A Doll’s House Act commentary

Henries Ibsen, is a play that was considered so controversial when it was first published, In 1879, that the playwright was forced to create a second ending to be used when necessary. This was because of Ibsen unorthodox stance on the idea of the role of women In society at the time, and this concept became one of the mall themes of his play. Although this was one of the prevalent notions, other significant themes Include the unreliability of appearance and the notion of heredity.In act 1, Ibsen immediately portrays the protagonist's, Nora, status as a woman in the should. She is a symbol of the women of her era, who were believed to be content with Just the business of the home. She has been buying presents for Christmas, and is described as being, â€Å"busy opening some of the parcels†. Nora busies herself with small matters, hiding macaroons and organizing things. Although her husband, Dorval, labels Nora as â€Å"my little squirrel† and a variety of other animals i n a patronizing manner, Nora seems to act In the same as a woodland creature, continuously â€Å"scampering about†.Nora behaves Like a small child, hiding macaroons room her husband and spending excessive amounts of money; Dorval Is not entirely incorrect In his statement of, â€Å"has my little spendthrift been wasting money again†. Although Norm's character seems to exhibit some complexity on an emotional level, she lacks a deep relationship and understanding of life outside of the house and Dorval, suggesting things such as borrowing money and, later, not realizing that forgery is a crime. One of the main causes of this is Tortilla's treatment of and relationship with Nora.Helmet's mind-set is apparent in everything he says to Nora, as well as his degrading pet names, â€Å"lark†, â€Å"squirrel†, â€Å"songbird†, and his objectification of her. However, his diminutive nature towards Nora is more similar to that of a father than that of a loving husband. She Is entirely dependent on him for everything, be It food, shelter, or money. Tortilla's power dynamic in the relationship Is portrayed through the sentence structure and NC)-fluency features with the extract. He constantly breaks Into Norm's sentences and questions her In an accusing manner.In this way, Dorval treats her as if she is a helpless doll, aggravating and intensifying Norm's separation from her romanticizes perception of life and actual reality. Appearance and reality is a prominent theme within A Doll's House'. The audience is introduced to the play through the words, â€Å"hide the Christmas Tree carefully', implying that one of the focal concepts dealt in the play will be deceit. This notion is then further illustrated when she continuously lies to Dorval about such petty things as buying and eating macaroons.The idea of the Christmas tree being hidden until is changed and â€Å"dressed† presents a metaphoric parallel to Norm's character and develo pment throughout the play. She dresses and bejewels herself with falsehoods to show off to her husband and friends, whilst In reality she Is hiding a dangerous lie. She will not allow anyone to see the truth of the situation, when her lie is undressed. Depicted as a childish, fickle and silly woman, as the play progresses the audience is shown that she is a motivated, intelligent and strong-willed adult.Another chief and recurrent topic incorporated in ‘A Doll's House' is that of heredity, and we are introduced to this idea within the opening scene of Act One of the play; mirrored an odd little one. Exactly the way your father was†¦. It's deep in your blood. Yes, those things are hereditary, Nora†. The characters believe that heredity is the cause and reason to all faults that lie within each other, and Dorval attributes Norm's wanton attitude towards money to the similar approaches and mind-set of her father.In this manner, the characters avoid the responsibility o f their ill-suited traits y blaming their bloodlines. Anything negative in their physicality or mentality is not the result of their own actions, but the result of an incorrect and immoral heritage. This notion of Nora being a â€Å"spendthrift† being in her blood creates a parallel link later in the play, when Nora becomes convinced that her lie will negatively influence her children; they will inevitably become corrupt. In this way, the opening scene of Act One portrays the mentality of the characters that will continue throughout the majority of the play.Henries Ibsen ‘A Doll's House', was completely innovative and unconventional for the society of its era. The play tackled the idea that the culture of the time was not necessarily as Just or principled as it portrayed itself to be; that behind its respectable fade was an unequal and prejudiced system. Ibsen portrayed this concept through the prominent themes of the role of women within society and the household, what is appearance and what is reality, and the idea that all of our traits and faults are the result of our heritage.

Japanese Management System Essay

  Management Styles Corporation management is necessary for an institution to survive during times of change as it is the role of management to provide a plan of action, leadership and delegation of authority. Management structure ensures growth will be maintained for the organization and that the corporation will continue to function. Multiple styles of management are determined by who has the responsibility for the delegation of responsibility for decision-making as well as the degree of participation in the decision-making processes across the company. In general, management systems appear to be impacted upon by the aims of the corporation, the magnitude of the organization and the cultural context the organization operates within (Kim, pp. 538-39). Optimal management style is essential to a corporation as the style used will determine how the institutions processes are organized, as well as how efficiently employees will work cooperatively or in competition with each other. Work experiences such as employee cooperation, corporation leadership and employee loyalty to the company will be dependant on the style of management used by the corporation. As such, it is important for different nations to develop human resource management practices that reflect their local circumstances and socio-cultural, political and economic situations. For example, some Asian nations such as South Korea, Taiwan and Japan have adopted a HRM strategy that is grounded in Confucian values of respect for the family foremost, and an emphasis on obligations to the collective (Rowden, pp. 163-64). Japanese Management System Japan is a democratic nation and has a highly refined and formalized culture that is in many ways restrained. The work ethics of Japanese business appears to focus dealing with work pressures in ways that are remarkably different to those of western industries. This is due to the lifetime socialization of Japanese citizens to think in terms of the collective, and behaviours that resemble individualism are highly discouraged. One way to ensure that its people conform to the practice of â€Å"maintaining face† is by the use of ostracism to disengage the non-conforming individualist from the group. Hence, team work and cooperative practices are very salient within the Japanese society. Especially, employees work with a high commitment to their organization, and also display a commitment to the economic welfare of their nation. The Japanese legal system maintains the labour standards that currently exist, a principle one being lifetime employment. Although some employees would prefer a different system to lifetime employment, the ingrained cultural management means that the practice is likely to remain. In fact the government and industry work together most cooperatively. The overall aim of the nation and its industries appears to be steady and continuous growth rather than a focus on profits, shareholder interests are secondary, and investors appear to be content with making minimal profits as long as growth is the focus. The form of management appears to be quite paternal and authoritarian (Mroczkowski, pp. 21-22). Japan tends to be very authoritarian in management style, and so there is little dispersion of power sharing across the company. Redundancy does not seem to be a concern for employees, as lifetime employment ensures that they are receiving a wage at home or they are relegated to another part of the company. As part of lifetime employment the homes of employees may likely be owned by the corporation that they work for. Employees tend to go on leisure trips as a group. Many areas of employee’s lives are influenced by the corporation that they work with. This is one of the ways conformity is expected. There is an emphasis on a team-oriented approach to corporate running. This incorporates Common and consistent goals, Organizational commitment, Role clarity among team members, Team leadership, Mutual accountability with the team, Complementary knowledge and skills, Reinforcement of required behavioural competencies and shared rewards. It s expected that such approaches fulfil the familial and community need that there is a gap present in today’s society, and so the company can fulfil a basic human need. Kaizen   The Japanese style of management is clearly characteristic of its collectivist cultural background. Foremost, the most prominent characteristic of the Japanese corporation is that it is family like in quality. As such, the Japanese corporation can be described as an â€Å"entity† firm, in contrast to a â€Å"property† firm. As an entity, the corporation functions as an institution in that it is maintained across time and has an identity of its own, that is separate and non-dependant on the employees and managers who work within it. This system of corporate governance has existed by way of lifetime employment, seniority of wages and promotion, as well as enterprise-based unions. Lifetime employment is characterized by management being primarily of employees who have spent their entire career within the firm. In this way the seniority wage system could be utilized as a promotion process by way of seniority of age and on the job task ability. Performance merit remained and rivalry was highly dependant on ones ability to cooperate with others (Bamber, p. 303).    What Is The Japanese Management System? This segment sketches the chief management practices that are mostly agreed to have applied in Japan until now, at least in large corporations in the manufacturing sector. As we shall notice afterward, the system as illustrated here is currently experiencing significant amendments. Employment and Personnel Practices Amongst many prominent features of the Japanese management structure, one is the lifetime service. The expression is, however, something of a misnomer and is better expressed as enduring employment with a particular firm. In comparison with much western practice, large firms in Japan aim to sign up all their employees, both blue and white collar, directly from the learning system. ‘Regular’ workers enter the firm at its minor levels and are then projected to keep with it for the rest of their operational lives. Though some movement between firms is bearable, this is generally restricted to immature employees at the start of their profession. Apart from this, there is an indulgent between employer and employee that to depart the firm amounts to a severe contravene of mutual commitment. This system is self-maintaining because large firms hardly ever enlist personnel from other corporations. Once the preliminary ‘exploration’ phase is over, employees cannot leave without rigorously damaging their profession prospects. To westerners, life span employment seems perplexing, not least because it appears to restrain a firm’s capability to amend its employment costs in response to varying business surroundings. But the system is underpinned by the use of transitory workers who can be laid off as the need arises. Lifetime service is therefore far from worldwide in Japan, even in large manufacturing companies. Furthermore, women are expelled from the system. Some approximations have indicated that only 40 to 60% of those functioning in large firms and trading houses are covered by lifetime employment (Coad, pp. 314-16). New employees are given exhaustive technical guidance plus a more general orientation into the firm’s culture covering such subjects as its history and values. Additional training is offered during each step of the employee’s livelihood, and is anticipated to be taken very sincerely. For example, upgrading to better levels may depend on successful completion of the firm’s encouragement examinations. Job-rotation is another major trait of Japanese management approach and is not limited to ground levels and carries on all the way through an employee’s live of business. Besides rewards of job-security, pay and position, Japanese firms offer a broad range of safety benefits. These may consist of financial support with housing and schooling, medicinal facilities, free transportation and social conveniences. Retirement profits are, however, insufficient by western principles. As with life span employment, welfare necessities express the paternalistic relationship among employer and employee, although momentary workers are not permitted to obtain these benefits. They are also disqualified from membership of the organization union.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Finally, the Japanese policy to decision-making involves wide communication and discussion. Suggestions for change are disseminated within the organization and intricate attempts are made to secure agreement from the parties that are likely to be influenced. Ideas for enhancement to operating actions are encouraged from underneath and are considered at every stage until an agreement is completed (House, pp. 6-7). Taken collectively, practices such as lifetime service, constant teaching and job-rotation, seniority-based pay and sponsorship, wide-range welfare necessities, and agreement decision-making provide centre employees with employment sanctuary, non-stop upgrading in pay and status over a long period, extensive all-encompassing safety benefits, proficiency development through training, and a grade of contribution in decision-making. In return, employees are predicted to display full commitment to their job and to their company. Japanese Management in Japan The well-known advocates of learning from Japan be predisposed to assume that Japan’s employment and personnel practices and the Japanese management style were the foremost causes of the success of large firms, and hence of national success. Although Japan’s economy has been triumphant, its industry has not been uniformly so. Industrial and hi-tech competitiveness is one of the burning current issues in Japan. Japan’s dominance in manufacturing has been displayed chiefly in the mass-production and high-technology industries. This could signify that firms in less successful industries have not applied the employment and personnel practices of Japanese management in the way that those in flourishing industries have (Grein and Takada, pp. 19-20). But an alternative and more reasonable possibility is that these practices are less important to success than has been assumed. Conclusion Yet, the Japanese management system should not be conceptualized as if it is composed only by practices within firms. Japan’s system of ‘alliance capitalism’ comprises commonly supportive networks of industrial and financial firms and relations with government which play a momentous role in the economy’s operation.   Theorists argued that Japan’s system is adjusting to new conditions but that its basic model of corporate governance, struggle and employment remains largely intact. So even if the personnel practices practiced by large Japanese firms are uniting with those of the Western States, Japan’s overall management system looks likely to retain its pre-eminent character. Works Cited Bamber, G. and Leggett, C. (2001), â€Å"Changing employment relations in the Asia-  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Pacific Region†, International Journal of Management, Vol. 22 No.4, pp. 303. Coad, A.F. (2002), Not everything is black and white for falling dominoes, Leadership and Organization Development Journal, Vol. 21 No.6, pp. 314-16. Grein, A.F. and Takada, H. (2001), â€Å"Integration and responsiveness: marketing strategies of Japanese and European automobile manufacturers†, Journal of International Marketing, Vol. 9 No.2, pp.19-20. House, R. (2002), â€Å"Understanding cultures and implicit leadership theories across the globe: an introduction to project GLOBE†, Journal of World Business, Vol. 37 No.1, pp. 6-7. Kim, J. (2000), â€Å"Perceptions of Japanese organizational culture†, Journal of Managerial Culture, Vol. 15 No.6, pp. 538–39. Mroczkowski, T. and Hanaoka, M. (1998), The End of Japanese Management: How Soon? Human Resource Planning, Vol. 21 No. 3, pp. 21-22. Rowden, R.W. (2002), â€Å"The strategic role of human resource management in developing a global corporate culture†, International Journal of Management, Vol. 19 No. 2, pp.163-164.   

