, 2008). * The action item which is defined as what needs to take place within a particular task (Mancini, 2003). * Chronemics the study of nonverbal contact within the field of business management. Perceptions associated with interfacing and promptness fall within the realm of chronemics (Mancini, 2003). * Goal Matrix – technique associated with prioritizing what is most essential to be completed (Mancini, 2003). * Pareto Analysis – a statistical technique used to have efficient use of resources (Mancini, 2003). * Prospective memory – which is remembering to perform tasks when they are needing to be performed (Srivannaboon and Milosevic, 2006). * Perception of time – a psycholog ical term that refers to the subjective interpretation of what time is (Adair and Allen, 2003; Dight, n.d.). * Time management systems – tools that aid and support employees and staff to better manage their time (Mancini, 2003). Purpose of Study/Methodology Literature will be examined regarding time management. Each of the terms presented will be explicitly defined and discussed. In addition to the literature, questions will be asked throughout the research paper regarding time management such as why has certain strategies been more effective than others throughout the years; is it a manager’s job to motivate their staff to properly carry out duties; what has happened to companies that did not employ any kind of time management skills and strategies to their business; why is time management such an issue; can time management really be trained. In addition to these questions being answered in detail, much attention will be paid to the types of strategies associated with time management. Common strategies and not so common strategies will be important. With the methodology area of the research paper, interviews and/or surveys will be needed to assess and examine how individuals manage their time. While the crux of the research paper is on time management in business, time management is an important component in daily living as well. Thus, the function of the interviews and/surveys will be twofold: to delineate whether time management is a problem or is it laziness; and whether certain strategies that are being implemented by individuals in their daily activities can be incorporated into the business arena and vice versa. This will serve to highlight both the importance of time management and efficient use of time. Additional methodologies may arise throughout the course of the research that may lend itself to more literature reviewing, and analysis of a quantitative nature. Presently, there appear to be no limitations with this particular scope of topic, given the considerable and vast amount of information on it. While that does not contend that limitations will not present themselves over the course of the research, it can be posited that the research question will be answered. References Adair, J., Allen, M. (2003). Time management and personal development (ebook ed.). London, UK: Thorogood Publishing Ltd. Adebisi, J. F. (2013). Time Management Practices and Its Effect on Business Performance. Canadian Social Science, 9(1), 165-168. Anonymous (2009). Defining ‘‘strategy’’. Strategic Direction, 25(4), 9-11. Bingham, C. B., Eisenhardt, K. M., Furr, N. R. (2011, Fall). Which Strategy When?MIT SLOAN MANAGEMENT REVIEW, 53(1), 70-79. Chesbrough, H. W., Appleyard, M. M. (2007). Open Innovation and Strategy .CALIFORNIA MANAGEMENT REVIEW, 50(1), 57-76. Covey, S. R. (2004). The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People. (Revised ed.). New York, NY: Free Press. Dight, E. (n.d.). How do you view time? asks Eileen Dight. Retrieved July 16, 2013, from PerceptionsofTime.com website: http://perceptionoftime.com/ Friemann, M. (2000, September 14). Time management a key homebuilding skill. The Pantagraph, 1-2. Gamauf, M. (2012, October 1). Time Management Skills. DOM Notebook, 108(10), 1-3. Herbane, B., Elliott, D., Swartz, E. M. (2004). Business Continuity Management: time for a strategic role? Long Range Planning, 37(4), 435-457. HRLook.com (2007, J une 29). Time-management skills concern employers. C2. Irons, L. M. (2003, May). Time Valuing: A Teaching Strategy for Time Management. American Journal of Health Education;, 34(3), 172-173. Jex, S. M., Elacqua, T. C. (1999). Time management as a moderator of relations between stressors and employee strain. Work Stress, 13(2), 182-191. Kay, B. (2011, March). 3 Strategies for Better Time Management. Journal of Financial Planning, 26-27. Mancini, M. (2003). Time Management (ebook ed.). New York, NY: The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. Nagra, M. M. (2011, October). Human Capital Strategy: Talent Management. October-December 2011 33 THE ARMY MEDICAL DEPARTMENT JOURNAL, 31-37. Oncken, Jr., W., Wass, D. L. (1999). Management Time: Whos Got the Monkey? Harvard Business Review, 1-7. Oshagbemi, T. (1995). Management development and managers’ use of their time.Journal of Management Development, 14(8), 19-34. Ritter, M. G. (1989). Cultivating time management skills. Case Notes, 16(6), 264-265. Saunders, C., Van Slyke, C., Vogel, D. R. (2004). My time or yours? Managing time visions in global virtual teams. Academy of Management Executive, 18(1), 19-31. Schwartz, T., McCarthy, C. (2007, October). Manage Your E nergy, Not Your Time.Harvard Business Review, 1-10. Srivannaboon, S., Milosevic, D. Z. (2006). A two-way influence between business strategy and project management. International Journal of Project Management,24, 493-505. Thatcher, M. (2006, March). Breathing life into business strategy. Strategic HR Review,5(3), 28-31. Viswanathan, M., Olsen, E. M. (1992, Winter). The Implementation of Business Strategies: Implications for the Sales Function. The Journal of Personal Selling Sales Management, 12(1), 45-57. Warren, K. (2008, Spring). Dynamic Strategy. Business Strategy Review, 68-70.

