Wednesday, November 27, 2019

My evaluation for Grease Essay Example

My evaluation for Grease Essay My film that I choose was Grease because it contains music, dancing and humor. It is a cross between comedy and teen movies. It is a tribute to the Broadway show of the 1950s. It was directed by Randal Klieser and was released on July 7th 1978. The music and dance scenes are what attracted me to Grease. My favorite characters are John Travolta and Jeff Conaway who play Danny and Kenickie. I like these two because they are your typical high school popular boys who are always looking out for each other, looking good and they are always trying to get the beautiful girls but at the same time acting cool like it doesnt bother them. I had high expectations of Grease and I lived up to each and every single one of them. I learnt about this film through television and newspapers. We used three simple words from everyday media. Firstly narrative is from the Latin word narra, meaning the way a story is told. Many theories have been applied to the creation of stories. Tzvetan Torodovs 5stages of narrative. He said that all plots had 5 major components. These 5 components are equilibrium, disruption, complications, climax and resolutions (also called new equilibrium. The story begins with a situation of normality although not necessarily a positive one. An event changes the story, which involves the struggle of the characters to restore the equilibrium or reach their goal. The story reaches a point where the equilibrium or goal hangs in the balance. Normally the equilibrium is restored or a new equilibrium is established. Grease used this theory because the equilibrium is Rydell high the normal high school, the disruption is when Sandy comes and knows Danny, the complications is that Danny cannot be with Sandy because she is too pure for him and he is the most po pular guy in school, the resolution is that Sandy turns into a bad girl and the climax is when Sandy and Danny end up together. We will write a custom essay sample on My evaluation for Grease specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on My evaluation for Grease specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on My evaluation for Grease specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer Secondly genre is the French word meaning type. Genres may be approached by way of various critical avenues. In the Aristotelian strain we recognize genres as kinds within a system of classification. These categories beg further definition, so there is a history of, on the one hand, the refinement of divisions and subdivisions, and on the other a Platonic search for the essential qualities of tragedy, comedy, epic poetry, and so forth. By the recognition of genres we begin to find our way in the universe of verbal artifacts with their feigned discourses, and to train our expectations upon the experience that lies in wait for us. Greases genre is a hybrid genre because it is a cross between a comedy, a teen movie and romantic. Lastly representation is the act of representing or the state of being represented. Also it is something that represents an image, an account or statement, an expostulation or a presentation or production. For example the representation of the characters in Grease varies. Sandy is portrayed as a pure and innocent girl but on the other hand Rizzo is portrayed as a bad girl who is always getting into trouble and wont take anything from no one. Also Rizzo is sometimes mean to Sandy but when its to her face she is sweet and kind. This tells me that she is two faced. Also because Sandy is pure and innocent she is not aloud to join the pink ladies (this connotes girly, frilly, happy, lively and/or average girl). Also Danny is portrayed in two different ways. When Danny is with his friends he is a mean typical boy who only cares about himself. But on the other hand Danny completely transforms when he is around Sandy. He becomes a sweet and caring person who Sandy falls in love with. Grease creates suspense because it has so many different storylines and each have a particular ending. For example the will they wont they with Danny and Sandy will end with them getting together. Is Rizo pregnant? Obviously she is not. Also who will win the car race is obvious because they wouldnt create a film that where they lose. So really we expect certain endings in a teen movie. This works because in the time left from the main storyline, it is filled in with other small but prominent storylines which creates many different types of suspense. The bit that are stereotypical are that we know it is going to end like a fairy tale because it will all work out and everyone will live happily ever after. The mis-en-scenes are standard, the shot size varies from a standard to a birds-eye view to an extreme close up etc. the compositions are straight on and the lenses are standard. All of these help to tell the story because it gives it a normal typical high school day and adds effect because if it had abnormal technical analysis then it wouldnt match the genre, because it is a conventional American film. There was nothing really unique about the narrative because it followed all the codes and the technical analysis, so it didnt reinvent certain generic conventions or new narratives. The type of ending closes the film off and also the ending was effective because it was at a funfair, which connotes the idea of fun and happiness and it also denotes a typical end of school party in America. The characters are realistic and are normal people and they are also authentic and believable characters. The mis-en-scenes have al been constructed in a way that tells me that it is an average high school where there are normal students who go through and do everything normal teenagers go through e.g. dates. The locations are an American diner, a drive in, the driving race and the high school, which signifies that these are all the cool spots where the T-birds and The Pink Ladies hang out. There are not a lot of special effects except for when they are in the car chase and the car lifts off the ground and into a puddle when Danny is about to win the race. The women are represented in different ways especially the popular girls aka The Pink Ladies are shown as different people. For example Rizo is shown as a girl who will sleep with anyone; she puts it as getting her kicks while Im still young. Frenchy is a wanabe beauty stylist and ends up dropping out of high school to go to a beauty school, but after failing all her classes she enrolls back into high school, she is opposite to Rizo because she will not sleep with the first boy she sees. There are not a lot of ethnic minorities in Grease, so some could say its a racist film because it only has white people in it and although it is typical of this era there are few people from other countries in it, but they havent got main parts. There were no narratives that were ineffective because its a comedy the hilarity would overwrite any narrative you put with it. The audience would see through it and still think it was funny. The costumes of the characters match the film because back in the 70s they wore big long skirts and people could wear what they wanted without being judged. The men wore leather trousers and the women wore tight tops and big frilly skirts that whilst you were dancing and spinning the skirt would become a circle. The make up has same effect on the characters because not a lot of high school students would wear a lot of make up so they would put make up on but it would look natural. Different characters were shown in different ways. The popular guys and girls were shown always picking on those who were annoying or unpopular but it wasnt shown that much because they were too busy concentrating on themselves, how they looked and how they would solve there problems so it is an average that they didnt care about anyone but themselves and they were effective and had bourgeois (middle class values; they are very normal). The message that these narratives are trying to publicize is that Grease is a film that everyone can enjoy, but like every film it has its problems and also the purpose of the narrative is to make it seem that the film is funny and musical, but it shows teenagers facing problems that all students and people in general face in everyday life. So theres a contrast between the hilarity and the problems that teenagers go through. The genre and narrative connect together in a way that the narrative connotes a mainstream day and the genre connotes the comedy and romance, and this put together makes the film a funny normal film that anyone could enjoy if they wanted to. The soundtrack gave Grease the musical feel that it needed to become the smash hit was. The synchronization of the visual and the sound of Grease are connected in a way that if there were no visual Grease wouldnt be the great film it turned out to be and visa versa, this is a promotional strategy. In conclusion the target audience would have to be everyone because anyone can watch Grease because they will enjoy the storylines and the optimism. The most effective part about Grease is that there are not really any negative bits that cannot be resolved easily, because all round Grease the different storylines have made practically no mistakes in it. The four typicals are settings, tag names, genre, and narrative. The typical settings are the high school and the diners. The typical tag names is a blonde, an exchange student, the grunger, the rebel, the geek, the beautiful girl, the ugly girl, the stupid parents, the teacher and the popular guy. The typical genre is comedy, romance and a teen movie. Finally the typical narrative is Tzvetan Torodovs 5stages of narrative. The main things that I found out bout Grease was that the narrative and the settings were surprisingly good and the best bit of the film is that it is a mix of genre so it suits everybodys needs and the worse thing would have to be settings because all teen movies are always set in America and I personally think that they should set a Grease like film over in England.

