Philosophy of Man Essay

Death is a typically human event, not just a biological occurrence. It is a separating of body and soul, but it is not just the body that dies, it is the whole man. It is difficult to talk of the very moment of death, since some people who had been there, did not talk of their experience. There are some written accounts of such experiences and from these we get glimpses of the next life. [Corazon Cruz] Philosophy of man is the study of man and its philosophy in life that is subdivided into many branches such us ethics, metaphysics natural philosophy etc. PHILOSOPHY came from the Greek word PHILO meaning Love and SOPHIA meaning wisdom, French believe that PHILO means friendship rather than Love cause they believe that Love is a state of confusion, mallicious intentions mixed up w/ pure intention (attraction/physical aspect). Why does people who answers his/her superior called PILOSOPO? Before, when the Spaniards holds the Europe, some philosophers fight back by the used of printing adds, they fight w/ the used of there mind (APOCALYPS). In Philippines. Before, DR. Jose Rizal fight the Spaniards by writing things that is against to the Spaniards. Before the only people who are smart and brave enough to fight and write against the Spaniards are the Philosophers. Dr. Jose Rizal is a graduate of PHILOSOPHY in the Ateneo university Phil. and the only batch that has the same GGP or same grades which is 1. 0 or a perfect average. Rizal study Philosophy because its a good start in grasping his wants, that is to be a Lawyer, but something happened, her mother suffer from an illness and needs to be cured. So Dr. Rizal then give up being a Lawyer and he began to study Medicine for him to cure his Mother’s illness.

Iphone Marketing Strategy Essay

iPhone Marketing Strategy iphone marketing strategy Iphone marketing strategy – Just like just about all Apple company advertising, the actual apple iphone online marketing strategy is extremely obvious, easy as well as smart. Using the basically apple company image, Apple company targets the actual real revolutionary type of their own items without having all of the â€Å"fluff†. The actual apple iphone was launched through Apple company within 06, 2007. The actual ground-breaking type of the actual apple iphone had been recommended with regard to several weeks prior to the preliminary discharge and it has continued to be the very best of the greatest with regards to mobile phones in the last many years. Prior to the iPhone’s recognized discharge, Apple company went 4 tv advertisements advertising the brand new mobile phone. The very first from the advertisements shows the brand new apple iphone because the next phase upward in the well-liked ipod device. The actual ipod device had been extremely popular up to this time, and also the apple iphone had been said to be the actual next-generation ipod device, oh yea, also it’s the telephone! The actual ad shows all the improved functions obtainable in the actual ipod device, and much more,Iphone marketing strategy the idea becoming â€Å"There’s in no way already been a good ipod device that may do that. inch â€Å"So, Iphone marketing strategy state you are viewing Cutthroat buccaneers from the Caribbean† Hand mouse clicks upon movie as well as shows broad display film. â€Å"Mmm, do an individual state Calamari? inch Hand mouse clicks to menus, chooses Roadmaps software to find ‘Seafood’. â€Å"The nearest will be†¦ inch Chart shows just about all sea food areas as well as illustrates area Iphone marketing strategy closest for you. â€Å"Ah! inch  Hand mouse clicks sea food area, as well as cafe telephone number shown. apple iphone dial’s. The very first 4 apple iphone advertisements flaunted the actual comfort, development, as well as effectiveness of the solitary item using the performance associated with not just a telephone, or perhaps a songs gadget, however an item that may, amongst other activities, pay attention to songs,Iphone marketing strategy Iphone marketing strategy view  movies, look at pictures, help to make meeting phone calls, examine e-mail, see the internet, as well as look at roadmaps. ————————————————- Iphone marketing strategy iphone marketing strategy 2 Not just will Apple company make use of tv for his or her online marketing strategy, however they take advantage of their own web site through publishing movies, Iphone marketing strategy additionally they released a number of press announcements which might have been launched in a single solitary record. Apple company frequently utilizes this plan to develop hoopla as well as depart the customer seeking much more. Along with Apple’s short press announcements, providing the actual target audience small to visit away, â€Å"Apple leveraged the regulation associated with interpersonal physics — information, such as character, abhors vacuum pressure. Within the lack of actual info, people who worry about an item may understand from any kind of gossip which arrives their own method. Apple company might openly disavow the actual gossip Internet sites which scramble with regard to leftovers concerning the businesses programs, however privately their own advertising division should be thrilled. It might be expensive to purchase which type of Internet marketing. inch (Silverman, 2007) Iphone marketing strategy The state apple iphone web site will a lot more than simply supply details about the merchandise. The web site offers best tricks and tips with regard to using a good apple iphone, in addition to a large concentrate on applications. Nearly the whole apple iphone web page shows pictures associated with applications, offers the â€Å"App from the 7 days, inch the web site additionally consists of areas entitled â€Å"Apps with regard to Every thing, inch and also the â€Å"Top Applications. inch Apple’s web site is a good advertising device with regard to present apple iphone customers as well as customers with an curiosity about buying the actual appl e iphone. The actual marketing from the applications may produce a more powerful supply of income with regard to Apple company. Because clients observe best programs, these people may obtain the actual application, instead of looking via twenty five, 000+ applications to locate 1 which may be associated with any kind of  worth towards the customer. Iphone marketing strategy Prosperous more youthful males had been the prospective target audience which Apple company experienced initially centered on. Apple company experienced wished which with this particular audience, as well as the truth that 48% of the target audience didn’t currently personal a good Apple company ipod device, allows these phones achieve their own predict associated with 10 zillion product sales through the finish associated with 08. Iphone marketing strategy 30 days before the discharge from the apple iphone, Options Investigation Team profiled the cross-section of these conscious of the telephone. The actual predic t associated with audience during the day from the discharge rated most T-Mobile clients, AT&T’s just GSM-based item rival, from 15%. The 2nd biggest team likely to buy the brand new apple iphone had been AT&T’s current client bottom, from 12%. The actual Options Investigation Team additionally discovered which 72% associated with guys, as opposed to 28% associated with ladies had been probably to research the telephone from it’s minimal cost associated with $499. (Malley, 2007) Iphone marketing strategy The most obvious present focus on viewers for that Iphone consist of young adults between your age range associated with 20 as well as thirty-five, wealthy teens, â€Å"jet-setters†, as well as â€Å"mobile† workers that function outside the workplace. Apple company is famous for his or her simplified, however catchy advertisements. Within current tv advertisements for that Iphone, â€Å"There’s a good Application with regard to that† may be the brand new capture expression which locations a powerful concentrate on the actual applications obtainable in the Application Shop. Applications, or even programs, have been in â€Å"every class, through video games in order to company, training in order to amusement, financial in order to physical fitness, efficiency in order to social network. These types of programs happen to be made to make the most of apple iphone functions for example Multi-Touch, the actual accelerometer, cellular, as well as GPS† (Apple company, ’09). Apple company presently statements to possess twenty five, 000+ applications obtainable, as well as keeping track of. The actual concentrate on the actual variance associated with applications provided starts in the audience significantly. There’s basically a good application for everybody. Because some of the apple iphone advertisements promote, you’ll find the actual snowfall problems about the hill, monitor calories  from fat inside your lunch time, discover wherever a person left your vehicle. You’ll find the taxi inside a unusual town, discover your own reveal from the expenses for any desk associated with 5, or even learn how to repair the shaky bookshelf. You are able to study the cafe evaluation, study a good MRI, or simply study a normal aged guide. They are just some of the actual functions which Apple company offers marketed via tv advertisements. apple iphone applications supply each and every performance that certain can see right now. Iphone marketing strategy Once the apple iphone was launched, it had been costing the significant $599. Nevertheless, thousands and thousands of individuals hurried away to find the brand new telephone, shelling out another around they’d have experienced these people anxiously waited an additional a few months. a few months following the preliminary discharge, Apple company decreased the buying price of the actual apple iphone in order to $399. This particular angered Apple’s faithful clients as well as customers that bought the brand new telephone simply several weeks previously. Twelve months later on, Apple company once again decreased the buying price of the actual apple iphone in order to $199, 66% under the initial cost. Within This summer, 2007, the actual Iphone had been all of the hoopla. In my opinion which Apple’s choice release a the telephone from $599 had been somewhat depending on avarice. Nevertheless, their own item had been probably the most revolutionary away on the mar ket location, Iphone marketing strategy providing Apple company the actual independence in order to cost the actual apple iphone from what ever these people desired. Numerous thought which Apple company experienced reduce the cost following finding less than anticipated apple iphone product sales. Apple company, nevertheless, says how the discounted had been created â€Å"to encourage vacation product sales as well as forecasted which Apple company might fulfill it’s mentioned objective associated with promoting it’s 1 millionth apple iphone through the finish associated with Sept. inch (Dalrymple, 2007) Just like the merchandise existence period associated with any kind of mobile phone or even Apple company item, such as Apple’s ipod device, costs in many cases are decreased significantly several weeks following the at first discharge. Technology items tend to be usually contending towards â€Å"the most recent as well as greatest† whilst sustaining  another cost on the market location. Experienced Apple company not really decreased the buying price of the actual apple iphone, the client bottom might have dwindled rapidly as numerous Ä ±ndividuals are not willing to invest $599 on the mobile phone, regardless of the number of helpful functions the telephone might have. Iphone marketing strategy Since the apple iphone continues to be to become the main smartphone close to, the merchandise keeps growing, growing dimension abilities, growing the amount of programs obtainable, as well as supplying brand new functions which are launched via brand new iterations from the telephone, still give a higher worth towards the apple iphone as the prices continues to be appropriate. At the moment within the item existence period, Apple company is constantly on the discharge improved iterations from the apple iphone. Along with the majority of apple iphone customers un-willing to buy a more recent edition from the apple iphone due to cost, the prospective target audience for that more recent era cell phones is actually brand new apple iphone clients. Along with Apple’s set up bottom ongoing to develop, they’ve discovered a means generate reoccurring income using their current clients with the product sales of the software downloading. Because increasing numbers of people buy the apple iphone, Apple’s target audience with regard to new clients is constantly on the diminish. Luckily with regard to Apple company, they’ve built-in an additional supply with regard to income which proceeds through the existence Iphone marketing strategy from the item. Incoming search terms: iphone marketing strategy, iphone 5 marketing plan, iphone 5 marketing strategy, iphone 5 marketing strategies, iphone marketing, marketing plan for iphone 5, iphone marketing plan, apple iphone 5 marketing strategies, marketing strategy of iPhone 5, marketing strategy for iphone 5

Ethics of Product Pricing Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Ethics of Product Pricing - Essay Example Two, more common arguments, put forward by these companies are that they need to cover R & D costs and they have to cover the development costs before the product becomes obsolete. R & D costs are those costs associated with manufacture of the drugs, research done to find the cure of a disease and any other costs that are bore by the drug manufacturing companies in order to bring their product in the final shape, one that is presented to the consumers for sale. These costs are often very high and in order to cover those costs products are marked-up with these costs against the expected sales. Similarly, whenever a company develops a product, it saves its rivals from spending on the research and they use the research done by the original developer and enjoy free-riding at the expenses of the first developer. So, firms are forced to cover those costs before the patent expires and rivals start copying the drug. As a result, they charge high price to cover these costs during the time whe n patent is still active. As a result, this behavior is reflected in high prices for the consumers. John Rawl’s theory of distributive justice was based on equity and liberty. It focuses on equal distribution of assets between different members of the community. Rawls also stressed that everything must be done in an act of achieving fairness. He negated the idea that actions of one person should harm another person. This can be related to the pharmaceutical industry in a way that both rich and poor in the society should receive equal health care regardless of their abilities to pay. This will create an atmosphere in the society that will lubricate the process of societal goods in which all will work towards a common aim of doing something good for society. For example, drug companies might share R & D costs, in order to provide good for the consumers or society by providing them cheaper medicines. Similarly, it can also

