Food and Culture free essay sample

Food is needed as a source of energy and to sustain our bodies. Besides a need for survival, it is sustains our heart and mind. As the book states, â€Å"food practices of many societies can reflect religious and cultural taboos†. In all cultures, people sit down while eating their meals, whether it be families, friends, coworkers, and classmates. It is a time to share ideas, stories, whether formal or informal, creating traditions, and rules of what to do and what not to do while having their meal. Food becomes sacred and has meaning such as Thanksgiving meals. A traditional Thanksgiving meal almost always consists of Turkey. The turkey is still the culinary symbol of the November feast. The Cornucopia is the symbol of abundance of fruits, grains, etc reaping for that year. While foods and tastes differ from place to place, the cultural importance of food exists the world over. Throughout history food has also played a pivotal role in the areas of race, gender and religion. We will write a custom essay sample on Food and Culture or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page From who grows the food to who prepares it, food has strongly been linked to the varying roles of men and women. Changes in farming and food production have invariably brought with them changes in what men and women are able to do, and not do. Race also tells a story to what they eat. For example, Italy pasta is served as a side dish, whereas in in America, Italians serve pasta as their main course. My Italian neighbor said it is because food was very expensive during early Italian immigration and pasta was very efficient. Therefore, they ate as much pasta to hold them up during the day. As for religion, what you can and cannot eat is an important way for people to connect with their deities and their religious communities. Whether we are man or woman, religious or not, or whatever race these issues impact the society in which we live. The editors of this text provide many examples on food, culture, and values. This brings us back to Patricia Hampl’s â€Å"Grandmother Sunday dinner†. She said, â€Å"Come and eat† was not, after all a personal statement, but a racial one, the cri de couer of Middle Europe. Chagnon also mentions how â€Å"food sharing is important to the Yanonamo in the context of displaying friendship†. In spite of him not sharing, they insisted on demanding his share and made his meal unpleasant. Finally, Amy Tan exemplifies that one  culture’s favorite foods can make someone grimace. But she taught us that no matter how embarrassing or different you can be, you should â€Å"be proud that you are different. Your only shame is to have shame†.

Social division Essays

Social division Essays Social division Paper Social division Paper A key feature of societies is that they are socially divided. Different social groups have access to different amount of power, wealth and influence. Societies are divided by inequalities between different social groups and these determine the life chances and well-being of individuals. The main consequence of recognizing that we live in such society is the realization that we can understand better the structure of that society if seek to identify and analyse the different social divisions that exist (Alcock, Erskine May, 2003). This essay will explain what social divisions are and why interrelationships amongst them are significant. Then using chosen article Using Focus Group Research in Exploring the Relationships Between Youth, Risk and Social Position this essay will try to show how interrelationship of social divisions are demonstrated in it. When we meet someone we are aware of their sex, age, ethnicity or disability. The way we categorise people influence how we behave towards them. The classification of people into categories occurs in all societies and this process is called social divisions (Moore, 2001). Social divisions focus attention upon social groups, different ways in which societies may be grouped and most critically, relations between different social groups (Alcock, Erskine May, 2003). As the term social division is very broad, it is possible to include under its ambit all types of differences like class, gender, sex, ethnicity, thus societies have hierarchies which are organised through: social and economic divisions (labour, wealth, income are important), gender and sexuality divisions ( position as a man or as a woman), ethnic and racialised divisions (ethnicity), age divisions (age is important), health and disablement divisions (body, mental capacity or health are important) (Macionis Plummer, 2008). Social divisions are socially created rather than natural (i.e. skin colour takes on significance in our society and does impact upon the way those of African origin are treated, but eye colour, hair colour are not important). They are the outcome of previous social interactions, events, decisions, stereotypes and struggles (Moore, 2001).  Social divisions have at least two categories, each of which has distinctive material and cultural features, where one category is better positioned than the other and has a better share of resources because it has greater power over the way our society is organised. In other words divisions tend to divide people into better or worse categories creating social inequalities. Those in the better categories have more control over their lives, more money and can generally be seen to lead happier lives. Those occupying the better positions often take their advantages for granted but, nonetheless, social divisions are still all about advantage and disadvantage. They are therefore also about who has the power to create and maintain this situation in which inequalities persist (Payne, 2006). The particular combination and balance of memberships also matter. For example, to be white, middle class, male and healthy is not only different from being black, working class, female and sick, but also different from being black, middle class, male and healthy. We need to consider how the various divisions seem able to work in specific combinations and, in a somewhat less coherent way, also work together as a whole to make up what we know as society (Payne, 2006). Moreover divisions require at least two sides for example, to be black or white, male or female, in good health or ill, heterosexual or homosexual and this often implies a hierarchical relationship in which one category is advantaged precisely because it is more highly valued in relation to its opposite, at a structural, social level. Since the two sides are constructed in relation to each other to belong to one side is defined in terms of not belonging to the other. In this sense the two sides of social divisions can be seen as mutually constitutive: one side exists only in relation to its opposite and is defined by its difference from this opposite (Braham Janes 2002). However social divisions are neither permanent nor fixed but they are socially constructed, so that while there are always social divisions, their precise form varies from society to society. For example seeing men and women as groups posits a form of classification of individuals according to certain criteria usually dependent on genitalia but also behavioural, identificational and performative criteria, but this does not mean that these individuals always belong together, i.e. to the same group, for they can be allocated or allocate themselves to others on other criteria (Anthias, 2001).

