Wednesday, July 31, 2019

Research Paper on the Motivations of Alcohol Consumption on College Campuses Essay

College students’ alcohol consumption has been an area of concern for universities for quite some time now. The purpose of my research is to examine the different motivations behind alcohol consumption among undergraduate students at the University of Michigan in comparison to Division 1 athletes also enrolled at Michigan. I seek to find if the stresses of balancing academics and athletics, pressure to perform, and adapting to social change effect the rate in which Division I college athletes consume alcohol compared to their non-athlete peers? Ultimately, I hypothesize from experience there to be a significant difference in the proportion of athletes who consume alcohol in comparison to both the average college student and students affiliated in Greek life. Furthermore, I believe this difference in proportion may be majorly attributed to the high commitment that comes with being a student-athlete. Research on alcohol use among athletes and non-athletes is vital in order to understand why the abuse of alcohol is on the rise around college campuses all over the nation. These two concepts are related because there may be a significant difference between athlete’s alcohol consumption and their non-athlete peers that is imperative to analyze. I want to know if the differences stem from personal motivations or if environments, for example Greek Life, play the predominant role among college students alcohol consumption. Furthermore, within the population of college students, researchers have identified the subpopulation of college athletes as being at an increased risk for heavier alcohol consumption, binge drinking, and drinking-related negative consequences (Anderson, Albrecht, McKeag, Hough, & McGrew). Based on these findings, I set out to explore what the determining factors are that could possibly make college athletes more at risk for alcohol consumption and binge drinking than their non-athlete peers. Literature Review: After analyzing several research articles I found many relevant studies that enhanced my knowledge of alcohol consumption among college students, which really benefitted my research. The first research I found pertaining to my topic was an article done by three doctors from Southern Illinois University. The journal is title, â€Å"College Factors that Influence Drinking† and it seeks to examine the aspects of collegiate environments that influence drinking, rather than student characteristics. The research method and results: â€Å"Method: A literature review of articles primarily published within the last 10 years, along with some earlier â€Å"landmark† studies of collegiate drinking in the United States, was conducted to determine institutional factors that influence the consumption of alcohol. Results: Several factors have been shown to relate to drinking: (1) organizational property variables of campuses, including affiliations (historically black institutions, women’s institutions), presence of a Greek system, athletics and 2- or 4-year designation; (2) physical and behavioral property variables of campuses, including type of residence, institution size, location and quantity of heavy episodic drinking; and (3) campus community property variables, including pricing and availability and outlet density. The overall message behind this research article concluded that there exists undeniable evidence that college students all over the nation drink often and many who drink to harmful levels. Furthermore, the study shows there is consistent information regarding the negative consequences of drinking and that there are also differences relating to housing, athletics, and Greek organization affiliation. Alcohol-Related Injury Among Greek-Letter College Students†, (O’Brian, 2013) The from the Journal of Health Psychology investigated the hypothesis that members of Greek-letter societies are the heaviest drinkers on college campuses, and experience more alcohol-related problems than their peers. The study reports the result of a web-based survey administered to college students from ten North Carolina universities. It concluded that Greek-letter status was a significant independent risk factor for increased injury on college campuses, which warrants a necessary analysis of the these factors that only seems to be increasing. A counselor in Psychology, Jacob Jones Ph. D. , at Indiana State University, also did a relevant study on my topic of college student’s alcohol consumption. His dissertation, titled, â€Å"The Risk Factors of Alcohol Abuse Among College Athletes†, investigates the relationship among alcohol use and athletic identity, competitiveness, drinking game participation, and level of sport participation. He discovered that drinking game participation is a significant predictor of total weekly alcohol use above any other predictor. In addition, he demonstrated that individuals not currently participating in sports with an athletic identity in the same range as current athletes consumed alcohol at similar rates to current athletes, thus supporting athletic identity as an appropriate way of classifying athlete status. This article included findings from a national study in 2001 that indicated that 81% of college students had consumed alcohol in the last year (Wechsler et al. , 2002). In addition, more than half of the 81% of college students who consumed alcohol were considered binge drinkers. Wechsler et al. (2002) identified binge drinking as having five or more beers in a row for men and four or more beers in a row for women. Furthermore, Anderson et al. (1991) found that up to 88% of athletes used alcohol. Researchers have compared the binge drinking behaviors of athletes and non-athletes and found that athletes consume more alcohol and binge drink significantly more than non-athletes (Leichliter et al. 1998; Nelson & Wechlser, 2001; Wechsler et al. , 1997). I will compare these findings with the data I collect with my own research to delve into the reasons behind alcohol consumption and college students. Kathleen Goodman, director of research on undergraduate education at the University of Iowa, explored the impact of binge drinking on a range of college outcomes and the effect of that relationship in her dissertation, titled, â€Å"New Evidence on the Link between Alcohol Use and College Outcomes†. Her overall results suggest that a substantial portion of college students may not be achieving many of the intended outcomes of college due to their frequency of binge drinking. She concluded that students who binge drink at any level fare worse than students who do not binge drink. This evidence relates to my topic because I want to discover why the level of alcohol consumption of college students is constantly increasing if research like Kathleen’s, and many other researchers, display the negative effects of what alcohol can do. Overall, there are many relevant research designs in Sociological studies that pertain to alcohol consumption on college campuses in the United States. As seen above, these articles adequately show that alcohol consumption is on the rise and it is a major issue that must be examined. My goal of determining if athletes are more at risk in comparison to their non-athlete peers was further developed through these five research reviews and a survey that I will be conducting. Research Design: The design of my research started to take shape when I began to operationalize my definitions of unit of analysis, independent variable and dependent variable. The unit of analysis for my research question is individual undergraduate students currently attending a four-year university. The unit of analysis could be individual students, the institution, and/or a certain category of students within the university, etc. , but I concluded drawing my sample from as many students as possible will help draw firmer statements from the data I collected. My study population for my research question consists of a random sample of all undergraduate students currently enrolled at the University of Michigan. It includes freshman, sophomores, juniors and seniors. I chose this study population because I wanted to acquire a broad age range so my sample will not end up being bias towards a certain age, which will further my analysis of the data because it will show the differences in alcohol consumption between students who are of the legal age to drink compared to students who are not legal to consume alcohol. My sampling frame for my research project consists of a random sample of Division I athletes presently enrolled at the University of Michigan who are listed on an athletic team roster and who describe themselves as â€Å"binge drinker due to personal characteristics†, â€Å"binge drinker due to environment†, â€Å"moderate drinker due to personal characteristics†, â€Å"moderate drinker due to institutional environment†, or â€Å"never/rarely consume alcohol. Furthermore, I did the same thing with undergraduate students currently enrolled at the University of Michigan who are enrolled in at least 14 credits or more. The reason I decided to only take students in my sample who are enrolled in 14 credits or more is because I want to have the least amount of bias in my sample as I possibly can. By doing this, I eliminated the concern of students having different workloads, which could have otherwise skewed my results if some students had more leisure time tha n others. I ideally wanted to research as many male athletes as well as female athletes as possible. Sample: I chose my sample based on how well of a response I got from the different groups and individuals I sent my research questionnaire to. This technique is known as quota sampling because I am basing my sample on the fact that I believe I can acquire the best proportion of male to female (athletes and non-athletes), students from different backgrounds, and values by using this method of sampling. Although I had to use a form of non-probability sampling, which is in essence not as accurate or reliable as probability sampling, I still infer that my data will be extremely useful in my ultimate goal of unveiling the causes behind alcohol consumption among college undergraduate students and that is why I chose my sample in this way. My sampling frame is different from my study population because my sampling frame is much more specific than my study population. One difference between the two is my sampling frame consists of Division I athletes presently enrolled at the University of Michigan who are listed on an athletic team roster and who describe themselves as â€Å"binge drinker due to personal characteristics†, â€Å"binge drinkers due to institutional environment†, â€Å"moderate drinker due to personal characteristics†, â€Å"moderate drinker due to institutional environment†, or â€Å"never/rarely consume alcohol† as well as undergraduate students currently enrolled at the University of Michigan who are registered in at least 14 credits or more who also describe themselves in the same manners listed above, while my study population is simply a random sample of undergraduate student—freshman, sophomores, juniors, and seniors—who are currently enrolled at the University of Michigan. Another difference is my sampling frame consists of only the participants that I chose to use for my data because I am using quota sampling for my research; this differs from my study population because my study population could be any student currently enrolled at the University of Michigan. Another difference is my sampling frame might be somewhat skewed towards individuals within the Greek Life community because these students accounted for nearly 40% of my responses. I expected to have about one hundred units in my final sample, but my response rate has proven to be better than I initially expected. After accumulating all my responses from my survey, I received 130 responses out of the 215 total surveys I sent out. This rate, known as the response rate, is calculated by dividing the total number of surveys I sent out by the total number of surveys I received. I calculated this rate to be 60. 5 percent. Moreover, evidently I received responses from a fairly good variety of subjects in my sample, which was one of my initial concerns that was alleviated once I acquired my sample. I know this is a good enough variety of subjects in my sample because, overall, I used selection bias to get as close of variation in subjects as I could. Furthermore, I received surveys from 58 females and 72 males. Of the females, 19 are associated with Greek life, 21 are listed on the roster of a Division I sports team, and 18 females are what I consider a typical college student, not affiliated with Greek Life or on a sports team. Of the males, 28 are affiliated with Greek Life, 30 are listed on a roster of a Division I sports team, and 14 are what I consider a typical college student. Furthermore, my responses are correlated this well due partially to selection bias. Additionally, I have had to discard 11 surveys I received due to response bias from students who are either not taking at least 14 credits, or students who, I believe, did not take my survey seriously. My biggest concern was how many female athletes I will be able to find who will be willing to take my survey due to the fact that I don’t have many connections with female sports teams, but my response rate for female athletes is sufficient enough for my desired research. The characteristics of my sample versus the population I want to represent are valid for my data that I will be analyzing. I have received responses from about 39. 2% athletes, 36. 2% Greek-life affiliates, and 24. 6% regular college students. Finally, my sample may be bias for a couple different reasons. I collected my data by only using one collection method and through my personal viewpoint that I believe would help me accomplish my goal of unveiling the predominant effects behind alcohol consumption. Another bias I most likely have encountered is response bias. I realize that for many college students it might be difficult to remember the exact number of alcoholic beverages one consumed on a given night. Additionally, I also must include that although my survey questionnaire is completely anonymous, most college sports teams have rules against consuming alcohol, which ultimately could make respondents reluctant to answer honestly, and therefore making my results more bias. My dependent variable is the proportion of each category of student that indeed partakes in binge drinking. I measured this by creating a survey questionnaire with many different questions that will ultimately lead me to discover if athlete’s alcohol consumption is, in fact, significantly different due to the demanding commitment that comes with a sport. My independent variable is the category that the student falls into (athlete, Greek life, normal college student). I also measured this variable by creating a survey questionnaire that I handed out to students all around the campus. I gave the survey to students in dorms, fraternity and sorority houses, at the library, in the diag, and other random students who volunteered to partake in my research. My survey questionnaire will help me operationalize my independent variable because I will include questions that will get me to the conclusion of how and why institutional environments play the predominant role in alcohol consumption among college students. Furthermore, my study enters the realm of examining what to do with the information. By analyzing the key variable of why students are binge drinking, institutions within our society can begin to formulate a plan to reduce these causes and, hopefully, reduce binge drinking in the process. Ethical Issues: My inform consent statement was included in every survey that I handed out and before the respondent started the survey I made sure they knew there was no benefit, or risk for that matter, in taking my survey. I included a description of the reasons for my survey by stating, â€Å"This is a project for Sociology 310 at the University of Michigan. The topic of my research is to discover the effects and differences of alcohol consumption of college athletes and their non-athlete peers. † Furthermore, I included a description of human subject involvement with the statement, â€Å"This survey will take approximately 10 minutes. Answering these questions will pose no risk to, nor will you personally gain benefits from the survey. † The next section of the consent from dealt with confidentiality. I informed the respondent they should not include their name anywhere on the survey and that all answers received will be completely anonymous. The final portion of the form notified the respondent that it is completely voluntary; they may stop the survey at any point that they no longer feel comfortable without any repercussions, and finally, they are not forced to answer every question on the survey if they wish not to. Data Collection Instrument: My data collection method consists of a survey questionnaire. I have chosen this method of collection because I believe the most valuable information I can acquire relating to my research question will come in the form of a survey questionnaire. I designed my instrument by producing questions I believe will help me draw conclusions about the effects and differences of alcohol consumption between athletes and regular undergraduate students. This survey is designed to better understand the consumption of alcohol among college students. Please be completely open and honest in providing information about yourself and your use of alcohol. Your individual responses will not be identified with you in any way. All answers will be combined and only overall results reported.

