Origins of Psychology and Research Methods Worksheet Essay

Part I: Origins of PsychologyThe seven major perspectives in modern psychology are psychoanalytic, behaviorist, humanist, cognitive, neuroscientific/biopsychological, evolutionary, and sociocultural. Psychoanalytic: The founder of the psychoanalytic school of thought is Sigmund Freud. He believed that many psychological problems result from the conflicts that occur between â€Å"acceptable† behavior and â€Å"unacceptable† unconscious sexual or aggressive motives. His theory was called Psychoanalysis. Freud relied more on deductive reasoning rather than on rigorous research methods, hence making his approach non-scientific. Also, he laid emphasis on the importance of unconscious processes and unresolved past conflicts. Behaviorist: The founder of the behaviorist school of thought is John B. Watson. Behaviorism perspective rejected the notion of the conscious and unconscious mind, but instead focused on the importance of observation and environmental influences on behavior. This school of thought first started with the Pavlov’s â€Å"classical conditioning†, which claimed that behaviors could be learned via conditioned associations Classical conditioning is a learning that occurs by which a neutral stimulus becomes associated with a meaningful stimulus and acquires the capacity to elicit a similar response (Feist, 2008, p. 449). Another famous behaviorist, B.F Skinner, believed in the concept of â€Å"operant conditioning†, which demonstrated the effect of punishment and reinforcement on behavior. For instance, He claimed that if a behavior is reinforced, it increases the chances of that behavior to be repeated. Similarly, if a behavior is followed with punishment, the chances of that behavior to repeat itself diminish. Humanist: The two major figures of the humanistic perspective are Carl Rogers and Abraham Maslow. They believed that all individuals have the natural capacity to move towards self actualization. Also, they emphasized on the notion of free will (voluntarily chosen behavior) and self-actualization (a state of self-fulfillment) (John Wiley & Sons Inc., 2008). Cognitive: Cognitive psychologists are interested in investigating the  thought processes that occur in the brain. Also, they examine how the information is gathered, encoded and stored. Some of the concepts that are studied under cognitive psychology are perception, memory, imagery, concept formation, problem solving, reasoning, decision making, and language. Not only that, cognitive psychologists explain that a human mind works like a computer that sequentially takes in information(gathers), processes it( encodes), and then produces a response, hence called the information-processing approach. Neuroscientific/Biopsychological: This school of thought emphasizes on the role of biological factors on behavior. Psychologists who follow this school of thought explain behavior through the use of genetics and biological processes that occur in the brain. These psychologists combine the biological and the psychological aspects to explain behavior. Evolutionary: This school of thought examines concepts such as natural selection, adaptation, and evolution of behavior and mental processes. Evolutionary psychologists claim that an organism’s reproductive success is determined by the behavior that favors the process of natural selection (John Wiley & Sons Inc., 2008). Sociocultural: This school of thought emphasizes on the role of social interactions and cultural factors that influence behavior. Some factors include ethnicity, religion, occupation, and socioeconomic class and so on. Part II: Research MethodsResearch Methods MethodPurposeStrengthsWeaknessesProvide an exampleExperimentalIdentify cause and effectAllows precise control over variables and identifies cause and effectEthical concerns, practical limitations, artificiality of lab conditions, research and participant biases Manipulation and control of variablesDescriptiveObserve, collect and record data Minimizes artificiality, easier to collect data, allows description of behavior and mental processes as they occurLittle or no control over variables, cannot explain cause and effect, and researcher and participant biasesNaturalistic observation, survey, and case study. CorrelationalIdentify relationships and how well one variable predicts another. Helps clarify relationships between variables that cannot be examined by other methods and allows prediction.Researchers cannot identify cause and effectStatistical analysis of relationship between variables. Biological Identify causation as well as description and predictionShares many or all of the advantages of experimental, descriptive and correctional researchShares many or all of the disadvantages of experimental, descriptive and correctional researchStudies the brain and other parts of the nervous system. Compare and contrast: Experimental and Correlational methods. Experimental research method helps to explain cause and effect whereas the correlational method does not. An experiment comprises of an independent variable (manipulating variable), dependent variable (the variable on which the effect is examined), and experimental and control groups. Also, while conducting an experiment, the researcher must make sure that all the extraneous variables in experimental and control conditions are held constant so that it does not influence the results. Furthermore, the researcher must take into consideration errors (biases) such as experimenter bias, participant bias amongst others that could also influence the results. Also, one of the most important features of an experimental method is making sure that the sample is representative. In other words, representative sample comprises of assigning participants randomly to an experimental and control groups. This procedure of random assignment ensures that each participant has an equal chance of being assigned to any particular group. Correlation method, on the other hand, does not explain cause and effect. For instance, Correlation method gives us information on whether the variables being studied are related, but it does not provide any information on which variable influence which. For example, If A and B are two variables being studied, correlation method will give us information on whether A and B are related, but it would not tell us whether A causes B or B causes A. This  method is used when researchers want to examine the relationship (Correlation) between variables. This method is analyzed using a correlation coefficient, a numerical value that specifies the degree and direction of the relationship between the two variables. Correlation coefficients range from +1.00 to -1.00, where the sign (positive or negative) denotes the direction of the correlation, and the numerical value (from 0 to +1.00 or -1.00) indicates the strength of the relationship. Both Experimental and correlation are research methods w hich are used to conduct research in psychology. Part III: The Brain Psychologists are interested in studying twins because they want to examine whether traits such as aggression, intelligence, sociability are inherited or are influenced by environment factors. To investigate such issues, the researchers conduct twin studies, as they have a high proportion of shared genes. There are two types of twins: identical and fraternal. Identical twins (monozygotic- one egg) are twins that share 100 percent of the same genes. On the other hand, fraternal twins (dizygotic- two egg) are twins that share approximately 50 percent of their genes, just like any other pair of siblings. Therefore, twin studies provide researchers with a lot of valuable information on the effects of heredity on behavior. For instance, both identical and fraternal twins share the same parents, hence the same environment. So, if heredity does influence a trait or a behavior then identical twins should be more similar than fraternal twins. Also, Researchers are interested in studying families with children who have been adopted because it also gives them valuable information on whether genetic factors play a role in behavior. For instance, if the adopted children are more similar to their biological parents then it can be inferred that heredity does play a role in influencing a trait or a behavior. If on the other hand, the adopted children does not resemble the biological family and instead is more like the adopted family then it can be inferred that environmental factors and not genetics play a role. 1.What are the functions of neurotransmitters and hormones? How do they  influence the brain and behavior?Neurotransmitters help to understand some common medical problems. For instance, some of the neurotransmitters and their functions are listed below:Serotonin has effects on mod, sleep, appetite, sensory perception, temperature regulation, pain suppression, and impulsivity. Acetylcholine (ACh) has effects on muscle action, cognitive functioning, memory, rapid-eye-movement (REM) sleep, emotion. Dopamine (DA) has effects on movement, attention, memory, learning, and emotion. Norepinephrine (NE) (or noradrenaline) has effects on earning, memory, dreaming, emotion, waking from sleep, eating, alertness, wakefulness, and reactions to stress. Epinephrine (or adrenaline) has effects on motional arousal, memory storage, and metabolism of glucose necessary for energy release. Hormones are used by endocrine system. Hormones help to control the body’s response to emergencies. For instance, â€Å"in times of crisis, the hypothalamus sends messages through two pathways- the neural system and the endocrine system (primarily the pituitary). The pituitary sends hormonal messages to the adrenal glands, which release release cortisol. Cortisol is a â€Å"stress hormone† that boosts energy and blood sugar levels, epinephrine (commonly called adrenaline), and norepinephrine (John Wiley & Sons Inc., 2008).†2.What is neuroplasticity?Neuroplasticity is at the ability of the human brain to change its structure and function as a result of usage and experience. The human brain is adaptive hence neuroplastic. For example, the neuroplasticity in brain helps us learn a foreign language. References Feist, J., & Feist, G. J. (2008) Theories of Personality (7th ed). New York: McGraw- HillJohn Wiley & Sons Inc.. (2008). Visualizing Psychology (1st ed.). NJ: Author.

History of Zen and Japanese Gardens

The art of Japanese gardens dates back to at least 592 AD, during the reign of Empress Suiko. There is documented evidence that suggests the art had actually been progressing long before then, because these early gardens were very well-developed. Early gardens contained artificial hills, ornamental pools, and many other features of Japanese gardens today. The first major development in the history of Japanese gardens came in the Nara period (646-794 AD), when trade with China began in earnest. This brought many changes to Japanese culture, and even more elaborate gardens in the castles of Japanis elite class. These gardens included animals, birds and fish to provide movement, and were used as sites for feasts and parties given by noblemen. As the fascination with other cultures began to wear off in the Heian period (794-1185 AD), those who could afford to build gardens had a renewed interest in traditional Japanese styles and customs. This change brought an elegant mix of Chinese customs and Japanese style to gardens, known as Shinden. The layout of these gardens was dictated by myth and legend; for example, streams had to run from east to west because in ancient Chinese lore, the East was the source of purity and the West was the outlet of impurities. Japanese garden. Not many changes were made to the Shinden style until the middle of the Kamakura period (1185-1392) when Zen Buddhist priests began creating gardens for meditation instead of merely for entertainment. Decorativeness was played down in favor of meditative qualities; gardens in this era tended to include stones, water and evergreens, remaining constant throughout the year. This minimalist theory was carried to even greater extremes in the Muromachi and Higashiyama periods (1392-1573) when gardens contained only stones. Created in the style of the monochrome landscape paintings popular during the time, these gardens used specially picked stones as metaphors for objects in nature. Also developed during this time was the flat garden, or the Hira-niwa. During the Momoyama period, most likely as a reaction to the frugality of the Zen garden design, royal gardens once again became vibrant and lush. These gardens were full of hills, waterfalls, and a variety of plants. However, the old Zen tradition lived on in tea gardens. Walking gardens were invented, constructed so as to be pleasing to the eye from any angle, and paths had to be woven into the structure of the garden itself. The result, right up to the modern day, is a great variety in Japanese gardens. From Zen rock gardens to tea gardens to walking gardens, the art of Japanese gardens is still very much alive.