Using Simulations in Nursing Education Research Paper

Using Simulations in Nursing Education - Research Paper Example Nursing is not an exception as there are numerous aspects of the study in nursing which cannot be grasped by the students without practical knowledge. Simulation has been used in the nursing domain and health care sector for a long time but there is a need to elevate the frequency and quality of simulation based techniques in nursing in order to completely exploit the benefits (Jun et al., 1999). The three main learning theories which are known as cognitive, social, and constructivist explain the detailed processes through which the learners gain in depth knowledge about any topic while using simulations. This paper will discuss the evidence based depictions generally in health care and then an emphasized study with specific relation to field of Obstetrics, which will explain the effectiveness and importance of using the simulations in nursing education and its positive impact on the patient outcomes. Literature Review The importunate need of the simulation in nursing domain surfaced in late 20th century when the resources were depleting for the health care sector and time restrictions were augmenting. There were loop holes in the skills of the trained nurses which were experienced in the practical fields and the patient outcomes were going through drastic results. ... report, IOM called an emergency meeting of the health sector gurus which passed as resolution with consensus that the human error ratio is because of the weak educational system and the nurses are needed to be equipped with emergency case scenarios and in depth knowledge of different kind of diseases. Simulation provides the best space for the students to learn and practice the medical theories without a fear of harming the patient. Simulation also provides a massive opportunity for the students to test their skills and periodic repetitions of the practical methodological studies. The apprenticeship training processes can be easily performed and the instructors can effectively transmit the changing health patterns to the students by practically showing them the simulations. The sensitivity factors often acts as a major hindrance in the learning process for the nurses (Rutherford-Hemming, 2012). The operative vaginal delivery with forceps and vacuum devices are also being deployed at large in the medical domain of Obstetrics. The neonatal risks are accompanied with the use of vacuum cups, but they are far more efficient in the delivery procedures and are used by a great number of Obstetricians. In the same way some other sectors of Obstetrics such as needle usage amniocentesis and fetal blood sampling  requires a great deal of practice and such cases are not available for the nursing students for practice on hands. Some medics foresaw the importance of simulation in the field of Obstetrics and issues order to embed the low-fidelity models for amniocentesis in the learning and training procedures (Cass et al., 2011). The results were optimal, and patient outcomes were affected in a very positive way after the training and on hands experience of the students on these

CVP analysis Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

CVP analysis - Essay Example Cost–volume–profit (CVP) is an administrative management tool used in economics (Weygandt, 2009). It is a basic model designed to assist in making short-time decisions in economics based on costs incurred in the business The information on CVP influences determination of break-even analysis. Break-even spot shows the point at which the net income is zero. Analysis of CVP makes use of variable and fixed costs. CVP examines the dynamics experienced in profits accrued by businesses due to changes in the volumes of costs of various products and their sales. It is through CVP that a venture identifies the progress of his or her business and makes sound decisions. CVP analysis has a number of assumptions, which also are the same as those for break-even analysis. The analyst assumes that costs behave in a linear manner throughout the activities. The classification of costs is possible and accurately stated depending on whether fixed or variable. The other assumption is that ch anges in costs are due to change of activity. All products from the invested capital have a market value and that there is no product inventory required once the product is ready for sale (Balakrishnan et al, 2009). The analysts using CVP technique provides information about the products. The analyst also needs to know the levels of sales and volumes and the amount they need to protect the investment from making loses. The other information required by the analysts is the capacity for the analyst to determine the effects of increasing or decreasing the fixed costs. Successful analysts must have the capability of approximating the amount of funds required for expenditures and the magnitude of risks required (Balakrishnan et al, 2009). Profit equation using CVP analysis Analysts using CVP starts by determining the business profit using the profit equation as shown (Weygandt, 2009). Profit = Total revenue -Total costs Since the costs are in two divisions, i.e. fixed costs and variable costs, the equation becomes Profit =Total revenue -Total variable costs -Total fixed costs Profit is a function of the contribution margin. This refers to the amount of invested capital in this discussion (Balakrishnan et al, 2009). The total contribution margin is the difference between the total revenue and total variable costs. The calculation of contribution margin may also occur per unit production. This margin is necessary in consideration of the effects that volume has on a business profit. Realization of profits in a business takes place upon covering of sales equivalent to the fixed costs. This means that any unit sales above the fixed costs become profit. The overall profit equation in CVP analysis, therefore, becomes (Weygandt, 2009). Profit =P * Q - V * Q - F = (P - V) * Q – F Where; P _ Selling price per unit V _ Variable cost per unit (P _ V) _ Contribution margin per unit Q _ Quantity of product sold (units of goods or services) F _ Total fixed costs Cost-Volum e-Profit Graph (Weygandt, 2009) This is a graph that shows the bond amid the total income and total costs in a business. This graph also shows how profits change with time depending on different activity volumes. In the above graph, the loss decreases with increasing volume of sales. At the same time, there is an increase in the contribution margin. At the point, where the cost intersect with the revenue line, this point known as break-even point above which profits are evident. In the case, where there is income tax, the business after tax calculation makes use of the formula; After-tax profit = Pretax profit –Taxes. Pretax profit = (Tax rate -Pretax profit). Pretax profit = (1 - Tax rate). Snap Fitness business The principles of CVP are applicable in a number of business organizations, for example, in starting a snap fitness business. This small venture requires a small amount of capital to start. In addition, it takes a short time for the investor to reach a break-even

