Monday, September 30, 2019

Sociological Concepts Helping Understand Obesity Health And Social Care Essay

This essay will look at sociological constructs and concerns that can assist in understanding why fleshiness is a public wellness job. I will get down by giving a definition of fleshiness, and so turn to the public wellness concerns of fleshiness in relation to sociological constructs such as socioeconomic position, ethnicity and stigma. I will do mention to fleshiness wellness inequalities throughout this essay. Relevant modern-day literature and policies will be used to back up my statements.BackgroundFleshiness is defined as inordinate fat accretion that may impair wellness universe Health Organisation ( WHO ) . Body mass index ( BMI ) is a step of weight-for-height that is normally used in sorting fleshiness in persons. It is defined as the weight in kgs divided by the square of the tallness in metres ( kg/m2 ) . BMI provides the most utile population-level step of fleshiness as it is the same for both sexes and for all ages of grownups ( Doak et al 2002 ) . In existent figures t he World Health Organization ( WHO ) defines â€Å" fleshy † as a BMI equal to or more than 25, and â€Å" fleshiness † as a BMI equal to or more than 30. These cut-off points supply a benchmark for single appraisal, but there is grounds that hazard of chronic disease in the populations ‘ additions increasingly from a BMI of 21. Ellaway et Al ( 2005 ) argues nevertheless that ( BMI ) should be considered as a unsmooth usher because it may non match to the same grade in different persons. In 2004, the mean organic structure mass index ( BMI ) of work forces and adult females in the United Kingdom was 27kg/mA? , which is outside the World Health Organisation recommended healthy scope of 18.5-25kg/m2 ( Lobstein & A ; Jackson-Leach 2007 ) . A greater proportion of work forces than adult females ( 42 % compared with 32 % ) in England were classified as corpulence in 2008 ( BMI 25 to less than 30kg/m2 ) . Thirty-nine per cent of grownups had a raised waist perimeter in 2008 compared to 23 % in 1993. Womans were more likely than work forces ( 44 % and 34 % severally ) to hold a raised waist perimeter ( over 88cm for adult females and over 102 centimeters for work forces ) ( Department of Health, 2008 ) . Several authorities paperss have emphasised the fact that fleshiness is a major public wellness job due to its association with serious chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure high degrees of fats in the blood that can take to contracting and obstructions of blood vass, which are all major hazard factors for cardiovascular disease and cardiovascular related mortality in England and Wales ( National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence ( NICE ) , 2006 ) . Over weight persons suffer from a figure of jobs, such as an increased wear and rupture on articulations and the psychological and societal troubles caused by altered organic structure image and stigma such as depression which in bend increases the wellness load of the National Health Service ( NHS ) Graham ( 2004 ) . The addition in Numberss of corpulent people means that the population is at a higher hazard of enduring from co-morbidities as a consequence of their weight addition. Many authors have made a nexus between people with high BMI and wellness for case, people with high BMI are likely to endure from high blood pressure and twice every bit likely to endure from type- two diabetes and fleshiness compared to people without high blood pressure, and half are insulin-resistant ( Lobstein & A ; Jackson-Leach 2007 ) . One can therefore infer that fleshiness is linked with increased mortality and contributes to a broad scope of conditions, including ischemic bosom disease, high blood pressure, shot, certain malignant neoplastic diseases, and gall vesica diseases. Hazard of disease grows with increasing BMI and is peculiarly marked at high BMI ( Ellaway et al 1997 ) . Consequently this is a public wellness concern because in economic footings, a lowering of the rates of CVD, malignant neoplastic disease and shots would ensue in important decreases in the sum spent on drugs and societal attention required to pull off these diseases and their effects ( Ellaway et al 1997 ) .Socioeconomic Status and ObesitySocioeconomic inequality in fleshiness is defined as differences in the prevalence of fleshiness between people of higher and lower socioeconomic position ( Mackenbach and Kunst 1994 ) . A big organic structure of grounds suggests that socioeconomic differences in fleshiness exist throughout the universe Sobal and Stunkard ( 1989 ) . These findings suggest that the addition in inequality in income late observed in many states including Bulgaria, Poland, Romania and the Russia may be associated with an addition in the load of fleshiness. Midtown Manhattan Study was one of the first to foreground socioeconomic differences in fleshiness ; it found that fleshiness was six times more prevailing among adult females of lower socioeconomic position than those of higher socioeconomic position ( Mackenbach and Kunst 1994 ) . James et Al ( 1997 ) found that people in high socioeconomic position in the United Kingdom, have a reduced hazard of fleshiness compared to those with low socioeconomic position. Socioeconomic position and fleshiness is a public wellness concern because among kids and grownups in high-income states such as the United Kingdom, lower instruction degree and socioeconomic position have been associated with different markers of hapless diet potentially associated with fleshiness, including lower ingestion of fresh fruit and veggies and higher consumption of sugar, fat and meat ( Northstone and Emmett 2005 ) . Mulvihill ( 2003 ) asserts that population groups ‘ dietetic picks of are frequently related to socioeconomic considerations. McKee and Raine ( 2005 ) suggest that major factors act uponing nutrient picks include affordability, handiness, handiness, attraction, rightness and practicality. This makes sense to me in that people of low socioeconomic position are likely to be corpulent because for them they can non ever afford to purchase fresh fruits veggies have gym rank as this is expensive. Some advocates have gone every bit far as stating that the hapl ess do non eat what they want, or what they know they should eat, but what they can afford ( Wardle and Griffith 2001 ) . One could deduce that the cost of nutrient is one barrier to following healthier diets, particularly among low-income families. Surveies have suggested that high energy nutrient which are normally nutritionally hapless because of high sums of added sugar and fat are comparatively cheaper cost than thin meat, fish, fresh veggies and fruit ( Doak et al 2002 ) . On the other side of the coin theoretically one can reason that it non merely diet and wellness and affordability of nutrient that makes people corpulent, for case for argument interest one could non afford to purchase healthy nutrient but can exert take up a activity to maintain themselves fit. The world nevertheless is that people low socioeconomic position are likely to be in low income employment where they are likely to work long hours in overtime and hold small clip with their households or for leisure activities ( Scambler 2008 ) This is consistent with McKee and Raine ( 2005 ) happening that persons from low socioeconomic position make personal other picks over diet, physical activity and other wellness advancing action, in pattern all actions happen in context disadvantaged persons face structural, societal, organizational, fiscal and other restraints in doing healthy picks. In add-on McLaren and Godley ( 2008 ) observed that work forces in sedentary occupations although one would presume that nature of these occupations that drives the larger mean organic structure size ( due to miss of occupation-based physical activity ) bing literature would bespeak that they are still more likely than their lower position opposite numbers to prosecute in physical activity in their leisure clip. Other sociological concerns sing socioeconomic position is whether they are any fluctuations in how persons with different socioeconomic position perceive fleshiness or corpulence. For case, analyses from the Office of National Statistics ( ONS ) ( 1999 ) study showed that many respondents with lower socioeconomic position tended to hold lower degrees of sensed corpulence, therefore persons monitor their weight less closely, were less likely to be seeking to lose weight and less often used restrictive dietetic patterns than those with higher socioeconomic position, after seting for sex, age and BMI. Wardle and Griffith ( 2001 ) found that, adult females populating in extremely flush vicinities were more likely to be dissatisfied with their weight than adult females from deprived vicinities. Womans, peculiarly those in deprived state of affairss, face structural, societal, organizational, fiscal and other restraints in doing healthy picks. Second poorer vicinities provide fewer chance constructions for wellness promoting activities than more flush countries ( Ellaway et al 1997 ) . These findings make it really hard for professional to make up one's mind how to aim wellness publicity activities. Ellaway et Al ( 1997 ) argues that people who low socioeconomic position focal point on the basic issues of endurance, whether these be fiscal including buying nutrient at all, allow entirely healthy beginnings or societal including combating the stigma of poorness and/or corpulence and all that is related to it. In my position this suggests that it may be plausible to reason that where person lives what socioeconomic position they have and how much they earn can act upon his or her chances to set about wellness promoting activities which in bend may act upon organic structure size and form. Public wellness policies which aim to cut down the proportion of fleshy people in the population should be targeted in disadvantaged local countries, and their installations and comf ortss, every bit good as at persons ( Ellaway et al 1997 ) .Fleshiness and ethnicityA great trade of confusion surrounds the significance of ethnicity and in some instances this term is still being Inter-changeable with race ( Scambler 2007 ) . Ethnicity nevertheless embodies one or more of the undermentioned, shared beginnings or societal background ; shared civilization and traditions that are typical, maintained between coevalss, and lead to a sense of individuality and group ; and a common linguistic communication or spiritual tradition ( Bhopal 2009 ) . There is besides repeated grounds of societal disparities in the prevalence of fleshiness and corpulence. Datas from national studies paint a consistent image where adult females, persons of lower socio-economic place and minority racial/ethnic groups have the highest rates of fleshiness and corpulence ( Bhopal 1998 ) . Linkss have been made why disparities exist in the prevalence of fleshiness particularly among deprived cultural minority groups. Henderson and Kelly ( 2005 ) suggest that these disparities exists because of inequalities in the society they argue that people with more cognition, money, power, prestigiousness and good societal connexions are better able to command weight addition, either through the ability to do healthy nutrient picks ( by holding greater consciousness of, entree to, and resources to buy healthy nutrients ) , or through greater chances for exercising, and safe drama. I agree with this, in my position there is legion grounds to demo that cultural group s are disadvantaged in term of income, socioeconomic position and employment, the point above suggest to me that cultural minorities are less likely to hold money prestigiousness and societal connects that ( Henderson and Kelly 2005 ) suggest will take down the hazard of fleshiness. This position is supported by Sniderman et Al ( 2007 ) who found no disparities in prevalence of fleshiness among cultural groups when he factored in accommodations of socioeconomic position and income. Black cultural groups have a significantly higher hazard of fleshiness than those in Mixed, Asian, Other and White cultural groups ( Ellaway et al 1997 ) . Children life in disadvantaged countries have a higher hazard of fleshiness than those populating in less disadvantaged countries. However, the increased hazard associated with want is greatest for White kids, whereas it seems to hold much less of an consequence for black kids. For Asiatic, Other, and Mixed cultural kids want increases the hazard of fleshiness, but non every bit much as for White kids ( Ellaway et al 1997 ) . In my sentiment nevertheless the measurement of BMI to find and compare fleshiness between assorted cultural groups remains really â€Å" sketchy † . For illustration Sniderman et Al ( 2007 ) asserts that in assorted subdivisions of the population, the BMI categorization is non by and large applicable. For case in when looking at kids, the aged and when comparing cultural groups. Seidell and Visscher ( 2000 ) found that there were some systematic fluctuations in normal BMI across cultural groups in some Asiatic populations a peculiar BMI equates to a higher per centum of organic structure fat than for the same BMI in a white European population. In these Asiatic populations, the hazards of type II diabetes and cardiovascular disease addition at a BMI below the standard cut-off value of 25 kg/m2. In other populations, such as black populations, the opposite is true and a peculiar BMI corresponds to a lower per centum of organic structure fat and accordingly lower hazards of morbidity and mortality than in a white European population. When comparing fleshiness in different cultural groups. Seidell and Visscher ( 2000 ) suggest that utilizing a more different definition such as waist to hip ratio instead than standard BMI.Fleshiness and StigmaPhysical aberrance has been conceptualised as a â€Å" stigma † by Goffman ( 1963 ) defines as any property that i s profoundly discrediting to an person. In add-on to what he calls the abominations of the organic structure or the physical malformations, he lists the â€Å" tribal stigmas of race, faith, and societal category, and what he calls the defects of single character, such as mental unwellness, dependence, alcohol addiction, and homosexualism ( DeJong, 1980 ) . Goffman ( 1963 ) argues that persons who possess a spoilt individuality as a consequence of their stigma, the effects can be terrible, irrespective of the peculiar nature of the stigma. Although a spot utmost people with stigmatised conditions are viewed as non rather human and are capable to favoritism and straight-out rejection or turning away ( DeJong, 1980 ) . As a consequence, the stigmatised learn to continually supervise their self-presentation and to consciously invent schemes of interaction. In malice of those attempts, nevertheless, a stigma can go on to irrupt itself into the interaction, and its owners may come to ex perience that their individuality is purely defined in footings of it ( DeJong, 1980 ) . On the other manus all the above authors fail to name fleshiness among the physical stigmata. There is a certain sarcasm in that fact, for some have argued that the corpulent are capable to a peculiarly terrible grade of ridicule, humiliation, and favoritism. I would reason that possibly Goffman ( 1963 ) and ( DeJong, 1980 ) did non include fleshiness as in that clip being corpulent held different stature in the society than it does now, for illustration wealth and physical nowadayss. Second I would deduce that research into the links of fleshiness and wellness were non widely publicised as they do now. Some Scambler ( 2008 ) takes a functionalists view that those who possess certain damaged conditions that result in stigma have acquired their pervert position through the committee of aberrant Acts of the Apostless. In this twenty-four hours and age fleshiness is seen by some as a damaged status, this usually consequences in thoughts that corpulent people are responsible for their status, in other words they have put themselves in that status. DeJong ( 1980 ) agrees with this impression that people that possess stigmatising conditions are about ever seen as holding duty for geting and commanding their pervert position. Wright ( 1960 ) contrasts this by emphasizing that persons with a physical stigma are non normally held personally responsible for their status. However in footings of fleshiness this works both ways the familial constituent that the stigmatised person has no control or duty no affair how much dieting and exercising he or she does, and the ego inflicted person who is seen to stuff themselves with fatty nutrients. Wright ( 1960 ) suggests that most physical properties of the organic structure are viewed as determined by familial and environmental forces beyond an person ‘s personal control. Quintessentially in the instance of fleshiness observations have often been noted to be highly negative toward the corpulent, this seems to originate from the belief that fleshiness is caused by ego indulgence, gluttony, or indolence. In short, the corpulent do look to be held personally responsible for their physical status ( DeJong, 1980 ) . Corpulent persons are normally blamed for their extra weight, are socially disliked, and are the marks of permeant negative stereotypes such as holding a deficiency of self-denial ( Puhl and Brownell 2001 ) . Corpulent people are extremely stigmatised and face different signifiers of favoritism and bias because of their weight ( Brownell et al 2005 ) . Stigma and fleshiness is a public wellness concern as Puhl and Brownell ( 2001 ) found that health-care professionals ( doctors, nurses, psychologists, and medical pupils ) possess negative attitudes toward corpulent people. They suggest that corpulent people are non merely stigmatised by the society but by the wellness professional that are meant to present aid to them. A survey of British health care professionals found that suppliers perceived fleshy people to hold reduced self-esteem, sexual attraction, and wellness. Healthcare professionals believed that physical inaction, gorging, nutrient dependence, and personality features were the most of import causes of corpulence ( Puhl and Brownell 2001 ) . Attitudes corpulent people amongst healthcare professionals is a major public wellness concern in that it sometimes influences how this group excess wellness given the fact that they are a high hazard population in footings of more prevalence to a figure of physical wellness issues. Puhl and Heuer ( 2009 ) found that corpulent patients who experience stigma in health-care scenes may detain or waive indispensable preventative attention. Mitchell et Al ( 2008 ) discovered in their survey that corpulent persons are less likely to undergo showings for chest, cervical, and colorectal malignant neoplastic disease for adult females with a BMI greater than 55 kg/m2, 68 % reported that they delayed seeking wellness attention because of their weight, and 83 % reported that their weight was a barrier to acquiring appropriate wellness attention. When asked about specific grounds for detaining attention, adult females reported disrespectful intervention and negative attitudes from wellness profes sionals, embarrassment about being weighed, having unasked advice to lose weight, and gowns, exam tabular arraies, and other equipment being excessively little to be functional. Removing the stigma-related barriers to having showings may assist to decrease the relationship between extra organic structure weight and mortalities ( Mitchell et al 2008 ) . Puhl and Heuer ( 2009 ) argues that and I am convinced by their position that disapproval by the society leaves fleshy and corpulent persons vulnerable to societal unfairness, unjust intervention, and impaired quality of life as a consequence of significant disadvantages and stigma. Crawley ( 2004 ) found in his survey that among females, a negative correlativity between organic structure weight and rewards. He argues the account is that fleshiness lowers rewards ; for illustration, by take downing productiveness or because of work placed favoritism, secondly is that low rewards cause fleshiness.DecisionWhere person lives what socioeconomic position they have and how much they earn can act upon the picks they make about their wellness. Cultural disparities in the prevalence of fleshiness still exist in the United Kingdom. Sociological constructs can help us in understanding how to cover with fleshiness given known nexus between hapless diets during gestation is a hazard factor for lo w birth weight, which in bend has been associated with abdominal fleshiness in maturity Crawley ( 2004 ) .