Chapter questions Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 3

Chapter questions - Essay Example Future challenges that demand continued and strengthened collaboration include the dynamic nature of health condition that identifies emergence of new complications, need for unity among players in the global health issues, and the factors â€Å"that have encouraged the development of public-private partnerships for health† (Skolnik 359, 360). The public-private partnership refers to a framework in which parties from both public and private sectors collaborate in efforts to ensure more effective health care. The partnership might be valuable because of its pooled interest and resources that can meet different needs that could not be met by the parties if they were to work independently within their sectors’ interest and resources. The private sector, for example, has resources but are not willing to venture into care initiatives with low returns an interest that exist in the public sector. The partnership pools the sector’s interests and resources (Skolnik 350). Addressing the problems requires cooperative action because the problems affect wider regions and across international borders and only collaborative efforts across all the affected regions can tackle the problem comprehensively (Skolnik

(TV)Media Influence on Youth Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

(TV)Media Influence on Youth - Essay Example B. Lower the self-esteem of preteens resulting to lowering self -confidence about their bodies. III. Watching many programs consumes much time for academic work and physical exercises A. Result to poor academic performance. B. Contribute to development of obesity and unhealthy weight gain due to lack of physical exercises. IV. We need to promote watching beneficial programs and encourage parental participation in children activities. A. Censored programs are important source of knowledge and entertainment for preteens. B. Parental involvement in child upbringing protects preteen from being negatively influenced by Television. Media plays an important role by shaping our social, religious, economic and political aspects. In this era of rapid technological advancement, information is flowing at unprecedented rate and though there are many forms of accessing information, television remains one of the most common and influential to all people in the society. Young people especially prete ens and adolescents form a major segment of TV audience and according to Comstock and Paik (1991, p51), television programs have major influence on their behaviors. In United States, the public is concerned over the frequent depiction of violent and sexually explicit programs and the harm that the programs present to the youth. This development comes after many studies have established that such programs adversely affect children on short term and long-term basis (Anderson & Bushman, 2002, p234). This paper expounds on the negative influences of television on preteens and adolescents. According to Comstock and Paik (1991, p59), television programs with violent content enhance immediate and long-term development of aggression and violent behavior on preteens and young adults. The intensity of these behaviors depend on the severity of the violent programs, with Rosenthal (1986, p 143) noting that preteens who watch extremely violent programs have higher likelihood of developing severe forms of aggression. Empirical studies have established that short-term exposure to violent programs increases the likelihood of preteens developing physical and verbal abuse behavior, aggressive emotions and violent thoughts. Many research studies attribute aggression by adults later in life to the effects of frequently exposing children to violent content in the television and other forms of electronic media. These behaviors are manifested in the high prevalence of violent crimes such as aggravated assaults, homicide, physical assaults, domestic and spousal violence in addition to rape among others (Freedman, 2002, p37). Behavioral scientists have developed several theories to explain how exposure to violent or sexually explicit content affects the behavior of the viewer. According to Comstock and Paik (1991, p61), violent programs in the television initiates a short-term effect that increases the existing aggressive cognitions in children and young adults. This results to an inc rease in psychological arousal that triggers an automatic reaction to emulate the observed behavior. Therefore, exposure to violent content produces long lasting effect on the young persons, through several learning processes that lead to acquisition of long-term aggressive behavior. The long-term behaviors include development of aggression supporting beliefs, abnormal response to violent behavior such as; tolerating violence, aggression in social

The Necessity of Human Touch in the Early Childhood Education Essay

The Necessity of Human Touch in the Early Childhood Education Classroom - Essay Example By changing laws and educating parents and teachers about good and bad touch, it is possible to increase positive touch in the classroom, while still maintaining a strong stance on child molestation and abuse. One of the primary concerns of educators is the potential for lawsuits when they touch students. While less than 1% of cases of child abuse stem from child care facilities, these centers are increasingly putting up barriers between teachers and children, in an attempt to limit lawsuits (Heller 1). Sharon Heller, an expert on infant touch, shares that many of these rules include such ideas as "caregivers are told to let hugs come from children, to not put children on their lap, and to not help children in the bathroom" (1). Children who spend the vast majority of their days in child care will receive increasingly less touch, to protect the teachers from lawsuits. This issue arises from the lack of understanding of parents, educators or children of the difference between positive and negative touch. Positive touch is any touch that indicates to a child that they are important, and that their feelings matter. This touch is always friendly in nature, and needs to be approved by both chi ld and adult. Negative touch is any touch that is not desired by one of the two people involved, or involves touching of any genital areas, often called "the swimsuit region." Nan Stein, an expert and Ed.D, suggests "It's absurd to outlaw touch in the name of preventing sexual harassment" (Milo 5). The importance of touch in human development has been known since H.P Harlow did his research on monkeys in 1958. He showed that baby monkeys would choose a cuddly fake monkey over a plain wire monkey who provided food (Milo 3). Historically, a lack of human touch has been linked to hyperactivity, superficial relationships, disorganization, and an inability to adapt to social norms (Blackwell 4). In cross-cultural studies, it has been proven that children in other countries receive significantly more touch than American children in schools, and have significantly lower rates of school violence (Milo 4). Touch has also been shown to play a significant role in decreasing the level of cortisol in the human body. Cortisol, while a necessary chemical, destroys brain cells when it is present in high amounts in the body. In children who are not regularly touched, the level of cortisol is significantly higher than in children who are regularly held and hugged by others. The effects of long term levels of high cortisol include poor performance in school, lack of ability to retain information, and overall lowered achievement. However, when children move into a nurturing environment, rapid improvement is seen, and cortisol levels quickly diminish (Blackwell 6). In looking at the research, it is clear that touch plays a significant role in human development, at both the emotional and physical level. In addition to the research on the effects of touch and child development, there is strong concern that a lack of touch, especially with young children, may also be a form of neglect and abuse. According to Tony Del Prete, a school guidance counselor, By modeling an aloof interpersonal style and becoming less humanistic with our youth, we may be sending the message that violent and aggressive touching (as seen on TV, movies, and

Family and Medical Leave Act 1993 vs sit A Essay

Family and Medical Leave Act 1993 vs sit A - Essay Example However, eligible employee excludes employees or federal officers covered under United States Code in chapter 63 title 5, subchapter v. It does not include a worker of an employer hiring less than fifty workers. This is in case the employer, within 75 miles of the worksite, has less than 50 employees. Section 102 of the Act focuses on leave requirement. According to this section, an eligible employee qualifies for a twelve-week leave in any twelve-month period because of the following reasons: Birth of a child of an employee to allow taking care of the child; When the employee adopts a daughter or a son; To take care of a son, daughter or spouse in case the son, daughter or spouse has the health; condition, which is serious,; and In cases of serious health conditions rendering the employee incapable of performing his or her duties Subsection two of section 102 stipulates that the leave period expire at the end of the twelve-month period. This is so in case an employee takes a leave d ue to placement or birth of a son or daughter. Section 104, subsection (a) and paragraph (1) stipulates that when an employee returns from the leave he or she should assume the previous position. The employee should also receive the same remuneration as that before he or she went for the leave (U.S. Department of Labour, 2008). ... Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA) of 1967 versus situation B This Act prohibits any discrimination according to age in employment. This Act aims to protect employees who are forty years and above from discrimination according to age in employment. It applies to both job applicants and employees. According to ADEA, it is not lawful to discriminate an individual on the basis of age with regard to condition, term, employment privilege, including firing, hiring, promotion, compensation, lay off, job assignments, benefits and training (U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, 2008). Section 623 0f the Act deals with this topic where subsection (a) considers practices by the employer. The section considers unlawful, the following practices: 1. Failing or refusing to discharge or hire an individual or discriminating against him or her to his terms, compensation, privileges or situations of employment on the basis of his or her age; 2. Classifying, limiting or segregating empl oyees in any way that deprives an individual of opportunities in employment or causing adverse effect to the employee status of on the basis of age; and 3. Reduction of wages to the employees based on age of the individuals This Act considers an agency to have violated the law if it refuses or fails to refer for employment any individual due to his age. However, this Act in subsection (f) gives lawful practices on laws of foreign workplace, age and occupational qualification, other reasonable factors, employee benefit plans, seniority system and discharge or discipline for providential cause. Here, the law does not prohibit actions by employers on employees in cases where age is a necessary, reasonable qualification for the normal functioning of a given business (U.S. Equal

Effects of social media on the real estate industry Essay

Effects of social media on the real estate industry - Essay Example Social media also represents enormous changes perspective for businesses. For most individuals, buying a home is a thing done once after ten years at most. Selling of real estates is the kind of business benefiting from constant streams of new prospects (Crowston, K., & Wigand, 1999). Social media enables real estate agents to build the reputation of their business. This enables them in attracting new clients. Moreover, social media enables them in networking in the real estate industry (Wigand, 2003).Social media makes it easy to reach out to more individuals but it does not assure that these individuals will purchase from you (Huertas, 2012). A business needs to work on still setting up its social media framework. After doing so, the business needs to work more until it gets the needed results. Knowing how to use social media needs a period of engaging more on hands giving a business the idea of how social media can assist it in succeeding given the problems faced by the business.I n conclusion, social media has made it informal and quicker for real estate agents to connect with their clients. It has given them a way of engaging individuals in their precise area and allowing them to inform their clients.Additionally, social media helps real estate agents to constantly post new releases and engage daily by responding timeously to their clients and potential buyers. It is clearly seen that social media has enabled real estate agents to build good relationships with prospective home buyers.

Analysis of data handling Essay Example for Free

Analysis of data handling Essay To get an improved understanding of the problems faced in an online retail data handling system I am going to conduct a questionnaire and gain data from some data capture forms. After gaining information from my questionnaire and data capture forms I now have a clear understanding of how a data handling system is implemented for an online retail store. I now know what information will be kept and which will only be temporary. The products and the customer information will be kept permanently. The customer information is kept permanent but can be changed at any point i. e. a change of address, phone no. etc. When purchases are made little data is added to that which is already stored. The invoice brings together customer information and pairs it with product information. The information added to the invoice would be date of purchase; this information would then automatically create an expected date of arrival and the delivery process, transport, dispatch etc. When customer information is gained it is not input by a member of staff. The information is fed automatically from the websites data capture form which is filled out by the customer. The only information input by staff is the stock information as prices calculation delivery date etc is done automatically by the system. They had a WAN, wide area network. Each of the computer terminals could access the same data so that invoices and other information can be viewed at the same time on different computers. They were also able to check credit card details with banks through their WAN. The data system can produce information for both staff and online customers. Customers can view their past orders or there current account details whilst all data can be viewed by staff. They use standard input devices, keyboard and mouse, as there is no need for particular input devices, for example bar code reader, scanner.