The Performance Of Unilever

The Performance Of Unilever In 1999, Unilever implemented what they considered to be an ambitious strategy named Path to Growth which they believed achieved a lot in terms of brand focus, global buying, operating margins and capital efficiency (Cescau Rivers, 2007b). However, according to the then Group Chief Executive Patrick Cescau, the strategy failed to transform growth performance (Cescau Rivers, 2007b, 1). Consequently, adjustments were made to the strategy between 2005 and 2006, aimed at reorganizing and streamlining Unilevers organization and to increase awareness of the Unilever brand (Johnson Scholes, 2006). In terms of innovation, Unilever delivered bigger and better innovations, rolled out faster and to more markets (Unilever, 2009, 5). The tremendous success in fast and effective rollout of innovations was enhanced greatly by the one organizational structure (One Unilever) introduced into the business as a result of the adjustments made to Path to Growth (Unilever, 2009a). For example, the Dove Minimising Deodorant has been rolled out across 37 markets and Clear Shampoo across 37 markets. The success in this area has also been reward by the business publication Fast Company which recently recognized us as the fourth most innovative company in advertising and marketing. In terms of cost saving, the business focused on discontinuing and cutting out activities that failed to add value. The restructuring was one such activity. In 2009 alone, Unilever, achieved cost savings of à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬1.4bn, which was better than expected and also improved working capital by à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬1.9bn (Unilever, 2009a. Despite these and other successes including mergers and acquisitions, operational and sustainability and corporate responsibility, Unilever also failed to achieve some of their targets. For example, in two key markets, India and Spain, we took longer to respond to changing market dynamics and to the intense level of competition especially from low-cost local competitors (Unilever, 2009a, 6). In the processed and packaged goods industry in which Unilever operates, this is a significant failing as the battle for market share is fierce (Ehlers Estes, 2007). Companies primarily achieve this primarily by cost leadership strategies, therefore the need for Unilever to continue on their cost cutting drive cannot be overestimated. Another significant challenge is their inability to develop their brands to top quality status. In their own estimation, product quality is getting better, but we need more of our products to show superiority and there is ample scope to sharpen our communications and to set the innovation bar even higher (Unilever, 2009a, 6). Financial Performance To put Unilevers performance into context, let us look at some of their financial ratios for both the financial year ended 31 December 2009 and ratio averages for a five year period which includes 2006 to 2009. Figure 1: Sales Growth (%) of Unilever, Processed Packaged Goods Industry and SPs 500. Data Source: Yahoo Finance Figure 1 shows Unilevers performance compared against its competitors and the SPs 500 benchmark which has been widely regarded as the best single gauge of the large cap US equities market since the index was first published in 1975 (Standard and Poors, nd). The chart on the left shows the close to 5% decrease in growth of Unilevers sales while the industry average recorded an increase between 2008 and 2009. This reveals that the competition is making inroads in regaining lost market share during the period of the economic downturn. The five year average for Unilever is still showing a positive although it is significantly below industry average. Figure 2 below shows the earnings per share position for the last three years for Unilever. Figure 2: Earnings per share for Unilever (2007 2009) Data source: Yahoo Finance The earnings per share ($) shows the profit attributable to each share held by Unilever for the last three years (McLaney, 2006). Despite a recovery from 2008, the 2009 EPS has fallen again and to levels below 2007s. Figure 3 shows the Price/Earnings ratio compared with competitors and the SP benchmark. Figure 3: P/E Ratio (2009) Source: Yahoo Finance The price earnings ratio is the number of years that it would take at the current share price and rate of earnings, for the earnings from the share to cover the price of the share (McLaney, 2006, 58). This is one of the most important measures investors use to assess a company. Unilever is once again operating below industry average and way below a benchmark of companies in the stock market. This implies that investors are less confident of growth in future earnings (McLaney, 2006, 58) of Unilever compared with industry average and the benchmark of leading companies. In terms of profitability, Figure one shows the position. Profitability Ratios % Unilever Industry SP Gross margin 30.40 38.50 Net margin 9.20 9.80 10.50 5 yr Gross margin 48.60 46.80 37.80 5 yr Net margin 10.10 9.50 11.30 ROCE 15.60 15.00 9.30 ROE 30.60 29.80 20.50 Table 1: Profitability Ratios Source: Yahoo Finance Gross margin figure for 2008 2009 was unavailable for Unilever. The net margin which shows the proportion of profit left for Unilever after all expenses have been taken into account is around the industry average for the period 2008 2009. The 5 year average positions for both gross and net margins are favourable for Unilever, compared to its competitors. Its 5 year gross margin is also significantly better than SPs 500. The return on capital employed (ROCE) and return on equity (ROE) positions are also marginally better than the industry average and significantly better than SPs 500. While the ROCE is a measure of profit as a percentage of total assets less current liabilities, the ROE looks at matters more