Sunday, September 29, 2019

City environment by non-visual senses

Introduction:It is known to all, the ocular feeling of metropolis environment is intuitively the most direct and powerful centripetal experience for citizens with good sight. It is beyond uncertainties that visual sense plays a dominant function among all the senses. Ocular sense provides more information for people when they situate in a new topographic point, particularly the orientation in infinite. Porteous ( 1996, p. 3 ) one time mentioned, vision is active and intensive: ‘we expression ; odors and sounds come to us. ‘ The prejudice of ocular sense can besides be easy found in the most of the building procedure – Architects nowadays focus more on ocular environment. Although vision is the really of import sense, the urban environment is non merely perceived by eyes. The changing of the information we receive from eyes is merely the really initial measure of the centripetal experience. The developing and underexploited non-visual senses besides contribute vastl y to the profusion of the perceptual experience and knowledge. In this research, the research worker will analyze what roles do non-visual senses play in urban infinites and how/what will people comprehend a topographic point without sight. In peculiar, the research will concentrate on the different maps of each sense and how to the usage them ( e.g. sound, touch, odor, gustatory sensation ) to do a public infinite work successfully and alone. The end of this survey is to polish our current apprehension of feeling a topographic point and to supply an intensive reading of non-visual senses which has been ignored by most of interior decorators and users. From a long-run position, the consequences of this research can besides cast some new visible radiation in making a public infinite which is combined both the ocular and non-visual senses and offers more centripetal experiences to people.Background.Constricted, we understand and interpret the metropolis through the proficient instead than the sensory, yet it is the sensory from which we build experiencing and emotion and through which our personal psychological landscapes are built. These in bend determine how good or severely a topographic point works – even economically, allow entirely socially or culturally – and how it feels to its dwellers and visitants. ( Landry 2006 p40 ) If our apprehension is limited to a ocular apprehension, we merely concentrate on forms. If, nevertheless, we go beyond visual aspects, we start a spacial apprehension, a three dimensional experience. We can come in this infinite, instead than merely see it. The same applies to the design of infinites. We do non make mere visual aspects but infinites that we can utilize for different intents. ( Madanipour 1996 p99 ) As the citations at the beginning of this chapter high spot, citizens are affected intensively by the infinites and topographic points – non merely the organic structure, but besides the heads and senses every bit good. Since the early 1960s, the knowledge of environmental perceptual experience has developed. Along with the increasing surveies being conducted, there now generates a critical organic structure on people ‘s perceptual experience of their urban milieus. The construct of mental ‘maps ‘ and images of metropoliss are the nucleus surveies for sense of topographic point in the field. More significantly, the publication of Kevin Lynch ‘s The Image of the City ( 1960 ) is the important work in the field of urban imagination. Furthermore, harmonizing to the reactions of human sensory system, the four most valuable senses in feeling the environment are vision, hearing, touch and odor. The research and articles around the subject ‘sense of topo graphic point ‘ were so flourished. It is widely considered that most public infinites is a ocular 1, as Fran & A ; ccedil ; ois Molnar ( 1997 ) points out, ‘visual system is sensitive to spacial frequences, of which some seem privileged. ‘ and ‘responds straight to each of a figure of different spacial frequences ‘ ( p.227 ) However, it has been argued that the experience of public infinites besides affect the senses in other ways. In the foreword of the October 1991 issue of The Architectural Review, the editor provinces: ‘we appreciate a topographic point non merely by its impact on our ocular cerebral mantle but by the manner in which it sounds, it feels and odors. ‘ ( p.5 ) The geographic expeditions of the relationship between each different sense and how they relate with infinite are besides good developed. For case, Lang ( 1994 ) points out that an environment ‘s ‘soundscape ‘ ‘can be orchestrated in much the same manner as its ocular qualities by the pick of stuffs used for the surfaces of the environment and the nature of objects within it. ‘ ( p.33 ) Furthermore, another designer, Juhani Pallasmaa examined the representation of touch in his book The Eyes of the Skin ( 2005 ) ; he claimed that ‘Vision reveals what touch already knows. We could beli eve of the sense of touch as the unconscious of vision. ‘ It is true that designers and research workers have already noticed the importance portion that both the ocular and non-visual senses play in urban infinite. Therefore, based on the old surveies and statements, this research will turn out the maps of non-visual senses harmonizing to a series of methods and the consequences of the research will be utile in later relevant design undertaking.Theoretical model.Although some recent surveies enriched the literature of centripetal design, there is still however an ignorance of non-visual senses for bulk of people. Furthermore, it is common to detect that non-visual senses are underplayed and developing in pattern. Although non-visual senses contribute to a profusion of comprehending a topographic point, it seems that the cardinal maps of non-visual senses are wholly forgotten by most of interior decorators. For this ground, the creative activity of some public infinites presen ts is deficiency of assorted or exciting experience for users. To turn to this ignorance in planing, this research is conducted to specifically research what roles do non-visual senses play in urban infinites and how people perceive a topographic point without sight. These are two core research inquiries of this proposed research, the research is conducted through two stairss – the observations and interviews of blind people and blindfolded experiments in sighted people. Sing the inquiry which mentioned at the beginning of the proposal that why non-visual senses are easy ignored by most of people? Although the experience of a infinite is composed of the information from every sense, as Landry ( 2006 ) mentioned ‘sight are better articulated, because in general we have a rich vocabulary about physical visual aspect ‘ ( p50 ) and most of users, include interior decorators for public infinite are the people with good eye-sight. Therefore, in order to reply the inquiries of what sort of information of the milieus will users receive via non-visual senses and what will the infinite nowadays without the sense of sight, unsighted people is chosen as the sample to analyze, as they correspond with the research conditions – they can merely read the milieus by sound, touch, odor and even gustatory sensation. The 2nd portion of the research is to blindfold sighted individuals and inquire them to walk through the metropolis. During this procedure, they simulate the behavior of blind participants and perceive the milieus from the unsighted people ‘s position. Catherine Thinus-blanc & A ; Florence Gannet ( 1997 ) claims in their research paper Representations of Space in Blind Persons, the grounds that other centripetal modes besides contribute to spacial experience is ‘when sighted participants are blindfolded and asked to execute spacial undertaking with non-visual-relevant information, which they accomplish without trouble ‘ this is why the research worker choose this attack to make the experiment. It will non merely re-prove the consequences from first measure that how other senses conveying the characteristic of metropolis environment, but besides give a direct and strong comparing between ocular and non-visual senses to the sighted participants. And the comparing betw een these two sorts of sense will be clearly suggested once the information was collected.Methodology.The research adopts a qualitative methodological analysis in order to lend the profusion of the literature of the field. It is really of import to indicate out that any specific method or technique is selected after serious consideration on what is theoretically desirable and what is practically and ethically possible. Finally the research selected observation and qualitative semi-structured interviews which are identified as the most suited techniques for the research harmonizing to the specific research aims and context to research the map and position of each non-visual sense, like sound, touch, odor and gustatory sensation. The remainder of this subdivision describes the inside informations of the conductivity of this research.Individual observation and interviewsAs mentioned above, the first portion of the research is to detect blind people ‘s behavior. The sample is cons isted of 10 single participants. Sing the ethical issues, all the participants will be informed before observation and interview conductivity that the information obtained in the research would maintain confidentially. Those participants will be observed two hours per twenty-four hours for their behavior in the day-to-day life and the observation of the spacial public presentations of blind people will be undertaken in topographic points where participants carry out their day-to-day activities, like eating houses, street, or cafe store. In order to research in deepness, some of participants ( about non more than five ) are chosen as the sources to carry on the interview. Semi-structured interview technique was besides employed with the consideration of the aim of the research, which is conducted in random clip after observation finished and arranged between 30 proceedingss to one hr long. The chief purpose of the interview is to complement the losing portion of observation and to re -prove the statements from the relevant paperss and surveies. Therefore, it will get down with wide inquiries and follow up harmonizing to participant ‘s replies. Participants are encouraged to speak freely during the whole procedure. The qualitative semi-structured interview inquiries are listed below:When you walking through the public infinite, which portion will you notice at the beginning? Which sense ( touch, sound, odor, and gustatory sensation ) will assist you to comprehend it?Is there an imagination map in your head when you walking through the metropolis?( If yes, inquire the participant to depict by and large how it forms )Which sense offers more information and aid you more to comprehend metropolis environment when you walking through the metropolis?Have you got the knowledge of colorss?( If yes, inquire the participant to ( a ) stipulate what colors are, ( B ) describe what the color expression like in his head, and ( degree Celsius ) how this knowledge signifier s by non-visual senses. )Which sense will assist you to find the waies and how can you find it?Have you got an apprehension of different distance? How can you understand it?Are there any attacks for you to state the differences from different sorts of infinite?Have you of all time traveled to another metropolis?( If yes, inquire the participant to depict the metropolis feeling in his head and stipulate how he feels that by non-visual senses. ) Due to the length of interviews, each interview was recorded to enable subsequent analysis of informations and word for word citations and permit the research worker to to the full concentrate on the conversation and non distracted by efforts to take notes. The common points of each participant should be summed up after analyzing. The research worker will compare the consequences with the statement from old surveies and polish how non-visual senses contribute when comprehending a public infinite.Blindfolded experimentsThe sum of the participants is around 20 or more sighted people. Experiments will take topographic point in the metropolis Centre of Nottingham. Participants will divided into little groups with maximal three people, a blindfolded one, a usher and a recording equipment, for the intent of convenience and effectual. A path map will besides be determined before get downing – from Old Market Square to Victoria Centre. The experiment starts in forepart of the City Cou ncil. The participant will walk across the cardinal of Old Market Square in darkness merely by following the voice instructions from the usher. When arrives the H2O pool located in the West of the square, the participant demand turn right and walk along the south side of the square. Then, after walking through the busy paving and traversing the traffic route, they will get at Victoria Centre. The concluding measure is to walk into the edifice and see the inside of it from non-visual facets. As is can be seen from the descriptions, the path of the experiment includes assorted alterations of the milieus – from level land to inclined surface, from exterior to interior and from the unfastened infinite to linear infinite as good. Therefore, every bantam alteration that represent on the participant should be recorded carefully. More significantly, after the blind journey, the blindfolded 1s will be asked to retrace the path with sight and the retraced path will besides be drawn dow n in order to contrast to the former 1. Furthermore, they will besides be required to show their perceptual experiences of milieus by drawings – abstract drawings about spacial feelings when they are unsighted. Each member in the group will make the experiment in bend. More participants can be chosen indiscriminately from the Old Market Square. The intent of the experiment is to hold a comparing between ocular and non-visual senses and happen out the chief characters of non-visual senses when vision is non the dominant 1. Interview them after or during the experiment about their feelings. Similar with the old one, it will get down with wide inquiries and follow up harmonizing to participant ‘s replies. The list of inquiry for interviews is stated as followers.Is the infinite represents every bit same as before when you blindfolded? Can you stipulate the differences?Can you depict your feelings now? Are at that place any alterations in the encircled infinite?( Ask these inquiries when participant is closer to the H2O pool which is located in the West of Old Market Square. )Can you detect the alteration of the ground/change of the air current way?How does the infinite represent now? Which sense aid you feel like that?( Ask these inquiries on the manner to Victoria Centre. e.g. walking through the pavement/crossroad. )Ma ke the spacial feelings alteration when you enter the Victoria Centre?( Ask this inquiry when come ining the Victoria Centre and if yes, inquire the participant to stipulate the differences. )What is the difference between exterior and interior infinite?When experiments have been done, the characters of non-visual senses will be summed up harmonizing to the experiment and interview records. The research worker will research the functions that non-visual senses play in showing the metropolis environment and set about a situational analysis on the abstract drawings and compare the retrace path with the old one.Experiment illustration.The followers is the record of a blindfolded experiment conducted by the research worker and her group members. It follows the stairss that described antecedently in the proposal. The experiment lasted about one and half hr and took topographic point in metropolis Centre of Nottingham on 19th October 2009. The followers are some infusions of the reply to the interviews: â€Å" †¦ After my eyes covered by my scarf, I can non see anything in forepart of me. Everything seems to be unknown and unsafe. The old familiar environing now turns into a universe which is like a cryptic black hole†¦ â€Å" â€Å" †¦ at the clip I lost my sight, the non-visual senses become stronger and more sensitive than usual, particularly hearing and touch†¦ I received bantam alterations from environing more easy and rapidly. Furthermore, I found that I can comprehend the environment in determining the infinite by voices around me†¦ † â€Å" †¦ while I was walking through the street, the next infinite seems to be composed of legion faces and lines. I have to state this is the really interesting and originative portion of the experiment†¦ â€Å" â€Å" †¦ interestingly, at the clip I entered the Victoria Centre, the character of the voice changed evidently. This helps me to cognize that I have already entered the inside of the edifice†¦ it seems like we are now in a immense glass box. Voice no longer stand for on planes, but comes from every way in three dimensions†¦ † These are some abstract drawings that drawn by the participants after the experiment. The participant is required to utilize simple phrases or sentences to explicate the abstract drawings.Mentions:Malnar, J.M. ; Vodvarka, F. ( 2004 ) . Centripetal Design, University of Minnesota Press.Henry, S. ( 2008 ) . Convivial Urban Spaces: Making Effective Public Places, Earthscan Publications Ltd. Press.Pallasmaa, J. ( 2005 ) . The Eyes of the Skin: Architecture and the Senses, Academy Press.Carmona, M. ; Heath, T. ; Oc, T. ; Tiesdell S. ( 2003 ) . Public Places-Urban Spaces: The Dimensions of Urban Design, Oxford: Architectural Press.Kevin, L. ( 1960 ) . The Image of the City, The MIT Press.Catherine, T. B. ; Florence, G. ( 1997 ) . Representation of Space in Blind Persons: Vision as a Spatial Sense ; Psychological Bulletin, ( 1997 ) . Vol. 121, No. 1 20-42, American Psychological Association Press.

