Linguistics Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Linguistics - Essay Example How do word-deaf patients cope and how they understand and comprehend important ideas and concepts. â€Å"Pure word deafness (PWD) is a rare auditory disorder that is characterized by a selective deficit in comprehending spoken words, while the identification of nonverbal sounds remains intact.† (Zhu, et al., 2010, p. 843). This is a form of brain damage that makes it challenging for a person to comprehend words that are spoken to him or her. Pure word deafness is characterised by a selective problem of accessing language sound patterns and word forms (Rickheit & Strohne, 2012). This means that the sound patterns and variety of words presented to a person suffering from this condition are not understood by such an individual. This is distinguished from cortical auditory deficit by the fact that pure word deaf persons can hear and comprehend music and environmental sounds (Kaga, 2013). Thus, by implication, pure word deaf patients can hear and understand music as well as environmental sounds around them. However, they cannot hear words spoken to them by a third party. Pure deafness is scientifically known as Auditory Agnosia for speech and verbal communication (Feinberg & Farah, 2012). This expresses the difference and inconsistency in comprehension of verbal discourse and the lack thereof of verbal auditory recognition. â€Å"The underlying problem of a person with word-sound deafness is at the stage of extracting the phonetic features from the speech input such that the patient has problems discriminating between widely variant words (the severe form) or between similar sounding words† (Ingram, 2014, p. 166). This means that the person with word deafness has some challenges in decoding the phonetic and sound elements of speech and cannot sort it out for onward interpretation and understanding. Pure Word Deafness is caused by a brainstem lesion which is a complication that often comes with

Sex Education Paper Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Sex Education Paper - Essay Example I have personally felt the need to re-evaluate our cultural and traditional understandings of these issues and how they affect our understanding as we continue to grow up. I got a lot of information about sex and sexuality from very different sources. My family, both my parents and aunts, were at hand to provide me with a wide range of information about myself and my body and how to act and keep myself amidst all the changes that were taking place in my body during my teenage years. The media were also very instrumental in giving me information through various TV shows, music and movies. I also got to read magazines and journals about sexual health, some of which were very erotic. School was also a very important environment for me to learn more about sex, both informally through my friends and formally through the school curriculum. In the later stages of my teenage years, I mostly relied on my peers and the internet for information since we had a common consensus that our parents d id not provide us with helpful information and that they did not want us to participate in sexual activities for unknown or unqualified reasons at the time. A recent study about reproductive health among youths and adolescents conducted by Stanford University, however, points out that the sources that I relied upon such as the internet are to a large extent erratic. The study found out that some of the information contained on various websites across the internet contain outdated advice, omissions and are riddled with errors, therefore, making them possible channels of misinformation and myths associated with sex and sexuality (Knox and Schacht 58). Given this wide range of informational sources regarding this subject, I must admit that my sexual life as a teenager was based on a lot of misinformation and myths which at the time, I believed to be the absolute truth. Some of them, especially the ones I got from school my parents, were in fact true although I did not regard them as su ch during the that time. My parents and close family relatives told me a lot of lies about sex in a bid to protect me from knowing the truth at such a tender age for fear that I would be interested in trying out. They, therefore, sought to present sex as a negative and an unpleasant thing, most especially if done outside marriage. One of the biggest myths that I gathered at from this is that marital sex is the only safe, desired and enjoyable sexual activity. Over the year, however, as I have grown up and gathered more information, both from experience and from reliable research studies, I have come to the conclusion that it is not true. Marital sex, despite being legitimate, is coupled up with so many issues involving consensus. I was stunned to discover that rape can also occur in a marriage set up in cases where one of the partners does not consent to the sexual activity (Knox and Schacht 67). This proved to me that marital sex is not that much enjoyable as it was portrayed to me by my family. It was only a myth to help me avoid being involved in sexual activities at a young age and before marriage. Among my peers, we believed that having multiple sexual partners before would help one to be more experienced