Original Writing- Jonas Brothers

Although many people don't realise it, music plays a big part in everyday life. If its auditioning for the X-Factor, going to gigs every week, singing hymns at mass, singing to your favourite tunes in the shower or just listening to the radio on the way to work, we all like our music. It gets us though the days and has a big influence on what we do. Music separates the people with the many different genres it offers and some very talented people are behind it all. Considering this I would like to tell you about one of my favourite bands; the Jonas Brothers. Jonas Brothers are a VMA-nominated American boy band. The band consists of three brothers; Kevin, Joe and Nick. They come all the way from Wyckoff, New Jersey and have released three albums; It's About Time (2006), Jonas Brothers (2007) and recently, A Little Bit Longer (2008), and one soundtrack; Camp Rock (2008). The band gained their popularity on the children's television network; Disney Channel, which is where the Disney Channel Original Movie Camp Rock , starring the Jonas Brothers, was first shown. The band star in the movie as a boy band named Connect Three. One of my reasons for liking the Jonas Brothers, is the fact that they are well-known for their wholesome, family image. The brothers are all committed Evangelic Christians, and wear purity rings on their left-hand ring finger as a sign to not have pre-marital sex, of which neither of these things they are ashamed of or afraid of showing. Joe stated that the rings symbolize â€Å"a promise to ourselves and to God that we'll stay pure 'till marriage† and Nick thinks that â€Å"its pretty awesome, and the rings are just one of our ways of kind of like being different to everybody else out there†. They also abstain form alcohol, tobacco and drugs. Another reason for liking the Jonas Brothers is the fact that in 2007 they earned about $12 million dollars and donated 10% of it to their charity, Change for the Children Foundation. The charity is a foundation started by the Jonas Brothers, where the contributors donate to charities such as, Nothing but Nets, American Diabetes Foundation, St Jude Children's Research Hospital, Children's Hospital Los Angeles and Summer Stars: Camp for the Performing Arts. Their reasons for stating the charity is to â€Å"support programs that motivate and inspire children to face adversity with confidence, determination and a will to succeed†¦ kids helping other kids who are a little less fortunate.† Paul Kevin Jonas II, also known as Kevin, is the oldest of the brothers aged 21 and born November 5th 1987. He plays lead guitar (usually a Gibson Les Paul) and backing vocals. Kevin is also a songwriter and helped to write the bands self-titled album Jonas Brothers. Joseph Adam Jonas, was born August 15 1989, making him 19. He sings lead vocals, plays percussion and has played the guitar in the song A Little Bit Longer. Joe originally had no intentions of becoming a singer; he wanted to be a comedian and work on the show All That Nicholas Jerry Jonas, is the youngest of the band at only 16 years of age, born September 16 1992. He plays rhythm guitar (usually a Gibson SG in the original re stain colour), lead vocals with brother Joe, piano in the songs When you Look me in the Eyes and A Little Bit Longer, and drums in the songs, Australia, Can't Have You, Sorry and Video Girl. He can play various other instruments also. On November 16 2005 (aged 13), he was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. Franklin Nathaniel Jonas, is the baby of all the brothers, of only 8 years of age and was born September 28 2000, and isn't in the Jonas Brothers, but being the bands younger brother he still plays a big part in their lives. He is also known as the Bonus Jonas and Frank the Tank. He will debut with his brothers on J.O.N.A.S!(a Disney Channel Original Series (2009)), and may have a small appearance in Camp Rock 2. Other members of the band are: John Taylor who helps produce for the band, as well as plays guitar. Greg Garbowsky has been with the brothers since they started out. He plays bass guitar and keeps a blog of Life on the Road with the Boys. Jack â€Å"Flawless Lawless† Lawless joined the band in early 2007, and has replaced former drummer Alex Noyes. Ryan Liestman plays the keyboards for the group. The single, A Little Bit Longer, released earlier this year, was written by Nick Jonas himself and is about his fighting battle to carry on pursuing his dreams with his diabetes. He sings alone in this song, about how â€Å"you don't know what it feels like until its gone†. This song is very emotional and on occasions, Nick has been seen to be crying on stage to this particular song. He's said â€Å"Luckily, I've got some really great people around me that really help me manage my diabetes. And it hasn't slowed me down yet, and I'm not planning on letting it do that. So I'm going to continue to do what I love and if I have occasional low or high blood sugar, it will be all right because I've got some really great people surrounding me.† With the Jonas Brothers being so talented and successful at such a young age, I find them so inspiring to listen to and am proud to be a fan of theirs. You could be in any situation, but you're holding on because you don't want to give up on love. Say you're in a terrible situation†¦you can always find the light if you look hard enough.

Human Rights and Economic Development Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Human Rights and Economic Development - Essay Example The present time and age has witnessed human rights falling to its lowest ebb, which has essentially meant that it is indeed one of the most talked about subjects within the domains of the people and the society takes the brunt for the same anomalies (Gosine 2011). Human rights are universal and do not come about just because they are accepted by a culture or a society or completely shunned by it. They remain equal to all men and women present on the face of this world. This is the reason why it is seen in a similar perspective within the first world (developed) nations as it is perceived within the third world (underdeveloped) countries. The need is to understand how human rights, as a composite factor is able to sustain itself and be deemed as the savior for all human beings. However, it is an entirely different matter altogether that human rights are given more significance in the developed nations than the underdeveloped ones. These distinctions essentially outline the shortfall on the part of the human rights undertakings and actions happening on a global basis (Gavrielides 2011). The universal basis of human rights ensures that it is a problem for the entire world and not selected to a certain area or population. Thus the need is to find out how these anomalies can be taken care of and what more could be done to thwart such instances in the coming times. As far as understanding particular issues with human rights in the world, the need is to comprehend where human rights come about or pose as a problem. They are more often witnessed within the underdeveloped countries where people do not have access to proper clothing, quality food and shelter above their heads. This is the aspect that draws attention towards the point that human rights in all its forms and manifestations, remains a much quintessential factor. Men and women are being slaughtered in the name of cultural issues which is apparently a human rights

Critiquing a literature review Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Critiquing a literature review - Essay Example McCloskey argues that the utilization of research is essential for nursing. As part of a larger systematic review on research utilization instruments within the magnet health care system the argument made is precise, logical, and very well-articulated. However, the research conflicts on certain levels with many scholars who have continuously over the past two decades expressed profound concerns about whether nurses use the best available scientific evidence and research to guide their clinical practices.(Karkos,et al, 2006). This disparity between the availability of research evidence and its use in practice has created what is referred to as the research-practice gap (Larsen et al, 2002) within the professional application. The nature of this gap has been the subject of near continuous debate and conjecture and is the proximal focus of McCloskey’s research. The research provided validates the premise that nurses have an evolving perception of how research transcends into their practice, and is to an extent based upon educational level and hospital position. McCloskey puts forward a methodology of â€Å"what is to be† integrated and used by administrators and by nurses at all levels of the profession in order to assume a more positive posture toward research and evidence based practices. The problem statement of the paper is answered to the extent of how staff demographics’ effect research utilization, and to a larger extent how the circumstances of the organization may in fact precipitate much of what is recognized as the research-practice gap(Larsen et al, 2002). However, McCloskey’s research lacks sufficient depth to offer a specific formulaic approach to rectifying the research-practice gap as detailed in the wide panorama of the entire nursing profession. McCloskey sets out with a very simple tenant,

UK laser printer market analysis Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

UK laser printer market analysis - Essay Example This paper analyses the UK’s laser printing industry trends in recent times. HP is the major player in the UK laser printing industry with a market share of 39% in 2011, followed by Canon 19%, Epson 12% and Samsung 5% (Doidge, 2011). Even though Samsung’s market share is the lowest, statistics show that the growth rate of Samsung in UK laser industry is more than that of other companies. HP, Canon and Epson have suffered major setbacks in recent times while Samsung was able to maintain steady progress. The printing industry trends in UK are fluctuating rapidly in recent times. Fleur Doidge (2011) pointed out that â€Å"UK printer sales slid 15 per cent in unit terms during the second quarter of 2011, compared with the same period a year ago – with lasers the only segment to post growth†. Inkjet sales in the UK have been decreased substantially in 2011. Inkjet printer industry has lost 17 per cent market share by volume in 2011 (Doidge 2011) even though this loss was lesser compared to the loss suffered by other printing industry. In other words, laser printing industry was the only printing industry that was able to grow in 2011. However, the trend has been changed in 2012. In 2012, the inkjet printing industry in the UK has grown by 12.1% whereas the laser printer sales have only slightly increased, but overall inkjet sales have gone up a full 15%. (The European Printer Market Is Growing, 2012). The arrival of touchscreen mobile devices helped the printing industry in the UK to grow substantially in 2012. It should be noted that touchscreen mobile devices are mostly used by teenagers who are interested in using cheap printing machineries. Since laser printers are expensive than inkjet printers, teenagers usually prefer inkjet printers rather than laser printers. That is why the inkjet printing industry has grown more than laser printing industry in 2012 in the UK. Sam

Experimentation, Research and Consent for Ethics in Healthcare class Essay - 1

Experimentation, Research and Consent for Ethics in Healthcare class - Essay Example The next question which was raised to importance was when there was no such statement and there existed conflicting interest between the guardians of the patient then whose say would hold importance, that of the spouse or the parents? Along with these two questions, when the media got active a third conflict arose, regarding the rights of the disabled, whether their condition could be misconstrued to be an accent against pro life treatment? The hype was addressed by the then President of the US by passing a bipartisan Bill via which he had invalidated the ruling of the state judge by passing the matter to the federal courts. The reason why this was done was because it was felt by the Senate and the House of Representatives who had passed the Bill that the matter involved Terri’s Constitutional rights.1 The biggest conflict which came into being was also regarding the case being a right to die case or the disability rights case! But life cannot be charted into black and white words, and that’s what public opinion forced the courts to consider-ethical questions. Every person has the right to choose against medical treatment, against any sort of bodily intrusion. Then there is the right to life and personal liberty in contrast to the state’s right of preserving health and its duty to not allow people to commit suicide. This is called the duty of the state to maintain the sanctity of life. To add to this debate, many argued that the basic provision of food and water should not be removed as it is not covered within the ambit of medical treatment and as such law regarding the medical perspective could not guide removal of pipes which ensured regular basic nutrition. The third issue that was raised was whether a doctor is capable to decide on the issue about a miraculous breakthrough in a patient’s condition, especially when the same is steady if not improving. On removal of medicines which reduce

Decisions in USA Super Cars Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words - 2

Decisions in USA Super Cars - Assignment Example Exchange rate is a rate of a foreign currency determined on the basis of home currency. In this regard, companies and banks operations on a global context are concerned about exchange rate owing to the fact that business sustainability, loss and profit on business transactions are based on it. Uncertainty in exchange rate between nations lays immense impact on the overall revenue attainment scope of all global business processes. The intensity of such impact can be witnessed within the automobile manufacturing organizations (Reserve Bank of Australia, 2014; The New York Times Company, 2013). The report will specifically focus on analyzing the patterns through which uncertainty within exchange rates lays a direct / indirect impact on revenue generation rates of the global business organizations. It will identify and elaborate the emergence of multiple other risk factors as a result of the unpredictable exchange rates. An instance in this context includes the risk that will be incurred by the global and nationalized banks because of uncertain exchange rates. Additionally, the efforts made by the governments of multiple nations towards minimizing the fluctuation within the exchange rates will also be considered as a part of this report. The primary scope associated with this report will be regarding the identification of maximum and minimum values of the exchange rates that is prevalent within the US. Furthermore, analysis of the provided data by using standard deviation technique can help in identifying the possibilities through which the uncertainties within the US exchange can be brought down to the minimum possible levels. In addition, scope in alignment with this topic includes the possible options through which the revenue generation procedures of the global business transaction of companies can be improvised (Biz/ed, 2014). In