Sunday, November 24, 2019

Financier Russell Sage Attacked in 1891 Office Bombing

Financier Russell Sage Attacked in 1891 Office Bombing One of the wealthiest Americans  of the late 1800s, financier Russell Sage, narrowly escaped being killed by  a powerful dynamite bomb after a visitor to his office threatened him with a bizarre extortion note. The  man who detonated a satchel packed with explosives  in Sages lower Manhattan office on December 4, 1891, was blown to pieces. The strange incident took a grisly turn when the police tried to identify the bomber by displaying his severed head, which had been remarkably undamaged. In the highly competitive era  of  yellow journalism, the shocking attack on one of the citys richest men by a bomb thrower and a madman was a bonanza. Sages dangerous visitor  was identified a week later as Henry L. Norcross.  He turned out to be an outwardly ordinary office worker from Boston whose actions shocked his family and friends. After escaping the massive explosion with minor injuries, Sage was soon accused of having grabbed a lowly bank clerk to use as a human shield. The badly injured clerk, William R. Laidlaw, sued Sage.  The legal battle dragged on throughout the 1890s, and  Sage, widely known for eccentric frugality despite his $70 million fortune, never paid a cent to Laidlaw. To the public, it just added to  Sages miserly reputation. But Sage stubbornly maintained he was simply adhering to principle. The Bomber in the Office On December 4, 1891, a Friday, about 12:20 p.m., a bearded man carrying a satchel arrived at Russell Sages office  in an old commercial  building at Broadway and Rector Street. The man demanded to see Sage, claiming he carried a letter of introduction from John D. Rockefeller. Sage was well-known for his wealth, and for his associations with robber barons like Rockefeller and the notorious  financier Jay Gould. He was also famous for frugality. He frequently wore, and mended, old clothing. And while he could have traveled with a  flashy carriage and team of horses, he preferred to commute by elevated trains. Having financed New York Citys  elevated railroad system, he carried a pass to  ride for free. And at the age of 75 he still arrived at his  office every morning  to manage his financial empire. When the visitor demanded loudly to see him, Sage emerged from his inner office to investigate the disturbance.  The stranger approached and handed him a letter. It was a typewritten extortion note, demanding  $1.2 million. The man said he had a bomb in his bag, which he would set off if Sage didnt give him the money. Sage tried to put the man off by saying he had urgent business with two men in his inner office. As Sage walked away, the visitors bomb, intentionally or not, detonated. Newspapers reported that the blast frightened people for miles. The New York Times said it had been clearly heard as far north as 23rd Street. In the downtown financial district, office  workers ran into the streets in a panic. One of Sages young employees, 19-year-old stenographer and typewriter Benjamin F. Norton, was blown out a second floor window. His mangled body landed in the street. Norton  died after being rushed to the Chambers Street Hospital. A number of people in the suite of offices received minor injuries. Sage was found alive in the wreckage.  William Laidlaw, a bank clerk who had been delivering documents, was sprawled on top of him. A doctor would spend two hours pulling shards of glass and splinters out of Sages body, but he was otherwise uninjured. Laidlaw would spend about seven weeks in the hospital. Shrapnel embedded in his body would cause him pain for the rest of his life. The bomber had blown himself up. Parts of his body were scattered throughout the wreckage of the office. Curiously, his severed head was relatively undamaged. And the head would become the focus of much morbid  attention in the press. The Investigation The legendary New York City police detective Thomas F. Byrnes took charge of investigating the case. He began with a ghastly flourish, by taking the bombers severed head to Russell Sages house on Fifth Avenue on the night of the bombing. Sage identified it as the head of the man  who had confronted him in his office. The newspapers began referring to the mysterious visitor as a madman and a bomb thrower. There was suspicion he may have had political motives and links to anarchists. The next afternoons 2 p.m. edition of the New York World, the popular newspaper owned by Joseph Pulitzer, published an illustration of the mans head on the front page. The headline asked, Who Was He? On the following Tuesday, December 8, 1891, the front page of the  New York World  prominently referred to the mystery and the weird spectacle surrounding  it: Inspector Byrnes and his detectives are still completely in the dark as to the identity of the bomb-thrower, whose ghastly head, suspended in a glass jar, daily attracts crowds of curious people to the Morgue. A button from  the bombers  clothing led police to a tailor in Boston, and suspicion turned to Henry L. Norcross. Employed as a broker, he had apparently become obsessed with Russell Sage. After Norcrosss  parents identified his head at the New York City morgue, they released affidavits saying he had never shown any criminal tendencies. Everyone who knew him said they were shocked at what he had done. It appeared he had no accomplices. And his actions, including why he had asked for such a precise amount of money, remained a mystery. The Legal Aftermath Russell Sage  recovered and soon returned to working.  Remarkably, the only fatalities were the bomber and the young clerk, Benjamin Norton. As Norcross seemed to have no accomplices, no one was ever prosecuted. But the peculiar incident moved into the courts following accusations by the bank clerk who had been visiting Sages office, William Laidlaw. On December 9, 1891, a startling headline appeared in the New York Evening World: As a Human Shield. A sub-headline asked Was He Dragged Between the Broker and the Dynamiter? Laidlaw, from his hospital bed, was claiming that Sage had grabbed his hands as if in a friendly gesture, and then pulled him close just seconds before the bomb detonated. Sage, not surprisingly, bitterly denied the accusations. After leaving the hospital, Laidlaw began legal proceedings against Sage. The courtroom battles went back and forth for years.  Sage was ordered at times to pay damages to Laidlaw, but he would stubbornly appeal the verdicts. After four trials over eight years, Sage finally won. He never gave Laidlaw a cent. Russell Sage died in New York City at the age of 90, on July 22, 1906. His widow created a foundation bearing his name, which became widely known for philanthropic works. Sages reputation for being a miser lived on, however. Seven years after Sages death, William Laidlaw, the bank clerk who said Sage had used him as a human shield, died at the Home for the Incurables, an institution in the Bronx. Laidlaw had never fully recovered from the wounds suffered in the bombing nearly 20  years earlier. Newspapers reported that he had died penniless and mentioned that Sage had never offered him any financial assistance.

Thursday, November 21, 2019

Principles of marketing management (case study) Essay

Principles of marketing management (case study) - Essay Example s is more focused upon the internal factors i.e., strengths and weakness and the external factors i.e., opportunities and threats which is observed from the analysis of the organizational situation. It helps to satisfy what our target market wants. SWOT analysis helps the company to do better in fields where it lacks and also gives information as to where there strength lies (Ferrell and Hartline, 2005). Another analytical technique used by marketing professional is known as PEST which stands for Political, Economic, Sociological and technological factors and how these might affect the organization. This analysis helps to identify the external issues that the product and the organization might face and which might ultimately hinder the growth of the product (Williams and Green, 1997) Technology is an important key factor that helps to achieve quality products in a cost effective manner. The utilization of better technology in New product development department of company is helping to achieve new quality products. Essential market planning serves as an important base for the market planning. The analysis depends upon the statistical analysis of everything that makes up the market such as the households, business and even the number of workers in a market. The market analysis is further divided into market segmentation and focus on the target market (Berry, 2008). The STP model stands for market segmentation, market targeting and product positioning. This model is particularly helpful in prioritization of the important factors within a market and the delivery that concept to the relevant audiences (Hanlon, 2013). Market segmentation is one of the ways to specifically focus on the target market. With the help of market segmentation, the target market is divided into groups of people with similar needs and wants. This helps in the analysis of the markets to achieve an upper hand in the market (Weinstein, 2004). Market Segmentation: Two groups includes those who

