Mongol Invasion of Europe

The Mongol invasion of Europe was a planned invasion of Eastern Europe. The Mongols invade Russia, Poland, Lithuania, Serbia, Byzantine, Bulgaria, Serbia, and Hungary. However, they later invaded Central Europe. Many believe that these invasions had no political or conquering point, but to scare other nations from invading Mongolia. Mongolia’s first conquer was Russia in 1235. Led by Batu Khan(grandson of Genghis), they ordered the Russian ruler Ryazan to surrender, and the Mongols sacked major cities. They annihilated Prince Yuri’s Army. After, they crushed the Russian steppe. In 1239, Batu Khan came back to Russia. Most Russian princes fled because the saw the Mongols’ strength. The Mongols then sacked Kiev(modern day-Ukraine), while Batu sent a small army to check out Poland before going to continue to central Europe. Shortly after, Batu defeated the polish army and went on Central Europe was invaded with 3 armies. The first army defeated forces from Poland and notably, some Christian military powers, at the battle of Legnica. In 1241, the armies defeated Hungary and brutally killed half of Hungary's population. They also conquered Croatia who was linked to Hungaria at the time. It was then that the Mongols suddenly ended their invasion. Some researchers say they ended their invasion because they saw the European strength to survive and turned back. Others blame Mongol fighting within the empire over the election of a new khan. However, they had later conquests against Poland, Lithuania, Byzantine Thrace, Bulgaria, Serbia, and once again Hungaria. One might say that the Mongol invasion was pointless, but it also accomplished their goal: to keep invaders out of Mongolia. One claim is that Batu Kahn never intended to advance past Mongolia/Croatia, because by then it was made clear that no one could overthrow Mongolia. In closing, the Mongols accomplished what they went to Europe for and Europe was devastated.

Reflection of Internship Technology

What steps did I take to tackle this monster? I enlisted the help of our service engineer Bryan Irvine who owns the service and Is the subject matter expert to the entire company. Bryan showed me how to use Zones and how to actually go into Zones-Dive and implement changes and sample templates before pushing them to prod. I wrote some very basic python scripts and was able to create templates for a new API service used to run the Nintendo e-Shop environment that rolled out in March. From the time started at Nintendo, I have read through the Zones user's manual and watched a short merman on It through Youth.I used this tool everyday Inside the Network Operations Center and feel pretty comfortable with it from a user†s perspective. From what I learned, I did not have to learn how to manage or setup Zones in order to perform my duties as a system administrator. That particular responsibility is that of our systems engineer. So to conclude, I did not complete my overall objective b ut at the same time, my objective was way too big. I learned that I should be more aware of what Is expected of me before loading myself up with super high expectations.In arms of learning Linux commands, I learned the basics in the first 60 days of my internship. I did look over the Linux in a nutshell book at my desk and discovered how rarely I needed to use any commands outside of the most basic ones such as Is, UDF, who, Greg, AS, l, and SSH. Because most of the server health checks are scripted and automated into Zones, sometimes it was Just a matter of point and click. Usually it was when I needed to Investigate further Into an Issue or If I wanted to verify manually what Zones was reporting that old SSH into a server using putty. Ex and utilize Linux commands. I felt that I completed my overall objective of becoming familiar with using Linux commands but again, I believe my goal was set a bit high. One good thing that came out of my experience is that Linux commands are not t hat hard to learn and they show an immediate result / return for what is typed unlike scripting and programming. Fertilization was a topic which I thought would become a mall focus for me. I become more familiarized with fertilization by running my own virtual machine through Oracle Virtual Box.It was a good learning experience when I had to figure out how to configure the proxy through the VIM to access data on the internet as all traffic through my workstation passed through our corporate proxy server. I utilized vespers to troubleshoot and investigate degraded service conditions. Much of the time all it took was a reboot of the VIM to bring a service back up, otherwise It was a systems engineer's role to configure and maintain in vespers and feel very comfortable navigating around it.Again, I believe I set my objective a bit high and broad in this circumstance and feel satisfied with what I have accomplished over all despite it not being what I originally planned. My 6 month inte rnship at Nintendo has taught me a lot. As an individual I realized how difficult it was for me to find my voice amongst the team. As an employee I could not help but always feel that I could do a better Job in supporting my team mates. I learned that everyone on my team was not as closed off as I thought they were.When I initiated conversations with them and opened myself up, they reciprocated and I felt very safe and happy working with them. Looking back I wish I had taken more risks in getting to know them and share with them who I was and where I came from. I believe my supervisor would say that I am an assertive employee that is quick to read between the lines. I really liked how he offered to serve as a personal reference in my future job hunt. I believe my other coworkers really value me and are always happy to see me and ask about whatever I was up to.They make me feel really at home and as a functioning team member, they always tend to compliment on my intelligence and I fi nd it quite flattering. Professional workplace skills I need to improve including being more open to people. I wish I could smile a lot more and communicate how happy and grateful I am to be working with them. Asking more questions and not being afraid to speak up is one thing I will definitely make a priority for wherever my ext Job might be. Building a relationship with the people around me is one area I want to tackle on head first.My internship experience through Year Up and at Nintendo of America is immeasurable in terms of what it has done for me. I feel like a whole new person equipped with experience and knowledge in the areas I used to lack in. Communication and drive was my main concern before starting Year Up and today it is an ongoing challenge to supersede new goals that I set for myself every day. I learned that I tend to over analyze and over compensate for technical knowledge when it may not be most practical.Clearly my objectives that were set in the beginning were extremely difficult where it may have been something that required superhuman potential to achieve. From my perspective looking back, if I had completed my objectives I would have the qualifications of someone who has worked in IT / Unix Engineering for around 3-4 years gathered in less than 6 months' time. It was a good learning experience nevertheless; I plan to continue tackling my career and life with the same attitude but now with more emphasis on personal relationships and practicality.

Legal Studies Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Legal Studies - Essay Example When the appellee (Katko) trespassed on the uninhabited house to steal old bottles and fruit jars, which cost less than $20, gives the implication that the owner of the said house has the right to impose self defense for their property against him (appellee) and his companion. Adhering to the principle of self defense, then the defendants are right to say that they have the right to defend their property. What would be erroneous so speak is the means employed to protect their belongings. One of the requisites of self-defense is the â€Å"reasonable necessity of the means employed.† Using shotgun that could inflict serious physical injuries or even death defies this requisite in self defense knowing the fact that it could not even put the lives of the owners at risk because, as mentioned, it has been uninhabited for several years. As one of the justice who concurs, Moore, said â€Å"the primary issue presented here is whether an owner may protect personal property in an unoccu pied boarded-up farm house against trespassers and thieves by a spring gun capable of inflicting death or serious injury.† Thus, the means employed (the shotgun) is too ruthless to use in defending an unoccupied old farm house from trespassers.

Critical Evaluation of Project Management Techniques in Information Essay

Critical Evaluation of Project Management Techniques in Information Sector in Nigeria - Essay Example Commerce to E-commerce to M-commerce seems to be logical way for any government or individual to scale up. Since the paper is based on secondary research, various data and reports already available with the respective agencies, newspapers and other publications will be compiled, analyzed and used to draw conclusions. Gabriel Ajayi (NITDA and ICT in Nigeria,2003) has asserted that after NITDA (National Information Technology Development Agency) was set up in 2001, projects like Public Service Network (PSNet), Mobile Internet Unit (MIU) and Human Capacity Development were undertaken by the same. NITDA started the process of integrating IT into the public service through a massive campaign that targeted at the top echelon of the service. Although he was optimistic about the crucial role ICT played in gearing up the economy, he did not seem very hopeful about funding and political will. After the military rule ended in 1999, there were unfounded fears about the use of ICT in any industry and government will to encourage ICT lacked enthusiasm. From 2001, ICT enjoyed the complete backing of the government and has been looked at as a tool to bring about sustainable development and global competitiveness in Nigeria. GSM service was launched in 2001 and teledensity immediately rose from 0.5 to 2 per 100 subscribers. In the paper â€Å"Nigeria’s Need for ICT S.P.259 Technology and Policy in Nigeria†, Tom Goshit expressed his disappointment with the state of utilization of ICT in Nigeria. He felt that poverty and lack of skilled IT personnel were drawbacks in faster implementation and utilization of policies favoring ICT. However, when it came to use of mobile telephony and ICT, he says ‘As of December 2005, there were over 19,000,000 serviced cell phones in Nigeria. The mobile cellular market has grown because landline

Compare and Contrast how the western world views Islam and how Islam Essay

Compare and Contrast how the western world views Islam and how Islam views the Western World - Essay Example Biases and boundaries as well as educational differences create a specific understanding toward how one looks at both of these regions and how each responds to the cultural affiliations that are a part of this. The belief systems of Islam which Western culture is taught is one of the main differences that creates biases of this specific religion and culture. More importantly, the historical changes that have happened in recent years have created a strong association and sense of feelings about those from Islam and individuals that identify with this. Those in the Western world have created several boundaries and stereotypes to those that are Islamic and to those that are from the Eastern world. This is based on the identities and assumptions of those from this area as well as the lack of education and cultural understanding that is a part of this particular culture. One of the aspects that many in the Western world tend to disagree with is the treatment of women. Currently, gender associations in the west are based on independent and equal choices for men and women. However, most in the Western world are also taught that women in Islam are not given the same rights. The association with veils and the obligation for women to be caregivers when belonging to Islam is considered as one that is not equal and which creates inequality. Many parts of the Western culture will also state that this is a violation of human rights because of the way that women are treated. Marriage, divorce and custody laws all are a part of the viewpoint that Westerners have as well as how women are treated in relationships. â€Å"Islamic societies were, if anything, surely rather remarkable for their unequivocal placement of women under the control of men, and their equally explicit licensing of male sexuality and exploitation of women† (Ahmed, 521). While this is one of the main debates within Islam and the viewpoint of the Western