Tuesday, July 30, 2019

Constructive style Essay

I was kind of surprised I ranked a medium in the â€Å"constructive style† because, I treat others as equals and I feel that I deal with conflict effectively. I do understand there are areas that I need to work on to become successful in my career. I tend to be more effective and comfortable once I get t know others. I convey my liking for people because I am thoughtful and considerate of others feelings. Being this way, has worked in my favor throughout my career. I know that I also have to work on building strong business relationships in order t have better business connections and better business networking. My regulator style ranked a 97th percentile. I feel that this is totally describing me. Rules are written for a reason and if we have to change the rules for one person than you will have to do it for all. My score for â€Å"passive/defensive styles† which include avoider, insulator, regulator, and accommodator ranked in the high percentile. At first, I was kind of disappointed that I scored high in this style. However, this will put me at a disadvantage as I start pursuing towards the destructive direction since it denies me the opportunity to contribute my own views and gain acceptance. I feel at times I accommodate myself at the approval of others. Like for example, I may act differently around certain people then I would around people I feel comfortable around. I also try to maintain a sense of peace and try to smooth over any differences that the group or peers may have. I can honestly say that I try to stay away from any and every conflict if possible. My score for â€Å"aggressive/defensive style† which includes escalator, dominator, competitor, and perfectionist ranked medium/low. The escalator style I scored in the 97th percentile. I wasn’t surprised at my ranking in this field. Growing up I was spoiled as a child and I always got what I wanted. When conflicts do arise I always get very upset at first and think it’s a personal attack against me. It does have affect on my personal relationship with my boyfriend when we get into arguments. I always try to find a way to turn the argument around to make myself look good but I know this is unfortunately self defeating. I know this is probably my biggest downfall among other but I know I can improve on this in order to become successful. I didn’t score to low in the competitor field. I do see winning as an opportunity for growth and development in the business world. In my eyes, winning shows a since of respect and people will get to like you. I know this isn’t always a good thing because winning isn’t always important you can upset other people if that is your only goal. I believe that my personality is a reflection of how I was raised as a child. My parents took the time to motivate me to be the best and work hard in anything I do. I was raised with respectful values of life. Once I became an adult, those values and skills my parents instilled in me has paid off thru my work skills. Taking this LSI survey has really made me realize things I didn’t even realize before. When you see yourself on paper it puts a different perspective in your eyes. The survey has highlighted my strengths and weaknesses. There were a lot of things that were brought to my attention that I never really thought about. With the help of this survey, it has made me see what I need to work on, build upon, and improve upon. Not only this assignment, but the course itself has motivated me to utilize my traits to develop my relationships, career, professional, and personal lifestyle while continuing to direct myself on the right road to success. References: Folger, J. P. , M. S. Poole, & Randall K. Stutman. Working Through Conflict: Strategies for Relationships, Groups, and Organizations, (6th Edition). Pearson, Allyn and Bacon: 2009. http://www. colorfulleadership. info/papers/conflict. htm http://www. survey-server2. com/lsiconflictuniversity-sso/rpt7. asp

Monday, July 29, 2019

The Wise Choice Process

What is your ideal future outcome? ) My Ideal future outcome is to get my nursing bachelor degree by 2016, dive right Into my career right after I graduate, and while work as a RAN pursue my masters degree and become a Nurse Anesthetist I want to have a stable part-time job that works with my schedule, and supports me throughout my college years so that I can focus on school and not have to worry about my financial stability. Ideally, I want to control all aspects of my life, and right now I feel as though I don't have a complete grasp on what to do to better my life 3.What are my possible choices? (Create a long list of specific choices that might create your preferred outcome. Cut back on school, and spend more time on finding a Job. Try harder to find a job Find a Job, stay in school, and alleviate my stress Meditate and find ways to control my stress levels even if I don't have a job. Realize that things will get better eventually if I Just apply myself. Keep doing what I'm doing 4. What's the likely outcome of each possible choice? (If you can't predict the likely outcome of an option, stop and gather more Information.If I cut back on school, and spend more time on finding a job, it'll take me longer to finish school. It wouldn't hurt to try harder to find a Job. Finding a Job, staying in school, and getting rid of my stress would be perfect. Meditate and find ways to control my stress is what I should be doing so that I can focus on school. Realize that things will get better Is relying on time to fix your problems, In a sense. And I don't want to wait. I want It to happen now. I am not going to keep doing what I'm doing because it is not working for me. 5. Which choice(s) will I commit to doing?Pick from your list of choices in step 3. ) I will commit to looking harder for a Job I will commit to finding a Job, staying in school, and getting rid of my stress. I will commit to Meditating and finding ways to control my stress 6. When and how will I evaluate my plan? (Identify specifically the date and criteria by which you will determine the success of your plan. ) I will start making changes In my life today March 13,2012. I want things to change now. So I need to act now. If I procrastinate on changing, it'll only take those changes longer to happen.I'm tired of feeling like I have no control over my life, and Its time for me to get back that control. If I ever feel discouraged or frustrated, I will simply refer back to this Journal to encourage me to get back on track the Wise Choice Process I learned that ever problem has a solution, and its up to me to make the right choice. There are many choices I can make, but I have to weigh them and see which one is the best fit for me. Earlier in this Journal I mentioned feeling like I had no control over what was happening in my life, and learning this sis choice process inspires me to change and make what I want to happen, happen now.It feels like thoughts have been overflowing my mind. I now know that a good choice today, will lead to a better tomorrow, I have the power to choose! ‘ relearned that only we can change what goes on in our life, and I am starting my change today. It is my programming that has created my choices in the past. It is the choices that I make today that are creating the programs of my future. I need to † Listen to the quietest whispers of your mind. They are telling you the choices that will help you the most†