MARKETING PLAN FOR PGI COMPANY Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 5500 words

MARKETING PLAN FOR PGI COMPANY - Essay Example Number of words 1482 (excluding appendices/bibliographies and tables) Contents EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 4 INTERVIEW AND ANSWERS 5 INTERVIEW SUMMARY 12 DEMOGRAPHIC SEGMENTATION 13 GENDER SEGMENTATION 13 AGE SEGMENTATION 14 BEHAVIORAL SEGMENTATION 15 BEHAVIORAL SEGMENTATION SUMMARY 16 MARKETING MIX 16 CUSTOMER AUDIT 18 OPPORTUNITIES AND THREATS 18 INTERNAL AUDIT 19 STRENGTHS AND WEAKNESSES 19 MACRO ECONOMIC AUDIT 20 MACRO ECONOMIC SUMMARY 21 MICRO ENVIRONMENT AUDIT 21 MICRO ENVIRONMENT AUDIT SUMMARY 22 MISSION 23 EXTERNAL FACTOR (EXTERNAL AUDIT) 23 INTERNAL FACTOR (INTERNAL AUDIT) 23 COMPETITOR AUDIT 24 COMPETITOR AUDIT SUMMARY 24 SWOT ANALYSIS 24 TOWS ANALYSIS 26 MARKETING OBJECTIVES 27 STRATEGY THRUST 27 ANSOFF MATRIX 27 STRATEGIC OBJECTIVE 28 STRATEGIC OBJECTIVE SUMMARY 29 CORE STRATEGY 29 CORE STRATEGY SUMMARY 30 MARKETING MIX DECISION 30 MARKETING PLAN CONTROL 31 CONTROL 31 CONTIGENCY PLAN 32 PGI MARKETING PLAN EXECUTIVE SUMMARY PGI is an insurance broker that specializes in motor vehicl e insurance only. The company is now considering expanding its offerings by introducing a general household insurance policy to existing customers. The company has established links with affinity groups such as trade unions which give it access to more than 5 million customers. The target market consists of homeowners across all gender and age segments. The primary needs of the market are price, service and information. This report analyzes the industry and the competitive position of PGI within the industry to recommend a price skimming marketing strategy. INTERVIEW AND ANSWERS Stage 1: Cut and Paste Questions Interviewee 1 Male 46yrs Interviewee 2 Female 56yrs Interviewee 3 Male 25yrs Interviewee 4 Female 23yrs Interviewee 5 Male 61yrs Interviewee 6 Female 43yrs Interviewee 7 Female 63yrs Interviewee 8 Male 48yrs Q1 Would you be prepared to buy a household contents policy from a group which you are a member of? Yes I already get my car insurance from my Trade Union so why not my c ontents policy No I get my contents insurance from my mortgage lender, I thought I had to as they gave me the money. Yes why not, so long as they are competitively priced. Well currently I get my contents insurance from the web, the site searches 20 insurance companies for the best deal. I do have to input my requirements though. So if my staff association had a similar arrangement then I would think about it. Yes from my union but I can’t see it from the Train spotting club. What about when I retire though? No, I like to buy insurance from people who know about insurance, I mean does my trade union know anything about insurance? I don’t think so! Yes from my union but really I use my local insurance broker –they take all the hassle out of buying. What about when I retire though? Yes, why not if they can get me a good deal –must be able to get a bulk discount, I mean my trade union has over 1 million members now. Q2 What would you expect to find in a hous ehold contents policy? Well the contents of my house insured of course! But I would want my portable belongings insured outside of the house in case I lose them or had them stolen, I’d like the kids belongings insured too, especially the eldest while he is at university. I don’t know, how about the obvious, like my contents insured against lose due to fire, accidental damage, theft etc. Oh and outside the house as well. Well, accidental loss cover, the usual fire and theft that’s about it. Just fire and theft mainly. Just like the basic cover. Don’t want to spend too much money. The usual fire, theft, accidental damage, legal expenses insurance and all those telephone help lines –you know the repair, tradesman-sourcing etc. Oh just everything covered really,

Civil Wars and Peace Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Civil Wars and Peace - Essay Example In previous years, the most important focus on war was on interstate wars. Nevertheless, in the last two decades, there has been a heave in civil wars around the world. This perturbing trend of citizens rising against their governments needs strict analysis. In this essay, focus will be shed on civil war: the causes, effects, and actions taken to cultivate peace. In most cases, war leads to peace. It has often been said that there cannot be peace without war. Accordingly, this essay will also seek to establish the relationship between war and peace. Causes of civil war Political analysts and theorists of international relations have come up with several theories to explain the occurrence of civil wars. These reasons may vary from one country to another, but fundamentally, economic, political and cultural reasons are the main reasons for civil wars. Distribution of economic resources Most countries that have experienced civil wars can attest to the fact that disproportionate distribut ion of national resources was one of the factors that led to outbreak of war. When citizens start feeling like they are getting less than they deserve, they riot against the government. A case in point is the Sudanese civil war that lasted over twenty years. Sudan began exporting oil in 1999 and promised that proceeds from oil sales would be distributed equally in the country. However, when the government failed to distribute the wealth to the south, South Sudanese rebels started attacking North Sudan claiming their fair share of oil wealth. The two sides fought over the monopoly of oil profits as each wanted to control the sale of oil. South Sudan accused north Sudan of benefitting from the sale of oil that actually lay in South Sudan. In another case, the long standing civil war in Congo was primarily caused by the vast natural resources found in the country. The availability of minerals such as gold and copper led to conflicts. President Mobutu used the minerals to enrich himself and ensure that he stayed in power (Karl & Heo, 2007). This selfishness angered the citizens and opposition leaders who formed rebel groups to oust Mobutu from office. Political ideologies Differences in political ideologies have often led to civil wars within and among states. According to Levy and Thompson (2011), the type of political ideology that governs a country determines the stability of that particular country. In democratic regimes, citizens enjoy their human and constitutional rights, thus determining the way the state is run. In dictatorial systems, on the other hand, citizens are usually oppressed and do not have a say on how they are governed. Autocratic governments, oppressive as they may be, may not often experience civil wars since the people are afraid of the government. Semi-democratic regimes are more probable to be affected by civil wars. This is because citizens are aware of their rights and are able to petition the government to grant them their rights. In r ecent times, however, occurrences have proved that citizens can stand up against tyrants. The Arab uprising is one perfect example of how willing citizens can dislodge dictators from power. The Arab spring of 2011 started with the ousting of Tunisia’

International business Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

International business - Case Study Example Trade involves exports and / or imports of goods and services. One of the most important facets of Wal-Mart business strategy is offering the best quality products at the lowest possible prices. To achieve this objective, Wal-Mart depends heavily on imports from countries such as China, where the productions costs are significantly lower, mainly on account of low-cost manpower. For example, its imports from China during 2003 amounted to $15 Billions (Case study, Rugman & Collinson, 2009, pp.30 ). In contrast to exports / imports, FDI is investment in foreign countries, with a view to set up operation bases to service the local / regional markets from such bases. FDI helps to expand markets and competitiveness due to many factors such as savings on freight costs, commanding scarce but locally available raw materials, catering to the Wal-Mart’s strategy of wide coverage of the US market with quality products offered at lowest prices soon found competitors as well as distracters. The factor of cheap imports from China and other Asian region sweat-shops could be easily copied by the competitors. Wal-Mart’s distracters targeted its reliance on imports from China at the cost of local producers and the adverse impact of its massive operations on the survival of small businesses, like the neighborhood stores. In the face of such developments, Wal-Mart had to find new markets for business expansion. The US, European Union (EU) and Japan form the triad of economic regions in the developed world and command a high standard of living and lion’s share in international business. The EU has 27 member countries, all of which are geographically and culturally close. EU has emerged as the world’s largest importer and exporter and its gross domestic product (GDP) is higher than that of the US or Japan (Rugman & Collinson, 2009, Ch.1). The political, economic, social and technological factors

Memories of my childhood Essay Example for Free

Memories of my childhood Essay Thinking back when I was ten brings up a lot of memories of my childhood. I was a tom boy and a big eater because of my high metabolism and extremely high energy level. I look back at my favorite foods and there are many that come to mind. I loved Chef Boyardee Ravioli and Spaghetti O’s. I also loved my mom’s homemade chicken and dumplings and bisquits, peanut butter and banana sandwiches, and mom’s cookies. These have been my favorites throughout the years with the exception of the Chef Boyardee Ravioli and Spaghetti O’s. My mom has taught me how to prepare some of her recipes so that I may pass them on to my children and them to theirs. I think I will continue to eat these dishes until my body can no longer handle the ingredients that make these dishes so scrumptious. My mother is 52yrs old and still enjoys these foods she is in very good health with the exception of her osteoporosis so if I continue taking care of myself and my body and nothing bad happens besides what already has happened, I think I should be able to eat these dishes for a very long time. There are several reasons why dietary modifications need to be changed throughout the different stages of life. From birth the old age are metabolism is constantly changing, we go from a high energy intake to a slowed metabolism. Healthful diets help promote the growth of infancy into your older adulthood, and it helps with the productivity to help prevent obesity, high blood pressure and cholesterol, certain diseases, strokes, heart attacks, and osteoporosis.