Program Planning, Research, and Evaluation Research Paper

Program Planning, , and Evaluation - Research Paper Example The disease shows various signs and symptoms that constitute hot flushes, breathlessness, restless legs, headaches, nausea, vertigo, abdominal pains, dry mouth, hyperventilation and palpitations. In a case, for example, students experience various anxieties resulting from their academic interactions (Cassady, 2010). In real sense, students’ assessment in particular areas of educational field results to the beginning of educational anxiety that hampers their potential to achieve success in a particular field. 3 Anxiety illness is partially passed on from parents. Several researches prove that high emotional, strung and nervous is experienced throughout a family. A perfect example is that sixty percent of children whose parents experience anxiety develop an inhibited temperament and fear (Coon, Mitterer, Talbot & Vanchella, 2010). These children have a character that is wary and irritable when young and when they become toddlers they are fearful and shy. When they enroll in the elementary they are often cautious and quiet and when they are adults they are at high possibility of anxiety difficulties for example panic attacks (p. 486). 3 This community needs the health promotion program because there is a possibility of anxiety illnesses in girls during adolescence. According to Weiner (2003), studies confirm that African American girls suffer from a higher number of anxieties (p. 40). An anxiety disorder is caused by integrating environmental and biological factors. Most families in Everett are poor which would then imply that their children can develop anxiety disorder resulting from state of poverty. 4 This health promotion program will be developed in conjunction with Everett Community Health Partnership (ECHP). The mission of ECHP is to enhance health and the standard of life of the community of Everett by generating chances for

Philosophy - Social Justice Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Philosophy - Social Justice - Essay Example This is because the definitions vary basing on a variety of factors, like political factors, religion, and the social philosophy. From a postmodernist point of view, one can get a definition that is only a concept that may never be practical anywhere in life. In general, Boylan (p. 91) writes that social justice is more of equal justice, not only in the judicial system, but in all other aspects of the society. From this concept, we can say that social justice demands equal rights and opportunities for everyone regardless of the social status. Therefore, we can sum up by saying that social justice is an idea which involves fashioning a society or an institution basing on the principles of equality and solidarity. This system understands the values of human rights with recognition of every individual’s dignity. Generally, social justice bases on the concepts of human rights and equality. It also involves economic egalitarianism. This is through progressive taxation, and redistri bution of property and income. Through such policies, it is easier to attain equality in opportunity, hence creation of outcome equality. In order to create a just society from the perceptive ‘privileged society’, where not every individual has equal opportunity to enjoy the freedom that people share, one must be ready to learn more about the issues of social justice like tolerance, equity and diversity promotion, and fighting hatred, among others. It is easier to act after educating oneself about the issues of social justice. Secondly, it is not easy to achieve the social justice that on desires without incorporation from the general society. It is, therefore, imperative to get help from the general people in the society. Joining a social justice group, which will stand up to hatred in all forms, will engage the community in a process that will build the society towards respectful, safe and fair environment. With this, one will get the support that will help in creatin g a firm foundation towards achievement of the just society (Boylan, p. 93). One must understand that they can not come up with a just society without learning from others. This is because a just social system recognizes all forms of diversity, be it cultural, economic or any other form. Therefore, it is important for one to learn to leverage the benefits of diversity surrounding them. One can expose themselves to other cultures, eat and intermingle with other people in the society, read about different cultures, subscribe to other cultures and open ones mind to diverse perspectives around them. Through this, one will learn about the challenges that they will have to overcome in order to justify all the social needs in the diversity among the people in the society. It is also important for one to take challenges, like asking oneself if the immediate friends reflect what a just society is. One can ask themselves if friends around portray the diversity of genders, races, cultures, age s, political affiliations, and any other relevant aspects of diversity. In order to achieve a perfect framework of social justice, one must open the mind and heart to experience people with other perspectives and insights that will or may be challenging, while some may be interesting. Such diversification will eradicate issues of discrimination and will ensure achievement of a liberal society. A perfect view of a just society will have socially responsible

The Struggle to Create Post-Cold War Europe by Mary Sarotte Essay

The Struggle to Create Post-Cold War Europe by Mary Sarotte - Essay Example The author, Sarotte, has also been able to effectively bring together the flawless descriptions. The author has also taken into account an analysis which is challenging in terms of the creation of the post Cold War order (Dale 2009). Here the focus of the book has been on German aspect of the overall period. The author has also been able to effectively look into the historical perspective and has also been able to keep track of the events in order of how the events occurred (Sarotte 2010). In the case of most of the geopolitical events, it was found that the 1989 events did not stay in link with the initial promise that had been developed (Sarotte 2010). The book by the author has focused on the reports and ideas that have been focused on the exchange by the statesmen and the other governmental officials. The overall book and the document is very well laid out and described. The book however does lack new information. The topic of discussion however has been on a single topic of Nato expansion which makes a major contribution. There was one underlying question throughout the Cold War which focused on whether the Soviet communism was the cause for the Washington to build up their forces in Europe. The doubt here was whether this has been the cause for the stationed forces or whether it was simply to validate the existence and the presence of Nato (Sarotte 2010). In time with the disappearance of the Soviet, the answer to this was clear and evident. The other main question that related to Nato was that of the nuclear weapons. The book has also taken into account the several questions of nuclear weapons and the questions relating to the shadows of the denuclearisation of Germany. The questions of the presence of the US military in Europe have also been high. The author has been a little hesitant and unsure of Nato expansion without having a clear idea of the benefits of the expansion (Sarotte 2010). Here there is little attention and positive elements that the aut hor finds in her book about Bush and the author has presented Bush to be a very tactful leader who also shows high boldness. There are two main elements that are found to be missing in the book. Firstly, the way the book has been developed and presented, this could have been written several years ago and the overall analysis as presented in the book, could have been presented in a much more effective manner (Sarotte 2010). There are numerous elements in the book where there have been irrelevant discussions and there has also been a major disconnect in the overall discussion. Here of these one of the examples has been of the marketing strategies discussed in the paper. The second major limitation of this book is the lack of focus on the corrupt activities of the Chancellor which could have been brought out in a more effective manner. Here these activities have a major role in the overall courting as well as the persuasion of the Germans and the unification with the Atlanticist (Dale 2009). As a whole, the book has been well presented and also very thoroughly researched. Here however a lot more positive elements could have been presented in the book to provide a higher level of acceptance and also more recognition to the book as a whole. The author has been able to effectively use all the research to provide a well presented book, with a few tweaks and improvements, the book and

Emerging Technology Term Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Emerging Technology - Term Paper Example This paper talks about the meaning, history, application, and limitations among other aspects of nanotechnology. Definition, Meaning and History of Nanotechnology Nanotechnology is basically defined as engineering that deals with functional systems at a molecular scale. It can also be defined as the ability of the engineers to make new attributes by controlling features at a nanometre scale (Davies 1). This is the technology that has been used to manufacture the microsystems which have reduced voluminous devices into modern day small devices. Nanotechnology is not only able to produce small devices but also devices which produce minimal waste (Davies 1). Although nanotechnology has gained momentum in the second half of the 20th century, it was James Clerk Maxwell who first toyed with the idea in 1967 (Knol 3). He had called for an experiment of small entities with an aim of handling person molecules. Richard Adolf Zsigmondy became the first person to use nanometer to characterize par ticle sizes in 1914. Modern nanotechnology was suggested by Richard Feynman in 1959 (Knol 2). He brought forth the notion of constructing devices and machines in molecular scale. Gordon Moore went ahead to predict how modern day circuitry would look like in 1965. He did this through his rule which has been practical for 50 years. The nanotechnology applied today was defined by Tokyo Science University lecturer, Norio Taniguchi in 1974 (Knol 3). He defined nanotechnology as the process involving separation, consolidation, and deformation of supplies by use of one molecule or atom. This was followed by discoveries such as the Finns’ atomic layering process. Recognition of this process by the entire scientific community put nanotechnology on the map. Application of nanotechnology was first done by Eric Drexler, a famous nanotechnological scientist, using the idea of molecular manufacturing (Knol 4). He argued that molecules would be a tight collection of marbles if atoms were ta ken to be marbles as represented in figure 1. This saw the molecules become standard scaled tools. These nanoscale tools worked in the same way as their significant counterparts irrespective of their size. The bonds between atoms could hold them together to form parts of nano machines. Drexler had visualized that these nano bots would be used as assemblers so as to place atoms into any desired shape. Drexler went ahead to argue that coal could be modified to diamond and computer chips could be formed from sand. He also explained that the process of manufacturing goods would be quickened by reorganizing the atoms that make them. This ignited the minds of many scientist who consequently devoted their time to develop nanotechnology and its applications we they are seen today. Fig. 1: Tight collection of marbles/atoms Courtesy of hplusmagazine.com Recent Business Applications of Nanotechnology Nanotechnology has had widespread applications in all sectors of the economy. Due to its prove d success in the manufacture of nanometer scale products, it has attracted all industries. Currently, it is the leading in production and application of