specifically from the shareholders viewpoint, and reports on profit earned by shareholders after all charges have been accounted for (McLaney, 2006). Table 2 below shows the liquidity and gearing positions of Unilever and comparisons with other companies. Gearing and Liquidity Unilever Industry SP 500 Debt/Equity Ratio 0.83 0.81 1.37 Interest Coverage 48.30 21.00 27.10 Current Ratio 0.90 1.20 1.40 Quick Ratio 0.60 0.80 1.20 Table 2: Gearing and Liquidity. Data source: Yahoo Finance The Debt/Equity Ratio as with all Capital Gearing ratios is concerned with the relative sizes of the funds provided by shareholders on the one hand, and by loan creditors on the other (McLaney, 2006, 56). The higher the ratio, the riskier the business is concerned to be. In this case, the ratio is around industry average and less than the benchmark of top companies, so it should not cause too concern. The interest coverage shows that Unilever can comfortable meet interest payments as they fall due way above the industry average. In terms of liquidity, the current ratio is a measure of whether the current assets are able to meet current liabilities obligations as they fall due. This does not appear to be the case if payment is requested immediately (which a ratio of at least 1:1 will be able to do). In practice however, it is unrealistic to expect to ask for their payments at once unless the business was in serious problems. Therefore, although lower than the competition the current ratio and the quick ratio (which looks at the most liquid of assets, normally excluding inventory) should not cause panic although ways to increase it must be looked at. Brand Awareness According to Unilever, brands and innovation are at the heart of everything we do. We develop our products to keep pace with changes in consumer lifestyles and to appeal to people at all income levels. Success means getting bigger and better innovations into the market faster, supported by the very best marketing (Unilever, 2009, 8). These statements are indeed backed up by initiatives undertaken in the last few years in the UK to increase brand awareness. Some of these initiatives will be briefly described. According to Mathiesen (2009, 19), a recent campaign for Lynx for Men, one of Unilevers mens deodorants, resulted in a 56% increase in (prompted) brand awareness in the UK. This campaign was done through mobile marketing. The campaign sought to achieve the following objectives (Mathiesen, 2009): To enhance awareness of the Lynx brand To market to the 16-24 year old male who are traditionally hard to reach through traditional advertising methods To promote the Lynx brand as attractive to women and modern The success is not only evidenced by the 56% promoted awareness, according to Mathiesen (2009), 86% could recall the Lynx advert and 44% of people felt more positive about Lynx after seeing the add. Not only are Unilever working on improving product branding, they have most significantly moved to increase the company brand image. In March 2009, Unilever UK and Ireland began putting the corporate branding on its product brand advertising including TV, posters and press (Unilever, 2009b), starting with Flora. This move was influenced by research which showed that consumers in the UK and Ireland have relatively low awareness and knowledge of our company, compared to some of our competitors. They are open to the idea of us promoting Unilever more overtly and see this as a sign of honesty and transparency. For a company as large as Unilever, it is surprising that a lot of people who use a lot of their products on a daily basis do not know the name of the company. The same could not be said of its competitors like Nestle or Kraft, for instance. In an industry as competitive as the processed and packaged goods industry, where the extent of competitive rivalry is very high, brand awaren ess is a vital source of achieving and sustaining competitive advantage (Porter, 1998b). Brand Theories Indeed, the importance of Unilever focusing on promoting brand awareness is supported by relevant theory. MacDonald and Sharp (2003, 1), citing Rossiter and Percy (1987) described brand awareness as being essential for the communications process to occur as it precedes all other steps in the process. Without brand awareness occurring, no other communication effects can occur. In other words, a consumer is likely to buy a brand if they are made aware of it. MacDonald and Sharp (2003, 1) also go on to discuss memory theory where brand awareness is position as a vital first step in building the bundle of associations which are attached to the brand in memory (citing Stokes, 1985). Brand awareness is very important when a consumer is making what are usually very quick purchase decisions. According to MacDonald and Sharp (2003), where a customer can identify certain brands, he or she spends very little time looking at unfamiliar brands. Consequently, an unfamiliar brand name or one that is not aggressively promoted risks being ignored, irrespective of the quality of the product. Even after a consumer has formed a consideration set and chosen the few brands from which she will make her purchasing decision, consumers decide to purchase only familiar, well established brands (Keller, 1993). The decision is usually made very quickly as well. According to Dickson and Sawyer (1986), it takes approximately 12 seconds on average for a consumer to view product alternatives and make a choice from different brands. MacDonald and Sharp (2003, 2) also explained that brand awareness affects customers perception of quality. They cited Hoyer and Brown (1990) who found in a consumer choice study that over 70% of consumers selected a known brand of peanut butter from among a choice of three, even though another brand was objectively better quality (as determined by blind taste tests) and even though they had neither bought or used the