Nursing theories Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Nursing theories - Research Paper Example The philosophical claims of this theory are based on the facts that people or individuals must always give meaning to every experience they face in life; like in our case, we have patients in intensive care units. Their families may experience anxiety, depression and even signs of post-traumatic stress as they get worried of their loved ones in the critical conditions and sense making philosophically demands that meaning be given to this (Davidson, 2010), philosophically sense making integrates aspects of identity, retrospection and enactment. Others include; the social, ongoing and extracted cues not forgetting plausibility where an individual needs to know enough to enable them make informed acceptance hence achieve relief accumulated in them by way of fear and experienced horror (Dervin, 1983). This is the main concept behind the woman Garcia who has gone to visit their husband in the hospital ICU. It talks about facilitated sense making to help the woman avoid sever psychological outcomes of the realities that may result from the fact that the husband lies in the ICU (Davidson, 2010). The assumptions of the theory include identity and these will require the woman to define who she is because of the situation she faces as well as how and what she thinks. Retrospection comes in as the second assumption and this requires the woman to learn what she thinks looking back into their stand about the same issue earlier. Then enactment of the object in terms of making something out of the situation will be required (Dervin, 1983). This is closely linked to the socialization assumption that demands that another party within the same context must have influenced whatever someone says or believed, the talking also ought to adopt the mechanism of spread across time giving it an ongoing assumption (Brenda, 1998). In addition, the assumption of extracted cues requires that it is only a small portion of the content gets derived for public consumption and lastly we have plau sibility, this will require that Garcia knows enough of the outcomes she expects out of the situation. These assumptions are much testable since they indicate the roots of all the variations and the content of the article all indicate the aspects defined (Brenda, 1998). The definition of all the concepts explained are much consistent with the theory since the theory demands that individuals must always create a common ground for an understanding to enable them land on the position of acting with principles on grounds of information. This explains the need for through research from relevant sources of information about concepts information, which is often stored for future reference (Dervin, 1983). In explaining facilitated sense making, we would apply Roy’s adaptation model, this is a model that mainly and in most cases apply to the sense making model in the nursing practice hence the choice as illness can cause several disruptions in life which requires a period of compensat ion and hence a prospect of adaptation. Based on the duration that the compensation takes, the

Sunday, July 28, 2019

Managerial Economics Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Managerial Economics - Essay Example The trade agreements have reduced prices of goods and services of America in foreign markets and also in the home country; tariffs and taxes on these products have been eliminated to a considerable extent. Overall benefits because of globalization are numerous but the major one is surging demand of products and services along with reduction in their prices. As a result of globalization and trade agreements, foreign goods are available at cheaper prices and more American workers are losing their job as labor cost is rising at an accelerating pace. Globalization Globalization has helped in easing up trade between countries as it allows exchange of information, products, resources, services and markets at international level and gives organizations the opportunity of interacting with markets present in different countries. According to globalization theory, cited by Rogers and Hyatt (2012), there are about six processes of globalization that are dynamic and interdependent such as: 1. In crease in economic dependence across the world 2. Dramatic rise in exchange among countries on cultural, economical and resources level. 3. Breakthrough innovations in technological field allow quick access to important and new ideas and information. 4. Space and time has been compressed. 5. Institutions and events have been disembodied that allow restructuring and realignment of interaction on social level across time and space. 6. Reflexive processes have increased global consciousness. Hence, government policy makers have to take into account the factors that are impacting globalization as it has become an important part of every economy. In addition, many governments have changed their policies to support Foreign Direct Investments within their countries so that economy gets boosted (Castle, 2012). Trade Agreements – Protectionism or Deregulation Trade Agreements are being done on an increasing rate among countries to cope up with the recession that has significantly impa cted their economies. According to some researchers, Trade Agreements have helped in taking advantages of benefits being offered to each party; on the other hand, some critiques have argued that it poses threat to local manufactures and service providers (Shah, 2010). In economic policy, protectionism is used to create some restrain in trade through various measures like regulations, quotas and tariffs; it is used in discouraging certain goods imports and give protection to domestic markets as well. On the other hand, deregulation is done to have free economic activity that is free from binding rules of the state; the main idea of this attempt is to boost competition in the country (Labonte, 2010). Some critics have referred to protectionism as a barrier to free trade as it makes certain industries eligible for subsidization that means competition reduces to a greater extent as everyone is treated on an equal basis. However, deregulation allows easy trading amongst countries and mot ivates domestic producers to contribute more in its respective economy. Inflation Inflation is described as increase in price of goods and services (Amadeo, 2012). When inflation is increased, individual’s standard of living falls considerably; each dollar spent for purchasing will buy less amount of thing being bought and more money will be required to get hold of same goods and services. When the inflation is mild, it can significantly impact the economic growth of a country. Healthy economy is one in which prices rise slowly and gradually so that future increase in prices can be avoided. All government policies have to ensure that inflation is controlled so that prices of goods and serv

Saturday, July 27, 2019

Minimum Wages Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Minimum Wages - Essay Example With both the Democrats and the Republican united on the issue of increase in the minimum wage a price hike is predicted in the near future. The current price of minimum wage is likely to rise from $5.15 to $ 6.15 in a phased manner spread over a period of 2 to 3 years. There has always been a clash of interest among organized labor groups and the business community. Organized labor group call for more competitive hike in minimum wage so that the workers enjoy a marked advancement in their standard of living. The business community is apprehensive of the economic consequences of rising minimum wage. Small business fears they would face a crunch forcing them to shut down their business or discourage new entrepreneurs due the rising cost of labor. Most small business organizations are in short of finance and hence if the cost of hiring labor is more then the profit generated then the costs are cut and expenses covered by making less recruitment. The business community at large predicts that the increases in cost of minimum wage would force them to lay off people and discourage them from making new recruitments thus increasing the rate of unemployment especially of the unskilled labors.

Friday, July 26, 2019

AT&T Cooperate Social Responsibility Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

AT&T Cooperate Social Responsibility - Essay Example The current changing legal, economic, and social settings require ethics programs with the aim of protecting the corporation and its stakeholders, including customers, employees, stockholders, among others which can be achieved by proper corporate social responsibility (CSR) approaches. Corporate social responsibility (CSR) may be defined as the â€Å"legal, economic, ethical, and discretionary outlooks that society has on organizations at a given time" (Carroll and Bocholt, 36). The model of corporate social responsibility implies that organizations have philanthropic, ethical, and moral responsibilities as well as their responsibilities to make a fair return for stockholders and comply with the legal system. A traditional understanding of the corporations proposes that its principal, if not exclusive, responsibility is to its stockholders, or owners. However, CSR obliges organizations to adopt a wider view of its responsibilities which includes not only stockholders or owners, but many other communities as well, including suppliers, customers, employees, the local community, environmental groups, state and federal governments, and other notable concerned groups (Carroll and Bocholt 13). ... AT&T remains committed in making the sphere a better place by the implementation of proper corporate social responsibility, and they evidently get recognized for their corporate citizenship. At AT&T, hundreds of thousands of staffs have long held their principal value that they do not simply support their communities but they remain members of them, too. That is why for over a century, they have helped shape these communities though their philanthropic efforts by volunteerism and giving to make their people â€Å"make a difference†. For over 26 years, the AT&T Foundation remains fundamental in enriching and consolidation the diverse communities they serve. The Foundation supports non - profit organizations and programs that nurture inclusion and create opportunities for the diverse population (Carroll and Bocholt 51). AT&T diversity supplier program and its commitment to minority owned industries stand recognized nationally. The organization remains among the leading companies globally when it comes to realizing and doing business with different suppliers. Since 1968, the company Global Supplier Diversity body connects certified diverse minority, disabled and women veteran - owned business initiatives (MBE, DVBE and WBEs) businesses with opportunities to make available products and services to AT&T organization around the world. AT&T Global Supplier Diversity Program started in 1968 with the foundation of AT&T MBE (Minority Business Enterprise) Program. In addition to this MBE Program, the WBE (Women Business Enterprise) Program got launched in 1980 and the Enterprise DVBE (Disabled Veteran Business) Program in 1993. These 3 programs have enabled the beneficiaries to

Thursday, July 25, 2019

Government price analysis of direct and indirect costs Essay

Government price analysis of direct and indirect costs - Essay Example This may be affected by a number of barriers such as their identification. Many accounting analysts and auditors claim that, in particular, indirect costs cannot be identified in a direct manner. This may affect the analysis of indirect costs within the scope of sales of service or product (Ballard, 2007). Another underlying problem with the analysis of direct and indirect costs by government for pricing and taxation is the cross-sectional relationship of salaries and overheads. The relationship cannot be estimated easily until or unless financial outlook is immersed with analytical elements. These include identification of pools of rate development, weaknesses that might be identified and capital costs associated with the cost rates (Ballard, 2007). Thus, it will not be incorrect to state that every element as noted above needs to be considered during the analysis of indirect and directs costs. Considering the barriers of identification of indirect costs, it makes it complicated to estimate the cross-sectional relationship between the salaries and

Wednesday, July 24, 2019

Purchase Journal Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Purchase Journal - Case Study Example Less attention on the goods and products needed for daily use. This creates pressure on the budget and sometimes the expenditure is not well planned. If goods for day to day use are not bought regularly and in a planned way, serious problems in consumption patterns may arise. The individual has spending power, but he is reluctant to buy the food products, fruits, vegetables, detergent, etc. This may give rise to health and hygiene problems. In the case too much money is spent to buy branded goods, there will be no funds left for medical emergencies, sudden price hike, etc. The expenditure is already high, so funds are being exhausted rapidly. It is necessary to revise the present purchase pattern. If the present purchase pattern is maintained, it will simply lead to financial mismanagement. However, the problem appears to be at a preliminary state. There is too much tendency of buying expensive, branded goods (this tendency can be checked, of course). No plan for significant savings discernable. More attention is needed on the daily expenses. The daily expenses must be focused to obtain a quality diet. Bank deposits or suitable investments at small scale are a good savings option. There should be more planning for a more economic living. The plans may include proper fund allocation, stoppage of buying expensive and sometimes unnecessary goods, investment in saving scheme,