Orwell Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Orwell - Essay Example ger of a lumber company in Burma, is stationed along with a dozen or so British citizens in Kyauktada, a small village which one of the British refers to as â€Å"a filthy hole.†(184) The social center for these minor government officials and company managers stationed in the â€Å"bloody, bloody hole† (18) is the Club whose policy is Whites Only, for it is whites who administer government in this outpost of imperialistic British rule of the subcontinent. The amount of liquor consumed in the Club by its male members, most of them infantile and cynical, is staggering. When the British Commissioner suggests the Club elect one non-white to membership, most of the Englishmen are enraged. But the news has filtered into the native community where two men, U Po Kyin and Dr. Veraswami, wish to be honored by joining. U Po Kyin is a Subdivisional Magistrate of Kyauktada who prospers by graft and plotting, while the doctor respects everything British; his ardor for Englishmen impels him to call them â€Å"torchbearers upon the path of progress.†(42) But the grossly obese U Po Kyin sees the doctor as an enemy and methodically destroys his reputation. Flory is the doctor’s friend and is criticized for being so by racist members of the Club. He is also, consequently, a ‘mark’ for U Po Kyin and, like the doctor, is ultimately so disgraced (as well as disconsolate over Elizabeth Lackertseen’s rejection) that he commits suicide. â€Å"Absolute power corrupts, but absolute powerlessness corrupts absolutely.† This observation, made by once Presidential candidate Adlai Stevenson, encapsulates what most often occurs when Third World countries are conquered and then ruled by more ‘advanced’ countries. Ugandan President and criminal, Idi Amin, for example, has been thought by many to be merely aping, though perhaps without their subtlety, what he’d learned from the British during their occupation of his country. This is apparent in Orwell’s depiction of the British in

Creationism vs Evolutionism Essay Example for Free

Creationism vs Evolutionism Essay From the beginning of time there has been a controversy about how the world was created. At this time we can agree that there can only be one of two ways that the world could have been created, and that is scientifically or non scientifically. While in the world today mostly everything is being created from science although that might not have been the case back in the days. In this research paper I will try to show the difference between the two and how they are still one in the same. While this research paper is not designed to persuade you in your beliefs, it is a bucket of knowledge that will better educate you on the two. The Creationism vs. Evolutionism controversy represents a clash between two ways of relating to the world (scientific/non-scientific). The central idea of biological evolution (scientific) is that all life on Earth shares a common ancestor, just as you and your cousins share a common grandmother. Creationism (non-scientific) is someone who believes in a god who is absolute creator of heaven and earth, out of nothing, by an act of free will. Creationists do not believe that all of today’s living things evolved from simple organisms changing slowly over time. Creationism opposes the idea of human evolution. (Ruse, Michael, fall 2008) Since the creation of the universe is typically explained by two popular beliefs. One being the scientific explanation and the other being biblical explanation. These are two very different explanations, and while I believe ones religious beliefs can have a role in which explanation one chooses to follow, one is free to choose how they believe the world was created. The scientific explanation is explained by the Big Bang Theory. A basic definition of the Big Bang Theory is that the universe began at a specific time and has been cooling and expanding ever since. According to this explanation, a hot ball of energy expanded outward in all directions and in time radiation and matter began to rise. Gravity now comes in to play and draws the matter into dense regions. After billions of years this formed all things that exist now, stars, planets and galaxies. In our text the biblical explanation for the creation of the universe is explained to us through the Judeo-Christian Biblical account of the creation of earth. The Judeo-Christian account is believed that God made its first inhabitants, fashioning