Wednesday, November 20, 2019

LEB2 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

LEB2 - Essay Example However, foreign firms that organized under the laws of a state other than Alabama were forbidden from similarly negotiating its tax base. These disparities lead to the Reynolds Metal Company to sue the Alabama tax authorities. Reynolds Metal and other sought to be refunded for taxes paid to Alabama on the grounds the state discriminated against foreign companies under the Commerce and Equal Protection Clauses. The Alabama Supreme Court rejected Reynolds’s claim, citing additional burdens on foreign business offset the burdens placed upon domestic businesses. An Alabama trail court confirmed the franchise tax to be discriminatory, but dismissed their claims citing the precedent of the Reynolds case. The U.S. Supreme Court found the state’s franchise taxes against foreign firms to be discriminatory. Further, the U.S. Supreme Court concluded Alabama failed to justify its lack of tax negotiating ability for foreign firms when compared to the burdens placed upon domestic fi rms. Restrictions on freedom of speech On the 200th anniversary of the ratification of the Bill of Rights (December 15, 1991), the American Bar Association conducted poll. A mere 33% of those polled successfully identified the bill of rights. (The New York Times) A decade later, sparring senatorial candidates flubbed the identification of elements comprising the First Amendment. (Johnson) In light of these egregious cognitive failings, the common American can identify with the concept of â€Å"Freedom of Speech.† However, these same failings in common constitutional education make it clear that few are aware of the existence of exceptions to freedom of speech. The First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution states in part that â€Å"Congress shall make no law †¦ abridging the freedom of speech†¦Ã¢â‚¬  Contrary to popular belief, this does not provide the right for the individual American to say what he/she wants, when he/she wants, how he/she wants to. While freedom of speech exists, it is provided to the people with restrictions, conditions, and exemptions. The exemption of obscenity is unique in that the Supreme Court has denied First Amendment protections to obscenity without regard to whether it is, or is not harmful to others. It has been determined by the Supreme Court that obscenity â€Å"was outside the protection intended for speech† when the First Amendment was adopted. (ROTH v. UNITED STATES, 354 U.S. 476 (1957) ) This ruling has essentially banned obscenity in the interest of social order and morality. It is important to note that obscenity and pornography are not one in the same. As most pornography is not legally obscene, pornography enjoys First Amendment protections due to the fact it does not have to pass all elements of the Miller Test. (Miller v. California, 413 U.S. 15, 27 (1973)). One could argue that the Supreme Court has set some very profound precedents in the restrictions of freedom of speech, but the restriction s of speech are far more impacting long before the Supreme or any other court hears the case. The Supreme Court has made it clear employees of the government have the right to free speech when addressing matters of public concern. The Supreme Court has also determined it constitutional for the state to both suspend without pay and terminate employees under the guise of efficiency of service when the employee is making false statements against others in government. Many government

Sunday, November 17, 2019

Voting Behaviour Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Voting Behaviour - Case Study Example These are based on studies conducted by the Center for Research into Elections and Social Trends (CREST). This section will also deal with the changes in voting behaviour patterns that have been observed in Britain, and how changes in social and economic systems can impact voter behaviour. The next section will deal with the common theoretical frameworks used in the analysis of voting behaviour. Based on the discussions in the book, 'Political Choice in Britain' (2004), by Clarke, Sanders, Stewart and Whiteley, this part will deal with the traditional sociological framework, followed by the individual rationalist approach. Widening the scope of the individual rationalist approach, the focus will shift to what are termed valence politics models. In the next section, these models will be used to analyse the voting behaviour patterns in the 2001 and 2005 general elections. This section will also discuss the issues of voter apathy and the growing trend towards tactical voting. The paper will conclude with a discussion on the changing patterns of voter behaviour in Britain, and will also discuss how these can be very essential in predicting the outcome of future elections in Britain. A key factor influencing voter behaviour is social attitude. ... Discussing voting behaviour, the CREST studies note that the social class remains a key influence on how people vote. Curtice (2002) states that this is in line with Pulzer's famous words, "Class is the basis of British politics; all else is embellishment and detail". The studies also note that a voter's behaviour is not motivated by self-interest and that the media, especially newspapers, have little influence on the election results. The studies also note the emergence of tactical voting as a means of expressing preferences. Changes in social attitudes and voting behaviour are a result of changing social and economic conditions. In the 21st century, the common man in Britain does not enjoy the social and economic certainty and cohesion that characterized life in the 1950s. The employment position is less secure, and the society he/she lives in is more diverse. In modern Britain, class boundaries are more fluid, and the average citizen has access to several sources of information, and the right to make the appropriate social and economic choices. (Clarke, Sanders, Stewart and Whiteley,2004, pg.2) The socio-economic changes have had an impact on the political thinking of the citizens as well. The biggest impact has perhaps been on the attitude of the British citizens towards politics, especially in how they vote at the time of elections. To understand the changes in voting patterns, the models of voting behaviour need to be studied. Models of Voting Behaviour There are several theoretical frameworks that analyse voting behaviour in elections. The foremost among them is the sociological framework proposed by Butler and Stokes in 1969. This framework works on three levels. To begin with,