Essay on The Problem Of Hiv / Aids -- Immune system, HIV, AIDS, Vaccine

Although HIV is no longer the death sentence it was back in the 80’s, it remains a thorn even in our modern societies. For instance, HIV treatment is exponentially expensive, and can only be afforded by people residing in developed countries. In fact most third world nations, are still in the 80’s as far as HIV treatment technology is concerned. In 2011 alone over two and half million people died of AIDS, with the continent of Africa topping the list (Gallo 267). With prices, for HIV medication up the roof and the virus becoming more resistant to medications there is nothing such as a happy ending for 50 million people world wide still leaving with the disease (Gallo 267). The clock is ticking not just for the forty million, but also, for the sci... ... middle of paper ... ...n the end only Kaprowsky knows . To even consider those who we trust with our life may have invented the worst disease that has cause over 26 million fatalies so far is unimaginable(Gallo 266). Hoopers theory is not neccesarily a smoking gun but it does raise questions on the credibility of doctors. Hoopers intentions in writing his book the river wasn’t to point a finger but to raise awareness of how often medical errors occur with the minority being used as the guinea pigs; Nevertheless, for magic and all the millions of people living with AIDS the fight continues, a fight to decrease aids fatalities and find a cure, in this fight only one person has been cured so far, the famous berlin patient but as for the other forty million there is reason to hope,that in this developing technology that one day AIDS will be a dark history, surely nothing lasts forever.

Reflection paper Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 34

Reflection paper - Essay Example The lecture explores various Chinese dynasties and how people migrated and settled within China and beyond. First, West discussed the Han Dynasty, which was organised around the emperor. During this era, there was massive movement of people into the empire, spreading out into Central Asia. There was a significant resettlement in the area. West then advanced to the Tang Dynasty, where he gave a clear talk about how the dynasty displaced the Turks, who originally occupied Central Asia, pushing them further to the north into Tibet and to the south of Vietnam. The Silk Road, which passed along steppes and deserts, provided a channel that the Turks used to reach their new areas of settlement. West also proceeds to the Song dynasty, which existed from 960-1126, marking the end of medieval period and the birth of capitalism. It is from this lecture that it became clear to me that the Manchus emerged from the Southern Song. West argued that the largest migration in the history of China included migration from North to South to the lowlands. The lecture revealed that the Chinese had their expansionist ideology and strategy thwarted in Northern Asia as well as Central Asia. In the process of continuous displacement of the Chinese deeper into south, there was extensive interaction of cultures. Despite the fact that Europe was expanding during this time, the only people who interacted with the Europeans were the Mongols. The Monkey King displays qualities such as endurance, which enables him to successfully manoeuvre through his journey to the West. His smartness can be witnessed in the cases where he explores various means to get to the West, where he even uses clouds as automobile to cover 180, 000 miles in the in an epic span of one somersault. The professor’s lecture is an eye opener into the highly ritualised Chinese society, which the â€Å"Journey to the West† focuses on. West exposed the thinking of the

Food Insecurity and Soup Kitchens Research Paper

Food Insecurity and Soup Kitchens - Research Paper Example Introduction Food security is the â€Å"consistent access to enough food for an active, healthy life† according to Nord, Hooper & Hopwood (p.1). On the other hand, â€Å"very low food security† refers to a reduction of food intake and disruption of eating patterns in households due to a lack of money and other resources for food during particular times of the year (Nord, Andrews & Carlson 5). Adequate food is essential for good health and good nutrition. Economic policy and program regimes that support the fundamental factors related to food security are capable of reducing health inequalities. On comparing Canada and the United States on the impact of food insecurity, it was found that in Canada’s levels of food insecurity are lower than that of the U.S., indicating that Canada’s is more food secure as a result of various measures, and the success of governmental and private programs in alleviating hunger. Further, problems and solutions related to food i nsecurity conceptualized for Binghamton area of New York will be conceptualized on the basis of a survey conducted and census information. Food Insecurity in Canada and in the United States Canada and the United States significantly differ in the proportions of their populations that have consistent access to sufficient food for active, healthy living. ... households twice as likely to be food insecure in relation to Canadian households with children. The important parameters that impact food insecurity across the world include income adequacy, education, household structure, presence or absence of children, residence area, and other factors. Nord et al (p.16) state that these parameters should be considered in the context of the different social, economic, program and policy systems of Canada and the United States, to achieve a better understanding of the impact of these factors on household food security. Canada’s Action Plan for Food Security in response to the World Food Summit commitment to reduce food insecurity by 2015, builds on several existing international commitments which affect food security. These emerge from current domestic programs such as Canada’s own â€Å"Nutrition for Health: An Agenda for Action; Gathering Strength: Canada’s Aboriginal Action Plan; revisions to legislation including the Fish eries Act† (Agriculture and Agri-Food, Canada 5) and Canada’s evolving economic, social and environmental programs and policies. A Joint Consultative Group (JCG) composed of both government and civil society representatives have developed the Action Plan. In 2009 the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) â€Å"announced food security as a priority theme and pledged an additional $600 million over 3 years in support of this theme† (CFSPG 1). The government’s program has been successful to a certain extent. To augment the work of the government, there have been private organizers rallying forces under the banner of food security. Thus, local efforts in Canada include the setting up of food pantries, treatment of chronic diseases related to malnutrition,

Management Research Project Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Management Research Project - Assignment Example The latter finally leads to work life balance problems. Individuals and organizations should identify the stressors in workplace and design amicable solutions to combat the issue. If there is an early address on potential stressors, individuals and organizations can alleviate the negative effects associated with stress. To handle the menace well, employees need to identify signs and possible stressors (Adair, 2009). On the other hand, managers need awareness on the effects of stress to employees and general performance of the company in terms of output. It is necessary as an individual to learn how to keep away from stress, as it is also necessary for employers. Tesco is well-structured company with a large number of workforces and offers a suitable platform of the research. Tesco is company with UK origin that began in 1919 started by Jack Cohen a market stallholder selling groceries in London. After merging with T.E Stockwell, Tesco first opened the store in 1929. Since then, the company has expanded extensively across the world and has over 2,200 stores including Tesco Express and hypermarkets to meet customers’ requirements. Tesco is one of the largest British retailers and in the world list; it is one of the leading retail outlets. Tesco has a workforce of over 468,000 that offer the platform for this research. In a move to support its growth attributed to its staffs, the company ensures the staffs are in a sober condition. The company achieves their goal through motivation, training, and ensuring the staffs have the spirit of meeting customers’ needs. It motivates the employees through increasing their skills, knowledge, and job satisfaction through training and development programs (Kinder et al., 2008). Stress in the workplace can be damaging to organizational goals if not well-handled and addressed. Thus, for managers, it is

John Wycliff's contribtions to the christian religion Term Paper

John Wycliff's contribtions to the christian religion - Term Paper Example Other individuals believed in giving out offerings so that they can receive forgiveness for their sins (McDonald 139). John Wycliffe acquired his college education at Morten College at Oxford, which acted as a fundamental tool in his career. This is becoming a significant and reputable icon towards building Christian faith. During Wycliffe’s time, the church had a dominant force in almost all areas of life. The church utilized its power to exploit fellow Christians in a variety of ways. For instance, Christians were to pay for their sins whereby mode of payment was money or gifts meant for the ministers (Phillips 26). Most people were in bondage of the church and its sacraments based on how it expressed and ensured its power manipulated Christians. This prompted Wycliffe turned out to be the then fearless critical of the church’s abuse of power (Davis 98). Hence, becoming popular due to his stern stand and criticism on the church though he based his arguments on the word. The then secular government was an example of a reputable organization that boosted and sided with him in its quest to reveal how the church had become and taken advantage of its congregation’s ignorance. Government’s support was in form of preventing the church from directly condemning the emergent critic whose arguments were justifiable besides the church some of the dealings being unbiblical. Wycliffe was also a significant workforce in the reformation of the church. During his time, the church seemed own a large area of England besides having an unconquerable influence (Lavinsky). Instances of corruption characterized the mainstream church more so the clergy taking advantage of the ignorant faithful. In addition, the clergy contrary to what their vows stated proved to be immoral besides sometimes allowed to pass certain stages without accomplishing the required measures, hence the church during then producing illiterate priests (McDonald

The Importance of Social Justice in Education Essay

The Importance of Social Justice in Education - Essay Example This paper illustrates that scholars have attempted to describe the phenomena in light of factors like political orientation, religious background, and political and social philosophy. However, in the modern society, social justice is the acknowledged as the ideas of ‘equal’ justice and opportunity for every member of the society transcending beyond a courtroom or the judiciary. It involves providing an equal footing to everyone in all the social strata existing, from the very rich to those below the poverty line. The idea of social justice, while hailed by many supporters as the only moral way to run a society is almost impossible to implement in its pure form as many different factors come into play in deciding the life quality of an individual in a society and controlling all them is not only difficult but leads to further debates about the ethical implications of said control. There are two opposing political stances on the issue. The leftist stance which shares some traits with socialism supports the idea of government involvement to ensure social justice through control of the resources present in the society and equal distribution through legislation pertaining to taxation and programs to help to less privileged. Social justice should mean that basic necessities like food, shelter, and education are provided to all at the expense of the privileged few. The right-wing school of thought accepts the idea of social justice but doesn’t support existing government legislation as no one should be ‘forced’ to provide equal opportunity for others- it should be fostered instead by mutual consent and philanthropic response. Healthcare, employment, education, shelter and child protection are just some of the sectors where there is a lot of pressure to ensure social justice as an economy and society can potentially benefit from a healthy and informed population equally provided with all the resources and the prospect to grow and stren gthen. While social justice aims to uphold basic human rights on the basis of a moral and ethical obligation, there is no denying that social justice can also be thought of a practical solution to boost an economy or general profitability of a nation; this may not be one of the more humane reasoning behind the system but it is a rational one. One of the areas which has benefitted from this school of thought is education, where there has been significant movement to ensure some degree of social justice as a well-educated population is a necessary asset to ensure a competitive edge of any nation in terms of technological advances and improved sectors of military, services, sustenance, resource management, and others. It is also necessary as education is one of the major equating factors which decrease the divide existing in a society and the effects trickle down into other areas, effectively impacting lifestyles and a greater possibility of social justice. Education is also one of the tools through which tolerance is spread in society; as shared knowledge and enlightened minds are much more accepting of diversity and merging cultures. By providing the same learning environment, resources and opportunities for higher learning to children coming from different backgrounds, societies have a much better chance of getting rid of negative social developments like racial and sexual discriminations and prejudices. Thereby creating a more equal and collaborative economy which will have an impact on overall productivity as well as social well being of the population.  