them out of clay, and breathing life into them. With this theory it is obvious to see the two explanations; scientific and biblical are very different. Scientific belief is the universe was created through hot energy expanding and eventually creating our galaxies. The biblical explanation is the belief of the Holy Spirit (God) created all things. With these two very different explanations I dont see how they can become reconciled. Being of Pentecostal faith, I was taught, and brought up to believe in the biblical explanation. However, one cannot ignore the scientific explanation. With the research given today it’s hard to deny the scientific facts available. For some it can be difficult picking one explanation if they don’t believe in religion, for me, I can believe is that the world was created by (god) and the continued creation that came there after over time is created through science. Creationism vs. volutionism has often been incorrectly drawn out as a debate between science and religion, very little can be gained by debating evolution vs. creationism. Two of the biggest obstacles to effective debate on the topic are: †¢The lack of conclusive scientific evidence to forever resolve the issue †¢And the lack of open mindedness on the part of both camps. The geneticist Theodosius Dobzhansky stated that, nothing in biology makes sense except in terms of evolution. The theory of evolution merely explains a process by which species undergoes change over an extended period of time. It is believed that different species evolved from a common ancestor. In order to understand the concept of evolution we must think of time in large units like millions of years. Blocks of time like months and years are of little significance. Evolution refers to entire populations and not individuals. The changes must be passed on to the next generation. Though not the first person to present the idea of evolution; Charles Darwin has been dubbed the father of evolution. He is the most noted and supported, for his theory of natural selection. Darwin’s theory of natural selection simply states that nature favors the survival of organisms that have traits that are best suited for their environment. In other words, only the strong survive. (Max O. Hallman third edition pp 159- 166) Since Darwin’s proposal, scientists such as geologist, biologists, biochemists and others have conducted studies, gathered evidence and developed theories to explain the probable mechanisms of evolution. Modifications are constantly being made to findings and theories as new evidence is accepted. These scientists have conducted studies to compare organisms. Their research includes the study of fossil records, cell structure and function, DNA and the process of heredity (ancestral background). Their theory of evolution suggests that species that currently exist on earth, developed from ancestral species that have adapted to changing conditions. Scientist evidence suggests that life on earth probably began billions of years ago with a unicellular organism. This information has been obtained through Radio-carbon dating which is a method of obtaining age estimates on organic materials. It has been used to date samples as old as 50,000 years. The method was developed immediately following World War II by Willard F. Libby and coworkers, and has provided age determinations in archaeology, geology, geophysics and other branches of science. Radiocarbon determinations can be obtained on wood; charcoal; marine and fresh-water shell; bone and antler; peat and organic-bearing sediments, carbonate deposits such as tufa, caliche, and marl; and dissolved carbon dioxide and carbonates in ocean, lake and ground-water sources. Darwin hypothesized that changes in species is due to the concept of natural selection (only the strong survive). Organisms with favorable traits to those environments are more likely to survive, reproducing and passing on the better traits to the next generation. The new off spring world have an increased chance of survival. Over time, the fittest of the species will survive with different characteristics from those of the original species. This will now be recognized as a new species. (William P. marryA. cunningham chapter 4. Pp 75-90) While absolute proof of the existence of God cannot be realized by any human being, the great weight of evidence, when rationally evaluated, clearly balances the scales heavily in favor of God. We can demonstrate beyond a reasonable doubt that He is, and that He is a rewarded of them that diligently seek Him. (Hebrews 11:6) Creationism is the religious belief that all life on earth is the creation of a supernatural being- god. This relates to the history of religion as described in religious text and the bible. As described in genesis, humans, the world, the universe and all that exists was created by god: Creatio ex nihilo- Latin for creation from nothing.