Jim’s Training Needs Analysis Essay Example for Free

Jim’s Training Needs Analysis Essay Introduction In this case study the training needs analysis is lacking in job duties and responsibilities that create an unsafe environment. The training program is not consistent or is it cost effective in the trial and error method in backhoe procedures. Jim needs the organization to create a training objective in KSAs. Management needs to review the workplace methods in safe practices, regulations and work conditions that meet the goals and objectives of the organization. Potential Cost to Lack of Training This method in trial and error for a day to check an employee’s skills can mean they are doing well, but improvement is needed in their progress to determine their KSAs. Jim is adaptable to changing situations, but truly does not know the backhoe equipment, safety precautions, or the operating techniques of digging a hole. This type of training does not align in cost effective measures, the supervisor should observe and mentor Jim in his position as a backhoe operator and teamwork is essential to get the job done. There is no transfer of training to the task. It appears the organization is small and lacks resources to train their employees in new skills. There was no development phase of formulating an instructional strategy (Blanchard Thacker, 2013). The organization lacked high quality services, and continued to grow and Jim’s job satisfaction to a large degree is dependent on input from other co-workers. The crew chief and Bill Granger, gave credible advice, standards of performance and guidelines by providing proper instructions in operating the backhoe. However, Jim’s work quality was deficient in breaking waterlines or digging up underground telephone lines. According to Blanchard Thacker  (2013, p. 151) table 5-4 would have been cheaper in a training program, then constantly paying for the damage Jim imposed upon the company. It was as if there were no rules to work by, and Jim did not have a clear sense of appropriate behavior. In addition, his crew members were not happy in Jim’s operating techniques and they strived to get the job done safely and effectively. This type of non-training is detrimental to the organization, and can create a hostile work environment with individuals needing proper skills. Jim is performing inefficiently and lacks the application to perform the job satisfactorily. Recommended Methods and Training for the Organization The employee selection process starts with the job description. The employee employed is interviewed and other applicable testing for the position. This will include the pre and post-test method in screening the applicant according to the organizations policies and state, federal regulations. In addition, consider a ninety day probationary period. This would help the organization to determine if Jim’s performance, attitude, attendance measures to the organization’s standards. The business stakeholders want to know that the employees and training matches the experience, benchmarks and performance metrics (Saunderson, 2012). According to Saunderson (2012) the training needs to be transparent, solve problems, how to operate equipment and relay information and not provide redundant skills. According to Blanchard Thacker (2013, p. 155) table 5-6 verbs is transferring the training: Knowledge to analyze, cite explain and reproduce tasks. Skills to assemble, operate install and demonstrate. Attitudes align with the organization in commitment. Jim was deficient in these skills as the operator of the backhoe and the crew chief and team members realized he was not prepared for this position. Therefore, the TNAs would be cost effective for the organization. This means a combination of classroom and on-the-job training. The workplace training is to incorporate the latest organizational policies, procedures and state, federal guidelines. In addition, the training would be tailored to certifications, training materials, safe work conditions and ready reference  materials for the pretest/post-test final exam. Workforce training and planning trends today need to meet these objectives (Planning for people, 2012, Dec 29): Address skill gaps. Recruitment process, orientation, employee coaching, mentoring and development are specific and have compensation initiatives. Define goals in terms of human resource metrics, timelines and measure what is accomplished. Ensure senior management support. Involve management in overseeing the development of the workforce plan and it is linked to the corporate strategy. Ensure employees are updated/trained in new policies/procedure and are executed effectively. This would create an organization’s continuity plan towards the strategic direction. In addition, the organization implementation, maintenance and performance metrics. The Trainer and Training Environment The trainer and training environment will be within the workplace. This will eliminate any concerns that this training will not work at this plant, the boss generally makes those decisions and will better transfer the training to their specific job Blanchard Thacker (2013, p. 285). In a small business this is cost effective and the development phase input, process and output define the organizations objective goals. In the training and development process of equipment it will be done off-site to determine skills, safety practices and the actual physical operation of outdoor machinery. Throughout this implementation phase, the physical environment must be constantly monitored. This ensures learning has occurred. The learning process will be generalizability in jobs-relatedness and practice skills to the actual job Blanchard Thacker (2013, p. 294). The primary concerns in a training program is the learning impact, cost, time schedule without reducing productivity in the workplace environment. Therefore, the training program will be disseminated in advance throughout all levels of the organization. This will allow management, senior executive’s involved sufficient time to arrange employee’s schedules. This will be done so that work assignment can be adequately covered during the individual’s absence. The training will be evaluated and measured according to the skills learned  and transferred to the job. According to Blanchard Thacker (2013, p. 318) providing feedback to the trainer, can be used to modify the program and process to facilitate the training success. Conclusion The case scenario with Jim, truly demonstrated that trial and error method is not cost effective as a training and development program would be in an organization. In addition, when individuals are deficient in job skills it can create a hostile environment, lower morale and not encourage teamwork. In the above examples the best trainer would be within the workplace to diminish any barriers to the training methods. In addition off-site training for outdoor machinery would be effective in safe work conditions and actual operation of equipment. Jim needs the organization to create a training objective in KSAs. Management needs to review the workplace methods in safe practices, regulations and work conditions that meet the goals and objectives of the organization. References Blanchard, P.N. Thacker, J. W. (2013). Effective Training: Systems, Strategies, and Practices (5th ed). Upper Saddle River, N.J: Prentice Hall. Planning for people. (2012, Dec 29). Winnipeg Free Press Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com/docview/1265594428?accountid=32521 Saunderson, R. (2012). Transparency in training. Training, 49(1), 134-135. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com/docview/1020618237?accountid=32521

Female Absenteeism from Sociology Theories

Female Absenteeism from Sociology Theories Critically explore the claim that women have been excluded from the history of sociology. When studying the history of sociology, it is evident that the perspective of male scholars and theorists has been much more prevalent than that of females and has had a greater influence on the nature of society today. In patriarchal society, men have made their own knowledge and their own gender representative of the whole of humanity (Daly, 1973;8, cited in Spender, 1981). The most dominant theorists who pioneered sociology during their time, were males such as Durkheim and Weber, regardless of the fact that they had many female contemporaries (such as Webers wife, Marianne, who became a feminist and writer) who at the same points in history, had developed theories and conducted research of their own. This essay will aim to critically explore the claim that women have been excluded from this history, and will attempt to show arguments both for and against this statement. The exclusion of women in the history of the sociological field can only be fully understood when examining the exclusion of women in the history of society as a whole. For example in late 19th century England, women were not recognised as individuals. They were confined to the private and domesticated world, where they were unnoticed by public society. Some women did engage in more public activities, although there were restrictions, such as the factory legislation, which limited the involvement of women in the industrial sector. Men held formal power over the family, and women were confined to the private sphere of society and were excluded from the public sphere where they enjoyed few of the same benefits and privileges as men (Eisenstein, 1986). As during the 19th and 20th centuries, the dominant role of women was involved in the private sector rather than the public, this could perhaps have lead to the exclusion of women in sociological history. This meant that sociologists at the time were unable to conduct research on women, as they were unaware of the exact roles of women in this sector of society had. Additionally, at this point in history there were many other aspects of society that were to be observed, for example the industrial revolution. This created many changes in the lives of the working classes, and as such a majority of the work force was male, this only aided in the exclusion of women, as they were unavailable for observation by sociologists. It is because of this, that sociologists who sought information on working classes were unable to obtain sufficient information on the female workforce and accurately represent women. Instead they could only describe the working classes as being predominantly male and b ased the majority of theories on this (Spender, 1981). In 1865 Mill became a member of the House of Commons and fought for womens suffrage, and fought to amend the laws that gave husbands control over their wives money and property (Eisenstein, 1986). Such suppression is also evident in other sectors of society, for example women have been encouraged to specialise in less prestigious areas than men, and areas which are least likely to be thought of as preparation for any academic career (Roberts and Woodward, 1981). The omission of women from the expansion of knowledge in academic fields such as social and physical or natural sciences has been documented (Roberts and Woodward, 1981), this illustrating the lack of female perspective and lack of acknowledgement of females in academic fields. The majority of knowledge in our society is that documented and discovered by men, although has been passed off as the knowledge of mankind as they claim it is representative of the whole of humanity. The views of men have become the legitimate view of society as a whole (Spender, 1981). Even the knowledge that society has of women, is not from a female perspective, but that of male scholars. It is also men who controlled the media outlets, such as womens magazines in the 1950s, which dictated to women their expected roles and behaviours and according to Betty Friedan, was so influential in shaping their lives (cited in Spender, 1985). From more recent investigation, it seems that employment prospects of women in social sciences have yet to see much improvement (Roberts et al., 1981). Beard (1946, cited in Spender, 1981), insisted that women had actively contributed to the development of society throughout history, however as womens contributions to society had been ignored for so long, this only makes it easier for this to continue and also reinforces womens poor self image (Spender, 1981). It has been argued that women need to prove themselves to be better than their male counterparts in any field before they can be accepted. It is perhaps for this reason that there is little documentation on what women did in the past (Spender, 1981). However, throughout history women seem to have played a lesser role in times of crisis and revolution in comparison to men. For this reason Hexter argued that historians were concerned with the process of social change and that since women did not play a decisive role in such proce sses, they were not the legitimate subject of history (Spender, 1981; 55). In other words, the patriarchal society of this time did not see the actions of women to contribute significantly enough to deserve historical mention. Evidence of the continuation of this Despite the majority of sociologists, during times of the industrial revolution, focusing for the most part on the lives of the working classes (or in other words, working class men) Margaret Hewitt (1958, cited in Spender, 1981) was writing about the behaviours and experiences of wives and mothers in the Victorian industrial era. Even before this, Pearl Jephcott (1949, cited in Spender, 1981) wrote on Girls Growing Up which remains a classic text in sociology. This would suggest evidence against the exclusion of women in sociological history, as there were sociologists who were writing about them. Although these sociologists mentioned were themselves, women, and as previously described, the patriarchal society of the time did not see the opinions of women to be as important as that of men. Therefore it can be said that whist the place of women in society, and their lives, was acknowledged by female sociologists, as it is a male dominated field, their works were not to be regarded highly amongst their male counterparts. In identifying this, it can also be realised that the majority of well known female sociologists, are those which discuss the roles and lives of women, over that of men. Their stance on sociology, is that from a feminist viewpoint, rather than adopting the theories of the classical sociologists, such as Marx or Durkheim. Female sociologists who take these view points are to be forever in the shadows of the original male theorists, where as female sociologists who write and research under the principles of the feminist movement seem much more likely to gain wider recognition for their work. To conclude this essay it can be seen that women were not fully excluded from the history of sociology, as there were other women who wrote about them and documented their place in society. However at the same time they did not receive the same recognition as males in society did and were not seen to have such a significant role in the history of society. Therefore the claim that women have been excluded from the history of sociology is largely true as their work and input have been much less appreciated and acknowledged in comparison to men of the same time. Jessie Bernard (1972, cited in Roberts et al., 1981) asked not what sociology can do for women, but rather what women can do for sociology. It can be seen that in the sociological field there is a definite bias towards the presence of men in society, both as subjects and as researchers, whilst that which involves women receives much less recognition. After all, the founding fathers of sociology, are the founding fathers and not the founding mothers (Spender, 1981). References: Eisenstein, Z. (1986). The Radical Future of Liberal Feminism. Boston: Notheastern University Press Roberts, H. and Woodward, D. (1981). Changing patterns of womens employment in sociology: 1950-80. The British Journal of Sociology, Vol. 32, No. 4 (Dec., 1981), pp. 531-546. Blackwell Publishing [Online] available at: http://www.jstor.org/stable/590132?seq=1 Spender, D. (1985). For The Record. London: The Womens Press Limited Spender, D. (ed). (1981). Mens studies modified. Oxford: Pergamon Press Limited