Human Dignity Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Human Dignity - Essay Example There are number of examples in the history where human dignity took priority over mishandling of humans. For example, the inhuman treatment of workers in the hands of English people made the church to take action and introduce human rights through labor unions. By this way, the human dignity became the yardstick for judging the political, moral and social aspects of a society. Nowadays the void between rich and poor is on the rise, which is contrary to human dignity. This happened due to misuse of power by the rich people. Chances of a nuclear war in different regions of the world spoiled the life of poor countries. This trend was overcome with the help of United Nations to introduce incentives and pay more attention to peaceful settlement of the human issues instead of war to restore the human dignity. Therefore, it is evident from history the human are born free and have the right to live their lives with morality and justice. Human dignity demands equal treatment of all humans in religion, sports, politics, medical and economics

Tuesday, July 23, 2019

Shark tank review Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Shark tank review - Essay Example The second entrepreneur is Dave Greco who was asking for 90,000 for a 40% stake in his company. He claims he is a successful sales man and he claims he has a solution for companies through boosting their sales through packaging the sales strategies in a mobile application. The sharks quit on the deal after finding his pitch to have many inconsistent. Mark was the only shark that had made an offer but later withdrew his offer therefore Dave was not successful. The third entrepreneur in this episode was rick smith who was offering his Vegas magic show to the sharks at 1.5m for a 20% of the company. Rick was offering a family friendly magic field show in Las Vegas. The sharks did not get convinced as they claimed his business was not unique and its market is very competitive. Based on the reasons all the sharks quit on the deal and rick walks away without a deal. The final entrepreneur is Donny McCall whose business, known as invest a rack, involved the transformation of a pickup truck in about 30 minutes to a larger cargo carrying vehicle. He was asking for $100,000 for a 10% stake in his company. Sharks claim that he should get into distribution and go oversees to cut cost therefore all sharks quit on the deal. On season 3 episode 3 the first entrepreneur is Travis Perry business was a two month program that allowed people to learn how to play the guitar through the a chord cuddy. The sharks are very impressed with idea. Travis asking price was 10% stake for a $125k in the company.

Monday, July 22, 2019

Legal and Ethical Implications Essay Example for Free

Legal and Ethical Implications Essay In the classroom there is responsibility and duties for the teachers, students, as well as the parents. These responsibilities help the classroom to run smoothly and they help to build a well-managed classroom. Of those responsibilities teachers, students and parents need to understand legal and ethical issues in classroom management. This paper will discuss two articles and address the legal and ethical issues for classroom management. It will address how the articles relate to the rights and responsibilities of students, teachers, as well as the parents. Lastly, I will discuss how each article will make a difference in the way I will manage my classroom in the future. Article One: Untangling Legal Issues that Affect Teachers and Student Teachers This article discussed legal issues and focused on child abuse, safety in the art room, freedom of expression and religion, and special education and how these topics affects art teachers as well as student teachers. From the article I learned that the Tenth, First, and Fourteenth Amendments hold significance for educational law in the Unite d States. Next, from the article I read that it is required by law that a teacher reports child abuse. The article defined child abuse as a non-accidental, patterns of injuries, sexual abuse, neglecting treatment, physical or mental injuries, or mistreatment of a child under the age of eighteen (Untangling Legal Issues that Affect Teachers and Student Teachers, 2009, page 48). Child abuse is a federal crime and teachers could be held responsible if they don’t report it. If it is not reported a teacher can receive a misdemeanor and the penalty could range from spending time in jail to being fined. Safety in the art room is another topic discussed in this article. From the article I learned that a teacher could be held liable for injuries if the injuries are found to be negligent. An example of a negligent injury is teacher not demonstrating to students the proper care and handling of materials and tools. Art teachers should not assume that materials are safe and they should send out permission forms that let parents know what material students will be working with, have parents lists their contact information, and any know allergies the child may have. The article states that the art room should be set up properly, hazardous materials should be labeled, and teachers should lock up hazardous materials. This article discusses how children with exceptional needs cannot be excluded public education. Also, I read in the article about freedom of religion and how teachers cannot preach their beliefs in school nor have religious conversations with student and I read how students have freedom of expression but it is the art teacher responsibility to make sure the students art work is displayed in a way that is appropriate. Then the article goes into detail to discuss the liability of student teachers. From the article I read that student teachers are responsible for the same duties as full time teachers and the liability is the same as also. After reading this article it has impacted how I will manage my class. It made me realize how important it is to get to know all of my student and their parents, how to pay careful attention to my students, how to set my classroom up appropriately, and make sure I demonstrate how to use materials appropriately. It definitely made me realize the importance of freedom of expression and religion. I will respect all my students and never try to force my religion on them. Also, I will report child abuse if I see it. I didn’t realize how important all these things were but this article made me aware and my outlook on classroom management is differently. When managing my classroom I will make sure it incorporates all these things like freedom of expression, religion, and I will make sure the classroom is set up in a way that I am able to monitor my students for things like child abuse and to make sure they use certain materials appropriately. Article Two: Using Time-Out Effectively in the Classroom In this article it discusses how to use time out effectively and how it could lead to legal problems if used ineffectively. From the article, time out is defined as a procedure or form of punishment where students are denied access to all opportunities for reinforcement and it is used when inappropriate behavior is displayed (Using Time Out Effectively in the Classroom, 2007, page 60). Time-out has been used by many teachers to address inappropriate behaviors in the classroom. There are four different types of time-out and they are: inclusion time-out, exclusion time-out, seclusion time-out, and restrained time-out (Using Time-Out Effectively in the Classroom, 2007). Inclusion time-out involves removing the reinforcement from the student. Some variations that involved in this type of time-out are ignoring and removal of materials. Exclusion time-out is when the student is removed from the enhancing setting that caused the behavior. Exclusion time- out requires a student to be removed from instructional activities. Restrained time-out which is the most preventive form of time-out requires both a restraint and restriction. Restrained time-out is when the teacher places the student into a time-out position and maintains the student and position using physical restraint (Using Time Out Effectively in the Classroom, 2007, page 62). Isolation time- out better known as Seclusion time-out involves the teacher removing the student from the classroom and places them in a room or assigned area where he or she is restricted from leaving until they serve their time in this area. From the article I read that time-out becomes ineffective when typical pitfalls include classroom environments that are insufficiently reinforcing to the students or when time-out procedures lose their punishing qualities and take on reinforcing qualities (Using Time-Out Effectively in the Classroom, 2007, page 62). Also, I read over some recommendations on how to make the classroom reinforcing, use effective teaching strategies, how to come up with a time-out plan, and how to develop a hierarchical behavior management plan. I learned that we as teachers should be trained in methods of controlling behaviors. I learned some ways time-out is used inappropriately. For example, a teacher used it for a mild behavior. By doing this it could result to legal problems. After reading this article it has definitely changed my view on how I will manage my class in the future. When I manage my class, I plan to apply time-out effectively and use it in a way that is appropriate and will reduce the misbehavior within the student. Next, I will make sure I develop a hierarchical behavior management plan as well as a time-out plan so that the behavior and time-out is managed properly. Next, I will document when I use time- out which includes important information like the student name, date, behavior, duration, etc. By doing this, this can assist staff in determining if time-out was effective an d this could reduce chances of legal problems. I will make sure I establish a time out policy and I will go over this policy with my students on the first day of school and send a copy home to the parents to make sure they understand the time-out policy. Conclusion There are many responsibilities for parents, teachers, and students when it comes to managing a classroom. Teachers need to make sure they take the proper precautions and follow the state laws and schools policies when managing a classroom, and students need to make sure they understand the rules, policies, and procedures in the classroom. Also, parents need to be notified of these rules, policies, and procedures. Understanding and communication needs to co-exist between parents, students, and teachers so that legal and ethical issues don’t arise. References Bain, C. (2009). Untangling legal issues that affect teachers and student teachers. Art Education: TX. Katsiyannis, A., Ryan, J., Sanders, S., Yell, M. (2007). Using time-out effectively in the classroom. Teaching Exceptional Children 39(4), 60-67.