The Influence of Capoeira on Hip Hop Dance Forms Research Paper

The Influence of Capoeira on Hip Hop Dance Forms - Research Paper Example This Afro-Brazilian form is called capoeira, a game of movement in which the intent is to mimic fighting moves to outdo an opponent. Capoeira is uniquely suited for the origins of Hip Hop and aspects of it can be found throughout the culture. According to Emmett George Price, hip-hop evolved in the 1970’s as a reactionary cultural movement based on concepts that evolved from the civil rights movements of the 1960’s (1). Price says that the movement is considered to have begun in the Bronx in New York where the neighborhood had developed into an impoverished, gang-based culture that thrived through violence and criminal behavior (9). The gangs provided a sort of â€Å"family’ for the displaced youths that suffered from inadequacies of all types from low-quality nutrition, poor educational opportunities, and a bleak future outlook. Under the leadership of Afrika Bambaataa who rose to lead a gang named the Black Spades, an alternative to violent conflict between the gangs arose to fill the needs of the adversarial youths. Hip-hop developed from a need to find respect and honor without entering into a battlefield of bloodshed. Hip-hop culture developed through a need to find a way to save a culture from its own violent destruction. As ‘crews’ developed rap and movements intended to outdo rival groups, the appeal began to spread and become commercialized. Where the origins of the music developed for private purposes, the commercial potential began to find its way into the music industry. With the release of Sugar Hill’s Gang’s work titled â€Å"Rapper’s Delight†, the revolution of the music industry began. As the music industry developed, so did the dance associated with the music and the culture worked its way into mainstream American entertainment (Fitzgerald 42). Hip-hop is urban and global, a representation from the poor inner-city youth that has expanded into a multi-million dollar financial benefit.