The natural law

The natural law The subject of the article is the natural law. The term used to describe the experience many people have when they maintain their presence. It is well known fact that the natural law is theory depicted by the existence of law whose substances are set by nature and has validity in every corner of the world. Now, the natural law is complex phenomenon but I am going to focus on basic ideas. First of all, we will consider the meaning, emergence, the origin of the natural law. Secondly, I will describe the reasons why there are so many differences among various cultures and whether different cultures evaluate the natural law with a distinct point of view or not. Finally, I will mention some thought of philosophers like Thomas Aquines, Thomas Hobbes and John Locke who have profound impact on natural law theories. It is obvious that the implementation of natural law has fluctuated variedly through the history. For the first time in the history, almost the entire world have different theories of natural law, varying from each other with respect to the legal norms. The natural law theory is apparently very complicated occasion. It was composed of two types of theories, moral and legal theory. The term natural law is not referred to the laws of the nature which science has tried to clasify. Natural law moral theory acquired from the disposition of the human beings and existen ce of the world. On the other hand; being the legal theory independent, the two theories congregate in term of some respects. Since the time immemorial, it is generally wondered that now human society and its civil institutions come into being. In order to overcome the curiosity, philosophers developed the idea of the natural law. The natural law was made use of comprehending the human behaviour in society. The doctrine of natural law trigger the individual rights in constitutional law. In an attempt to come into existence, these rights constituted according to the fundamental structure of government which eliminated the power of majority rule. Notwithstanding there are some significant questions that we should ask ourselves. Can these fundemental constitutional rights be guarenteed by the governments in an attempt to provide citizens free speech, education, medical care etc. ? It is suggested by Joel Feinberg that moral rights as opposed to legal rights explains that human rights a re a subset of moral rights and that natural rights are a subset of human rights. On the other hand John Lockes ideas formulate theory that natural law is moral law and natural rights are moral rights. It may sound as if the situation that one philosopher differs from the other. For instance, Locke characterizes these fundamental moral requirements as God- given individual rights and more basic than human law or government. However, Bentham believes that all law and rights are conventional. They are the product of agreements of social order of government. Bentham defended that there are no rights without law and there is no law without government. There can be only chaos and individual power. We can say that the natural law is known as to be opposed to the positive law which was revealed by human beings. Natural law started to maintain availability with the presence of human beings. Furthermore, thanks to intersection between natural law and natural rights in United States, the decl aration of independence and the constitution of United States took place. This is the glamorous manifestation that the natural law tradition has immense influence on the development of government and law in western civilization, although the issue of natural law is still extremely controversial subject. Like the differences between ideas and prevision of philosophers, there are many disagreements and discrepancy among various cultures and civilizations. The different cultures assess the situation with the challenging point of view. Natural law is generally identified as an ideal legal system which is known to correspond the social requirements in the best way and is not implemented not only particular time period but also every scope of the lifestyle. Custom traditions law are not documental. Even though these sentiments inhabit in social conscience. The custom which is assimilated as a social attitude among individuals of community should meet three requirements in an attempt to become a rule of law. These requirements are sustainability, general notion and enforcements carried out by the government. Consequently, natural law theory can be defined as its content is substantial intrisically arranged naturally, it is more important that everything and in valid, available and also eff ectual. Natural law theory is great matter in terms of both morality and philosophy of law. Beyond it has magnificent reputation with the influence on philosophers. The first and most significant notion of natural law was detected in antique Greek. Primarily natural law which is perceived by antiquity thinkers is the correspondence of behaviour of human beings to the natural rules. The manner of the human beings should be well matched and proper to the natural law as well as physical occasion to be compatible with the physical laws. The creator of the rationalism, Hugo Grotius who spent some of his time with Descartes thought that natural law is universal and its roots were based on human mind. The natural law originated from the social nature of humanity. Thanks to very nature of mind, human beings can discover the principle implemented on themselves. In history of the humanity, human mind sought to reveal the principle with observing the life, habits, customs of people. Thereupon the natural law theory wa brought up by some specific philosophers known as the pioneer of their period. In that era philosophers, in order to identify the natural law, reached the result that the smallest structure of the society is individuals when they attempted to identify the common life while abiding the analysis method. For instance, in physics the term atom was handled the substance of matter. Like that Philosophers perceived the social life as social physic area. Philosopher sought the way to find the solutions to this issue that how both todays sociability and futures sociability should be constituted. In order to comprehend the nature of disposition of human beings, philosophers rendered a verdict that human should have placed on the isolation. As a result, they reached a decision that the affection of mind concatenation is necessary for indiv iduals to lead a society that is harmonizingly peaceful. That is to say; social lifetime is not becoming together with individuals mechanically, it is just dwelling together by utilizing their mind without damaging and becoming harmful to each other. Although you may think that the cultural diversity contradict the idea of natural law, that is not the case exactly. First then, why do people from various corners of the world experience natural law with an amended structure of consideration. Think about this for a minute when you grow up in a particular set of surrondings naturally, you get used to the rules and guidelines that govern the behaviour of the people around you. In a sense, you become totally dependent on the rules of your social group. You tend not to question them, you just accept them without thinking. These rules are often not clearly articulated and therefore you are not aware of their impact. In other words, you are not necessarily conscious of them. Lets turn to the different situations of natural law. The natural law acquires a different character according to the different cultures and philosophers who have great impact on the cultures on some categories about natural law. Stoic Natural Law: The improvement process of natural law can be attributed to the group of Stoics. The development of natural law is concurrent with the enlargement of the empires and kingdoms in Greek world. Stoic natural law is different from the divine or natural source of law in an attempt to obtain rational, real, purposeful order for the universe. And according to belief of Stoics, prosperity and arrangement can only gained through natural law. Stoics believed that the facilities of virtue can enlarge the power and development. Stoics emphasized influently that the theories of individual worth, moral duty and universal brotherhood played a great role in subsequent legal theory. Christian Natural Law: According to the thought of Christian Augustine of Hippo, a life keeping on with the nature is no longer possible. The human beings should have sought the way to maintain the life with the help of divine law and favor of Jesus Christ. In contrast to the philosopher Gratian who reserved this by coinciding the natural law with divine law. Then at the last stage, Thomas Aquinas reconstituted the independent state not only divine law but also eternal law. He defended his idea but could not really comprehend the eternal law that the perfection of human reason can only achieved with the approaches of eternal law and supported by divine law. Thomas Aquinas also stated that all human beings can be judged by the dependance and the loyalty about the natural law. According to the Christian law, the unfair law is not evaluated as law. In other words the unfair law remains merely the appearance of law. Christian natural law theory adjusted that the natural law was not used just to implement the moral aspects of laws also to make decision about what the law should have said in the first place of the occasion. For this reason, in some circumstances events could be resulted in great tension. It is the most significant fact that Christian law focused on truthfullness of actions in the view of ethic rather than the result. The natural law purpose is to gain the goodness and it focused on the whether the things become real and formed the happiness and goodness or not. Islamic Natural Law: The presence of natural law was admited. The advocator of natural law Abu Mansur AlMaturidi dedicated that the human beings could very well be aware of the existence of God and their apprehension could differentiate the good and the evil with the help of the feature of perception. In addition in this point of view human beings should have taken notice of inaccurate behaviours like killing, drinking alcoholism, gambling which were referred to the evils. Classical Natural Law Theory: The theory pointed out that there is nondocumented relation betweeen natural law and morality. With respect to this observation, law can not be precisely clarified without the favor of moral argument. Thomas Aquinas contributed the composition of classical law theory. Aquinas set apart laws in four groups such as eternal, natural, human, divine law. Eternal law is a degree of God which performs all creation and nature occasions. Human law also is positive law made by human changes persistently. On the other side divine law is defined as any law that in the thought of believers originated directly from the will. It is frequently mentioned that the natural law is composed of eternal law which administrate the behaviour of human beings in order to provide them for possesing free will. Furthermore, Thomas Aquinas can be stated as being representative and pioneer of the classical theory. Thomas Aquinas asserted that it is compulsory to do good things and to avoid bad habits and evil. It is well worth emphasizing that in his view of what is good and evil is came out from nature and temperament of beings. Thomas Aquinas described natural law activity of human participation in the eternal law, in providence. As you know, life of all creators will terminate in the end as human beings are aroused to explore the world. The slice of lifetime is to differentiate the good and the evil and after that maintain life according to precepts. There is a formulatic statement with Aquinas; that Man is by nature a social or political animal(DERS KITABI). Along with this commitment, he does not denote that we have inclination to participate in social contracts. The nature can not be preferred or chosen. It is just given and individuals must adjust their first born place. Because of the fact that it is like ring of chair, the conformation of family have influence on the maintance of life and survival and also humanbeigs flourish the various social and political communities. Aquinas c onveying the impression of Aristoteles depicted the people who can discriminate between the awful, weird and good, pleasent things. In addition to, coming into being individual with nature, human beings go astray and deteoriate with nature. Besides this, people should know natural law even if they are alone. Aquinas characterized the knowledge of primitive and complicated. In his point of view, simple informations are based on just unique definition or descriptions. At the same time the latter, knowlegde of complex abide by affirmation or negation of one thing of another. Put another word; every first happening things is comprised of series of the others. There is s connection between phenomenons. Thomas have a tenet that There is a conception which is prior to and presupposed by all other conceptions and judgement that is prior to and presupposed by all other judgements. Also think about it for a moment what does Thomas mean saying that since knowledge is expressed by language this seems to come down to the assertion that there is a first word that everyone utters and first statement that would appear in everyon es babybook on the appropriate page .(INTERNET KAYNAK) However surely that is not the case. In my opinion, although the life of the human beings resemble each other regarding birth, death, a great quantity of occasions yield different consequences on anothers. Even though there is a common language either the perception of the language or utilizing and keeping it alive varies. To sum up, Aquinas characterizes the God as pure mind and so he thought that individuals dominate the mind, they comprise the model of God. Aquinas thought that the law is an ordinance of reasons directed to the God and also should make by one who has confidence of community and should be promulgated. Another advocater of natural law is Thomas Hobbes. In Hobbes point of view; he dedicated that justifying towards certainity is more difficult than defining oneself. He uttered that individuals are equal in terms of damaging themselves. Hence, in an attempt to secure oneself and maintain existence, people can reach an agreement to constitute a government which is legitimate and quarantee complicated and profound issues, dilemma by setting aside our hostilities. He admitted that there was no reasoning about what is good, bad, better, worse. Hobbes evaluated the world administrated by mechanic movements as an ordinary hole of matters. Lively substances such as animal, plant, human are the fragment of the entire world. As to Hobbes both physical and mental life time dependent of the constution of mechanical actions. Thats why neither spirit, angel nor God are available. They are merely product of imaginary or belong to argument of belief. What distinguishes Hobbes notion from the notions propounded by other natural law theorists is the different denotation is referred to reason. By the side of Hobbes, reasoning is caltulation by means of we draw consequences for the nature occasions in an attempt to express and denote our feelings and opinions. Owing to Hobbes, the law of nature indicates what is good or evil in realiton to given end otherwise the other theorists emphasised that individuals comprise a team about what is good or evil in theirselves. Moreover, the natural law states prominently what is convenient or inconvenient to the reachment of the end which is peaceful and symbolizes supreme utility. For this reason the basement of natural law prescribes the way people seeking peace, benefitions, goodness. Hobbes highlighted especially that it is possible to obtain a peace, provided the state is utilized like an effective bridge. In brief, owing to Hobbes natural law command everyone conveying their specific rigths in order to assure the ways for conserving peace. It is explicit judgement that this can come to the fruition by means of state. We accomplish the thoughts about him by making deduction from his words you would give up liberty to gain security. As a result; the objectives should be seeking the peace, defending ourselves, surrending our Liberties which can be defined as the absence of external impediments for peace. Another theorist about natural law is John Locke who stuck in humans mind despite the fact that he is known in an account generating the fundamentals of revolutions French, Amerikan and British. Owing to John Locke, people are connected each other with no principle of natural law. Natural law are rationalistic and the reason of existence of human beings. In his point of view; God has confered to all peopla fundamental rights about life, health, liberty and possessions. For this reason, he encumbered to the government for protecting rights. Since he anticipated that the state which should be respectful about personal ownership and secure privileges has responsibilities to the citizens,inhabitants. John Locke consistently confronted with the question why should we obey the law of nature?. He thought that reasoning is kind of advisory.In human reason and divine reason it is just admited that what the God looks like. As if Locke took the natural law granted in spite of the fact that God created us with reason in an attempt to pursue Gods will and all of cases are exprienced like in divine and human law. Should the need arise; all humankind drew ones first breath being equal, indepent and free. With the help of natural law, willpower of God can be found out and what can be suited to the rational world. It is not quite accurate that the natural law is command of mind. Since mind can not ascertain the natural law by constructioning, individuals can not generate any social group or unity without natural law. The other prof showing the presence of law is that individual who made mistake on purpose and act in a nasty particular behaviour, can not feel welfare about conscience. Neither virtue nor goodness and rewarding being possible is veracity. Very important feature of Lockes Second Treatise of Government as a work of political modeling is its concern with the question of why people need structures of governance, in particular laws as regulatory forces in communal life. Essentially, a political theory needs to not only study and model the structures and duties of government but also speculate about why we need such a construction and regulation in our lives. Locke examines this by first questioning what state all men are naturally in.1 Men in the state of nature are in a state of perfect freedom to order their actions, and dispose of their possessions and persons, as they think fit, without asking leave, or depending upon the will of any other man.2 That is, the essence of human nature is to be free from any restraints on ones actions. Such unrestrained freedom, however, makes everyone both judge and executioner of the law of nature3 which, in turn, is very likely to impose a threat to another persons freedom and right to live. If, for instance, people punish their offenders in their own judgment and without any regulations that limit such punitive actions, one of the most important principles of justice, that punishment should be consistent and should fit the crime, will be violated. Thus, in the absence of governing structures, mens self-interest and natural instinct to preserve themselves and their possessions will eventually spur the society to unjust practices, thereby disrupting the peace and order of the communal life. This argument about human nature and why it requires certain structures of governance becomes yet stronger with the idea of how men are naturally inclined to protect their own property and seize new property at the same time: The great and chief end, therefore, of mens putting themselves under government and known law, is the preservation of their property. To which in the state of nature there are many things wanting.1 Through his arguments, Locke devises a political theory by analyzing which political model is most likely to bring people out of their state ofcommunal life. This argument about human nature and why it requires certain structures of governance becomes yet stronger with the idea of how men are naturally inclined to protect their own property and seize new property at the same time: The great and chief end, therefore, of mens putting themselves under government and known law, is the preservation of their property. To which in the state of nature there are many things wanting.1 Through his arguments, Locke devises a political theory by analyzing which political model is most likely to bring people out of their state of nature, and looking back to the historical context of his work, does so on the basis of empirical evidence. Thus, Second Treatise on Government, as a work of political theory, creates a strong foundation for why people need a certain political model and laws that it lays the grounds for.