Large Scale Universe Essay Example for Free

Large Scale Universe Essay Cosmology, as defined by Encarta Dictionary is â€Å"the philosophical study of the nature of the universe. † This concern with viewing the universe and its vast issues and meaning takes the mind into a mysterious spectrum. The very foundation of Cosmology began with Astronomer Edwin Hubble in 1929. He discovered that other galaxies existed in the universe and determined that these galaxies were moving away from each other at a rate that was constant with the distance between them. The farther away from Earth the galaxy was, the faster they would be traveling away from us. In theory, this also proved that universe was expanding. This discovery assisted the profound astronomer with formulating Hubble’s Law, which directly contributed to giving astronomers the keys to discovering how old our universe is and proving that the universe is expanding. The Big Bang theory is the most notable theory about the creation of our universe, which happened more than 14 billion years ago. The process began to expand from particles released from the superior explosion and dropping temperatures. The process started as a small speck of matter and formed into a dense object as large as Earth from radiant energy and exotic particles called quarks or antiquarks. As the temperature dropped during this process, things such as protons and neutrons began to form together creating helium nuclei over a period of a few hundred thousand years. More than two billion years after the Big Bang, galaxies began to form as gravity started to collect and mass together irregular matter forming a sponge type structure. Our galaxy, the Milky Way, forms one billion years after this mark. Star clusters form from inside a giant sphere of gas and spiral arms take shape as settling gas forms into a disk shape displaying a centered core like formation. One example scientist conducted to prove the Big Bang Theory were scientist Arno Penzias and Robert Wilson, who discovered cosmic microwave radiation in 1965 from the Holmdel antenna in New Jersey. They discovered that residue left over from the Big Bang explosion was forming low-level radiation pockets throughout the universe. This discovery along with Hubbles Law stating that galaxies were traveling away from us, builds a sturdy case in support of the big bang theory. The Milky Way galaxy is only one out of billions of galaxies floating throughout this vast space. It is flat in shape with a central bulge spiral shaped galaxy that carries more than 100 billion stars and is 100,000 light years in diameter. According to the Cosmic Perspective, â€Å"If dark matter is indeed the most common form of massing galaxies, it must have provided most of the gravitational attraction responsible for creating the protogalactic clouds. The hydrogen and helium gas in the protogalactic clouds collapsed inward and gave birth to stars, while weakly interacting dark matter remained in the outskirts because of its inability to radiate away orbital energy. According to this model, the luminous matter in each galaxy must still be nestled inside the larger cocoon of dark matter that initiated the galaxy’s formation, just as observational evidence seems to suggest. † Dark energy, discovered in 1998 by a team of three Astronomers, Saul Perlmutter, Brian Schmidt and Adam Riess, observed exploding stars to gather numbers for data to support the expanding universe. While attempting to grasp a better understanding of supernovae’s, they stumbled across evidence that supported the universe was expanding, but at an accelerated pace. This discovery, in an ongoing effort, changed our view of the expanding universe. Scientist do not know exactly why the universe is expanding at this rate, but dark energy seems to be forcing galaxies and large amounts of matter apart. The destiny of our universe relies on whether gravity can hold this force back from expanding rapidly. However, evidence shows that gravity is growing weaker even when matter is factored in. This proves that the rapidly expanding universe is not only increasing, but also will not stop increasing. The Theory of Everything stated by Brian Greene, is the theory to end theories. He states, â€Å"For the first time in the history of physics we therefore have a framework with the capacity to explain every fundamental feature upon which the universe is constructed. For this reason string theory is sometimes described as possibly being the, theory of everything (T. O. E. ) or the ultimate or final theory. These grandiose descriptive terms are meant to signify the deepest possible theory of physics—a theory that underlies all others, one that does not require or even allow for a deeper explanatory base† (Brian Greene, Theory of Everything, October 28, 2003). This theory projects a meaning for everything created in the universe down to the smallest particle all the way up to the largest particle, including all matter and its fundamental principles would be explained down to the deepest explanation at microscopic levels. This final theory would represent an unwavering support of rationality that would forever declare that the universe is an absolute intelligent source.

Motivation Theory Literature Review

Motivation Theory Literature Review INTRODUCTION: Motivation is naturally conceptualized either as an desire arising from within the human being or as an impulse arising from within the organism or as an attraction arising from an object external to the individual. According to Baron (1991) defines motivation as the internal processes that activate, guide, and maintain behaviour especially goal-directed behaviour. Also (Kanfer, 1998) defines as free will element of behaviour and the psychological mechanism governing the direction, intensity, and persistence of action not due solely to individual differences in ability or overwhelming environmental demands that force action. Motivation has been defined as essential to adaptive functioning and quality of life (Marin Chakravorty, 2005), and as the content of the positive thinking one wishes to maintain towards the attainment of an objective (Schweingruber, 2006). According to (kanfer, 1990) states that challenges facing researchers into motivation is that it cannot be seen and most in dividual see is a multidimensional stream of behaviour and the products of those behaviours. Also states motivational processes can be inferred only from analysis of this continuing stream of behaviour that is determined both by environment and heredity and is observed through their effects on personality, belief, knowledge, abilities and skills. Besides that,(Herzberg,1987)describes movement as a function of fear of punishment or failure to get extrinsic rewards and motivation as a function of growth from getting intrinsic rewards out of interesting and challenging work. Motivation is to be intrinsic and extrinsic. Intrinsic motivation is internal. Intrinsic motivation is obvious as the performance of an activity for its inborn satisfaction rather than for some detachable outcome. As soon as, intrinsically motivated, a person is stimulated to take action for the pleasurable or challenge entailed relatively than because of external products, pressures (Ryan et al 2000). It occurs wh en people are compelled to do something out of pleasure, importance, or desire. Extrinsic motivation occurs when external factors compel the person to do something. Extrinsic motivation is a pull together that pertains whenever an action is done in order to reach some detachable result. (Rayan et al. 2000).Motivation is the driving force within individuals that compels them physiologically and psychologically to pursue one or more goals to fulfil their needs or expectations. (Lam Tang, 2003, p. 61) From my understanding whatever the behaviour, the drive pushing or polling person to act in particular way is motivation and most researchers believe motivation as the drive behind human behaviour. Furthermore, people cannot be motivated to do something if there is nothing in it for them. Obviously, reward may be the avoidance of a negative outcome as much as it may be the achievement of a positive outcome. Motivation theory has to do with why do individual make the choices they make? or what makes someone persist at one activity and yet quickly give up another. Motivation is to give reason, incentive, enthusiasm, or interest that causes a specific action or certain behaviour. Motivation is present in every life function. Simple acts such as eating are motivated by hunger. Education is motivated by desire for knowledge. Motivation is a vital quality that pervades all aspects of teaching and learning. Motivated students display interest in activities, motivated teachers feel that they can help students learn and motivated administrators make possible teaching and learning in their buildings. Self-motivation is what most people use to define motivation at its highest mountain of accomplishments. If you are able to motivate yourself and reach your goals, you would have conquered the ability to be disciplined and will accomplish anything you put your mind to. Motivation is very important to all decisions that you have to make. In the workplace, motivation is defined by the actions that employees take to improve the company goals as well as their aspirations for career advancement. The effective performance of employees is what makes or breaks a company. So to keep employees motivated, employers must invest in the overall morale by implementing workshops and seminars to help them. Managers are the key personnel in what makes an employee follow directions. Using rewards like promotions and incentives as well as compliments can greatly improve an employees view of the company and its managers. Employees like to be recognized for their efforts regardless of the salary bracket. Such recognition keeps them motivated in getting their job done. Recognition in this case is the motivation technique that managers can tap into and gain the structure over the workplace environment of how they want things done. What organisation and managers can do is provide the environment, support and resources that will influence and effect motivation. Nowadays, managers are trying to find useful motivation theories to motivate their employees. While there are a wide variety of motivation theories on human motivation discussed in this literature review, which means that managers can use any or all those motivation theories to motivate their employees. Managers can use these motivation theories in ways that complement each other. MOTIVATION THEORY-MAJOR CONCEPTS AND CONTRIBUTIONS This is all about the main researchers of motivation theories and to illustrate how these theories can be apply to practical situation. Also reviewed how the major concepts and contributions can apply in work related situations and applying them in groups, teams at organisational level and individual level. Motivation is a complex concept and there are many different theories which look at the subject from different perspectives. The different theories of motivation and criticisms of the theories have been discussed as follows: 1: Hierarchy of needs theory by Maslow A.H. 2: Hygiene theory by Herzberg F. 3: X and Y theory by McGregor D.M. 4: Existence- Relatedness-Growth theory by Alderfer C. P. 5: Expectancy theory by Vroom V. 6: Goal-Setting Theory by Locke E.A. 7: Internal and External control theory by Rotter J.B. 8: Achievement theory by McClelland and Atkinson J.W. 9: Job characteristics theory by Hackman J.R. and Oldham G.R. HIERARCHY OF NEEDS THEORY: According to Maslow (1954) projected that motivation is based on a number of human need. It has to do with the hierarchy that requires the lower more basic needs to be satisfied before the increasingly less basic ones above. Maslow believed that there are five basic needs of the theory. Maslows Hierarchy of Needs is one of the most famous motivation theories, and it has been the centre of much interest by management researchers (Katz, 2004). This (Fig.1) is Maslows hierarchy of needs in pyramid with physiological needs at the base, self-actualisation at the top. 5: Self- actualisation needs: Refer to personal growth and development. 4: Esteem or Ego needs: Refer to need for status and self respect. 3: Social needs: Refer to need to part of a social group and belongingness/love 2: Safety needs: Refer to security, need for shelter or physical danger. 1: Physiological needs: Refer to basic life needs, like food, drink, shelter, etc THE SELF ACTUALISATION NEED: Maslow defined self-actualization as the complete use and utilization of talents, capacities, potentialities. (Maslow,1954). Self-actualization is not a static state. It is an ongoing procedure in which ones capacities are fully, imaginatively, and cheerfully utilized. Self-actualizing people perceive life without a doubt and they are less emotional and more objective. ESTEEM OR EGO NEEDS: According to Maslow, esteem needs were made of two types of desire. I: Desire for strength, adequacy achievement, competence and confidence in the face of organisation. 2: Desire for reputation, glory dominance, recognition, appreciation and dignity Furthermore, people need to be respected, to have self-esteem, self- respect and respect. Self-Esteem expresses the normal human desire to be acknowledged and valued by others. This has to with ones internal needs for self-respect, autonomy and external needs for status and recognition. SOCIAL NEEDS: Are the third level of human needs from the (Fig 1) above. This has to do with ones needs for affection and a sense of belonging and acceptance. Human being need to feel a sense of belonging and acceptance. They need to love and be loved. According to (Maslow, 1954) include the giving and receiving of affection. SAFETY NEEDS: As soon as peoples physical needs have satisfied, they will chase higher level needs, such as safety needs. Safety needs are determined by the need for security and protection from physical and emotion harm. Safety needs include: personal security, financial security, health and well-being, and a safety net or insurance for accidents/illness and the adverse impacts. PHYSIOLOGICAL NEEDS: Are the lowest level of needs, from the (Fig 1) above which are the most basic needs for people. Physiological needs are also measured the needs for human survival. If these needs are not met, people cannot continue to function. Physiological needs include: breathing, homeostasis, water, sleep, food, excretion, and sex. According to (Sarah Steve 2002, p175)the theory engrossed criticism regarding its principle that individuals work on satisfying needs at a higher level only once all lower- level needs have been met. Also major problem facing the theory is how to measure needs, both in terms of how powerfully they are felt and of how someone knows they have been met. Furthermore, the theory is not easy to apply directly to work because need are not met through one source. HYGIENE THEORY: According to (Herzberg et al 1959) proposed his Two-Factor Theory of Human Motivation, known as Motivation-Hygiene theory. Hygiene theory is based on the principle that things people come across satisfying in their jobs are not always the opposite of things they find dissatisfying. Herzbergs Two-Factor Theory is based on the results of research into the factors in a workplace that lead to employee satisfaction. Herzberg made use of a survey, titled, What do people want from their jobs? to achieve insights into what workplace factors people perceived as satisfying and dissatisfying. He asked people to describe in detail which workplace factors led to satisfaction and which factors led to dissatisfaction, and then he separated the results and classified them.Fig.2and Fig.3 show the factors that led to extreme satisfaction and dissatisfaction, respectively. Fig.2 Shows Factors that led to extreme satisfaction according to Herzberg Fig.3 shows Factors that led to extreme dissatisfaction according to Herzberg According to(Robins 2001) The criticisms facing the theory, is methodology used by Herzberg does not take into account that often, when things are going well, people take the credit themselves, and when things are not , they blame others and their situation. There is on job satisfaction against which the people could rate their job. Also situational factors were not identified. Despite the criticisms the theory is a vital theory of motivation and used by managers to consider hygiene factors with regards to motivation. X and Y THEORY: Based on( McGregor, 1960)reviewed that the relationship between managers and employee could be immensely improved if the assumptions that had develop about how people behaved at work were changed from Theory X view to a Theory Y view. Basically one is positive and the other is negative. THEORY X: was based on scientific management school of thought and projected that enlarged productivity could result from breaking jobs down into small unit of work and giving workers a small range of obviously defined tasks to do. According to (Gray Stark, 1984) Employees do not like to work and want to evade work as much as possible. Employees do not want to take responsibility for the work; managers should take some actions, like convincing and supervising strategies, to help them finishing their mission. Theory X assumed that human actions are dictated by low-level needs, THEORY Y: Was based the predominant theory of management there could be no trust between management and employee. Also Small opportunity for relationship between management and employees in theory .According to (Gray Stark, 1984) employees treat work as entertainment and rest, it is natural. Employees have the ability to make creative decisions, not just managers. Theory Y assumed that human actions are determined by high-level needs. The theory X and Y can influence how motivating factors are regarded within an organisation. Theory X has to do with extrinsic rewards such as pay in order to motivate people to execute good in their job while theory Y has to do with working environment in which employees may discern intrinsic rewards in their job. EXISTENCE RELATEDNESS GROWTH THEORY: This has the similarities to Maslows needs hierarchy. Alderfer C.P. extended and simplified Maslows hierarchy into a shorter set of three needs: Existence, Relatedness and Growth (ERG) Theory. (Alderfer, 1969) EXISTENCE NEEDS: According to (Hollyforde Whiddett 2002) Refers Existence needs as our concern with basic material subsistence motivators and size of how satisfied this need is therefore mostly stated in conditions of what one person has in relation to others. Existence needs, is based on various forms of material and physiological needs. RELATEDNESS NEEDS: Refers to the  motivation we have in support of maintaining interpersonal relationships GROWTH NEEDS: Refers to an intrinsic desire for personal development. Relate to personal creativity and productivity. According to (Sarah Steve 2002), the theory does not suggests how a person may meet his or needs .So managers cannot presume that everyones relationship needs will be met in the same way. Also the theory ERG theory with its three broad categories is maybe easier to deal with than the five levels of need in hierarchy of needs theory. EXPECTANCY THEORY: Vroom suggests that this theory is Based on the principle that people expect particular actions to achieve a desired result and that the desired result is something worth striving for or avoiding. Vroom does not give attention to on needs, but rather focuses on outcomes. According to (Vroom, 1964) identifies two terms the theory. 1. Expectancy: means the stronger the assurance that an act will be followed by particular outcome, the stronger the expectancy is considered to be 2. Valence: Means affective orientations toward particular outcome either positive or negative. Theory expectancy and valence of Vroom concentrated on extrinsic outcomes rather than intrinsic ones. Based on research expectancy and valence are not as distinct from each other as Vroom recommended .And one the key criticisms is that the theory was tested as if it was based on behavioural and attitudinal predictions across rather than within persons. Furthermore, expectancy theory accommodates multiple work outcomes in forecasting motivation and predicts motivation to work hard to earn the merit pay will be low if expectancy low (Schermerhorn J. et al 1997) GOAL-SETTING THEORY: The theory is based on the principle that individuals are motivated to achieve the successful accomplishment of challenging goal. According to (Locke, 1968) based his result on three main conclusions. 1: The more hard goals result in higher level of performance than easy goal 2: The specific goals produce higher levels of performance than general goals. 3: The behavioural intentions influence the choices people make. The Goal -Setting theory is helpful to many managers because much of people management is particularly about performance against goals. Theory has great relevance for managers. According to (Robins, 2001) Implies that Goal Setting theory is restricted to those cultures that match the ones in which the research was carried out. INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL THEORY: The theory is based on locus of control. Locus of Control refers to an individuals perception about the underlying main causes of events in his/her life. According to (Rotter, 1966) invented the internal -external dimension to determine locus of control. Based on the extent to which people feel they are in control of the situations that engulfed them and also the extent to which they are convinced of directing events 1. External control: when individual feels that result of his or her actions is as the result of chance, luck as under the powerful others. 2. Internal control: When individual perceives that the occurrence is contingent upon his own behaviour. The Internal and External theory has been criticised for its centre of attention on the Internal-external dimension only as on personality variable .Besides that the theory is useful when considering motivation issues at individual level. ACHIEVEMENT THEORY: The theory is based the needs that can be classed as either Achievement(nAch), Affiliation(nAff) or Power(nPow) .Also theory is based on three factors research into behaviour in achievement-oriented activities. 1: when individual expects to receive unmistakable feedback on the marks of his or her action. 2: When individual feels liable for the outcome success or failure. 3: When individual feels a little level of uncertainty or risk in the activity Achievement theory does not explore why some people enjoyment a challenge and others fear failure. Achievement theory was not specifically about work. The theory is useful when considering why individuals react different to achieving tough goals and why they react to failure in individual ways (Sarah Steve 2002).McClelland recommends that top managers should have a high need for power coupled with a low need for affiliation. Sunil R. Cited (Kreitner kinicki 1998) JOB CHARACTERISTICS THEORY This theory is based on how to design a job so that it is motivating to individual. Also the theory deals with how individual responds to complex and challenging tasks. According to (Hackman Oldham 1976) job characteristics theory proposed that individuals intrinsic motivation is affected by psychological states: 1: Experienced meaningfulness of the work: The extent individuals perceive the job as meaningful and valuable. 2: Experienced responsibility for the outcomes of the work:-the extent individual feels personally accountable and responsible for the outcome of work done. 3: Knowledge of the result of the activities:-the extent individual knows, and understands on continuous basis how successfully he or she is performing the work Also theory has five job dimensions 1: Skill variety-this has to with number of type of skill and talents of individual. 2: Task identity-this has to with work at hand and job completion 3: task significance- this has to with job considerable impact on lives or work of other people. 4: Autonomy -All about individual in setting up the work and determining the procedures to be used in carrying it out. (Freedom and independence at work environment). 5: Feedback-All about individual getting direct and clear result about the effectiveness of his or her performance The theory is one of the few motivation theories specific to an organisational environment and has plenty of practical application. Theory centre of attention is on facilitating0 high internal work motivation. Hackman and Oldman based their theory on motivating individual through job design. CONTRIBUTIONS: According to (Whittington Evans 2005) The Hierarchy of Needs theory proposed by Maslow has been identified as a major influencing factor in the growth of other motivation and management work, such as that of McGregor (Theory X and Theory Y) and Herzberg Motivation-Hygiene theory. It has been generally applied as a basis for much research into, among other things, workforce commitment, job satisfaction and management theory (Stum, 2001). Goal-Setting Theory by Locke has been acknowledged the best goals and dispute facing management environment and Achievement theory by McClelland has identified problems facing motive to achieve success in management work. (Sarah Steve 2002).Expectancy theory has been used to identify job satisfaction, occupational choice, the likelihood of staying in a job, and the effort that one might expand at management work. Internal and External control theory by Rotter has enhanced the concept of persistence (locus of control) in management work. The job char acteristics theory relies on workers insight of the job dimensions for the accomplishment of the psychological states that lead to increased motivation. APPLICATION OF THE CONCEPT OF MOTIVATION TO FACILITIES MANAGEMENT Facilities management regularly deals with identifying relations that humans have with their environment. According to (Smith et al., 1997) the rates of pay had very little influence on participants job satisfaction and subsequent work motivation. Some affiliation can be made at this point to Maslows lowest levels of his hierarchy of needs physiological and safety needs. Maslow argued that individuals can only move up the hierarchy of needs to the higher levels of belongingness/love, esteem and finally self-actualisation, once the lower levels had been achieved; however, the results demonstrated in this study suggest that ancillary staff can be motivated and achieve higher levels of Maslows hierarchy without having their physiological and safety needs completely fulfilled. Individuals can only move up the hierarchy of needs to the higher levels of belongingness/love, esteem and finally self-actualisation, once the lower levels had been achieved; on the other hand, the results demons trated in this study suggest that facilities managers can motivate their staff and achieve higher levels of Maslows hierarchy without having their physiological and safety needs completely fulfilled. McGregors Theory X and y focused on managements assumptions about employees. Theory X and Y describe the average worker from management perspective and suggest methods by which facilities manager can get the best out of worker. Herzberg studies concentrated on satisfaction at work. Herzberg came to a conclusion that certain factors tended to lead to job satisfaction.(motivators),while others led to frequently to dissatisfaction(Hygiene factors).these factor are related to job context they are concerned with job environment as an extrinsic to the job itself. Shane, S., 2001. Technology opportunities and new firm creation. Management Science 47 9, pp. 1173-1181. LATEST IDEAS ON MOTIVATION THEORY First of all, fields of management background study like leadership, decision making and organization plan persist to develop conceptually speculative developments focusing on work motivation have not held in reserve speed. These changes can have a philosophical manipulate on how companies challenge to attract, retain and motivate their employees in labour market. JOB DESIGN: This is about changing the content or process of job to increase job satisfaction and performance. This is usually easier for new organisational or new business unit. Furthermore, most organisations find themselves designing as the result of organisational change and to motivate their Staff. Job design is relating to job characteristics theory, suggests job should be design in such a way as to maximise intrinsic motivation. (Sarah Steve 2002) EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION: This gives managers strategies, to promotes positive improvement in organizations particularly motivation and performance improvement o f employees. For organization to improve well, messages should be designed in such a way as to maximise motivation. Effective communication strategies have strong effect to motivation of employees. (Sarah Steve 2002) OBJECTIVCE- SETTING: This is important to managers to focus individuals work efforts. It is important to commit employee with goals to motivate them. Most organisations applied Management by Objective (MBO) to motivate their employee. This is relating to Goal-setting, suggests individuals tend to produce higher levels of performance when they have specific goal. (Sarah Steve 2002) MANAGING VIRTUAL TEAMS: Is made of group people who regularly work mutually dependent for joint purpose across time, distance and organization. So motivating people to apply for jobs in virtual teams is one of the latest ideas. CONCULSIONS Motivational techniques, therefore, are useful to teachers, leaders, parents, employers, and almost anyone. The key is in understanding that you are not motivating someone else. Instead, you are simply providing a circumstance that triggers that person to be motivated. However, The developments in motivation and management theory. (Whittington Evans 2005) conclude that the road to building high commitment organisations requires the solid foundation laid by Maslow, McGregor and Herzberg. Motivation theories can therefore offer guidance to anyone interest in motivational issues. Motivation theories discussed above can help mangers consider how and why people are motivated. For example, Hierarchy of need theory may help manager figures out where someone is in term of the satisfaction his or her short and long term needs -which may in turn influence how they seek to create the situation that may be the most motivating. Motivation theories discussed were based on work related environment s. However the can be applied to help individuals understand human behaviour at work. This literature review also emphasized the important of motivation theories to facilities manager with regards to working environments. Also provide frameworks enable facilities manager to manage their working environment. Finally, one of the challenge facing researchers into motivation, it cannot be seen.