Essay --

Deep in the south in the make belief Maycomb County, Alabama, in the 1930s, 'To Kill a Mockingbird' is straight forward and clearly showing black and white. It brings a brushing portrayal and eye view of the racism that Africa Americans suffered. Lawyer Atticus Finch who was a white liberal fought to equal and make fine lines with in the community. Scout and Jim, who were the children of Atticus, experience a whole journey in a period of three years, as their father worked on one of the biggest cases in his life and the communities. Atticus was defending Tom Robinson, who had been accused of rape by a white girl name Mayella Ewell. The story focuses not so much on the court case as it does the children and the daily activities they take in daily. They have a extreme fascination for the people who live in their neighborhood but most especially for a hermit named Boo Radley. Their relationships with certain friends at school and on their street starts to really grow when people learn that their father Atticus is not just going to work a case of a black man being accused of rape, but also going to defend him to the best of his ability. I first read the book in senior English class, being forced to of course, but to get a deep understanding of â€Å"To Kill a Mocking Bird† will allow you to enjoy the book more. I've never really had the option myself to go to Alabama, but Harper Lee’s writing was able to put me right there is the boiling summer of 1935, when the case begin to really take a pull on things knew that the accused was an innocent black man accused of a horrible crime simply because of the color of his skin. The whole story of the trial is told by scot she speaks of how it felt to grow up during that trail and the personal affe... ...he segregation years; Blacks socializing with whites was unseen during this time. Blacks being accused of crimes by whites at this time had a little chance at being proved innocence. According to the law they were giving a trial but everyone knew that they would be found guilty. Atticus becomes recognized as the hero when reading the book. Atticus teaches the jury to look past race and to see the facts of the crime committed, showing them that judging by race is wrong. His speaks with passion and power during the whole trail, doing this grabs the attention of the court room. Atticus goes beyond his duty and even reveals the true suspect with evidence. Doing this makes Atticus family a target by people in town putting their lives in danger. This book thought the lesson of equal justice no matter who you are, that a man should not be guilty by the color of their skin.

Defending Organized Religion and Kierkegaard’s Anti-Climacus :: Essays Papers

Defending Organized Religion and Kierkegaard’s Anti-Climacus Practice in Christianity, written by the pseudonym[1] of Anti-Climacus, describes the ideal Christian life from the perspective of the ideal Christian. ‘Anti-’ in the sense of ‘Anti-Climacus’ is not an indication of opposition (to Climacus, the ‘devoutly non-Christian’ ethicist and editor of Either/Or whose esthetic sense was particularly keen). Rather, â€Å"Anti-† is an older form of â€Å"ante†, meaning ‘before’ both in the sense of time and in the sense of rank. Anti-Climacus is the perfect Christian; this was useful to Kierkegaard, who could not claim that distinction for himself. Practice in Christianity deals harshly with the Church’s homogenization of Christianity by removing its â€Å"offensiveness.† This paper will examine and analyze several passages from Practice in Christianity, draw parallels between the inoffensive Church of Denmark in the mid-19th century and both the charismatic and â€Å"High-Church†[2] traditions of worship in the United States today, and suggest criteria for sincere, â€Å"offensive† worship in an organized church. Now when John heard in prison about the deeds of the Christ, he sent word by his disciples and said to him, â€Å"Are you he who is to come, or shall we look for another?† And Jesus answered them, â€Å"Go and tell John what you hear and see: the blind receive their sight and the lame walk, lepers are cleansed and the deaf hear, and the dead are raised up, and the poor have good news preached to them. And blessed is he who takes no offense at me.† -Matthew 11:2-6; RSV â€Å"The possibility of offense is the crossroad, or it is like standing at the crossroad†¦one never come to faith except from the possibility of offense.† -Anti-Climacus; Practice in Christianity, pg. 81 What is offensive about Christianity? Surely such a question is absurd, even blasphemous! The word â€Å"Christianity† implies to many people a lifestyle characterized by altruism, kindness, mercy and sincere love—even after centuries of monarchs and murderers alike have used â€Å"Christianity† as an excuse for a variety of causes. Consider also the Christian’s devotion to God and attempted emulation of Christ—it is surely impossible to take umbrage at this patently inoffensive way of life. This argument makes great sense to many who call themselves â€Å"Christians.† Indeed, the concept of Christianity as a belief system is unlikely to offend many. The practice of Christianity, on the other hand, is particularly offensive, albeit not in the sense in which â€Å"offensive† is particularly used.

Nurse Burnout Essay

The helping professions, including nursing, are characterized by the fact that they are not something external to the individual, but encompass the whole person. The activities performed by nurses, require a personal commitment and direct interaction with people. Therefore, it is common to work with the most intense aspects of patient care (pain, anger, frustration, fear, death, etc.). All this, plus small, medium or large daily doses of stress can cause nurses to have a predisposition to experience some degree of burnout, which can lead to the manifestation of unfavorable attitudes and feelings, both for the professional and the person who receives their service (Wright, 2011). This set of attitudes and feelings lead to the so-called â€Å"Nurse Burnout.† That’s why I wanted to address this issue, because it is clearly a very important factor when caring for a patient, because this depends on the quality of care nurses provide and our own faith that what we do helps th em. Nurse burnout is not like every other type of stress, it’s a process that graduallly develops, and it mainly covers 3 dimensions: 1. Emotional exhaustion: This is due to a reduction of one’s own emotional resources and the feeling that we have nothing to offer others, and psychologic manifestations, such as depression, anxiety, and irritability 2. Depersonalization: Refers to the development of negative attitudes and insensitivity towards patients, as well as to colleagues. This leads to the idea that â€Å"others† are the real source of the problems. As a result, we enter the final phase: 3. Lack of personal accomplishment: The perception that the chances of achieving the desired objective at a health community have disappeard, along with experiences of failure and feelings of low self steem. Experiences of stress which trigger responses in the individual, if maintained over time, cause changes in his/her adaptation. These responses mediate the stressor-hea lth relationship. In the implications of burnout we can differentiate those derived for the individual himself and those derived for the organization (McHugh, 2011). The nurse suffering from Burnout becomes a rigid, stubborn and inflexible  person, blocking the progress and changes, to the extent that they require new adaptation efforts. The nurse is also viewed as a cynical person, appearing unmotivated, unsympathetic and even aggressive with patients with a distant and dehumanizing treatment towards them (Witkoski, 2012). The most important consequences on the organization can include a decreased job satisfaction, low or no interest in work activities, deterioration of the quality of service, increased accidents, and low job involvement. This burnout prevents nurses from evolving, and leads to fatigue. Fatigue causes stress, and stress can also lead to many health problems, such as hypertension, palpitations, tachycardia, and menstrual alterations. In every hospital, there is always going to be nurses who are more prone to burnout than others, especially those who work in units in which patients have chronic illnesses, terminal diseases, and/or are more dangerous than other patients. How can nurses avoid or treat a burnout? There is many interventions designed for nurses, and can be classified as individual or as a group in the working place. One of the effective ways to avoid burnout is to forget work problems after a shift, take short breaks during work, or make a goal/ objective before starting a s hift and make sure that you discuss successes and dissatisfactions at the end of a shift. Making friendships with other nurses can be satisfactory and motivating, as well as asking for help when the amount of work is excessive or when you are not preparared for it. Sharing doubts and opinions with other nurses is also helpful. It is extemely imporant to not ignore problems, and instead stablish an action plan to solve them. As a group in a health facility, it is recommended to take a few minutes to listen to what other nurses have to say, to help new nurses get used to the system, to respect others, and to make others feel comfortable, but most importantly to promote collaboration. It is very imporant to change our attitude when facing times of stress. Organization is essential in every case to bring together innumerable tasks, and take note of diverse situations to achieve goals. It has also been reccommended to have a relaxation technique to decrease stress and help concentrate in the moment and manage your thinking around work, such as yoga, meditation exercises, or educational classes to promote an escape from thoughts about work, and prevent burnout (Wright, 2011). References Morse, G. (2012). Burnout in mental health services: A review of the problem and its remediation. Adm Policy Ment Health, 39(5), 341-352 McHugh, M., Wright,. (2011). Nurses’ widespread job dissatisfaction, burnout, and frustration with health benefits signal problems for patient care. Health Affairs, 30(2), 202-210 Witkoski, A. (2012). The longer the shifts for hospital nurses, the higher the levels of burnout and patient dissatisfaction. Health Affairs, 31(11), 2501-2509

