Do Men make Better managers than Women? Essay

Only in the last century have more esteemed jobs been allocated to women, in light of the women-rights movement. Even though pay between men and women is still unequal and gender discrimination at the workplace is still imminent, the improvement in the opportunities of women to maintain high ranking jobs in the last century has been drastic. However in certain occupations, such as that of the manager, inequality is even firmer, as shown in studies detailing the sex ratio of managers (Vinniecombe and Colwil, 1995). This phenomenon does not advise that men are more suitable managers, as women are especially disadvantaged in more commonly masculine workplaces, like a managerial role. Rise to new managerial styles and a decrease in prejudice towards women may even prove women to be the more effective managers, or at least equally effective, as men. When it comes to the occupancy of the manager, Women are still more unlikely to hold the position than in other relatively higher job positions, with only about 10 % of management positions in Europe being held by Women, further of those the grand majority lie in the lower management ranks (Vinnicombe and Colwill, 1995). The implication of these figures are either that discrimination is rife in the world of management, or that the qualities that are commonly regarded as necessary for a successful manager are mostly masculine characteristics, including â€Å"drive, objectivity and an authoritative manner† (Wajcman, 1998 pg 55). Therefore it would seem that men have a natural advantage to being a strong manager. Nonetheless, in recent times certain developments in organization theory, including human resource management and Japanese management have indicated that a more effective management needs a â€Å"softer edge and a more people-orientated approach† (Wajcman, 1988 pg 55). The main characteristics of women are commonly seen as â€Å"affectionate, helpful, friendly, kind soft-spoken, sympathetic and gentle† (Barreto, Ryan and Schmitt, 2009 pg 23). Thus, this new concept of a productive manager would pertain more to women. However, as mentioned before, the ratio of female to male managers in lower management positions is still dramatically unbalanced, with higher management positions being only very rarely awarded to women, with an average of 5 % in Europe; even only 2% in England, (Vinnicombe and Colwill, 1995 pg3). This imbalance suggests that the traditionally ideal masculine manager approach is still preferred by the majority of firms and unfortunately only government enforced â€Å"Equal opportunities action plans† have really made a significant difference in the sex ratio of managers. These positive action initiatives have been launched by several countries in the last few decades, as for instance Denmark in 1989 which found that it made a two percent increase in female managers over the course of a year, (Vinnicombe and Colwill, 1995). Hence without the aid of government policies, it will take extremely long for women to be equally represented in managerial roles. That the traditional masculine view of the manager is still vastly more popular than the newer managerial perception which would be more suitable for females, is not only shown by the stagnant change of the gender representation, but also by the characteristics of the few females who hold top managerial positions. Whilst high ranking male managers behave in accordance to the stereotypical male traits, women who have made it to the top mostly act in their profession in a masculine manner, almost indistinguishable from their male counterparts ((Wajcman, 1998). Thus, the few Women who have made it to the manager positions have intentionally acted in a masculine manner in order to succeed (Wajcman, 1998). This indicates that the contemporary feminine managerial style has only been implemented extremely rarely, and that in the extensive majority of cases in order to maintain a top ranking manager position one must exert masculine characteristics. Research shows that this feminine approach, also referred to as â€Å"transformational leadership style†, is often more useful than the traditional management style, especially in firms with more feminine employees (Barreto, Ryan and Schmitt, 2009). The fact that the feminine managerial style is thus by many regarded as at least as effective as the traditional style, if not more, yet still barely ever used seems to lie in the explanation of prejudice and discrimination. Tragically, prejudice and discrimination effects equality in the workplace in exponential ways, from the very choice women make when choosing a career, such as being dissuaded from a manager career as it is seen as a masculine position, to the fact that many firms want a man as a manager as they fear a woman may not be treated with the same respect and authority from the employees (Barreto, Ryan and Schmitt). Such prejudice and discrimination cannot simply be vanquished through stricter discrimination laws, the only truly effective mechanism until now has been positive action initiatives by Governments, which for instance in Scandinavian countries has dramatically increased the representation of Women in management(Vinnicome and Colwill, 1998. In theory, women are at least equally suitable for the role of a manager. Sadly in practice women are at a disadvantage in attaining any management position, and once that position is maintained women have a much harder time being an effective manager. The reason for this is a lack of respect of some subordinates who don’t see a woman as enough of an authority. Though woman can be just as effective managers as men, ingrained prejudice and discrimination, affecting how a female manager is seen and treated by her subordinates, may make her less of a successful manager. If women will be more common in manager positions, over time people will get used to a female manager and the prejudice and discrimination will most likely decrease. Thus positive action programs by governments, may be essential to decreasing prejudice and discrimination and making it possible for women to not just theoretically be equal or even better managers than men, but also in practice.

A Study of the Cambridge Faculty of History Building

A Study of the Cambridge Faculty of History Building The Faculty of History edifice at Cambridge was the 2nd of legion university edifices designed by James Stirling. Working in partnership with James Gowen, Stirling’s foremost University undertaking, the Department of Engineering at the University of Leicester encompassed four interesting design brief judicial admissions, two of which appear to hold exerted some influence on the external visual aspect and design composing of the Faculty of History edifice at Cambridge. For the University of Leicester undertaking, laboratory work infinite was required to be flexible with respect to constellation in order to run into the altering demands of experimentation and research lab work, a construction was required capable of lodging a H2O armored combat vehicle for hydraulic intents at a tallness of 100 pess above land degree, direct sunshine was to be avoided due to instrumentation sensitiveness, and eventually, exposed concrete could be used as a seeable exterior coating. Harmonizing to John Jacobus, the result is a â€Å"form that is rich in coloring material and surface, but its forms are ne'er gratuitous, and, what’s more, none of them looks notional, in malice of their freshness. It is a functional edifice that looks functional, a factory-like research lab and schoolroom edifice which gives every visual aspect of being merely that ; a mill for survey ( but non, decidedly, an instruction mill ) ( footer: 1964 April: Technology Building, Leiceste r university by James Stirling ( Leicester, UK ) by John Jacobus, Architectural Review, 28 March 2011 ) . The design brief judicial admissions with regard to exterior finish and the restriction on direct sunshine resulted in extended usage of north confronting glassy facets surrounded by and juxtaposed against visually dominant ruddy brickwork consisting full lifts, a bold horizontal facade organizing exterior facing for the high degree country suiting the H2O armored combat vehicle, and, multiple narrow perpendicular columns. Although strikingly different in result, one can non assist pulling analogues between the Leicester and Cambridge edifices and reasoning that some inspiration for the Cambridge edifice was drawn from Stirling’s first University design authorization. Both edifices portion huge sweeps of glass interrupted by ruddy brickwork that creates a powerful yet heavy statement. Stirling and Gowen parted company station completion of the Leicester undertaking, go forthing Stirling to finish the design and compete for the Cambridge authorization without any design burden associated with partnership for his concluding competition entry. The design of the Cambridge edifice was completed in 1963 with Stirling emerging as victor of the design competition. Following a re-orientation of the proposed edifice from a Southwest to a Southeast facing way, building commenced in 1964 and was concluded in 1968. The edifice is situated on the Sidgwick site and houses the Seeley Historical library. In supplying a on the job infinite for up to 300 people, every bit good as a little figure of computing machines, it is one of the largest libraries belonging to the University of Cambridge web of libraries. Once in usage, assorted defects both in footings of design and building item came to visible radiation. Practical defects included thermic public presentation associated with individual tegument glazing and roof escape. Argument environing the edifice centred on map versus signifier and for many regular users, the library was regarded as a infinite non suited to work within. In 1984, about 16 old ages after gap, the History Faculty was at hazard of destruction before a determination was made to modify the bing edifice in order to continue the successful elements of the edifice whilst rectifying those facets regarded as flawed. In this survey I will be concentrating on the exterior design of the History module, and how some of Stirling’s design picks impact the experiential quality of the library. The Faculty of History edifice can be regarded as the Centre of the Sidgwick site as it is situated at an intersection point, with multiple tracts meeting on it. Consequently, the edifice has four chief entrywaies, with one at each corner. Since the edifice is approached and discernible from assorted waies as a consequence of being sited at an intersection, the overall ocular facet, presence and exterior quality of the edifice are of great importance. One drawback of being sited at an intersection is the presence of other edifices. With the History edifice surrounded on all sides by other edifices, it is unable to maximize its standalone individuality every bit good as its ability to come to life during two of the most inspiring light facet periods of the twenty-four hours. While environing edifices are all within close propinquity to the History Faculty, none of them are of great tallness, which does travel some manner towards cut downing their intervention with sunshine and their ability to supply distraction versus the centerpiece. Nevertheless, the History building’s inability to bask uninterrupted exposure to direct sunshine at dawn and sundown oes non let the edifice to bring forth the maximal impact of direct utmost ague angle sunshine on the edifice. Full exposure to near horizontal sunshine would bring forth all possible results associating to the contemplation and refraction of sunshine. For the bulk of perceivers, this hindrance will non be given great consideration as the library clears at 9a m, by which clip the Sun is high plenty in the sky for the edifices South of the History Faculty non to move as a barrier. Additionally, the lowest of the surrounding edifices is positioned on the west side of the library therefore understating the sum of clip lost to sunset light effects generated by the edifice. At its most basic degree, the edifice is composed of two primary signifiers ; a huge, individual storey country, triangular in program which is set within an L-shaped multi-storey construction. The Seeley library occupies the individual floor infinite, which is unfastened to all members of the university, while the multi-storey construction provides offices infinite, meeting suites and talk suites for staff and pupils of the History section. The overall signifier is successful as it allows the library to be placed at the bosom of edifice supplying both ocular and physical benefits. The edifice has a strengthened concrete frame with a steel roof supplying structural unity while the outside is clad in stretcher bonded ruddy brick and exhibits non-structural patent glazing. This method of adhering provides a ocular uniformity and repeat that emphasises the separate elements of the edifice together. The huge bulk of the edifice is in fact glazed, which provides superior degrees of natural light interior and creates an interesting visual aspect on the exterior through the contemplations that vary harmonizing to both the clip of twenty-four hours and conditions conditions. Similar to the masonry, the glazing is unvarying in its clear divisions of panels, giving the glass a presence while staying visually lightweight. The primary stuffs seeable on the inside are pigment and tile. Harmonizing to Stirling this combination produced an aesthetic that could be likened to a Television Studio ( commendation needed ) . The most impressive characteristic of the edifice is it’s tiered, pitched, glazed roof that covers the cardinal reading country of the library. The design is symmetrical along its short axis, as can be seen when sing the edifice from the sou'-east. From this peculiar point of view it could be argued that glazing is overused and that the inclusion of more ruddy brick, peculiarly towards the base of the edifice, would hold created a more grounded aesthetic with better balance. While the roof successfully manages natural visible radiation in the library country, there is a ocular struggle between the masonry and the library roof. Puting the visually heavy and baronial ruddy brick cladding against the weightless glazing seems to propose a cardinal desire to make a strong contrast between different parts of the edifice. However, the roof is really heavy in its angular and over defined signifier. It is likely that the edifice would hold benefitted from more nuance in this country. Another of import external characteristic is the buttress-like signifier of the multi-storey, L-shape portion of the edifice. Not merely is it visually attention-getting, it besides creates a sense structural surety and foundation that is absent from other countries of the external design. This signifier determines and articulates the plan for the edifice ; the smallest suites, situated on the top floor can merely be occupied by offices, while the larger suites on the lower floors can be used as meeting suites and for talks as the infinite permits. One facet of the outside that detracts from the ocular impact of the edifice is the big raised platform adjoined to the north frontage. The platform is by no agencies redundant as it provides an entryway to the edifice and entree to the roof leting for care. However, its inordinate size means that most of the infinite is presently disused. One possible betterment, capable to structural capacity, would be to make a insouciant outdoor siting country. This is something that the Sidgwick site presently lacks and by virtuousness of being on a raised platform would help in making a clear differentiation between the formal working infinite and an informal community infinite. In the initial designs the glassy library roof faced southwest. However, due to limitations sing the land ownership, the full edifice had to be rotated 90 grades towards the E. As a consequence, the multi-storey construction covers portion of the library roof in shadow during the afternoon. Clearly this has a negative impact on the lighting of the library in the afternoon and resulted in inordinate thermic addition during the forenoon. Interestingly, no changes were made to the building’s design to counterbalance for the alteration in orientation. Had there been no ownership limitations the library would hold enjoyed natural visible radiation until well later in the twenty-four hours, which would hold been a discriminatory result topic to satisfactory thermic provisioning. Upon come ining the edifice it becomes evident that the library is set below land degree, this design pick has both its advantages and disadvantages. Students working in the library can profit from both high degrees of privateness and an absence of oculus degree distraction ; the below land degree facet eliminates all mode of communicating with those outside the edifice. One possible negative result of the below land agreement is the deficiency of outward ocular facet for those passing drawn-out periods of clip in the library. Without the copiousness of natural light deluging in from the glassy roof, this infinite could hold been at hazard of being a cheerless environment. The working country of the library is arranged as a radial in forepart of a raised response country. This provides those working at response with an unobstructed position of the library, hence leting easy monitoring of library users and discouraging any actions that are non suited within the library. This determination to put the library below land degree, combined with the floor to ceiling glazed facade gives this portion of the edifice an uneasy natation quality, as the burden bearing wall back uping the glass and the construction above is non seeable from the exterior. Possibly Stirling was seeking to make the feeling that the glass provides the structural support, when this is clearly non possible. Additionally, positioning the library below land seems to dispute the extended execution of glazing, the intent of which is to convey natural visible radiation into the library. This is a minor ailment as there is no existent deficiency of visible radiation in the library. An facet of the edifice that I peculiarly appreciate is the contemplation of the exterior signifier on the inside layout. This is most prevailing in the library, where the L-shaped construction forms the boundary of the cardinal reading country and the tabular arraies and bookshelves follow the signifier of the glassy roof construction that sits straight supra. This gives the edifice a great sense of coherency and makes the passage between interior and exterior infinites really natural. The cardinal reading country of the library can trust on natural visible radiation depending on the clip of twelvemonth for the bulk of its 9am-7:30pm gap hours, all because of the roof. At an angle of about 40 grades the roof Lashkar-e-Taibas in far more light than standard perpendicular glazed facades with solid roofs. Such designs cut down the angle of light incursion and hence the distance that light penetrates into the edifice. Internally, the roof has a bed of clouded glass ( ? Clouded glass or blinds? ) . This helps to administer the visible radiation equally, in add-on to forestalling blaze, which can be a major distraction in some on the job environments. By cut downing the strength of the light ‘hot spots’ are less likely to happen within the library. The enormousness of the cardinal infinite in footings of ceiling tallness and floor country along with the controlled natural visible radiation and impersonal internal ornament strategy provides a really comfy working country where there is no sense of enclosure or oppression. The visible radiation from the roof and the environing glass facade besides permeates countries of the library environing the Centre. These countries provide extra infinite to read and analyze, every bit good as lodging the library’s aggregation of books. When compared to the cardinal reading infinite, these countries have low ceilings with no natural visible radiation from straight above. While natural light alone is non sufficient in these countries really small unreal lighting is required to make suited on the job conditions during the lightest hours of the twenty-four hours. However, early in the forenoon and tardily in the afternoon well higher degrees of unreal lighting are required. While this can be considered a defect from an energy ingestion position, it does supply users with a different experience and while some may prefer the copiousness of natural visible radiation in the sweep of the cardinal reading infinite, others may prefer the combination of natural and unr eal visible radiation offered elsewhere within the edifice. The Faculty of History edifice excels on a figure of degrees, yet basically fails from a ocular point of view. Its combination of ruddy brick and huge glassy frontages is unusual and therefore attending grabbing. The design contradicts itself in some instances, the most detrimental of which is the visually heavy and angular roof. Interestingly, the roof is really effectual when it comes to the proviso of natural lighting for the library and helps to make an appealing internal infinite. However, the fact that the cardinal and dominant external characteristic of the edifice fails in its external ocular entreaty dramatis personaes uncertainty over the overall success and design of the edifice.