Challenging perspective on child development Essay

Challenging perspective on child development - Essay Example N.A.E.Y.C. stating Developmentally Active Practice brought forth 12 principles of Child Development and Learning as a guide for People who work with children (Bredekamp and Copple, 1997) 'Development 'denotes maturation of functions. It is related to the maturation and myelination of the nervous system and to the acquisition of a variety of skills for the optimal function of the individual.'[Ghai OP, Gupta P, Paul VK. 2003] Growth and development is affected by genetic and environmental factors. Phenotype that is parental traits, Character of parents, Race, Sex, Biorhythm and maturation, genetic disorders like chromosomal abnormalities, gene mutations are all genetically determined. Environmental factors-Fetus grows in the maternal uterine environment. Maternal undernutrition, anaemia, maternal tobacco consumption go to decrease growth while nutritional supplements increases growth. Maternal intake of medicines like Thalidomide, antiepileptic drugs like valproate, and Rubella vaccination can cause congenital abnormalities. After birth nutritional statu... er birth nutritional status, exposure to chemicals, infections and infestations, trauma, maternal metabolic factors, social, emotional, and cultural factors all can influence the growth of the child. Behavioural Development of the child - In the postnatal life the newborn lies in a helpless manner with disorganized activity. As he grows he acquires better coordination of motor activity and reacts to his environment, with willful manner. At an anticipated age with a difference of a few months, children attain maturity of different biological functions. This can be interpreted by Denver developmental screening tests which measures gross motor, fine motor and adaptive; personal, and social and language factors. Behavioural development of the child is dependent on a variety of mutually interactive factors such as heredity, biological integrity, physical, psychosocial and emotional stimuli. Prenatal maternal illness, bad obstetric history, perinatal factors, social factors, established diseases all can affect behavioural development. Thus the catch phrase "Nature and Nurture' for roles of heredity and environment in human development originated in France, back in the 13th century. Nature Theory - It is known for years that traits such as hair colour and eye colour are determined by specific genes encoded in each human cell. Proponents of Nature theory take it a step further to tell the more abstract traits like intelligence, personality, aggression, and sexual orientation are all encoded in an individual's DNA.. "1. The search for behavioural gene is the source of constant debate. 2. the most debated issue pertaining to nature theory is the occurrence of the 'gay gene' pointing to a genetic component to sexual orientation. 3. An April,1998 article of LIFE Magazine

An examination of the ranging and merchandising of a selected product Essay - 1

An examination of the ranging and merchandising of a selected product category in a retail store - Essay Example The effectiveness of the food retail market of Tesco by supermarkets can be assessed by stating the incidence of Hungary wherein, even during the crisis Tesco displayed its dominance in the food supermarkets. Tesco supermarket has a dominant position in the UK and has rendered services to millions of the customers and increased the level of profit. Tesco, one of the principal retailers, reported a fall in the profit for the first time since 1990s due to the wastage of food in the supermarkets. Thus, Tesco is now facing competition from its key competitors such as Sainsbury’s as the grocery supermarket is alleged to face wastage in the food products. The customers of the supermarket of Tesco have been viewed to express their anger against the quality of the food sold. The study intends to examine and evaluate the food product in the supermarket with reference to Tesco and critically evaluate the strategy of merchandise employed by Tesco to gain its dominance in the market (Cori olis Research, 2004; BBC, 2013). The supermarket of Tesco is a well-designed grocery store with various food products to satisfy the requirements of the people. Supermarket of Tesco is one of the largest and has a large floor space with a variety of food products available. The architecture and the layout create greater convenience for the customers to locate the required food products in Tesco. The supermarket of Tesco is of great relevance because of the different availability of the food products at a reasonable price under one roof. The various food products such as grocery, packaged food, bakery and baby food satisfy the desires of every customer due to the availability of different food items. To meet the customer requirements, Tesco offers different products of a single company based on the food product range. The product line offered by Tesco food include the bakery items, Fruits, vegetables, diary , eggs, meat, fish, poultry, frozen

Language Paper Essay Example for Free

Language Paper Essay Language can be looked at differently from other types of cognitions. There is a need for language in one form or another to have the ability to communicate with other human beings. This communication is the basis to how human beings express themselves to those around them. With this expression comes the ability to formulate thoughts. These thoughts can be translated to others through language. This language play an important role when analyzing, problem-solving, creating reasons, communicating needs, and making plans. Without the existence of language the attempt for humans to achieve goals would be almost impossible to accomplish. Goals would have to be accomplished be figuring out an alternative method than language to be used for sciences, history, mathematics, and the ability to explain past experiences or cultures. Because language is such an important communication tool, this paper will go into the definition of language and lexicon, evaluating the key features of language, with a description of the four levels of the language structure and processing, and analyzing the role of language processing in cognitive psychology. . Define Language Because there is so many different ways of language it can be difficult to provide just one. Cognitive psychology defines language as a system of communication that is governed by a system of rules and can express an infinite number of propositions. In addition, natural language has two criteria. First it must be governed by a set of rules knows as grammar. Second it must be productive – an infinite number of things can be expressed (Galotti, 2015). But there are some factors that are deemed to be critical in the communication of human language. The factors that are deemed critical are: communicative, arbitrary, structured, generative, and dynamic  (Willingham, 2007). These critical items that are necessary for the formation of language starts with communicative. Communicative will allow communication between individuals. Arbitrary which means that a sound will stand for a meaning. Language, which needs to be structured and must follow a logical order to make sense. Generative which means that there are a limitless number of meanings that are associated to the word. Dynamic which means that language is constantly changing, growing, and adapting (Willingham, 2007). Define Lexicon Lexicon is defined as the mental store and is thought to be the keeper of the cognitive processor’s knowledge of words, which also includes the spelling, pronunciation, definition, and parts of speech (Galotti, 2015). Most researchers have a belief that when people recognize words through the process of matching where the spoken word will be compared with a mental dictionary. This mental dictionary is known as the lexicon. The lexicon is the foot bridge between language and knowledge (Willingham, 2007). This communication bridge for lexicons will vary depending on how and where a lexicon is used. However, the grammaticalizations will be different depending on the type of language being used. The words and expressions used in each language will be the lexicon for that individual language. Therefore an individual person’s own set of vocabulary would have their own personal lexicon attached to it that would be their own personal storage unit of their knowledge. Evaluate Key Features of Language Charles Hackett identified 13 features of human language and how the human language is differs from other forms of communication. Four key factors are vocal-auditory channel, specialization, arbitrariness, and traditional transmissions. Vocal-auditory channel is defined as the means that the standard human language occurs vocal (creation of sound by mouth) type of communication that can be perceived by hearing it (Hyde, 1998). Specialization is the use of organs in the production of speech and these organs are able to adapt to the task of speech. Example would be the lips, tongue, a throat of a human that have been specially adapted to the task of speech and not just to assist as an eating apparatus. Whereas, dogs do not  have the physical capabilities for the speech sounds that humans have the capability of because dogs lack the necessary specialized organs (Hyde, 1998). Arbitrariness is where there is no necessary connection between form of the signal and what is being referred to. An example would be a very large object like a whale and yet it is referred to with a very short word. Some would argue that four-legged animals could then be referred to as the sounds they make. However, the sounds animals make do not always translate across culture borders and therefore even onomatopoeic words would be to some extent also arbitrary (Hyde, 1998). Traditional transmissions has the meaning that human language is not something that exist from birth. Even though language does not exist from birth humans are born with some ability to perform language. In order for humans to perform language they will need to learn, acquire, the language that is spoken around them from others who speak the language. Learning language by listening to others is different from the communications in the animal world. In the animal world animals are born knowing their entire systems. Such is the case with bumble bees who are born with the knowledge of dance and song birds that are born with the knowledge of bird-songs. Describe the four levels of language structure and processing The four levels of language structure and processing are phonemes, words, sentences, and text. Phonemes is the shortest segment of speech that if changed would change the meaning of the word (Goldstein, 2014). There are 44 phonemes that make up the basic unit of sound (Galotti, 2015). The basic unit of sounds will vary from different languages. The study of the different ways that phonemes can be combined in any language is called phonology. Once you have put the sounds together the task then becomes to put the sounds in a coherent way, identifying the meaningful units of language and this aspect is known as morphology (Galotti, 2015). These sounds then become words, sentences, and text. Words should be placed in a sentence will have importance to the understanding of the sentence. Text will be a group of sentences that once placed together will be the formation of the paragraph in reference to a certain subject. Analyze the role of language processing in cognitive psychology How humans process information is a key factor in cognitive psychology. Language is what is used as the main source of communication for humans and is influenced by both internal and external factors and since cognitive psychology is the investigation of all mental abilities the processing of language plays an important role. There are two different proposals in regards to the relationship of language to other cognitive processes. The modularity hypothesis proposed that there are some aspects of language, especially syntactic processes, will function autonomously, and independently of any other cognitive process. This recent proposal awaits a more rigorous empirical testing even though there is some evidence does exist. The second proposal is the Whorfian hypothesis of linguistic relativity, even though it is very interesting it has so far not received strong or empirical support (Galotti, 2015). Cognitive psychology is the science of how the mind is organized to produce intelligent thought and how the mind is realized in the brain (Anderson, 2015). With cognitive psychology being the study of how the mind is organized to produce intelligent thought this knowledge is through either written or verbal communication. The written or verbal communication through language enables an individual to communicate thoughts and emotions. It is these thoughts and emotions that cognitive psychology attempts to understand. Conclusion Language is a system of communication that is governed by a set of rules and can express an infinite number of propositions. Natural language has two criteria. First it must be governed by a set of rules knows as grammar. Second it must be productive – where an infinite number of things can be expressed (Galotti, 2015). Language plays an important role in the regards to cognition because it is the main communication tool used by human beings. Language has to have a storage place where pronunciation, definition, and parts of speech are stored. The storage place is called the lexicon. Lexicon is the bridge between language and knowledge. Language is a system of communication that is governed by a system of rules (Galotti, 2015). There are 4 levels of language, structure, and processing. In addition, Charles  Hockett identified 13 key features of the human language. The ability to turn language into communication through words, and then pull information from a person’s experiences, education, environment, and culture is a magnificent feat to accomplish, and it is through language that people are able to express their ideas because of the role cognition plays within language. References Anderson, J. R. (2015). Cognitive Psychology and its implications (8th ed.). New York, New York: Worth Publishers. Galotti, K. M. (2014). Cognitive psychology in and out of the laboratory (5th ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: SAGE Goldstein, E. B. (2014). Sensation and perception (9th ed.). Belmont, CA: Wadsworth. Hyde, K. (1998). The features of human language. Retrieved May 14, 2011, from http://people.exeter.ac.uk/bosthaus/Lecture/hockett1.htm Willingham, D. T. (2007). Cognition: The thinking animal (3rd ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson/Allyn Bacon

Race and Racial Group Essay Example for Free

Race and Racial Group Essay Search the Internet for groups and organizations promoting racial equality to help you complete this assignment. You may also refer to the Internet Resource Directory in Ch. 13 of Racial and Ethnic Groups. Using the information from the text and your web search: Identify one racial group from the list below:  · Hispanic American/Latino Write a 500- to 750-word paper from one of the perspectives below:  · A historian writing about the racial group in a book chapter  · A news reporter writing a newspaper article or blog entry about the racial group  · An individual member of the racial group, writing a personal letter to a friend who is not a member of that racial group Answer the following questions:  · What have been the experiences of this racial group throughout U. S. history?  · What have been the political, social, and cultural issues and concerns throughout American history?  · What legislation meant to constrain race within prejudicial boundaries was enacted? How did the various groups you researched fight this legislation? What legislation meant to alleviate prejudicial boundaries has been enacted? How did the various groups you researched promote this legislation? Assignment: Historical Report on Race Purpose of Assignment Students explore a variety of resources on racial equality and write a paper from a historical perspective relating to the experiences of a particular racial group in the United States. By understanding the history of experiences of various groups, students will be better prepared to connect historical experience to racial diversity today. Resource Required Internet Resource Directory in Ch. 13 of Racial and Ethnic Groups.