brand before. This result is even more surprising considering the subjects were given the opportunity to taste all of the brands. Just being a brand dramatically affected their evaluation of the brand (MacDonald and Sharp, 2003, 2). Therefore, Unilever has tremendous opportunities to marry the popularity of their tremendous brand image for most of their products to the corporate brand image. With effective marketing strategies they can generate enough consumer trust and loyalty to dominate entire shopping trolleys of families. This is because in the industry that Unileve r operates in and the kind of products it offers, consumers (buyers) have high bargaining powers. There is also low switching costs which means that a consumer may decide to switch from competitors deodorants to Lynx for the simple reason that the consumer has been used to buying Knorr stock. Recommended Strategy for Unilever Vision We work to create a better future every day. We help people feel good, look good and get more out of life with brands and services that are good for them and good for others. We will inspire people to take small everyday actions that can add up to a big difference for the world. We will develop new ways of doing business that will allow us to double the size of our company while reducing our environmental impact (Unilever, nd). SWOT Analysis Based on an internal analysis of Unilever, their strengths and weaknesses were identified. The opportunities and threats facing Unilever were also determined by undertaking an external analysis. The internal analysis included a review of its financial performance, its marketing function, employees, operations, management, and management information (including technology and RD) which helped to pinpoint Unilevers strengths and weaknesses (Lynch, 2005). The external analysis used the PESTEL and Co. framework which stands for Political, Economic, Socio-Cultural, Technological, Ethical, Legal and Competition. From this analysis, the opportunities and threats facing the business were identified. Strengths Global company Economies of scale Good profit margins Competitive prices Strong brand image for products Innovation Developing and emerging markets Weaknesses Room for improvement in enhancing brand awareness Negative sales growth Company still not a household name Liquidity Opportunities Focus on sustainability and corporate responsibility Speed of technological advancement Low switching costs Threats Low consumer confidence Low consumer spending Volatile political climate in developing and emerging (DE) markets Global economic downturn Fierce competition Figure 4: SWOT Analysis In terms of Unilevers strengths, as was seen from the financial analysis above, they made good profit and their level of gearing is in line with competitors. They maintain a very strong presence in the developing and emerging markets with nearly 50% of their revenues coming from areas such as India and China. However, they need to increase their brand awareness although they are doing it with targeted advertising campaigns. In terms of opportunities, Unilever are well positioned to exploit the opportunities that result from being seen as a company that takes its environmental responsibilities seriously. For example, to meet their aim of growing their business while reducing their environmental impact, our Code of Business Principles and other operational and business polices are designed to ensure that we consistently maintain high social and environmental standards an d we have established processes to track performance in these areas. Our strategy benefits from the insights of the Unilever Sustainable Development Group, comprising five external specialists in corporate responsibility and sustainability that guide and critique the development of our strategy (Unilever, 2009a) In terms of threats facing Unilever, the threat of political volatility especially in emerging markets are mitigated by Unilevers already strong presence there. There have experience of operating in these markets for a good number of years, therefore, they can cope with the volatility. However, the economic downturn has proved constraining to not only Unilever but its competitors. This has also adversely affected consumer confidence and consequently consumer spending which companies like Unilever depend on for their success. Competition is fierce due to low profitability, fairly equal market share and undifferentiated products (Ehlers Estes, 2007). To be successful in the processed and packaged goods industry, there must exist high brand awareness, effective cost management to be able to charge low prices and the commitment to meet ethical standards. Unilever have the strengths to achieve these and are well on their way to overcome weaknesses relating to brand awareness. Once brand awareness increases and the economic conditions become better then this should impact positively on their business as consumer spending and confidence returns. Strategic Options and Choice Based on the SWOT analysis above Unilever are faced with different strategic growth options which are provided below, based on Ansoffs matrix (Johnson Scholes, 2006): Market penetration of existing products into existing markets Market development of existing products into new markets New product development introducing new products into new markets Diversification new products into new markets Strategic Option 1 (Market penetration of existing products) is recommended with details as follows: Maintain and sustain competitive advantage in the DE markets where which is expected to continue to grow Focus on enhancing brand awareness in the developed markets like the UK Develop cross selling and other initiatives to increase usage by existing customers The rationale behind this strategy is that with such fierce competition, Unilevers rivals will unsurprisingly be doing all they can to increase their