Psychologists and Jury Selection Term Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Psychologists and Jury Selection - Term Paper Example The researcher states that in case such as Bruno Hauptmann, there could be strong public mood against the accused which could influence the jury to convict the innocent. Here, the jurists’ personality characteristics and traits might play an important role. In a media intensity society, it is particularly true as it often wages psychological wars to mobilize public opinion over what it considers as truth. The trial of O. J. Simpson was characterized by ‘continued media interest and public fascination with his actions and statements. The belief that â€Å"he got away with murder† even led to proposals to reform and restrict the jury system’. The certainty necessary to punish nay accused could be accumulated by the jurists based on their prejudices and worldview. Most importantly, according to Greene et.al, ‘truth is elusive, and in the legal system, all truth seekers are subject to human error, even though the system seems to assume that they approach infallibility. The failure to achieve perfection in our decision making will become evident as the steps in the trial process are reviewed’. Jury sentiments are directly a product of jurists’ opinions, attitudes and beliefs. Attorneys have two options for selecting new juries. First of all, a panel of prospective jurors need to be identified which is known as venire. Secondly, ‘a process known as voir dire is employed to question and select the eventual jurors’. It involves every jurist telling truth about himself/herself. This process naturally involves elimination as the jurists who hold biases over a particular case are dismissed from the trial. Only the ones who hold a free mind and free from limitations are selected. There is a difference between judges’ decisions and Juries’ decisions. It has been found that â€Å"citizens believe a jury decision offers more procedural fairness (greater thoroughness, better representation of the commun ity, fewer personal biases affecting decisions) than a decision by a judge†. Jury sentiments are the major cause for the discrepancies in the judicial verdicts. In their famous survey, ‘Kalven and Zeisel, after reviewing the multitude of discrepancies, used this term to cover all trials in which, in the judge’s view, the jury’s verdict was detrimentally determined by factors beyond the evidence and the law’. Especially in victimless crimes, there could a stronger tendency for sentiments towards the culprit. In some cases, if the case gets more social importance through media intervention, the number of jurists may be relatively high. It is very difficult even to keep the jury selection procedure just as it would involve discrimination against minority religions, races, nationalities and other cognizable groups.

Mid3 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Mid3 - Essay Example This was swiftly followed by the addition of Florida as a slave state (Brinkley, 440). Additionally, the US-Mexican war was potentially provoked during Polk’s presidency, as they were already annoyed by the annexation of Texas. He was also interested in purchasing Baja California and New Mexico, which was seen as an insult and the Mexicans felt disarmed by this new president and his choices (Brinkley, 443). Polk himself provoked the war, using the new Texas-Mexico border as justification. The US-Mexican war was another provocation towards disunion because many of those living in the Southern states and former Mexican territories were in support of the war, but those living in the north felt it to be unnecessary. Ulysses S. Grant felt the war to be immoral, which suggests the position of many of the Northern Whigs. At the time, there was mounting tension about a number of issues in the U.S. which eventually led to a break-up of the Union between 1848 and 1861. Slavery was a gro wing concern, with many slave-owning states being concerned about the lack of economic security that would come from abolition, and those in the north feeling slave ownership to be immoral. Millard Fillmore became the last Whig president. Fillmore hated slavery but enforced the new Fugitive Slave Law, which meant that many African Americans were being arrested and had to escape to Canada to escape slavery (Brinkley, 425). The Whig party was also affected by many of the developments at the time, as they felt offended by the compromise of 1850, and there was a divide in the presidential candidate backed by Southern Whigs and Northern Whigs. This dissent in the party ranks eventually led to the dissolution of the Whig party, and is the reason why Millard Fillmore was the last Whig president. Additionally, Pierce was elected President by the majority but is widely acknowledged to be one of the worst U.S. presidents in history (Brinkley, 424). He attempted to save the Union by backing pr o-slavery sentiments, which makes him unusual for a Yankee. He signed the Kansas-Nebraska Act drafted by Illinois Senator Stephen Douglas, allowing the people of all Western Territories to vote whether or not to permit slavery (Brinkley, 426). This meant that there could be a change in the divide between pro- and anti-slavery states in the United States, starting a period of intense turmoil. It is important to note that slavery was not the only important aspect of the break-up of the Union, but is a major contributing factor to a number of problems that were occurring across the new continental United States, which was growing in size. Part TWO: The Civil War: In what way did the Confederacy embody Calhoun’s version of Jeffersonianism? In what way did the Union under Lincoln embody the Whig/Republican version of Hamiltonianism? How did Lincoln turn the war into a Second American Revolution? Why were Antietam, Vicksburg, Gettysburg and the election of 1864 important? How and w hy did the Union eventually prevail? The Confederacy was born out of several states, started by South Carolina in 1860, declaring their independence from the United States as it was (Brinkley, 451). There were several issues that led to this disillusion, one of which being slavery. The Confederacy can be said to embody Calhoun’s version of Jeffersonianism by promoting minimal government, preventing the use of tariffs and funding public works. This is in stark contrast to Hamiltonianism and many of the elements of the United