Advantages and disadvantages of using credit cards

Advantages and disadvantages of using credit cards In this modern era with the rising of e-commerce in the world, the usage of credit card is getting popular among the world nowadays. The usage of credit card has actually spread towards the college student and has increasing visibility (Hayhoe, 2002). Meanwhile, this is the best chance for the credit card companies to put on target at college students because college students are expected to have higher of earning power and this makes the credit card companies believe that as a desirable market (Warwick Mansfield, 2000). Credit card can be best defined as a small plastic card issued by the bank to the consumers to purchase goods and services in advance with a credit limit on the spending (eHow, n.d). With a credit card, the users are able to purchase goods without using cash. Users will have the ability to use it as online payment in internet and uses it as monthly installment for large volume goods and services (eHow, n.d). However, interest charges are applied to the credit cards. There are many different types of credit card associations nowadays. For example, American Express, Dinner Club, MasterCard, Visa and many more. Each month, the credit card user is sent a statement by bank that indicated their purchases for previous month. After the cardholder received the statement, he or she must pay the amount of their purchases otherwise may choose to pay a higher amount when the credit issuer charges interest on the amount owed. Even credit cards have higher interest rates than most consumer loans; many people still prefer to use it yet. This is because almost every store that we can see allows for payment of goods and services through credit cards today. The increasing number of banks that provides credit card has eventually increases the competition between banks in attracting the customers. Every bank has tried their own way to persuade the customers to apply the credit customers. The worst part is, they even attract college students by having promotion in the college. Historically, the bank actually started to bump into student credit card market in the late of 1980-an (Manning, 2000). In the long run, this will cause many problems to the college students. This is because most of the college students does not how to plan their money effectively. According to Henry, Weber, and Yarbrough (2001), most of the students will have the credit problems is because college students do not practice to have a written budget. The researchers also expected college students are vulnerable to financial crisis (Henry, Weber Yarbrough, 2001). The incredible increase of the usage of credit card actually has demonstrated the crisis among the college students. The increased number of credit cards among college has seen a major growth since the past decade (So, Grable Bagwell, 2003). Based on a research, 70% of all undergraduates at four-year colleges have at least one credit card today (So, Grable Bagwell, 2003). Advantages and Disadvantages of using a Credit Card Credit Card is an Automatic advanced card which people can use it to get the goods without paying the cash. Credit cards are widely use by people all around the world as a source of convenient to get what their needs. But, there are many advantages and disadvantages of using it. One of the advantages of credit card is that with credit card can eliminate the need to carry large sums of cash wherever we go. For example, if we are away from home for vocation, we dont need to take large amount of cash in pocket. Besides, credit cards may also offer us additional protection if goods that we bought is lost, damaged, or stolen. This is where the credit card company can know that the fact that we have made a purchase. In addition, we can also see that some credit card companies offer insurance for the customers on large purchases. By this way, the companies can protect their customers and give their customers the security of using the card. With a credit card can also assist us build a credit line. By having a good credit history is very vital, which meant that making payments on time and in full month, it help us not only applying a credit card, but also when applying for the loans, rental, or even some jobs will more easily. In conjunction to that, credit cards can also be useful in times of emergency as well. For example, students with a credit card can take the necessary actions by helping parents when they falls ill, a car is damaged, or trying to buy a higher cost books in the university. Some credit cards also offer some extra benefits for their customers, such as discounts from particular stores or companies, bonuses such free airline miles or travel discounts. All of these benefits is helpful for us as long as we bear in mind that out spending limits. On the other hand, the disadvantage of credit cards is that they encourage people to spend money that they dont have. The customers can spend any time as they want even they have less money. Indirectly, the customers cannot pay for the bill statements that what they had spent. By this way, the more money the customers owe the credit card companies, and yet they will charge the customers on interest each month on their spending. The other disadvantages of credit card is that the credit card companies will charge the customers on high amount of interest on each balance that the customers dont pay off at the end of the month. This is how the credit card companies make their money and this is how many of credit card users will get into big troubles. And, credit card fraud also is one of the disadvantages. This is where the credit card also same as a cash, it also can be stolen sometimes. They maybe be physically stolen from customers wallet or credit card number and use as to swap the mo ney. The good news is that, when we realize our credit card is stolen, quickly we can report to the credit card companies. This is to avoid us by not being charged for any purchases that someone else has made. As conclusion, credit cards can make life easier and convenient to the users as they utilize it wisely. But, if we use it wrongly, it will become huge financial burden for us. If we decide to use the credit cards, we must know some simple rules such as limit our purchases, dont spend outside our budget, pay off the balance at the end of each month, and most importantly is dont give credit card information to anyone else as the safety methods. 1.1.2 Development of credit card in Malaysia In old days, there was no such thing as money. Each person would provide for his own food and clothing and also shelter. As time goes by, a system of barter by exchange of needs began. Barter trade however, was not that simple. Sometimes, it was difficult to find those who had exactly the item that was needed. Some goods were used for barter trade because they could easily be carried, have a common value and be easily divided. This commodity money became a medium of exchange soon. Common goods such salt, bread, grain, tobacco were among the item that had served as money. The first money appeared when the ruler or king issued a constant value. For example, in historical times in Malaysia, blocks and tin were kind of commodity money. As businesses developed, it became inconvenient to move large sums of coins around the country. In the middle ages, people preferred to deposit their coins with trustworthy goldsmiths, in exchange for paper receipts. Whenever a depositor wanted to make payments, he would exchange these receipt back for coins. As long as the goldsmith was trustworthy, the paper receipt was as good as coins. Thus, the first paper money and first banks were developed. In Malaysia, only the Bank Negara Malaysia is allowed to issue coins and paper currency notes. The value of ringgit is legal tender and is backed by gold and foreign exchange held by Bank Negara. In nowadays, there are now 3 forms of money we can see in Malaysia. They are coins, paper currency, and transaction account which are cheques and credit cards. While coins and paper currency are used to transfer money at the present time, cheques and credit cards commit money that will be earned in the future. Cheques is the most common instruments used to transfer funds. And then, cheques and credit cards become more popular as they provide their holders with the power to purchase without having carried around large amount of cash. Research Background Credit card among college students has become a hot topic of growing nowadays. This is because college students are experiencing unique transition period in their lives. Financially, they are going through the process from financial dependence to independence. They may have learned some consumer skills in cash management at home before coming to college. At this moment, students just want to start to learn on how to use credit wisely and just matured enough to be able to sign legal contracts include credit card contracts. There are also some other studies that show that students are greatly involved with credit cards. Yet, the use of credit cards among students has received much attention in recent year from members of the financial community and policy makers. Credit card companies grab this golden chance to target students because they are expected to have higher average earning power and are seen by the credit card companies as a desirable market (Warwick Manfield, 2000). Besides, we can see that mixed practices among students credit use will make them have a low knowledge about credit because they do not fully understand the financial implications of having a large number of credit card debt. By this way, this will make them to spend more. (McNeal and Yeh, 1993) A research also showed that at average age of eight years children, making their first independent purchase as socialization as a consumer begins in their early years. Nowadays, as we know that a service tax of RM50 will be charges on each principal credit card in Malaysia start from 20l0. And, for every supplementary card, a service with RM25 will be charged yearly. The governments impose this tax is because the users of credit card is increasing day to day. 1.3 Problem Statement This study analyzes the factors that influence the usage of credit card among IPTA and IPTS students. The research will give the opportunity to collect accurate data from the designed questionnaire in order to analyze the relationship of the variables. The following problem statement is supporting the research background of this study: To what extent do demographic, knowledge, kind of purchases, credit attitude, and family background influence the usage of credit card among IPTA and IPTS students? 1.4 Research Objectives Students attitudes towards credit card could play a vital role in determining its distribution. After figuring out the problem statement of this research, let go to the objectives of this research. The objective of this research is to distribute a proper framework and to analyze the factors that influence the usage of credit card among IPTA and IPTS students. From the research study also, it could assist to provide some suggestion to solve this problem. The three main objectives of this research study are: To investigate the role knowledge of credit card use plays in compulsive buying among the students. To test demographic. To compare the monthly usage of credit card among IPTA and IPTS students. To determine which factors is most significant effect towards usage of credit card among IPTA and IPTS students. 1.5 Significant of study It is important to study that how the credit card as a key of contribution to everyone no matter to bankers, users, society or among college students. Every companies and banks will benefit with owning a credit card. Mostly are those banks making money from the credit card companies? This is how it goes. If a bank agrees to take their customers deposit, they dont keep it all in the back. This is because there are only a small percentage of the bank customers will demand their money at any given time, a percentage of all deposits( vault cash), is kept on hand. Some of this cash will loan out to credit card companies so that they can finance the purchases their customers make, until the customer pays the credit card company back. Actually, most credit card companies are organized as banks, so that they are regulated in a different way than regular companies. As a result, the more money that is owed by bank or company, the more that bank or company is worth. This is because of the way the American accounting system works. Meanwhile, the main benefit to each customer is convenience. A credit card allows small short-term loans to be quickly made to customer who need not calculate a balance remaining before every transaction, provided the total charges do not exceed the maximum credit line for the card. Credit card also provides more fraud protection than the debit card for the users. Many credit cards offer rewards and benefits packages, such as offering enhanced product warranties at no cost, points which may be redeemed for cash, products, and also for the airline tickets. This makes the users feel more satisfaction about their services of owning a credit card. Additionally, carrying a credit card is more comfortable to some users either than carrying a bucket of cash in their pocket. On the other hand, owning a credit card also benefited to community. This is how they permit people around to make a large purchase, such as expensive materials or those for cars. This make the people can buy those things easier. Yet, with credit card be useful for emergencies use like medical bills. Also, credit card offer additional protection of purchases. Example, if the goods that already bought by people is lost or had been stolen, the credit card company can prove for the fact that people have made a purchase with original receipts. So that people do not need to worry too much because some credit card companies are offering insurance on credit card. With a credit card too, it can help to create entrepreneurs. Many entrepreneurs who were unable to get the bank loan will have to use credit card as a way to finance their projects. Although by this way it is extremely risky, there is no choice to help some entrepreneurs become more wealthy and successful in future. Nowadays, we might see many credit companies also set up target in campus areas to encourage college students for sign up their card. They might give free gift such as t-shits, umbrella, water bottles for those who signing up the card. Some research shows that students are valuable customers because they are loyal for their first card and will continue to make their purchases in future. With the credit card, students can make large purchases easily such as expensive text books, airline ticket, hotel room booking, garments, and etc. 1.6 Organization of study This research focus mainly on how credit card use by students of IPTA and also IPTS. This research project compromises of 3 main chapters. It consists of introduction and background, literature review, and also research methodology. The first chapter introduces the area of the study that mainly on the overview and background of the research and the concept of credit card, its advantages and disadvantages, and overview of the previous and current issues related to the topic, and followed by problem statement of this study. Problem statement is referred to a clear statement of the question or issues that to be investigated with the goal of finding and answer solutions. The second chapter is provides a review on the related literature on credit card and the factors that can affect its usage. Literature review is review of facts from past researchers who conducted theirs studies on the same field (usage of credit card) in order to support this research study. The effort to form literature review was done by the information gathering from the internet, journals article and other sources such as past researches journals and articles that is vital to form the literature review. The purpose is to find out all the facts, data and information required to support the topic selected. Besides that, this chapter also includes the review of literature that explains the relationship between each independent variables and dependent variable. The third chapter presents the organized research methodology by explaining the research techniques used in the collection and analysis of the survey data. It includes designation framework, area of study, population sample size, data collection methods are also included, and identifying the variables that consist of dependent variables and independent variables.