Friday, November 15, 2019

Consumer Knowledge About Nutritional Information Marketing Essay

Consumer Knowledge About Nutritional Information Marketing Essay The research is based on the impact of nutritional labeling on consumer buying behavior. the purpose of the study is to identify the factors that influence consumers to consider nutritional labeling while making a purchase from them or for their house hold. Moreover it also determines that printed nutritional value on packaged food products is essential for the consumer buying decision. This study made the researchers clear about the knowledge a consumer have about a nutritional content of package food products and also the nutrients a consumer look for their healthy diet through detailed published articles, journals and blogs related to food label. Many articles were referred for understanding of the reasons which play an important role in consumer buying behavior. This research is based on quantitative data; secondary data is referred for the understanding of the topic. The data is collected through questionnaires from 200 respondents of different age, gender, income and education level living in different areas of Karachi mainly from Defence/Clifton, KDA/Bahadarabad/PECHS, North Nazimabad/Nazimabad/F.B. Area, Gulshan e Iqbal/Gulistan e Jauhar/Malir and Saddar. The findings which are analyzed through this research are that there are various factors that influence consumers to read nutritional labeling while making a purchase. By these findings the researchers are able to develop a framework representing the socio economic classifications (SEC) that have an impact on consumer buying behavior. result_________________________ Introduction: Background: Labeling is defined as printed information or written text on the container of the product or it can be define as a subset of packaging (Prathiraja Ariyawardana, 2003). In food industry, labeling might just include the name of a brand, name of a product or logo but mostly it includes variety of information about a product like nutritional information, manufacturing date, expiration date, method of usage, contacts etc along with brand name, product name and logo. A label is one of the points of contact between producer and purchaser and is also a part of producer marketing plan (Prathiraja Ariyawardana, 2003). Labeling make consumers aware about any unique characteristic of the food, its nutritional properties, the way to use and how to preserve, all of these are of the upmost importance when buying, since the consumer has the opportunity to make purchasing decision (Senesi, Nayga, Gà ³mez, Palau, Ordoà ±ez, 2006). The items that consumers are most likely to read are price, prepa ration, manipulation and preservation of products. Another study revealed the items most read comprise calories, fats, sugar and fiber contents (Godwin, Henderson, Thompson, 2006). Information on a food label was found to affect a customer purchase behavior significantly. Nutritional information might make easy label use by increasing its benefits and by increasing the effectiveness of their use, thereby reducing the cost of using them. Nutritional information plays a significant role in providing relevant information to consumer through which the purchasing behavior varies (Prathiraja Ariyawardane, 2003). The level of awareness required to make the purchase decisions are compared across different socio-economic groups. Many investigators have also found that the interest in reading the food labels increases with age up to the mid-fifties, and thereafter it declines (Sushil Kumar Jabir Ali, 2011). The food printed label includes different information but it is found that nutritio nal value is one of the most important information for customers. Research Problem: The purpose of the study is to identify factors on the nutritional food label in influencing purchase decision in accordance with the socio-economic classification (SEC) of the consumers, while secondary objective of the research is to identify the characteristics of consumers and the extent of knowledge concerning nutritional value (senesi et al, 2006). Moreover this research helps to find the relation between printed nutrition value on packaged food product and consumer buying behavior. Consumers will choose better food products if they understand and use the food labels (senesi et al, 2006). The study explores the complex relationship of nutrition knowledge and consumer buying decision (Drichoutis, Lazaridis and Nayga,2006). The study can help to determine that printed nutritional value on packaged food products is essential for the customer buying decision or not. In the context to nutritional labeling, many customer switch towards other products after reading printed nutrition v alue such as fat, calories etc. The study also identifies those nutrition values which have a negative effect on consumer buying behavior. Problem Statement: The impact of printed nutritional labeling on consumer buying behavior. Objective of the study: To analyze the impact of printed nutritional labeling on consumer buying behavior. Sub Objectives: To examine the impact of printed nutritional labeling according to the gender of respondents. To identify how different age group respond to products with nutritional labeling. To analyze how educational level affect the consumers response to nutritional level. To study the impact of households income towards buying products with nutritional labeling. Scope: This research will be a study of Karachi, Pakistan. We will get the forms filled by middle and upper middle class visiting the malls and various supermarkets. We will ask them whether their buying preferences changed after reading the nutrition fact. Justification: By the research we will get to know how nutritional information printed on packaged food will benefit each stake holders: The biggest advantage for consumers will be confidence and ownership as the product is tested under certain standards. They will feel that the product is healthy for them. Consumers will get the advantage of time saving as they dont have to search and find out whether the product is safe or not. It will be beneficial for consumers who are health conscious and individuals who are on special diet recommended by doctors. Consumers can use health claims, which appear on the front of food packages, to recognize foods with positive nutritional qualities related to risk factors. Printed nutritional labeling will serve as a great way of promotion for the manufacture as it will provide their product an image of a safe and healthy brand. The producer will have its own unique product identity. The producer will get the competitive advantage as they will retain the loyal customer, lose fewer customers and attract more new customers. Assumptions: Our assumption is that all the economic indicators will remain same as well as the pattern of buying behavior. This assumption is made so that we can have result that is based on complete objectivity. We are also assuming that the nutrition information printed on the label of the packaged food is correct and by concerned authority. There is no kind of miss interpretation and proper application of government policy is kept in view by the producers while printing of the nutritional labeling.   In this research we are also assuming that consumers are aware of printed nutritional labeling found at the back of the every food item. Limitations: Our study will only consider the impact of gender, income, age, and life style index (LSI) and education level towards consumer buying behavior of nutritional products with printed nutritional labels on them. We are only focusing on those food products that have printed labeling on them. Structure of Report The research is divided into five main chapters which are Introduction, Literature review, Research Methodology, Data Findings and Analysis, Conclusion and Recommendations. Chapter 1 of this research relates to introduction and background of the study, research problem and objectives, justification of the research and a brief study of the search methodology that is used. Chapter 2 is about the previous studies conducted on nutritional labeling and consumer behavior. It also discusses the socio-economic factors which influence consumer buying behavior towards reading nutritional labeling on packaged food products in Karachi. Chapter 3 focuses on the research methodology, research design, sampling techniques, data analysis method, research design, as well as limitations to this research. In Chapter 4, the focus is on the research findings, Chapter 5 on analysis of the data that has been collected from respondents through questionnaires. Chapter 6 is Conclusion and recommendations that have been derived from this research are in Chapter 7. Literature Review: Printed nutrition labels are proposed to be used to help people make healthier choices, and consumers recognize them as a tool to improve health. Consumers can get relevant nutritional information with the help of nutritional labeling. It is found in researches that the consumer purchase behavior is affected by the nutritional labeling. The presence of nutritional information may influence the consumers to switch from unhealthy food products towards healthy food products (Anderson Zarkin, 1992). The interest on the consumers is to purchase and intake of improved nutritional foods which thus depends on the quantity and quality of information provided through a number of sources that also includes nutritional labeling. A printed label not only carries a brand name but also a source of important information (Caswell Padberg, 1999). CONSUMER KNOWLEDGE ABOUT NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION: Due to globalization, consumers are becoming more aware about nutritional information because there is an increase in the food information available to them through sources such as food nutritional labeling, electronic and print media.Advertising involvement is another marketing concept that helps to identify consumer interest in processing making information. The impact of advertising creates a perception in the minds of consumers regarding the product and increases the awareness and reinforces the consumer to purchase a certain brand that has high advertisement involvement (KapoorKulshrestha, 2008). As the consumers have become more demanding now days therefore the producers have understand the psychology of consumers and guide them with practical knowledge to cater the market and serve the people. Consumers can end up making better food choices if they value and make use of the nutritional labeling. The government is also playing an essential part by imposing restrictions on the consumption of some products. Therefore, they are regulating product labeling especially on food processing where it is manufactured. This has a positive effect on consumers behavior as they can get to know the amount of nutrients content present in a food. (Senesi et al, 2006). NUTRITIONAL LABELLING: The nutritional labels have become increasingly important, particularly as products move from the status of basic commodities to highly processed, value-added products significance of a well-balanced diet. Nutrition information on groceries items allows consumers to consume a range of healthy foods, maintain optimum weight and choose a diet with low fat/ cholesterol. Select a diet with abundance of vegetables, fruits, and grain products, and restrain from sugars, salt/sodium that are considered unhealthy. Consumers can use health claims, which appear on the front of food packages, to recognize foods with positive nutritional qualities related to risk factors and wellness. These are the claims about the relationship between a nutrient or a food and the risk of an illness or health-related condition (JeddiZaeim, 2010). A label might carry only the brand name or a great deal of nutritional information (Kotler, 2001). A label is the most important point of contact between the manufacturer and the buyer and it is consider as an important part of marketing as well. It is not only consider a piece of paper stuck on the package but also an expression on which consumer important decisions are based. A label should clearly and simply state the name of the product, the nutrition facts (nutritional label), the net weight, the name and address of the producer, and the brand name. The label printed on the packaged food is mostly viewed before purchasing the product which portrays that the label has an impact on the buying behavior of individuals. Consumers inclination to a food item is directly affected by self-control and temptation. (Hassan et al., 2010), (Campos et al., 2011). The printed food labels act as an indicating tool by which food companies assure that their potential consumers are satisfied regarding to their sound quality control practices. However, there are many issues and questions related to food labeling till date, one such question has been raised around the globe which is how far the consumer is aware of printed food labeling and can they understand the provided relevant information on the package. Consumers who are more health conscious have a habit of reading the label. They prefer to purchase an item that fulfills their daily nutritional value even if the brand is of higher price than the other brands available in market. This behavior can also be applied on consumers who have medical problems such as diabetes or cholesterol. This shows that certain category of consumers is willing to pay a higher price for nutrients beneficial for them (Magistris et al., 2010). Nutritional label benefits the consumers to analyze the factors of packaged food which allow them to have a healthier diet choice. According to the mechanism of the body they can balance the amount food to consume that will help them to stay fit in long run (Drichoutis et al., 2008). The consumers in Middle East give preference to the label at the time of first purchase. A study was carried out which showed that when consumers purchase the product for the first time they read the nutrients present in the food and on latter purchase of the same food brand they check the date till which they can use the product and the date of manufacture (Washi, 2012). Consumers also take into consideration of the health claims relation to nutrition such as vitamin, protein, sugar free and etc. people believe them to be true and help them to make the decision quicker. If certain health claim is present in front they grasp the product and further read the nutrient label to know that what other good nutrients are present in it. Consumers prefer that short and easy words are used so that they can understand them easily. Moreover if the claims are approved by FDA it gives an added advantage and surety that an agency is keeping a check on companies (Williams, 2005). The consumers with the help of labeling gets to know and understand the products characteristics, nutritional properties, preservation and instructions to facilitate the consumers to make a sound decision at the time of purchase, hence it carries a great significance (Senesi et al, 2006). By identifying the factors that have an effect on the peoples use of dietary labeling, the manufacturers can do the profiling of the consumers that do or do not exercise nutritional food labeling. It can result in improving public health, manipulating the proper labeling and increasing the productivity of the company (Senesi et al, 2006). Similarly the people who have much time to spend on grocery shopping are found to be more label users (Drichoustis 2006). It can also be seen that consumers who are more anxious about their health and nutrition give more time to read the printed nutritional labels. Similarly, consumers who are on a special