market share and that will include offering products at low prices. Unilever, by employing the market penetration strategy, will effectively be doing business as usual, while employing cost cutting measures designed to bolster profits. This strategy is less risky especially in an environment of a global economic downturn (Johnson Scholes, 2006). It is also recommended that the strategy be achieved through organic growth as opposed to other activities like mergers and acquisitions which have high potential for failure. In terms of competitive strategy, it is recommended that a combination of cost leadership and differentiation be employed. Although Porter argues for a single generic strategy (1998b), this is not always the best option because customers will require different thing from the same product. For example, for the success of the Lynx brand is because it combines low price with perceived coolness. This combined generic strategy has great chance of success as it enables Unilever to be price competitive while also using obtained brand loyalty to keep customers from rivals. Choosing the right strategy is important. However, more important is the successful achievement of the strategy. This will involve effective deployment of Unilevers resources (those used in the internal analysis above) to achieve set objectives. Communication is also key to ensure that those responsible for implementing the strategy buy into it sufficiently to be motivated enough to implement it successfully (Johnson Scholes, 2006). Finally, it is important that once implemented the strategy should be monitored regularly with a view of making changes or enhancing it as required to achieve set objectives.

Nozicks Theories of Justice Analysis

Nozicks Theories of Justice Analysis Introduction Robert Nozick gained fame as a leading American philosopher thanks to the success of his 1974 book, Anarchy, State, and Utopia. The books endeavours to further explore the anti-consequentialist elements that have been discussed by John Rawls in his book, A Theory of Justice. Nozick has identified the best tool with which to gauge state action is its respect for individual rights. For this reason, a minimal state, according to Nozick, is the only legitimate state considering its key role in protecting various individual rights, including the right to life, the right to own property, and liberty. Nozick endeavours to refute the anarchists claim by way of demonstrating how a minimal state might come about without infringing on individual rights. Nozick has also endeavoured to restore interest in the idea that individual rights are a key element of the political theory by considering the political philosophy of libertarianism. The premise of this essay is to argue that Nozicks minimal st ate is unjust by exploring counter-arguments to it, such as by Rawls. Nozicks libertarianism Libertarianism advocates for the need to limit role of state in societal issues, basically to national defence, police protection, as well as how courts of law are governed. In his libertarianism philosophy, Nozick argues that all other tasks that the modern government is charged with, such as social insurance, welfare, and education, ought to be taken over by charities, religious organisations, and by private institutions. In this case, Nozick contends that the private institutions should essentially operate in a free market. Many libertarians depend on sociological and economic considerations in defending their position namely, the innate processes that could trigger inefficiency and incompetence in state bureaucracies, as well as the advantages of market competition. They also cite the poor record of government in addressing such specific issues as pollution and poverty. While Nozick seeks to endorse such arguments, he, nonetheless, assumes a moral position in defending libertarianism. Nozick is of the view that while there are practical benefits associated with liberalism, its profound respect for individual rights is by far the strongest. Nozicks libertarianism is largely based on his entitlement theory which states that if a person has acquired a property justly, he/she has the right to own it. In the event that a person possesses a property that has been obtained through unjust means such a property should be subjected to the compensation and rectification processes. Nozick further opines that where an individual is entitled to own a property, denying them the right to own it against their will amounts to an injustice. A minimal state emerges from Nozicks state of nature. Such a state, according to Nozick, cannot pry into peoples lives, and neither can it force them into surrendering what they justly own. The minimal state, therefore, only protec ts the individual against being forced to enter into a contract, fraud, as well as theft. On account of the entitlement theory, the state has no right to coerce its citizens into forfeiting property that rightfully belongs to them so that the proceeds can be used to funding government programmes which the state views as constituting the common good. As such, while people are likely to contribute towards the support of various schemes out of their own volition, the state cannot forcibly tax them with the goal of funding public education, providing for the  poor or public goods, among others. Nozick strong claims about rights Nozick is convinced that a key function of political philosophy is to refute the claim made by the anarchist to the effect that no state is legitimate. Given his focus on moral rights, Nozick argued in favour of a minimal state that preserved moral rights. Mulgan is opposed to the moral right of a minimal state that Nozick speaks in favour of, arguing that they are the only legal means of enabling a state to exercise its legal and political rights. Nozick is of the view that the society that emerges from a minimal state boasts of