Old Age An Incurable Disease Health And Social Care Essay

Old Age An Incurable Disease Health And Social Care Essay Health is a central issue and fundamental human right associated with increase in longevity of population ageing. The maintenance of health status and functioning with age is a critical factor impacting upon many other aspects of the lives of aged, their family and communities. Ageing is a natural process which is inevitable and thus being the end of the human life cycle. Perceiving ageing with fear is recent phenomenon, it seems to be increasing each day, as world become more complex and moreover ageing is associated with decline in functional ability which affects all aged peoples. Aged have limited regenerative abilities and more prone to disease, syndrome and sickness than adults. Old age is an incurable disease, You do not heal old age but You protect, promote and extend it. James Sterling Ross The number of persons above the age of 60 years is fastly growing, especially in India. India is the second most popular country in the world has 76.6 million people at over the age of 60, constituting above 7.7% of total population. The most obvious manifestations of old age are changes in physical appearance such as wrinkles appearing on the face, graying of hair, restriction of movements and more prone to chronic illness. Too frequently, older adults suffer from the emotional side effects of ageing such as feeling of distress and anxiety regarding their future, loneliness and social isolation. The major area of concern is the health of the aged with multiple medical and psychosocial problems which have an impact on functional ability of aged. Functional disability in the aged is defined as an acquired difficulty in performing basic everyday tasks or more complex tasks needed for independent living Davidson. (2011). The most common problem confronting aged people is functional disability that leads to dependency and institutionalization. The functional disability in the aged includes three dimensions: physical, emotional, and mental performance. The population of functionally disabled aged is growing rapidly. The number of aged who suffered with functional disability due to arthritis, stroke, cognitive impairment, anxiety and emotional distress is expected to increase at least 80 percent by 2049. Functional disability limits the autonomy of older people, introduces dependence, and reduces the quality of life and increase the risk of nursing home admission. Studies have shown that the proportion of aged persons who cannot move and are confined to their bed or home ranges from 77 per 1000 in urban area and 84 per 1000 in rural areas. The family and community play a vital role in the care of a functionally disabled aged. The supportive care for aged with functional disability is the major concern which includes early rehabilitation with adequate nutrition, fluids, range of motion exercise, second hourly position changing; skin care and reviewing medical follow up. This will enable to prevent the development of complications such as infection, bed sore, constipation, movement incapability, urinary tract infection, deep vein thrombosis, muscle atrophy and contractures with resultant deformity in the aged. Studies shown that majority (70%) of the aged over 60 years with functional disability are expecting the need of care by the caregivers to perform their daily activities. Caregivers are the one who is always present with the aged client, satisfying their needs and solving their problems. The caregivers of the aged may be their spouse, childrens or some other paid caregivers. The involvement of caregivers in caring the aged ones has been a help to create a great confidence in the aged to perform some kind of activities of daily living and also it has profound effect on aged reaction to medical treatment, emotional adaptation and rehabilitation. To implement the care for aged it is necessary that caregivers must be aware of functional disability in the aged to provide supportive care. BACKGROUD OF THE STUDY: By reviewing the bureau report 2009, globally aged population will increase from 595 million to 2 billion, a four fold rise by 2050, in terms of proportion 10% in 2000, 15% by 2025 and rise to 21.6 % by 2050. Ageing population is an end product of demographic transition, the number of older adults aged above 60 years is increasing and they are becoming larger percentage of over all population. In India, it is estimated that the elderly population has grown from 12.6 million in 1901 to 80.93 million in 2010 and India is the second largest country comprising aged in the whole world and is likely to touch 300 million within next half century. Data available from India suggest that almost 50 per cent of the elderly suffer from chronic diseases with the prevalence of diseases increasing with rising age from 39 per cent in 60-64 years to 55 per cent in those older than 70 years. Research by the National institute of ageing reports that 80% of the aged are living with chronic conditions. Most of them are able to meet their own needs but only 25% of them require a special type of care. More than two third of the aged (22 %) live independently in a family setting. It is estimated that 10% of the aged need some form of long term care in the home. Prevalence of various functional disabilities gradually increases with advancing age, starts at the age of 60 years and cause a growing need for help especially after the age of 65 years. Ageing process and changes in life style pattern such as chronic alcoholism, smoking, use of tobacco, sedentary life style, obesity, lack of exercise and improper nutrition during the young age has led a risk of chronic disease conditions among elderly population which results in 70% of disability making elderly more dependent on family and caregivers. Eden. (2000) stated that old age is still perceived as a casual agent for seeking dependence in performing daily activities and the factors frequently causing dependency are age, gender, falls, illness etc. A large population of todays ageing is dependent on the family members for their health maintenance. Approximately 54% of the aged above 60 years are dependent, 24% of them are partially dependent and 22% of them are independent in performing their daily activities. The dependence on others for meeting the various needs will generate a felling of physiological and psychological dependence among the aged. The prevalence of unmet needs for functional disability in the aged due to vision problems is about 4.3%, 22.6% due to hearing problem, 32.5% due to immobility, 50% due to cognitive impairment, 62% due to difficulties in activities of daily living, 35% due to chronic illness, 25% due to psychological and social problems among those aged 60 and older. The involvement of caregivers in caring the aged will help to create a great confidence in aged to perform some kind of activities of daily living. Approximately 4.1 million caregivers are involved in intense care giving. Hence the care giving is not only the responsibility of health professionals but also the family members, relatives, friends and even non- professionals who cares for the aged in home. NEED FOR THE STUDY: Advances in technology and the combination of high fertility and declining mortality in twentieth century have resulted in rapid and large number of aged people worldwide especially in developing countries. In every country, the proportion of people aged over 60 years is growing faster than any other age group. Ageing causes numerous changes in the physiology of human beings which decreases functional ability. This in turn makes them dependent on caregiver. Inadequate care results in falls and depression among older adults. Among the aged, the focus is not only on reducing disease related morbidity and mortality, but also on promoting optimal health and ensuring disability-free years. The literature states that the effect of functional disability will have an effect on quality of life among aged, as the aged become dependent where the caregivers should play a major role in taking care of such aged person. Caregivers are the one who is always present with the aged client, satisfying their needs and solving their problems. It is necessary that caregivers must be aware of functional disability in the aged to provide supportive care. Investigator, during her clinical posting and community postings came across many aged with functional disability such as loss of control in body movements, functional immobility and associated coexisting illness who were dependent on their caregivers for their daily activities. While interacting with their caregivers the investigator came to know that they are not having adequate knowledge regarding the effects of functional disability and the care needed for the aged. Investigator felt that, aged with functional disability need some form of long term care in the home. If the caregivers had the knowledge they would help the aged in taking care of their health to prevent further complications. So the investigator felt the need to assess the knowledge regarding functional disability in the aged and its supportive care among caregivers to develop insight on the needs of older adults. STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM: A study to assess the knowledge on functional disability in the aged and its supportive care among caregivers at selected settings in Chennai OBJECTIVES: To assess the knowledge on functional disability in the aged and its supportive care among caregivers at selected settings in Chennai. To associate the knowledge regarding functional disability in the aged and its supportive care with selected demographic variables among caregivers at selected settings in Chennai. OPERATIONAL DEFINITIONS: ASSESS: In this study assess refers to the process of gathering information as expressed by the caregivers in response to the semi-structured interview schedule and analyzing it with the statistical method. KNOWLEDGE: In this study knowledge refers to the awareness about functional disability and its supportive care as expressed by caregivers as response to the semi-structured interview schedule and analyzing to the statistical method. AGED: In this study the aged refers to the people above 60 years who are available in the hospital and community. CAREGIVERS: In this study the caregivers refers to the family members, relatives and paid non professional persons in the age group from 21 years to 65 years who are taking care of the aged. FUNCTIONAL DISABILITY: In this study the functional disability refers to deviations from the normal or customary function of an individual within any of the three dimensions i.e, physical, emotional or social skills necessary for an independent life. SUPPORTIVE CARE: In this study the supportive care refers to the care which is provided to support the functionally disabled aged in meeting their daily needs. SETTINGS: In this study setting refers to the place or type of surroundings from where the sample is collected i.e, community and hospital setting. ASSUMPTIONS: The knowledge on the functional disability in the aged and the supportive care among the caregivers will vary from adequate to inadequate. The knowledge on functional disability in the aged and the supportive care among caregivers will be influenced by the selected demographic variables. DELIMITATION: The samples are the caregivers of the aged available in the community setting i.e, Thoraipakkam, Navalur and those admitted to the two hospitals i.e, V.H.S multi speciality and Dr.Kamakshi memorial hospital. Period of data collection is limited to one month. PROJECTED OUTCOME: The results of the study will project the knowledge levels of whom regarding various functional disabilities in the aged and the supportive care needed. The knowledge levels will highlight the need for educating the caregivers on various problems of functional disability By assessing this need, we can formulate the various methods of educating the caregivers on common problems of functional disability and it supportive care in the aged. CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK A concept is an image or symbolic representation of an abstract idea. Conceptual frameworks are interrelated concepts or abstractions that are assembled by virtue of their relevance to a common theme Polit and Beck (2001). It is a device that helps to stimulate research and the extension of knowledge by providing both direction and impetus. A framework serves as a spring board for scientific advancement. A conceptual framework serves as a guide, to identify systematically and precisely defined relationship among the variables. It gives an idea to the main view and common theme of the research that is a visual diagram by which the researcher explains the area of interest. MODEL: The conceptual framework adopted for the study is based on PENDERS HEALTH PROMOTION MODEL (1987). Health promotion is, directed towards increasing the level of well being and self actualization in a given individual or group. This model focuses on the three aspects, Modifying factors. Cognitive perceptual factors. Participating in health promoting activities. MODIFYING FACTORS: It refers to the situational, maturational, socio cultural, personal and biological factors. In this study, it refers to the demographic variables like age, gender, marital status, educational status, occupational status, family income, type of family, any previous experience of taking care of the aged, relationship with the client, history of any present diseases in aged person, degree of physical dependency, hours spent in the care of the aged person, any previous information on functional disability in the aged and its supportive care. COGNITIVE PERCEPTUAL FACTORS: In this model, cognitive perceptual factors have important motivational significance. These variables can be modified through nursing actions. In this study it refers to the knowledge of caregivers regarding functional disability in the aged and its supportive care in the aspects of disability in the aged, vision problems, hearing problems, loss of control in body movements, memory impairment , functional immobility, activities of daily living, importance of exercises, coexisting illness, psychological problems and family support. PARTICIPATING IN HEALTH PROMOTING ACTIVITIES: Participation of caregivers in this study is considered as one of the health promoting behavior as this will help the caregivers to be aware of their existing knowledge on functional disability in the aged and its supportive care, which enhance through the advices given. CUES FOR ACTION: The responses of the caregivers regarding their knowledge on functional disability in the aged and its supportive care provide cues for nursing action like reinforcement and also creating awareness in terms of early rehabilitation of functionally disabled aged with adequate nutrition, fluids, range of motion exercise, second hourly position changing; skin