Police Brutality Essay -- Policeman Violence Rights Papers

Police Brutality Government policies reflect choices made among conflicting values and many different people, groups, and institutions influence policy decisions. Police brutality is influenced by many, such as our American political ideals of civil rights and liberties, the political process in terms of the media and our political institutions, one which the courts. CIVIL RIGHTS:Whats are out civil rights and liberties relating to the public policy issue of police brutality? Our civil rights and liberties are embedded in our constitution and state religion, freedom of speech, the rights to assemble peacefully and to petition the government, the right to bear arms, freedom of the press, the rights of the criminally accused, requirement of due process, and equal protection of the laws. Among these rights and liberties, we also have the right to not be inflicted any kind of cruel and unusual punishment. We as citizens of America have many rights and freedoms, of which we exercise everyday. The police are there to ensure us these rights and to protect harm to individuals or to society. However we as citizens tend to mistake police officers for robots who entail no hatred nor prejudices in other words society forgets that are also human. Human enough to feel many different feelings, emotions and attitudes towards many different issues or even people. This is not to say that every police officer would subject a citizen towards this negative attitude but current events and statistics show that the civil rights and liberties of Americans are being challenged everyday of the hands of â€Å"our protectors†, the police. Police brutality may occur violating the rights and liberties of any individual at any given time. How... ... WORK CITED CIVIL RIGHTS The Challenge of Democracy, Janda 5th Edition P.217 Beyond The Rodney King Story, Ogletree Northeastern University Press, 1995 Violence And the Police, William Westley, The mit press, 1970 Ebonye,†How TO STOP POLICE BRUTALITY†:HNS J. MASSAQUOI,V.46 JULY 1991 P.58-60 Essence,†Up Against The Wall Black Men and Cops†:LEs Payne;v.23 Nov.1992 p.72 Essence,†The Black and The Blues†, Jill Nelson; v.29 Sep 1985 p. 91-93 Jet,†NAACP’S Wade Henderson Testifies On Capitol Hill About Police Over reaction†: v.80 May 20,1991 p.32 THE MEDIA Washington Post, Bline Harden, June 14 1997 Washington Post,Frank G. Scifidi,March 16,1998 THE COURTS The Anarchical Society, Hedley bull, copyright 1997 Maclean’s, v.28 Dec 22,1997 Maclean’s, v.27 Dec 22 1997 The New York Times, Jan 1998, v147: p A18