The Role of Women in Spartan Society

THE ROLE OF WOMEN IN SPARTAN SOCIETY The women of ancient Sparta, those who were born to Spartan parents, had many roles. They were very important and essential for the stability and running of the ancient warrior society. The woman’s role in Spartan society was highly regarded by the state as equal in importance to that of a man’s, but they could not rule or hold public office. They were given the freedom, power, respect and status that was unheard of in the other polis, along with the rest of the classical world.Since the time of Lycurgus, the Spartan lawgiver, the women of Sparta were very much aware of their role in society. These roles were in regards to motherhood, ownership and maintenance of land, religion, education, marriage and their strong influence and power in society. In Xenophon’s explanation of the Spartan constitution, the central and most important role in Spartan society for the Spartiate or free woman was to continue Sparta, through childbirt h. Spartan women were highly valued as the mothers of warriors and they had to maintain their fitness to ensure healthy pregnancy and childbirth.Since Sparta was regularly at war for much of its five hundred year history, it was a woman’s role to bear and rear healthy children, in particular, strong and brave sons to serve in the Spartan army. Females were encouraged to participate in physical training so that they could give birth o healthy babies. According to Xenophon, Lycurgus decreed that â€Å"women should take as much trouble over physical fitness as men†¦ on the grounds that if both parents were strong, the offspring would be more sturdy and the women themselves would be able to bear the pains of labour. The role of motherhood was so important that mothers who had numerous sons were given special status and according to Xenophon, â€Å"Spartans value motherhood so highly that there were only two ways a Spartan would receive their name on a gravestone: death in battle or death in childbirth. † Women were responsible for bringing up their children in their early years where both girls and boys received a public education. Mothers were responsible for communicating the Spartan values to their children. They encouraged bravery in their sons and did not tolerate cowardice in battle or mourn their sons when they died in battle.Rather than mourn the death of their son, they would take pride in the fact that their son died in defence of Sparta – Source 1 (Plutarch On Sparta, p. 160) â€Å"As a woman was burying her son, a worthless old crone came up to her and said: ‘You poor woman, what a misfortune! ’ ‘No, by the two gods, a piece of good fortune,’ she replied, ‘because I bore him so that he might die for Sparta, and that is what has happened. † To die for Sparta in battle was a man’s highest honour and what a mother dreams of for her sons.Therefore, the pride of a Spartan woman was to be a mother of a truly courageous and dutiful son – Source 2 (Plutarch On Sparta, p. 160) â€Å"When an Ionian woman was priding herself on one of the tapestries she had made (which was indeed of great value), a Spartan woman showed off her four most dutiful sons and said they were the kind of thing a noble and good woman ought to produce, and should boast of them and take pride in them. † Spartan mothers were not tolerant to a son’s act of cowardice or unworthiness towards her and Sparta. They were known to shame and kill their sons when they displayed these actions.For example, a quote from Plutarch’s Sayings of Spartan Women shows just this. Another Spartan woman killed her son, who had deserted his post because he was unworthy of Sparta. She declared: â€Å"He was not my offspring†¦ for I did not bear one unworthy of Sparta. † (Blundell, 1995, 151 & 157; Pomeroy, 2002, 34-37 & 52-69 – Don’t know who said what, notes given fro m a uni student. ) Spartan women were known to be wealthy although Sparta did not have a coinage system and women were not allowed to possess gold or silver. This wealth was known to have been acquired from property ownership.Land ownership in Sparta was different from other polis. A family’s land was shared between all members of the family, including the girls but their percentage was smaller than her brother’s. At the beginning of the classical period, a Spartan woman could inherit part of her family’s estate but she never owned it, it was always passed on to her children. This changed and towards the end of the classical period, Xenophon and Aristotle noted that women did own and could manage, control, and dispose of property without the need of male approval.Women could also acquire land through marriage says Powell, Athens and Sparta. Aristotle indicated that women owned two-fifths of the land near the end of the classical period. With the women owning thi s much land and the men were constantly away training or at war, they played very important roles in the management of the household and the kleros. They had to supervise the helots who worked in the house and kleros because they did not perform domestic duties or manual labour, an act which was seen only fit for helots.If a woman was married, any profit from her estate was her husband’s profit too and the same goes for any profit from the estate of her husband’s. If a married couple were to divorce, which was very rare, women were allowed to keep their estates. Women were encouraged to be skilled and knowledgeable with horses so they could ride out to supervise theirs and their husband’s estates which could have been spread out over a vast amount of area. Therefore, Spartan women usually owned, bred and trained fine horses which served as an example of their wealth in land. Blundell, 1995, 155-157; Pomeroy, 1975, 38; Pomeroy, 1991, 144; Pomeroy, 2002, 19-34 & 7 6-86 – Don’t know who said what, notes given from a uni student. ) Women also played an important role in religion. According to S. B. Pomeroy, Spartan cults for women mirrored the society’s emphasis on female beauty, health and most of all, fertility, being prominent in the cults of Dionysus, Eileithyia and Helen. During religious festivals, such as the Hyporchema and the Caryatid, women would sing, dance, race, feast, dedicate votive offerings, drive chariots in processions and weave clothing for cult images of the gods, said Pomeroy.At the Hyakinthia festival, women played a part in â€Å"riding on richly decorated carriages made of wicker work, while others yoked chariots and drove them in a procession for racing† says Hooker in The Ancient Spartans. At the sanctuary of Artemis Orthia, a large number of votive offerings have been found. It is thought that these offerings were made by women who were barren, pregnant or had survived childbirth, as Artem is Orthia was associated with childbirth. Also, Spartan mothers made offerings and sacrifices to the goddess Aphrodite Hera when their daughters got married.In addition, Pomeroy stated that sundry votive offerings by individual women were evidences of other personal relationships with the divinities. In figure 3. 9 in the book Antiquity 2, there is a 5th century relief showing a Spartan girl involved a religious rite. From early childhood, girls were raised to be the kind of mothers that Sparta required, just as boys were trained to be the soldiers it needed. The Spartan education system that was devised for girls was to create mothers who would produce the best hoplites, to manage property and to participate in religious festivals.Girls stayed at home with their mothers who taught them the basics of reading and writing. Since music was an important part of Sparta’s religious festivals, the girls had to learn to sing and perform dances such as the bibasis, which was also a fo rm of exercise. Sparta was the only polis where the training of girls was prescribed and supported by public authority. The girl’s physical education involved, â€Å"running, wrestling, discus throwing, and hurling the javelin†, as accounted by Plutarch.The main reason why girls participated in physical activities was to serve the state purpose of giving birth to strong and healthy children, on the basis that both parents were strong and healthy, according to Barrow and Powell. (Blundell, 1995, 151; Fantham, 1994, 57-63; Pomeroy, 1975, 36; Pomeroy, 2002, 4-27 – Don’t know who said what, notes given from a uni student. ) According to Plutarch, unlike girls from other polis, Spartan girls married when â€Å"they were ripe for it†, probably around the age of eighteen when they were more physically mature and ready for motherhood.Spartans were expected to marry within their own social class and was generally arranged between families, with the bride an d groom usually knowing each other beforehand. Another form of marriage that was believed to have been practiced in Sparta was marriage by capture. This occurred when a man would choose a bride and carry her off. Although it sounds like the bride had no choice in who she would marry, A. J. Ball suggests that the act of â€Å"capture† was purely a symbolic act. Plutarch states that the bride was dressed like a male with her hair shaved off in preparation for the marriage.Some suggestions why this procedure was undertaken were because it implied chastity, and to â€Å"ease† the groom into unfamiliar grounds to have sexual intercourse with a woman since he spent the majority of his time with other men. Trial marriages were also practised in Sparta. It was not unusual for a married couple to keep their marriage a secret until the birth of their first child, just in case the wife was barren and so a new marriage contract could be arranged. The Spartan society had an open mi nded attitude towards extramarital relations, provided that it was to produce more children.It was acceptable for an older man with a young wife to give permission for a younger man to have sexual intercourse with her provided that they produce more physically fit children. Also, according to Xenophon, if a man wanted to have children but did not want to get married, he could ask permission from another man if he could share his wife sexually. There were no indications that women made objections or complaints to such arrangements. Married Spartan women had significantly more influence and power in society than other women from other polis.It is thought that they obtained all this influence and power as a result of their wealth, the constant absences of their husbands and an educational system that encouraged them to speak out and express themselves. However, their authority was more social and not political. They were restricted from voting and could not hold governmental positions, even though they made up the majority of Spartiates. It is thought that they did, nevertheless, give their opinions on public matters. They were known to be unbelievably straight talking and dominated their husbands in the household.According to Plutarch, â€Å"When a woman from Attica asked ‘Why is it that you Spartans are the only women who can rule men? ’ Gorgo replied, ‘Because we are the only ones who give birth to men. ’† Another way females in Sparta practiced their authority was during festivals, where girls would sing songs of praises for Spartan boys who deserved them. They would cheer for the winners and mock the losers of competitions which influenced the boys to strive for excellence. According to S. Blundell, â€Å"Females in Sparta were so thoroughly indoctrinated that they formed an effective branch of a state propaganda machine. A shrine of one of Sparta’s most famous women, Cynisca, who had been hailed as a hero for her equ estrian victories, was centrally located in Sparta. This further emphasises how much power and influence they had. Aristotle was critical of the wealth, power and influence women exercised in Sparta because he felt that it strongly contributed to Sparta’s ultimate downfall. (Blundell, 1995, 155-157; Pomeroy, 1991, 144-149; Pomeroy, 2002, 56-93 – Don’t know who said what, notes given from a uni student. ) In conclusion, the role of Spartan women in society was of great importance.They not only played a vital role in the economy, religion, education and public matters, they were the backbone of the entire Spartan race. Without the women playing their role in society, Sparta would not have been the once mighty and great polis as we know it today. Bibliography Hurley, T. , Medcalf, P. , Murray, C. and Rolph, J. 2008, Antiquity 2, Oxford University Press : Victoria. Stevens, V. , Merchant, W. , Hampson, M. and Bradshaw. G. 2006, HSC Ancient History, Macmillan Educati on Australia : South Yarra. Pomeroy, S. B. 2002, Spartan Women, Oxford University Press : New York Jovy Celestino