care, reviewing medical follow up, providing assistive devices, assisting in daily activities, emotional support, engaging in social activities, promoting comfort and psychological support. MODIFYING COGNITIVE PERCEPTUAL PARTICIPATING IN HEALTH FACTORS FACTORS PROMOTING BEHAVIOUR KNOWLEDGE OF CAREGIVERS REGARDING FUNCTIONAL DISABILITY IN THE AGED AND ITS SUPPORTIVE CARE: Information regarding health promoting behavior includes, Disability in the aged Vision problems Hearing problems Loss of control in body movements Memory impairment Functional immobility Activities of daily living Importance of exercises Coexisting illness Psychological problems Family support Participation of caregivers in the study and sharing information regarding functional disability in the aged and its supportive care DEMOGRAPHIC VARIABLES: Age Gender Marital status Educational status Occupation Family income Type of family Relationship with the client Any previous experience of taking care of the aged Hours spent in the care of the aged person Any previous information on functional disability in the aged and its supportive care History of any present diseases in aged person Degree of physical dependency Reinforcement Adequate knowledge Eliciting the knowledge of caregivers regarding functional disability and its supportive care through semi-structured interview schedule Moderate knowledge Inadequate knowledge Cues for nursing action FIG.1 CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK BASED ON PENDERS HEALTH PROMOTION MODEL (1987) CHAPTER II REVIEW OF LITERATURE Review of literature aids the researcher to understand what already known in relation to problem of interest and what remains to be known. It helps to plan and conduct the study in a systematic manner. It is defined as reviewing and analyzing the work of literature in relation to the specified topic in research Simai Haji Mati. This chapter deals with selected studies and articles which are related to the objectives of the proposed study. For the present study an extensive review of literature relevant to study was undertaken and is presented under the following headings. Part I: General information about ageing, functional disability in and its supportive care. Part II: Studies related to functional disability and its supportive care in the aged. Part III: Studies related to knowledge of caregivers of aged on functional problems and its supportive care. Part I: General information about ageing, functional disability and its supportive care. Ageing is the process of optimizing opportunities for health, participation and security in order to enhance quality of life as people age. It applies to both individuals and population groups. Ageing allows people to realize their potential for physical, social, and mental well-being throughout the life course. According to Stephan John. (2009) Ageing is denoted as, Young old 65-74 yrs. Middle old 75-84 yrs. Older old 85 and older Darnton. (1995),emphasized that quality of old age people depends mainly on psychological well being, perceived health status with independency in meeting self care needs. Normal Ageing process: The ageing process creates profound changes that there will be 1-2% decline in functional ability per year. Normal Ageing brings about the changes in physiological, Social and Psychological well being Judith A. McCann. (2003) Physiological aging process: Changes in body composition, reduction in bone mass and strength, reduction in blood volume, reduced motility of the large bowel, changes in autonomic function, reduced elasticity of eye lens, high tone hearing impairment and reduced motor and sensory function. Social and psychological aging process: Feeling of distress, anxiety regarding their future, loneliness, depression, grief, sadness, and social isolation. However, some of the above effects of ageing can be slowed by engaging in interventions that improves outcome in the health events. Functional disability in the aged is defined as an acquired difficulty in performing basic everyday tasks or more complex tasks needed for independent living. It is an important health indicator in the aged, jeopardizing quality of life and causing heavy social impact with long-term institutionalization and increased use of medical care. Reducing functional disability in the aged is a major challenge for public health- Frazil.(2005), performance in functional disability includes three dimensions: physical, emotional, and mental performance. Physical performance relates to the bodys sensory and motor function. Emotional performance is measured through the individuals adaptation to various events in their lives. Mental performance is evaluated through tests that measure the individuals intellectual and rational capacity. The causative factors for functional disability are as follows: Vision problems, hearing problems, loss of control in body movements, memory impairment, functional immobility, difficulties in performing daily activities, lack of physical exercises, coexisting illness, psychological problems and family support. The effects of fundamental disability include walking, lifting objects, climbing stairs, reading standard-size print and hearing disturbances, short-term memory loss, disturbance in daily activities, disorientation to time and place, reducing mobility and social activities. The care necessary for the effects of functional disability are early rehabilitation with adequate nutrition, fluids, range of motion exercise, second hourly position changing; skin care, reviewing medical follow up, providing assistive devices, assisting in daily activities, emotional support, engaging in social activities, promoting comfort and psychological support. By over viewing the various informations regarding functional disability in the aged will thereby helps the caregivers to prevent further complications and also provide supportive care for the aged. Part III: Studies related to functional disability and its supportive care in the aged. Felix. (2001) stated that disability is systemic; no body system is immune to its effect. From his statement it is evidenced that meeting the self care activities and physical maintenance are essential for managing the effects of disability. Nandi Manju. (2002) stated that as ageing increases there will be decline in functional ability, which is compromised with good nutrition, assistive support, with psychosocial concerns and with medical care. Steffen Been. (2005) proposed a statement that there will de decline in cognitive and functional abilities of old age due to continuous degeneration of numerous brain cells which aid them to obtain a fully dependable care from caretakers. Frey. (2006) stated that decreased level of physical activity and growing number of chronic illness that often increase with age, frequently create vicious circle of illness, and related functional disabilities that has adverse effect on activities of daily living. In this statement, he highlighted that decrease in functional ability makes the individual to become more dependent and need constant support and supervision. McDougall.(2006) conducted a cohort study to identify the prevalence of memory impairment among 265 older adults by means of survey method and the results showed that 29.4% (78 individuals) of them had memory impairment in the later adult period .He also concluded that those with declining memory are less aware of their deficits in meeting activities of daily living. Human research center for ageing.(2006) stated that immobilization, loss of control in body movements and falls need not to be the consequence of living to advanced age all this may be prevented through muscle strengthening and range of motion exercise which has reported benefits of spontaneous activity by the old age people. Stark.et.al.(2007) conducted a correlational study to assess the health status of functionally disabled aged under the supervision of institution and family by means of health indicator assessment scale and the results showed that the older adults who receiving the care such as adequate nutrition, fluids, range of motion exercise, second hourly position changing, skin care, reviewing medical follow up and participating in family activities are in the family are having moderate health status than the older adults in the institutionalized care. Zbylut j. (2007) conducted a national survey to evaluate the health status of older persons and prevalence of common health problems among elderly above 60 years. The survey results shows that a large number of older persons were suffering from one of more age-associated chronic diseases like osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, dental problems, visual problems, cognitive impairment and depression which may impair their functional ability and quality of life. Kart berg. et.al (2010) conducted a descriptive study to assess the functional ability among the aged by means of questionnaire in the aspects of physical, mental and social abilities and the study concluded that low functional ability lead to dependency and stressful environment for the aged which again increase the risk of complications. Lawton and Brody.(2010) described that assessment of functional ability often includes evaluation of individuals ability to carry out activities of daily living which is an early sensitive indicator to promote quality of life of old age people. From the above studies the investigator identifies the prevalence, impact of functional disability in the aged and the important aspects of supportive care for the aged. It helped to formulate the need for the study and also helped to identify the major areas which should be included while formulating the objectives. Part IV: Studies related to knowledge of caregivers of aged on selected functional problems and its supportive care. Skalska.et.al. (2007) conducted a cohort study with the aim to evaluate the knowledge on various areas of functional problems among 62 caregivers of aged at risk by means of questionnaire and the samples are (78% family members and 22% non related) results revealed that only 41% caregivers had knowledge on functional problems such as (vision, hearing, and memory problems in the aged) and 59% were not aware of functional problems mainly in cognitive and social problems. Chelma.et.al. (2009) conducted a explorative study to identify the measures on management of functional problems of elderly among 629 caregivers by means of check list, the result revealed that 47% of them were aware on the common measures and 53% were unaware on common measures on management of functional problems among elderly. Through these studies the investigator understands the importance of caregivers awareness on functional disability in the aged and its supportive care which helped me to formulate the tool. CHAPTER III METHODOLOGY This study was undertaken to assess the knowledge on functional disability in the aged and its supportive care among caregivers at selected settings in Chennai. This chapter on methodology includes research approach, research design, setting, population, criteria for selection of sample, sample size, sampling technique, data collection tool, development and description of the tool, validity of the tool, pilot study, data collection procedure and plan for data analysis. RESEARCH DESIGN A non experimental descriptive design was chosen for this study. RESEARCH APPROACH Research approach was descriptive in nature. SETTING OF THE STUDY The setting of the study was chosen on the basis of feasibility, in terms of availability of adequate samples from hospitals and community. Voluntary Health Services Hospital, Adyar, Chennai. Dr.Kamakshi Memorial Hospital, Pallikaranai, Chennai. Community- Thoraipakkam and Navalur. POPULATION FOR THE STUDY The population of the study consists of the caregivers of the aged in selected hospitals and in the community. SAMPLE OF THE STUDY The caregivers of the aged within the selected hospital and in the community who have fulfilled the inclusion criteria. CRITERIA FOR THE SELECTION OF SAMPLES Inclusion criteria: The caregivers who are taking care of the aged with functional disability. The caregivers in the age group of above 20 yrs. Both male and female caregivers of aged people. Caregivers who are willing to participate. Exclusion criteria: The caregivers who are included in the pilot study. The caregivers of the aged who are independent in doing their daily activities. Care givers who do not understand and communicate in Tamil or English. SAMPLE SIZE The sample size of this study is 60 caregivers of the aged people at selected settings, Chennai. SAMPLING TECHNIQUE Purposive sampling technique is used in this study. DATA COLLECTION TOOL The data was collected from the caregivers using semi-structured interview schedule. DESCRIPTION OF THE TOOL The tool prepared in this study was based on the information gathered from the review of literature; objectives of the study and the personal and professional experience of the investigator. It consists of two parts Part I: It consists of demographic variables like age, gender, marital status, educational status, occupation, family income, type of family, any previous experience of taking care of the aged, relationship with the client, hours spent in the care of the aged person, any previous information on functional disability and supportive care, history of any present disease in aged person and degree of physical dependency of the aged. Part II: It consists of 11 questions which have three parts to assess the knowledge on functional disability in the aged and its supportive care among caregivers using semi-structured interview schedule. SCORING PROCEDURE: In part II: In first question, part (A) the correct option carries one mark; the incorrected option carries zero mark. In part (B) each option carries one mark. For all other question from (2 to 11), The first part of each question carries one mark for each YES option and no mark for NO options. And the second and third part of each question carries one mark for each option. Thus a total of 101=10 for first part of question 461=46 for second part question 381=38 for third part question Total of 94 marks will be awarded under the knowledge regarding functional disability in aged and its supportive care among caregivers. It is interpreted in percentage as: Adequate knowledge : Greater than 75% Moderate knowledge : 50-75% Inadequate knowledge : Less than 50% VALIDITY OF THE TOOL The tool used in this study was validated by the experts in the field of general medicine and Medical surgical nursing. PILOT STUDY The pilot study was conducted in Voluntary health service hospital, Dr.Kamakshi memorial hospital, Thoraipakkam and Navalur community area, Chennai from 20.7.12 to 25.7.12 after obtaining the permission from the respective heads of the organization. Totally 6 caregivers (2 from each of the hospitals and community area) who fulfilled the inclusion criteria were selected purposively, to generalize the study. A