Saturday, September 28, 2019

ENG315 WEEK5 Term Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

ENG315 WEEK5 - Term Paper Example I was able to insert some argument points that not only inform my audience, but also influence them to believe that what I am presenting is the best proposal there is. Another tip from Toastmasters International (2011) for effective speaking is â€Å"Organizing your proposal,† which again, I find very useful. Sometimes, we get to wrapped up in details that we fail to see where the presentation is really going. A good organization of ideas will lead the audience better towards the position the presenter wants them to be. 2. Delivery - Of the different types of speech delivery, identify which type or types you would feel most comfortable with and explain why. Identify and explain which type of speech delivery with which you would feel most uncomfortable. Describe what you could to do overcome this. => I would feel most comfortable in extemporaneous speeches, because it will give me more leeway to add more ideas according to the current situation or audience, and at the same time will give me the structure of the best organization of ideas to present. I would feel most uncomfortable with impromptu speeches because of the lack of available time to prepare (McKerrow, 2006, p.35-6). I believe that I can overcome this by reminding myself that for impromptu speeches, though I will strive to give the best speech possible, I should not scold myself if it comes out less than perfect. If I keep thinking this way, and keep on allowing myself to be exposed to impromptu speeches, I believe the exposure and practice will develop me more into delivering better and better speeches, impromptu or not. => I made several drafts of the presentation. After each draft, I put myself in the place of my audience. â€Å"What would I want to know? What questions would I want answered? If I am against the proposal, what will convince me to at least give it consideration?† (Guilmartin, 2010, p.211) All these questions prompted me to revise and keep on revising

Friday, September 27, 2019

Argument on Mackie's analysis on existence of God Essay

Argument on Mackie's analysis on existence of God - Essay Example On the other hand, theists continue to defend the stance that God exists and can, in fact, coexist with evil. Mackie challenged theist notions by seeking to demonstrate the invalidity and lack of persuasiveness inherent in regard to the presence of God. The basis of Mackie’s argument is the provision of atheist criticisms towards theistic assertions regarding the issue of evil in the world (Geisler 65). However, throughout his argument, Mackie fails to unequivocally prove why the coexistence of God and evil is a contradiction of the presence of an omnipotent and all good God. Mackie’s depiction of God is that of a form of immortal monster that chooses to sit idly despite being aware of the terrible experiences of people in the world as a consequence of his inaction. As a result, Mackie attempts to prove this inconsistency by delving into his understanding of the disposition of an omnipotent being (Geisler 114). It is because of this that this paper will critically asses s Mackie’s arguments using a theistic point of view, thereby showing that Mackie’s argument is incompatible with God’s overall purpose and his vision for the world. Although God frowns upon evil, he reveres free will, thus does not permit unnecessary suffering. The argument presented in this paper will defend a position that reconciles the presence of God with the presence of wickedness, thus highlighting the existence of God. ... In fact, evil presupposes God’s existence since God provides a benchmark on which actions can be considered evil or good. Without the presence of God then evil would be nonexistent, hence it would be impossible to measure actions as either good or evil. This means that all actions, whether right or wrong can be deemed morally neutral since they are performed by individuals who are also morally neutral. Therefore, by allowing evil, in the short run, God could be attaining the eventual objective of destroying evil in the long term (Aquinas 626). In Mackie’s opinion, God’s first priority should be to deter evil even if it means infringing on people’s free will. Therefore, Mackie appears to presume that God’s actions are negligent since he does not stop evil. However, such an assumption is likely to imply that God is obligated to do something, but fails to do it. Being an almighty being, God is not compelled to do anything; for instance, stop evil since if he was, then this would imply that God is constrained by the desires of another higher being. Ironically, God’s omnipotence is evidenced by his capacity not to destroy evil in order to fulfill some form of obligation. As an omnipotent and benevolent being, God must have morally sufficient reasons for allowing the extent of evil in the world (Geisler 37). Despite the amount and types of evil present in the world, a balance also exists such that more good than evil characterizes the world. This makes humans look forward to the future and deem life as worth living. Argument against the existence of God While the argument against the existence of God encompasses a myriad of presumptions, perhaps the

Thursday, September 26, 2019

The Building of the Progressive Field Research Paper

The Building of the Progressive Field - Research Paper Example The Gateway project was a major achievement in that it was the first successful construction of two fields at the same location. In the project, the progressive Field, then known as Jacobs Field, was the first to be completed and is heralded as the first baseball-only facility in the US. The Progressive Field was built as part of the Gateway project which envisioned better sports in downtown Cleveland. It was multi-phased strategy to develop a large sports complex in Cleveland and which Sasaki would provide the desired designs It was a sophisticated strategy aimed at revitalizing of the economy through consensus building. The master plan had an important objective of incorporating the entertainment and sports aspects into the downtown areas. This idea would serve as a catalyst for economic growth by opening space fabric in the downtown city. Therefore, before plans for a baseball stadium and a basketball arena were floated, there existed a dream of a domed stadium on the same site. I n the early 1980s, the Cleveland Browns and the Cleveland Indians had complained and grumbled about the state of the aging Cleveland Stadium, which had housed them for many years. The fact that the stadium was 50 years old did not help matters and this kept fans away from cheering their teams. The project was kick started in 1984 when county voters in Cleveland defeated a proposed increase in property tax to fund the construction of a new dome shaped stadium. The Mayor had proposed a 0.9-mill increase in the property tax and would affect home owners.

Wednesday, September 25, 2019

Thinking Through Religions 5 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Thinking Through Religions 5 - Essay Example This creates a rift between the root and ground of being; hence, people should not be in awe of an image of God such as God the father since the projected image may be faulty and not representative of God (Watts 55). The root of the difficulty lies within the nature of God and the projections made by the image of God. The images of God can be perceived to generate compensating protestations of absolute certainty regarding matters that are inherently unknowable. As such, the images of God can be considered as representing competing models that are not helpful (amounts to promoting exclusive access) and consistent with the human understanding of God. Consequently, the images of God can be regarded as projecting a God who can be described as severely handicapped, which, in reality, is not the case (Columbus and Donadrian 46). Attempting to learn from the images of God is misleading as the images projected and that people follow may be flawed as the images of God may be deficient. Moreover, no two people can ever draw the same thing, which makes a picture a no substitute and accurate presentation of God. Moreover, how the god is visualized hinges on the cultural context. ... f opposites is commonplace and represents a perfect way of the way of approaching an understanding of God, given that the more that one ponders about God, the more it becomes strikingly peculiar. The notion of unity of opposites presents interesting moral reasoning as it implies that the dark and the light (negative and positive) are all necessary parts of the overall whole (Eversole 55). In the notion of unity of opposites, Alan Watt furthers the idea that two contradictory truths are possible simultaneously. The notion of unity of opposites represents a perfect way of approaching an understanding of God whose ways may not be logically consistent, but profoundly paradoxical. The fundamental nature of God is not something that one can get too precise about as the basis of both life and death remains inherently undefined. # 3 Sir Kenneth Clark writes about Abbot Suger, who can be considered to be the father of the gothic architecture. Suger asserted that individuals only come to under stand absolute beauty-that is God, through the impact of precious and beautiful things that appeal to individuals’ senses. Abbot Suger used beautiful objects to furnish the church symbolizing God, in which the radiant beauty draws an individual’s attention up and beyond earthly matters to elevated heavenly things (Gardner and Fred 341). Suger’s assertion represented a more rational view of God in which he saw God as encompassing numerous things such as reason, light, and proportion, all of which make up beauty. The Gothic church embodied a visual attempt to generate a setting drawn towards purity and light that could embody an image of heaven (Sullivan 304). The Celestial Hierarchy is transmitters of Providential Life to all below and comprises, for the aspiring soul that joins itself

Tuesday, September 24, 2019

Improving our Ethical performance Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3500 words

Improving our Ethical performance - Essay Example (Annual report, 2004, swisslife) When a large retailer like TESCO is considered, one can find that they made ethical trading an integral part of the way they do business. They took care that the buyers, technical managers and ethical trading team to work with their suppliers to upheld labour standards in the supply chain. The company have developed a core regarding Ethical issues. TESCO started implementing ethical issues in business and ended up in making their staff earn more while the share market was jittering. This was made possible to make staff to save while they earn. (Social responsibility 2006). The company started investing in Kenyan flower supply base, South African wine producing and Dominican banana producing. The investment in these areas has linked the productin with social responsibility. As a result the living standards of flower, wine and banana producers in the above mentioned areas were enhanced and resulted in quality produce for the present and in future. (Social responsibility 2006) When we consider the marks and Spencer's ethical issues the communication, equality and diversity pay and benefit, training and development, health, safety and well being, business ethics were considered in the ethical practices. (2006, work place, Marks & Spencer) The communication between the management, suppliers and the emp... result the living standards of flower, wine and banana producers in the above mentioned areas were enhanced and resulted in quality produce for the present and in future. (Social responsibility 2006) When we consider the marks and Spencer's ethical issues the communication, equality and diversity pay and benefit, training and development, health, safety and well being, business ethics were considered in the ethical practices. (2006, work place, Marks & Spencer) The communication between the management, suppliers and the employees was well maintained to share knowledge that helps in the promotion of the business. By retaining the culturally and socially diverse work force the company is maintained equality and diversity in maintenance of the work force. The pay and benefits for the employees were at the right level and they are attractive for the people who want to join it. This made the employees feel secure and work for the promotion of the business as the company is maintaining continuous communication with the employees to be attentive. The company took care of training and development issues of the employees, which made them, develop their skills according to the need of the hour. It is taking care of health and safety and well being of their employees which makes the absence due to illness scarce. Along with the company the employees and suppliers are made to behave and trade ethically while working for and trading with the company. 2. Comparison of TESCO and Marks and Spencer's When we compare marks and Spencer's regarding their ethical trade practices the similarity lies in maintaining cordial relations with employees and suppliers by communicating and taking care of them. The communicating with employees is a difference of marks and Spencer's from that of