Given Danziger’s Claims Essay

Given Danziger’s claims about ‘methodomorphic theories’ and given what you know of quantitative and qualitative research methods and psychology in general, what do you think would be the obstacles to attempt to break free of the ‘methodological circle’? Research methods in modern psychology offer a variety of methodological options for researchers to utilise. However, there are issues associated with all methods. This essay will examine problems associated with the ‘methodological cycle’, such as the monopolisation of statistical methods in social sciences. These ‘issues’ continue to be common practice in psychological research and present obstacles to moving towards a less rigid, constrained method of working. This will be followed by exploring approaches that move forward, towards a more fluid and inclusive method of empirical psychology, such as Theoretical Sampling in Grounded Theory and Relational metatheory. Danziger coined the term ‘methodological circle’, asserting that many psychological researchers adopt methods based on certain assumptions about the subject matter, which in turn â€Å"only produce observations which must confirm these assumptions† (Danziger, 1998, p 1). These assumptions continue to be common practice in current psychological research, and pose as a barrier to moving away from the ‘methodological circle’. Psychology as Pure Science Kuhn (1962) described â€Å"ordinary science† as involving discussion of problematic truth claims and is carried out within the context of implicitly shared metatheoretical frameworks; on the other hand â€Å"paradigms† involve discussion that challenges these metatheoretical frameworks themselves. Psychology operates within both of these frameworks. ‘Ordinary science’, also known as Scientism, involves uncritically accepting that science is both highly distinct from, and superior to, ‘common sense’ and methods for identifying cultural patterns. However, factors that a social scientist may wish to study do involve facets that are not static and are defined by the context in which these facets operate. An example of this could be trauma. Trauma is viewed by individuals in Western society as a concept which individuals or a collective may suffer after a disrupting or distressing event. However, in less developed societies, such as in Rwanda which suffered mass genocide, no instances of trauma are reported (Alexander et al, 2004). Such examples highlight the problems presented by adopting a purely scientific (positivist) approach to a social phenomenon. In addition to this, it must be remembered that even though research will always endeavour to be as objective as possible they will, ultimately, use their common-sense knowledge of how social phenomena operate in order to define and measure these variables for precise investigation (Silverman, 1993). Psychologists who work purely in line with Scientism make the error to totally remove itself from common sense, rather than acknowledging and working with it, adopting, say, a more constructivist approach e.g. Conversation Analysis. Kock (1973) sums this up assumption beautifully by saying â€Å"The entire subsequent history of psychology can be seen as a ritualistic endeavor to emulate the forms of science in order to sustain the delusion that it already is a science† (Kock, 1973, p. 66). Dependence on statistics The use of statistical methods in psychology can be said to have become â€Å"institutionalized† (Danziger, 1998, p. 4). According to Danziger, such institutionalization presents 3 main problems: 1. It assumes that statistical conclusions are the only means of providing reliable and valid results for interpreting and developing theory; 2. It asserts that certain rules and models are constant, and cannot be amended or updated by new evidence; 3. it postulates that methodology must lead theory formation, and not the other way round. Such facets create a rigid environment, which restricts ways in which the social scientist can explore social phenomena which focuses on interactions between figures rather than meanings of interactions. The importance of the meaning behind words was acknowledged as far back as Freud, who stated â€Å"In medics you are accustomed to see things†¦in psychoanalysis, alas, everything is different†¦Words were originally magic and to this day words have retained much of their ancient power†¦Words provoke affects and are in general the means of mutual influence among men† (Freud, 1918, p.12). This statement emphasises the importance in not just, say, overt behaviour in the amount of words one uses (i.e. numerical data) in an interview, but also what one says and the meaning behind those words (i.e. qualitative data). Artificial settings to measure real life Psychology is the science of the real life, cannot be manipulated in artificial models. In its attempt to become a ‘pure’ science, psychological research methods tend to prefer to use controlled, experimental procedures, where one variable is directly manipulated by another variable, controlling for any other influencing factors. While such methods offer detailed and reliable statistical information, details of social, political, economic, and historical contexts can be overlooked (Waitzkin, 1990). The variety within psychology Psychology is a broad discipline with a variety of approaches such as Social and Cognitive Psychology. Social Psychology looks at qualitative interactions in the real world between people, whereas Cognitive Psychology examines the thought processes involved in individual reasoning. The former cannot be effectively manipulated in a controlled laboratory experiment, whereas the latter can be. If one attempts to artificially create and conduct a social experiment which uses solely statistics as a method of obtaining and interpreting results, one will miss the rich data that can be gained through qualitative measurement, looking at meanings and interpretations. A degree of flexibility is required in theory construction and method development, taking care to acknowledge how applied the science is and the vast array of methodological procedures to adopt. Top down vs. bottom up When conducting empirical investigation in psychology, the research question should lead the methodology, not the other way round. However, with the dominant quantitative method, researchers tend impose theories on data and see whether or not the data supports the theory. Upon these results, the researchers either accept or reject their hypotheses, rather than further exploring any discrepancies. Alternatively, researchers who adopt a qualitative method allow the data drive the theory and design models and theory from data. This is unpopular with many as it can oversimplifying complex social phenomena. As we can see, both designs appear to be poloarised, with little or no room for convergence. Deductive vs. Inductive Another assumption that perpetuates the ‘methodological circle’ is the belief that quantitative methods always must use a hypothetico-deductive approach and qualitative methods an inductive approach. Again, this restricts the way in which researchers can work with their subject matter, and rather than adopting an antithetical approach, researchers should endeavor to focus on the rationale of the study and the research question. Realism vs. Idealism In a similar vain to the short discussion above, there is the determinist assumption that all quantitative researchers are realists and qualitative researchers are idealist in their approach. This assumption enforces more restrictions on the way research would be carried out. Indeed quantitative research could do well to accept more subjective and individual attitudes, as qualitative methods could with more objective, measurable approaches. Moving forward Acknowledging the obstacles above, I will now explore ways in which psychology can move forward, away from the ‘methodological circle’ towards an approach that recognises and embraces both ‘quantitative’ and ‘qualitative’ virtues. Such an approach should not be concerned with paradigmatic purism but more concerned with identifying effective ways of conceptualising and discovering answers to the research questions. Grounded Theory -Theoretical saturation and sampling When using Grounded Theory, researchers use Theoretical sampling until they reach ‘Theoretical saturation’, where researchers collect data â€Å"until (a) no new or relevant data seem to emerge regarding a category, (b) the category is well developed in terms of its properties and dimensions demonstrating variation, and (c) the relations among categories are well established and validated.† (Strauss & Corbin, 1998, p. 212). Such a fluid and flexible approach provides a useful means in theory construction because it builds the theory as it evolves from incoming data, offering an alternate perspective on how the results are interpreted than the restrictive positivist, deductive approaches. Relational metatheory Relational metatheory offers a relational dialectical perspective in which interpretation (a more quantitative, positivist approach) and observation (a more qualitative, construstivist approach) are both acknowledged and used (Overton, 1998; 2003). Relationism metatheory acknowledges that there is interconnection between the person, culture and biology (Hase, 2000), which is a much more fluid and explorative method then a split metatheory (using only quantitative or qualitative). This results in more complex, self creating, self organising, self regulating and adaptive systems that function and develop in relation with sociocultural constructs. In conclusion, there is a range of obstacles researchers encounter when attempting to break free of the ‘methodological circle’. These include both theoretical considerations such as theory construction and practical considerations such as the dependence on statistics. In order to move away from these imposed restrictions, researchers should consider adopting a more inclusive, flexible approach such as Grounded Theory and Relational Metatheory. As Danzgier concludes we must overcome these problems associated with the ‘methodological circle’ in psychological research; if not â€Å"theory testing in psychology will be a matter of choosing among different versions of a theoretical position, the fundamental features of which are in fact beyond dispute.† (Danziger, 1985, p.13). References Alexander, J. C., Eyerman, R., Giesen, B., Smelser, N. J., Sztompka, P. (2004) Cultural Trauma and Collective Identity, University of California Press, CA Danziger, K. (1985) The methodological imperative in psychology. Philosophy of the Social Sciences, 15, 1-13 Freud, S. (1918) The Complete Introductionary Lectures on Psychoanalsis, Alden Press, Oxford Hase, S. (2000) ‘Mixing methodologies in research’, NCVER conference, Coffs Harbour, April. Koch, S. (1963) Psychology: A Study Of a Science, (Koch, S. (Ed.). (1959-1963), McGraw-Hill, New York Kuhn, T. S. (1962) The structure of scientific revolutions. University of Chicago Press, Chicago Overton, W. F. (2012) Paradigms in Theory Construction, (Eds L’Abate, L.) Springer; US. Silverman, D. (1993) â€Å"Beginning Research†. Interpreting Qualitative Data. Methods for Analysing Talk, Text and Interaction, Sage Publications, Londres Strauss, A. L. & Corbin, J. M. (1998) Basics of qualitative research: techniques and procedures for developing grounded theory, Sage Publications, US Waitzkin, H. (1990) On Studying the Discourse of Medical Encounters, Medical Care. 28:6, 473-487