Impact of Pro-Eating Disorder Websites

Impact of Pro-Eating Disorder Websites Kosalina Vignarajah Harithra Chandrasehar Abstract This paper examines the impact of pro-eating disorder websites as determined by the researches done on the area. During the course of this paper, we have critically analyzed the findings, methodologies and conclusions given in eight research papers while providing suggestions for our opinions on them. After the analysis, we have come to a conclusion that pro-eating disorder websites are harmful to both novice viewers and regular viewers as these websites negatively affect the self-esteem, perceptions of beauty and the patterns of thinking. However, these websites are also a forum through which people with eating disorders communicate, which acts a supportive network, and is therefore positive as well. Key words: Pro-eating disorder websites, thinspiration, Pro-ana/pro-mia. Kosalina Vignarajah Introduction Nothing tastes as good as thin feels is a quote which is often seen in pro-eating disorder websites (Bardone-Cone Cass, 2006). Pro-eating disorder movements or websites focus mainly on influencing individuals to practice disordered behaviors of eating (by sometimes undermining the harm it can do) and increasing the eating disorder behaviors overtime without seeking treatments from professionals. These websites claim that they are pro-ana and/or pro-mia (for anorexia and bulimia respectively) and that they represent a lifestyle choice rather than eating disorders (Csipke and Horne, 2007). The objective of this paper is to understand the impact of pro-eating disorder websites on people. This paper will mainly focus on why pro-eating disorder movements negatively impacts people already diagnosed with eating disorders. Additionally, this paper will have an in-depth explanation of pro-eating disorder websites, what these websites contain that benefits and negatively impacts the users, find appropriate approaches to reduce the consequences of these sites, the precautious steps that clinical professionals/therapists could take to help the victims, and the limitations and possible future studies will also be explored. Pro-Eating Disorder websites Pro-eating disorder websites are where individuals with anorexia or bulimia join together to feel like a community, share values and beliefs (Csipke and Horne, 2007). These movements are especially spread through websites have main three goals: the sites prevent from seeking professional help; increase the behavior of eating disorder, and using the guise of support to harm the users (Yom-Tov, Fernandez-Luque, Weber, Crain, 2012). Csipke and Horne (2007) have characterized websites regarding eating disorders into four main types: (1) eating disorder websites run by professionals concerned with health; (2) recovery sites run by people with eating disorders; (3) moderate pro-ED sites that consists of beliefs and quotes regarding being thin, and (4) severe pro-ED sites that consists of ANA creed or commandments which is similar to a movement and contains inspirational facts and information about maintaining a low body weight and looking thin. Most of these sites contain images and messages that motivate disordered behaviors; drugs that help induce vomit; chatrooms that include individuals that support each other; a disclaimer to warn people who accidently come across the site and sometimes information about the organizer of this site is given (Overbeke, 2008). Also most of the sites have calorie charts and BMI calculator to advice the users of the exercises to undertake, to reduce weight and to help hide the disorders from others (Csipke and Horne, 2007). Addition to sharing thinspiration pictures of thin supermodels, the users who have eating disorders find themselves more deep into these websites because of the identity that these sites provide. And in this way, they are taught self control on food consumption and encourage to diet or fast with other fellow chatters, this is one of the main defense statement of pro-eating websites (Csipke and Horne, 2007). The contents of these sites could be harmful and is a health concern, as explained below. Impact of Pro-Eating disorder websites Csipke and Horne (2007) concluded that there was a positive impact (without counting the motivation to diet together) on frequent users of the pro-eating website , who were supported emotionally found themselves connecting with other users who had the same view and thought than the silent users who were physically supported to maintain restricted eating behaviors. It is important to remember that a frequent user of the sites is not safe from disordered eating behavior, and also it is difficult for the users to come out of this behavior to recover because these sites gives them an identity. Despite giving sense of belongingness, clear identity, and practical information in regards to anorexia, the sites have negative impacts such as lowered self esteem, and self-efficacy of being perceived as overweight which leads to eating disorders (Overbeke, 2008). For example, Bardone-Cone and Cass (2006) stated that women who viewed pro-anorexia website showed an increase on their perceived weight and a decrease in how attractive they looked