diet or organic buyers or even those that have any kind of disease are preferred to search for on-pack printed nutrition information (Drichoustis 2006). Type of household also holds effect on reading of printed nutritional labels, as in a case where smaller households or households with young children are more involved in nutrition information sea rch behaviors. People with a healthier profile and eating habits prefer to see glance at the printed nutritional labeling for a more appropriate knowledge of the product. Moreover printed nutritional labeling is not directly linked with price and is preferred by people following a special diet plan or with health related issues like high BP, sugar, heart diseases or any kind of food allergies (Magistris et al., 2010). Printed nutritional labeling empowers consumers to have their own view at the components of the products which enables them to have a healthier diet choice in a way which they can intake in their busy life style now a days. (Drichoutis et al., 2008). The effects of printing nutritional labeling can be even greater on the buying behavior of consumer and they can be more educated if labeling is combined with an information campaign. It has been found in the research that purchasing behavior of consumers is effected by the nutritional information present on the label because this information influence their perception about the products and thus change their decision ultimately (Drichoustis 2006). It seems like Nutritional information on the back of the package creates favorable judgments about a product. For example, when a consumer reads the nutrients content on the back of the packaged food product which are beneficial for their health they will compare that particular product with other products and will be more likely to purchase that product. Other researchers have argued that provision of health related or printed nutritional labeling information does not always lead to healthier consumption of diet. Most empirical research, however, suggests that providing printed nutritional labeling information can significantly change dietary patterns in a consumers lifestyle of eating (Drichoustis 2006). Printing of Nutritional labels is also associated with giving consumers an edge to improve their diets by intake of high vitamin C, low cholesterol, and low percentage of calories from fat as they are now able to know what exactly they are consuming. Printed nutrition labeling on packaged foods are very clear sources of nutrition information for the consumers. They are observed as a highly trustworthy source of information and many consumers use it as their guidance in order to make purchase decisions easy. (Campos et al., 2011). It is often seen that there are consumers who considers printed nutritional labeling on the products during their shopping experiences and are happy to pay even a premium on the products having printed nutritional labeling on them. (Loureiro et al., 2006). Printed nutrition labeling information lowers down the usage of products which contain harmful ingredients and increases the consumption of products containing healthy ingredients. (Drichoutis et al., 2006). Purpose of printed nutritional labeling is to educate consumers to shift to healthier food choices, and force the competitors to add more printed nutritional value in their product and to competition on nutritional quality; printed nutritional labeling represents a helpful tool making consumers make informed decisions about their diet and lifestyle. (Daud et al., 2011). Nutritional labeling enables the consumers to have a view at the components of the products which enables them to have a healthier diet choice in which they can improve their intake of the require nutritious and proteins (Drichoutis et al., 2008). Nutrition labels on pre-packaged foods are very clear sources of nutrition information. They are perceived as a highly trustworthy source of information and many consumers use their guidance in order to make purchase decisions (Campos et al., 2011). The results show that there are consumers who considers nutritional labeling on the products during their shopping experiences and are happy to pay even a premium on the products having nutritional labeling on them (Loureiro et al., 2006). Nutrition labeling information decreases the use of products containing harmful components and improves the consumption of the products containing healthy components (Drichoutis et al., 2006). Customers do consider nutritional labeling when making a purchasing decision. Especially the old age people or individuals who are sick or with a special diet recommended having at least tertiary education read nutritional labeling. Moreover households with less than four members were willing to pay more for the nutritional labels (Prathiraja et al., 2003). As a whole nutritional labeling has a huge impact on consumer purchase behavior. There is some evidence that nutrition labeling makes consumers to switch products on the name of healthy and unhealthy diet plans. The preference for nutrient intake usually depends on the demand and supply of the product. From the demand perspective, consumers interest in purchase of healthy diets directly depends on consumers intakes. Consumers ability to make a decision regarding healthy diets usually depends on the information available through different sources (PrathirajaAriyawardana, 2008). If the products does not contain label the consumer may be unaware of its nutritional contents. Consumers usually form their own belief regarding the nutritional value of the product on the basis of information that they get from different sources, However this perception usually lead to either over or under value of the nutritional labeling of the product. Choosing food usually contains a trade of between taste and health contents of a particular product have negative impact on health because individuals usually perceived that decreasing the consumption of the food can lead to improve health conditions (PrathirajaAriyawardana, 2008). The results give a clear signal that printed labels is not linked with gender and age though its consumption relates with the income levels, education and occupation of the consumers. Most lifestyle products such as breakfast cereals, readymade dressings etc. that would mostly be used by people who have relatively higher levels of income and education would pay more attention to various kinds of label information (Sushil Kumar Jabir Ali, 2011). In the context of emerging economies, very little is known regarding consumers expectations and their response to printed food label information (Wang et al., 2008). Pakistans emerging economy is witnessing exceptional boom in the organized retail growth. Its consumers are in the process of changing their consumption/buying behavior especially with respect to food items. Consumption of processed and packaged food items has grown tremendously in the recent past. There is an increase in the demand for healthy food products and with this kind of change in lifestyle and consumption pattern, the quality of food and its safety standards are becoming essential from public policy perspective. ROLE OF FDA (FOOD AND DRUG ASSOCIATION) IN NUTRIONAL LABELLING: Labeling is a part of packaging. Label can be defined as an attachment to the product but according to the Food and Drug Association (FDA), a label is the chief point of contact between the manufacturer and the purchaser. It is described as a crucial part of the manufacturers marketing plan. FDA further explains that the label should carry the name, brand name and the net weight of the product with nutrition facts along with some details of the manufacturer. These food labels increases in complexity as the food products moves from basic commodities to highly process. It therefore keeps a check of the quantity of sugar, fiber, protein that is consumed and allows the purchasers to make an informed decision of the product. (FDA,1998). food_label.jpg With the guidance of dietary health experts, consumers can utilize the nutritional labeling to make better choices and to maintain a well-balanced diet. According to FDA (1998), consumers can enjoy a variety of foods; have a hale and hearty diet with low cholesterol/fats. Take a diet with different fruits or grains and can moderate the usage of salt and/or sodium if nutrition information is practiced. Hence, it carries a relationship between the nutrients and the threat of a disease. If the packaged food products are not labeled, customers may not be aware of their nutrient content. If the consumers form their own belief about nutrient content based on advertising or their own knowledge about food, it can result in underestimation or overestimation of the food content in untagged food products (Anderson and Zarkin, 1992). Especially for prepared food products, nutritional labeling is required more often (Godwin, Henderson, Thompson, 2006). Recently Food and Drug Association (FDA) conducted a research for anticipated changes in the plan and for the usage of the current labels. Therefore, with the sample size of 160 consumers to know if they use the labeling and if so, which part of it is more useful? Almost 21% consumers said that they always examine the tagging while the majority of them told that they often use the label before purchasing the item for consumption. Component of the label most frequently read is of fats, calorie, sugar and fiber contents. The list of ingredients with the health statements were read less. Respondents using high calorie food items like chips, sodas, bakery products etc. said that that do not make use of calorie part while two thirds of them said that they use the labeling rather than relying on their food knowledge and they do understand the importance of labeling. So it can be understood that majority of the respondents use and understand the significant of nutritional labeling and perceived themselves as knowledgeable consumers but a large survey has to be conducted to find the complete awareness and the consumers indulgent. (Godwin, Henderson, Thompson, 2006). A consideration to the food tagging can influence a change in purchasing pattern that can result in improving health. (McLean 2001). FDA with its efforts of providing food information on packaged food items educates the consumers and helps them in the purchasing decision (Satia, GalankoNeuhouser, 2001). CONSUMER AWARENESS ABOUT PACKAGED FOOD PRODUCT: A study was conducted in Islamabad to identify the response of consumer buying behavior in terms of packaging and nutritional labeling. The result showed that Pakistani marketing is getting aware of the nutritional facts of a packaged product. Further, it illustrates that Consumers read the content when they buy packaged food of a particular brand. If repetition is carried out then only manufacture date and expiry date is taken into consideration. The study also found out that a lot of people only check the dates to determine the nutrients. Also, people are still unaware that how much each nutrient is desired by their body and the concept of daily consumption/per meal consumption in order to maintain a healthy lifestyle (Zaidi, 2012). Another study was conducted in our neighboring country, India on Assessing Awareness and Usage Level of Indian Consumer and Influences on Food Buying Behavior. The research show that consumer seek extended information on labels. The result showed satisfactory level of awareness about information available on labels displayed on packaged food and people just skim through the nutrient facts before purchasing the product. In the market consumers also give high value to ingredients and nutrients. Whereas the brand and taste of product is the factor that is consider more as compare to the nutritional value. if these two are liked and the nutrients present are harmful for their health even then product will be purchased (kumar, 2008). Another study conducted in Europe on consumer response to nutrition information on food labels shows that people are aware of the importance of nutrition information on packaged foods. Consumers are aware that in order to maintain a healthy life nutritional food must be taken, therefore they try to make use of the information present on the label as much as they can. However the preference among the consumer differs while purchasing the packaged food such as likeable taste and etc. Secondly consumers prefer to have a simple and easy to understand nutrition information printed on the package. Complicated information and usage of too many jargons leads to confusion and consume their time. They like if noticeable printing to highlight the information as it will catch the eye at once and will also grab the attention of the consumers who are not in the habit of reading the label. Another point that was identified in the study was related to the format of the label and the technical terms including numbers, calculations and even percentages make it difficult for the consumer to decide among the products (Grunert, 2006). Therefore it is extremely beneficial if we find out the likeable ways that grabs the attention of the consumer. The ways would differ depending upon the nature of the product. The psychology of a consumer would be kept in mind while providing the information so that it becomes noticeable and every time when she/he purchases the product reads the label. (Kremers et al. 2006). A research carried out on whether consumers look at nutrition labeling showed it depends on the demographics factors that which nutrients ( sugar, fat, calories) are preferred by the consumers and how much are they interested in reading the nutritional label (Drichoutis et al. 2006). A research paper highlighted that nutrition label on the packaged food can guide consumers to maintain and improve their diet plan and make choices among the food. The effect of nutritional information has a positive impact in switching from one product to another due to beneficial nutrients present in the food. On the other hand nutritional label also have a negative impact on the manufacturer as consumers would avoid the food products that have high content of sugar and fats present it (Nayga, 2006). Consumer search for product information is an active process that involves reading nutritional labeling and then comparing them with other products information and after evaluation of each products information a consumer makes a right decision for purchase. The main cost for a consumer in searching information through label use is the time he/she spends on reading labels; the benefits of this will be healthier food choices. Consumers that are health conscious or have poor health condition through this will be able to search for a more nutritious diet and a healthy life, thus reducing all the risk of an unhealthy diet. Consumers may be aware about the importance of nutritional labeling but time can be an obstacle for the people who have to accomplish plenty of tasks. The purchase decision of employed consumers regarding the quality of product can be low, the reason being less time to spare on labeling than the unemployed consumers who have the time to make an appropriate decision regarding the quality of food products they will purchase (Kim, Nayga Capps, 2001). People make use of the label for various purposes but consumers should be encouraged to use the label more often and create awareness on how to apply this information more efficiently and conveniently (Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition 2004). Therefore, policy makers should identify different ways on how to motivate people to change the behavior of reading nutritional labeling before purchase of the packaged product. According to the Lancaster Product Characteristics theory in 1966, the consumers are a