The Background Of Glaxosmithkline

The Background Of Glaxosmithkline GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) is amongst the top 20 FT Global 500 companies and among the top 5 pharmaceutical companies in the world. GSK develops, produces and promotes in two industry sectors: Pharmaceuticals and Consumer Healthcare. The company, through its Pharmaceuticals segment, focuses on provides prescription pharmaceuticals and vaccines. Its Consumer Healthcare segment provides OTC medicines, Oral healthcare and Nutritional healthcare (Datamonitor, 2005). The company mainly operates in 120 countries and its promotion is done in over 150 countries. Its headquarter is in Brentford, UK and employees are 99,913 as of December 31, 2009. GSKs history goes as far back as 1859 when Beecham opened the worlds first factory built solely for making medicines at St Helens in England. Since that time the group has passed through many phases, but the turning point came during the merger of Glaxo Welcome and SmithKline Beecham in 2000, it had also seen a merger of Glaxo and Welcome in 1995 (Glaxo, 1998). There was a main impact on the society, structure, stakeholders and policy of the company due to this combination. The company recorded revenues of  £28,368 million ($44,422.3 million-) during the financial year (FY) ended December 2009, an increase of 16.5% over FY2008. The operating profit of the company was  £8,425 million ($13,193 million-) during FY2009, an increase of 18% over FY2008. The net profit was  £5,669 million ($8,877.3 million-) in FY2009, an increase of 20.3% over FY2008. Calculated using the constant conversion rate of  £1 = $1.56593 for the year ended December 31, 2009. (Source: http://www.researchandmarkets.com) Improvement is at the spirit of GSKs aims and the company promotes this through its exceptional culture. The objective of the company as described by its Annual Report 2009 is to become the undisputable leader in the pharmaceutical and consumer health industry (Glaxo, 2009). The strategies of GSK is to paying attention the business around the deliverance of three strategies priorities-Grow a diversified universal business- Broadening and matching their portfol io, diversifying into latest products areas and capturing chances that exist outside their recognized geographic footprint. Distribute more products of value- Transforming R D to make sure they not only deliver the urgent pipeline but are also capable to uphold the stream of products for days to come. Simplifying the working model- to make sure that is well for purpose and capable to maintain their business in the most cost efficient manner. (http://www.gsk.co.uk) 02. Changes are being affected by the Economy Strategic development effects the company in different ways. To evaluate atmosphere of any organization we have to understand the connection with different problems and matter with one another and the outcome of that particular areas. It includes the characteristic those are political (taxason policy, foreign trade regulation, government stability), economical (unemployment, disposable income), social (life style change, level of education), technological (government spending on research, speed of technology transfer), environmental (companys responsibility to society) and legislative (code of practice, access to raw materials) factors. There has been extensive research into the possible impact of freedom of global trade by World Trade Organization (WTO). for China. In 2005 China announced the ending of some of the remain quota systems existing on different segments. This has assist the process of globalization in support of moral drug manufacturers like GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) and also opened up a marketplace of 1.29 billion inhabitants. It has been estimated that in 2004 the global pharmaceutical market was worth  £ 275 billion, with projections showing an annual global sales growth of 6% over the following five years (Datamonitor, 2005). Illustration upon Pollack (2005), it can be stated that the majority of the sales in the industry originate from the Triad countries i.e. US, EU and Japan. The strength of economy is a vital power on the level of flexible buying and how greatly is spent on requirement purchases. The following graph and the table of figures have been made with the help of data taken from ONS (2005 ). The UK industry cycle (HM Treasury, 2005) shows that the existing cycle in progress in the early 1999; pointed in 2001 and afterward saw its lowest point in 2003. This is excellent news for all the businesses in UK as these cycles have fewer impact on them now than before. The illustration of the UK business cycle adopted from HM Treasury Report 2005 is provided as follows: National Health Service (NHS) has expected that healthcare expenditure growth will continue fairly stable till 2014, growing at the price of 7% every year (NHS, 2005). This chart growth in the healthcare spending can be seen has a chance for ethical drug manufacturers like GSK. The existence of price control has limited the revenues that the research-based companies can make from their patented products. There are stringent government regulations that govern the entry to pharmaceutical industry. (Debra Sivakumar, 2004). Thus it can be fulfilled that the rising costs, stringent laws, increasing basic competition and declining innovation are the main reasons for the post merger combination changes in the RD division by the administration of GSK. 03.An Evaluation of the Strengths and Weaknesses of the GlaxoSmithKline Every organization has their Strengths and Weaknesses. After an analysis of GlaxoSmithKline the following strengths and weaknesses has find out. Strengths The major strength of GlaxoSmithKline is its well-built RD development with a broad therapeutic exposure and its Marketing power in key geographical and therapeutic areas. The company is extreme less incorporated than the other big business that which makes them additional flexible compared to others. It has a big business structure. GSK drive its business not only in UK but in many countries all over the world. It has accessible Patent security for a number of years on key products. Quality management team and large highly skilled work force increased the companys status. Its Revenues up 8.5% since 2005 and Profits up 13.3% since 2005. Sound investment made the company worldwide positioned 2 in the pharmaceutical manufacturing. Plans to offer 25 new drugs in next 2 years might be the strengths. Weaknesses GlaxoSmithKline is an industry leader. Although their products are renowned, GSK is not a well known brand name. Public reflection in US is reduced after efforts to limit re-sale of drugs from Canada to US. High debt to equity share is their weakness thats raising cost of sales. Hammering of 11 products in period II testing. Internet sales from Canada to US decrease sales straight to US. The company has low market domination. Irregularity of attractive promotions is another weakness of GSK. The company is highly depending on only some selected products. For the main focus on UK marketplace losing opportunities. In the final stages of progress the company has discontinuation of some products. Their Co-marketing agreement can decrease GSKs worldwide presence. Enlarged size and operational difficulty makes GSK a less responsive company. (Source: http://www.allfreeessays.com) 04. Comparison of the alternatives form of Organization Development The merger of 2000 can be seen as the proper use of sigmoid curve (Handy, 1994), as the company started a new curve before the first one declined. Both the companies had the time, capital and power to get the next curve through its early struggle before the first curve declines. But it was the practice and management potential of both the companies that direct them through a winning change management plan. This combination can be shown as follows: Considering these outside stimulus the CEO of the company Jean-Pierre Garnier tried to reconcile the concepts of being big and think small by dividing the RD department into seven centers of excellence for drug discovery (hereafter CEDD) (Financial Times: April 2, 2001). The change can be categorizing as planned map and can be represented on the following diagram: The change condition of the RD division through the post-integration era at GSK can be seen as transformational as it accomplish the five main indicators of transforming alteration given by Ashburner et al. (1996: p. 6). The declared change influenced the culture existing at the sector, changed the relations of operations and RD division, created new leaders inside each CEDDs, changed functions of individuals teams. Moreover, in this change the managing role was positive therefore GSK being the core of RD can be seen as in the designed transformational phase, during the post integration stage of the combination. The varieties of change Model has illustrated below: Figure: Varieties of change Barnard Burns, Managing Change, 5th edition,2009 The culture of repeated align little improvement and consistency defer large results in the structure of compound efficiency improvement. Kaizen method includes building changes and monitoring results, then regulating. Large- scale pre-planning and widespread project developments are replaced by less significant experiments, which can be rapidly modified as new improvements. Stable method may be enhanced by applying a kaizen continuous development program. A remarkable step-change in performance may be achieved by radical re-engineering of the GlaxoSmithKline. Figure: Approaches to Change: Barnard Burns, Managing Change, 5th edition,2009 Changing the behavior of even one individual, that is discontinuing discarded behaviors and /or initiating latest behaviors is a challenge. But large-scale transformation is something else overall. Openly recognizing the step a process has reached in the life cycle offer guidance for practitioners successfully to direct and handle a program of performance development. Hence, in todays universal and dynamic environment patent with hyper-competitive and unstable markets it is widely accepted that an organizations capacity to manage change rapidly, effectively and positively is a important driver of organizational success. 05. Stakeholders Analysis in the Change of GSK Stakeholders are people or organizations who either place to be affected by the project or could make or break the projects winner. They may be winners or loosers, included or excluded from decision-making, users of results, participants in the development. Stakeholders analysis is the identification of a projects key stakeholders a assessment of their interests in the project and the ways in which these interests may affect a project. In order to identify the problem and thus make a sense of importance a stakeholder mapping had done by the industry. The company defined the core and peripheral stakeholders for this change and grouped them together to create a strategy for each group. The diagram explains the company identified the possible impacts on each of its stakeholders and devised a policy to undertake these impacts efficiently that the first step showed scientists and shareholders to be the core in this transform. To make a list of approaching forces (Lewis, 1951), the stakeholders and the impacts measured by the company can be summarized by the following table: In addition, the association of GSK with its key stakeholders was used to prove the plan that was adopted for every set of stakeholders. This has summarized by Power/ Interest Grid for stakeholder prioritization. The intend of each strategy can be seen in this depiction: Hence the company used a comprehensible and mutual vision that acted as a compass that afford ongoing track to the transform journey. Depiction upon Chorn (2004) the vision needs to be clear and widely shared throughout the organization. The mission statement of GlaxoSmithKline according to its most recent annual report is to become the undisputable leader in the pharmaceutical and consumer health industry (Glaxo, 2009). This statement truly captures the strength and intentions of the company. But critics recommend that the mission statements generally are not useful in mobilizing force for the change. 