Harassment and Bullying when using Email, SMS, Facebook in Workplace Research Paper

Harassment and Bullying when using Email, SMS, Facebook in Workplace - Research Paper Example This study also denotes employers’ inadequate capacity to deal with cyber bullying due to constant evolution of communication platforms and sensitivity of intertwined political and personal issues, particularly in regard to social networking and instant texting. Nevertheless, the paper denotes measures, guidelines and standards that can be adopted in a work environment to curb cyber bullying and bolster a firm’s productivity. Bullying at the work environment is not a new phenomenon. However, following the continued advancement of technology, and particularly in digital communication, bullying is adopting new platforms. For instance, employees if not properly managed can easily convey negative messages about their co-workers via email, short message service (SMS) and other social media conduits like Twitter and Facebook. With the current levels of development, malevolent gossip regarding an employee can be transmitted to others across the internet within an instant, thus reaching a broad audience not just within the organization, but to external targets as well. Such hurtful, and most often false rumors, can adversely affect the subject’s working capability, reputation and even his or her future career. It is also crucial to note that any person can post the negative comments online and once this is done, it is difficult to dispute the information or even remove it. Another noteworthy aspect is that, cyber bullying is not limited to conventional working places and work hours. This is because of the rise in number of laptops and other mobile communication gadgets, such as internet enabled phones and computer tablets (Privitera and Campbell, 2009, pp. 398-400). As a result, cyber bullying traverses the physical and time limitations of an ordinary workplace, and workers can post negative messages even in the comfort of their homes. Failure to address cyber bullying at the workplace would lead to the unnecessary loss of productive employees, hen ce inability to utilize social media to foster the organization’s performance. Cyber Bullying Incidences The conveyance of negative information within or outside the workplace, by employees with malign intent has led to the increasingly worrying cases of cyber bullying (Hinduja and Patchin, 2007). Outlined herein are some of the most common forms of employee harassment via the internet and other contemporary communications channels: Conveyance of spiteful or intimidating SMS communications or emails to a certain worker’s cellular phone or computer address, respectively. Electronic or mobile communications, which are characterized by unpleasant content like explicit pictures, comments or jokes that seek to mock an individual’s religion, sexual preference or ethnicity. Mobile or electronic messages which seek to provide feedback or propose correction to a certain person, with the sole aim of demeaning the individual or shaming him or her publicly. Malevolent or me nacing comments regarding a particular person put up on social sites of blogs. Distribution of offensive and embarrassing videos or photographs of a person, which in most cases may be falsely acquired through manipulation. Displaying desktop wallpapers or screen savers that feature offensive content, with the aim of shaming a specific person. Even though cyber bullying bears numerous similarities with the conventional modes of harassment, it has the capability to escalate faster and with elevated aggression. This is because perpetrators of the

Texas state laws on sex offenders Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Texas state laws on sex offenders - Essay Example In addition, they need regularly to visit the registering authority to update the information on matters such as address change. Should one fail to register as a sex offender, they are liable for felony prosecution that could result in their being taken back to prison or having their parole revoked. The public can access these records through a variety of ways availed by the state of Texas, primary to this is a statewide database that maintains updated information on all registered sex offenders accessible to anyone freely at any time. Members of the public can access the information herein through the website https://records.txdps.state.tx.us/soSearch/default.cfm . In addition, native law administration agencies in the Texas are by law mandated to have a sex offender registry with information on all the registered sex offenders in the area. Based on the nature of the crime, the laws in Texas allow authorities to publish some of the sex offender registration information on local newspapers (Schiavone and Elizabeth 681). Finally, should an individual categorized as a high-risk sexual offender move into an area, the authorities will be expected to notify the community by mailing everyone in it a postcard with the description of the individual and nature of the crime. In 2011, the national, Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (SORNA) was passed and states were required to expand their categories of sex offenders who are to include juveniles and adult offenders that committed certain crimes before the laws was passed (United States Congress). This law sets the minimum requirement that characterizes the offences and the way offenders should be classified and determines how long they should remain registered. States that refused to meet the requirements for the SORNA act would lose 10% of their Byne Law enforcement

Project Life Cycle Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Project Life Cycle - Essay Example During this stage a suitable response to the problem is documented in a business case alongside recommendations that detail solution alternatives. Feasibility study comes handy to examine if each alternative addresses objectives of the project before making the final recommendation. In the feasibility the team asks the question â€Å"can we do the project?†And in justification the question â€Å"should we do the project?† is asked. Planning is the next stage that serves to further develop the project solution. Here, the team makes a detail study of the work as it identifies the project steps and resource requirements and at the same time come up with a working strategy to help meet the set goals. To accomplish this, the team comes up with an outline of the tasks, activities, dependencies and timeframes. It is this point where the project manager develops the project budget to help control and monitor expenditure during implementation stage. Together all this is referred to as the scope management.The other important consideration is risk management, an aspect which looks into matters that pose possible threats to the whole process. Here, â€Å"high-threat† potential problems are established along with the measures that are to be taken (Kanda, 2011). Finally, the project manager documents a quality plan; detailing on quality targets, control measures, and assurance alongside an acceptance plan. During this third stage, the project plan is set on motion to carry out the task of the project as the team monitors the progress and make necessary adjustments, which are also recorded as variations from the original plan. In addition, this stage involves reporting on progress through regular team meetings. The information gathered here helps to maintain control over the path taken by the project through analysis of activities performance when comparing the output to the project plan. . Status reports delivered in

Economic Environment Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Economic Environment - Research Paper Example Air transport suffered a serious crisis in 2007, the network is in bad condition and needs to restored. The shortages of energy supply may hold back Brazil in terms of its economic growth (Datamonitor 2010). The government is the main buyer in the sector, although some forms of public-private partnerships have been established from 2006 (LAM 2010). The sector is characterised with consolidation and large players, and it has seen an entry of foreign investments in past couple of years. The industry reflects a stable and health growth and opens many opportunities for external players as the business environment in Brazil is improving. At 58th position in the Global Competiveness Report (WEM 2010), Brazil is relatively stable, a result of its two decade long fight for macroeconomic stability, economical restructuring and reducing income inequality. Methodology The further analysis of the business environment is made through the use of the PESTEL forces which provide more insight into th e challenges faced by the infrastructure sector of the construction industry. ... the quality of Brazilian institutions according to the Global Competitiveness Report (WEM 2010) is poorly assessed at 93rd position reflecting limited trust into the politicians, the political stability of the regime in the past decade, in particular the stability of the Brazil’s institutions, favours the growing economic development of the country (Lynn and Tang 2010:156). Economical environment Slightly affected by the global financial downturn, Brazil's economy recovered fast with expected annual GDP growth on 4-5% annually as in the pre-crisis period (Latin American Monitor 2010:6, IMF 2010:59). Brazil managed to weather the global crisis due to its small credit markets, a diversified economy, large domestic sector and a fiscally responsible administration (Lynn and Tang 2010:156). Other contributing factors were the high real prices of the commodity exports and the large private and public investments which continue to increase. In 2010 it is expected that the GDP will re bound to the pre-crisis 5,5%, led by a strong private consumption and investment (IMF 2010:59). The infrastructure segment of the construction industry across Brazil will benefit from large-scale corporate and public investment (Datamonitor 2010, 2010a). The political stability in combination with the macro stability and the relatively low public debt (48% of GDP and 84th rank in GCR (WEM 2010)) favour an increase in the public investments in infrastructure. However, high levels of burecruacy slow down the intensity of these investments (Economic Freedom Report 2010:40). It is expected that the activities in the infrastructure development will intensify in the following period due to the scheduled 2014 FIFA World Cup and the 2016 Olympics. As a result the Brazilian government has announced that

Marco Polo and Matteo Ricci Accounts of China Essay

Marco Polo and Matteo Ricci Accounts of China - Essay Example The imperial power of the Chinese passes from the father to the son, however the people have a say in the staying in power of a ruler. When the people grow inept of a ruler they have the ability to strip him the throne and place a new man with courage and the qualities of being a leader. The Chinese prefer dying honorable death rather than be under a monarch who is usurping and swear allegiance to him. They therefore use and employ the ideologies of this proverb more frequently that, â€Å"no woman is moral who has two husbands nor any vassal faithful who has two lords†. The laws that are governing China are not enshrined to any logical way, however any person who succeeds in getting the throne makes his own laws and he who succeeds him is obliged to implement the laws .The Chinese people have a government that is monarchial ,however to certain degrees this government is an aristocracy .Decisions in relation to governance are made by the magistrates but the king has to make co nfirmations by writing though he has no powers to make any final decision without first consulting with the magistrates. The income does not go to the exchequer but is a resource of the public and is taken to the public treasury. The running of most of the national issues like the military and management of the prisons are met by the national treasury and where the funds cannot be met by the available resources, new taxes are imposed to raise the extra income to meet the national demands of the republic of china (Kashlansky). The magistrates are grouped into two, those from the national levels and those at the provincial levels. Besides the magistrates there is a group of about 60 philosophers who have proved allegiance to the king and are loyal to the realm. This group is kept by the king for the good of business and benefits to the royalty. In addition to the magistrates ,at the national palace there are various organizations which are instituted for various purposes .there are al so members of the cabinet who have no public administrative powers but have the highest office dignity. Marco gives an account of the tartars who had an eloquent ruler who came into power with approved integrity, justice and valor. The king came into power with so much moderation and fairness that his fame spread all over the world. By finding himself as the head of so many brave men he ordered them to arm themselves with arrows and bows so as to fire an assault to the neighboring provinces. The king ensured that he developed love with the people and gained their respect. However in later stages he became a dictator and developed strict regulation which had even penalties for death of defaulters of regulations .The tartars had a nomadic life and never stayed in one place, constantly moving in search of greener pastures. They had women with courage and virtue for the management of their homes (Marco).The women observe chastity and no quarrel is heard of or experienced in the families with the women always taking care of the children and the provision of food for the family. The city of Kin say is reported to have men and women who love life and use gold and silver. The authority of this city equally felt quite insecure and made it a rule to guard its numerous bridges with numerous precautions especially after dusk such