Lvmh and Luxury Goods Marketing

1. Bernard Arnault has built LVMH into a luxury goods empire by making numerous acquisitions. Describe the strategy is being used here? Discuss why you agree or disagree with this type of strategy. If you disagree, what alternative tactics would you use? Actually Mr. Bernard Arnault, one of the richest men in the world who took control of LVMH in 1990, has been snapping up luxury brands during past two decades one after another. He has build LVMH into a luxury good empire by conducting a selective acquisition strategy with which I agree. Now LVMH has more than 60 brands under control and is still pursuing some others including the old famous family business; Hermes. LVMH structure is made up of Wines and Spirits, Fashion and Leather goods, Watches and Jewelry, Perfumes and Cosmetics and Selective Retailing. Although some may argue that there are issues such as lack of concentration on core business thereby exclusivity and rarity which are main characteristics of luxury brands can be faded, I firmly believe that not only has Mr. Arnault saved these special features of the business and is still focused on prestige, he has improved the profitability of each division by creating synergy between subsidiaries in terms of cost, corporate and management synergy. â€Å"Synergy, in general may be defined as two or more agents working together to produce a result not obtainable by any of the agent independently. Corporate synergy occurs when corporations interact congruently. A corporate synergy refers to a financial benefit that a corporation expects to realize when it merges with or acquires another corporation† (Synergy). As result of corporate synergy and this partnership, LVMH now has a bigger market share, wider range of products and less competition because the competitors are now members of the group and are all working together in a coordinated way. On top of that, they can take advantage of the existing selective retailing outlets to differentiate their products by adding value in their offering and demonstrate them as distinctive. Also, prestige, luxury and quality associated with the brand ‘LVMH’ influences every item being presented in these shops. â€Å"A cost synergy refers to the opportunity of a combined corporate entity to reduce or eliminate expenses associated with running a business. Cost synergies are realized by eliminating costs that are viewed as duplicate within the merged entity.† (Synergy) This means reducing; promotional and advertising costs, sales cost, shipping cost, travel cost and also some managerial cost such as certain executives, human resources and head quarters office cost which finally influences companies bottom-line. â€Å"Synergy in terms of management and in relation to team working refers to the combined effort of individuals as participants of the team. The condition that exists when the organization's parts interact to produce a joint effect that is greater than the sum of the parts acting alone† (Synergy) As stated in the text of this case study,† Arnault implemented a corporate restructuring that groups the company’s subsidiaries into divisions. Previously, the heads of individual subsidiaries reported directly to Arnault; now, division heads meet with him to discuss strategy. Notes Arnault, â€Å"It’s much more efficient, because it allows us to put into practice all the synergies between the different brands in a coordinated way.† Francesco Trapani, CEO of the Bulgari Gruop, the luxury brand recently acquired by LVMH, said: â€Å"The 2010 financial results show how the Company was able to brilliantly overcome the economic slump, reaping the benefits of the efficiency and cost containment strategy and therefore becoming more solid. At the same time, the intense creative and product development activity generated an even more competitive product offer, which enjoyed great success in all product categories.† (Knowel) He added: â€Å"At this positive moment of strong top-line growth, our alliance with the LVMH Group has created new synergies that will enable Bulgari to strengthen even more and pursue its long-term, worldwide growth.† (Knowel) In conclusion, I believe that Mr. Bernard Arnault has made LVMH into the word biggest luxury brand by adopting acquisition strategy and creating cost, corporate and management synergy between divisions of the group. 2. How do LVMH executives adjust prices in response to changing economic conditions, and why? In response to changing economic conditions, LVMH executives adjusted prices in sepcific ways in each market. In Asian markets, Patrick Choel, president of the perfume and cosmetics division has increased wholesale prices in order to discourage discount retailers from selling the products to consumers at low price. Instead, he has reduced the advertising budget to offset profitability in case the company faces a decline in sales. In countries where LVMH faced currency devaluation, managers raised the price to counteract the effect of currency depreciation. In Indonesia, the chairman of Vuitton, Mr. Yves Carcell canceled the plan for opening a new store. Since Japan market is sluggish and there has not been a sign of soon economic recovery, Japanese consumers are reluctant to invest in stock market. Mr. Arnault figured out the difference between Japan where most of his business is, and the rest of Asia. He noted: â€Å"Japan is in a growth slump, but it isn’t going to have the same difficulties as Korea or Indonesia†. Japanese had not many other spending option and executives decided to raise prices at Louis Vuittons Japanese store. Also Louis Vuiton manageres has worked closely with tour operators to predict the number of Japanese tourists traveling in Asia and to Hawaii whom 75% of sales depends on. At peak of tourism, they increase the price by 10 to 22 percent to maximize profit. Furthermore LVMH took advantage of crisis by renegotiating store leases in Asian cities. In some cases, the company extended lease terms longer than before and reduced the rate by as much as one-third which resulted saving for the company. The overall result has been an increase in price and the rationale behind this decision is the fact that price perception is a critical component of luxury goods’ appeal. In fact, executives know that sales volume would decline sharply due to the effect of crisis and they have lost a big number of their customers. It is not a good time for expansion and opening new stores, so they decided to stay focused on the narrow market segment of their loyal customers. Those who still had notable disposable income shaped a niche market which was still large enough to be profitable. On the other hand, LVMH helped profitability by reducing the cost and cutting expenditures on advertisements. This was the adjustment executives made as opposed to the other alternative; reducing the price and presenting products to a bigger number of consumers. 3. Explain why some customer might think the high retail prices charged for luxury goods are worth paying? As peoples income increases, they are more willing to buy luxury goods because the demand of luxury items increase as people get wealthier. According to wikipedia.com once the consumption of luxury was limited to the elite classes which meant whatever the poor cannot have and the elite can was identified as luxury. Consumers are willing to pay high prices for luxury goods because the brand is associated with quality, durability, scarcity and beauty. In fact, consumers pay for these values that they obtain by purchasing a luxury item. â€Å"Several researchers focus on exclusivity dimension and argue that luxury evokes a sense of belonging to a certain elite group. Prof. Jean-Noel Kapferer, takes an experiential approach and defines luxury as items which provide extra pleasure by flattering all senses at once† (Luxury). Using luxury goods is a lifestyle and shows the wealth of consumer. These can also be reasons behind why some pay high retail prices charged for such items. 4. How were luxury goods marketers affected by the slowdown in tourism that followed especially after the attacks of September 11, 2001? If we take a look at marketing mix, we can see what has been affected by slowdown in tourism is place, where a good or service is presented. Luxury goods are mainly presented in duty free shops at airports, in hotels and attractive places as tourist destinations. With the slowdown in tourism, as people are less willing to travel, airports hotels and attractive places are not that busy compared to the days before September 11 terrorist attack. Even those who still travel might care less about luxury because their main concern is security during the flight and at destination. I think this is how luxury goods marketers were affected by slowdown in tourism.