06. An Investigation and Evaluation of the Proposed Change in GSK There are no simple solutions to the challenge to provide sustainable entrance to healthcare in developing countries. GSK are committed to live a full part in addressing the healthcare challenges of the developing world by taking a pioneering, liable and sustainable approach. GSK is playing a essential role to developing country healthcare by action in different areas including: superior pricing of our anti-retrovirals and anti-malarials; tiered pricing of our vaccines; investing in RD that aims diseases mainly affecting the developing world; community investment movements and partnerships that promote effective; and seeking innovative partnerships and solutions. We cover our contribution to improving access to medicines extensively in our Corporate Responsibility Report. We were a clear leader in the first Access to Medicines (ATM Foundation in 2008). In February 2009, they announced a sequence of commitments for the UN named list of least developed countries, including a extra flexible approach to scholar property for investigate into ignored diseases, a promise to invest in healthcare infrastructure. A major increase in property from the worldwide community is still needed to maintain RD and to supply access to the follow-on medicines and vaccines. GSK are working to give access to medicines for people with inadequate financial funds and without prescription drug insurance. Leadership style used in each CEDD and the overall leadership style during this change has been under pressure so that it is aligned with enhancing creativity (Financial Times, 2005). The inspiration of the people was extremely low for many changes going on in a very short period of time. Employees first saw the joining of Galxo and Wellcome in 1995 and then of GlaxoSmithKline in 2000. They had a thought that they were being treated like sales division by raising competition within themselves (Financial Times, Oct 24, 2002). This fall in the motivation of the workers can be seen as what is identified as Denial Stage in the Kubler-Ross Transition model. This model with the emotional states of the undergoing staff is illustrated as follows: So according to this curve, GSK needed move toward that allows a soft transition from denial to recognition in a little time frame. GSK also needed to be changed to supply for this new CEDDs based RD division as there might be potential knowledge management matter among the centers and also they had to struggle for their budgeting needs. These issues in the enablers part of the EFQM would guide to the GSKs unhappy employees and consumers that in the long term will plan in weak pipeline which is one of the key performance indicator for GSK. Although the act taken by the administration to create the CEDDs can be seen as an unexpected one, but it took the trail of Organizational Development to establish this change into the culture of the organization. 07. Development and Adaption of appropriate models for the recommended Changes: In order to connect the improvements from this transform, GSK needed to apply the organizational improvement theories to cope the smooth midway period. The change from one RD division to seven independent group oriented CEDDs, can be represented in the following diagram: This structural change can only be possible if it is supported by a cultural change Handy (1993). Thus the business was faced with yet a new difficulty of changing the culture of the department to make the CEDDs work successfully. There are several models that illustrate this intangible attribute of a company on a map. One of the most accepted one is the Gottarna Cultural Map (Handy, 1993 Chorn, 2004). According to this diagram the culture of the organization can be exposed as I (Integration), D (Development), A (Administration) and P (Performance) logics or some arrangement of this. Thus the cultural change at GSK can be presented on the following axis: It shows that prior to the transform in the RD section the existing culture can be seen as a Power Culture and it was extra oriented to the development (D) area. Thus the sector was lacking a competitive atmosphere. The change in the organization of the department can be seen as a planned change in the culture to the performance (P) area that keeps an eye on the contest and uses creativeness and innovation in the limits of realism. This cultural alteration in turn needs a strategic coalition of the external internal players of the area. Strategic alignment for GSK is given below: (Best fit approach (Handy, 1993) The model illustrates the quantification of outside orientation of internal portion that includes leadership, society and plan. The fit among the internal external situation is the key to a constant competitive benefit and adds value for every stakeholders of the business. Although the vital aim of the planned change is on structural feature of the RD division but the impact also be seen on the culture of the division as well. The process of Cultural Change: The challenge was to inspire people and have possibility plans for this cultural transform at GlaxoSmithKlines RD section. The chance is infinite in an institute; the complex part is to decide which interventions are expected to have major impact. The company has adopted a four step procedure to beginning of cultural change. The change process has been a little customized from the force field analysis proposed by (Lewin 1951) to fit the transform situation of GSK. The steps that were undertaken by the group can be illustrates by the following diagram: By these four steps it covers the following points: Ensure that the RD department people know the pressure of transform. Grow and share a clear image about where the company and department is headed. Put in position the person, departmental and managerial capability for change. Have a preparation of action that outlines what has to be completed to get it all started. Lewins Three-Step model Managing Change includes the effectiveness policies and programs to allow those change agents to accomplish the new vision. For the work, I will be choosing Kurt Lewins 3- step model for the change of the organization. Lewin identified the role of habit in our thoughts and actions. Lewins basic change model of unfreezing, changing and refreezing to be a theoretical foundation upon which change theory could be built solidly in GlaxoSmithKline. Figure: Lewins Three-Step model of change Unfreezing (create dissatisfaction): Unfreezing is the basic step into the theory. It is about serving the stakeholders let go or not do things how they have always done. The effects of the driving and restraining forces appear to play at this step. If the restraining is larger than or equivalent to the driving forces there will be no transformation. So GlaxoSmithKline company must aware about their driving force and restraining to be successful of the change in the organization.The driving force must outweigh the restraining force in order for enough motivation to take place; merely introducing a driving force is not enough to cause a shift in the equilibrium of the perceived change (Schein, 1995). Moving (implementation): Moving to a new stage or changing means accurately that it is about changing the old actions with accomplishment that are reliable with the objective. To help retain the inspiration for change of the GSK, functioning in groups or obtaining support is useful. The process of change is not only done physically, it requires mental alterations (Tichey, 1997). Refreezing (Stabilization): This is the last stage in the 3-step model. When the transformation are taking figure and people have hold close the new behavior of functioning the organization is organized to refreeze. GSK needs to make sure that the changes of the company are used all the time and that they are integrated into everyday dealings. GSK can accomplish this step when most of their stakeholders normally take the creative action with no thinking, it turn into the model. The new action must be fitting to behaviors and characteristics of the individual to remain effective or the old action will reemerge (Schein, 1995). 08. Planning of Implementation and Possible Outcomes: GSK has provided clear guidelines for people to create the main first steps. It is obvious from the literature that the effectiveness of the change program depends upon the first steps taken (Andrew, 1995). The change attempts can fail because no one knows where to start Chorn (2004). It is required to break down the idea into its divided parts. SMART: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Rational and Time bound objectives require to be setup. Then list the actions required to carry regarding these objectives must be done. Lastly set performance actions require to be taken care of. The stepwise approaches make sure that objectives are reached in time and the change takes place in a time bound frame. The change of the RD division from a particular unit to seven smaller, independent CEDDs and the cultural change which will accompany it can be seen like people oriented and also as ignoring the job needs. As the group will be working separately and there will be a contest among the teams therefore the position that can establish with over importance on teams can be revealed with John Adairs circles (Handy, 1993) bellow: Hence, in order to remain the team alert on the duty, the equilibrium among team, task and person needs must be catered. This can be completed by having a democratic leadership approach inside all CEDDs. GSK uses European Foundation for Quality Management (Excellence Model) to measure its performance (Simmons, 2003). The model has been used by the companies to measure their performance in different phase of change management. This structure provides a benchmark alongside the best apply not only in the business but also across various industries. The impact of transform on the business and in particular on the RD division is considered to be of competitive benefit for GlaxoSmithKline and can be represented on EFQM by using arrows in the following way: This shows the change method has an outcome on management, people, resources and process that will also impact on the effect of customers and key performance indicators. Conclusion: In order to sum it up, it can be accomplished that the content, framework and process adopted by GSK in the light of external market changes throughout the post merger combination of the corporation can be seen as a good apply in the change managing field. The study shows that the requirements for change projected by the management were desired at that time and the assessment strengthens this argument. The procedure adopted by the business can also be seen like one of the greatest practices to be used for benchmarking in the production because the cultural characteristics were marked and dealt with during the transformation. Therefore in light of the discussion provided with the help of relevant theories the change management at GSK of division of RD department into CEDDs can be used as benchmark for good practice for others in and across the industry. Word Count: 3784