Monday, September 23, 2019

Strategic Business Plan for Coca Cola Case Study

Strategic Business Plan for Coca Cola - Case Study Example It manufactures and markets almost 400 brands of beverages in over 200 countries across the world, while over 70% of its revenue comes from within United States alone. It describes itself as a 'local company' as it makes use of local and regional people for its employee base. (Nelson et al, 2006) This paper will study the ways in which the HRM can be conducted so as to up the performance of the company. This will be done through a SWOT analysis as well as an analysis of the industry and competitor base. Finally, the improvement, implementation and management reviews will be put forward. The soft drink industry is one of the largest in the world. In countries like the US and India alone, this industry boasts of a turnover between 6 Billion dollars and 60 Million dollars. This is an industry that caters to the creation of non alcoholic and soda based beverages. The US figures alone for this industry have been depicted below. (Nelson et al, 2006) Michael E Porter has paved the way for revolutionary strategising trends and a whole new perspective on competition through his competitive advantage theory. In the corporate world, Porter's first book Competitive Strategy (1980), which he wrote in his thirties, became an international best seller, and is considered to be an authoritative piece of work on corporate strategy. The book, which has been published in nineteen languages and re-printed approaching sixty times, changed the way business leaders' minds worked. Further, it remains a guide of choice for strategic managers on a global scale. Apart from being rich in lessons about why and how industries, regions, and nations succeed or fail, this book is of great value as the first serious attempt to develop a really original grand theory of national economic development processes since the early years of Postwar development economics, and one of the most original ways of thinking about development policy in years. Source: M E Porter, 1998 This brings us to a discussion on the technicalities of the model proposed by Porter. Porter's Five Forces model provides suggested points under each main heading. When taken into consideration individually, each of these gives rise to the development of a broad and sophisticated

Sunday, September 22, 2019

Staff in the roasting plants are highly Essay Example for Free

Staff in the roasting plants are highly Essay Whether working as a part-time employee, full-time employee, or supplier, Starbucks is one of the best companies to work for. Their dedication to their product and the employees speaks for themselves in their numbers. Sales for 2004 totalled, in millions, are $5, 294. 2, which represents a 29. 9 percent increase over 2003 (Murry 2005). Starbucks carries very little debt, which makes it an even stronger company. It was also sitting on $380 million in cash in the summer of 2004 (Rosato 2004). As Rosata said, â€Å"Starbucks, with little long-term debt and about $380 million in cash, has a stellar balance sheet. † The company finances their new outlets from their own cash reserves (Rosato 2004 p. 124). Not only does Starbucks say their employees are their most important asset, they go out of their way to show it. Background With more than 8,500 coffee shops spanning 30 different countries, Starbucks Corporation, headquartered in Seattle, Washington, is the largest specialty coffee retailer in the world (Murray 2005). Howard Schultz first joined the Starbucks team in 1982 after visiting them on a business trip as a supplier for kitchen equipment. He knew that he wanted to be part of Starbucks at the beginning, and spent the next year talking with the current owners before joining (Thompson et al. 2006). After spending time in Europe and seeing the upbeat and trendy market for coffee houses in Milan, he developed a vision of North Americans sitting in a Starbucks, drinking a speciality coffee and reading a paper or chatting among friends. His ideas however, were not shared by the other members of Starbucks who did not want to enter into the restaurant business, and were happy with being a retailer of speciality coffee (Thompson et al. 2006). Everything Starbucks does is designed to enhance the quality and ambience of the great smell and taste of their coffee. From the farms to the brewing of the coffee, and every process in between, set standards and values that have been put in place by top management to ensure quality and consistence (Thompson et al. 2006). Until recently, every Starbucks store was completely owned by the parent corporation. Schultz did not believe that franchising the stores will allow Starbucks to control the quality and customer service that Starbucks had built their clientele around (Thompson et al. 2006). As of 2003, Starbucks currently has approximately 2700 stores within the US and internationally which are licensed and pay royalties. These agreements allowed Starbucks to enter into market areas such as hotels and university campuses which were not previously attainable (Thompson at al. 2006). The prevailing leadership style seems to be one of allowing autonomy to managers and collaboration insofar as managers, or at least some managers, seeking input from employees. Product Starbucks has always taken pride in their quality of their products. Quality starts right at the potential farming locations where Starbucks purchases their beans. Scheduled visits are maintained to insure that the highest quality of bean is sent to their roasting facilities (Thompson et al. 2006). Staff in the roasting plants are highly trained and able to identify quality by the colour and sound of the roasted beans. Automated roasting systems, and high-tech testing equipment ensures that the beans meet the highest standard, with entire batches of product thrown out which do no pass quality testing (Thompson et al. 2006). Starbucks has also mastered the transportation of their coffee by packaging in a vacuum-sealed container, with a one-way valve that allows gasses to escape, but prevents air and moisture from getting in. This has help increase the shelf life of the product (Thompson et al. 2006). The company consistently looks for ways to improve quality of their product and service. For example, Starbucks innovated a prepaid card, which customers can load with $5 to $500 (Cardline 2004). The card can be automatically refilled on a monthly basis from the customer’s debit or charge card. In October 2004, there was $1 billion on 35 million customer cards (Cardline 2004). Starbucks also began offering a gift card in 2004, which can also be reloaded automatically with a minimum of $20 per month (Cardline 2004). Customers listen to previews of musical selections and the store burns a CD with the selections. The music is from new, promising artists (Starbucks Mixes Mochas 2004). Currently Starbucks coffee and be purchased at selected grocery and department stores. From the beginning, Starbucks had offered a mail-order catalogue, targeted at customers who had moved away from the Seattle area, and wanted to continue enjoying the product. In 2003 the program was discontinued with the drop in sales and the ability to purchase the products at most supermarkets. (Thompson et al. 2006). Globalization Currently Starbucks has over 12,000 stores, with more than 3000 of those outside of the United States. Although issues have been brought up with concerns of stores opening up in China, they now boast over 400 stores in that country alone, making it one of their largest non-US markets. With a goat set for over 40,000 stores in the near future, they plan on focusing their expansion into countries such as India, Russia, China, Brazil, and Egypt (Starbucks to Doubles North America Stores 2006) With their social and conscious efforts for individual countries, Starbucks has a simple system for expanding into new territories which is not change anything, or as little as possible. The main focus is to be able to walk into one of their stores, and not know where you are by looking at it. Although there are some cultural difference with certain products that do not sell well in other countries, to them it is all just coffee (Yunker 2006). Staff Development The corporate principles have not changed since its foundation, and everyone is expected to live by them. Management fads are attractive to companies because they tend to offer quick solutions, inflated results, easy implementation, and use flashy buzzwords to sell the idea. They tend to die off quickly when an organization tries to implement one, which makes them easy to identify from a useful management tool (Miller Hartwick 2002). Authors and analysts consistently report the company actually does live by their principles every day (Stopper 2004). Not only are employees reminded of the principles daily, there is a hotline for employees to report any violations of the principles. The fist two principles are: Provide a great work environment and treat each other with respect and dignity, and Embrace diversity as an essential component in the way we do business (Stopper 2004). Loyalty Perhaps the most remarkable thing about Starbucks is the loyalty of its employees. Analysts report the average annual turnover rate for quick-service restaurants is 200 percent; at Starbucks, the turnover rate for employees is 80 percent and for managers, 20 percent (Weber 2005). This is a definite reflection of the company’s attitudes towards actual treatment of employees. Employees are called â€Å"partners,† which sends a hidden message of autonomy and respect (Weber 2005). Schultz had a belief that if you took care of all your employees that they would take care of you. When negotiating with the insurance carrier to include part time employees, Schultz belief is philosophy strong, â€Å"More than half of our retail sales force is part-time workers. That tells me that the majority of our customers are coming into contact with part-timers. How we treat our people is directly related to how we treat our customers and to the quality of our product. Its inarguable that our part-timers are key to the companys success. † (Rothman 1993). Compensation In 1987, Starbucks became the first company to offer part-time employees the same benefits package as is offered to full-time employees, and they offer spousal benefits to same-sex couples as well as opposite-sex couples (Weber 2005). The company pays approximately 75 percent of the health care premiums. Other benefits include a free pound of coffee each week and a stock option plan where employees can purchase stock at 85% of the market price (Weber 2005). They begin with a wage that is above the minimum wage, and although the company will not divulge its salary and benefits scale, and employee in Boston reported a salary beginning at $8 per hour, where minimum wage is $6. 