to opposite sex compared with women who viewed neutral sites, thus both the mood and the cognition of women are affected by viewing pro-eating disorder movement websites. Also users of pro-ana sites had a longer duration of illnesses and higher number of absenteeism of school due to health concerns (Overbeke, 2008). The impact of pro-eating disorder on eating disorder is a topic that requires more attention in the future, especially the role the sites play in helping to maintain and increase eating disorder behaviors, an explanation of these popularities despite the negative impact and the reasons for why the individuals continue access these sites (Overbeke, 2008). Approaches to Reduce the Impact of Pro-Eating Disorders Websites A better approach can be taken to prevent these sites causing more harmful effects such as a censorship to shut down these sites from stopping the frequent users and also the users yet to connect with the site members (Csipke and Horne, 2007). Parents should also educate themselves and their children with media literacy that gives a critical evaluation of the media and its messages and it is wiser to use block technology at home computers if the children were alone with a technical device or else place the computers in public area of the house (Bardone-Cone and Cass, 2006). It is the duty of the parents to be aware of their childrens health to not only check for eating disorders but to also prevent from other diseases. Yom-Tov et al. (2012) illustrated that some of the countries like Israel has taken the precaution of these harmful sites and have banned advertisements containing severely underweight models. On the other hand, the online servers (e.g Yahoo, MSN) have taken it upon themselves to create awareness for the harmful drugs used for eating disorder. Overbeke (2008) suggested that by understanding the factors that influences the popularity of these sites, professionals can take relevant steps to prevent popularity of these sites. Clinical scientists should defend against statements such as these where pro-Ana movements is compared with homosexuality, that given time pro-Ana movements will be considered as a chosen lifestyle as homosexuality is considered today (Overbeke, 2008). Treatments could include acknowledgement of these sites and how to address these issues with clients to prevent relapse and help acquire a healthy eating behaviors by letting the clients know about the influence these sites have on their health (Csipke and Horne, 2007). In addition to above mentioned precautions that parents and therapist could take, there are some areas of studies that require the attention of researchers to study on. For example, The ambiguity of pro-Ana makes it difficult for the researchers to study on it because different meaning is given to pro-eating disordered movements by many and most of the studies are pilot or descriptive studies that are not evidence enough to make conclusion from to check the real impacts (Overbeke, 2008). Therefore, Yom-Tov et al. (2012) emphasized that future studies can focus on interventions where warnings about the content of the sites should be clear, understandable to any user, and importance should be given to adhere to these warnings to avoid being caught up in problems that may lead to eating disordered behavior. As mentioned above, the use of blocking from the internet servers for these sites is necessary because a caregiver cannot monitor the users all the time, and parental control software should be present for the users especially to avoid the first time users attention towards these sites. Harithra Chandrasehar â€Å"E-Ana and e-Mia: A Content Analysis of Pro–Eating Disorder Web Sites† is an article by Borzekowski et al. analyzes the content shown in a one hundred and eighty pro-eating disorder websites. According to the article, pro-eating disorder websites are often defined by their urging of viewers to use unconventional and dangerous methods to lose weight such as using laxatives. The article also mentioned that 79% of the websites were interactive thus giving viewers a forum, and that they contain â€Å"thinspiration†, tips and techniques to lose weight, and â€Å"reverse triggers† – pictures of morbidly obese people (Borzekowski et al. 2010). What was most fascinating was the details accumulated regarding the sites such as them being very easy to understand as they were compiled in eighth grade English which aids its ability to cater to its audience, and more importantly, that most of the sites had themes – including bringing control to life t hrough eating-disorders, isolation from those who they think are fat and impure, and as artistic transformation (Borzekowski et al., 2010). A drawback of this study is the unavailability of information regarding the â€Å"underground† websites which are pro-eating disorder, as they may contain the most damaging information, as opposed to what is found in the public domain. The article titled â€Å"Potential risks of Pro-eating disorder websites† claims that despite the negative out-cry against them, that there are currently around five hundred websites which are pro-eating disorders currently on the internet, and that around 200-400 users will be accessing those