The Relationship Between Video Games and Aggression Essay -- Video Gam

The Relationship Between Video Games and Aggression As technology continues to forge ahead concerns about its effects on the populace are raised. Whether it be microwave ovens causing cancer or cell phones causing accidents, people are always interested in researching, and often condemning, these new products. Such is this case with videogames. Ever since PongÃ’ swept the nation, scholars have been researching videogames' effects on children. The most popular aspect of videogame research is whether or not games increase aggression. A video game is any console or PC based interactive game, aggression is any thoughts or behaviors related with the intention to cause harm. Contrary to popular belief, there is no reliable correlation between videogames and aggression. Claims are the backbone to a study; they are both the starting point and the goal. Cooper and Mackie (1986) sought to discover if a highly violent game would affect 4th and 5th grade kids differently than a nonviolent game or a paper-and-pencil game. Tamborini et all (2000) predicted that aggressive thoughts and behaviors would be highest amongst those playing a violent virtual reality game followed by those playing a violent standard game, followed by those playing a nonviolent standard game. Derek (1995) was interested in what effect, if any, playing violent games would have on aggressiveness in different personality types. Ballard and Weist (1996) researched whether the level of violence in a game would affect peoples? responses on a hostility questionnaire. Sherry (2000) performed a meta-analysis on 25 video game/aggression studies; he wanted to see if there was any credence to the claims. All five studies are very similar in their intent. They mostly focus on whether the level of immersion (via different hardware, violent content, and/or graphics) affects the level of aggression. To understand a study one must understand the definitions used within that study. All five studies use the same general definition of a videogame that the general public uses; an interactive game played on a television or monitor whereby onscreen objects can be manipulated through the use of a controller. Violent video games are those that involve death and destruction to things resembling reality and/or fantasy. Definitions of ?aggression,? however, differ. Cooper and Mackie (1986) used a ... ...nding results, indicating that the positive findings in some of the studies could be anomalous. This lack of evidence would leave one to believe that the status quo is acceptable. Game content can be found through the rating system, but any other measures would be burdensome and unnecessary. So, until more convincing data comes along we can rest assured that any rage is the result of good old American anger, not blasting on-screen boogie men. Works Cited Ballard, M. E., & Wiest, J.R. (1996). Mortal Kombat: The Effects of Violent Videogame Play on Males? Hostility and Cardiovascular Responding. Journal of Applied Psychology, 26, 717-730. Cooper, J., & Mackie, D. (1986). Video Games and Aggression in Children. Journal of Applied Social Psychology, 16, 726-744. Derek, S. (1995). The Effect of Video Games on Feelings of Hostility. The Journal of Psychology, 129, 121-130. Sherry, J. L. (2000). The Effects of Violent Video Games on Aggression: A Meta-Analysis. Human Communication Research*. Tamborini, R., Eastin, M., Lachlan, K., Fediuk, T., Brady, R., Skalski, P. (2000). Virtual Violence. 86th Annual Convention of the National Communication Association.

Great Expectations Essay example -- Great Expectations Essays

The Mannequin The novel Great Expectations by Charles Dickens is one of unrequited love and the desperation for elitism for Pip, a poor orphan boy. Pip is starstruck by Estella, the haughty and cruel, even violent, â€Å"daughter† of a rich and eccentric elderly woman named Miss Havisham. Miss Havisham controls and teaches Estella instructions to break the hearts of men as her own personal vendetta against all men after her love for a man is unrequited. Estella has no feelings and even admits that she has â€Å"†¦ not bestowed [her] tenderness anywhere† (251). Despite her cruel attitude and disinterest in him, she serves as the most significant beacon in Pip’s life in attaining his goal of becoming a gentleman and breaking free from his poor and lowly life. With Miss Havisham’s control upon her, Estella’s detached emotionless nature and cold arrogance shine through and show how she pilots Pip’s desperation in attempting to reach her and his change in becoming an arrogant gentleman. Firstly, a recognizable characteristic of Estella is her dispassionate nature. Miss Havisham and Estella are polar opposites. Estella’s â€Å"mother† loves her in an eccentric way, lavishing her with fondness and sweet murmurings of â€Å"[b]reak their hearts, my pride and hope, break their hearts and have no mercy!† (100). Their moods are so â€Å"contradictory of one another,† Pip is left â€Å"puzzled [of] what to say or do† (100). Since they feel opposite emotions and Estella cannot feel love, for she has â€Å"never bestowed†¦ tenderness anywhere,† and coldly rejects Pip’s feelings for her, she may feel absolutely nothing but the desire to hurt (251). After treating Pip so condescendingly when giving him food, she looks at Pip â€Å"with a quick delight in having been the cause of [the... ...use she is common (132). Like him, Biddy has unrequited adoration, but for Pip himself. Through this, Estella’s importance shines and shows how important she is to Pip. Ultimately, the only reason Pip desires to be a gentleman is â€Å"on her account† (136). Pip â€Å"[loves] her against reason†¦ against happiness, [and] against all discouragement,† despite her being heartless and to â€Å"have no heart,† Estella is the most influential person in Pip’s life (246 and 251). Without her superiority and emotional detachment, Pip will not strive in his passionate desperation to attain her. Despite, not having human feelings such as love and compassion, Pip â€Å"[loves] her simply because [he] found her irresistible† and declares passionately to be â€Å"a part of [his] existence†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (245). His bildungsroman is based on his unrequited love for her, for there will no Pip if there is no Estella. Great Expectations Essay example -- Great Expectations Essays The Mannequin The novel Great Expectations by Charles Dickens is one of unrequited love and the desperation for elitism for Pip, a poor orphan boy. Pip is starstruck by Estella, the haughty and cruel, even violent, â€Å"daughter† of a rich and eccentric elderly woman named Miss Havisham. Miss Havisham controls and teaches Estella instructions to break the hearts of men as her own personal vendetta against all men after her love for a man is unrequited. Estella has no feelings and even admits that she has â€Å"†¦ not bestowed [her] tenderness anywhere† (251). Despite her cruel attitude and disinterest in him, she serves as the most significant beacon in Pip’s life in attaining his goal of becoming a gentleman and breaking free from his poor and lowly life. With Miss Havisham’s control upon her, Estella’s detached emotionless nature and cold arrogance shine through and show how she pilots Pip’s desperation in attempting to reach her and his change in becoming an arrogant gentleman. Firstly, a recognizable characteristic of Estella is her dispassionate nature. Miss Havisham and Estella are polar opposites. Estella’s â€Å"mother† loves her in an eccentric way, lavishing her with fondness and sweet murmurings of â€Å"[b]reak their hearts, my pride and hope, break their hearts and have no mercy!† (100). Their moods are so â€Å"contradictory of one another,† Pip is left â€Å"puzzled [of] what to say or do† (100). Since they feel opposite emotions and Estella cannot feel love, for she has â€Å"never bestowed†¦ tenderness anywhere,† and coldly rejects Pip’s feelings for her, she may feel absolutely nothing but the desire to hurt (251). After treating Pip so condescendingly when giving him food, she looks at Pip â€Å"with a quick delight in having been the cause of [the... ...use she is common (132). Like him, Biddy has unrequited adoration, but for Pip himself. Through this, Estella’s importance shines and shows how important she is to Pip. Ultimately, the only reason Pip desires to be a gentleman is â€Å"on her account† (136). Pip â€Å"[loves] her against reason†¦ against happiness, [and] against all discouragement,† despite her being heartless and to â€Å"have no heart,† Estella is the most influential person in Pip’s life (246 and 251). Without her superiority and emotional detachment, Pip will not strive in his passionate desperation to attain her. Despite, not having human feelings such as love and compassion, Pip â€Å"[loves] her simply because [he] found her irresistible† and declares passionately to be â€Å"a part of [his] existence†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (245). His bildungsroman is based on his unrequited love for her, for there will no Pip if there is no Estella.

Type :: essays research papers

We are well accustomed to the written word as a primary method of communication in our culture. Its primary elements, the characters of the modern alphabet, were once quite literal symbols of everyday objects which were gradually abstracted to the letters of the alphabet. While cave paintings, dating as far back as 20,000 B.C. are the first evidence of recorded pictures, true written communication is thought to have been developed some 17,000 years later by the Summerians, around 3500 B.C. They are known to have recorded stories and preserved records using simple drawings of everyday objects, called pictograms. As civilizations become more advanced, they experienced the need to communicate more complex concepts. Around 3100 B.C., Egyptian hieroglyphics incorporated symbols representing thoughts or ideas, called ideograms, allowing for the expression of more abstract concepts than the more literal pictograms. A symbol for an ox could mean food, for example, or the symbol of a setting sun combined with the symbol for a man could communicate old age or death. By 1600 B.C., the Phoenicians had developed symbols for spoken sounds, called phonograms. For example, their symbol for ox, which they called aleph, was used to represent the spoken sound â€Å"A† and beth, their symbol for house, represented the sound â€Å"B†. In addition to sounds, phonograms could also represent words. Today, our own alphabet contains many such phonograms: % for percent, ? for question, and $ for dollars. It is the Phoenicians who are generally credited with developing the first true alphabet— a set of symbols representing spoken sounds, that could be combined to represent spoken language. They traded with many cultures, spreading their alphabet throughout the Western world. Around 1,000 B.C., the Phoenician alphabet was adapted by the Greeks, who developed the art of handwriting in several styles. The word â€Å"alphabet† comes from the first two Greek letters alpha and beta. Several hundred years later, the Romans used the Greek alphabet as the basis for the uppercase alphabet that we know today. They refined the art of handwriting, fashioning several distinctive styles of lettering which they used for different purposes. They scribed a rigid, formal script for important manuscripts and official documents and a quicker, more informal style for letters and routine types of writing. By A.D. 100, the Romans had developed a fast growing book industry and, as Roman handwriting continued to evolve, lower case letters and rough forms of punctuation were gradually added.