Free College Admissions Essays: Interest in Computers :: College Admissions Essays

My Interest in Computers    My interest in computers goes right back to when I was eight and I used to write my own little stories on my mum's laptop. Now, not only have I got experience in using a computer, I have learned a substantial amount of HTML, through A Level ICT and self-teaching. I would like to do this course so I can develop my talent to its limits.    Two of my strengths are solving problems and having a head for figures. This is reflected in my maths predicted grade and my B in my GCSEs, and these qualities are needed by people in the field of computing. My predicted grade in chemistry shows that I have patience, which is also a desired characteristic. On top of that, my commitment to my studies is shown by my attendance record: I only missed one day in the whole of Year 11 and in Year 12 I missed none.    As you can see above, I have had a part time job in Sainsbury's for more than a year now, and due to this I have gained the important qualities of communication, teamwork and independence. Also, in Year 10 I had two weeks work experience in Luton & Dunstable Tax Office. Although this placement wasn't specifically related to the Internet, I got a taste of what it's like to use computers at an actual place of work.    I have successfully completed my Bronze Duke of Edinburgh's award, in which I improved my ability in snooker and cycling, and helped run a cub pack at my local scout group. At my school I'm not afraid to take on responsibilities. In year 10 I volunteered to be a reading mentor to the younger students. In year 11 I was a school prefect. Last year I helped with activities to raise money for the Christian charity CAFOD. I've also read in school masses and represented my school in athletics. Out of school hours, I like to play snooker, go to the cinema and train in the gym.