sites at any given time, while also mentioning that those who view these websites can be girls of twelve years or younger. This article also shed light to three important factors which seem to carry the most risk to those viewing a pro-eating disorder website. They are; â€Å"Operation under the guise of support†, â€Å"reinforcement of disordered eating, and â€Å"prevention of help-seeking and recovery† Interestingly it also mentions that not all pro-eating disorder websites are anti-recovery as some websites encourage the users to seek help when their eating disorder progresses (Rouleau, von Ranson 2010). This does confirm the fact that eating-disorder websites are a fo rum which provide support and comfort too. However, it is also possible that the triggers in the website may discourage people from seeking help, despite the disclaimer in the beginning of the page. A suggestion to counter these pro-eating disorder websites would be to have a website which appears along with the pro-eating disorder websites, which is run by completely recovered individuals who once lived with eating disorders, who can understand and even guide a person to seek help. The site can even be monitored by clinicians. The research titled â€Å"What does viewing a pro-Anorexia website do? An experimental examination of website exposure and moderating effects† seems to be a remarkably well-thought out study. It is also a study that has been cited by many research articles discussing this topic. Technically, the article seems to be quite flawless as it covers every aspect necessary, including a pilot study, the randomization of participants, explanation of methods of testing used, and the explanation of results. the results of this study determined that viewing a pro-anorexia website made a significant impact on the participants compared to those who viewed the control websites in terms of a negative mood, low social self-esteem, low appearance self-esteem, higher likelihood to exercise and think about weight in the forthcoming days. This study was a critical point in the research of pro-eating disorder websites as it showed the immediate after effects of viewing one. Unfortunately, it has not followed the participants out of the lab and analyzed how these websites affect their life after the initial viewing – despite the debriefing they received and the availability to psychological help. (Bardone-Cone, Cass 2007). It would be interesting to know whether any of these participants returned to viewing these websites, and to understand what drew them to it as they are considered first-time viewers, (and should technically have no reason to search for companionship in an eating-disorder website which is the reason given by many people living with eating disorders when asked why they access these sites), and whether viewing these articles and images are as damaging as they were the first time, or if the effect of it reduces each time through desensitization as the Bardone-Cone and Cass study suggests. It would also be interesting to know what changes will occur in the results if the subjects were male, or if they were from a culture that appreciates body fat, or even if it were someone who is obese and having a good self esteem. The variations of the sample are quite necessary as these sites are quite freely available on the internet, and therefore it is important to find out how different people react to these websites, as opposed to only considering the stereotypical relationship between women and anorexia. However, it would be quite dangerous to expose people to sites like these without having a good understanding of their psychological state, as eating disorders can be hidden for so long, and disguised as many other less harmful things that it may be difficult for the researchers to notice changes in a participant unless it is a long term study. The final article â€Å"disordered eating in a digital age† is a questionnaire/survey which was linked to pro-eating disorder websites, which was answered by those accessing the site. The results were then analyzed to determine the harm caused, and although it has been impossible to determine the causality of many of these negative symptoms including low BMI, low quality of life, co-morbidity of illnesses along with psychological diagnosis, and an alarming twenty one sick days in a month of thirty days, but its strongly linked to eating disorders and these websites (Peebles et al. 2012). However, this research had a response rate of less than 40% which is not an adequate sample, while only English websites were accessed. However this study was one of the best online studies conducted in this area, was well analyzed, and the article contained the survey for references which can be helpful to the reader. Conclusion The articles above show comprehensive details about pro-eating disorder websites. Upon careful reviewing of both articles and some of these mentioned websites, it is easy to understand that there is a completely different mind-set attached to those who have purposely disordered eating habits. It seems to be like they think that they have a higher purpose, a better understanding and purer image of the human body. Their mentality seems like that of a