25, and one is San Francisco began at $8. 62, where minimum wage is $8. 50 per hour (Weber 2005). Training The company has a strong and comprehensive 24-hour orientation training program for new employees. Company executives attribute their ability to grow fast to having a stable workforce. Store managers and assistant managers go through a 10-week management training program (Weber 2005). Employee training goes far beyond basic coffee making skills. It includes customer service, brewing the â€Å"perfect cup†, learning how to specialize customer orders, and important housekeeping skills. At the end of the training, employees will know how to properly pronounce the different names, take personal responsibility in the cleanliness of the stores, and will able to sell customers home espresso machines (Thompson at al. 2006). Although many companies in a similar business would find this amount of training extensive and too costly, Starbucks has the advantage of a low turnover rate which allows for this large amount of training. Staff who are better trained are likely to be more satisfied and remain at a job, then those who are not (Anthony et al. 2005) Managers also received extensive training lasting 8 to 12 weeks long. Not only did their training include areas of store operation, procedures, and information systems, but more importantly how to manage people. The training given by other store and regional managers was designed to train a new manager to understand the value, culture and social responsibility that Starbucks considered part of their corporate culture (Thompson Gamble 1997) Conflicts in Staffing Starbucks is not without challenges. Managers in both California and Florida sued the company for overtime pay, claiming they were performing duties not related to management. The company settled the lawsuit in California, not agreeing they really owed the money to the managers but to avoid prolonged litigation (Ouchi 2005). Furthermore, as with all non-unionized companies, the union has attempted to invade the company to get a foothold in Starbucks on a regular basis (Holmes 2005). In June 2005, Industrial Workers of the World (IWW) filed a complaint alleging the company used illegal tactics to keep employees in new Starbucks from joining the union. The employees of the Starbucks located at 36th and Madison Ave. in Manhattan formed their own union in 2004, which is independent and not recognized by any other organization or agency. The leader of this union says it has won higher starting wages at their store as well as â€Å"recognition of repetitive stress injuries† (Holmes 2005). Culture and Social Responsibility Problems aside, it would seem that Starbucks treats its employees a whole lot better than other companies in the same industry, e. g. , how many offer full benefits to part-times employees? The company has a dramatically lower turnover rate than other companies, which suggests employees feel that they are being treated fairly. The corporation has shown the culture at Starbucks, which is one of support and open communication, respect and values. On September 11, the company closed all stores across the country to allow employees to be home with their families (Blassingame 2002). They established crisis management teams, frequent communications to all employees via email, counselling was made available to all employees, upper management flew from Seattle to New York, and they extended their benefits to employees who served in the military (Blassingame 2002). Diversity at Starbucks is without question. The company is not only supportive of gender, racial, and ethnic diversity, it goes much further to â€Å"diversity of opinion, age, cultural experiences, family status, and sexual orientation† (Nagae 2005). They practice what they preach. The company has a very strong social responsibility division and give back to all communities in which they are located (Starbucks 2005). Farmers in developing nations that supply Starbucks with their beans are insured long-term agreements, and sufficient payments that provide a higher level of living standards, and guarantees of financial security (Thompson et al. 2006). Environmental Responsibility As a partner of Conservation International, Starbucks has promoted coffee cultivation methods that protect a healthy environment (Thompson et al. 2006). Farmers do no use pesticides, herbicides, or chemicals and clean ground water is used to protect ecosystems. Farming techniques are also used that develop higher yields in smaller fields that help protect against soil erosion on mountainsides (Thompson et al. 2006). Within the corporation, Starbucks has an Environmental Committee, and a Green Store Task Force which looks at ways to minimize waste, conserve energy, and assist with local environmental efforts (Thompson et al. 2006). Customers are also offered a 10 cent discount off coffee purchases for supplying their own mug (Thompson et al. 2006). Starbucks environment policies also extend to suppliers who are encouraged to use energy-efficient products and eliminate unnecessary packaging. (Thompson et al. 2006). Although it is widely considered in business that profits and the environment are considered to be separate from each other, and caring for one often means hurting the other, Starbucks seems to look at the long-term aspect of this issue. Conclusion Customer service is a top priority for Starbucks, and they understand that proper training, low turnover rates, employee empowerment, and employee satisfaction are all key factors in providing customers the service desired. Not only have they created the staff development model, but the corporate culture has been developed to fully promote a strong working relationship between management and employees, giving the employees the empowerment to provide unsatisfied customers with a free coupon for a coffee no matter what the issue (Thompson et al. 2006). Starbucks has been able to build a brand name that is recognizable around the world which represents quality, style, and customer care. Despite some short fallings in some of Starbuck’s financial decisions, many companies should look at how Starbucks treat their staff, their suppliers and the environment, and make it their vision to develop a business model around the same values. Their growth throughout the United States, and internationally has been unstoppable since the start, which is all due to the belief that every dollar you spend on your employees shows up on the bottom line (Rothman 1993). The company is growing and there seems to be no stopping it. It just expands dramatically each year and it is offering new services and products to keep the consumer coming back. Their belief in employee benefits and strong labour-management has lead to turnover rate that is far superior to those other companies in the same category as Starbucks. The company quickly realized that the financial cost of employee turnover far outweighs the extra cost of benefits. Combined with solid negotiations with insurance providers, and a younger, healthier work force, Starbucks is able to provide viable coverage at minimal costs (Rothman 1993). The advantage that Starbucks has over their competitor is that the value of their employee has existed from the very beginning of the company, unlike others that try to follow management trends and fads. What makes Starbucks truly different than most companies, and the â€Å"Best Company to Work For† is their belief in doing what they preach. Many other company have stated similar values, developed equally in-depth training modules, put social and economic responsibilities in their mission statements, and state that their â€Å"employees are their greatest resource. † While these companies use these terms and goals only at face value, and do not make the commitment to follow through on their promise for a better company, they in fact neither have the commitment nor the desire to implement a positive work environment which they can be proud of. Very few companies can equate the cost of additional support and training for their employees to the company’s bottom line. More importantly, although such things at additional training have a high short-term cost, they typically have long-term benefits with financial gains. Bibliography Anthony, W. , Kacmar M. , Perrewe, P. 2005, Human Resource Management: A Strategic Approach. Thomson Corp. Mason, OH Blassingame, K. 2002. ‘Starbucks displays HR values after tragedy. ’ Employee Benefit News, February 2002. Available from: http://www. benefitnews. com/work/detail. cfm? id=2433 [December 6, 2006] Cardline. 2004. ‘Starbucks Card will have $1 Billion in Balances This Month’ Available from: www. cardforum. com [December 6, 2006] Holmes, S. 2005 â€Å"A bitter Aroma at Starbucks,† Business Week, June 62005 Miller, D. , Hartwick, J. 2002 ‘Spotting Management Fads,’ Harvard Business Review. October 2002 Vol. 80 Issue 10, p26 Murray, B. 2005, Starbucks Coporation. Hoover’s Inc. , Austin Nagae, P. 2005. ‘How General Counsel Support Their CEOs Diversity Efforts,’ Diversity and the Bar. May/June 2005 Ouchi, M. S. 2005. ‘Starbucks told to turn in names in overtime-pay lawsuit,’ The Seattle Times, May 13, 2005-08-27 Rosato, D. 2004. ‘When it Pays to Pay up’. Money Magazine, August 1, 2004, p124 Rothman, M. 1993 ‘Into the Black: How Starbuck’s comprehensive employee-benefits package adds to its bottom line,’ Inc Magazine, Jan 1993. Available from: www. inc. com/magazine/19930101/3340. html. Starbucks Corporation. 2005. Available from: www. starbucks. com [December 6, 2006] Starbucks to Double North America Sales 2006. Available From: MSNBC October 5, 2006 Stopper, W. 2004. ‘Establishing and maintaining the trust of your employees,’ Human Resource Planning, June 2004, p21 Tan, J. 2005. ‘Starbucks to Open 1800 Stores in 2006,’ Insis, August 2, 2005. Available from: www. ebizasialink. com/news. asp? ArticleID=3765SID=48 Techweb, 2004. ‘Starbucks Mixes Mochas and Music with CD Burning Service’ Available From: www. techweb. com [December 6, 2006] Thompson, A. , Gamble J. 1997. ‘Starbucks Corporation’ McGraw-Hill Available from: www. mhhe. com/business/management/thompson/11e/case/starbucks-2. html Thompson, A. ,Gamble J. , Strickland A. J. 2006. Strategy: Winning in the Marketplace. McGraw-Hill, New York Weber, G. 2005. ‘Preserving the Counter Culture,’ Workforce Management, February 2005, p28 Yunker, J. 2006. ‘Starbucks CEO on Globalization: Don’t Go Changing,’ Business Globalization Available From www. globalbydesign. com/2006/12/03/starbucks-ceo-on-globalization-dont-go-changing [December 6, 2006]