Tuesday, November 12, 2019

The Impact of Information Technology on Marketing Strategies for Health

Information has become the most valuable commodity in any market. Utilizing accurate information about customers and their interests is vital for successful marketing activities. In today's fast paced, highly competitive markets, companies must make marketing decisions quickly or risk losing their competitive edge. Using information technology (IT) allows companies to gather, analyze, and utilize large amounts of customer information. This information is used to reduce risk and uncertainty in decision making and maximize the profitability of marketing activities. IT also allows companies to evaluate the success, benefits, and profitability of IT investments, marketing strategies, and other business ventures over long periods of time. Today utilizing IT is essential in all aspects of marketing activities and successful marketing is not possible without the use of IT. Marketing in healthcare involves unique challenges which other markets do not face. According to Shaw (2008) "healthcar e marketers promote a service that is complicated, expensive, and even frightening." Most people do not want to imagine themselves needing healthcare products or services and usually reject information concerning the statistical chances of their future medical needs. As a result, traditional marketing techniques like directing products and services to specific consumers or broadcasting brand images are often ineffective in healthcare markets. In order to maintain a marketing advantage, healthcare marketers started moving toward a consumer driven marketing approach focused around consumer wants, needs, and expectations. The purpose of this study is to examine the impact of IT on the marketing strategies of healthcare organizations. The rapid expans... ...ult, healthcare organizations have started marketing campaigns focused on patient privacy and cyber security. References Berisha-Namani, M. (2013). Information technology, internet, and marketing. International Journal of Electronic Commerce, 4(1). doi: 10.7903/ijecs.1116 Kotler, P., & Clarke, R. N. (1987). Marketing for health care organizations (p. 265). Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice-Hall. Rooney, K. (2009). Consumer-Driven Healthcare Marketing: Using the Web to Get Up Close and Personal. Journal Of Healthcare Management, 54(4), 241-251. Shaw, G. (2008). Department Focus: Marketing–Lessons from the Field. Online article on HealthLeaders Media website. White, K. R., Thompson, J. M., & Patel, U. B. (2001). Hospital Marketing Orientation and Managed Care Processes: Are They Coordinated?. Journal Of Healthcare Management, 46(5), 327. The Impact of Information Technology on Marketing Strategies for Health Information has become the most valuable commodity in any market. Utilizing accurate information about customers and their interests is vital for successful marketing activities. In today's fast paced, highly competitive markets, companies must make marketing decisions quickly or risk losing their competitive edge. Using information technology (IT) allows companies to gather, analyze, and utilize large amounts of customer information. This information is used to reduce risk and uncertainty in decision making and maximize the profitability of marketing activities. IT also allows companies to evaluate the success, benefits, and profitability of IT investments, marketing strategies, and other business ventures over long periods of time. Today utilizing IT is essential in all aspects of marketing activities and successful marketing is not possible without the use of IT. Marketing in healthcare involves unique challenges which other markets do not face. According to Shaw (2008) "healthcar e marketers promote a service that is complicated, expensive, and even frightening." Most people do not want to imagine themselves needing healthcare products or services and usually reject information concerning the statistical chances of their future medical needs. As a result, traditional marketing techniques like directing products and services to specific consumers or broadcasting brand images are often ineffective in healthcare markets. In order to maintain a marketing advantage, healthcare marketers started moving toward a consumer driven marketing approach focused around consumer wants, needs, and expectations. The purpose of this study is to examine the impact of IT on the marketing strategies of healthcare organizations. The rapid expans... ...ult, healthcare organizations have started marketing campaigns focused on patient privacy and cyber security. References Berisha-Namani, M. (2013). Information technology, internet, and marketing. International Journal of Electronic Commerce, 4(1). doi: 10.7903/ijecs.1116 Kotler, P., & Clarke, R. N. (1987). Marketing for health care organizations (p. 265). Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice-Hall. Rooney, K. (2009). Consumer-Driven Healthcare Marketing: Using the Web to Get Up Close and Personal. Journal Of Healthcare Management, 54(4), 241-251. Shaw, G. (2008). Department Focus: Marketing–Lessons from the Field. Online article on HealthLeaders Media website. White, K. R., Thompson, J. M., & Patel, U. B. (2001). Hospital Marketing Orientation and Managed Care Processes: Are They Coordinated?. Journal Of Healthcare Management, 46(5), 327.