HR roles and responsibilities Essay -- essays research papers

In today’s competitive business market, it is very important to remember how effective planning and development play an important role in the overall success of the organization. The ability to plan and execute an effective strategy is only as good as the people that are placed in the positions to make these decisions. It is crucial to have an aggressive team that will be both competitive and motivated to carry out the objectives set forth. Not only is it important to understand how these individuals will effect the organization but also the importance of obtaining effective hiring practices. Real Estate human resources vary from agency to agency, but for larger companies, still has a strong presence in the company. Human resource management is truly the backbone for all organizations as it relates to the overall picture. Additionally, human resource management effects an organization through methods such as effective human resource planning, equal opportunity employment and affirmative action, the recruitment and selection process of staff and the manager’s ability to manage a safe and healthy work environment. The real estate industry provides many aspect of management related to strategic initiatives that directly affect the organization. In looking at the management in a real estate environment, there are many decisions that need to be made and how these decisions effect the organization and the staff is a crucial part of the success of the overall operation. Human resource management plays an important role in the development of accurate policies and procedures, staffing and management of personnel and individual job fulfillment and career planning. Let us not forget the basics of human resource management and how it relates to daily operations in a real estate environment. On a daily basis managers must understand that they are the representatives of human resources and how they react to staff members in certain situations directly effects the operation of the agency. Human resources development is a major function that consists not only of training and development but also of individu al career planning and development activities, organization development, and performance appraisals, an activity that emphasizes training and development needs (Mondy, et al, 2005a). Managers must understand that training and development of staff and management is cruci... ...to age, sex, race, religion, functional specialty, religion, sexual orientation, geographic origin, and lifestyle, tenure with the organization, or position and any other perceived difference. (Mondy, Noe, 2005d). As discussed, it is important not only for the manager to understand the importance of the human resource management process, but also the way that all aspects of the management an operation effect success. Human resources management certainly applied to daily operations and is very difficult to overlook when realizing the constant need to understand and determine solutions for your organization (Mondy, et al, 2005e).These practices are levels of awareness that every manager and employee must be aware of in a real estate company. Next time a staff member has a question about human resource planning, equal opportunity employment and affirmative action, the recruitment and process of staff or the manager’s ability to manage a safe and healthy work environment human resources one must remember how important an human resource manager is to the company. References Mondy, R., et al. (2005). Human resource management (9th ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall, Inc.

Sonography Career

Sonography The first time I started college I had a different career path. It was not after my pregnancies that I decided to make the change to sonography. I think sonography is a career that really fits my expectations, and to make sure I am in the right path I will research this career in depth. Tests and evaluations in sonography are in writing and practical. They are prepared to measure the student’s understanding of the material, and the knowledge in manipulating the transducer (Craig 53). At the beginning I was curious about how the test would be.I now know the reading tests are normal types of tests: objective, which is cover multiple choices or true and false, and the subjective, which are the essays questions. I also found, I will have some tests on computer (Craig 46-47) which I think is a great idea because I will get accustomed to the way that certifying test are now presented, also it will help me to be successful in my career. The practical exams will help me to familiarize in working with patients on a day to day work habit, and the writing and computer exams will prepare me for my certifying examination post graduation.Sonography has different types of sonograms in which I can specialize. There are eight types of diagnostic ultrasounds specialties, but there are three which are the common practiced: abdominal, obstetric and gynecologic, and cardiac (Craig 152). This is great for me, because obstetric and gynecologic is the type of ultrasound I would like to specialize. Also, since this type of ultrasound is one of the most common I think it will be easier find a job in this field. Registration is very important in the sonography field. Graduates are encouraged to take their registry examinations as soon as possible after completion of their training (Craig 53). † In my opinion this is great because the knowledge of the sonographer is tested again giving us the opportunities to have prepared sonographers in the health facilities. Sin ce â€Å"employers prefer candidates registered through the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (Morsch)† being registry is an open door for sonographers trying to get a job. American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS) offers the opportunity to sonographers to earn three different types of credentials.The credentials are Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer, Registered Diagnostic Cardiac Sonographer, and Registered Vascular Technologist. In order to be award with one of them the graduate needs to pass two exams: one general and one specialty exam that depend on the credential wanted (ARDMS). This I think is a wonderful requisite because it elevates the prestige of sonographers. As more credentials I can get more knowledge I will have. Salary is another point in my research. â€Å"In 2008, the starting salary for a diagnostic medical sonographer was $43,600 (Diagnostic Medical Sonography). Even though this is not the most important point f or me I have to admit it is within the range I was expecting for salary. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics the annual mean wage in Florida is $56,990 which breaks down in $27. 40 an hour (Bureau). This is better than the figures from 2008 and if salary follows this line by the time I graduate it should be even greater. The outlook of this job is great. â€Å"Employment of diagnostic medical sonographers is expected to increase by about 18 percent through 2018-faster than average for all occupations (Bureau)†.This is about 2. 25 percent per year. Sonograms will become the most popular tool in the medicine field to check the human body since is not harmful and very effectively. The truth is that â€Å"sonography is in high demand trough out the country since the uses of sonography are expanded (Sonography). † Another factor that will help on the growth of the sonography is the population who is aging. Older people needs more tests and Florida is one of the favo rite states for retired people, so I would say that we will have a nice increase on the growth rate.Learn about searching jobs I think is important. After I graduate I would like to know the most important factors when looking for a job. As I found there are many tips for a successful job search. A resume accompanied of a personalized letter, always listen to the interviewer and answer the questions straight and precise, choose professional clothes for the interview day, negotiate the salary if it is no right for you, and always get the final offer in writing (Craig 213-216).Responsibilities are part of all jobs. Sonographers once they graduate start taking responsibilities which include preparing reports, organized daily work schedule, and report equipment failure(Craig 205). Searching this I notice that sonographers don’t only make reports and scans in fact I will do more than what I thought was my responsibilities. Sonography also has disadvantages. Musculoskeletal injury has been affecting sonographers for years.The amount of sonographers in the country is a small number compare to other professions in health, but the amount of injured sonographers is that big relative to the total number of sonographers that brought the attention of NIOSH. To protect sonographers from musculoskeletal pain NIOSH recommend a few safety measures for under graduates to avoid injuries (Musculoskeletal). This is really worry because I want a profession not an illness. I really think the programs should emphasize more on safety rules to avoid MSI from happen so frequently.I have learned plenty of information with my sonography research paper. Now I like even more my career. I believe I will have a great future if I keep going in this direction. Sonography is a very popular job, and learn the inside of the human body it is always amazing. [1010] Work Cited ARDMS,†Credential and Examinations. †Web. 15 Nov. 2011. https://ardms. org/credentials_examinations/ Burea u of Labor Statistics, U. S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook,2010-11edition, Diagnostic Medical Sonographers. Web. 9 Nov. 2011. http://www. ls. gov/oco/ocos273. htm Craig Marveen,†Essentials of Sonography and Patient Care†. St. Louis: Saunders,2006. Print. â€Å"Diagnostic Medical Sonography. † CAAHEP. Org. CAAHEP, 2009. Web. 3 Oct. 2011. †¹ http://www. caahep. org/content. aspx? ID=23 Morsch,Laura. †10 Best Paying Jobs for Associate Degress. †CNN. com. Cable News Network,05 May 2006. Web. 3 Oct. 2011. http://www. cnn. com/2006/us/careers/05/04/cb. associates â€Å"Musculoskeletal pain hits 80% of sonographers. † Occupational Health Management 1 Feb. 2007. Academic OneFile. Web. 4 Oct. 2011.

Miss Havisham Essay

Satis house, where Miss Havisham lives, is seen as gothic and strange. The house had all ‘the windows walled up’ symbolising that Miss Havisham is trapping herself from reality. Dickens also highlights her frailty as if the natural light could ‘struck her to dust’ suggesting that she’s almost vampiric or supernatural, adding to the Victorian audiences fascination. Additionally, the repetition of the house being ‘rustily barred’ can reflect the house as being a prison as Miss Havisham has imprisoned herself, Dickens could also be trying to represent her feelings of insecurity and decay. The first sight the reader gets of Miss Havisham is of her sitting ‘in an arm chair, with an elbow resting on the table’ this image is one of resignation and dejection as there is a sense that Miss Havisham has given up. She was wearing a wedding dress, symbolising that she is trying to preserve the identity as an expectant bride. It was made of ‘rich materials- satins, lace and silks’ emphasising her wealth, however these rich materials that were ‘once white’ are ‘now yellow’ The syntax shows that even though time has moved on, Miss Havisham is locked in a moment of stasis. Pips narrative voice explains her to ‘the strangest lady I have ever seen, or shall ever see’ The adjective ‘strange’ qualifies how odd and perverse Miss Havisham appears and the additional clause ‘or shall ever see’ further qualifies how her strangeness is extraordinary. Dickens, however, denies sympathy for Miss Havisham as his gothic depiction of her, causes her to become a freakish object of ridicule. She appears as a ‘skeleton in the ashes of a rich dress’ that has ‘shrunk to skin and bone’. Dickens shows that there is a physical and emotional decay that appears gothic and skeletal. She has become ‘withered’ making her ‘the complete realisation of the ghastly waxwork at the fair’. Dickens purposely states her as the waxwork at the fair as these freakish displays were shown as a form of popular Victorian entertainment. His physical description of Miss Havisham is seen as monstrous and grotesque embodying the form of a gothic monster, therefore making it difficult for the reader to sympathise with her. The language, Dickens uses, is associated with death as he is implying that love humanises and offers life and hope to people, whereas Miss Havisham has locked her heart away, therefore making it seem as though she is deathly. Furthermore, the image of Miss Havisham looking at herself in the mirror shows how she is uncertain of her identity, as she tries to fix herself as an expectant bride. The way she views herself is different to how she seems, ‘so new to him, so old to me: so strange to him, so familiar to me’ she has locked herself in the past and is unable to move on from a time she was happy. Pip forces Miss Havisham to think and look at herself differently. The syntax’s ‘new’-‘old’ and ‘strange’-‘familiar’ shows how she is moving in and out of different perspective. The use of the words as opposites shows how she has a completely misplaced view of herself. Alternatively, in chapter 49, Miss Havisham becomes humanised. Her appearance is acknowledged as Pip finds her sitting in a ‘ragged chair’ which presents a sense of decay and lost worth. There was a ‘new expression’ on her face, but her eyes pained, her face was worn by something more than age and her appearance overall is described as more haggard and withered than ever. She was staring at the ‘ashy fire†¦ lost in contemplation’, in this image Dickens appears to play on the myth of the phoenix as the ‘ashy fire’ implies that Miss Havisham, like the phoenix rising form the ashes, wishes to be reborn in order to atone her malice. Miss Havisham’s freakish appearance at the start of the novel changes as Dickens humanises her to point where she cries. She ‘dropped on her knees at my feet and held her hands out†¦ hung her head and wept’ showing the physical image of Miss Havisham’s repentance makes her seem vulnerable as it is the first time the reader sees her cry and showing her feelings, especially to a man. The crying humanises her as we see her real emotions, it also links to the myth of the phoenix as the tears are said to heal. In the process of Miss Havisham setting alight; Pip sees ‘her running at me, shrieking, with a whirl of fire blazing all about her’ Dickens in this image presents Miss Havisham as devilish as she runs towards Pip. However, it relates to the myth of the phoenix and shows that through the burning of her dress she is forgiven and extends the idea of being cleansed as it purges all evil. As Pip tries to distinguish the flames, he drags down the ‘great cloth from the table and with it dragged down the heap of rottenness and all the ugly things that sheltered there’ and wrapped it around Miss Havisham, showing his care and consideration that has grown for Miss Havisham. Whilst Pip cradles Miss Havisham on the floor, the ‘beetles and spiders were running away over the floor’ whereas before the spiders were nibbling at Miss Havisham, again a sense of purging, cleansing and healing. As they lay Miss Havisham on the table with a ‘white sheet loosely covering her’ suggests that she is finally at peace and furthermore gives a sense of purity and cleansing with the pure white sheet. ‘The phantom air of something that had been and was changed’ Dickens shows the reader that Miss Havisham has changed during this and has become reborn. To conclude, Dickens presents Miss Havisham as a challenge to Victorian society. He also shows that love is redemptive and necessary and without it, we are nothing. Within Miss Havisham’s reformation Dickens shows the strength of her character. His intentions in creating Miss Havisham were to try and show the hardship that women who were rejected by the Victorian society had to go through and how cruel the society have been in marginalising them. By doing so Dickens has cleverly began to deconstruct the stereotype of a spinster and questions expectations. Show preview only The above preview is unformatted text This student written piece of work is one of many that can be found in our GCSE Great Expectations section.