Free Essays on Celia A Slave.

Moral Dilemmas of Celia, A Slave Melton McLaurin’s book Celia, A Slave is the account of the trial, conviction, and execution of a female slave for the murder of her master in 1855. The author uses evidence compiled through studying documents from Callaway County, Missouri and the surrounding area during the middle of the Nineteenth Century. Although much of what we can determine about this event is merely speculation, we are able to guess the motives that contribute to the way in which many of the events unfold. Because of the details of the trial, many of the people involved probably faced several difficult decisions that led to the outcome of the trial. During the 1850s the United States was involved in a heated debate over the issue of slavery. Many of the residents of Missouri and nearby Kansas were fighting for or against the institution of slavery. The outcome of this trial was important because it could have a tremendous affect upon the way the legal system in Missouri viewed the rights of slaves, and the ways in which they would be forced to interpret the laws of the State in regard to how they where to apply to slaves. The first of the main characters we are introduced to is Celia’s master, Robert Newsom. Mr. Newsom was a wealthy landowner in Callaway County. In 1850, after the death of his wife, Robert Newsom purchased a fourteen year old slave girl from nearby Audrain County. The purpose, as far as McLaurin can tell for her purchase was as a replacement for Robert Newsom’s wife. From the time that Newsom first acquires Celia, he begins to rape her on a regular basis. Although it was generally accepted as being morally wrong for a slave master to sexually abuse a slave, Robert Newsom seems to view her as his property, to do with as he pleased rather than as a human being. So the first of many ethical decisions is made, as Robert Newsom begins an unauthorized sexual relationship with his slave which lasts five years un... Free Essays on Celia A Slave. Free Essays on Celia A Slave. Moral Dilemmas of Celia, A Slave Melton McLaurin’s book Celia, A Slave is the account of the trial, conviction, and execution of a female slave for the murder of her master in 1855. The author uses evidence compiled through studying documents from Callaway County, Missouri and the surrounding area during the middle of the Nineteenth Century. Although much of what we can determine about this event is merely speculation, we are able to guess the motives that contribute to the way in which many of the events unfold. Because of the details of the trial, many of the people involved probably faced several difficult decisions that led to the outcome of the trial. During the 1850s the United States was involved in a heated debate over the issue of slavery. Many of the residents of Missouri and nearby Kansas were fighting for or against the institution of slavery. The outcome of this trial was important because it could have a tremendous affect upon the way the legal system in Missouri viewed the rights of slaves, and the ways in which they would be forced to interpret the laws of the State in regard to how they where to apply to slaves. The first of the main characters we are introduced to is Celia’s master, Robert Newsom. Mr. Newsom was a wealthy landowner in Callaway County. In 1850, after the death of his wife, Robert Newsom purchased a fourteen year old slave girl from nearby Audrain County. The purpose, as far as McLaurin can tell for her purchase was as a replacement for Robert Newsom’s wife. From the time that Newsom first acquires Celia, he begins to rape her on a regular basis. Although it was generally accepted as being morally wrong for a slave master to sexually abuse a slave, Robert Newsom seems to view her as his property, to do with as he pleased rather than as a human being. So the first of many ethical decisions is made, as Robert Newsom begins an unauthorized sexual relationship with his slave which lasts five years un...