Food and Agriculture of Chile

Front page Acknowledgement Chile: Food and Agriculture Republic of Chile is a country in South America occupying a long, narrow coastal strip between the Andes mountains to the east and the Pacific Ocean to the west Chile is one of South America's most stable and prosperous nations. It has been relatively free of the coups and arbitrary governments that have blighted the continent. The shape of Chile is a distinctive ribbon of land 4,300 kilometres (2,700Â  mi) long and on average 175 kilometres (109Â  mi) wide. Its climate varies, ranging from the world's driest desert – the Atacama – in the north, through a Mediterranean climate in the centre, to a rainy temperate climate in the south. (Wikipedia)[1] The country had Latin America's fastest-growing economy in the 1990s and has weathered recent regional economic instability, as measured by the Gini Index (Mideplan. 2007). But it faces the challenges of having to diversify its copper-dependent economy – it is the largest world producer – and of addressing uneven wealth distribution. BBC News, 6 August 2011)[2] Brief History of Chile’s Agriculture: While the share of land devoted to export crops such as fruit and vegetables is increasing, about half of all farms still raise wheat, the traditional foundation of Chilean agriculture. Of the total land area of 74. 8 million hectares (184 million acres),2. 3 million hectares (5. 7 million acres) is arable land. Until 1940, Chile was substantially self-sufficient i n most basic foodstuffs. Since World War II (1939–45), serious food deficits have developed, adding to the nation's external payments burden. Agricultural production of major crops in 1999 (in tons) was as follows: sugar (raw), 448,000; wheat, 1,197,000; corn, 624,000; oats, 201,000; barley, 81,000; rapeseed (canola) 72,000; and rice, 61,000. Agriculture was one of the sectors most adversely affected by the recession of 1982, but it quickly recovered by the mid-1980s. Poor results in the traditional agricultural sector inhibit a more rapid expansion in agriculture. One of the areas of most rapid growth is in fresh fruit, with the production of grapes rising by 35% between 1981 and 1985. The fruit harvest in 1999 (in tons) included grapes, 1,575,000; apples, 1,165,000; peaches and nectarines, 310,000; pears, 350,000; oranges, 185,000; and lemons and limes, 110,000. Avocado production for 1999 was estimated at 82,000 tons, up from 39,000 tons during 1989–91. Most of the avocado orchards are in central Chile, from Region IV to Region VI (Encyclopedia of nations) [3]. Leading crops in 2001, with production in metric ton s, included fruits, particularly grapes and apples (1. 8 million), vegetables (2. million), root crops such as sugar beets and potatoes (1,218,040. 0), and maize (778,498). Chile is the Southern Hemisphere’s largest exporter of fruits, sending much of its crop to North America, where the fresh produce enjoys a market advantage due to the inverted growing season. The country also has an important wine-making industry (Fair Trade Finder) [4] Agricultural land (% of land area) in Chile: Agricultural land refers to the share of land area that is arable, under permanent crops, and under permanent pastures. Arable land includes land defined by the FAO as land under temporary crops (double-cropped areas are counted once), temporary meadows for mowing or for pasture, land under market or kitchen gardens, and land temporarily fallow. Land abandoned as a result of shifting cultivation is excluded. Land under permanent crops is land cultivated with crops that occupy the land for long periods and need not be replanted after each harvest, such as cocoa, coffee, and rubber. This category includes land under flowering shrubs, fruit trees, nut trees, and vines, but excludes land under trees grown for wood or timber. Permanent pasture is land used for five or more years for forage, including natural and cultivated crops. (Trading Economics)[5] Major Crops in Chile: Agriculture is the main occupation of about 15% of the population; it accounts for about 10% of the national wealth, and produces less than half of the domestic needs. Wheat, potatoes, corn, beans, sugar beets, and fruit are the chief crops; a variety of vegetables, fruits, and grains are grown in the Vale of Chile, the country's primary agricultural area. The vineyards of the valley are the basis of Chile's wine industry. (Trading Economics)[6] Agricultural region and climate: Chiles principal growing region and agricultural heartland is the Central Valley delimited by the Chilean Coast Range in the west, the Andes in the east Aconcagua River by the north and Bio-Bio River by the south. In the northern half of Chile cultivation is highly dependent on irrigation. South of the Central Valley cultivation is gradually replaced by aquaculture, silviculture, sheep and cattle farming. River valleys help pruduction of grapes for Pisco and papayas also include olives and avocados. Zona central, most important agricultural region with Mediterranean known as wine region. In the northan part, Zona Sur, is the region that support Wheat cultivation, cattle farming, silviculture and salmon aquaculture.

SPSS analysis on modern portfolio theory-optimal portfolio strategies in today’s capital market