Sunday, November 10, 2019

Current Issues with Health Care Costs Essay

Health care spending in the U.S. continues to soar to unsustainable levels. There are many strategies and views on ways to contain health care costs, while improving the efficiency and quality of health care. Hospital services, physician services, prescription drugs and technology/medical innovation and the aging population are areas that drive the high cost of health care creating an unaffordable dilemma for consumers and employers.(Cowen & Moorhead, 2011) Uninsured individuals who are unable to afford health insurance are less likely to coordinate their care appropriately, leading to poor health outcomes. The aging of the population and the rising cost of health care would cause spending on the major health care programs and Social Security to grow from more than 10 percent of GDP today to almost 16 percent of GDP 25 years from now. That combined increase is equivalent to about $850 billion today. (â€Å"Congressional Budget Office,† 2012) The aging of the baby boomer generation will have an impact on federal spending as well as health care costs. (â€Å"Congressional Budget Office,† 2012) Increase in longevity due to medical advances and technology are a factor in spending growth increases. (Henderson, 2012) The second largest segment of U.S. health care spending is on physician services. (Cowen & Moorhead, 2011) Providers are paid for services rather than patient outcome. This creates little incentive to coordinate patient care with other specialist. A large portion of the aging population has multiple chronic conditions which would benefit from better coordination of care. (White, 2010) With the shortage in primary care doctors and the aging baby boomer generation consuming more care, costs for physicians services will likely increase. A new model of primary care called the patient centered medical home provides better coordination of care, helps lower cost and improve patient satisfaction. (Henderson, 2012) Hospital services account for one of the largest drivers of health care spending. Shortage of  nursing staff is one factor which influences increased wages, as well as the decrease in payment from the Medicare population. (Cowen & Moorhead, 2011) Those costs and differences in reduction of payments are then shifted over to consumers and payers. With the increase in the baby boomer generation, the federal government will need to manage the extra services being utilized through Medicare with an attempt to find ways to reduce payments to hospitals. (â€Å"Congressional Budget Office,† 2012) New and better drugs will help benefit health but may cost more. Prescription drugs are advertised on television each day. Patients are more educated on the drugs used for their conditions and are likely to request from their physician these highly advertised drugs they feel may benefit them. Many physicians are likely to give into the demands of their patients requests leading to more costly medications used that could be avoided. Advancing technology can positively or negatively impact health care costs. Many times over use of technology, especially when there is a less costly alternative can increase health care costs. On the other hand, new technological advances in data collection for a personal health record can be utilized to coordinate care, promoting better quality of care resulting in improved health outcomes and cost savings. (Cowen & Moorhead, 2011) Disease management, Health savings accounts and Retail clinics are just a few of the solutions offered to consumers to help cost. Disease management is offered by many health insurance companies for their members with chronic health conditions such as diabetes, congestive heart failure, asthma and coronary artery disease. Nurses educate the members on their health conditions and help set health goals to help preven t hospitalizations and improve health outcomes. Studies, however, do not suggest this is a proven cost saving strategy. (Cowen & Moorhead, 2011) Health savings accounts allow people to have more control over how their money is spent. Pretax contributions are placed into the account and money can be deducted to pay for medical expenses. There is hope that the HSA will encourage people to focus on lower cost services. Retail Clinics are a creative way to offer routine care in private stores, in large chains and grocery stores. This is a growing trend with health care being provided by a physician assistant or a nurse practitioner. Care is often more affordable and attractive for those uninsured individuals. (Cowen & Moorhead, 2011) Nursing in the future may expand to become more  focused on the role of the primary care provider. With the shortage of primary care physicians states should consider easing the scope of practice restrictions. Nurse practitioners can perform the role of primary care services just as well and effective as physicians do. There are many factors involved in health care costs that the government and private sector must come together in a coordinated effort to improve. There is no single solution to solving the health care spending dilemma. All of the drivers of health care cost must be addres sed in any reform or cost control discussion. Intellectual Honesty Certification I certify that this assignment is presented as entirely my own intellectual work. Any words and/or ideas from other sources (e.g. printed publications, Internet sites, electronic media, other individuals, groups, or organizations) have been properly indicated using the appropriate scholarly citation style required by the department or College. I have not submitted this assignment in its entirety to satisfy the requirements of any other course. Any parts of this assignment from other courses have been discussed thoroughly with the faculty member before this submission so that there is an understanding that I have used some of this work in a prior assignment. References Cowen, PhD, RN, P. S., & Moorhead, PhD, RN, S. (2011). Controlling Health Care costs: Balancing Public and Private Solutions. In J. W. York, & M. M. Gibson (Eds.), Current Issues in Nursing (8th ed., pp. 424-437). The University of Iowa Hassmiller, PhD, RN, FAAN, S. (2010, September). Nursing’s role in health care reform. American Nurse Today, 5(9). Henderson, S. (2012, December 1). The Patient-Centered Medical Home. The American journal of nursing, 112(12), 54. The 2012 Long-Term Budget Outlook. (2012). Retrieved from www.cbo.gov/publication/43288 White, B. (2010, 5/1). How Health Care Reform Will Affect Family Physicians. Family Practice Management, 17(3), 14.