Microsoft Excel Essay Example for Free

Microsoft Excel Essay F(x) = x2/36, for 0 thru 6, this is the distribution function that can be further simplified r1 = x2/36, to simplify set the equation equal to r1 x = 6 * SQRT (r1), final equation. Lost Revenue Jet Copies demonstrates a uniform probability distribution as it pertains to the number of copies sold per day. The average sale is between 2,000 through 8,000 copies a day, at $0. 10 a copy. This number is denoted on the excel spreadsheet as r3 by generating a random number between 2,000 and 8,000. To calculate the total amount of business lost on any given day, the following calculations utilized: Lost Revenue = repair time * r3 * 0. 10 The total amount of lost revenue is $20,166. 30. This number is not totally accurate, but is an approximation of lost. The amount will always change significantly because r1, r2, and r3 are numbers generated randomly. To get a close approximation the breakdown will have to consist of 365 to account for the total days in the year. Also, the lost revenue could be determined another way. Too calculate this amount, multiple the repair days and the estimated number of loss customers, multiplied by the number of copies that could have been produced, not exceeding 365 days. It will benefit Jet Copies to purchase a new copier. Their lost revenue exceeds the cost of purchasing a new copier by $12,166. 30. Jet Copies could afford to purchase two new copiers at the loss Jet â€Å"Copies will experience. The answer illustrated in the excel spreadsheet I am very confident with. Regardless of how many times I run the simulation, the numbers will never be the same because they are random. There are many limits to the study. First, the time up to a year will not always be accurate. Also, if you change one number, the whole spreadsheet numbers change. But of most importance, the simulation needs to be generated several times to come as close to accurate as possible, concerning revenue loss. Jet Copies simulation results are located in the Excel document uploaded to assignment 1. Reference Taylor, B. M. (2010). Introduction to Management Science (10th ed. ). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson/Prentice Hall.

The Consumption Of Alcohol

The Consumption Of Alcohol INTRODUCTION Public Health is the science of protecting and improving the health of communities through education, promotion of healthy lifestyles, and research for disease and injury prevention. In order to develop programs that protect the health of your family and community, public health professionals analyse the effect on health of genetics, personal choice and the environment. It is concerned with threats to health based on population health analysis. The dimensions of health can encompass a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity, as defined by the United Nations World Health Organization. Overall, public health is concerned with protecting the health of entire populations. These populations can be as small as a local neighbourhood, or as big as an entire country. The interdisciplinary approaches of epidemiology, biostatistics and health services, incorporates through public health. Environmental health, community health, behavioural health, and occupational health are other important subfields. The consumption of alcohol can have beneficial or harmful effects depending on the amount consumed, age and other characteristics of the person consuming the alcohol, and specifies of the situation explained by Dietary Guidelines for Americans (2005). Alcohol means neutral spirits distilled at or above one hundred ninety degrees proof, whether or not such product is subsequently reduced, for nonindustrial use. The term alcohol, unless specified otherwise, refers to ethanol or ethyl alcohol. It is a thin, clear liquid with harsh burning taste and high volatility. Alcoholic beverage means any liquid suitable for drinking by human beings, which contains one-half of one per cent or more of alcohol by volume. Alcohol drinking is an integral part of family, social and occupational life for many people in the UK. While low to moderate consumption is not associated with excess risk, and may even be beneficial, excessive consumption, particularly in young people, is a growing cause for concer n to policy-makers, health and social care professionals, and the public, it was assessed by Smith and Foxcroft (2009). Why it is a Public Health Issue? Alcohol misuse not only affects physical, emotional, but also social aspect of a person and an individual means the public. According to Faculty of Public Health (2008), for centuries and many people use it rationally although alcohol has been part the culture; its misuse has become a serious and worsening public health problem in the UK. The misuse of alcohol whether as chronically heavy drinking, binge-drinking or even moderate drinking in inappropriate circumstances not only poses a threat to the health and wellbeing of the drinker, but also to family, friends, communities and wider society through such problems as crime, anti-social behaviour and loss of productivity. It is also directly linked to a range of health issues such as high blood pressure, mental ill-health, accidental injury, violence, liver disease and sexually transmitted infection. Concept of Public Health The two most common measures of disease in populations are prevalence and incidence. Sometime both terms are used in the description of a disease or disease outbreak. Prevalence, which has already been mentioned, is the member of people who have a disease at a given time; that is the number currently suffering from the disease or disorder. Incidence, on the hand, is the number of new cases of a disease, such as the other hand, is the number of new cases of a disease, such as influenza, being higher than usual for the year. This indicates the number of new cases is higher than what is typically expected, whereas a report indicating increased prevalence would mean the number of existing cases is higher asses by Evans. Epidemiology is the science that looks at the relationships between diseases occurring in populations and groups, typically in an attempt to reduce risks and, compress morbidity into the last years if the populations life span. Life span is the limit of natural life such that through all supports and efforts one has lived as long as is possible. Life expectancy means something different, in that this term applies to the average length of life one may live based on gender, race, where one lives, and so on. Alcohol Consumption and Trends There were several surveys discusses the trends of alcohol consumption. Some says it decreases and others increases, but according to The NHS Information Centre (2010), drinking behaviour among adults and children in England, in 2008: 71% of men and 56% of women (aged 16 and over) reported drinking an alcoholic drink on at least one day in the week prior to interview. 11% of men and 6% of women reported drinking on every day in the previous week. 38% of men drank over 4 units on at least one day in the week prior to interview and 29% of women drank more than 3 units on at least one day in the week prior to interview. 22% of men reported drinking over 8 units and 15% of women reported drinking over 6 units on at least one day in the week prior to interview. The average weekly alcohol consumption was 16.8 units for men and 8.6 units for women. 28% of men reported drinking more than 21 units in an average week. For women, 19% reported drinking more than 14 units in an average week. 18% of school pupils aged 11 to 15 reported drinking alcohol in the week prior to interview; this figure is lower than 2001, when 26% of pupils reported drinking in the last week. 48% of pupils said they had never had a proper alcoholic drink, compared to 39% in 2003. Pupils who drank in the last week consumed an average of 14.6 units In 2006 to 2008, young people in London were less likely to have drunk alcohol in the last week (39%) than young people living in any other Government Office Region (51% to 63%) Knowledge and attitudes to alcohol In 2009, 90% of Great Britain (GB) respondents reported that they had heard of measuring alcohol in units. There has been an increase from 54% in 1997 to 75% in 2009 in the proportion of people in GB who had heard of daily drinking limits. Throughout the period, differences between men and women have been slight. Pupils in England aged 11 to 15 are becoming less tolerant of drinking and drunkenness among their peers. For example, in 2008, 36% agreed that it was OK for someone of their age to drink alcohol once a week, compared with 46% in 2003. Over the same period, the proportion who thought it was OK for someone of their age to get drunk once a week also fell, from 20% to 12%. Alcohol Misuse and other drinking patterns The use of alcohol for a purpose not consistent with legal or medical guidelines called alcohol misuse. There are different patterns in drinking alcohol; one is harmful drinking, alcohol use that causes damage to physical and/or mental health. Harmful use commonly, but not invariably, has adverse social consequences. Hazardous drinking is a pattern of alcohol use that increases the risk of harmful consequences for the individual. In contrast to harmful use, hazardous drinking refers to patterns of use that are of public health significance despite the absence of any current disorder in the individual user. A pattern of drinking that exceeds some standard of moderate drinking said to be a heavy drinker. In the UK, heavy drinking is defined as consuming eight or more units for men and six or more units for women on at least one day in the week. Lastly, moderate drinking, an inexact term for a pattern of drinking that is by implication contrasted with heavy drinking. It denotes drinking that is moderate in amount and does not cause problems. Drinking among Young People Young people are less well equipped than adults to cope with the effects of alcohol, physically and emotionally. The same amount of alcohol will have a much greater effect on the body of a child or young person than on an adult, because their bodies are still growing and developing. Also, a young person doesnt have the experience needed to deal with the effects of alcohol on judgement and perception. But, according to NHS federation survey (2009) it shows that in a recent survey, 14% of 15 and 16 year olds in the UK had been drunk 20 times or more during the last 12 months and 50% have been drunk at least twice. And 58% of 15 year olds who had drunk alcohol recently had suffered negative consequences such as getting into an argument, been ill, missing school, been injured or in trouble with the police. Among those aged 15 and under, 18% had drunk alcohol in the previous week Diment et al (2009). Although the proportion of schoolchildren who have never had an alcoholic drink has risen (from 39% in 2003 to 48% in 2008), those who do drink are consuming more. Between 2007 and 2008, mean alcohol consumption among young people aged 11 to 15 (specifically, those who had drunk alcohol in the previous week) increased from 12.7 units (102 g) to 14.6 units (117 g) Diment et al (2009). Regional analysis shows that consumption is highest among those living in the North East (17.7 units) and the North West (16.3 units). It is lowest in London (11.3 units) The NHS Information Centre (2010). In addition, nearly 10,000 children and young people (under the age of 18) are admitted to hospital each year as a result of their drinking Department for Children, Schools and Families (2009). It is a major problem knowing the new generation are being exposed to this public health issue. By their innocent knowledge, they will be victims that in the longer term, drinking can have a negative effect on a young persons school work, social life and friendships, as well as their general health. Theyll also be in trouble if they break the laws about buying and drinking alcohol. Effects on Health and Social Services Alcohol is associated with a wide range of criminal offences in addition to offences of drunk driving and drunkenness; in which drinking or excessive drinking defines the offence. Alcohol-related crime has been a matter of great public concern for some years. Public concern about alcohol-related crime often relates to offences: involving a combination of criminal damage offences, drunk and disorderly and other public order offences involving young males, typically 18-30, but increasingly, also young females often occurring in the entertainment areas of town and city centres. In the table above explains the effects of alcohol to deaths of people from 2000- 2009. The average of 15 to 19 per 100,000 populations died in a year for males and 7 to 9 for females. According to NHS guidelines (2011), harmful drinking and alcohol dependence cause many mental and physical health problems, and social problems. In England, 4% of people aged between 16 and 65 are dependent on alcohol (6% of men and 2% of women). More than 24% of the English population (33% of men and 16% of women) consume alcohol in a way that is potentially or actually harmful to their health or wellbeing. Alcohol misuse is also an increasing problem in children and young people. Current practice across the country is varied, which leads to variation in access to a range of assisted withdrawal and treatment services. A shown an upward trend of hospitals stays in relation to the cause of drinking alcohol from 2002- 2009. Alcohol plays a part in and around work, both as a perceived antidote to the pressures of the modern workplace and as a way to socialise or network with clients and colleagues. However, drinking can reduce the productivity of the UK economy in a number of ways. This occurs through: increased sickness absence: drinking 7+ (for women) or 14+ (for men) units per week raises the likelihood of absence from work through injury by 20 per cent; the inability to work (unemployment and early retirement); and premature deaths among economically active people (people of working age). Combined, these three factors account for a total alcohol-related output loss to the UK economy of up to  £6.4bn. Alcohol misuse tends to change the roles played by family members in relation to one another, and to the outside world. Most families operate some form of division of labour one person managing the familys finances, the other supervising the children, one doing the gardening, the other doing the cooking, and so on. But as one member of the family develops more of a drink problem, the other members are likely to find themselves having to take over his or her role themselves. Eventually, one member may be performing all the roles finances, disciplining, shopping, cleaning, household management, and so on. Another area of family functioning which is often affected by alcohol and alcohol misuse relates to the kind of communications that takes place between family members. It may be that the partner with the problem refuses to talk about it, even though it is clearly beginning to dominate his or her, and the families, life. Alternatively, alcohol may loosen the tongue and things might b e said which would not have been said in a sober state. Or again, alcohol can itself become the main topic of conversation Public Health Need and Practice The prevention of alcohol misuse can benefit 9 out of 10 adults drinking varying amounts of alcohol, therefore the Models of Care for Alcohol Misusers recommends that service planners for alcohol misuse should focus first upon the needs of the hazardous, harmful and dependent adult alcohol misusers. There are national media campaigns currently underway, which seek to raise awareness amongst the general population of the impact of excessive drinking on themselves and others. It endeavours to ensure consistent messages about sensible drinking are conveyed and that there is greater clarity for individuals understanding themselves how much alcohol they consume. The public should continue to be made aware of the harms associated with alcohol and have access to information about what is available locally through clear and accessible patient information. There is a commitment in public health to develop a programme for improving alcohol treatment services based on an audit of demand and the Models of Care framework, funded via the pooled treatment budget of substance misuse DOH (2004). Alcohol treatment is currently provided by GPs and specialist addiction services, but most alcohol treatment services in England are found in the voluntary sector DOH (2005). In recent years there was an emphasis on the treatment for misuse of class A and B drugs, rather than alcohol. This has led to underfunding of services for alcohol misuse and the waiting time for treatment is much longer for alcohol misuse than for drug misuse HAGA (2008). Government Policies In the UK, the prevailing view is that a reduction in alcohol consumption to sensible or lower risk levels is sufficient even for those people who are dependent on alcohol. In 2004, the Department of Health published Choosing Health, the Alcohol Needs Assessment Research Project (ANARP) DOH (2004), and the Alcohol Harm Reduction Strategy for England, followed in 2005 by Alcohol Misuse Interventions; Guidance on developing a local programme of improvement DOH (2005a). The next steps in the National Alcohol Strategy (2007) DOH (2007) reviewed progress since these publications and outlined further action to be taken to reduce alcohol-related ill-health and crime. The Greater London Alcohol and Drug Alliance (GLADA) recently released a statement of priorities for alcohol in the capital. These are based on 3 strategic objectives: To reduce alcohol-related harm to health, through awareness-raising, early intervention and better access to treatment and support To reduce alcohol-related crime and disorder and anti-social behaviour through continuing to improve the management of the night-time economy and tackling the links To reduce the risk of harm to children and young people as a result of their own or others drinking through developing alcohol work within targeted youth support and the Every Child Matters agenda There is a guidelines set by the UK Government provide advice on daily and weekly maximum alcohol consumption levels. The guidelines recommend that men should not regularly drink more than three to four units of alcohol per day, and women should not regularly drink more than two to three units of alcohol per day. In terms of weekly limits, men are advised to drink no more than 21 units per week, and women no more than 14 units per week. Even though, theres limit in alcohol consumption people still exceeds for own wants. In Britain, the amount of pure alcohol sold per adult rose from 9.53 litres in 1986/87 to a peak of 11.78 litres in 2004/05, before dropping to 11.53 litres in 2007/08 HM Revenue and Customs (2008). This approximates to 22 units (176 grams) per week for each person aged over 15 years. In 2007, 72% of men and 57% of women in England had an alcoholic drink on at least 1 day during the previous week. In addition, 41% of men and 35% of women exceeded the daily recommended limits on at least 1 day in the previous week Robinson and Lader (2009). In order to deal with a problem, someone must first recognize that the problem exists. Because denial is the first and best defence, being able to recognize the need to cut back is crucial to being able to overcome it. Take short breaks from alcohol, learn to say NO, stay active to find diversion. Watch out for temptations and do not give up were advices from an article beating the bottle. Given the high number of potential stressors in society today, maintaining a strong control over oneself can be a very difficult task. Self-control is a key element to functioning at school, work or in social situations. It is a mostly learned and developed attribute of an individuals daily life. Conclusion A greater clarity on the prevalence of alcohol misuse based on local intelligence, resources and funds dedicated to alcohol misuse, mapping of referral pathways, service providers and development of referral protocols should be prioritised by the Alcohol Strategy Group. Workforce training and development in order to provide alcohol services across the public and voluntary sector is essential to delivery of effective interventions in an effective and equitable manner. Working with the industry is vital to achieve reductions in alcohol misuse in a sustainable manner. Although drinking alcohol here in UK is somewhat tradition, or its in the culture. Because in every gathering theres alcohol and even in a regular meal includes alcohol. People needs and discipline to control not to abuse alcohol should be considered. In terms of health education, it would be useful to determine what young children want to know and how they would like this information to be delivered. Greater knowledge of the influence of the family on drinking is required. Word Count: 3,145