The novel, Fahrenheit 451 reflects Ray Bradbury’s concern for decline of individual thought among his society

The novel, Fahrenheit 451 reflects Ray Bradbury's concern for decline of individual thought among his society. According to Captain Beatty, the head of the fire station â€Å"technology, mass exploitation, and minority pressure carried the trick† of replacing independent thought with conformity and finally leading to censorship (Bradbury, 58). Bradbury wants readers to notice these potential hazards in his fictional world and to beware of them in their own society. Technology in Fahrenheit 451 and today is seen as a great threat to individual thought. Even though the society that Bradbury depicts in the novel is very extreme, it warns the reader of the dangers of technology. Mildred, Montag's wife is taken over by the media and escapes form her life through the modern technologies. According to Clarisse, people no longer think or talk about anything important, â€Å"No, not anything. They name a lot of cars or swimming pools mostly and say how swell. But they all say the same things and nobody says anything different from anyone else† (Bradbury, 31). Similarly today many have turned into mindless human beings by sitting in front of the television or computer. The fast cars, loud music, advertisements and other forms of technological advances have created a lifestyle with too much stimulation in which no one has the time to think. (http://www. sparknotes. com/lit/451/themes. html) For example, Beatty explains that when zippers replace buttons â€Å"a man lacks just that much time to think while dressing at dawn† (Bradbury, 57) In Fahrenheit 451 minority pressure plays an important role in the decline of individual thought. This issue is still relevant today. For instance various pressure groups' campaigns against sex and violence on television or hard rock music have great influence on the types of programs and music people watch and listen to. Beatty explains to Montag that in the past pressure groups were influential in ending free expression, which eventually allowed the government to begin censoring its citizen. â€Å"Bigger the population, the more minorities. Don't step on the toes of the dog lovers, cat lovers, doctors, lawyers, merchants, chiefs, Mormons, Baptists, Unitarians, second-generation Chinese, Swedes, Italians, Germans, Texans†¦ (Bradbury, 57). Despite the obvious role of minority pressure in the decline of thought, the novel suggests mass exploitation to be the more serious problem. While minority pressure comes from a few members of the public, exploitation comes from the majority of the population. â€Å"Publishers, exploiters, broadcasters† sense the public's desire for relaxation and pleasure and exploit mindless types of entertainment for profit (http://ipl. ulis. ac. jp:8001/cgi-bin/ref/litcrit/litcrit. out. pl? ti=fah-198. This suggests that even more dangerous than the pressure groups is the public's desire for comfort and pleasure. Beatty's discussion of minority pressure is very explicit and clear however, his discussion of mass exploitation is more implicit and is scattered through ten pages. Mass exploitation speeds up the decline of thought even more directly than minority pressure. While pressure groups may manipulate people to avoid gaining knowledge, entertainment provides an alternative to any difficult thought (http://www. pinkmonkey. om/booknotes/monkeynotes. com) The types of entertainment exploited in Fahrenheit 451 are only produced for the public's relaxation and pleasure. The simplification of intellectual challenges and use of drugs are the most basic kinds of exploitation in the novel, which are still common in today's society. Beatty explains that intellectually challenging works were made easier so that they would appeal to a larger audience. This is similar to the way Hollywood producers have produced many simplified motion pictures of famous pieces of literature. Films like Romeo and Juliet and Gone with the Wind are more appealing to the new generation than reading the work itself. Another type of thought destroying mass exploitation in Fahrenheit 451 as well as the real world is the common drug use. When Mildred, overdoses by taking too much sleeping peels the medics, who replace her blood tell Montag, â€Å"We get these cases nine or ten a night. Got so many, starting a few years ago, we had the special machines built† (Bradbury, 15), which suggests that use of drugs is common. It is obvious to see that Bradbury recognizes drugs as a threat to individual thought. Montag smokes early on in the novel (Bradbury, 24), but as he becomes wiser his habit disappears, which shows that smoking was partially responsible for his ignorance in the beginning. Fahrenheit 451 demonstrates the author's extreme sensitivity to any attempts of restricting freedom of expression. He uses a dystopian setting to warn people of the dangers of technology, mass exploitation, and minority pressure and considers them as threats to individual thought. Moreover, Fahrenheit 451 is an excellent social critique novel, which contributes to positive changes in society.

The Motivational Reasons behind Consumer Choice in Branded Coffee Shops Abstract Essay