Sunday, July 21, 2019

A Business Plan For Nivea For Men Marketing Essay

A Business Plan For Nivea For Men Marketing Essay Mens grooming industry is one of the fastest growing markets in recent years (Euromonitor International: Mens Grooming Products Thailand, 2009). This sector is dramatically booming in Asian countries, especially Thailand. One of the leading brands in mens grooming market in Thailand is NIVEA FOR MEN brand, operated by Beiersdorf Thailand, which is selected to be the case study in this research. To be the leading brand in this fast growing industry, NIVEA FOR MEN needs to create business plan with a very strong strategic marketing plan. In general, a business sets the overall direction for the company through a business plan. The business plan is created in order that the goals and objectives of the company are to be achieved. In other words, goals and objectives of a business are the underlying foundation of the business plan (The times 100, 2008). The marketing plan is certainly a vital part of the business plan and plays active roles to achieve the targets. The strategic marketing planning process flows from a mission and vision statement to the selection of target markets, and the formulation of specific marketing mix and brand or product positioning objective (RESTREPO, N.A.). Moreover, Kotler (1994) presents the organization as a value creation and delivery sequence. To choose the value, the strategist needs to proceed to segment the market, select an appropriate market target, and develop the offers value positioning, which is known as a vital strategy of Market-oriented perspective. It seems to be unavoidable that Beiersdorf Thailand has to come up with the marketing strategies to penetrate and to be the leader in mens grooming market by doing the right segmentation, selecting the best-suited target markets, and creating the competitive brand/product positioning. In sum, the formula of segmentation, targeting, positioning, STP strategies, is the heart of strategic marketing (Kotler, 1994). The literature review is divided into two main parts. The first part focuses on the previous work on market-oriented approach, as opposed to resource-base view perspective. The second part covers the relevant work on the process of segmentation, targeting, and positioning as well as implementation of the marketing strategy. Part 1: Market-oriented perspective and Resource-based view perspective Part 2: Three essentially related topics Market Segmentation Market Targeting Market Positioning Part 1: Market-oriented perspective and Resource-based perspective This part will specifically study on market-oriented perspective, which underlies a market power imperative, through previous academic research. There are many studies about the implication of resource-based view and market-oriented perspective for a company to be successful in terms of profitability. Also, there are discussions about what perspective is the appropriate one. According to Porter (1991), a successful company has to use market-oriented approach to study the external market and then apply to internal resources. Market orientation , according to Kohli and Jaworski (1990), requires various departments in an organization to engage in activities geared towards developing an understanding of customers needs, and then develop the products to meet target customers needs (Hooley et al., 2008). In addition, Porters (1991) work relies heavily on the pursuit of advantages which are determined by firms exogenous variables that require analysis of the competitors and opportunities in the market. In Porters (1991) theory of competition strategy, he stated that the competition strategy of a firm is to seek an advantageous competitive position in the marketplace or to build up a profitable market position by drawing on varieties of factors that are critical to being competitive in an industrial sector. Following the Porters work, a recent research from Ren, Xie, and Krabbendam (2010) also studied the sustainable competitive advantage with the market-oriented perspective, which covered market innovation. Their work strongly supported the use of market-oriented perspective, with the conclusion that market-oriented approach can lead companies to success and gain more profits. Additionally, they suggested that companies analyse various marketing factors to discover new competitive advantages in order to achieve marketing innovation. However, Prahalad and Hamel (1990) and Sharkie (2003) undertake different perspective by arguing that external focus, in the view of market orientation, which requires the company to concentrate on conditions and constraints in the external environment cannot create competitive advantage for a company. Nonetheless, the resource-based view approach is believed to somehow lead to competitive advantages as it suggests that a firms unique resources and capabilities provide the basis for a strategy. In a previous study, Grant (1991) proposed a practical framework for resource-based approach to strategy formulation. The organizing framework for his study is a five-stage procedure for strategy formulation which are 1) analysing the firms resource-base, 2) appraising the firms capabilities, 3) analysing the profit-earning potential of firms resources and capabilities, 4) selecting a strategy, and 5) extending and upgrading the firms pool of resources and capabilities. Ren, Xie, and Krabbendam, (2010) had a reservation on the use of resource-base view, explaining that resources would contribute to sustainable competitive advantage just when a firm possesses valuable, scarce, inimitable and irreplaceable resources. They stated that in the real world, not every company has the resources with all of those characteristics (Ren, Xie, and Krabbendam, 2010). Part 2: The Process of Segmenting, Targeting, and Positioning 2.1 MARKET SEGMENTATION 2.1.1 Definition of Market Segmentation Market segmentation is defined as the division of a mass market into identifiable and distinct groups or segments, each of which have common characteristics and needs and display similar responses to marketing actions (Rosscraig, 2007). As the market consists of diverse types of products, customers, and personnel needs, the marketers should divide the market into distinct group of buyers in order to appropriately determine which market segment offers the best opportunity for achieving company objectives. Perner (2008) indicated that it is very unlikely that one product could meet the satisfaction of all consumers. In this perspective, a company which chose to focus on a specific group of consumers rather than customers in general would be more successful in terms of profitability. Dibb (1998) suggested that companies divide large markets into smaller segments in order to identify customers purchasing behaviors. Furthermore, Brassington and Pettitt (2003) also suggested that marketers find ways of breaking the market down into manageable parts, groups of customers with similar characteristics in terms of commonly used classifications to measure demographics, which include socio-economics, geographic and personality, and to concentrate their efforts on selecting one or more of these areas. While various literatures stated that it is essential to consider the market segmentation, MC Donald (1998) argued that market segmentation always faced the problem that many different types of customers used the same products in diverse markets. It meant that these different types of customers were in fact subsumed under the same category. Besides, Moschis (1997) also stated the problems of segmentation that the demographics change and the aging of the population change were significant factors that affected the age composition of the consumer market. Day and Wensley (1983) criticised that the market segmentation relating to the consumer market sector alone was not sufficient as it generally reflected the one-sidedness of marketing. The competitive structure was to be taken into account as it yielded the basic information on segment formation. The research from Day and Wensley (1983) concluded that the formation and selection of segments could be improved if theoretical aspects of competitor orientation are included. Dibb (1997) outlined three condition classifications which help identify potential consumers in each segment; those are as follows The expected benefits must be identifiable; Having identified these benefits, marketers must divide people into recognisable segments; One or more of the resulting segments must be accessible to the firms marketing efforts. 2.1.3 Segmentation Variables/ Market Segmentation in Consumer Markets To segment consumer markets, the market information, in terms of customer variables, product variables, and situation related variables, must be collected for further analysis. In the study of The Application of Social Class in Market Segmentation, Carman (1965) stated that social class was a major segmentation variable to divided customers into groups. However, later on in 1994, Raaij and Verhallen argued that social class cannot be used as a main segmentation variable as the society had become less vertically organised with more buying power across larger layer of society, and also concluded that social class concept had lost its unique segmentation value. They claimed that other demographic variables, such as age and education, and other psychological characteristics were more appropriate for segmentation. Raaij and Verhallen (1994)s research studied the market segments and types of people as target groups for marketing activities; market segmentation is then classified into three main levels according to the level of generality of the variables which were general, domain-specific, and brand-specific levels (figure [2-1]). Level of Variable Objective Subjective General (behavioural patterns: Person characteristics) Age Income Education Behavioural patterns General values Lifestyle Personality Domain-specific (product-class usage) Situation Frequency of use Substitution Behaviour Opinions Perception Attitude Domain-specific values Brand-specific (brand-usage) Brand loyalty (behavior) Frequency of use Action Brand Loyalty (attitude) Preference Evaluation Purchase intention Figure [2-1]: Classification of Segmentation Variables by Raaij and Verhallen (1994) However, in the late of 2000s, Rosscraig (2007) suggested that media usage and technology usage could be a concern of market segmentation approach (See Appendix [2-1]). He stated that the variables used in segmenting consumer markets could be broadly divided into three main classes including: Profile criteria: Background customer characteristics Psychological criteria: customer attitudes Behavioral criteria: Actual behavior in the market place (Figure [2-1]). Consumer Criteria Profile Psychological Behavioural Demographic Socio-economic Geographic Who and Where Lifestyle Personality Perceptions Attitudes Motives Benefit sought Why and Who Purchase/transaction Consumption/ usage Media usage Technology usage Who, How, Where, and When Figure [2-2]: Segmentation criteria in consumer markets Profile Criteria With respect to profile criteria, customer characteristics are to be examined with isolation from the specific market of interest. The profile segmentation criterion is used for identiflying the target consumers and in the consumer goods markets which are most suitable to them (Rosscraig, 2007). According to Rosscraig (2007), this simple segmentation variable includes using demographic method, socio-economic method, and geographic method. Demographic method can be determined by age, gender, ethnicity, nationality, religion, family size, generation, and etc. This method is useful in assisting media planning and marketing communications as the media selection criteria have been developed around these variables. Socio-economic method can be shaped by occupation, income level, social class, and education. Socio-economic status determines whether a consumer will be able to afford a product. Geographic location method is shaped by geographical areas; markets can be considered by country or region, by town or size of city, by population density such as urban, suburban, or rural areas, or by postcode. This approach is useful when there are clear location differences in tastes, consumption, and preferences. Moreover, this method is widely applied with direct sales operations as they can use census information to develop better customer segmentation and predictive models. The profile segmentation approach is criticised in respect of uncertainly. While one segment is based on consumer background characteristics, members of each variable may behave differently in the marketplace for various reasons while members in the different segments may seek for the same things and have the same interest in a particular product/brand (Hooley et al., 2008). In shorts, this type of segmentation variable describes who and where the consumers are, but it does not explain the basic reasons why consumers behave so. Psychological Criteria The psychological criteria draw a casual relationship between customer profiles and marketing behavior (Hooley et al., 2008). The psychological variable includes the characteristics of attitude of the customers. Attitudes to the product class and attitudes toward brands in the market have both been used as productive bases for market segmentation (Hooley et al., 2008). According to Rosscraig (2007), psychological variables used for segmenting consumer product markets include using attitudes and perceptions, lifestyle of consumers, and the types of benefit sought by customers from products and brands and their consumption choices. The use of attitudes and perceptions aims at identifying segments of respondents who view the products on offer in a similar way (Green et al., 1989). Consumer lifestyles segmentation is based on the analysis of consumers activities, interactions with others, and opinions to understand consumers individual lifestyles and patterns of behavior (Hooley et al., 2008). In 2003, Taylor Nelson Sofres (TNS) developed a UK Lifestyle Typology based on lifestyles and classified the following types of lifestyle categories which are belonger, survivor, experimentalist, conspicuous consumer, social resistor, self-explorer, and the aimless (Rosscraig, 2007). The most important benefits of consumer lifestyle research are for guiding the creative content of advertising (Hooley et al., 2008). The main idea of the benefit segmentation is that the company should provide customers with exactly what they want, based on the benefits that they derive from the products that they use, not based on how the company designs products for them (Rosscraig, 2007). According to Hooley et al. (2008) benefit segmentation tells the basic reasons why customers buy the products and why customers are attracted to the product offerings. Holley (1982) also suggested that the development in techniques of analysis make them particularly suitable for identifying benefit segments (Hooley, 1982). Overall, segmentation on the basis of psychological yields more useful basis for marketing strategy development than merely consumer profile characteristics (Hooley et al., 2008). It gets closer to the underlying reasons for behavior of consumers, so it should be used as the basis for segmenting the market (Hooley et al., 