Personal Life of Babe Ruth :: essays research papers

Not all American legends live a wonderful life. For example, there was Babe Ruth. In the early years of the 1900's, the baseball life of 'The Great Bambino' had begun. The legend of Babe Ruth, born George Ruth, Jr., is considered by many to be the greatest baseball player. For instance, everybody knows how great a hitter Babe was, and virtually invented the homerun. But, not everybody knows what a great person he was when it came to children. Babe Ruth possessed the attribute of being brutal and incorrigible. He had many distinct characteristics. He is known primarily for his great baseball exploits and secondary as a man who stayed out late before every game and partied until there was no one left to party with. There is more behind the story of Babe Ruth than just baseball and parties. For instance, as a boy, Ruth was your average youth who got himself into a little too much trouble and really paid the price for it. He stole from stores, he skipped school, and chewed tobacco at the age of seven. His father often beat him because he thought young George was incorrigible. So his father took him to an orphanage. Not only did his father sent him to an orphanage, but signed over custody of his son to the Xaverian Brothers, whom were missionaries that ran St. Mary?s. St. Mary?s was the orphanage that Babe Ruth grew up at. Even though Babe did not realize it at the time, he came into a good thing. That?s where he met Brother Matthias, his mentor. Brother Matthias took young Ruth under his wing and taught him to read, write, do needle work, play baseball, and right from wrong. Ruth showed startling natural talent with a bat, so Brother Matthias tried to round young George into a complete baseball player by teaching him to pitch and outfield. Ruth said, ?Brother Matthi as was the greatest man I ever knew?. Soon after, Babe changed the game of baseball. Ruth is perhaps the most recognized player in Major league Baseball history. Where he was, the fans followed, the attendance was always the greatest in his presence. He is by far America?s greatest sports hero. Aside from being a great ball player, he was also a husband and a father. He cared more for his family than he liked to show. Personal Life of Babe Ruth :: essays research papers Not all American legends live a wonderful life. For example, there was Babe Ruth. In the early years of the 1900's, the baseball life of 'The Great Bambino' had begun. The legend of Babe Ruth, born George Ruth, Jr., is considered by many to be the greatest baseball player. For instance, everybody knows how great a hitter Babe was, and virtually invented the homerun. But, not everybody knows what a great person he was when it came to children. Babe Ruth possessed the attribute of being brutal and incorrigible. He had many distinct characteristics. He is known primarily for his great baseball exploits and secondary as a man who stayed out late before every game and partied until there was no one left to party with. There is more behind the story of Babe Ruth than just baseball and parties. For instance, as a boy, Ruth was your average youth who got himself into a little too much trouble and really paid the price for it. He stole from stores, he skipped school, and chewed tobacco at the age of seven. His father often beat him because he thought young George was incorrigible. So his father took him to an orphanage. Not only did his father sent him to an orphanage, but signed over custody of his son to the Xaverian Brothers, whom were missionaries that ran St. Mary?s. St. Mary?s was the orphanage that Babe Ruth grew up at. Even though Babe did not realize it at the time, he came into a good thing. That?s where he met Brother Matthias, his mentor. Brother Matthias took young Ruth under his wing and taught him to read, write, do needle work, play baseball, and right from wrong. Ruth showed startling natural talent with a bat, so Brother Matthias tried to round young George into a complete baseball player by teaching him to pitch and outfield. Ruth said, ?Brother Matthi as was the greatest man I ever knew?. Soon after, Babe changed the game of baseball. Ruth is perhaps the most recognized player in Major league Baseball history. Where he was, the fans followed, the attendance was always the greatest in his presence. He is by far America?s greatest sports hero. Aside from being a great ball player, he was also a husband and a father. He cared more for his family than he liked to show.

The Spanish-American War :: American America History

The Spanish-American War During the last years of the nineteenth century, the United States would find itself involved in what John Jay, the American secretary of state, later referred to as a "splendid little war; begun with highest motives, carried on with magnificent intelligence and spirit, favored by that fortune which loves the brave." From an American standpoint, because there were few negative results, and so many significantly positive consequences, John Jay was correct in calling the Spanish-American War a "splendid little war." The defeat of the Spanish forces marked the end of their rule in the Americas and also marked the rise of the United States as a global military power. The Spanish-American War affected the United States in a number of other ways. It helped speed the construction of the Panama Canal and also resulted in the U.S.'s acquisition of foreign territories. There were also many other minor positive outcomes to the war as opposed to the few negative consequences that resulted. The Spanish-American War was the brief conflict that the United States waged against Spain in 1898. The war had grown out of the Cuban struggle for independence, and whose other causes included American imperialism and the sinking of the U.S warship Maine. The actual hostilities in the war lasted four months, from April 25 to August 12, 1898. Most of the fighting occurred in or near the Spanish colonial possessions of Cuba and the Philippines, nearly halfway around the world form each other. In both battlegrounds, the decisive military event was the complete destruction of a Spanish naval squadron by a vastly superior U.S. fleet. These victories, after brief resistance, brought about the surrender of the Spanish to U.S. military forces as indicated by a peace treaty signed between the two countries on December 10, 1898, in Paris, France. In the end, the Americans had minimal casualties, while the Spanish suffered immense fatalities and damage to their naval resources (Encyclopedia Br itannica). The Spanish-American War marked the end of Spain's colonial empire and the end of its rule in the Americas. Since the early 19th century, Americans had watched the series of revolutions that ended Spanish authority throughout South America, Central America, and Mexico. Many people in the United States, however, were irritated by the fact that the Spanish flag continued to fly in Cuba and Puerto Rico. Spain's brutal ways of putting down Cuban demands for some form of personal liberty aroused feelings of sympathy and anger among Americans (Chidsey).