The Canon of Scripture Essays -- Bible, New Testament

Most Christians do not think about the canon of scripture or know what it is or means in theology. Most take for granted the Bible they have and never question how it came into being. Today, we have 39 books of the Old Testament and 27 books of the New Testament. There was a time, however, that we did not have a canon. Bruce defines canon as books of the Bible that were recognized to be considered scripture (p. 17). The importance of the canon and how it was developed was intriguing to professor and author F.F. Bruce. He dedicated his book The Canon of Scripture to explore and explain the formulation of the canon we have today. Bruce taught in universities, including the University of Manchester, where he began to lecture students on the entire canon of scripture. Bruce wrote many books and commentaries and was general editor to The New International Commentary on the New Testament. He spent a vast amount of his time researching the formation of the canon with emphasis on the New Tes tament. The contents of this review will highlight how F.F. Bruce offers his interpretative definition, review, and criticisms of the full canon of Scripture. The Canon of Scripture is divided into four sections: the introduction, followed by the Old and New Testaments, and ending with the conclusion and appendix. The introduction defines the word canon. The second section provides Bruce’s explanation of the canon of the Old Testament, starting with the Hebrew Bible. The author writes about the discoveries of the Dead Sea Scrolls, which have given us a greater understanding of the Hebrew Bible. Bruce then explains the translation of the Hebrew scriptures into Greek named the Septuagint. He closes with how the canon was viewed by the early Church Fath... ...not fit in with the overall objective of the book which is defining the canon of scripture. These lectures do not agree with the flow of the book as they involve other areas including textual criticism that pull the reader away from how the canon was formed. The Canon of Scripture is a scholarly writing that explains how the formation of the canon was completed. Bruce starts with how the Old Testament was formed and then moves to the New Testament and gives an historical account of how it was pieced together. He explores the Gnostic writers and how they prompted the church to start forming the New Testament canon because the Gnostic teachings opposed that of the church. This book provides adequate and historical research to prove what the author wants to accomplish, which is to provide answers to any question that would be asked as to how the canon was formed.

Classical vs. Operant Conditioning :: essays research papers

Classical conditioning and operant conditioning are different learning methods. The two methods have the word conditioning in common. What is conditioning? Conditioning is the acquisition of specific patterns of behavior in the presence of well-defined stimuli. Both classical and operant conditioning are basic forms of learning. Classical conditioning is a type of learning in which an organism learns to transfer a natural response from one stimulus to another, previously neutral stimulus. Manipulating reflexes does this. Operant conditioning is a type of learning in which the likelihood of a behavior is increased or decreased by the use of reinforcement or punishment. Operant conditioning deals with more cognitive thought process. These two forms of learning have similarities and differences. Their similarities are that they both produce basic phenomena. One such phenomenon is acquisition. Both types of conditioning result in the inheritance of a behavior. One of the most famous of experiments that illustrates classical conditioning is Pavlov's Dogs. In this experiment, Pavlov sat behind a one-way mirror and controlled the presentation of a bell. The bell was the conditioned stimulus. A conditioned stimulus was an originally neutral stimulus that could eventually produce a desired response when presented alone. Directly after the ringing of the bell, Pavlov gave the dog food. The food was the unconditioned stimulus. This means that the food caused an uncontrollable response whenever it was presented alone. That response would be the salivation of the dog. A tube that was in the dog's mouth then measured the saliva. When the unconditioned stimulus (US) was paired with a conditioned stimulus (CS), it eventually resulted in a conditioned response. Extinction results if there is a decrease in frequency or strength of a learned response due to the failure to continue to pair the US and the CS. Extinction can also occur in operant conditioning. The key to operant conditioning is reinforcement. Reinforcement is when a stimulus is presented that increases the probability that the preceding response will recur in the future. If reinforcement is withheld, extinction will occur in operant conditioning. Another factor that is involved in conditioning is spontaneous recovery. That is the reappearance of an extinguished response after the passage of time, without further training. If Pavlov's dogs did not hear the bell for a few years, and if when they heard it later they drooled, it would be an example of spontaneous recovery. Something similar occurs with operant conditioning.

Taoism and Western Moral Philosophy Essay -- Kant, Mill, and Lao Tzu

Taoism presents a moral philosophy that at first seems very different from most western moral philosophies which, though very different, usually understand morality as a set of restraints on behavior or a common set of principles (common virtues). Western moral philosophy, in general, emphasizes constraining behavior that stems from desire. Taosim's emphasis is dealing directly with controlling ones desire by eliminating them. Taoism and western moral philosophy deal with desire but Taoism deals with it directly and western morality often only tries to stem the effect of desire. Both systems see in man that he does not naturally desire the good and true or the Way. Desire is the root of evil. Only when we desire something bad do we act bad. Thus, as in western moral philosophy, we can provide an incentive to not act on ones desire or, as in the case of Taoism, desire can be eliminated. The result of both moral systems is the same--moral behavior. Both systems of morality try to encou rage man to act better than he naturally is. Whether you call it the Way, the Ten Commandments, or the categorical imperative they deal with the same thing. Man's inherent state is fallen, whether he has fallen from grace or lost his Way, all great societies have realized that man is in need of help. This is true for Black Elk who was given a vision to help man and Socrates who felt that man needed to be saved from his own ignorance. Moral systems, by their very nature, have observed and concluded that when man is left to fulfill his individual desires, without respect to others and the greater good, nothing good can come from it. All societies have functioned around this principle from the beginning of civilization. Further, unlike many other moral ph... ...nctions about what need and want mean and are thereby able to relate it properly to the texts of the mentioned philosophers. These distinctions have allowed us to understand how need and want bear on Kant, Mill, and Lao Tzu's moral philosophy and how, under these moral guidelines, we should behave. References Kant, Immanuel. 1993. Grounding for the Metaphysics of Morals, On a Supposed Right to Lie because of Philanthropic Concerns, 3rd Edition. Indianapolis, Indiana: Hackett Publishing Company, Inc. Mill, John Stuart. 1979. Utilitarianism. Indianapolis, Indiana: Hackett Publishing Company, Inc. Lao Tzu. 1983. The Way of Life . New York, New York: Mentor, Penguin Group Confucius. 1989. The Analects of Confucius. New York: Vintage Books a Division of Random House, Inc. George Orwell. 1946. Politics and the English Language . Found on WWW. Taoism and Western Moral Philosophy Essay -- Kant, Mill, and Lao Tzu Taoism presents a moral philosophy that at first seems very different from most western moral philosophies which, though very different, usually understand morality as a set of restraints on behavior or a common set of principles (common virtues). Western moral philosophy, in general, emphasizes constraining behavior that stems from desire. Taosim's emphasis is dealing directly with controlling ones desire by eliminating them. Taoism and western moral philosophy deal with desire but Taoism deals with it directly and western morality often only tries to stem the effect of desire. Both systems see in man that he does not naturally desire the good and true or the Way. Desire is the root of evil. Only when we desire something bad do we act bad. Thus, as in western moral philosophy, we can provide an incentive to not act on ones desire or, as in the case of Taoism, desire can be eliminated. The result of both moral systems is the same--moral behavior. Both systems of morality try to encou rage man to act better than he naturally is. Whether you call it the Way, the Ten Commandments, or the categorical imperative they deal with the same thing. Man's inherent state is fallen, whether he has fallen from grace or lost his Way, all great societies have realized that man is in need of help. This is true for Black Elk who was given a vision to help man and Socrates who felt that man needed to be saved from his own ignorance. Moral systems, by their very nature, have observed and concluded that when man is left to fulfill his individual desires, without respect to others and the greater good, nothing good can come from it. All societies have functioned around this principle from the beginning of civilization. Further, unlike many other moral ph... ...nctions about what need and want mean and are thereby able to relate it properly to the texts of the mentioned philosophers. These distinctions have allowed us to understand how need and want bear on Kant, Mill, and Lao Tzu's moral philosophy and how, under these moral guidelines, we should behave. References Kant, Immanuel. 1993. Grounding for the Metaphysics of Morals, On a Supposed Right to Lie because of Philanthropic Concerns, 3rd Edition. Indianapolis, Indiana: Hackett Publishing Company, Inc. Mill, John Stuart. 1979. Utilitarianism. Indianapolis, Indiana: Hackett Publishing Company, Inc. Lao Tzu. 1983. The Way of Life . New York, New York: Mentor, Penguin Group Confucius. 1989. The Analects of Confucius. New York: Vintage Books a Division of Random House, Inc. George Orwell. 1946. Politics and the English Language . Found on WWW.

Benefits of having consistency throughout organisation Essay

There are many benefits of having consistency throughout any organisation, whether it is in the workplace or in customer interactions. Meeting demands consistently requires the attention of top leadership and it is becoming an increasingly important factor in various industries (Pulido, Stone and Strevel, 2014). This brief will highlight the advantages of having consistency throughout ‘Prestige Worldwide’ and how we can adopt it. Consistency is the key to making customers happy, which is the aim of this organisation. In order to provide maximum customer satisfaction, the customers must have a consistent ‘customer journey’, i.e. the cumulative experience of interactions that a customer has with a company (Pulido et al, 2014). Research by McKinsey & Company (2014) suggested that evaluating the customer journey is 30% more predictive of overall customer satisfaction than individual touch points, which makes increasing customer satisfaction easier to do. Even more importantly, Hallowell (1996) found that improved satisfaction leads to increased customer loyalty. Loyal customers are likely to retain our service and recommend our service to others, thus increasing our customer base and generating more business. McKinsey & Company found that consistency improves customer satisfaction by 20%, lifts revenue by 15%, and lowers the cost of serving customers by 20%. There is also a correlation between overall customer satisfaction and journey experience consistency, as shown in the graph to the right (Pulido et al, 2014). Research has highlighted many advantages and no notable disadvantages; hence this issue is something Prestige Worldwide should consider as part of its management strategy. McKinsey & Company lists three aspects that must be consistent which we should target; 1. Customer journey consistency: Customers interact with different branches of our organisation throughout their customer journey, and it is important for their interactions to be consistently exceptional. This is harder to maintain in a large corporation, but because we are relatively small it will be easy to adopt. 2. Emotional consistency: Customer satisfaction and loyalty are heavily influenced by emotions encompassed in a feeling of trust (Beard, 2014), meaning that consistency is important to forge a relationship of trust with customers, which is important for long term growth. We must strive to be a company that customers comfortable with and trust. 3. Communication consistency: It is important to make and meet promises, and equally important to highlight the delivery of these promises. Our marketing communications should focus on the delivery of promises, because that will influence customer perception and enable us to generate a reservoir of goodwill and first-rate reputation. Slogans are commonly based on customer satisfaction, with an example being â€Å"Satisfaction guaranteed† by Wal-Mart, and Prestige Worldwide should follow this process (Henard, Szymanski, 2001). Concluding the consistency for Prestige Worldwide, it is recommended that we implement it into our business. A suitable plan of action would be to adopt a journey-based approach with customer interactions by making their transitions between departments more seamless while tracking progress, fix areas where negative experiences are common due to them having 4-5 times more impact than a positive experience, and to do it now (Morris, 2014; Pulido et al, 2014). In order to build intense customer loyalty and reap its benefits, we must be consistent; otherwise our customers may lose confidence in our service. References Beard, R. (2014). Is consistency the secret ingredient to customer satisfaction?. Retrieved from http://blog.clientheartbeat.com/consistency-customer-satisfaction Hallowell, R. (1996). The relationships of customer satisfaction, customer loyalty, and profitability: an empirical study. International journal of service industry management, 7 (4), p. 27-42. Hyken, S (2013). Amaze every customer every time: 52 tools for delivering the most amazing customer service on the planet. Np.: Greenlead Book Group Press. Morris, T. (2014). 3 Tips for Creating a More Consistent Customer Journey | Parature. Retrieved from http://www.parature.com/consistent-customer-journey/ Pulido, A., Strevel, J. and Stone, D. (2014). The three Cs of customer satisfaction: Consistency, consistency, consistency. McKinsey & Company, March. Redbubble. (2014). Prestige Worldwide logo.[Image] Retrieved March 24,2014, from http://ih0.redbubble.net/image.13336929.5818/sticker,375Ãâ€"360.u1.png Pulido, A. and Strevel, J. and Stone, D. (2014). Customer satisfaction survey: Who’s up and who’s down. [Image] Retrieved March 24, 2014 from http://mckinseyonmarketingandsales.com/customer-satisfaction-survey-whos-up-and-whos-down Szymanski, D. M. and Henard, D. H. (2001). Customer satisfaction: a meta-analysis of the empirical evidence. Journal of the academy of marketing science, 29 (1), pp. 16-35.