Saturday, September 21, 2019

How to Write a Poem About Lacrosse Essay Example for Free

How to Write a Poem About Lacrosse Essay The general purpose of this speech is to demonstrate. The specific purpose is to show how to shoot a lacrosse ball, catch a lacrosse ball and cradle the lacrosse ball. I am going to show you the proper way to shoot the ball, the right way to catch the ball and the correct way cradle the ball. Everyone chill-lax, i’m going to tell you about lax. I am the best person to give this speech because I have played lacrosse almost all my life and I am very good at it. This demonstration will be useful to you because if you ever want to try lacrosse, you will know some of the basics. The first part of lacrosse I am going to tell you about is how to shoot the ball. There are three main points on how to shoot the lax ball. The first is to keep your elbows and hands out and away because you can get more power on the ball. Also it helps you aim the ball more precisely and hit the corners of the goal. Second is to take a big drop step and twist your hips is to create more power on your shoot. Lastly you need to follow through your swing. It’s just like in basketball and how you need yo follow through on your shoot or in soccer and how you need to follow through on your kick. Another part important part of lax is how to catch the ball because if you can’t catch the ball you can’t really score. The most important part of catching the ball is keeping your hands in front of your body. If you do this you can catch the ball from almost anywhere. How you actually receive the ball is another crucial technique. When the ball is going into your stick, you need to bring the stick towards you so the ball won’t pop out. If you just keep your stick out there the ball will hit your mesh and fly out of your head. The last thing I am going to tell you about is how to cradle the ball. If you cannot cradle the ball, when you are trying to move down the field, you will get the ball knocked out and taking away. A way to not let that happen is to bring your stick up strongly and bring it down strongly.

Friday, September 20, 2019

Critical Discussion of Corporate Social responsibility (CSR)