2008). However, there are some major drawbacks of Psychological segmentation techniques, one of which is that this techniques require often costly primary research and sophisticated data analysis techniques (Hooley et al., 2008). Behavioral criteria Doing segmentation on the basis of the behavior of consumers in the market is the most direct method of segmenting markets. Behavioral segmentation includes purchase behavior, consumption behavior, media usage and technology usage (Rosscraig, 2007). Purchase behavior approach concentrates on the time of purchase which is early or late in the products overall life cycle, and the patterns of purchase which is the identification of brand-loyal customers. This approach could concentrate on innovator segmentation, concerning with initial purchase. Marketers will pay high attention to innovator groups when new products are launched. Innovators as initial target segments can improve the products chances of acceptance on the market (Hooley et al., 2008). In addition, brand loyalty has been widely used as a basis for segmentation, concerning with the repeat purchasing (Hooley et al., 2008). A company may segment a market on the basis of how often a customer uses its products, categorizing these into high, medium, and low users, by usage rate (Rosscraig, 2007). The examination of usage patterns and volume consumed can pinpoint where to focus marketing activity and can be used to develop service specifications or marketing mixes for each of these groups of users (Hooley et al., 2008). Cook and Mindak (1984) have shown that product and brand usage has a major advantage over many other situation-specific segmentation variables as it can be obtained, in case of many consumer products, from secondary sources. It is very essential to understand and profile audience media usage in the process of communication planning (Chatterjee, Hoffman, and Novak (1998). Since 1950s the information of media consuming, such as television viewing, radio listening, and print reading, have been continuously collected. And in more recent years, web usage data has also been collected by market researchers to help profile web users, basing on usage characteristics (Rosscraig, 2007) (See Appendix [2-2]). Furthermore, according to Olney, Holbrook, and Batra (1991) and Holbrook and Gardners (1993), duration of use is critical measure of consumption experiences and is a useful behavioral indicator of advertising effects (See Appendix [2-3]). By following this method of segmenting, marketers can observe the behavior of consumers while utilising the products and media, and this segmentation can be used as an important source for new products ideas, new product design, and product development (Rosscraig, 2007). Additionally, marketers can then create appropriate communication themes for product promotion and can specify new markets for existing products after having the right behavioral segmentation. In recent years, behavioral segmentation has become more popular as marketers tend to study the consumers media usage and technology usage in order to further create successful advertising campaigns. To support this, it was asserted by Advertising.com(TM), Inc., a leading provider of results-based interactive marketing services to advertisers and publishers, (2004), that behavioral segmentation helped improve advertising campaign performance by revealing that targeting campaign delivery based on real-time user behaviour increases advertisers ROI by reaching the audience segments most likely to respond to an ad message. Moreover, Hallerman (2004), a senior analyst at e-Marketer, a New York-based research company, stated that the logic behind behavioural segmentation and targeting gets to the heart of the internets potential as an advertising medium. His opinion is hereby quoted: In todays world of audience fragmentation, its much more effective to reach individuals not by abstract demographics but through their actions online. 2.1.4 Segmentation in Male Grooming Products According to Mintel (1995), a study about mens toiletries industry, male grooming products and toiletries is a fast growing industry. In 1980s, the market of male grooming products started to be segmented with the development of products types, including male body spray and shower cream (Sturrock et al., 1998). According to Sturrock et al. (1998), in 1998, the market of mens products were divided into different categories of products based on consumers needs and uses, including body sprays, deodorants, mens shaving, fragrances, shampoo, shower cream, etc. Dunn (1995) and White (1995) studied characteristics of men who use male grooming products and concluded that men used grooming products as they want to increase self-care practice and self-concept. Moreover, Langer (1986) has prior stated that using mens grooming products helps encourage a concern to stay attractive. For consumer products, Milner and Fodness (1996) has done a research on product gender perception and concluded that specific gender of the products is critically important to the consumers when deciding to buy a particular product. In the segmentation process, Milner and Fodness (1996) claimed that gender is the first segmentation variable that most marketers apply for consumer products. The reason behind is that both men and women want to use the products that were specifically made for them. According to Milner and Fodness (1996), many consumers clearly are psychologically uncomfortable using products which do not seem made for them. Therefore, many companies, particularly manufacturers of consumer products, divided consumers into segments by using gender variables. In skin care industries, products are conventionally made for women. However, in the post modern era, a lot of skin care products are launched to serve male consumers (Sturrock et al., 1998). The products for male consumers are launched as a result of segmentation strategy which companies divide its consumer market into two broad categories, male and female markets. The benefit sought variable is also one of the best ways for companies to segment its market. This statement is supported by Kotler (1997) and Wedel and Kamakura (1998), stating that the real features of products have been considered the most actionable bases for segmentation. It is critically important that consumer products must offer real benefits to users to create product positioning (Blythe, 2005). In men face care market, companies and brands always divided consumers segments based on products features. For example, NIVEA FOR MEN offers wide ranges of facial cleansers with benefits of whitening, oil-control, wrinkle protection, refreshing skin, and moisturizing effects (Nivea Website, 2010). Loreal Men Expert offers benefits for facial cleansers which are whitening, anti-tightness, anti-fatigue, pure matte oil control, anti-regreasing (Loreal website, 2010). There are some researches showing that competitive brands have similar ways of segmentation (Dawes, 2006, and Fennell et al., 2003). In other words, competitive brands often appeal to consumers who have similar demographic or psychographic characteristics. Moreover, Ehrenberg et al. (2004) supported this statement by stating that different brands in the same product category tend to offer a similar range of product variants. 2.1.5 Loyalty Segmentation and Relationship Segmentation A focus on Loyalty segmentation provides strategic and tactic insights that will assist in building a strong brand (Aaker, 1996). It is necessary to build customer loyalty as it is a key success of growth for a business (Crosby et al., 2004). By having loyalty segmentation, a company can learn more about the profiles of loyal customers, and this leads to the focus at the highest value segment (Markey et al., 2007). Crosby et al. (2004) stated that the purpose of the loyalty-based segmentation is to seek to address the managerial questions as follows. Who are the most/least potential customers? How can customers be segmented according to the types of relationships they would like to have with the product/brand/company? Which loyalty segment should be targeted? What changes are required to instill the highest levels of loyalty among the targets? Crosby et al. (2004) affirm that loyalty-based segmentation is the complement of existing segmentation frameworks and it can also be used to discover new segmentation frameworks by starting with customer loyalty research. According to Aaker (1996), in focus of the loyalty segmentation, a market can be divided into the following groups. Non-customers: those who buy competitor brands or not product class users, Price switchers: those who are price sensitive, The passively loyal: those who buy out of habit rather than reasons, Fence sitters: those who are indifferent between two or more brands, and The committed: those who are committed to the brand, or a loyal customer. Loyalty segmentation can be very successful when the company can increase the number of customers who are not price switchers and who would pay more to use the brand while the fence sitter and the committed should be critically managed (Aaker, 1996). Especially in high competitive markets, companies should exercise best efforts to enhance the loyalty of the fence sitters and the committed by developing and strengthening the relationship between customers and the brand (Aaker, 1996 and Drypen, 2010). Research from Raaij and Verhallen (1994) indicates that the company should also segment its market by loyalty segmentation method. The results of the research shows that the company should move customers from the lowest level of loyalty pyramid which is overall total potential customers to the highest level which is the heavy buyers. The major marketing strategy is to increase the frequency and intensity of their purchases and to take measures to maintain customers for as long as possible (Raaij and Verhallen, 1994). This also highly relates to the relationship marketing which develop relationship between buyers and brand to stimulate purchasing. 2.2 MARKET TARGETING 2.2.1 Definition of Targeting The next step of the market segmentation in STP process is market targeting. It is the process of determining which segments should be targeted and made the focus of a comprehensive marketing programme. Moreover, in the process of market targeting, a group of customers are identified for whom the offering should be right, and to whom firms will direct the majority of its marketing resources, time, and attention (Cahill, 1997). Choosing the target market, before creating positioning and marketing mix, is a part of developing effective marketing strategy. In order to target the right group of customers, the firm has to study the needs and buying behaviours of customers in each segment. Then the firm will be able to develop marketing strategies that suit requirements of each segment. According to Cahill (1997), a target market is simply the market of submarket at which the firm aims its marketing messages. By specifying customer targets, the company will also know which segments are not the target groups so that the company will not make special effort to serve them. Cahill (1997) said that market targeting is essential because it forces the company to focus at the customers and the markets by determining the best fits between target customers and the product offerings. Kotler and Armstrong (2001) suggested that a firm make the decision how many and which segments to target in their market positioning and its decision should be based on a clear understanding of companys resources and capabilities, nature of the competition, and the characteristics of the market. The company should evaluate market segments by first collecting and analysing data on current segment sales, growth rates, and then determine which segment can constantly enable the company to receive the greatest opportunities in terms of profitability and market demands in order to target main customers. However, Wright (1996) denied statement of validity of market targeting by claiming that there was no logical reason to adopt target marketing. Wright and Esslemont (1994) studied the logical formulations of the target marketing argument and summarised that target marketing did not necessarily give the best overall market response and also does not constantly give superior return than other approaches such as mass marketing. The two main targeting strategies are suggested by Dibb (1997). They are concentration strategy, and multi-segment strategy. Concentration strategy is defined as a process that a company manages its marketing efforts towards a single target. When targeting to one single segment, a firm can better satisfy target customers needs and requirement. However, this strategy is not always effective and the company may face business failure if target customers demand for the products decline or shift to other segments Multi-segment strategy is described as a strategy that a company directs its market efforts towards two or more market targets. The company should then develop appropriate marketing mix to suit each type of target groups, by all together considering product diferrentiation, target price, distribution method, and promotional strategies. In brief, the step of the selection of the potential target market is very critical in creating and developing comprehensive marketing strategy. The robust competitive positioning will then be developed after the market targets are clearly identified and the requirements and motivations are fully examined. 2.2.3 Doing Targeting in Different Market Environment Marketers have to decide whether to target single segment or multiple segments in the product market; there are several factors affecting the managements targeting strategy decisions, including stage of maturity, industry structure, companys capabilities and resources, and opportunities for gaining competitive advantage (Cravens, and Piercy, 2009). The maturity is used as a basis for considering different targeting situations; the market target strategy will be varied in each market environment or stage of product-market maturity. Four different product-market stages, closely related to product life cycle (PLC) stages, include emerging product-market, growing product-market, mature product-market, and declining product-market. The strategists can use product life cycle model to analyse the maturity stage of the products and also industries in order to develop the strategies that should be implemented. Growing product-market Source: Spencer (2009) According to Cravens, and Piercy (2009), segments are likely to be found in the stage of growth in the product life cycle, as identifying customer segments with similar value requirements improves targeting. In growth stage of product life cycle, consumers tend to gain awareness of products and to understand the benefits of the product, and company will likely to expect a rapid sales growth and will also try to build brand loyalty and increase market share (Spencer, 2009). High growth markets is very attractive, therefore it can attract a lot of competitors who want to compete for market shares. Cravens, and Piercy (2009) revealed their finding about the market structure that at the growth stage, existing companies tend to enter new product-market as they have capabilities and resources to support the market entry,