a capitalist economy, as well as a free market. Accordingly, such a society fulfils the requirements of a free society. A state that exceeds these requirements would be morally unacceptable seeing as it would contravene rights. In defending the minimal state, Nozick stretched a history that traced the origin of a minimal state from a state of nature with no rights having been violated. His was hypothetical, as opposed to actual history, which indicated the e mergence of a minimal state through just means. The libertarian perspective recognises individuals as possessing rights. As such, when other people do certain things to them, this amount to a violation of their individual rights. The reason why these rights are natural is because we have them based on what they are as opposed to having received them from someone. Nozick states that stating we have rights is different from explaining why we have rights. In a bid to draw this important distinction, Nozick makes use of the second formulation of Categorical Imperative that Immanuel Kant popularised namely, that one should act in such a manner as to treat humanity as an end, as opposed to treating humanity as a means. Kant was of the view that humans are rational by nature and that they possess dignity. Accordingly, humans should be treated with dignity. It is this dignity that hinders other people from using us, implying that humans have rights against use of this nature. Nozick opines that human rights act as side-constraints, and this has a limiting effect on what other people (the state included) may do to us. Nozick further opines that humans cannot trade their rights in exchange for something of benefit. For instance, pursuing a little more wealth or happiness is not sufficient grounds for contravening an individuals rights. According to Nozick, people are inviolable, implying that they ought not to be used to meet certain ends if doing so is against their will. Nozick has relied on this argument while developing his self-ownership principle. Nozick opines that because an individual owns his/herself, they thus have a right to do with themselves what they deem pleasing. Since nobody else owns us and we do not own them, each one of us has his/her individual rights to themselves and what is in their possession. In other words, we have rights against violations by other people, including theft, enslavement, and the rights to have access to such services as education and healthcare, and the right to own property through just means. Wilt Chamberlain unjust and just distributions In his Wilt Chamberlain argument, Nozick endeavoured to highlight his claim against the idea of distributive justice. In this case, Nozick tries to show that patterned ideologies of distributive justice are not attuned with freedom. His argument is thus an attempt at depicting justice in transfer. Chamberlain is a famous basketball player and some of his fans willingly pay money to watch him play basketball. Consequently, Chamberlain benefits from a huge amount of cash. Nozick contends that he sees nothing wrong with an individual disposing of his or her resources, on condition that this is done willingly. Nozick further intimates that he sees nothing wrong with distribution borne out of voluntary transactions. The Wilt Chamberlain argument is therefore an attempt by Nozick to demonstrate that voluntary exchange as evidenced by basketball fans willingly paying to see Chamberlain play is okay. Nozick does not see anything wrong with transactions of this nature. The outcome of this transfer is that Chamberlain ends up with more than he did previously. Again, Nozick sees nothing wrong with such an outcome. Nozick contends that when individuals willingly dispose of resources, this ends up upsetting patterns. Assuming, for instance, that a utility maximising pattern had been established in society prior to the basketball fans opting to watch Chamberlain play and this pattern is not maximised nay more after the transfers of the transactions have been made to Chamberlain, Nozick argue that it would be unreasonable to try and forcefully go back to such a pattern through state action. Nozick argues that Liberty upsets patterns , and goes on to indicate that it would be unfair to attempt to reinstate a pattern that has been destabilised by intentional transfer. The most important thing for Nozick is entitlement. For the reason that individuals obtain holdings due to other individuals having relinquished holdings either in exchange for certain services or goods (for example, watching Chamberlain play) or due to charitable donations, then the individual who receives such holdings has a claim to them since they have been transferred voluntarily. Similarly, Nozick contends that free transfer will agitate any end-state theory, such as ensuring that everyone has an equal share to the holdings. This is based on the understanding that provided that individuals are able to transfer property without restraint and based on their needs, such as end-state shall shortly be upset. Any attempt to restore such an end state through forceful means would amount to a contravention of i ndividual entitlement rights. Critics to Nozicks argument on Chamberlain contend that Chamberlain holds no absolute rights to this new holding and that a portion of this new income could be subjected to taxation under legitimate means in order that the amount taxed may help fund crucial societal projects. Regarding this, Cohen further contends that redistributive claims of third parties, and more so the very poor, may lawfully change following a change in the comprehensive distribution in society since what is in possession of third parties is reliant on what others possess, in addition to the comprehensive distribution in society. It is also likely hat the intuitive petition that Nozick links to his Wilt Chamberlain argument might actually fail to attract