The coffee-shop industry has been undergoing substantial change during the latter part of the twentieth and early part of the twenty-first century, reflected by continuous changes in consumer behaviour. The aim of this study is to improve the understanding of the motivational reasons behind customer choice in branded coffee shops, both international and local. A quantitative data collection of 300 questionnaires was used in the UK to assess consumer behaviour to branded coffee shops. The findings concluded that most respondents visit coffee shops with friends, with locally branded coffee shops the preferred choice. Consumer motivations to branded coffee shops are most influenced by three factors: past experience/ familiarity; convenience of location/travel; and friends and family. With friendly staff, high quality of coffee and food, good atmosphere and good reputation the most important aspects for branded coffee shops. Recent exposure of tax avoidance from companies such as Starbucks have had negative influence on consumer choice of branded coffee shops. Introduction Rapid developments and a monumental boom, the popularity of the contemporary coffee shop continues to grow in the twenty-first century. Starbucks entered the UK market in the 1990s (Bishop, 2012), which awakened a new era for branded coffee shops. Key Note (2012: 29) verifies that three major players exist; Costa, Starbucks and Caffà © Nero, representing over 80% of branded coffee shops in the UK, confirming the power of international coffee brands. This major market penetration has been to the detriment of smaller, locally branded coffee shops, which struggle to compete (Bishop, 2012). However, some news articles suggest that locally branded coffee shops, e.g. Cadwaladers, can survive, using the power and competitive advantage of the local market. Recent exposure of tax avoidance (see ‘Starbucks’ paid just  £8.6m UK tax in 14 years’, BBC News 2012) questions the future influence of international coffee brands. From analysis of the above it may be inferred that local and international branded coffee shops divide opinion. Reviewing literature of brand concepts, it is evident branding has been widely addressed (Butcher, 2005; Caruana, 2002; Schuiling and Kapferer, 2004; Young and Rubicam, 2000), and more especially, branding in the hospitality industry, (Allegra Strategies Report, 2012; Bashaw, Brumm and Davis, 2008; Bell, 2008; Chathoth and Olsen, 2003; George and Stefanos, 1999; Hanson et al., 2009; Hyun and Kim, 2011; Kim et al., 2003; Kim and Kim, 2004, 2005; Kim, Ma and Kim, 2005; Kwun and Oh, 2004; O’Neill and Mattila, 2010; Ruddick, 2012; Ryu et al., 2008; Wanke, Hermann and Schaffner, 2007), though it finds little research specifically concerning branded coffee shops. Against the above background, the aim of this research is to improve understanding by providing an in-depth analysis of the motivational reasons behind customer choice in branded coffee shops, both local and international. This addresses the gap that exists within literature concerning branded coffee shops, especially regarding what factors influence customer behavior, perceptions and motivations to both local and international branded coffee shops in the UK. Literature review This review considers visitor motivation, theories of motivation in general, hospitality-specific and influential factors such as social influence, socio- demographics and branding, with particular focus on brand perceptions. Visitor Motivation Sharpley (2008) refers to motivation as a logical process that results from deep, psychological needs and motives or external forces and pressures; social relationships and lifestyle. Often unrecognised by an individual, it can kick-start the consumer decision-making process, to ‘reflect an individual’s private needs and wants’ (Pearce, 2005: 51). However, Witt and Wright (1992) argue that needs and desires may arouse motivated behaviour, meaning behaviour is not necessarily predicted, whereas Fodness (1994) claims motivation is the driving force in interpreting an individual’s behaviour. A range of research is related to tourism motivation or visitor motivation (Cooper et al., 2005; Dann, 1977, 1981; Eagles, 1992; Fodness, 1994; Iso- Ahola, 1982; Krippendorf, 1986; MacCannell, 1989; Mathieson and Wall, 1982; McIntosh and Goeldner, 1990; Mill and Morrison, 1985; Moutinho, 1987; Pearce and Caltabiana, 1983; Pearce, 2005; Sharpley, 2008; Sims, 2009; Urry, 1990; Witt and Wright, 1992; Wolf, 2002). However, very little research is related to coffee shop visitor motivations. Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs (1943), a theory of human motivation, provides a strong concept for consumer decision choice of branded coffee shops. Two constructs of this theory, i.e. ‘love and belonging’ support the desire to create a sense of connection. Witt and Bruce (1972) and Bearden and Etzel (1982), suggest individuals seek social approval, wanting to be ‘liked’ or ‘be like’ other individuals in society. The desire to achieve social security motivates individuals to choose the same brand as others, by external public observation or internal, social group attitudes. The power of the international brand as the ‘place to be seen’ creates a motivated behaviour choice. Lewis (2012) argues that superficial desires and behaviours are less influential factors and basic needs are more common-human. Maslow’s concept of ‘psychological needs,’ the need for life basics, supports this alternative motivator, therefore the drive to satisfy thirst alone is another determinant for visiting a coffee shop. The study of needs provides a ‘partial explanation of motivated behaviour’ (Witt and Wright, 1992: 44), but according to Mill and Morrison (1985: 2) individuals are often unaware of the real reason for doing certain things, suggesting true motivations lie hidden in the subconscious. So other influential factors must be examined as reasons why people visit an international brand over a local branded coffee shop and vice-versa. Influential Factors Wolf (2006: 19) notes that ‘nearly 100% of tourists dine out while travelling, and food and beverage consistently rank first in visitor spending’, supported by Shenoy (2005). These findings suggest one explanation for the major growth of coffee shops in high-footfall leisure areas, with an increase in number of branded coffee shops to 3041 in the UK by 2009-10 (Bishop, 2012: 1). Tourist typologies provide tourist/visitor behaviour differences, e.g. Brand Seekers, Convenience Tourists, Culinary Tourists, etc. Hall and Mitchell’s (2005) Taxonomy of Consumers can be used to classify the importance of food within their decision-making processes. Hall and Mitchell (2006: 147; Wolf, 2002) suggest a tourist may want to ‘taste’ the region they are visiting, with the culinary tourist (Shenoy, 2005), supporting motivated behaviour to a locally branded coffee shop. However, with many local coffee shops disappearing, this typology is questioned. Other influences like the power of a brand may alter ones attitudes and consequently change behaviour, research into brand power highlights this. Perceptions are influenced by motivational push factors, e.g. socio-demographics, familiarity, security, social norms, prestige and peer pressure (Swarbrooke and Horner, 1999). Ajzen’s (1991) theory of planned behaviour examined how initial intentions and attitudes are affected by perceptions and account ‘for considerable variance in actual behaviour’ (Ajzen, 1991: 179). Social Influence Moutinho (1987) suggests 4 sources of social influence; family, social class, culture and reference groups. He argued these internal and external pressures were detrimental to behaviour when exerted on individuals. Thornton (2001) supports family as a powerful influence in tourist motivation. Merton (1957) and Rossi’s (1949) reference groups, describes the process when people adjust their attitudes and values to that of the reference group, e.g. product preferences (Burnkrant and Cousineau, 1975) and brand choice (Bourne, 1957; Stafford, 1966; Witt, 1969). Bruce (1970,1972) finds reference group influence can spread to other consumers explaining behaviour of visitors to a new area, seeking information when uncertain (Bearden and Etzel, 1982). Another example derives from the need to seek social status and social approval (Witt and Bruce, 1972). The term value- expressive, is the need for psychological association with a person or group, to the liking of the reference group (Bearden and Etzel, 1982) and ‘need’ to be identified as using the same brand ‘publically consumed luxury’ (Bourne, 1957: 219). French and Raven’s (1959) propose 5 bases that explore how a social group derives power to exert influence. Socio-demographics also determine behavior (Bishop, 2012: 55), e.g. major coffee chains were more popular among men (29.4%) than women (20.6%) compared to independents in the UK. Additionally 54.6% of 20- to 24-year-olds were most likely to choose a branded chain compared to 17.7% of those aged 65 years and over (Key Note, 2012). Consumer research by NEMS UK Market Research on behalf of Key Note (2012: 1) claim during the recession 30.7% of people cut back on visiting coffee/sandwich shops, with, consumers more attracted by outlets offering discounts (Allegra Strategies, 2012). Mattila (2001) claims that social variables from the business perspective are critical for generating customer loyalty, e.g. social regard influenced new customers and perceived core service quality influenced existing customers (Butcher, 2005). Caruana (2002) recognises service qualities like customer satisfaction, results in service loyalty, while friendly behaviours in service interactions enhance business success (Bitner et al., 1990; Driver and Johnston, 2001; Hall, 1993; Iacobucci and Ostrom, 1993; Price and Arnould, 1999). Servicescape is also regarded as a critical factor. Wight (1996) argues the avoidance of crowds is important in explaining customer behaviour. Branding For this research a brand differentiates the international service/product from a local service/product. The brand is a powerful tool that attracts positive consumer behaviour, influencing perceptions and choice, i.e. purchase intention. Wanke, Herrmann and Schaffner (2007) found that a brand name evokes specific associations, creating a brand perception e.g. ‘Starbucks’ – where ‘star’ may be interpreted as star quality and excellence, influencing consumers’ link with quality (Ginden, 1993). Berry et al. (1988) suggests a well-chosen name creates a marketing advantage and should include key characteristics i.e. simple, flexible, memorable, distinctive and relevant – e.g. ‘Costa’. Rooney (1995) suggests a brand name is a major asset, enhancing company success, generating consumer confidence (Assael, 1995) and active consumer behaviour (Assael, 1995; Meadows, 1983), as consumers perceive one brand as more desirable than its competitors (Rooney, 1995). Chernatony and Dall’Olmo Riley (1998: 426) identified twelve themes associated with defining a brand, e.g. shorthand, risk reducer, identity system and image, influencing the consumers mind. Memory shortcuts (Jacoby et al., 1977) help speedier decision-making, advantageous for the time pressed consumer. The recognisable brand becomes the favoured choice (Chevan, 1992), as a distinguishable international brand satisfies demand expectations (Chernatony and Dall’Olmo Riley, 2010; Montgomery and Wernerfelt, 1992), so a brand relationship is established that may explain international brand market dominance. Sweeney and Soutar (2001) suggest branded products have four consumption values that drive consumer purchase behaviour i.e. emotional, social, quality/performance and price/value for money. Explaining how one brand can differ from the next; international branded coffee shops may be perceived the best at delivering these values. The Customer-Based Brand Equity Model (Keller, 1993), conceptualises the idea that brand knowledge affects the consumer response, leading to a positive effect on consumer reactions, generating brand attitude (Tuominen, 1999; Yoo and Donthu, 2001). Research has explored how past experience has the ability to influence and change buyer behaviour (Busch, 1980; Gaski, 1984a; MacKenzie and Zaichkowsky, 1981). Research found that power can influence aspects such as satisfaction (Bachman, 1968; Bachman, Smith, and Slesinger, 1966), attraction (French and Raven, 1959), conformity (Warren, 1968, 1969), and social influence (Lippitt, Polansky, and Rosen, 1952). Crosno et al.’s (2009) 5 Base Social Power Theory adapted from French and Raven’s (1959) original framework (appendix 1), found a brand wielding these concepts had a greater overall brand social power. These findings provide significant explanation to brand difference between international and local coffee shops. An investigation by Tsai (2011) strengthened the Strategic Management of Service Brand Relationships Model, finding service brand commitment and love, influence relationship e.g. satisfaction, self-concept connection and finally trust. Research on the importance of building and achieving brand equity, loyalty and awareness exist, yet little investigation into consumer decision of branded coffee shops. Literature suggests quality perception was most important for determining brand purchase (Bao et al., 2011; Grewal et al., 1998; Richardson, 1994, 1996). This provides support for research into customer perceptions of coffee brands and how they influence our behaviours. Local Brands vs. International Brands Schuiling and Kapferer (2004) argue with local brands’ adaptability and better response to local needs, e.g. flexibility of pricing strategy for specific local markets highlighting a significant difference to international brands, which lack intimate relationships with local markets (Schuiling and Kapferer, 2004). Their research on the differences found that local brands have a higher level of awareness (85%) than international brands (73%) linked by the number of years local brands have been in the market (Schuiling and Kapferer, 2004: 105). Their database revealed other variables suggesting local brand advantages, for example, as being trustworthy, reliable, good value, high quality and traditional (Table 3 in Schuiling and Kapferer, 2004: 105). Local brands have the ability to create a brand value system (Chernatony and Dall’olmo Riley, 1998) by endorsing personal and cultural values (Engel, 1993; Reynolds and Gutman, 1988). Chernatony and Dall’olmo Riley (1998) argued that Brand Relationship and Brand Personality (Blackston, 1992) were important for repeat custom and strong bonding, e.g. Cadwaladers, a local Welsh example, provide ‘distinct character’ and ‘culture’ of its destination (Jones and Jenkins, 2002: 116) and help establish a more unique selling proposition (Haven-Tang and Jones, 2006). Evidence exists of community support for local brands to support, stimulate and revitalise local economy (Boyne, Hall and Williams, 2003), creating regional development (Hall, Kirkpatrick and Mitchell, 2005; Steinmetz, 2010) and preventing ‘cloning’ (Kelly, 2012). A case study by Patterson et al. (2010) highlights local brand power in Australia. Closing three quarters of Australian Starbucks, Australians continued to remain loyal the their own coffee brand Gloria Jeans. Schuiling and Kapferer (2004) support local brands as the leading competitor, arguing the qualities and traits of local business have proven superior. They conclude that cost is responsible for local disadvantage, with inability to generate economies of scale. Schuiling and Kapferer (2004) argue that international brand development benefits from global marketing, e.g. portfolio enhancement, compared to local brands who lack global status (see Daily Mail, 2009). Schuiling and Kapferer (2004) suggest a balanced mix of local and international brand development is key to entire industry success. The aim of this article is to improve our understanding by addressing the gap that exists within research and literature concerning branded coffee shops. Little research explores what factors influence customer behavior, perceptions and motivations to local and international branded coffee shops in the UK. Methodology Given the nature of the research, formal quantitative data collection using questionnaires was deployed. Target market analysis highlighted the most prominent influential factors, internal and external motives (Gnoth, 1997) and push and pull factors (Swarbrooke and Horner, 1999). This establishes what factors influence consumer perceptions, behaviour and purchase intention, similar to the survey conducted by Boa et al. (2011). Providing explanation as to why branded coffee shops (local/international) maintain their position within their industry, this research addresses the lack of research in this field, benefiting coffee shop businesses seeking competitive advantage or improvement. Providing insight to customer attitudes and perceptions, it proposes realistic prospects for brands, like the Y&R Brand Asset Valuator (Young and Rubicam, 2010). ‘Surveys are, arguably, the most important source of information for tourism analysis, planning and decision making’ (Smith, 1995: 42). Questionnaires are components of survey work (Finn et al., 2000), its purpose here is to obtain reliable and valid data on the research subject (Finn et al., 2000). A street survey of 300 questionnaires was undertaken, covering a cross- section of the community (Veal, 1992). Allowing generalisation of similar socio-demographic areas, this survey size gives representative data of the population (Seale, 2004), compensating lack of sufficient response data and weakness of randomness (Prentice et al., 1998), e.g. population and ecological validity (Finn et al., 2000). Clearly there is likely to be differences in demographics in the Southern cities/areas covered for this research compared to larger, major cities/areas across the UK such as London. Measures for the questionnaire are conceptualised from the secondary literature research, as discussed consultation of research literature like this facilitates internal validity (Finn et al., 2000). This identified deficiencies concerning consumer choice and behaviour to the branded coffee shop, reflecting research objectives for appropriate instrumentation and statistical treatment of data (Cohen et al., 2007). The questionnaire (appendix 2) included a standardised set of questions, allowing all respondents to interpret them in the same way, establishing standardisation and control (Finn et al., 2000). A pilot study identified improvements to the questionnaire before being confirmed as reliable, removing ambiguity or bias (Finn et al., 2000). Similarly to methodology by Bramwell (1998) and Prentice et al. (1998) this research was a non-probability sample of 300 shoppers, no sampling frame therefore is administered. Critics of this sampling argue that this method is weak, lacking randomness, approaching shoppers on an ad hoc basis (bias selection) inevitably means not everyone has an equal chance of being selected (Finn et al., 2000). To help overcome questionnaire distributer bias, a ‘first to pass’ system was used (Tourism and Recreation Research Unit, 1993). Shopping centres, high streets and small town centres in various locations in the South West (e.g. Plymouth, Taunton) and South Wales (e.g. Cardiff, Penarth and Chepstow) were identified as valid target areas, where street surveys are natural settings (Bogdan and Biklen, 1992; Cohen et al., 2007; Lincoln and Guba, 1985). The aim was to target up to 50% of shoppers within these fields (according to capacity of area). A total of 