Comparing the Hero in Beowulf and Sir Gawain and the Green Knight Essay

Beowulf and Sir Gawain – True Heroes Heroes come in many forms. The construction of "the heroic" has taken many forms, yet traits such as: courage, honor, and loyalty, reappear as themes throughout the "hero" personality. The characters of Beowulf and Sir Gawain each represent a version of a hero, yet each comes across quite differently in their story. A hero can be said to truly win if he remains constant to his noble values when put in any situation that crosses his way. When measured by that criterion, Sir Gawain stands out above Beowulf as a true hero, due to his command of both personal and spiritual power through the use of thought, as well as valiant deeds. The character of Beowulf stands as a hero to the ancient Danes because of his actions. He is constantly being cited as a "war-chief" and a "gold-giver" (61). Beowulf has achieved fame through what he has done with his own hands. His identity as a leader is based upon the Danish society’s emphasis on personal action, as opposed to the delegation of responsibility through conscious thought. It is this very sense which spurs Beowulf to fight the dragon: "In my youth I engaged in many wars. Old guardian of the people, I shall still seek battle, perform a deed of fame, if the evil-doer will come to me..." (59). Beowulf derives his power from a strong link to the past. Without his history of glorious deeds, he would see himself bereft of the very power which qualifies him to be a good King. Beowulf’s bravery never comes in to question, he does meet every challenge head-on, with deadly attention. The society which labels Beowulf as a legendary hero, recognizes his actions and his bravery as a integral part of his definition as a hero. Without the society to support th... ...or a chivalric Knight embodies the battle of the righteous self against corruption. Gawain’s strength comes from his discovery of his own flaws. Beowulf’s ideals concerning honor and nobility exist only within the context of his society. Remove him from other people, and his life would be meaningless. This is the true flaw of Beowulf, which the character of Gawain, by the end of his story, comes to realize. The notion of "winning" can be applied at all times to the personality of the chivalric Knight. The battleground becomes the mind, which is separate from the realm of reality. Beowulf does not have the capability to win, without the recognition of his fellow warriors. Within the mind, all sorts of battles are waged. The true winner is the person who can learn from that struggle, and who is able to apply that knowledge within both solitary and societal venues. Â  

A Caregiver’s Story

Sarah (Sharon Cuneta), a grade school English teacher, joins the 150,000 Pinoy OFWs working in the United Kingdom to support her husband, Teddy (John Estrada), in making a better living for their family. More than just a chronicle of the Filipino experience working as nurses and caregivers in the U. K. , this story also charts Sarah's journey to self-discovery – from a submissive wife who makes sacrifices to make way for her Teddy's aspirations to an empowered woman who finds dignity and pride in a humbling job as a caregiver in London. The story begins as Sarah says goodbye to her familiar world. After finishing an arduous course in caregiving, she bids farewell to the Grade 5 classroom where she teaches English. She buys a winter coat for her son Paulo (John Manalo) and promises he will use it once she can afford to take him to London. In typical Pinoy fashion, she shares tearful goodbyes with her whole family at the airport when she finally leaves for the United Kingdom. Sarah arrives in London. At their apartment, she and Teddy share a passionate reunion. In a honeymoon mood, he takes her to the beautiful sights around London. While window-shopping at a famous mall, Sarah meets Sean (Makisig Morales), a spunky Filipino boy, as he tries to shoplift chocolate bars. After the initial fleeting period of excitement, she experiences the hard challenges every Filipino caregiver faces every day: cold weather, dirty work and difficult patients. Meanwhile, Teddy also struggles with the daily grind in the hospital where he works. He is stressed and drinks often because he has failed the nursing test twice. Despite the difficulty of adjusting to London life, however, Sarah faithfully stands by her Teddy. She tries to make the most of the situation by doing her best at work and earns the respect of Mr. Morgan, a wealthy old man. Teddy is oblivious to her success, however, as he is absorbed in his own problems with work. Sarah finds solace in her friendship with Mr. Morgan and his son David, who seems to appreciate her more than Teddy does, and with Sean, who eases her longing for her own son. Tension rises between Sarah and Teddy as the stress of London life takes its toll on their marriage. Because of mounting conflict both at work and home, Teddy decides to give up. He tells Sarah that they are going back to the Philippines. Sarah finds it very hard to accept Teddy's decision. She knows that staying in London is the best thing for their family, because returning to the Philippines would only mean going back to the same problems they had before. Will Sarah choose to remain by Teddy's side to keep her family intact? Or will she find the strength to stay in London to continue seeking a better life for her son, even if it means losing her marriage?

IT Enters a New Learning Environment Essay

It is most helpful to see useful models of school learning that is ideal to achieving instructional goals through preferred application of educational technology. These are the models of Meaningful Learning, Discovery learning, Generative Learning and Constructivism. Meaningful Learning If the traditional learning environment gives stress focus to rote learning and simple memorization, meaningful learning gives focus to new experience departs from that is related to what the learners already knows. New experience departs from the learning of a sequence of words but attention to meaning. It assumes that: ââ€"  Students already have some knowledge that is relevant to new learning. ââ€"  Students are wiling to perform class work to find connections between what they already know and what they can learn. In the learning process, the learner is encouraged to recognize relevant personal experiences. A reward structure is set so that the learner will have both interest and confidence, and this incentive system sets a positive environment to learning. Facts that are subsequently assimilated are subjected to the learner’s understanding and application. In the classroom, hands-on activities are introduced so as to simulate learning in everyday living. Discovery Learning Discovery learning is differentiated from reception learning in which ideas are presented directly to student in a well-organized way, such as through a detailed set of instructions to complete an experiment task. To make a contrast, in discovery learning student from tasks to uncover what is to be learned. New ideas and new decision are generated in the learning process, regardless of the need to move on and depart from organized setoff activities previously set. In discovery learning, it is important that the student become personally engaged and not subjected by the teacher to procedures he/she is not allowed to depart from. In applying technology, the computer can present a tutorial process by which the learner is presented key concept and the rules of learning in a direct manner for receptive learning. But the computer has other uses rather than delivering tutorials. In a computer simulation process, for example, the learner himself is made to identify key concept by interacting with a responsive virtual environment. Generative Learning In generative learning, we have active learners who attend to learning events and generate meaning from this experience and draw inferences thereby creating a personal model or explanation to the new experience in the context of existing knowledge. Generative learning is viewed as different from the simple process of storing information. Motivation and responsibility are seen to be crucial to this domain of learning. The area of language comprehension offers examples of this type of generative learning activities, such as in writing paragraph summaries, developing answers and questions, drawing pictures, creating paragraph titles, organizing ideas/concepts, and others. In sum, generative learning gives emphasis to what can be done with pieces of information, not only on access to them. Constructivism In constructivism, the learner builds a personal understanding through appropriate learning activities and a good learning environment. The most accepted principles constructivism’s are: ââ€"  Learning consists in what a person can actively assemble for himself and not what he can receive passively. ââ€"  the role of learning is to help the individual live/adapt to his personal world. These two principles in turn lead to three practical implications: ââ€"  the learner is directly responsible for learning. He creates personal understanding and transforms information into knowledge. The teacher plays an indirect role by modeling effective learning, assisting, facilitating and encouraging learners. ââ€"  the context of meaningful learning consists in the learner â€Å"connecting† his school activity with real life. ââ€"  the purpose of education is the acquisition of practical and personal knowledge, not abstract or universal truths. To review, there are common t hemes to these four learning domains. They are given below: Learners ââ€"  are active, purposeful learners. ââ€"  set personal goals and strategies to achieve these goals. ââ€"  make their learning experience meaningful and relevant to their lives. ââ€"  seek to build an understanding of their personal worlds so they can work/live productively. ââ€"  build on what they already know in order to interpret and respond to new experiences. LB#6: IT Enters a New Learning Environment. Effective teachers best interact with students in innovative learning activities, while integrating technology to the teaching-learning process. In Meaningful learning * Students already have some knowledge that is relevant to new learning * Students are willing to perform class work to find connections between what they already know and what they can learn. In Discovery learning Ideas are presented directly to students in a well-organized way, such as through a detailed set of instructions to complete an experiment or task. In applying technology, the computer can preset a tutorial process by which the learner is presented key concepts and the rules of learning in a direct manner for receptive learning. In Generative Learning Active learners who attend to learning events and generate meaning from this experience and draw inferences thereby creating a personal model or explanation to the new experience in the context of existing knowledge.Motivation and responsibility are seen to be crucial to this domain of learning. In Constructivism The learner builders a personal understanding through appropriate learning activities and a good learning environment. Learners: are active, purposeful learners. Set personal goals and strategies to achieve these goals. Make their learning experience meaningful and relevant to their lives. Seek to build an understanding of their personal worlds so they can work/live productively. Build on what they already know in order to interpret and respond to new experiences.