universal recognition. Many critics are of the opinion that there could be considerable instinctive entreat towards arguments that endeavour to demonstrate a basis for the provision of support for persons unable to fend for themselves, in preference to towards the instinctive petition to permit Chamberlain to hold onto all the money emanating from voluntary transactions. A review of Nozicks Wilt Chamberlain argument indicates that it may not be appealing without firth accepting his moral intuitions and entitlement theory. Three Principles of Justice Nozick recognises three principles of justice, which are essential to his entitlement theory. They are: just acquisition; just transfer; and just rectification. Nozick is of the view that the just acquisition principle gives an individual the freedoms to acquire any holdings that they wish to obtain, provided that such property has not been acquired by fraudulent means, through forceful means, or via theft. Nozick further maintains that the principle of just transfer allows an individual to exchange property in their possession provided that there is no further transfer of the same property by force, theft or fraud. These two principles underscore the transfer and acquisition of goods through legitimate means. Conversely, Nozick opines that the principle of just rectification seeks to correct violations of the principles of just acquisition and just transfer. Distributive justice, according to Nozick, involves ensuring that goods end up with those who found them or made them, or those who acquire them from others via an agreement that is, selling or buying of goods. All other means of owning goods are not legitimate, on the basis of a moral position. This hinges on the premise that all other means of owning goods entails forcing people to give goods to others, and this contravenes the general libertarian principle that Nozick contends is the most basic moral principle. However, where an individual has acquired goods by assassination, theft, or fraud, Nozick urges that it is important that the just rectification principle is pursued. This principle is especially useful in a case whereby a person has been involved in unjust transfers, or where there is original acquisition of a good. The principle endeavours to establish what might have transpired in the event that the unjust transfer/acquisition had not taken place. The principle further demands the implementation of measures like compensation or restitution with the goal of enabling the victim go back to the condition she or he would have been had the injustice not happened. Finally, the principle does not approve compensatory processes that could be infringe on individual rights of third-parties who are not connected with the property being transferred or acquired. Nozick is of the view that execution of the principle of rectification is crucial in setting up the legitimacy of all property by examining justice in the acquisition and transfer of such property, and the likely compensation that the victims ought to receive should it be established that they have been the victims of injustices. Most critics of liberalism complain that it permits too little government. Specifically, they argue on the need for a more-than-minimal state to aid in the realisation of distributive justice. Rawls maintains that the state should partake in redistributive taxation as a means of ensuring that income and wealth is distributed fairly in the society. This is a position that Nozick is opposed to, going by his entitlement theory of justice Rawls offers opposing views of legitimate state power to those offered by Nozick. Rawls maintains that the state ought to possess the powers it needs to see to it that the least well-off citizens become well-off. Such a viewpoint is rooted in his theory of justice. A key principle to this theory holds that the only time when unequal distribution of income and wealth becomes unacceptable is in case individuals at the bottom becomes well off that is likely to be the case under any other form of distribution. Nozick is opposed to such arguments, indicating that they rely on a false ideation of distributive justice. Rawls is opposed to utilitarianism as it could allow an unjust distribution of burdens and benefits. Unlike Nozick, Rawls is of the view that social justice encompasses the fundamental structure of society, as opposed to transactions between individuals. Rawls also intimates that justice demands that there be a minimisation of economic and social outcomes of arbitrarily distributed goods. Conclusion Nozicks is not just. Nozick views the voluntary transactions among individuals that act forms the foundation for justice, rather than the distribution itself. If at all Nozicks Wilt Chamberlain argument is to be regarded as being valid, we must first accept his entitlement theory. The allegations of third parties not partaking in any transactions could legitimately change following changes in distribution in society. Although the Wilt Chamberlain argument holds instinctive appeal, arguments that endeavour to support the very needy are likely to possess even stronger intuitive appeal. The principle of rectification as popularised by Nozick, along with the principle of compensation that is linked to it, are difficult to apply, and this could justify universal supply of opportunity and sustenance. Even the pettiest claims ought to be considered in the minimal state as they are vital for poor people. The principle of compensation could fall short of upholding rights as virtually anything may be done. Nozick fails to acknowledge the crucial role of political power in a minimal state, just like in any other state. While Nozick urges that charity could aid in the acquisition of social goods, such an argument is inadequate charities lacks the means or resources to undertake important schemes, such as in healthcare or education.