10 days was allocated for research collection, to reach a total of 300 responses. The procedure was validated and controlled by replicating each data-gathering activity, with the interviewer remaining neutral throughout the study, avoiding interviewer bias or the Halo Effect. Consent ensures content validity and reduces ethical implications (Cohen et al., 2007) while consequential validity was also confirmed; briefing participants their responses will not exceed the ‘capability of the research’ (Cohen et al., 2007: 140). This maximises interest and elicits a positive response rate (Brunt, 2012; Finn et al., 2000). The research method allows for completed questionnaires suitable for coding and analysis by SPSS, enabling the study to be easily replicated. Cross-tabulation examined results and chi-square tests ‘measured how well the data fits the hypothesis’ (Gravetter and Wallnau, 2009: 611) i.e. testing for goodness of fit, measuring what it is supposed to measure confirms validity (Finn et al, 2000: 28), creating a descriptive statistical account to interpret and generalise reality. Findings and discussion This section presents the results of the questionnaire, analysing the descriptive statistics to establish the independent variables and dependent variables: Experience of coffee shops; Coffee-drinking behaviour; Motivation; International vs local coffee shops; Effects of tax avoidance. Discussion reviews their linkages to the existing literature to determine if this new data supports or contradicts existing information. Profile of the respondents A large count for each gender was recorded, finding a higher degree of female respondents (55.7%). Their ages varied, with a large segment of the sample aged between 15 and 24 (42.3%). The population of England is larger than Wales. Results from the 2011 census (Office for National Statistics, 2011) reveal that England has 53.0 million residents, compared to 3.1 million in Wales. Further reporting that ‘there were 27.6 million men and 28.5 million women in the two countries’ (Office for National Statistics, 2011: 4). Looking more specifically at the UK regions used for this research, the South West and Wales, a marginal population difference exits between these two regions (see table 6). However closer examination of the gender populations of these two regions are fairly similar (see tables 7 and 8), both regions see more females than males for people living to an older age. These statistics support findings regarding the higher female count found in this research. Local coffee brands were the preferred type by respondents (53.7%) compared to international coffee brands (46.3%). Correlating with recent actions in Totnes (Kelly, 2012 – BBC News Magazine), this supports Schuiling and Kapferers’ (2004) assessment that local brands are the leading competitor. It also suggests that local brands may endorse stronger consumption values posit by Sweeney and Soutar (2001) to explain consumer purchase behaviour. Dismissing assumptions made within the literature review that international branded coffee shops could be perceived best at delivering these values. Respondents reported they visit coffee shops predominately with friends (50.3%). Only 4.7% of respondents visited with work colleagues, suggesting escapism from daily routine by Iso-Ahola (1987) may explain why coffee shops are less likely to be visited with work colleagues, avoiding an association with work related activities. This sustains popular belief that coffee shops are a social activity, with behaviour socially influenced by friends or family (French and Raven, 1959). Motivations to coffee shop Table 3 presents motivations of the respondents to Coffee shop using a 1-5 Likert Scale Analysis found that past experience/familiarity was the main reason why respondents were motivated to their chosen coffee shop (4.09). Confirming the influence of motivational push factors like familiarity and security (Swarbrooke and Horner, 1999), to satisfy expectations, meet private needs and wants (Pearce, 2005; Witt and Wright, 1992) and influence behaviour (Brand Social Power Theory, 2009; Busch, 1980; Crosno et al., 2009; French and Raven, 1958; Gaski, 1984a; Lippit et al., 1952; MacKenzie and Zaichkowsky, 1981; Warren, 1968, 1969). Confirming Brand Values are endorsed from personal experience with the brand subject (Bradley, 1995; Chernatony and McDonald, 1992; Clark, 1987; Doyle 1998; Jones, 1986; Tuominen, 1999), e.g. ‘Attachment of place’ (Phillips, 2013: 202), a principle Rowles (1978) and Smith (2009) claim is associated with exposure to a place. The second highest motivation was convenience of location/ or travel (3.99), which supports convenience is an important consideration (Kim et al., 2005) and convenient location is more important than the brand (3.61) (Allegra Strategies, 2012). Friends and Family rated third strongest motivator (3.75), confirming friends and family are powerful motivators influencing behavior (Bearden and Etzel, 1982; Bourne, 1957; Burnkrant and Cousineau, 1975; Moutinho, 1987; Stafford, 1966; Thornton, 2001; Witt and Bruce, 1972 and Witt, 1969). This reinforces Merton and Rossi (1949) and Moutinho’s (1987) significance of ‘reference groups.’ That Strong local identity rated the weakest (3.31) may suggest that local identity does not have the same impact as that of the brand itself, e.g. marketing advantage (Berry et al., 1988), enhanced success (Rooney, 1995) or active consumer behaviour (Assael, 1995; Meadows, 1983). This suggests that promoting local identity in coffee shops may not significantly affect customer behavioural intentions. International branded coffee shops vs local branded coffee shops A 1-5 Likert Scale was also used to identify what aspects were most important for both international coffee brands and local coffee brands, summarised in table 4 below. High quality of coffee/food was found the most important aspect (4.36) concerning international brands. Reinforcing perceived core service quality influenced existing customers (Butcher, 2005), similarly confirming Bao et al. (2011); Grewal et al. (1998) and Richardson (1994, 1996) that quality perception was most important for determining purchase. Rated second most important for an international brand was good reputation (4.08), confirming that social regard is a critical influencer (Butcher, 2005; Mattila, 2001). Friendly staff was rated most important for local brands (4.37). These findings are consistent with Bitner et al., (1990); Driver and Johnston (2001); Hall, (1993); Iacobucci and Ostrom, (1993) and Price and Arnould, (1999); who found friendly behaviours between service and customer enhance business success. High quality of coffee/food rated second most important, as mentioned above consistent with Butcher (2005) and Mattila (2001). Good atmosphere was also considered important for local coffee shops (4.13), supporting Kotler (1973) that atmosphere is often the primary product to effect purchase decision, physical surroundings and environment are also influential (Gardner, 1985; Obermiller and Bitner, 1984 and Donovan and Rossiter, 1982). Table 5 shows respondents’ attitude towards recent news claims regarding tax avoidance (centered around Starbucks). The results below confirm that a significant number of respondents were affected by the story (34%), claiming they would avoid using international chains in the future. Though 53.3% of respondents said it would have no effect, an additional 12.7% stated they were unsure of their future intentions. This provides a case which represents how important brand equity (Aaker, 1991) is for building the product’s image (Clearly, 1981), value promotion to attract and keep customers (Rooney, 1995), positive image (Ginden, 1993), consumer generated image (Chernatony and Dall’olmo Riley, 1998), brand value (Park et al., 1994) and likings and perceptions (Moore, 1993). Damage to the brand can be critical; the findings demonstrate how negative brand exposure against Starbucks now evokes a negative association and brand perception (Wanke, Herrmann and Schaffner, 2007). This confirms the power of Keller’s Brand Equity Model (1993); brand knowledge can affect consumer response, suggesting it had hindered brand attitude (Tuominen, 1999; Yoo and Donthu, 2001). Brand reputation (Romeo, Weinberger, and Antes 1994; Siomkos and Malliaris 1992) is a feature affected by consumer response to company crisis (Jorgensen, 1996). Jorgensen (1996) and Weiner’s model (1986) found the higher degree of responsibility and controllability a company was for said event the higher it elicit feelings of anger, effecting judgment, purchase and behaviour intentions (Jorgensen, 1994). The high number of respondents not affected could be explained using attitude strength, brand commitment and brand loyalty (Ahluwalia et al., 2000; Keller, 2003; Tuominen, 1999; Yoo and Donthu, 2001) i.e. brand equity (Aaker, 1991; 1992), confirming the importance of the Service Brand Relationship Model (Tsai, 2011). Cross Tabulation and Chi-Square Tests studied the relationship between independent variables and dependent variables to determine whether a significant association between two variables existed (Brunt, 2012). This research revealed a number of significant associations existed, providing insight of consumer behaviour to coffee shops, discussed below. A chi-square test between gender and 12 motivational items was carried out, which found one positive cross tabulation between women and ‘Popular and Thriving Atmosphere.’ This shows a significant association; women are more positively affected by servicescape (Gardener, 1985; Kotler, 1973; Obermiller and Bitner, 1984) and environment than men (Raajpoot et al., 2008). Popular and thriving maybe associated as busy, men are more negatively affected by waiting time than women (Grewal et al, 2003) which explains this gender association, suggesting Wight’s (1997) avoidance of crowds to explain behaviour is more prevalent in men than in women. A chi-square test between age and 12 motivational items was carried out; 4 positive cross tabulations were found: ‘Age’ and ‘Support Local Brand’ The cross tab indicated that more people aged 65+ rated ‘support local brand’ as the strongest reason to coffee shop. Age groups ’15-24†² and ’25-44†² rated ‘possible’ highly. Most ages rate ‘support local brand’ highly as a motivator to chosen coffee shop, though the older you are the stronger this motivates you. Approving Boyne, Hall and Williams (2003) that community support to stimulate and revitalise the local economy exits. ‘Age’ and ‘Avoids Crowds and Noise’ Age group ’65+’ rated avoiding crowds and noise strongly as a motivating factor. This test reveals the older you are the more avoiding crowds and noise motivates you when choosing a coffee shop. Supporting Day et al. ‘s (2000) Minimizing Sensory Overstimulation Theory, as suggested by Phillips’ (2013) study, older participants were startled by sudden, heavy or loud noises. ‘Age’ and ‘The Brand and Reputation’ This cross tab suggests that for ages ’25-44†², ’65+’ and ’15-24, Brand and Reputation was a strong motivator, confirming this does affect and influence a large majority of consumer motivations. These findings are consistent with those of Wanke, Herrmann and Schaffner (2007) that brands evoke perceptions, which can link with quality (Ginden, 1993) influencing consumer decisions. Findings support brands make memory shortcuts (Jacoby et al., 1977), which create consumer confidence (Assael, 1995) and active consumer behaviour (Assael, 1995; Crosno et al., 2009; Meadows, 1983). ‘Age’ and ‘Somewhere New/Different’ The cross tab indicated that somewhere new/different rated a high motivator among respondent, thus an influential factor in consumer coffee shop decisions. This is consistent to the framework created by Pearce and Caltabiano (1983) and Sharpley (2008) whom signify biological and social motives change over time. Social changes influence behaviour, i.e. consumer taste and style changes (Moutinho, 1987; Rooney, 1995) and social influences are motivators found by Dann (1977); Iso-Ahola (1987) and McIntosh and Goeldner (1990). The findings agree with Bearden and Etzel (1982) and Witt and Bruce (1972) that social security and social approval motivates human behaviour. A further test found a significant association existed between age and preferred coffee shop. The two youngest ages groups 15-24 and 25-44 were found to prefer international branded coffee shops more than local branded coffee shops, supporting Key Note (2012), compared to the two oldest age groups 45-64 and 65+, which found a higher preference for local brands. Conclusion and implications Reviewing this exploratory study, we suggest that consumer motivations to branded coffee shops are influenced by the following three factors: past experience/familiarity, convenience of location, and friends and family. This research reveals that social influence is a strong motivator in consumer choice and purchasing behaviours to branded coffee shops. This research also identified some similarities between factors perceived most important from the consumer perspective for local and international coffee brands. The most important factors for a local coffee brand were, in order, friendly staff, high quality of coffee and food and good atmosphere. Whereas the most important factors for an international coffee brand were, in order, high quality of coffee and food, good reputation and friendly staff. Respondents indicated high quality coffee and food and friendly staff were important for both branded coffee shops. The results of this research exposes that a difference between coffee brand preference and influential factors exists. The following section presents practical implications for businesses or individuals within the branded coffee shop industry. This research identified that a strong liking for coffee shops exists, with local brands the preferred coffee brand choice. The difference between important factors suggests it contributes and influences consumer coffee brand preference, motivations and behaviours. So to understand the motivational reasons behind consumer choices in branded coffee shops the consideration of these factors is necessary. Differentiating the local brand from the international brand, the results suggest local brands endorse a more personal relationship compared to the professional, quality relationship found from international brands. These findings provide additional theory on the power of social influence from the consumer and business perspective as a motivator to branded coffee shops, i.e. perceptions and social brand power. In addition, this research reveals that significant associations did exist between motivation and social demographics such as age and gender; e.g. women were more motivated by the popular and thriving atmosphere of the branded coffee shop than men. Whereas age presented larger differences between motivations e.g. ‘support local brand’, ‘avoid crowds/noise’, ‘somewhere new/different’ and ‘brand and reputation’. This research could be used for coffee shop businesses seeking to target a specific audience. Regarding tax avoidance, results from a specific question (see appendix 2, Question 7 and table 5) illustrated that consumer attitude was affected and that it negatively influenced future decisions, motivations and behaviours towards all internationally branded coffee shops, especially Starbucks itself. Detrimental to the brand reputation, this draws attention to the importance of maintaining a good reputation for successful coffee shop businesses. The findings suggest theories and literature on brands, motivation and influential factors is applicable to branded coffee shops, e.g. theory concerning local brands as leading competitors endorsing qualities and traits superior to those of international brands. Quality perception is important for determining brand purchase and can explain consumer behaviour to branded coffee shops. This research addresses the gap that exists within literature concerning branded coffee shops, especially regarding local brands and their ability to influence consumer perceptions. Little research explores what factors influence customer behaviour, perceptions and motivations to local and international branded coffee shops in the UK, therefore this research creates a foundation for others to explore and develop further. Given the rise in interest and boom of the coffee shop industry in recent times, this provides market research consideration for new start ups in the tourism and beverage industry in the future. A multi methods approach using an in-depth interview could improve understanding and explore customer attitudes further. A comparison of consumer preferences across different countries could also reveal whether cultural differences influence decisions. Limitations to this study exist, e.g. the sample selection was taken from the South West and South Wales and other UK regions were not explored, meaning a holistic mix of social demographic across the UK is not confirmed. Likewise, an equal count for each age group and gender was not achieved. A larger study may discover a difference between gender and preference of branded coffee shop, or whether significant associations exist between age and importance of aspects, which chi-square tests in this study could not validate due an insufficient sample size. Clearly the results demonstrate coffee shops are an integral part of popular British culture and this research presents findings to support this theory. Acknowledgements I would like to take this opportunity to express my profound gratitude and appreciation to my guide, Professor Rong Huang, for her exemplary guidance, monitoring, constant encouragement and kindness. Her support and time has been invaluable and inspiring throughout the development of this article. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank Professor Graham Busby for the valuable information provided by him in his respective field. I am grateful for his support. Lastly, I would like to thank my parents, brother and friends for their constant encouragement, support, care and kindness throughout this entire process. Appendices Appendix 1: French and Raven’s (1959) power typology Legitimate power is based on the perception of an individual that another person has the legitimate right to influence him or her, and that he or she is obligated to accept the influence. Reward power is based on the perception of an individual that another person has the ability to reward him or her. Coercive power is based on the perception of an individual that another person has the ability to punish him or her. Expert power is based on the perception of an individual that another person has some specialized knowledge or expertise. Referent power is based on an individual’s identification with, and desire to be similar to, another person. Crosno et al. (2009:93) Appendix 2: Questionnaire Appendix 4: Questionnaire Appendix 3: Table 6: 2011 Census – The populations for English Regions and Wales Table 6: 2011 Census – The populations for English Regions and Wales (Office for National Statistics, 2011:22). Table 7: The Population of Wales 1999-2009 by age and gender Table 7: The Population of Wales 1999-2009 by age and gender (Office for National Statistics – Statistics for Wales, 2010:3) Table 8: The Population of the South West by age and gender Table 8: The Population of the South West by age and gender (Smith, 2010:47) Notes [1] Sophie Burge has recently been awarded a First Class BSc Honours Degree in Business and Tourism at the University of Plymouth. 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