cult, a united front with adherence to a strict regime, but it’s members breaking down within it unable to cope up with the stress and the difficulty, but struggling each day, because if they don’t, their entire belief system and the purpose they have assigned to themselves may fall apart. Perhaps one of the most ethical ways to help these people who may not acknowledge that they require it is by doing more research about pro-eating disorder websites which helps develop their dangerous bonds and by matching each of it with a less harmful blog/website run by clinicians but is suitable and accessible to the general public. Another such proactive action would be having a minimum standard guideline that these pro-eating disorder websites need to adhere to, required by law, where the harm is detailed and the ways to get help are found, like the warning that is mandated on packs of cigarettes. It is best if these websites can be closed down by all internet servers as a matter of public safety, and encourages instead a forum or web pages which speak creatively about the struggles of beating eating disorders and victory. In the case of research, it would be best to do more studies with diverse samples, and to do studies which assess the long term effects of these websites. It would be also interesting to have a research perspective about why these websites should exist, and it would be ideal if this research could be conducted by those who believe in the pro-eating disorder movement as it would be a good way to understand each other, with the basis of science. References Bardone-Cone, A. M., Cass, K. M. (2006) Investigating the Impact of Pro-Anorexia Websites: A Pilot Study. European Eating Disorders Review 14, 256-262. Bardone-Cone A M. and Cass K M. (2007) What Does Viewing a Pro-Anorexia Website Do? An Experimental Examination of Website Exposure and Moderating Effects, International Journal of Eating Disorders 40:6 537–548 DOI 10.1002/eat Borzekowski D LG, Schenk S, Wilson J L, Peebles R (2010) e-Ana and e-Mia: A Content Analysis of Pro–Eating Disorder Web Sites. American Journal of Public Health, Volume 100, No 8. Csipke, E., Horne, O. (2007) Pro-Eating Disorder websites: users opinions. European Eating Disorders Review,Volume 15, Issue 3, pages 196-206. Overbeke, G. (2008) Pro-Anorexia Websites: Content, Impact, and Explanations of Popularity. Mind Matters: The Wesleyan Jounral of Psychology, 49-62, Vol. 3. Peebles R, Wilson J,Litt I F,Hardy K K;Lock D (2012) Disordered Eating in a Digital Age:Eating Behaviors, Health, and Quality of Life in Users of Websites With Pro-Eating Disorder Content. Journal of Medical Internet Research 14.5 Rouleau C R, von Ranson K M (2010) Potential risks of pro-eating disorder websites, Clinical psychology review 31- Elsevier. doi:10.1016/j.cpr.2010.12.005 Yom-Tov, E., Fernandez-Luque, L., Weber, I., Crain, S. P. (2012) Pro-Anorexia and Pro-Recovery Photo Sharing: A tale of Two Warring Tribes. Journal of Medical Internet Research.

Amr Moussa :: Essays Papers

Amr Moussa I am Amr Moussa. I currently represent the country of Egypt as Secretary General of the Arab League, but that’s getting ahead of myself. Allow me to take you back to my beginning. I was born on October 3rd 1936 (Medea’s Information files, 2002 pg 1). While I was growing up I studied law in Cairo, Egypt before I started my successful career as a civil servant. My duties as a civil servant began once I started in the office of Egyptian Foreign Affairs Ministry in 1958(Medea’s Information files 2002 pg 1). This was my first big break and I was going to take full advantage of it. In 1967, some 9 years later, I became the Egyptian Ambassador to India(The African Center, London 2002 pg 1). To me this was the break I had been looking for in my career. This was an opportunity I knew I had to capitalize on, and I did. I was also rewarded with permanent Representation to the United Nations in 1990(Medea’s Information files/Medea 2002 pg 1). Acting as the middleman between Israelis and Palestinians in 1992, when secret talks were going on, I gave my full support to the Declaration of Principles in September of 1993 to guarantee the Palestinian National Authority (PNA) of Egypt’s support. I was a supporter of the Israeli integration in the Middle East. I was very critical of the Israeli government for not having full support over the commitment to the peace process. I was also outraged at the lack of full support for not signing the new Non-Nuclear proliferation Treaty in 1995(Medea’s Information files 2002 pg 1). I have worked extremely hard my whole life to bring my country (Egypt) closer to neighboring countries such as Syria, Jordan, and Iran. Since I started on this journey, I have gained extensive ground to make such progress that is seen today. However there is still no guarantee that the relationships we have made will stand in future times of despair. I have been the Minister for Foreign Affairs in the Government of Egypt since 1991(The African Center, London pg 1). In 2001 I was relieved of my duties at Minister for Foreign Affairs. I was recently appointed to be Secretary General of the Arab League of States in May of this past year of 2001(The African Center, London 2002 pg 1).