Brand Association

BRAND ASSOCIATIONS AND CONSUMER PERCEPTIONS OF VALUE OF PRODUCTS BY NZUKI KITHUNGA PETER UNIVERSITY OF NAIROBI PAPER PRESENTED TO cede OF ACADEMIC PUBLICATIONS (SAP) CONTENTS Page 1. background signal nitty-gritty of a grade and Its greatness 2. Theoretical postureing on note connectednesss perceptual Dimensions of scrape Associations patsy Associations and cheer Creation fool Association and nourish Creation Model 3. Measurement of crisscross Associations Less Structured Approaches Structured Approaches 4. investigate in smear Associations tick off computer addresss mark Coun leaven ofOrigin eminence grime Preferences increase Attri merelyes grade Associations and bulls eye Equity 5. review of research in grease Associations Techniques apply Ope judicious Definitions Clarity of Image Brand Association Strength Other Constructs talk over Variables 6. Future Research Directions Theoretical and applicative constructs Techniques Used Multiple Segments Indus trial secures and go 7. References 3 4 9 10 12 14 15 2 1. 0 IntroductionA victorious trademark is the most precious alternative a comp whatever has. In fact, hotshot authority speculates that soft touchs be so valuable that companies depart soon include a statement of mensurate addendum to their proportion sheets to include intangibles such as the nail downtle oftheir makes. Brands atomic bit 18 white plagued as a mood cues to taste, design, qualify, prestige, take to be and so forth. In polar words, consumers associate the apprize of a harvest-home with the disfigurement. For example, the survey of Kodak, Sony, Coca-cola, Toyota and Marlboro is indis ensnargonable. wholeness estimate of the c atomic number 18 for of Coca-cola, the worlds most valuable vane, bewilders it at over $35 billion. How does a antitheticaliate fix c atomic number 18 for to the node? Why do accepted defacementmarks train to a greater extent apprize than otherwis es? Natur solelyy, companies with such brawny labels strive to role those crisscrosss orbiculately ( flourish them). The get of this paper is to review literature on the core railroad ties of reproachs economic consumptiond to state of affairs defects as strategies to wee-wee emulous advantages. 1. 1 Meaning of a print and Its Importance A bell ringer is a distinguishing call off and/or symbol n lamed to identity the goods or run of either hotshot seller or a group of sellers, and to discordentiate those goods or services from those of competitors (Aaker, 1991 Stanton, 1994, and Kotler, 1996). A fall guy olibanum signals to the customer the source ofthe intersection, and protects both the customer and the producer from competitors who would attempt to foresee produces that bulge to be identical. Ancient history provides try of the importance of tarnishs. In those days, names were put on such goods as bricks in differentiate to rank their maker (Farquhar , 1989).It is withal known that trade guilds in knightly Europe consumption up trademarks to assure the customer and provide legal protection to the producer. In the early sixteen-century, Whisky distillers shipped their growths in woody barrels with the name of the producer destroy 3 into the barrel. The name showed the consumer who the maker (brewer) was and prevented the electric switch of cheaper carrefours. In 1835, a deformity of gravel called Old Smuggler was introduced in order to capitalize on the quality record actual by bootleggers who used a special distilling process (Aaker, 1991).Although strike outs film farseeing had a role to play in commerce, it was not until the twentieth century that mark and provoker experience became so central to competitors. In fact, a distinguishing characteristic of redbrick trade has been its focus upon the creation of severalize send associations to accentuate the bases of differentiation. The idea has been to actuate beyond commodities to filthed w ars to reduce the basal of price upon the grease whizzs palms ending. Consumers associate the value of the carrefour with the blot.The shuffle peck let either a positive or a oppose message to a greater extent or less the product to the consumer (Kim and Chung, 1997, p. 361). The profound value of a brand is often based upon special(prenominal) association of a use condition such as heart onslaught prevention washbowl provide a case-to- obtain which bottomland attract customers. Such an association corrects the products core to customers. Brand associations represent bases for purchase decision and for brand loyalty. in that location atomic number 18 a soldiers of accomplishable associations that a securely lowlife lay down in a brand.not all associations request to be construct but rather those that straight off or indirectly yarn-dye consumers get deportment. cross bureau associates (customer earns) be an essential class of associations, but at that rate argon others that clear be important in some contexts (Aaker, p. 114). The pursuit section deals with the brand associations that a upstanding stand build and how they create value to both the impregnable and consumer. 2. Theoretical Framework on Brand Associations 2. 1 Perceptual Dimensions of Brand Associations As tell elsewhere in this paper, brand association is anything that is colligate in memory to a brand (Aaker, p. 09). The association glitter the fact products are used to contain lifestyles whereas other associations reflect societal positions, and professional roles. Still others pull up stakes reflect associations involving product applications, types of people who qualification use the product, stores that cable carry the product, or salespeople who pass over the product or even the rural area of arising. Keller (1998) defines brand associations as in digitational nodes linked to the brand node in memory that contains the meaning of the brand for 4 consumers. These associations include lores of brand quality and attitudes towards the brand.Keller and Aaker both progress to expect that consumer perceptions of brand are multi-dimensional yet more of the dimensions they identify appear to be very(prenominal) similar. The foresee that a good or a service has in the wit of the consumer how it is positioned probably more important to its final success than are its actual characteristics. Marketers try to position their brands so that they are perceived by the consumer to fit a typical niche in the marketplace a niche occupied by no other product (Schiffman and Kanuk, 1994) fit in to Aaker (1991) on that point are at least nightspot brand associations.The associations convey either the concept, or the meaning of the product in damage of how it fulfils a customers make. In forthwiths proudly warlike environment a differentive product image is most important. As pro ducts sound more complex and the market place more crowded, consumers rely more on the products image than its actual deputes in qualification purchase decisions. One of the brand associations that a pissed dismiss use in differentiating its product is node realize customer avail refers to the bespeak that is satisfied by a product. For example, cavity control by a toothpaste is a customer benefit.Customer benefit whitethorn be coherent, mental (emotional) benefit, or self- evidenceive benefit. A rational benefit is closely linked to a products attribute and would be part of a rational decision process. A psychological benefit rivals to what popular opinions are engendered when buying and or utilize the brand (Aaker, p. 1 19). An example of a rational benefit for a computer to a consumer would be its ability not to barren work whereas a psychological benefit would be the feeling of being professional. For a car, the emotional benefit would be the feeling of gumsho e when driving it as a beginr of a Volvo car would testify.The self-expressive benefit relates to the ability of a brand to help oneself a consumer to communicate his or her self-image. Since consumers bugger off multiple roles, the consumer has an associated self-concept and a need to express that self-concept. The purchase and use of brands is one way to ftilfil the need for self-expression (Aaker, 1991). He gives the example of a consumer who whitethorn define him/herselfas successful and powerful by driving a Mercedes Benz, 5 ingathering attributes These refer to a products characteristics. Attributes are associated with a products rational benefit.For example, a Volvo cars attribute is durability. Similarly, a shampoos attribute would be its safety to use every day. A trafficker requires to identify an attribute that is important to a major department and not already claimed by a competitor, e. g an attribute that passings something extra (like features or services that offer something better). The appellative of an unmet customer problem send word some periods lead to an attribute previously ignore by competitors (Aaker, p. 115). Indeed, unmet needs are strategically important because they weed represent opportunities for firms that sine qua non to make major moves in the market.Use / application A marketer kitty associate a brand with a particular use or application. For example, a beer can be associated with good friends in a tippy social setting. A airfield of the coffee market revealed that in that location were nine relevant use contexts for coffee (Glen, et al, 1984). User / Customer another(prenominal)(prenominal) way of positioning a brand is to associate it with a type ofsubstance abuser or customer. This involves identifying the brand with its target subdivision. For example, a brand can be associated with those who are arouse in weight control as would be the case of a stark naked drug.Celebrity /Celebritv This is the som eone who endorses a brand. Linking a credit with a brand can transfer associations such as reliability, strength, performance, and so on. The ex feed to which the association can be linked to the celebrity depends on how probable the psyche is perceived by the sense of hearing. Specifically, a source is more persuasive when the audience perceives him or her as highly believable than when perceived s being down(p) in credibility (DeLozier, 1976). In other words, the person need not be credible but it is how the consumers perceive him. life style / somebodyality The brand can be viewed as a person. Like a person, a brand can be perceived as being competent, trustworthy, active, or youthful (Aaker, 1996). A brand constitution whitethorn help communicate a products attribute and thusly contribute to a functional benefit. Similarly, it can help create a self-expressive benefit that becomes a vehicle for the customer to express his or her own individualizedity. Competitors A firm positions its brand exploitation the organizations attributes such as innovation, a drive for quality, and a concern for the environment.A firm can position its brand with obeisance to a competitor. Sometimes it is not important how good customers think a firm is, but how they believe it is better than a given competitor. While this brand association can be accomplished by comparative advertising, it is not usually allowed in some countries (Cateora, 1996). bucolic of Origin One more strategic option that a marketer has is to associate a brand with a untaught. The country of origin has an performance on the markets perception of a product either a positive or a shun perception.Cateora (1996) asserts that a company competing in global markets may manufacture products world-wide and when the customer becomes apprised of the country of origin, thither is the possibility that the place of manufacture will affect product/brand image (p. 349). The influence may be to add credibi lity or to lower it. 2. 2 Brand Association and look on Creation Brand associations are useful to marketers. Marketers use brand associations to differentiate, position, and extend brands, to create positive attitudes and feelings towards brands, and to suggest attributes or benefits of purchasing or using a special brand (Aaker, 1991).However, brand associations are of more use to the customer than the marketer. The way a brand association creates value to the customer will depend on the customers perception of value. For each(prenominal)(prenominal) individual, reality is a totally personal phenomenon, based on that persons needs, wants, and personal experiences. Customers 7 everywhere do to images, myths, and metaphors that help them define their personal identities. then, different customers will perceive reality differently. Indeed, Schiffrnan & Kanuk et al (1996, p. 61) contends that although two individuals may be exposed to the similar stimuli under apparently the sa me conditions, the way they recognize them, select them, gussy up them, and interpret them is a highly individual process based on each persons own needs, values, and expectations. The underlying value of a brand name often is its set of associations its meaning to people. Associations, accord to Aaker (1991) represent the bases for purchase decisions and for brand loyalty. in that location are a host of possible associations and a variety of ways they can provide value (p. 110).He identifies the following(a) as the possible ways in which associations create value to the customer component to process / reanimate information almost a brand generating a reason to buy, and creating positive attitudes / feelings. 2. 3 Brand Associations and Value of harvest-times Model Brand associations help consumers test the value of a product. For example, country of origin influences consumers in making judgements as to whether a product is of value or not. Consumers tend to require broa d but fairly vague stereotypes about specific countries and specific brands that they judge best.For example, French perfume, Italian leather, Japanese electronics and so on (Cateora, 1996 p. 349). victimization the example of country of origin as a basis forjudging value of products, a influence for brand associations and consumer perceptions of value of products can be depicted schematically as in the following diagram ( go steady 1) Associations growth attributes Relative price Use / employment User / Customer Celebrity / Person Life Style/Personality Competitions Country of Origin Value Process / ring Information Reason-to-buy Create Positive attitudes Figure 1 Conceptual Framework of the effects of brand association on perceived value. 