Overcoming Issues In Survey Research Example

Overcoming Issues In Survey Research Example Overcoming Issues In Survey Research – Coursework Example Overcoming issues in survey research Survey research is imperative when conducting a study dealing with social issues. However, there are many considerations that a researcher needs in order to meet the goals and objectives of the study. Hence, it is critical for the researcher to know the requirements and define strategies for overcoming the weaknesses.One of the weaknesses of the survey research includes the inability of the participants to answer or respond to all the questions asked (Christian, Dillman & Smyth, 2007). Sometimes, participants or respondents fail to answer the questions in the expected manner and do not give the desired answers. It is a challenge experienced with most survey research. However, a researcher can overcome it by probing the participants or interviewees as sometimes they do contradict themselves and do not take a stand on what they believe (Christian, Dillman & Smyth, 2007). In many cases, participants ignore the essential issues required of them, hence leading to unreliability of data collected.Secondly, survey research is characterized by bias, and this interferes with the quality of data collected (Christian, Dillman & Smyth, 2007). In many cases, participants pretend and respond to the question in a way that is not natural. There is much influence since some participants exaggerate their information and others do not disclose what they know. These acts are dangerous for any study since it interferes with validity. For this reason, a researcher has a role of creating a rapport with the participants in order to open up and give the desired information required for the study. Similarly, participants consent is crucial because it makes them overcome privacy challenges.ReferencesChristian, L. M., Dillman, D. A., & Smyth, J. D. (2007). Helping respondents get it right the first time: The influence of words, symbols, and graphics in web surveys. Public Opinion Quarterly, 71(1), 113125.

Paper 2 Health Pamphlet Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Paper 2 Health Pamphlet - Essay Example AIDS has no definite cure and the world community has only been able to reduce its spread and/or reducing its effect rate on a victim already infected. For this reason, HIV/AIDS has been described as a worldwide disaster. According to National Institute of Health (NIH) (2011), as an example, more than one million US citizens live with HIV/AIDS so far. Worse still, AIDS is one of the leading killer diseases of the world (NIH, 2011). Since the disease can be controlled both medically and morally, it becomes important to let different societies know of its nature. HIV/AIDS symptoms AIDS is more of a health condition than a disease – it only destroys the immune system – and it is difficult to tell recently infected people from healthy ones. However, victims start progressively becoming weak as time goes by (NIH, 2011). Similarly, the victim’s body becomes vulnerable to most human diseases. Sooner, the victim starts getting various illnesses that do not heal easily du e to the weakened immune system. As the disease advances, each illness is manifested by distinct symptoms. In general, according to NIH (2011), early likely symptoms (2-3 months after infection) include headache, fever, tiredness and enlargement of lymph nodes around the neck and groin areas while later symptoms (4 months and more) include: speedy weight loss; constant fever; constant tiredness; prolonged and pronounced lymph glands swellings in neck, armpits and groin; constant diarrhea; sores around anus, genitals and mouth; pneumonia; blotches around major orifices; loss of memory; stress; and depression among various other neurologic disorders. Risk factors The HIV virus is found in four kinds of body fluids: semen, blood, vaginal fluid and breast milk. Activities that lead to direct contact with these fluids are the risk factors. They include but not limited to: engaging sex with multiple partners or with strangers without protection; recklessly sharing of intravenous injection equipment; having other sexually transmitted infections (for example, genital herpes, gonorrhea and syphilis among others); having illnesses such as tuberculosis and hepatitis; prostitution; and unknowingly passing HIV from mother to fetus, during birth or during breastfeeding. It is important to note that HIV virus cannot survive for too long outside the body (it is a parasite in living body cells only) and that any other activity that does not result in direct contact with infected body fluids named above cannot lead to infection at all (NIH, 2011). Quality of life Often, AIDS is mistakenly taken as a bad omen in many societies. HIV victims tend to give up their dignity and thus they mostly suffer from depression, have low self esteem, and, of course, their health condition deteriorates. This leads to poor quality of life at personal level and low life expectancy in general. However, although AIDS is an incurable condition, there are several mechanisms that are used today to redu ce AIDS effects so as to lengthen life of the victims and/or to stop the HIV spreading. These include: advising victims and their caregivers on the right diet; health education for the public awareness; use of medication such as antiretroviral drugs (ARVs) (ARVs suppress the number and activity of HIV viruses in the body); and social motivation. With proper

Report Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words - 25

Report - Essay Example In order to design the spreadsheet model, a graph of cost of silver from both companies during the month and a spreadsheet for each company. From the spreadsheet model, it is clear that the company would order silver Rookstone Company. The company is selected because of relatively low cost. The total monthly cost of silver from Rookstone Company is 113.67 while the total cost of silver from Metal Direct Company is 116.66. The graph illustrates the relationship between the cost of silver and the number of order for the two companies. For example, the cost of silver for four orders is 35.08 from Metal Direct Company and 34.18 from the Rookstone Company. The fluctuation in prices can be explained by the value added tax charged for each order. The attached file provided information in regard to dimensions, weights of materials used. The file also provides information in regard to order, total weight, cost of silver, VAT charged and total cost per month. The data provided shows that there is moderate agreement between management team opinion and industry expert opinion with r=0.5636.the number of trips is the factor which mostly influences the estimated safety when using the transport system. The relationship can be estimated using the model below; Smith and Jones Company provided data on Transport Company with respect to Transport Company which provides a Light Rail Transport system in an urban area. The company is interested to know level of agreement between management team opinion and industry expert opinion in regard to priority in spending. The company also provided survey data to investigate factors which mostly influence how safe customers feel when travelling on the service. In order to determine the level of agreement, spearman’s rank correlation coefficient is used. The options re listed and values assigned in respect to each option as per the two groups.the difference in value of opinion is obtained and then squared. Thespearman’s