Saturday, July 20, 2019

Improper Waste Disposal Effects of

Improper Waste Disposal Effects of This research paper explores about waste management and effects of improper waste disposal. This paper defines and elaborates the importance of having waste hierarchy or the 3Rs (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle) as the concept of waste management. In the resource article, they define waste management as recycling and monitoring of waste products. In other resources, they have the same definition. It also tells about the proper way of doing of waste hierarchy by giving examples. Different types and forms of waste are indicated in this paper. According to some articles that were read, human activities are the main cause of the calamity in our country. Ignorance of people brought large amount of garbage to our place. And since effects of improper waste management is the main topic, it gave emphasize to those effects according to the resource articles. Effects to humans and environment are cited in this paper. Proper waste management is not just doings of government for us but we are also assigne d to do it inside and outside our place for our safety. Each and every one of us must have sense of responsibility in terms of garbage disposal to prevent any disaster that might come. WASTE MANAGEMENT Waste Management refers to the recycling, processing, transport, assortment, and monitoring of waste products. The waste products are mainly of three types: solid, liquid or in gas state. Solid waste is known as non-biodegradable waste Materials and discards that come from sources like: Households Businesses and Commercial establishments Manufacturers or Industrial sites Biomedical sources like hospital and clinics. For Example: plastics, Styrofoam containers, bottles, cans, papers, scrap iron, and other trash Solid wastes are generally composed or made of non-biodegradable and non-compostable Biodegradable materials. What is Pollution Caused by Solid Waste? Solid waste pollution caused when the environment is filled with non- biodegradable and Non- compostable biodegradable waste that is capable of emitting greenhouse gases, toxic fumes, and particulate matters as they accumulate in open landfills. These waste are also capable of leaching organic or chemical compositions to contaminate the ground where such waste lay in accumulation. Solid wastes thrown in streets, highways, and waterways can cause pollution when they are carried off by rainwater run-offs or by flood water to the main streams or drainage, as they contaminating residues will reach larger bodies of water. Liquid waste is waste in liquid form. For example: Domestic washing, chemicals, oils, waste water ponds, manufacturing industries, hospital waste, agricultural waste, nuclear waste and other resources. What Is Pollution Caused by Liquid Waste? Cause by flows out as waste waters from the toilets, kitchens and bathrooms of residential houses, toilets and canteens of commercial establishments. Such wastewater is termed as sewage. (Pongrà ¡cz, 2002) Concepts of waste management Human activities also donate to increase the waste. Different process are used to handle each state. There are lots of concepts about waste management which differ in their usage as per the varying regions or countries. Some of the widely used concepts include waste hierarchy: reduce, reuse, and recycle. II. STATISTICS OF WASTE PER DAY According to MMDA Chairman Francis Tolentino, they have collected over 1,000 tons of garbage in just 4 days. They have dredged 1,200 tons of garbage from the eight creeks that scope of their flood control management. The highest volume of garbage according to them came from Pinagsabugan and Longos creeks in Malabon. Its about 76 over 173 truckloads of waste. Imagine the volume of garbage in just only eight creeks. How about the total of volume of waste in the Philippines? In just statistics, we can see what calamity it can cause when these garbage are not being collected. III. FORMS OF WASTE There are two forms of Garbage: Bio-degradable and Non- Biodegradable. Biodegradable is known as materials that decompose through by of bacteria, fungi, and other living organisms. In everyday living substances that are biodegradable or can be degraded include food refuse, dried leaves, grass clippings, woods, animal, human flesh and others. Non-Biodegradable is materials that do not decompose or cannot be degraded for so many years. This form of garbage is the main reason of the clogging of drainage. Waste Hierarchy is the only way to avoid these: reduce, reuse, and recycle. Common examples of non-biodegradable garbage are plastics, bottles, old machine, cans, Styrofoam containers and others. Most plastics are made of petroleum-based, meaning they are made from oil and other petroleum substances. Until recently, plastics have been non-biodegradable. IV. SEGREGATION OF WASTE Segregation is specifically separation of garbage according to their groups. It is easily for them to manage the recycling process of the garbage. This way the waste hierarchy is needed, the 3Rs (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle). The first R is reducing. Waste reduction is conservation- using natural resources in right manner, and using things less than they usually do to avoid large amount of waste in future. They can practice reduction of waste through buying products that do not need to be added to waste stream in general. They can start making wise package selection. Second R is for reusing. They can reuse materials from their original form rather than throw it. They may not cost much to replace, but at least, number of waste will be decreased. Instead of buying new durable materials (washing machine, dryers, refrigerator, etc.) when the old one breaks or damaged, why not repair? Or maybe they can give it to those who can use it. Most of the times the item can be repair by those people. That is also form of reusing. New is not always better, nor it is always necessary. They can save money and they will be helping their environment. Last R stands for recycling. Do not just toss everything in the trash. Lots of things such as cans, bottles, paper, and cardboard can be remade into either the same kind of thing or even new products. Making new items from recycled ones also takes less energy and fewer resources than making products from brand new materials. There is nothing wrong with it. Recycling is not impossible. In fact, it is very easy to do. Do not throw anything that can be recycled. Here is a list of things you may be able to recycle: Writing/Copy Paper Glass (particularly bottles and jars) Cardboard Electronic equipment Glass (particularly bottles and jars) Magazines Metal Newspaper Steel Cans (Rudnitsky..nd) Grocerys Plastic Bags Plastic Bottles Paper Aluminum cans Damaged or corroded roof VHS tapes Old toys (you can donate it) Tires Car battery Scrap wood or furniture They can use their imaginations in order to create new usable materials. There is so much we can do with every little effort. And most important, we can save ourselves and a lot of money when we are at it. Determine the things that must be reduced, keep those can be reuse, and set aside those can be recycled. In that case, we can avoid so many disasters that might come. V. CAUSES Contributing causes of improper waste management are: Ignorance: Ignorance of people about proper waste disposal. People are unaware of consequence of their unwise acts. Laziness: Can cause improper garbage disposal because People not following the correct rules of proper waste disposal their always throw it what place they want and they have no care what will be the effect of it. Greed: Can cause improper garbage disposal for example burning of tires of wheel and plastic instead of keeping it or trade the excess automobile car tires to maximize on it. VI. EFFECTS OF IMPROPER WASTE DISPOSAL Affects our health Like lung diseases, Heart problems, skin irritation, problem or abnormality in breathing and more. Affects our coastal and marine environment Hazardous waste, if dumped into the environment, leeches into the ground and the ground water. The ground water is used for lots of things you may not realize, like watering the local fields, which grow the food people eat. And worst part is most communities get their drinking water from down there, too. Like in marine environment improper waste disposal can affect too like floating of contaminated killed fish in the sea and due to excessive excretion of the sea can be infested by mosquitoes that may scattered to numerous diseases in humans and can cause death of hundreds of people living near it like Manila bay. Affects our climate As some waste decomposes, it releases greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. Like trapping of heat on earth that may effect of abnormality of weather condition like more storm or typhoon coming per year is happening until now. The earth is suffering it already. Air pollution The open burning of waste causes air pollution or greenhouse effect. For example burning of rubber and plastic. Landfill gas (which is produced by the decomposition of wastes) which can be explosive and may harm people around on it if it is allowed to accumulate in confined spaces (such as the cellars of buildings). Methane gas (one of the main components of landfill gas) is much more effective than carbon dioxide as a greenhouse gas, leading to climate change that may effect of destruction of atmosphere of the earth or abnormality of weather condition. Fires on disposal sites can cause major air pollution, causing illness like cancer and reducing visibility or may lead in eye irritating thus making disposal sites dangerously unstable. May cause explosions of cans, and possibly spreading to adjacent properties. Soil contamination Soil contamination is caused by the presence of man-made chemicals, the softness of the ground, having smelly soil vapor and other alteration in the natural soil environment. This type of contamination typically arises from the leaching of wastes from landfills or incorrect disposal of industrial wastes to the soil. The most common chemicals involved are petroleum hydrocarbons, solvents, pesticides, lead and other heavy metals. Human Health Impacts The group at risk from the unscientific disposal of solid waste includes the population in areas where there is no proper waste disposal method or no proper disposal area, especially the pre-school children; waste workers; and workers in facilities producing toxic and infectious material. Other high-risk group includes population living close to a waste dump and those, whose water supply has become contaminated either due to waste dumping or leakage from landfill sites. Infections to humans Skin irritations and blood infections resulting from direct contact with waste, and transmitting bacteria from waste to infected wounds. Eye irritations and respiratory malfunctions resulting from exposure to infected dust, especially during the process of disposing garbage. Pest and Insects that carry bacteria comes from dirty waste: a. Flies breed in some constituents of solid wastes, and flies are very effective vectors that can spread disease to humans. b. Mosquitoes breed in blocked drains and in rainwater or dirty seas that is retained in discarded tires, cans and other objects. Mosquitoes spread disease, including malaria and dengue that killed thousands of people in every year. c. Rats find shelter and food in waste dumps and canals. Rats consume and spoil food and can damage the crops of farmers or crops of people that have business on it, spread disease, damage electrical cables and other materials and inflict unpleasant bites to humans. (Sisa,2009) VII. CONCLUSION It is very sad to know that many lives have been sacrificed because of these calamities that have come. Many places in the Philippines are down to flood every time when typhoon comes. And worst, a large number of families have lost their shelters and have nothing left for them. Their wealth was ruined by those storms, floods, etc. We are experiencing very hot weather because of greenhouse effect and global warming. Many kinds of diseases occur because of untidy surroundings. Others can no longer smell the breath of fresh air. All of these are the effects of improper waste management. There are still many of them actually. Imagine a single piece of candy wrapper can cause a flood to a certain area when you throw it anywhere and others do it also. One car can cause air pollution for it emits smoke. A single lighted cigarette also will do. Dynamite fishing can not only kill fish and corals, but also those who will eat it because of the chemical came from the dynamite they used. These ar e all cause by human activities. And now they are asking themselves why it is happening to them? Others have the guts to accuse our government for poor response. How pathetic! Yes, our government has their own failures but they are not only the one to blame. Ask yourself first how much waste you throw anywhere you want before blaming others. Only immature people will think that they are innocent on what is happening to our country in terms of improper waste management. Proper waste management can be successfully done not only by the program of the government. We can also do it inside and outside our place. If we know how to use it by the concept of waste hierarchy, fewer problems will be encountered. Stop barking at the people and do our thing first. The cleanliness and orderliness of our country is in the hands of every Filipino. Let be our doings be the model of proper waste management.