Major Cultural Sporting Events and It’s Benefits

This essay will evaluate the benefits and drawbacks of Glastonbury Festival to the local community. It will mainly focus on the economic impact on the local community of Glastonbury, Pilton and Mendip but will also examine the social impact of the festival. â€Å"Festivals may be recurrent events (at intervals of a year of more) such as Glastonbury or one-off affairs like the Armada celebrations of 1988. A festival may be over in a day, a weekend or last a fortnight or more. Most festivals include associated activities, even if they a predominately one art form in concept† (Waters, 1989, pp 57). Glastonbury Festival could be described as a multicultural festival, as defined by Wilson and Udall (1982, pp 4-6, cited in Hall, 1992, pp 26) who state that multicultural festivals are, â€Å"festivals representing the cultural materials of many cultures. With few exceptions, audiences tend to be people who are not of the cultures presented. Organisers tend to be academics or eclectic fans of the folk arts with the control of the events likely to be in the hands of a non-profit institution. Glastonbury Festival donates the majority of their profits to charitable causes and attracts a diverse range of different people and cultures, from the folk fan to the raver. Glastonbury Festival for Contemporary Performing Arts was started by the owner of Worthy Farm, Michael Eavis, in 1970 and has continued to grow each year since then, with the 2000 festival attracting in excess of 150,000 people (BBC, 2002). Glastonbury Festival is now one of the most well known festivals in the world â€Å"†¦this festival is now a multi-media, international event†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (Avon and Somerset Constabulary, 2002). Hall (1992) highlights some of the benefits to the local community of hosting a festival, he says â€Å"undoubtedly, festivals and programs of special events provide opportunities for communities to expand the markets of existing firms and attract new businesses and commercial interests, and perhaps raise the overall attractiveness of the areas as places to settle. However, â€Å"the nature of impacts varies with the age and status of the event and the size of the community in which it takes place† (Wall and Mitchell, 1989, p132, cited in Hall, 1992, pp 47). An event such as Glastonbury Festival, however, may not attract the type of people or businesses that the local residents would approve of and this could create conflicts within the local community. There is a great deal of support for Glastonbury Festival from the local community who benefit from it in many ways, which will be discussed later on in this essay. The Glastonbury Tourist Information Centre show their support for the festival on their website, â€Å"The town of Glastonbury has gained enormously from its association with the Glastonbury Festival. In particular, PTA groups, Carnival Clubs, playschools, local charities and businesses are among the many organisations that have benefited from its success. Therefore we, as a community, would like to show our support for the festival and thank Michael Eavis for bringing us all such a wonderful event. † (Glastonbury TIC, 2002). However, there are also a number of local residents who are opposed to the festival due to the problems caused by the quantity and quality of those attending. These views will also be discussed later on in this essay by reviewing the minutes of the meeting by Mendip District Council for the 2002 licence application. Glastonbury Festivals Ltd. (GFL) have provided a great deal of information as to how the festival financially benefits the local community. A summary of this information will follow. In total, from January 2000 to December 2000, GFL donated ? 703,158. 97 to various charitable organisations worldwide. Of the total amount, ? 289,613. 72 is donated to local causes. These local causes vary from carnival clubs and schools to various sporting clubs, many of which rely on funding from the festival to continue. A letter to Mendip District Council (2002), in support of the festival, from a local child states, â€Å"†¦we could loose our carnival if he [Michael Eavis] doesn’t do this [Glastonbury Festival], because a lot of carnival clubs go up there to raise money to build their floats that cost thousands to make †¦ and we’ve always had Pilton Pop Festival in the past. Three cheers to Michael Eavis. † Herbert (2001) states that, â€Å"in response to the questionnaire 74 percent of local residents asked say that the festival provides financial funding for local charities and schools†. From the information provided by GFL it can be seen that it is not just through donations that the local community is benefited financially from the festival but also by an increase in business at the time of the festival. A total of 316 local businesses received  £3,308,625. 78, from January 2000 to December 2000, by direct spending from GFL. This level of financial input from GFL is much needed by local firms especially due to their rural location. â€Å"We have a lot of support locally. The economy relies on the festival what with the demise of the agriculture industry. The economic case is very, very strong,† said Mr Eavis (BBC, 2002). It is more than likely that, yet again, many of these local companies rely on the annual spending from GFL. However, it is not only through direct spending from GFL that local businesses benefit. All businesses associated with leisure and tourism benefit from the festival, from accommodation to shops and pubs, the publican from the Crown in Pilton said, â€Å"It was a magnificent boost to trade, with nothing lost, nothing stolen and nothing broken – we didn’t have to close the doors to anyone† (GFL, 2002). In the weeks prior to the festival itself, those actually setting up the festival site use many of these local amenities. A proportion of people who come to the festival, including workers, performers and festival goers, choose not to camp on site and look to local hotels and bed and breakfasts for their accommodation† (GFL, 2002). Shepton Mallet, Glastonbury and Wells Tourist Information Centres all state that all of the accommodation on their books is fully booked at the time of the festival. There are also a number of local residents who open their homes up for paying guests over the festival period. â€Å"As a result of the festival therefore, in excess of ? 250,000 is spent in the local community on accommodation† (GFL, 2002). Local garages also benefit from the number of cars arriving on site at the festival, â€Å"Mendip District Council quotes that there were a total of 57,000 cars in the official and unofficial car parks in 2000. Many of these vehicles would have used local garages for fuel, assuming each car only spent ? 10 this amounts to ? 570,000 spent on fuel† (GFL, 2002). At the 2000 festival GFL directly employed 1600 people, twenty five percent of whom were employed from the local area. â€Å"Over  £347,175 was spent on local employment, this amounted to over 55% of the total monies spent on wages for the 2000 festival† (GFL, 2002). Local business also benefited by having stalls at the 2000 festival, of the 770 stalls at the festival fifteen percent were local businesses. GFL (2002) states that, â€Å"It is our policy to try to accommodate local traders in preference to those coming from further a field. † It is clear to see from the information provided by GFL that they make a considerable effort to involve the local community as much as possible in the festival and a large proportion of the direct spending and donations from the profits go directly to the local community. Glastonbury Festival is a cultural event it can therefore be said that it can help to promote cultural tourism within the local community. Cultural tourism is defined by The World Tourism Organisation (1985, p6, cited in Hall, 1992 pp 23) as â€Å"movements of persons for essentially cultural motivations such as study tours, performing arts and cultural tours, travel to festivals and other cultural events, visits to sites and monuments, travel to study nature, folklore or art and pilgrimages†. As the Festival is such a well-known event it probably promotes tourism even when the festival is not actually on. Those who have heard of the festival may want to visit Glastonbury at other times of the year. GFL are aware of the festival’s ability to promote tourism in the local area, as stated by the Commercial Manager, â€Å"the festival brings a lot of money into the local area, and gives it a boost in tourism† (Commercial Manager of the Glastonbury Festival, 2001, cited in Herbert, 2001). However, Van Harssel (1994, cited in Herbert, 2001) stated that a greater level of tourist activity may cause increased overcrowding and congestion, which in itself affects residents’ daily lives†. An investigation by Herbert in 2001, into community participation in the planning and management of the Glastonbury Festival, shows that one of the major drawbacks recognised by the organisers and residents is traffic congestion. She goes on to say; this can be supported by Murphy (1985) who believes that one of the most frequently stated irritant for the host community residents is congestion amongst the community. Such a massive annual influx of festival-goers into the area will easily cause heavy congestion in such a small rural area. It is obvious that this huge festival will have some kind of negative impact, both economically and socially, to the local area. The main economic drawback of the festival is the cost to the local community of dealing with crime and other associated problems actually outside the festival site and the pressure put on local services such as hospitals and the police. This is confirmed by Mendip District Council (2002) â€Å"The Glastonbury Festival attracts more than 100,000 people every year. It doubles the population of Mendip district and severely stretches the capacity of local services, such as the police, fire and hospitals†. At the 2000 festival a total of 3237 patients were dealt with, 127 of which were referred to local hospitals and the helicopter was used twice (Festival Medical Services, 2000). The festival costs the NHS  £40,000 plus many empty beds in case of emergencies (Mendip District Council, 2002). The Somerset Fire Brigade were called to thirty-four incidents at the 2000 festival (Somerset Fire Brigade, 2000). A report from Avon and Somerset Constabulary (2002), complied for the licence application for the 2002 festival, states that â€Å"it can be reasonably predicted that recorded crime in the Mendip District overall will increase by 30 percent in the financial year 2002/03 if a licence is granted†. This level of increase in crime puts a considerable strain on the local police, especially seeing as a great deal of the crime is actually committed outside of the festival perimeter, â€Å"the car parks and areas immediately outside the perimeter fence are gathering points for organised touts and criminal gangs† (Mendip District Council, 2002). One the major problems for the local police is controlling the huge number of people that turn up at the festival without a ticket in the hope of getting over the fence. Many of these people congregate close to the festival sites and unlicensed raves attended by those who cannot get into the festival cause a considerable amount noise that affects local residents. â€Å"During the 2000 festival 400 vehicles (2000+ people) arrived for an unlicensed off-site rave. Of the 98 noise complaints that Mendip District Council received in the year 2000 from distressed local people, seven complaints related to the official festival; the rest derived from the off-site rave† (Mendip District Council, 2002). The cost of policing the 2000 festival was  £1. 25 million. The festival pays 40 percent; the taxpayers pay the rest causing tremendous drain on police resources (Mendip District Council, 2002). The festival also attracts the travelling community, many of whom then stay in the district and are very difficult to move on. One of the many reports submitted to the licensing board, from Mendip District Council (2002), highlights some of the detrimental effects to the environment caused by the festival. The wildlife, where it still exists, does a general exodus. The festival creates a million gallons of raw sewage, which helps to pollute the River Whitelake. 60,000 cars and coaches come into the district, which with the numerous fires and smoke machines etc help to create a haze like an industrial smog over Pilton. The festival creates 1000 tons of rubbish, very little of which is recycled. From the information that has been examined for this essay, it is rather difficult to determine overall whether the positive impacts of the festival outweigh the drawbacks. It also depends on whom you speak to in the local community with regards to how they feel about the festival. Mendip District Council receive many letters and phone calls from local residents some showing support for the festival and other from residents who are wholly opposed to it. It is clear that GFL make a great deal of effort to donate to local charities and to support local businesses, but it seems that not enough is being done to combat the detrimental effects caused by the festival. As stated by Herbert (2001) in her conclusion, â€Å"in general, more members of the host community agreed that the festival brings more disadvantages to the community than benefits, although this could be improved with the community having greater involvement in the planning and management of the Glastonbury Festival†. The 2001 festival did not go ahead as it was felt by the licensing board and the police that it would not be safe and following the 2000 festival the festival organisers were fined  £6,000 for breaches of the licence conditions (Mendip District Council, 2002). This has meant that the conditions of the licence for the 2002 Glastonbury Festival are much more stringent, with the festival organisers this year stating â€Å"No Ticket, No Festival† (GFL, 2002). The festival organisers are combating the huge problem of the number of people turning up without tickets, which appear to be those who cause the most problems in the local area. There will be stricter controls with regards to stopping those with no ticket getting anywhere near the festival. Off site car parks are proposed with buses running to the festival site for only those with a ticket (GFL, 2002), however, it will not be clear until the festival actually happens as to whether this will be effective, it may just cause more problems within the local area. It is clear from the research undertaken that a great deal of effort has been put into trying to ensure that the problems caused by previous festivals are not repeated. An organisation called Mean Fiddler have taken over the running of the festival, they have experience of managing other large-scale cultural events such as the Reading Festival and Homelands (www. meanfiddler. com, 2002). Hopefully this will help to make Glastonbury 2002 safe and fun and a great deal more pleasant for the local community. If the conditions of the licence are breached this year it is almost certain that Glastonbury Festival will not be allowed to continue, it is therefore up to all of those involved and all of those who support the festival to make sure that it is successful.