Consumer Behaviour †Product Line Extension Essay

Created by two avid surfers, Billabong is a brand designed by surfers, for surfers. In 1973, Billabong offered little more than a small range of surf wear: mainly surfboards and board shorts. But today, Billabong is a brand that encompasses the Australian surf culture by offering products that cater not only for the surfer inside many of us, but for fashion and lifestyle needs. 1.2 CURRENT TARGET MARKET Billabong is a brand that offers numerous products designed to accommodate numerous lifestyles. Included in their extensive range are products designed for surfers, general beach goers, skateboarders and the fashion conscious. Comprehensive characteristics of this market are difficult to pinpoint, however, it is the assumption that the majority of consumers are males and females aged between 12 and 35 years of age. Consumer Need: Social Image Need – the most important need satisfied by Billabong 1.3 CURRENTLY SOLD In the mid 1980’s, just over ten years since the birth of Billabong, the successes of the small Australian brand were being recognised world wide and Billabong products were in high demand. This led to the export of Billabong products to the global market with countries such as the USA, Japan, New Zealand and Europe first in line. Today, the product range available extends as far as 2200 lines in Australia, 1300 lines in the US and many more in over 60 other countries. It is not unusual that the greatest distribution of Billabong products is to coastal destinations. However, countries locked by land are given the opportunity to live the Billabong experience with products available on-line and in assorted stores around the world. 1.4 PRICE RANGE Billabong products appear at the higher end of the price spectrum for the overall market, and are moderately to high priced as compared to their surf brand competitors. Some examples of how Billabong measure in the market are illustrated below: Girls Thongs: Billabong – $17.95 Mermaid Sister – $19.95 Target $4.00 Men’s Jeans: Billabong – $120.00 Quiksilver $139.95 Jeanswest $65.00 Beach Towel: Billabong – $69.95 Aztec Rose – $39.95 Bonds $29.95 1.5 MAJOR ENVIRONMENTAL VARIABLE The single most important environmental variable affecting Billabong is ‘Culture’; defined as † a set of values, ideas, artefacts and other meaningful symbols that help individuals communicate, interpret and evaluate as members of society† (Blackwell et al. 2001). Products are largely designed, as outlined in section 1.2 and Appendix A, for a surf/sun/style culture which is seemingly ubiquitous in Australian living. 1.6 PRODUCT EXTENSION Billabong Skinwear: a Skin-care range including sunscreen, lip-balm and after sun-gel. This range meets the highest Australian standards in sun protection whilst also providing the essential style that Australians have come to know and expect from Billabong products. 2.0 SECTION B The target audience for any given product or service is the group of people that advertisers wish to attract through their marketing activities. The process of identifying and defining an audience leads to assessing priorities. For instance, a firm may identify a sizably large group or market to be potential consumers. However, it is likely to be financially unsound to attempt to target all consumers within the group. A target audience may be established by asking questions such as: Which audience is large enough to be a significant target? Which audience is a priority in terms of the brand’s product? Which audience is the target of the product’s attributes and benefits? A target audience may be defined by their age, gender, family status, lifestyle, interests or a combination of these characteristics. It is noteworthy that a target audience invariably differs from the overall target market and is generally only a segment of a given market. For example, Billabong would target consumers (both male and female) between the ages of around 12 – 35; but different segments of this broad market are more likely to purchase than others. It is desirable to develop demographic and psychographic profiles of these likely consumers (the target audience). Accurate details of a target audience can only be obtained by means of credible market research practices. However, inferences and assumptions can be made beforehand to aid any research. Some of the demographic characteristics of the Billabong target audience are, as mentioned previously, males and females between the ages of around 12 – 35 (although  advertising is usually specific to one particular gender as seen in the example of Appendix A). Such individuals are predominantly situated in coastal regions where the beach/surf/sun culture thrives (as clearly demonstrated in Appendix A), although there are significant deviations from this trend especially in recent times with such a broad, climate and geographically unbiased product range spanning some 2200 lines in Australia alone (Billabong International 2004). Economic factors can sometimes play a role in defining a target but in this case the audience is not necessarily limited to any specific economic traits; for example, income brackets are not easily defined for consumers as Billabong International offers such a variety of products satisfying both functional lifestyle needs and fashion influenced desires, hence the user’s likelihood of purchasing is expected to be more dependant on the psychographic factors of consumer motivation, motivational intensity and consumer knowledge. Consumer motivation represents the drive to meet physiological and psychological needs via purchase and consumption of products (Blackwell et al. 2001, p.233). Billabong customers are likely to be driven to satisfy their social image needs and needs for pleasure. They are expected to have a high motivational intensity to fulfil these needs so as to willingly overcome the price barrier associated with doing so. The target consumers for Billabong have a relatively high level of consumer knowledge regarding their chosen product. The concept of consumer knowledge involves individuals pre-existing knowledge and perceptions related to product purchase and consumption. These consumers have a high awareness of the products attributes and associations, such as the famous waves symbol, the obvious ties with surfing and pro surfing and the companies Australian origins. They have a familiarity with the products image within the marketplace. They associate the brand with high quality, high fashion and are prepared to bear the comparatively high price. This target audience is aided by the purchase knowledge they hold regarding Billabong’s price positioning; that is, the company is in the high price range compared to the overall market but is moderate to high in price when evaluating surf brands (see Section 1.4). These consumers are also equipped with knowledge on when  and where to buy – aware that the products are available in specialty surf-specific stores and can rely on a least two sales each year at the end of summer and winter. Although expensive research is often the most accurate way of developing a targeted marketing approach, it is always beneficial to attempt to identify expected consumers as early as possible in a marketing plan. Whether you utilize extensive demographic and psychographic research or just use common-sense, â€Å"the key is to identify a group or groups of potential customers that offer the best opportunities for business potential† (Defining Your Target 2004). 3.0 SECTION C 3.1 THE BILLABONG COMMUNICATION MIX A successful communication mix is essential in the marketing of any brand or product to consumers. This ties in with the familiar four P’s of marketing which are price, place, promotion and product. The most important factor relating to the concept of the communications mix is promotion. Examples of promotion include: personal selling, sales promotion, public relations, publicity, direct mail, advertising, sponsorship, branding and distribution of samples. A good communication mix ensures that the brand receives adequate exposure whilst also targeting the appropriate audiences (see Section B). For many large corporations, their logo is an integral part of their marketing activities. This unique identifier will be present throughout all forms of visual marketing communication and is a powerful statement in itself. An obvious example of such would be Nike with its ‘swoosh’ symbol. Similarly, the famous Billabong ‘waves’ are present throughout the Billabong communication mix. 3.2 PRINT ADVERTISING Currently there are a number of communication methods that are used by Billabong. Products are featured in a number of magazines such as Dolly,  Girlfriend, Chik and Cosmopolitan, who predominately market to the female segment of Billabong’s target audience. Print advertisements also feature in more male oriented publications such as Ralph and FHM and can be seen in specific surfing magazines such as Surfing. The combination of these promotional activities effectively reaches the specific audience that Billabong targets. 3.3 BROADCAST ADVERTISING Broadcast advertising is very limited and is likely to only be featured for events such as special surfing related events such as the Billabong Pro surf championships. 3.4 INTERNET PROMOTIONS Internet promotions are one of the most extensive ways in which Billabong advertises. On almost every Billabong advertisement featured in the aforementioned media, the Billabong web address is present; ‘billabong.com’. The website shows the entire product list, which are available for purchase online. The website is not just limited to the Australian audience. It also caters for different products and prices suitable for different regions around the world, including: North America, South America, Asia and Europe – representative of Billabongs growing international presence and successful utilisation of the internet in market places around the world. 3.5 PROMOTIONAL MATERIAL Associated to Billabong is a highly influential reference group who effectively act as a promotional tool. These are pro surfers such as Layne Beachley, Alana Brennan and Andy Irons. This reference group gains credibility for the brand by using Billabong products. Billabong promotions use these public faces to give testimonials as the attention gained by having expert’s approval is invaluable in the fight for consumer preference. 3.6 POINT OF PURCHASE DISPLAYS Point of purchase displays are frequently used by Billabong. In surf shops such as City Beach Surf (Garden City, Whitfords City), Billabong products are grouped together in the store whereas in Brothers Nielsen (Garden City, Perth, Whitfords City), the Billabong are grouped alongside competing brands by category. From the marketing perspective of a reputable manufacturer, it is more desirable to have the clothes grouped by brand rather than by category as this allows consumers to search for the specific brand they wish to purchase. 3.7 IS THIS COMMUNICATION MIX APPROPRIATE? Print advertising utilised by Billabong is appropriate and effective as the magazines that they feature in are targeting similar or overlapping audiences. Promotions and promotional material aid in increasing public familiarity with the brand. This has been achieved by attaching the Billabong name and logo with events such as the Billabong Pro and other surfing events worldwide. Celebrities, especially movie stars, television actors, entertainers, and sports figures, can be very powerful assets to any marketing and advertising campaign (Blackwell et al. 2001). Billabong uses famous surfers Layne Beachley, Alana Brennan and Andy Irons to achieve higher credibility within the surfing world. Another powerful promotional tool is the brands website. Generation â€Å"X† and â€Å"Y† are very likely to search the internet for products that they wish to purchase, as it allows them to shop in the comfort of their homes without the effort of searching different stores to find certain products or information. Internet Promotions are seen to be effective because of the increasing frequency and effectiveness of e-commerce in today’s globalised market place. The website is easy to use, easy to find and is prevalent in all the advertising material; increasing consumer knowledge of the website. Broadcast advertising for Billabong is likely to have a limited effectiveness. It has been shown that only 19% of television viewers actually watch the advertisements shown during a show (Lach, cited in  Blackwell 2001, p. 438). Bearing this in mind, and realising that the target audience is a relatively specific one, it is doubtful that the audience will be reached on a frequent basis via this medium. 3.8 CHANGES TO COMMUNICATION MIX We believe that Billabong should implement a number of various changes to the current communications mix in order to launch the Skinwear range. Procedures such as distributing free samples would be effective in increasing: awareness of the product, its function of reducing the effects of sun exposure and the positive associations of the brand. An increase in Billabong sponsored events will lead to increased exposure of the Billabong name and will provide an excellent opportunity to introduce consumers to the product extension line. The Skinwear range can be officially launched by specifically attaching the name of the new product (Skinwear) to a Billabong sponsored event. On its launch, the previously mentioned method of sample distribution can be used to full effect. The launch of Skinwear will coincide with the increased marketing activities surrounding the entire Billabong range during the summer holiday season. An effective way of maximising the benefits of this situation would be to utilise POP displays, perhaps combined with promotional gift packs. 