Abstract This paper provides information on specific ideas embedded in single index model/construction of optimal portfolios compared to the classic Markowitz model. Important arguments are presented regarding the validity of these two models. The researcher utilises SPSS analysis to demonstrate important research findings. This type of analysis is conducted to explore the presence of any significant statistical difference between the variance of the single index model and the Markowitz model. The paper also includes implications for investors. Introduction In the contemporary environment involving business investments, selecting appropriate investments is a relevant task of most organisations. Rational investors try to minimise risks as well as maximise returns on their investments (Better, 2006). The ultimate goal is to reach a level identified as optimal portfolios. The focus in this process is on initiating the portfolio selection models, which are essential for optimising the work of investors. Research shows that the Markowitz model is the most suitable model for conducting stock selection, as this is facilitated through the use of a full covariance matrix (Bergh and Rensburg, 2008). The importance of this study reflects in the application of different models so as to develop adequate portfolios in organisations. It is essential to compare certain models because investors may be provided with sufficient knowledge about how they can best construct their portfolios. In this context, the precise variance of the portfolio selection model is important, as it reflects portfolio risk (Bergh and Rensburg, 2008). Information on the parameters of different models is significant to make the most appropriate decisions regarding portfolio creation. Markowitz is a pioneer in the research on portfolio analysis, as his works have contributed to enhancing investors’ perspectives on the available options regarding specific models of constructing optimal portfolios (Fernandez and Gomez, 2007). Research Methodology The research question presented in this study referred to the exploration of ideas embedded in single index model/construction of optimal portfolios and comparing them with the classic Markowitz model. The focus was on the construction of optimal portfolios, as the researcher was concerned with the evaluation of constructed portfolios with specific market parameters (Better, 2006). Moreover, the researcher paid attention to the stock market price index, including stocks of organisations distributed in three major sectors: services, financial, and industrial (Fernandez and Gomez, 2007). The behaviour of this index was explored through the implementation of SPSS analysis. The data covered a period of seven years, starting on January 1, 2000 and ending on December 31, 2006. It was essential to evaluate the effectiveness parameters of the single index model/construction of optimal portfolios and the Markowitz model. The criteria for the selection of companies included that all organisati ons shared the same fiscal year (ending each year on December 31) as well as they have not demonstrated any change in position. Results and Data Analysis The research methodology utilised in the study is based on the model of single index/optimal portfolios and the Markowitz model. The exploration of the relationship between these two models required the selection of 35 equally weighted optimal portfolios, as two sizes of portfolio were outlined. An approximate number of 10 optimal portfolios represented the first size, which further generated 12 portfolios. In addition, the researcher considered the option of simulating of optimal portfolios represented at second sizes (Bergh and Rensburg, 2008). The criterion of queuing randomise portfolio selection has been used to generate approximate 23 portfolios from the second size category. The researcher selected five and 10 stocks to analyse the data. The portfolio size split allowed the researcher to explore how the portfolio size could be used to affect the relationship between the single index model/optimal portfolios and the Markowitz model (Fernandez and Gomez, 2007). Results of testin g the data are provided in the table below: Optimal portfolio numberVariance of Single Index ModelVariance of the Markowitz ModelOptimal portfolio numberVariance of the Single Index ModelVariance of the Markowitz Model 100.00370.003950.00210.0023 100.00140.001750.00280.0038 100.00210.002850.00420.0051 100.00200.002150.00250.0030 100.00310.003550.00260.0024 100.00190.001950.00330.0038 100.00880.008650.00670.0071 100.00280.003750.00370.0053 100.00250.002450.00380.0043 100.00220.002350.00210.0020 100.00190.002050.00630.0061 100.00230.002650.02120.0202 Table 1: Variance of Five and 10 Optimal Portfolios Based on the results provided in the table, it can be concluded that the variance between the single index model/construction of optimal portfolios and the Markowitz model is similar. For instance, values of 0.0020 and 0.0019 for the variance of the two models are similar. This means that the results do not show substantial statistical differences between the two models. The tables below contain a descriptive summary of the results presented in the previous table: MeasureSingle Index ModelMarkowitz Model Mean0.00440.0047 Minimal0.00210.0020 Maximum0.02120.0202 Standard Deviation0.00370.0035 Table 2: Descriptive Summary of 10 Optimal Portfolios The results in Table 2 were derived from testing the performance of 10 optimal portfolios. It has been indicated that the mean for the single index model of 10 portfolios is 0.0044, while the mean for the Markowitz model is 0.0047, implying an insignificant statistical difference. The minimal value of the single index model is reported at 0.0021, while the minimal value of the Markowitz model is 0.0020. The difference is insignificant. The maximum value of the single index model is 0.0212, while the same value of the Markowitz model is 0.0202. Based on these values, it can be argued that there is a slight difference existing between the two models. The standard deviation of the single index model is 0.0037, while the standard deviation of the Markowitz model is 0.0035, which also reflects an insignificant statistical difference. MeasureSingle Index ModelMarkowitz Model Mean0.00280.0031 Minimal0.00140.0017 Maximum0.00880.0086 Standard Deviation0.00200.0019 Table 3: Descriptive Summary of 5 Optimal Portfolios Table 3 provides the results for five optimal portfolios. These results are similar to the ones reported previously (10 optimal portfolios). The mean for the single index model of 5 optimal portfolios is 0.0028, while the mean for the Markowitz model is 0.0031, implying an insignificant statistical difference. There are insignificant differences between the two models regarding other values, such as minimal and maximum value as well as standard deviation. Furthermore, the researcher performed an ANOVA analysis of 10 optimal portfolios, which are presented in the table below. It has been indicated that the effective score for the single index model and the Markowitz model is almost the same. Yet, an insignificant difference was reported between the two means and standard deviations for both models. ANOVA AnalysisSum of squaresDfConditionMeanStandard DeviationStandard Error MeanFSig. Between Groups.00011.000.003125.0018704.0005399.089.768 Within Groups.000222.000.002892.0019589.0005655 Total.00023 Table 4: ANOVA Analysis for the Variance between the Single Index Model and the Markowitz Model of 10 Portfolios From the conducted analysis, it can be also concluded that the F-test presents an insignificant statistical value, implying that the researcher rejected the hypothesis of a significant difference existing between portfolio selections with regards to risk in both models used in the study (Fernandez and Gomez, 2007). Hence, the hypothesis of a significant difference between the variance of the single index model and the Markowitz model was rejected (Lediot and Wolf, 2003). In the table below, the researcher provided the results of an ANOVA analysis conducted on five optimal portfolios: ANOVA AnalysisSum of SquaresDfConditionMeanStandard DeviationStandard Error MeanFSig. Between Groups.00011.000.004852.0036535.0007618.096.758 Within Groups.001442.000.004509.0038595.0008048 Total.00145 Table 5: ANOVA Analysis for the Variance between the Single Index Model and the Markowitz Model of 5 Portfolios The results from Table 5 show that the variance between the single index model and the Markowitz model of five optimal portfolios is almost the same. Regardless of the stock number in the selected optimal portfolios, there is no significant statistical difference between the single index model and the Markowitz model. The main finding based on the reported data is that the single index model/construction of optimal portfolios is similar to the Markowitz model with regards to the formation of specific portfolios (Bergh and Rensburg, 2008). As indicated in this study, the precise number of stocks in the constructed optimal portfolios does not impact the final result of comparing the two analysed models. The fact that these models are not significantly different from each other can prompt investors to use the most practical approach in constructing optimal portfolios (Haugen, 2001). Placing an emphasis on efficient frontiers is an important part of investors’ work, as they are focused on generating the most efficient portfolios at the lowest risk. As a result, optimally selected portfolios would be able to generate positive returns for organisations. This applies to both the single index model and the Markowitz model (Fernandez and Gomez, 2007). Conclusion and Implications of Research Findings The results obtained in the present study are important for various parties. Such results may be of concern to policy makers, investors as well as financial market participants. In addition, the findings generated in the study are similar to findings reported by other researchers in the field (Bergh and Rensburg, 2008). It cannot be claimed that either of the approaches has certain advantages over the other one. Even if the number of stocks is altered, this does not reflect in any changes of the results provided by the researcher in this study. Yet, the major limitation of the study is associated with the use of monthly data. It can be argued that the use of daily data would be a more viable option to ensure accuracy, objectivity as well as adherence to strict professional standards in terms of investment (Better, 2006). In conclusion, the similarity of the single index model and the Markowitz model encourage researchers to use both models equally because of their potential to generate optimal portfolios. Moreover, the lack of significant statistical differences between the variance of the single index model and the Markowitz model can serve as an adequate basis for investors to demonstrate greater flexibility in the process of making portfolio selection decisions (Haugen, 2001). The results obtained in the study were used to reject the hypotheses that were initially presented. As previously mentioned, the conducted F-test additionally indicates that the single index model and the Markowitz model are almost similar in scope and impact (Fernandez and Gomez, 2007). Investors should consider that portfolio selection models play an important role in determining the exact amount of risk taking while constructing optimal portfolios. Hence, investors are expected to thoroughly explore those models while they select their portfolios (Garlappi et al., 2007). Both individual and institutional investors can find the results generated in this study useful to facilitate their professional practice. A possible application of the research findings should be considered in the process of embracing new investment policies in the flexible organisational context (Bergh and Rensburg, 2008). Future research may extensively focus on the development of new portfolio selection models that may further expand the capacity of organisations to improve their performance on investment risk taking indicators. References Bergh, G. and Rensburg, V. (2008). ‘Hedge Funds and Higher Moment Portfolio Performance Appraisals: A General Approach’. Omega, vol. 37, pp. 50-62. Better, M. (2006). ‘Selecting Project Portfolios by Optimizing Simulations’. The Engineering Economist, vol. 51, pp. 81-97. Fernandez, A. and Gomez, S. (2007). ‘Portfolio Selection Using Neutral Networks’. Computers & Operations Research, vol. 34, pp. 1177-1191. Garlappi, L., Uppal, R., and Wang, T. (2007). ‘Portfolio Selection with Parameter and Model Uncertainty: A Multi-Prior Approach’. The Review of Financial Studies, vol. 20, pp. 41-81. Haugen, R. (2001). Modern Investment Theory. New Jersey: Prentice Hall. Lediot, O. and Wolf, M. (2003). ‘Improved Estimation of the Covariance Matrix of Stock Returns with an Application to Portfolio Selection’. Journal of Finance, vol. 10, pp. 603-621.

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

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

The Loyalty Card as Promotion Tool Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 6250 words - 1

The Loyalty Card as Promotion Tool - Essay Example Humby and Hunt (2004) are of the opinion that loyalty is more of an emotional concept thus resisting the definition in terms of behavior. This, therefore, champions that loyalty is an emotional concept resulting from the trust. Others also define loyalty as emotional concept built on empathy (East 1997). Building on the idea and recognition that opinions and feelings are active, variables that include but not restricted to social, physical environments, as well as individual abilities, have been known to pre-empt action. On the contrary, this view can be seen as being loyal functionally in that customer tends to be loyal to a company only because of convenience (Barnes 2002). According to (Grisaffe 2001), loyalty does not rotate around behavior, for instance, other is the buyer who has developed the cognitive rule in that they only buy low priced products, because of this such customers will look loyal to that brand over a period of time. This will only be interrupted by the entrance of another brand which is priced lower than the previous. The customer will again change to become loyal to the new product in the market. From this, it is evident that customers are more loyal to their decision rules as opposed to the brands and thereby a proof that loyalty is more than behavior. Of several definitions, the characterization seemed most suitable when discussing the Tesco Clubcard. Suggestions that daily life of loyalty entails â€Å"emotional commitment† and â€Å"monogamy† where one choice overrides the rest has been brought forward (Humby and Hunt 2004, pg 9). To bring out the comparison, retail loyalty concentrates on achieving a bit of goodwill, a slight margin of liking, a rise in the shift in terms of buying tendency. Customer satisfaction can be described in simple terms as the measure of a customer’s expectation is met in totality or not.