womenhod Gender in Joseph Conrads Heart of Darkness :: Heart Darkness essays

Gender in Heart of Darkness Joseph Conrad's Heart of Darkness colludes with Western patriarchal gender prescriptions. Women are ominously absent from the bulk of the narrative, and when they do make an appearance they are identified through the powerful narrative viewpoint of the character Marlow, who constructs them in terms of the values of the dominant ideologies of the British gentleman. The contrast between Kurtz's Intended and his Mistress reveals to the contemporary reader this undeniable Victorian provenance - women are effectively marginalised from power and silenced by the text's endorsement of British values. "The women", Marlow declares, "are out of it". Indeed, the five women of Heart of Darkness make only brief appearances and are given only a passing mention in Marlow's narrative. His aunt, given a cameo role in the text, is supremely naà ¯ve and "out of touch with truth"; she reminds him to "wear flannel" when he is about to "set off for the centre of the earth". The knitters of black wool in the Company headquarters are defined by classical mythology, taking on a symbolic significance by "guarding the door of Darkness"; they are not characters in their own right. Kurtz's mistress is identified as a product of the wilderness, "like the wilderness itself", and is described in terms of natural processes, a "fecund and mysterious life". Kurtz's Intended, by contrast, lives in a place of death rather than of life, darkness rather than lightness, delusion rather than reality. A feminist reading identifies that females are silenced and cast as cultural archetypes in Heart of Darkness. The juxtaposition of the Intended with Kurtz's mistress highlights the traits of the culturally constructed Victorian woman. She has assembled for herself a tomb of darkness, where everything personifies the sterile and lifeless existence of her kind. The Victorian woman was expected to adhere to high standards of behavioral decency and to subscribe to the Puritan ideals of sexual and emotional restraint. Kurtz's mistress throws these characteristics into focus because she is vibrant, vital, and lives out her sexual urges. The sexual language used to describe the mistress emphasises that she is a social 'other' and foregrounds the dichotomy between women of Europe and Africa. While the Intended embodies the characteristics of a Victorian woman, her behaviour is also enormously hypocritical. She remains alive only by deceiving herself; her condition, as C.B. Cox suggests, "symbolizes that of Western Europe".

Deist Pantheism in Tintern Abbey :: William Wordsworth Poetry

"Tintern Abbey" typifies William Wordsworth's desire to demonstrate what he sees as the oneness of the human psyche with that of the universal mind of the cosmos. It is his pantheistic attempt to unfurl the essence of nature's sublime mystery that often evades understanding, marking his progression as a young writer firmly rooted within the revolutionary tradition to one caught in perplexity about which way to proceed socially and morally, and further, to define for himself a new personal socio-political vision. Moreover, "Tintern Abbey" exhibits Wordsworth's eclipsing of the Cartesian belief in a supernatural creator who stands beyond the universe, echoing the ideas of Burach Spinoza, and redefining late eighteenth century deism into a more personal, pantheist revision of nature. The poem's portrayal of the intimate connection with nature implicitly underscores Wordsworth's view on conventional religious belief as one surpassing commonly held interpretations of the supernatural. It conveys Wordsworth's ideal of the universe as bound inextricably within the essence of all that is harmonious and natural -- a "Oneness." It sympathetically depicts the inseparability of "God" from nature, the "material-spirit" of energy that, as Wordsworth portrays it, imbues the life force with . . . a sense sublime Of something far more deeply interfused, Whose dwelling is the light of setting suns, And the round ocean and the living air, And the blue sky, and in the mind of man; A motion and a spirit, that impels All thinking things, all objects of all thought, And rolls through all things. (96-103) In terms of "Tintern Abbey"'s naturalistic depiction of nature's interconnection with the universe and humanity, the poem reveals Samuel Taylor Coleridge and John Thelwall's implicit influence upon Wordsworth's development as both a writer and naturalist poet. Similar to Wordsworth, for instance, John Thelwall illuminates the organic spur of the human frame and other life forms in his scientific prose, such as found in his celebrated medical essay, Towards A Definition of Animal Vitality (1793). Thelwall's "cosmic-monism" fuses the workings of the human body to the movements of heaven and earth -- a holistic interconnection of the organic to the inorganic. His connection to Wordsworth through Coleridge serves to partially explain the inherent pantheistic vision in "Tintern Abbey"'s 1798 composition.