Friday, November 8, 2019

Citizenship Essays

Citizenship Essays Citizenship Essay Citizenship Essay Name: Lecturer: Course: Date: Citizenship Paul Rogat Loeb’s book Soul of a Citizen: Living with Conviction in a Cynical Time is a classic work that buds veteran organizers, social activists and anyone who is interested in making a positive world change, be it small or big. This book has inspired numerous people to make actions count, and their voices heard by acting as a solution to despair and powerlessness, enabling them to continue their involvement in the long haul. Loeb highlights on issues that steer people who get involved in daily issues in the community, as well as where other individuals have a tendency of feeling uncertain or overwhelmed by the same issues (Vavrik,13). He goes further to speak about how they maintain their focus in the long-term, and how involving oneself in the activism of citizenship restores connection senses and purpose in a person’s life. He stresses that citizens should work towards a common goal in a citizenry form (grouped citizens). This book can prove to be helpful by givin g the reader an insight on matters related to citizenship, as well as offering advice on the impact of citizenship in community engagement. Loeb’s work is one that can assist both the younger and older generation, in coming together along the same thought in a common theme and belief of contributing towards a positive change in society. Loeb’s work looks to call each generation to become actively involved in strategies that are both ideal and realistic; strategies that enhance a balance between public and private needs, encouraging a small advancing step towards great impacts. Loeb’s purpose and argument are direct and outright; aiming to convince the interested parties to embrace the fact that the most serious encumbrances, public or personal, are mainly common problems affecting all of us. However, these problems can be solved through our own combined efforts, but not singly. According to him, sanctuary in privacy is a mere illusion that would only hamper our progress by dampening our larger sense in connection (Vavrik, 23). Loeb enforces his work through religious words, hope, compassion, as well as faith, and rightly so standing for his ideology. They accurately fit into the implicit social change theory that he is soliciting. Loeb’s passes his messages mainly through stories, telling us about how ordinary citizen’s endeavor in large issues mainly brought about by personal encounters involving a neighbor’s plight, because something they mostly cherish is under threat. In one scenario, Loeb talks about a woman who is compelled to involve herself social community efforts when her elderly neighbor died in preventable means (Vavrik, 36). Then there is Adam, a boy who is fascinated by the adventures of camping and hiking with his family. Adam is prompted to act when he witnesses his environment under threat. Then there is a housewife named Alison who hails from a small rural community town. She is immersed into the public eye when she identifies a developer with an ill will to drain all the water that boards her yard in a marsh. These and many other stories are incorporated into Loeb’s work as he attempts to persuade us against the saying that, ‘I cannot involve myself because I am not important enough to bring about change’. Real life scenarios like those of Adam and Alison play a big role in dismissing this petty argument. Loeb intends to affirm his attitude on towards involving yourself in positive activities and should often come because of self-interest. It should be a case of even getting involved in large arenas regardless of whether the party involved is something dear to us or not. By incorporating stories of ordinary individuals involved in local scenes, as a means of tackling issues that hamper development in the society. One issue in particular is the historical amnesia that mainly targets the younger generation. Loeb finds that students in the United States have a superficial understanding on pivotal issues, therefore posing a significant impact on their personal choices. In relation to historical amnesia affecting the young generation is in terms of the notion that an ordinary citizen is not endowed with sufficient education to foster or spearhead a change in societal views. Loeb refers to this as a perfect standard, a concept that he incorporated in his previous work. He explains on this concept by stating that many individuals are hampered from engaging in certain issues because they feel that they should first analyze, and then select the most appropriate issue that seems to suit them. It is only after they identify the most appropriate issue that they move on to act accordingly as long as they are permitted to get involved in the matter. Loeb brings out his ideology clearly; if at all we want to foster a world characterized by adequate justice, more compassion, equality, and one that all citizens are involved in, we therefore cannot permit ourselves from continually uphold false standards. Loeb provides his readers with his theories on social changes through appropriate stories and their pinpoint interpretations. According to him, change will always come about when ordinary people who deem themselves powerless, begin to embrace their self-interests. We can involve ourselves in these changes slowly yet confidently; in reasonable pace with a framework of one-step at a time, while adequately balancing our lives. This can be supported by communities or societies that share our passion as well as affirming our identity; while at the same time sustained core values, humanistic, or religious faith pivoted by better visions to improve the world, backed by desires to propel that vision (Maitles, 32). Nevertheless, changing the negative societal views is not as easy as some of us might think. There will most certainly be occasions despair and at the extreme frustration. Loeb is however helpful as he helps the reader to be in a position of identifying a potential threat, and comi ng up with effective and appropriate means of tackling that particular threat. As Loeb tells us, we need to assign ourselves visions constructed to sustain us. There is a need of acknowledging our anxieties and doubts, as the cure for the vice doubt is not certainty, but none other than commitment. He continues to say that the only way of sticking to endeavors of social change in the long haul is through tireless steadfast commitments in justice, and at the same time relishing the struggle (Vavrik, 42). As we take our small steps we enjoy the feeling of our progress, but it cannot be compared to the celebration feeling we encounter when we progress as a group. We will always gain strength from a communal vision that requires us to participate in any means we can, having in mind that there are other people in other places playing their roles in vouching for justice human dignity, and freedom. As Loeb says, we are a portion os something far greater than our individual selves. The main challenge lies to identify only what we are supposed to stand for, and act in o ur best manner and beliefs. Loeb’s work is as realistic as any can get. His ideologies are profound and straightforward. In his words, he opens our eyes on an area where we can all play a part in making the world a better place to live for us, and even for the next generations to come. Our current generation is being faced with different struggles and issues on careers, relationships, balancing between public and private arenas, tensions between religion-spiritual and social economic challenges, have all made their mark as factors that we should all consider. Some of these challenges are similar to those every generation has to face, but others dramatically differ mainly because the times have changed. I personally thought about these issues and wondered how my generation and the next would come up with relevant advice. Loeb himself has stepped forward and come up with valid solutions as to how we can achieve this. We can make the generation aware of these strategies, but the main question is, how to encourage them to get involved in these life-changing measures. Works cited Vavrik, Dawn. â€Å"Soul of a Citizen: Living with Conviction in a Cynical Time.† Journal of College and Character. 7.3 (2006). Print. Rogat, Loeb P, and Joerg Rieger. â€Å"Books – the Soul of a Citizen: Living with Conviction in a Cynical Time.† Cross Currents. 50.3 (2000): 420. Print. Loeb, Paul R. Soul of a Citizen: Living with Conviction in Challenging Times. New York: St. Martin’s Griffin, 2010. Print. Maitles, Henry. â€Å"Political Literacy: The Challenge for Democratic Citizenship.† The School Field. 11 (2000): 125-134. Print. Mather, Janet. â€Å"The Citizenry: Legitimacy and Democracy.† European Union Enlargement. (2004): 103-117. Print.

Wednesday, November 6, 2019

How to Write a Statistical Report on Psychology Studies

How to Write a Statistical Report on Psychology Studies Knowing how to write a statistical report on psychology studies is very important especially when you are soon to complete a psychology study on your own. Part of the reason it is imperative that you understand the different aspects contained in a statistical report is so that you can use psychology studies in the future not only as references but as a potential career possibility. In order to study psychology in school you will be required to complete psychology studies yourself. Knowing the general layout is important. So what is included in a statistical report on psychology studies? Well the first thing you need is a great topic. This topic has to be something that isnt explored yet. You have to be able to add something new to psychology. Some people might explore how children enrolled in private school do better compared to children enrolled in public school. But you might want to take that apart and see if they do better because they have fewer problems at home or because parents are more involved or perhaps because the different socioeconomic status compared between public school and private school affords children greater access to resources. One key aspect to any psychology study is to not only have the hypothesis, but the way you will test that hypothesis. You have to present a literature review where you explain to the reader what reports and studies which relate to your topic have already been completed, and how your topic is different from everything else already published. Once this is done you have to explain the message you used, the participants, the materials, and what you did. Once you gather your results you have to share them using a statistical analysis and then have a discussion about what your results mean to the bigger picture. It is important to note that: In order to make it a statistical report you have to be able to quantify your results. In order for your results to be quantified you need to work with numbers. In order to work with numbers you need to set up a quantitative methodology. In order to use quantitative methodology you need to create a way to test your theory using numbers. If you want to determine whether students perform better taking tests with music playing in the background versus no music playing in the background a quantitative methodology would compare two different groups of students, those with music in the background and those without, and compare the average test score. It might also compare how long it took to complete the score. A more qualitative examination would review perhaps the emotional state or anxiety levels of students in the room with music versus the room without music. Statistical analysis is necessary to look over the results and compare the data. There are specific programs designed to help analyze data, especially large amounts of data in an automatic fashion. Using t-tests or ANOVA tests, or simply searching for medians or statistical averages can be used to present the results of your study. Different statistical analyses are reserved for different types of statistical reports on psychology studies. This was our complete guide on how to write a statistical analysis on psychology studies. You will also benefit from our 10 facts on psychology studies for statistical as well as 20 narrow subtopics that you can explore and 1 sample essay. So be sure to check them.

Sunday, November 3, 2019

Assingment 4 Coursework Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Assingment 4 - Coursework Example Example: Suppose a firm produces 1000 units with 10 laborers, remember the main objective of any firm is to maximize revenue, the management may opts to hire more workers to increase output which will lead to an increase in profit but if the contribution of 11^th worker will lead to a decrease in output, then it will only be important to employ enough employees who maximize the output without causing the marginal product to diminish. Largo Publishing House is not making the optimal choice on input amounts. This is due to the fact that there is underestimation of printers employed. A simple calculation can prove this. If the last printer can add 20 books to the total output and press is adding 1000 books, if you take (1000/2 = 50). This shows that fifty (50) printers can be used to do the work of one printing press machine hence the publishing house will be saving $ 4000. cost of one machine is $600.This indicates that the company should not install the textile machine since its total cost overweight’s hand labor cost which is $1350 compared to machine cost which amounts to $1500. i.e. ($1500

Friday, November 1, 2019

Women and Mysticism Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Women and Mysticism - Essay Example Sometimes death is easier than life and possession is easier than death. No matter what your religion, the teachings for that religion refer to demons. These demons are able to possess those that lack strength and are vulnerable to that possession (Bengtsson &Saveman, 2). Women who have been abused and beaten especially by an intimate partner are vulnerable and lack the strength to protect themselves, thus the possession. This is not an effort to show power in a way that is acceptable, this is a direct result of the pain in their lives because of their powerlessness. Distress of the proportions that these women experience bring depression, as well as post-traumatic stress disorder (ptsd) (Goodman, Smyth, Borges, 1). Goodman states that the combination of violence and poverty lead to stress, powerlessness, social isolation, ptsd, depression and other emotional problems. It is not hard to put this damage into perspective when demonization or possession occurs. Who can know whether the demonization they then feel is real or not real. To the victim it is real just like spiders on the wall are very real to the psychotic patient (Goodman, et.al., 2). The Bourguignon paper (559) argues that possession normally affects women in such a way as to allow them to assume a powerful presence or to somehow get what they want.