8 The model shows that a product is of value to the customer and hence it can be bought to satisfy a need depending on its attributes, its use, or whether it can be associated with a particular customer group. Similarly, a consume r will compute a product as being valuable if he/she can associate it with a certain celebrity, lifestyle or country of origin. Proponents of brand positioning suggest that brands should develop distinct images and that these images will attract specific consumer segment (Hoek, et al, 2000).Consequently, the consumer segment will see the brand as being valuable to them. How do marketers determine the brand associations that convey the value of a brand to the consumer? Association search (research on brand associations) is important to marketers since they would want to gain an insightful picture of how a brand is perceived by consumers as well as its competitors. The techniques that hasten been utilized by firms to measure brand associations form part of the next section. 3. Measurement of Brand AssociationsOne of the key functions of brand steering is to keep one jump in the lead ofcompetitors by imprinting the brand firmly on the consumer psyche and keep it there (Emerald , 2000). A firm therefore requires instinct consumer perceptions of its brand(s) visa-avis those of competitors. This calls for the bar of brand associations. The techniques used to fall upon this objective can be sort out into two categories structured and structured techniques ( Aaker, 1991 number one & Lamb, 2000). less- 3. 1 Projective TechniquesThe central feature of all abideive techniques is the presentation otan am boastfuluous, unstructured object, activity, or person that a answering is asked to interpret and apologise (Aaker, et al, 1998). These writers argue that projective techniques are used when it is believed that respondents will not or cannot respond meaningfully to direct interrogative moods about (1) the reasons for certain behaviours or attitudes or (2) what the act ofbuying, owning, or using a brand means to them (p. 1 98). Respondents may be opposed or unable to reveal feelings, thoughts, and attitudes when asked direct questions for a number of rea sons.First, they may be unwilling because they feel the information is 9 embarrassing or private (Aaker, 1991 p 136). Alternatively, respondents may simply b unable to provide information as to why they buy certain items because they do not kno cover real reasons. Man of projective techniques busy in the measurement of brand associations are meant to scream problems aforementioned since they allow the respondent to project h self or him-self into a context, which bypasses the inhibitions, or limitations of more direct oppugn (Aaker, p. 136).The techniques involve focusing on a discussion upo the use experience, the decision process, the brand user, or off- the- wall perspectives such as considering the brand to be a person or an animal. Another characteristic of forcing out research is the use of ambiguous stimuli, wherein there is freedom to project experiences, attitudes, and perceptions. in that respect are many projective (indirect) approaches to sagacity brand associati ons. The usually used methods are word association, picture cessation, Thematic Apperception Tests, sentence completion, and story completion (Aaker, 1991 Kotler an Arm bullnecked, 1996 Aaker, et a 1998). 3. 2 Structured Approaches According to Aaker (1991), structured approaches involve scaling brands upon a set of dimensions. He argues that scaling approaches are more objective and reliable than qualitative approaches since they are less vulnerable to personal variant. scale consumer perceptions involves the determination of perceptual dimensions, identification of the target segment. and the interpretation ofthe brand profiles. The perceptual dimensions may include the product attributes and benefits, user ofthe brand, or relevant competitors (Day, et al, 1979).Scaling methods that marketers stimulate utilized include semantic derivative (Fry and Claxton, 1971), Likert scale leaf, conjoint analysis, and natural grouping (Aaker, 1991). 4. Research in Brand Associations Res earch use up in branding continues to be strong in the marketing literature (Alden, et, al, 1999 Kirmani, et al, 1999). Likewise, marketing managers continue to realize the power of brands unembellished in the recent efforts of many companies to build strong Internet brands such as amazon. com and msn. com (Narisetti, 1998).The way consumers perceive brand is a key determinant of coherent-term business concern consumer relationships. Hence, building strong brand perceptions is a top priority for many firms today (Morris. 1996). more of the studies involving brands own cerebrate on the product attributes or benefits. Aaker and Stayman (1991) conducted a conceive to test whether two brands of beer had established associations with their use contexts in terms of whether the consumers felt warm, brotherly, healthy, and wholesome in using the beers. They employed picture interpretation as a technique to earn their objective.The findings were that one brand ofbeer was associated with warm and friendly dimensions whereas the other brand was evaluated higher on healthy and wholesome. Hoek et al (2000) using qualitative interviews viewd the descriptive and evaluative attributes employed by consumers in choosing products of value to them. Their findings revealed that descriptive attributes determine the proportion of consumers who hold gilded attitudes about the brand. However, the findings did not provide experience on how descriptive attributes affect consumers behaviour.Although descriptive attributes could be predicted, the attributes had alone a flimsy relationship with usage behaviour and so provided brand managers with little guidance. Again, the study suggested that longitudinal work was required to examine whether over time, users of a product course of instruction who associate descriptive attributes with a brand they do not currently use eventually go on to purchase that brand. While many studies have focused product attributes, others have pu rsued the business concern of brand extensions (Keller, 1990 Smith and Park, 1992 Broniarczyk and Alba, 1994, Srinivas, et al, 1994).Others have tended to incubate on branding (Rooney, 1995) and brand preferences (Aireck and Settle, 1999). Studies that have focused specifically on brand associations are those of Kim and Chung (1997), Till (1998), and Chen (2001). Kim and Chung (1997) in their study on the effect of country of origin and the value ofa product place that the brand can convey either a positive or negative message about the product to the consumer on the basis of where it is made. Till (1998) attempted to identify how celebrity endorsers can be used effectively in advertising.Although the study did not focus on the effect of celebrity as 11 creating the value of a product, it shed light on how endorsers can be used to help consumers to retrieve information on a brand to buy (a value to the consumer). Ihe study by (Then (2001) may be regarded as one of the studies tha t were directly related to brand associations and how they create value of products. The purpose of the research was to identif the types of brand associations and to examine the relationship hetween association characteristics and brand equity.The findings revealed that there were two brand associations brands equity functional attribute and organizational attribute that contribute to a either low or high equity. 5. Critique of the Researches in Brand Associations selling researchers have not used unchanging definition or measurement technique to assess consumer perceptions of brands and the value they attach to such brands. Keller (1998) considers brand associations as consisting of brand image, brand knowledge, and brand awareness.He further says that brand associations include perceptions of brand quality and attitudes towards the brand, These constructs can be labelled as product attributes according to Kotler and Armstrong (1996). Yet Aaker (1991) clearly says that the con cepts relate to distinct categories of brand associations, each signifying a different grimace ofthe brand. He argues that a brand manager will be primarily interested in those associations that directly or indirectly affect buying behaviour and whether they are strong and overlap by many or weak and differ from person to person (p. 113).Keller and Aaker both appear to hypothesize those consumer perceptions ofbrands and hence associations are multi-dimensional, yet many of the dimensions they identify appear to be very similar. Furthermore, Aakers and Kellers conceptualisation of consumers psychological representation of brands have not been subjected to empirical validation. Consequently, it is difficult to determine ifthe various concepts they discuss, such as brand attitudes, perceived quality, and customer benefits are differentiate dimensions of brand associations (multi-dimensional) as they propose, or they are simply indicators of brand associations (uni-dimensional).The s econd critical review levelled against studies on brand associations is the measurement techniques employed. Many of the methods used such as the projective techniques tend to be more subjective and employ small samples (Aaker, 1991). Even those that are 12 regarded as being objective and reliable than qualitative approaches i. e. , scaling methods face roofing tile problem of validity. Aaker (1991) observes that there is always a concern with the validity of the scaling task. hobo a respondent actually position beers on an aged a long time dimension?He observes that there is the possibility ofunfamiliaritv with one or more of the brands, The other problem is that the respondent may be unable to understand operationally what aged means, or how to evaluate a brand on this dimension (p. 151). Thus any ambiguity in the scale or inability of a respondent to use the scale will affect validity and reliability ofthe results. The measurement of brand associations needs to be do wit. h re spect to a specified segment within the context of a competitive set of brands. This implies that brand associations and consumer perceptions of value ofproducts should be done for one segment.However, much of the time the scaling task should be done for multiple segments (Aaker, 1991). The implication here is that any relevant segment delineate by age, income, usage rate will have different perceptions from others. Marketers may not only be interested in the associations with the brand but also with the association strength, that is, how assured the consumers are about the associations with the brand. Similarly, the marketer may be interested in understanding whether the consumers have a clear image of the brand association.There is yet another criticism on studies on brand associations. There appears to be other rising constructs for brand associations. Aaker (1991) provides eleven types of brand associations, which Kotler and Armstrong (1996) consider to be part of the levels of a product. The question here is how significant these constructs are to a brand association measurement? Again, which associations severalise between buyers and nonbuyers? Lastly, the model used as a basis for identifying brand associations and how they create the value of products is itself questionable.Narisetti (1998) observes that technology plays a big role in brand associations and value of products. Where does technology fit in the model? Similarly, familiarity with a brand appears to moderate the dimensionality ofbrand associations. Where can this aspect be shown in the model? 13 6. Future Research Directions There is growing importance ol brands and consumer perceptions ot brands among marketing researchers. To divvy up this issue, marketers need to develop extensive conceptual treatments of brand and associations and related issues.To achieve this objective, it is self-asserting for the marketers to design practical measurement of the constructs. number of studies t hat attempt to measure some aspect of consumer brand associations do not use consistent measurement techniques. Again, there is need to use methods that help in knifelike between brands. Indeed, Aaker (1991) argues that a major regard is whether the perceptual dimensions discriminate between brands. Ifa measurement technique can be developed to help an attribute to discriminate, i. e.. set one brand off against another, it might be worth.He posits that factor analysis may be a useful utensil in reducing a set of factors (associations) to a few factors or dimensions by combining the words or phrases whose meanings are similar (p. 149). Secondly, the empirical works operationally brand associations as uni-dimensional. Yet conceptual models depict the brand associations as multi-dimensional (Keller and Aaker, 1997). Third, marketers need to employ multiple segments in mensuration the usefulness of brand associations in service of process consumers on the choice of products As note d earlier, any relevant segment defined by age, lifestyle, or user placement may well have different erceptions from others. For example, the user and nonuser groups quite often differ in their brand perceptions (Aaker, 1991, p. 151). Lastly, may of the studies have focused on consumer goods Specifically, many have been carried among fast-moving consumer goods (brands with short consumption cycles that are tvpicafly bought from supermarkets) (Hoek, et al, 2000). There is need to focus on industrial goods or on services. It is therefore proposed that a research aimed at identifying the brand associations of industrial goods or services would be more beneficial to academicians and practitioners. 4 REFERENCES Aaker, D. 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