Brutus Cassius is the Hero in Shakespeares Julius Caesar :: essays research papers

Julius Caesar is a liberal play, for it has three heroes, Caesar, Anthony and Brutus, of whom Brutus is the most large souled and sympathetic.(Mary McCarthy’s Theatre Chronicles 1937-1962) The play Julius Caesar by William Shakespeare focuses on two dimensions of Roman history. The first dimension focuses on Julius Caesar and his rise to dictatorship. The second dimension focuses on Julius Caesar’s assignation and the revenge that his taken to avenge his death. Most scholars and critics of the play have focused on Caesar or Brutus has the hero of the play. This is due to the fact that the events surrounding the play are centered on Caesar the great dictator, his assignation making him the hero. On the other hand the play could also be said to be centered on Brutus who is a character that is internal turmoil makes him the center of attraction torn between the love of a good friend and the love of Rome. Most persons however over look a very important character that one does not get to see his character and greatness until the last part of the play, this character is Anthony. Anthony could also be looked at has the plays hero. A hero can be defined has as a person admired for courage, nobility or a person who exploits especially in the case of a war. Caesar, Brutus and Anthony are heroes of the play Julius Caesar they are only, just given different moments to shine. Each character has a specific time in the play where they are highlighted and seen has a hero in some extent or form. In the book Shakespeare’s use of Learning by V.K. Whitaker what Shakespeare sources develop has fact he in his play develops a hypothesis. In righting the play Julius Caesar Shakespeare turned to many historical documents has his sources. However in the play out of attempt to make the characters not only great men and leaders of Rome but real people with weaknesses and strengths. He alters the recorded history and makes events and characters more enticing to the audience because they are characters, persons can relate to. This is why the image of large souled and sympathetic could be a characteristic derived form Brutus by writers such as Mary McCarty. Julius Caesar his held in very high esteems by Shakespeare. Brutus Cassius is the Hero in Shakespeare's Julius Caesar :: essays research papers Julius Caesar is a liberal play, for it has three heroes, Caesar, Anthony and Brutus, of whom Brutus is the most large souled and sympathetic.(Mary McCarthy’s Theatre Chronicles 1937-1962) The play Julius Caesar by William Shakespeare focuses on two dimensions of Roman history. The first dimension focuses on Julius Caesar and his rise to dictatorship. The second dimension focuses on Julius Caesar’s assignation and the revenge that his taken to avenge his death. Most scholars and critics of the play have focused on Caesar or Brutus has the hero of the play. This is due to the fact that the events surrounding the play are centered on Caesar the great dictator, his assignation making him the hero. On the other hand the play could also be said to be centered on Brutus who is a character that is internal turmoil makes him the center of attraction torn between the love of a good friend and the love of Rome. Most persons however over look a very important character that one does not get to see his character and greatness until the last part of the play, this character is Anthony. Anthony could also be looked at has the plays hero. A hero can be defined has as a person admired for courage, nobility or a person who exploits especially in the case of a war. Caesar, Brutus and Anthony are heroes of the play Julius Caesar they are only, just given different moments to shine. Each character has a specific time in the play where they are highlighted and seen has a hero in some extent or form. In the book Shakespeare’s use of Learning by V.K. Whitaker what Shakespeare sources develop has fact he in his play develops a hypothesis. In righting the play Julius Caesar Shakespeare turned to many historical documents has his sources. However in the play out of attempt to make the characters not only great men and leaders of Rome but real people with weaknesses and strengths. He alters the recorded history and makes events and characters more enticing to the audience because they are characters, persons can relate to. This is why the image of large souled and sympathetic could be a characteristic derived form Brutus by writers such as Mary McCarty. Julius Caesar his held in very high esteems by Shakespeare.

Friday, July 19, 2019

Future of Svalbard :: essays research papers

Recently, a lot of focus has been drawn towards glaciers, and how they may change due to global warming, and in turn, affect the rest of the world around it. Svalbard is one such place with many glaciers, in fact it is comprised of about two-thirds glacial landmass. With such a high amount of land covered by glaciers, and with the ever-increasing risk of global warming, how would Svalbard change with the combination of these and many other factors? Although the rest of the world is worried that with global rising, temperatures will continue to get hotter, Svalbard is likely to suffer exactly the opposite fate. Initially, it will become warmer, but this heat will gradually melt the many ice caps and glaciers found around Svalbard. The freshwater released from these huge sources would slowly change the mindscape immediately around it, with the effects it has on the environment spreading out to affect more and more areas. Firstly, the landscape around would be dramatically eroded. Whereas a glacier pushes out of the way objects in its path, and erodes the surrounding area through a combination of ablation, plucking and freeze-thaw, the glacier itself commonly hides the features it creates, but when the glacier melts, features such as cirques, horns, arà ªtes, hanging valleys and waterfalls can be seen. Also, the melt water would itself cut a small v-shape in the base of the U-shaped valley created by the glacier. The stones in the river, and deposition would cause this. Lateral and terminal moraines would also be created after the glacier deposits some of the rocks and dirt that it will have picked up as it moves. The freshwater from the glaciers would run eventually to the sea, causing sea levels to rise, and also reducing the levels of salt found in the sea. This is in fact disastrous for thermohaline circulation, which carries warm currents to Svalbard from The Gulf Stream, and takes cold water back around to e warmed again. The cold water travels back along the surface of the ocean bed around America, because it has sunk near Svalbard. It sinks due to the levels of salt here. The addition of salt makes the water heavy, dropping to the bottom. When the added glacier water reduces the salt levels, it would, in effect stop thermohaline circulation completely. This would mean that, eventually, warm places would get even warmer, without the cooling sea water, and Svalbard would get even colder, without Gulf Stream water warming the East side of the islands.