4.0 SECTION D 4.1 PRODUCT CONCEPT As a well recognised and trusted surf brand, Billabong is endeavouring to branch out into the skin-care market, in particular: sun-care to further cater to its customers lifestyle needs. Like the rest of the world, Australia as a society has become heavily health and image conscious; as demonstrated from the many articles, advertisements, new products and spending increases based in the Health and Cosmetic Industries. Billabong has made the decision to extend their existing product range in an attempt  to take advantage of this new demand for health and beauty products. In doing so, Billabong has created its ‘Skinwear’ range which includes a Sunscreen, Lip balm and After-Sun Gel all of which meet the high standards set by the Australian Government and Australian Cancer Council. Included in the Billabong Skinwear range is a Sunscreen boasting an SPF or Sun Protection Factor of 30, shielding the skin from harmful UV rays 30 times longer than our skins natural defences are able to. Through the introduction of past innovative products, Billabong has become known for its dedication to meet and exceed the needs demanded by their surfing clientele; hence incorporating an 8 hour water protection attribute into this product. This feature allows surfers and beach goers the chance to enjoy their lifestyle without the concerns of having to frequently reapply sunscreen. The combination of 30 SPF and 8hrs of water resistance will instantly place the product at least equally, in terms of functional attributes, at the top of the market. Billabongs new Skinwear range also includes a Lipbalm featuring an SPF of 15. As a means to widen the target audience, Billabong’s new Lipbalm is free of colour and taste, removing added hesitation in the male demographic. For easy application, the Lipbalm is packaged in a squeezable tube, making for easy and mess-free application; all of which is very handy when applying at the beach. Incorporated into the After-Sun Gel is an aloe extract. According to Steve Herman (2004, p.54) â€Å"aloe remains a genuinely useful healing agent widely accepted by the public†. In order to meet consumer requirements, aloe is a feature in the After-Sun Gel product. It is merely a last resort that consumers would ultimately require a product to soothe the effects the sunburn; however, as Plato quite accurately stated â€Å"The most we can teach people is what they already know†. This statement defines the need for a product such as After-Sun Gel, as it is expected that even with the existence of a Sunscreen as provided by Billabong; consumers are likely to use the product ineffectively every now and then. Pat Thomas (2004, p.16) declares â€Å"the sun is now officially the enemy – against which sun creams are our weapon of choice†. According to figures given on the Australian Cancer website (http://www.cancer.org.au) 374,000 Australian’s are treated for non-melanoma skin cancer every year. This figure accounts for 1.9% of Australia’s entire population. More alarming is that an additional 8,500 Australians are diagnosed with a melanoma, of which 1300 will die as a result. Such frightening statistics generate the question; are members of Australia’s beach and surf culture taking appropriate steps to protect their skin from such devastating consequences? Pioneers in serving this beach/surf culture, Billabong attempt to make their consumers aware of the harmful dangers associated with long term exposure to the sun and its effects. In doing so, Billabong offers such products as available in their new Skinwear range to protect the physiological needs of their consumers as well as removing the quite apparent social negativity involved in wearing and applying sunscreen. 4.2 TARGET MARKET REVISITED It would be unwise for a brand such as Billabong to extend an already successful product range if there was any reason to believe that it would not be as successful as the collective existing products. In accordance, Billabong has created a Skinwear range that not only extends the well recognised image of the brand but also the values and attributes that a consumer would associate with any of its other products. For instance, Billabong is renowned for its high quality surf-related products, innovative style and up-to-date fashion. A marketing approach to increase the popularity of Billabong products is to promote consumption as more than an experience, but rather a statement of image and self-expression. It is for this reason that the slogan for the new Skinwear range reads: â€Å"Wear Billabong, even when you’re naked†. As identified in Section B, Billabong’s key target audience extends between males and females aged between 12 and 35. At these ages, it would not be inaccurate to suggest that a major factor in the purchase and consumption of  surf brands and their related products is whether the product links consumers with the desire to fit certain image and style demands. The surf and beach culture is dominant in the lifestyles and images of Australian people. This, in effect, further intensifies the need for many consumers to conform. Australians are becoming more obsessed with their health and appearance. Appearing on Australian networks week by week are television shows that promote cosmetic surgery, crash diets, new health risks, advanced pharmaceuticals and much more. It is not surprising that consumers in the demographic of 12-35 years of age are identifying a need to improve and maintain beauty and health. The links between sun exposure and skin damage have been extensively researched in Australia, as it appears that compared to other geographical locations, Australian people are more susceptible and at risk of suffering, due to the consequences of living in such a sun exposed location. When taking into consideration the various issues relating to sun exposure and skin damage, Billabong decided to create their Skinwear range. It is expected that with an informative and effective marketing campaign, existing Billabong consumers will see the need to execute a diligent skin protection regime, in turn utilising the products that are now offered by Billabong. 4.3 ATTITUDES In order for this product extension to be successful, Billabong has attempted to seize the large target audience that already purchases and consumes their existing product range. It is suggested by Blackwell et al. (2001, p. 289) that â€Å"holding a favourable attitude toward a product is almost always an essential prerequisite in order for consumers to hold a favourable purchase of consumption intention†. In saying this, it is not expected that the consumer will automatically purchase the product, but that they will hold a favourable intention which may assist in their decision. Several models are used to aid marketers of company’s such as Billabong to analyse consumer attitudes and their associated effects on product evaluation and choice.  Better known as the Fishbien Model and Ideal-Point Model, marketers of brands such as Billabong are given important information from consumer’s responses. In many cases, this leads to new product developments as is the case of Billabong, where certain needs not catered for are alerted to designers. In order for Billabong to avoid consumer’ attitudes becoming impartial between brands, it is essential to do whatever it takes to achieve â€Å"Attitude persistence†¦ [where] an attitude’s immune to such corrosion† (Blackwell et al. p. 300). It is likely that the need for products such as that offered in Billabongs Skinwear range will never be made redundant, purely because the risks associated with having lives revolved around the sun are not diminishing in number and neither are the risks associated. The greatest obstacle faced when introducing Billabongs new Skinwear range is changing consumer’s preferences, in effect, â€Å"recruiting competitor’s customers† (Blackwell et al. 2001, p. 301). A strong feature of the Skinwear range is its SPF rating and Water Resistance. In order to â€Å"recruit competitor’s customers† Billabong must be effective in changing consumers attitudes, drawing on favourable attitudes held about their existing product range, as well as emphasising comparisons between their new product extension and other existing brands – hopefully in favour of their products. 4.4 CONCLUSION Billabong recognises the importance of consumers needs to ‘be protected in the sun’. After all, it is the expectation that having consumers who exude a lifestyle surrounded by surf and beach that these needs will as some point require satisfying. As a highly regarded surf brand, Billabong places importance on fulfilling consumer’s needs for safety and health. In recognising the gap in its product range, Billabongs new product extension, boasting a highly protective Sunscreen, Lipbalm and After-Sun Gel, continues their commitment to meet the demands of its consumers for the coming summer season. 5.0 SECTION E To examine the decision making processes experienced by a consumer it is practical to use the Consumer Decision Process (CDP) Model which defines seven likely stages involved in any purchase. The CDP model â€Å"†¦represents a roadmap of consumers’ minds that marketers and managers can use to help guide product mix, communication and sales strategies† (Blackwell et al. 2001, p.71). All consumers are not strictly bound by this model in making their decisions, but are likely to undergo at least some of the following stages: The Consumer Decision Process Model In the case of Billabong, to ensure the success of their product line extension and the associated marketing activities; it would be beneficial to hypothesise the probable processes of their target audience in becoming loyal users of the new product. Such predictions may be made by examining the stages of the CDP model. The first stage of the model, need recognition, involves the consumer sensing the difference between their ideal and actual state of affairs. Billabong will aim, through straight-forward advertising and other marketing communications (as outlined in Section C), to undermine the user’s perceptions about the adequacy of their existing state and will hence create a problem that must be solved. Advertising will include the contrasting negative consequences of not using the product (such as skin damage and/or cancer) with the altogether positives outcomes associated with using the new product. Such benefits include a high level of skin care and also positive social image. With so many choices and more and more variables affecting consumer decisions, especially for low-involvement products such as sunscreen, it is expected that previous loyal followers of the Billabong trademark will factor their positive experiences and high levels of satisfaction into their decision to use Billabong Skinwear. The second stage involves searching the marketplace for information on  products and alternatives. The loyal Billabong consumer will find themselves undergoing components of both an internal and external search and will then move on to assess evaluative criteria as outlined by the third stage; pre-purchase evaluation. It is in this stage that these particular consumers are likely to conclude Billabong as the better alternative. The target audience, whether undergoing an external or internal search will find Billabong to be at least equal (see Section 4.1) to its competitors in terms of its products attributes whilst the positive associations with the Billabong brand will ensure that Billabong Skinwear is seen as the superior alternative. It is the intention of Billabong to extend its dominance into the new market and it is hoped that consumers eliminate the need for extensive searching in order to simply transfer loyalty into this new market. There are two paths that will lead a consumer to the fourth stage of the purchase decision. They may either systematically travel through the previous three stages leading to an obvious choice to purchase, or they may avoid the first three stages altogether and simply purchase the product based on an instantaneous decision influenced by prior ties to the Billabong brand. An example of such may be seen in impulse purchasing, where point-of-purchase (POP) displays may play a significant role. The fifth stage; consumption, is likely to occur seasonally as sun protection is demanded mainly in summer. However, loyal consumers such as those outlined in section B are perhaps the more likely of any one in the market to use the product as suggested by Billabong and its experts – all year round. Stages five and six; consumption and post-consumption evaluations are likely to have a positive, satisfied response from consumers when taking into consideration Billabongs efforts to transfer loyalty from past experiences into the new products evaluation. The last stage, divestment, holds no definitive expectations from those marketing the new product. The only aim is for the target consumers to consume the product completely and not discard it in preference for a competing brand before the end of its useful life The transition of loyal users to the new product (as summarized in this section) demonstrates how varying influential factors will alter the processes outlined in the Consumer Decision Process (CDP) Model. Whether it be the testimony of industry experts or the word of mouth (WOM) distribution of the positive brand image, it is clear that it will be more than possible to transmit the loyalty of the brand into the new product extension line. 6.0 REFERENCES Billabong International 2004. Retrieved: September 30, 2004, from http://www.theage.com.au/articles/2004/ 06/12/1086749947661.html?from=storylhs. Blackwell, D.R., Miniard, P.W. & Engel, J.F. 2001, Consumer Behaviour 9ED, Harcourt Inc., Florida. Defining Your Target 2004. Retrieved: October 4, 2004, from http://www.usg.com/contractors/defining_your_target.asp. Herman, S. 2004, ‘A day at the beach’, Global Cosmetic Industry, vol. 172, no. 8, pp. 53-54. Retrieved: October 13, 2004, from Proquest. Thomas, P. 2004, ‘Behind the Label: Suncream’, The Ecologist, vol. 34, no.6, Retrieved: October 13, 2004, from Proquest.