Critical Discussion of Corporate Social responsibility (CSR) Corporate Social Responsibility Defined Corporate social responsibility (CSR) is when a corporation exceeds statutory business standards (Johnson and Scholes 2008). CSR policies are relevant because they state what a company intends to achieve, in addition, to its statutory obligations. A corporation has to comply with legal standards such as employment contracts. However, a company can exceed those principles if it chooses to pay a living wage rather than the minimum wage (Bloomer 2014). Introduction to the Critical Discussion The discussion will examine a traditional criticism of corporate social responsibility through the work of Friedman. This is a view which proponents of CSR will need to refute. The essay will then discuss how social and environmental responsibility can be reconciled, with profitability, using the work of Porter. The example of Hewlett Packard is discussed at length. This is because its policies emphasise how a multi-national company can achieve both environmental and social responsibility together with corporate profitability. The work of Handy is then considered. This argues that companies should have corporate objectives which are broader than just profitability and consider the purpose of the business. Friedmans View of Corporate Social Responsibility Friedmans view is a non-interventionist or laissez-faire vision of commerce. In his view business should aim to earn money while complying with the basic rules of the society such as paying taxes (Friedman 1970:1). It assumes that consumers are sovereign and are able to significantly influence corporate decision-making. This view of commercial organisations underplays the significance of consumer market failure. It is assumed that consumers can take their business elsewhere as Friedman believed that consumers can transfer their business to other producers (Friedman 1970). However, this is not possible if the consumer is unable to pay for another competitor firms products. This is the case if a consumer were unable to pay for the safety features, offered by a car manufacturer such as Volvo, as discussed below. To summarise, socially responsible polices, can be seen as unrealistic if consumers are unwilling to pay for them. Friedman argued that socially responsible business policies, such as promoting equality, can harm company performance. For example, Ben and Jerrys adopted a payment scheme where the highest paid employee could only earn no more than five times the income of the lowest paid firm employee (Barney and Hesterly 2010:7). This payment scheme made it difficult to recruit senior managerial talent to make sure that the company grew and remained profitable (Barney and Hesterly 2010). A More Progressive View of Corporate Social Responsibility There is an increasingly an expectation that companies will contribute to society to a greater extent than when Friedman was writing in the early 1970s. Companies operate in a social environment as well as an economic environment (Grant 2008). A firms ability to survive depends upon its acceptability among consumers who give the firm social legitimacy (Grant 2008:446). Examples of social awareness, such as a demand for safer cars, suggest that companies are wise to respond to consumer concerns (Grant 2008).Corporations have come under increasing pressure to contribute to the societies in which they operate and to adopt more socially responsible business practices (Christodoulou and Patel 2013:467). The corporate setting of voluntary objectives can be seen as an adequate response to the needs of society. Companies can set voluntary standards: to reduce the extent to which their actions cause negative externalities or side-effects (Barney and Hesterly 2010). For example, if a car manufacturer builds a car with a large number of safety features which more than comply with legal requirements. Volvo has promoted the benefits of a relatively safe car which adds value that the customer is willing to pay a premium for (Thompson and Martin 2005:95). However, this approach can also be seen as merely serving a premium segment of the market, rather than being particularly socially responsible. In this case, Volvo is taking a marketing position which conforms to sales objectives while offering better safety to the motorist (Johnson and Scholes 2008). Corporate social responsibility is only conforming to financial requirements. Porters View on Corporate Social Responsibility and the Environment The concept of CSR is useful as it can help reconcile the financial needs of business with say the safety needs of society. Porter argues that it is a mistake for business to see environmental legislation as a threat to be resisted (Porter and van de Linde 1995). Rather, socially responsible businesses can view regulation in a positive manner; that environmental regulation can be built upon to utilise resources more effectively. It is argued, that there are costs incurred with the elimination of environmental problems but that these are outweighed by the benefits, including financial savings and improvements to product quality (Thompson and Martin 2005). Therefore, it is possible for corporations to be socially responsible without compromising the financial status of the organisation. Porters argument is useful. It has allowed thoughtful companies, such as Hewlett Packard, to reconcile investment in environmental initiatives with corporate profitability. The Hewlett Packard Report Hewlett Packard has a strong reputation in terms of corporate social responsibility (thecro.com 2010). The companys CSR policies are detailed and indicate a high level of social responsibility. For example, the company presents environmental information, in a proactive manner, with evidence of wanting to improve recycling programmes. It aims to improve environmental programs to reduce the waste from its production operations (Hewlett Packard 2011). Through these environmental initiatives, the company can help reduce business costs. Hewlett Packards CSR report discusses how it aims to extract value from products which are at the end of their product life (Hewlett Packard 2011). An example is the companys commitment to re-manufacture its printer cartridges so that they can be used again. The company is attempting to promote a strong corporate responsibility through proactive environmental investment. Hewlett Packard has demonstrated strong social responsibility policies. This suggests that such policies can be implemented on a large scale. The company has provided a significant amount of disclosure on a wide range of corporate areas from the environment to human resource management. The detail provided by Hewlett Packard is superior to other companies given that online trade publications have viewed Hewlett Packards performance favourably (thecro.com 2013). Given that Hewlett Packard was assessed favourably then the information provided, in its CSR report, can be interpreted as thorough and accurate. The company attempts to improve the wider business community with measures to develop its external supply chain. The company aims for strong standards of behaviour outside the companys core business. This suggests that it is attempting to improve working relationships with its component suppliers (Hewlett Packard 2011). Hewlett Packards CSR document conveys that the company is enabling social responsibility to be addressed. The company suggests that it has a grievance procedure so that different stakeholders can report social or ethical problems to senior management (Hewlett Packard 2011). The company is clearly investing in a responsible approach as it describes legal observance as an absolute minimum which it expects of different stakeholders (Hewlett Packard 2011:82). They argue that their decision making achieves better employment standards, than laws in the different countries in which the company operates (Hewlett Packard 2011). Concerns over Hewlett Packards Stated Policies Hewlett Packard attempts to make the company accountable, to external industry scrutiny. Procedures have been outlined which should make sure that ethical labour standards are achieved (Hewlett Packard 2011). The concern is that ethical objectives could be difficult to implement. There does not appear to be a specific example of how this guidance statement could be delivered in practice. However, there is a well structured diagram which outlines how the company will provide a governance structure so that the company can comply with ethical challenges (Hewlett Packard 2011:82). Some of Hewlett Packards environmental statements can be interpreted as platitudes. The company claims that that it wants to conserve more resources than it consumes (Hewlett Packard 2011). The concern is that it is easy to provide such statements. However, it is more difficult to assess how they are going to conserve more than they consume. This is because environmentally acceptable re-manufacturing programmes will still require energy consumption despite the conservation of the materials. Hewlett Packard may have worse polices, in practice, than those conveyed by its report. This is because suppliers could be forced to comply with the companys standards. There are power relationships between dominant multi-national companies, such as Hewlett Packard, and their suppliers (Locke et. al. 2012). The international sourcing of computer components has left suppliers vulnerable to the dominant buying policies at Hewlett Packard (Wetherly et. al. 2011). These power relationships will tend to be overlooked, in corporate social responsibility reports, because companies will want to portray themselves in a favourable light. Corporate social responsibility policies have been criticised. The development of CSR policies have been difficult to implement for many firms (Birchall and Cook 2006). However, these criticisms should, generally, not be directed at Hewlett Packard due to the level of detail contained in its CSR report. Arguably, they have made an honest corporate attempt to contribute to society (Porter and Kramer 2002). The report goes beyond the legal compliance advocated by Friedman. The detail provided is of a superior standard when compared to a minimum level of legal compliance. The Business and Ethical Concepts of Handy The work of Handy, arguably, goes beyond the corporate responsibility work of writers such as Porter. This is because Handy emphasises the importance of mission statements and the purpose of the organisation. Handy argues that the purpose of a business . . . is not to make a profit, full stop. It is to make a profit so that the business can do something more or better. That something becomes the real justification for the business (Sage Publications 2015:15). Handy argues that a firms profit should be the means to a larger end (Sage Publications 2015). There are companies which adhere to a deeper purpose than merely profit. Tradecraft, in the UK, would be a good example as the companys purpose is to operate life-changing development projects (Traidcraft 2015). However, Traidcraft operates in a niche area of the retail market where affluent consumers, who are willing to pay higher prices, contribute to international development. Therefore Handys ideas may have limited application to businesses throughout the whole of the United Kingdom. However, his ideas are useful where they can be applied. Tradecrafts mission moves beyond immediate stakeholders, such as owners and clearly considers the needs of the broader society (Dess et. al. 2010). The company is an excellent example of a company which incorporates social and environmental, as well as financial factors, into its decision making (Dess et. al. 2010). The challenge for proponents of social responsibility is that many retailers only undertake social and environmental policies which do not damage their sales and profits. Many retailers will concentrate on environmental responsibility in their stores, where they can achieve resource efficiency targets (Jones et. al. 2009). Many retailers social responsibilities are guided by what they can achieve within their financial imperatives (Jones et. al. 2009). However, such corporate policies could lead to accusations of greenwashing. In other words, that the retailers commitment to the environment is limited and that social responsibility reports can play a public relations role rather than a social responsibility role. Many firms are engaging in greenwashing to mislead consumers about the extent of their environmental activities (Delmas and Burbano 2011). Conclusion There is evidence of improvements to companies social responsibility polices. This is because firms have realised that it is financially prudent to use environment resources wisely. It is also necessary for business to be sustainable and to invest in good employment practices and proper labour standards. However, there is a concern that corporate social responsibility is limited by what the consumer is willing, or able, to pay for more ethical approaches. There are few examples of businesses which are willing to adopt socially responsible policies which affect their profitability. Ben and Jerrys is one example before its takeover by Unilever. References Barney, J. and Hesterly, W., (2010), Strategic Management and Competitive Advantage: Concepts and Cases, Third Edition, Boston: Prentice Hall Burchell, J. and Cook, J. (2006), Confronting the corporate citizen: Shaping the discourse of corporate social responsibility, International Journal of Sociology and Social Policy, Vol. 26, No. 3/4, 2006, p. 121-137 Bloomer, E. (2014), Local action on health inequalities: Health inequalities and the living wage, Public Health England. Retrieved from  https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/357407/Review6_Living_wage_health_inequalities.pdf Christodoulou, I and Patel, Z. (2013), Strategic Perspectives, Westminster Business School, University of Westminster, New York: McGraw Hill Dess, G., Lumpkin G. and Eisner, A. (2010), Strategic Management: Creating Competitive Advantages, Fourth Edition, Boston: McGraw Hill Delmas, M. and Burbano, V. (2011), The Drivers of Greenwashing, UCLA, California Management Review. Retrieved from  http://www.ioe.ucla.edu/media/files/Delmas-Burbano-CMR-2011-gd-ldh.pdf Friedman, M. (1970), The Social Responsibility of Business is to Increase its Profits, The New York Times Magazine, September 13, 1970. Retrieved from  http://www.umich.edu/~thecore/doc/Friedman.pdf Grant, R. (2008), Contemporary Strategy Analysis, Sixth Edition, Oxford: Blackwell Publishing. Hewlett Packard, (2011), HP 2011 Global Citizenship Report. Retrieved from  http://www8.hp.com/us/en/pdf/hp_fy11_gcr_tcm_245_1357670.pdf Johnson G. and Scholes, K., (2008), Exploring Corporate Strategy: Eighth Edition, Harlow: Pearson Education Jones, P., Comfort, D. and Hillier, D. (2009), Marketing Sustainable Consumption within Stores: A Case Study of the UKs Leading Food Retailers, Sustainability 2009, 1, 815-826. Retrieved from  http://www.mdpi.com/2071-1050/1/4/815 Locke, R, Distelhorst ,G., Pal, T. and Hiram M. S., Production Goes Global, Standards Stay Local: Private Labor Regulation in the Global Electronics Industry, Retrieved from  http://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=1978908 Porter, M. and Kramer M., (2002), The Competitive Advantage of Corporate Philanthropy, Harvard Business Review, December 2002. , Retrieved from  http://www.expert2business.com/itson/Porter%20HBR%20Corporate%20philantropy.pdf Porter, M. and van de Linde, C. (1995), Towards a New Conception of the Environment-Competitiveness Relationship, The Journal Of Economic Perspectives, Vol. 9, No. 4. Retrieved from  http://www.conservationeducation.org/uploads/6/2/0/1/6201942/porter_-_environment__competitiveness_1995.pdf Sage Publications (2014), What is CSR. Retrieved from  http://www.sagepub.com/upm-data/34698_Chapter1.pdf Thecro.com, (2010), CRs 100 Best Corporate Citizens 2010. Retrieved from  http://www.thecro.com/files/CR100Best.pdf Thompson, J. and Martin, F. (2005), Strategic Management: Awareness and Change, Fifth Edition, London: Thomson Learning Traidcraft, (2015), Traidcraft: Fighting Poverty Through Trade. Retrieved from  http://www.traidcraft.co.uk/ Wetherly, P. and Otter, D. (2011), The Business Environment: Themes and Issues, Second Edition, Oxford: Oxford University Press

Thursday, September 19, 2019

Permanent vs Term :: essays research papers

Term Vs. Permanent   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  There are many different types of life insurance, but two of the most popular categories are term and permanent insurance. Both, term and permanent, have their advantages and disadvantages.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Term insurance is commonly referred to the simplest form of life insurance. Term insurance is cheaper and at times easier to acquire due to less extensive medical examinations. It is good for when large amounts of insurance coverage is needed in a shorter term. This can be widely used to cover business liabilities because some loan terms require a person to have enough insurance to cover the loan balance in case of death. Ten and twenty year terms are the most popular, but recently a thirty year term has become available. The monthly costs are less expensive, therefore available to those who have a need for insurance but a lack of resources.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Although term insurance has its benefits, it also has its downfalls. Once the term limits are over, the insurance, benefits, and all paid premiums are gone. There is no savings element to term because the money one puts into the 'bucket' is simply enough to cover the insurance itself. There is no built in savings or interest benefits. One problem many people do not take into consideration with term insurance, is that once the insurance expires, replacement coverage of the same price is non-existent. This is because one's age has increased along with insurability. Many people view term insurance as a short-term solution to a long-term need.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  On the other hand, there is permanent insurance. Permanent insurance provides lifetime protection. One gets what they pay for. Permanent insurance premiums are considerably more expensive. The extra expense is offset somewhat by the savings function the insurance provides. Permanent insurance carries a cash value throughout its life that can be used if needed. Once one gets this insurance, it cannot be taken away, even if a life threatening illness sets in. Permanent insurance cannot be a loss, it will pay one way or another, be it by payment upon death or when the policy matures. This is the best way to know that the insurance one purchases will always be there, assuming one keeps paying the premiums, and there will be no surprises due to increased premiums because they will remain the same throughout one's life.

Wednesday, September 18, 2019

Substance Misuse Among Women with Eating Disorders Essay -- Drugs Alco

Substance Misuse Among Women with Eating Disorders Research on eating disorders has revealed a greater incidence of substance use and/or misuse in women with eating disorders than in the general population. Most of the research agrees that substance misuse is more common in patients with bulimia nervosa and the binge eating/purging subtype of patients with anorexia than in women with the restricting subtype of anorexia nervosa. Researchers and specialists have proposed a range of theories to account for the strong association between substance misuse and bulimia nervosa. Experiments have not provided evidence to conclusively support any one theory. However, studies conducted in the past decade have enabled researchers to refine their hypotheses and accumulate more accurate information about eating disorders and substance use. Researchers have examined personality characteristics, family history, and biological and environmental factors common to persons with both substance use problems and eating disorders. In addition, the onset of eating disorders in relation to the beginning of substance abuse are examined to determine if one disorder drives the other. Differences in characteristics of patients with anorexia nervosa and patients with bulimia nervosa are examined to determine differences in rates of comorbidity with substance abuse. While continued research is necessary to assess the validity of proposed theories, the current knowledge proposes some interesting ideas about the relationship between substance abuse and eating disorders. In the literature on eating disorders and substance abuse there is general agreement on two factors: patients with eating disorders display higher rates of substance abuse problems an... ...ability to Substance Abuse in Eating Disorders. NIDA.159, 269-311. Krahn, D., Piper, D., King, M., Olson, L., Kurth, C., Moberg, D.P. (1996). Dieting in Sixth Grade Predicts Alcohol Use in Ninth Grade. Journal of Substance Abuse. 8, 293-301. Sinha, R., Robinson, J., Merikangas, K., Wilson, G.T., Rodin, J.,& O'Malley, S. (1996). Eating Pathology among Women with Alcoholism and/or Anxiety Disorders. Alcoholism: Clinical and Experimental Research. 20, 1184-91. Striegel-Moore, R., and Huydic, E. (1993). Problem Drinking and Symptoms of Disordered Eating in Female High School Students. International Journal of Eating Disorders. 14, 417-25. Welch, S. and Fairburn, C. (1996). Impulsivity or Comorbidity in Bulimia Nervosa. A Controlled Study of Deliberate Self Harm and Alcohol and Drug Misuse in a Community Sample. British Journal of Psychiatry. 169, 451-8.

Tuesday, September 17, 2019

Diversity and Difference in Early Childhood Essay

Personal interest: My first awareness of racial identity and diversity occurred when I was in Year 3. Having being raised acknowledging acceptance of people of racial or cultural difference my thoughts of children of colour were positive and impartial. However, one day a boy in my class of Sri Lankan descent got into trouble with another student, but only the Sri Lankan boy was asked to go to the principal’s office. During our lunch break he came over to a group of us and told us that he thought he was the one that got into trouble ‘because he was ‘black’’. I remember thinking to myself, ‘why would he get into trouble just because he was black? ’ It was in fact that both boys went to the principal’s office, just on separate occasions. This was my first memory of someone thinking that they were being singled out or getting into trouble due to belief of skin colour dissimilarity and racial stereotypes. I’ve been aware of racial diversity ever since. Now that I have an opportunity to be a part of children’s learning and development I want to learn more about diversity and make a difference in children’s perspectives of themselves and others. Discussion: As educators in early childhood, it is crucial that we acknowledge and respect that children’s personal, family and cultural histories shape their learning and development. The increase in racial, ethnic, and cultural diversity in educational centres is reflected in many early childhood classrooms. Although the diverse composition of early childhood classrooms may bring challenges, it also introduces many opportunities for educators, parents, and children as we need to value and appreciate difference and variety as a positive attribute in all educational and social environments (Ashman and Elkins 2008). As adults, being ‘different’ is a decision to make a personal statement; such as deciding to change a hairstyle, get a tattoo or by wearing alternative clothing. It is one thing to be different by choice, and another for a child to discern themselves as being different based on their physical features, cultural of religious differences. One of the most stimulating aspects of early education is observing and supporting young children as they develop their individual identities. This development takes place within different social contexts where issues relating to human diversity and difference impact significantly on children’s understandings and ways of being in the world. Arguably, our education begins when we are first able to detect causes and consequences, and continue to form the basis of our identity, behaviours and knowledge of the world around us. Glover (1991) in the early 1990s found that as 2-3 year old children became aware of difference they simultaneously develop positive and negative feelings about the differences they observe. For example, racial awareness impacts on their perceptions of skin colour and on their preferences in the social relationships they initiate and foster with other children. An Australian study conducted by Palmer (1990) exemplifies how preschool children were able to make negative judgements based on racial characteristics of young Aboriginal children. Children were reportedly saying ‘You’re the colour of poo†¦ Did your mum drop you in the poo? ’ This observation suggests that children as young as 2 years old are becoming aware of diversity and differences of others, and these judgements children are making are often affecting their ability to make sound judgements of others as their perceptions of reality are distorted. Although Palmers study was conducted in 1990, there has been a significant increase in racial awareness since the 1980s of the importance of early childhood education policies, practices and curriculum aiming to positively reflect the diverse cultural identities of children and their families. Today, the embracing of children’s lives is a central focus of the different philosophies which foster early childhood education in Western society, such as the ‘anti-bias curriculum’ which emerged from the United States (Derman-Sparks and the A. B. C. Task Force, stated in Robinson 2006 p 2) and also in the perspectives of Reggio Emilia. In Australia there has been a broadening of cultural influences which has been referred to by Ashman (2008) as ‘the cultural mosaic’, which refers to those who have migrated maintain their homeland traditions while embracing the new norms, values and practices within the country. Furthermore data collected by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (2008) show that around 25% of Australians were born in other countries, nearly half the population has direct links with relatives born overseas, and over 2. 5 million people speak a language other than English at home, which should clearly illustrate to educators that learning developmental experiences need to be appropriate for multicultural children to be involved in. As stated by Robinson (2006), the early childhood years are fundamental years in the growth and development of a child’s cognition, language, social, emotional and physical competence. Early childhood educators are in an ideal position to make a positive difference in the lives of children and their families. My emerging philosophy would be to teach children to be critical thinkers specifically about prejudice and discrimination to encourage children to develop the skills to identify when something they have said or done is unfair of hurtful to another. Also to model the behaviours and attitudes I would want children to develop, particularly in situations that can either promote prejudice or inhibit a child’s openness to diversity. Furthermore, I would aim to expose children to role models from their own culture as well as to those from other cultures to encourage appreciation of their own cultural identity, as well as different cultures. As professionals who work with families, our willingness to talk openly about identity and to help foster a positive sense of self in children can make an enormous difference in affirming the rich diversity within our community and help children form bridges across cultures and traditions. The more that children have a solid grounding and understanding about who they are and where they came from, the more they learn to value differences of cultures different from their own, and the closer we get to building a world of respect of multicultural differences. Ashman, A F, Elkins J 2008, ‘Education for Inclusion and Diversity’, 3rd edn, Pearson Education, Frenchs Forest, NSW. Davis, B M 2009, ‘The Biracial and Multicultural Student Experience: a journey to racial literacy’, Corwin, Sage Ltd, USA. Glover, A 1991, ‘Young children and race: a report of a study of two and three year olds’, Australian Catholic University, Sydney. Pulido-Tobiassen, D, Gonzalez-Mena, J 2005, ‘Learning to Appreciate Differences’, Early Childhood Today, vol. 20, issue 3, viewed 2 April 2011, retrieved from Victoria University Database. Robinson, K 2006, ‘Diversity and Difference in Early Childhood Education’, Bell and Bain Ltd, Glasgow, viewed 1 April 2011, retrieved from Ebrary database.