Building & Maintaining Customer Relationships Essay

Company Overview Wal-Mart is the world’s largest retailer company, which has operated on the market since 1962. The existence of such type of stores on the market becomes urgent.   This phenomenon can be easily explained by the lowering standards of living and economic slowdowns. The company was found in 1962 in Rogers, Arkansas (Wal-Mart, 2005). Its founder, Sam Walton opened the first distribution center in 1970, which was a starting point for further expansion, and in two years it was included in the list on the New York Stock Exchange. Today, none of the discount retailers is more popular than Wal-Mart. Wal-Mart merchandises a wide range of goods from tables to combs. Wal-Mart is the leader of the full-line discounters, with many stores cov ­ering 120,000 square feet (or more) of floor space; food accounts for about a third of floor space and sales (Wal-Mart Home Page, 2006). Acquisition Strategy Wal-Mart uses acquisition strategy as the main tool to access and penetrate new markets around the globe and expend nationally. The first wave of acquisitions took place at the end of 1970s when Wal-Mart acquired 16 Mohr-Value stores in Michigan and Illinois (1977), Hutcheson Shoe Company (1978), Woolco stores (1983), Grand Central Stores (1985), Supersaver (1988). Acquisition policy has been undoubtedly the most radical growth strategy open to management in that it represents a deliberate attempt to change the nature of the business (Is Wal-Mart Good for America, 2004). Executives at Wal-Mart spent most of 1990 trying to expand the brand’s customer base, and results have been promising. With hindsight, however, it is clear that Wal-Mart paid too much for the acquisitions. As noted previously, Wal-Mart is currently in the midst of its own financial retrenchment. Acquisition policy occurs when the new business is related in some way to the old one. The opening up of the market and the resultant increased competition has widened the perspective of the planning framework with profound implications for Wal-Mart. During this period of time, Wal-Mart acquired Western Merchandisers, Inc and McLane Company of Temple (1990),   28 units from The Wholesale Club, Inc (1991). During 1990s, Wal-Mart has used acquisition strategy to expand internationally and acquired 122 Woolco stores in Canada (1994), opened new stores in Puerto-Rico (1992) and penetrates Korean and Chinese markets through joint venture strategy, and entered German market in acquiring Wertkauf (1998) and Interspar (1999). For instance, acquisition with Woolco stores allowed Wal-Mart to subject to a complex regulate framework whereas others are less so (Watch Out Europe: Here Comes Wal-Mart, 1999). Still, even if it is possible to predict the needs of customer there are some threats and new opportunities, which should be taken into consideration (Oliva, n.d.). There are no specific regulations governing the goals and structures of the industry, there is no constitutional restrictions or legislative mandate that restricts acquisition (Bianco, Zellner, 2003). In October 09 2006.Black Agenda Radio reported that Wal-Mart was going to enter Australian market making its first acquisition in Australia this year. They announced that Wal-Mart made investments in Brazilian retail chain Sonae and Central American Retail Holding Company (CARHCO). Also, â€Å"On 28 July 2006, Wal-Mart announced it will exit the German retail market by selling its 85 â€Å"Supercenters† to retailer Metro AG on the back of pre-tax losses of approximately U.S. $1 billion on its German operations† (Wal-Mart’s Germany Exit, 2006). So, acquisition strategy employed by Wal-Mart provides the buyer with quick growth as well as access to existing brand suppliers, distributors, and goods. Retention Strategy Unlike the transactional, functionally-orientated approach, relationship marketing in food retailing industry is a cross-functional process concerned with balancing marketing efforts among key markets. To create a winning customer retention strategy, Wal-Mart expends its product lines and improves its customer services. For instance, Wal-Mart implemented RFDI solutions and handheld computers linked to in-store computers which helped to transform its business worldwide (RFID to Transform, 2004). The strength of retention strategy is that it is on average as dependent on reliable information technology as any other businesses. They care more about reliable service and confidence than about the lowest price. The company implemented IT supply chain solutions and Internet facilities in order to meet customers’ needs and requirements. A critical issue within the customer market domain in the USA is to ensure that customer retention as well as customer acqui ­sition is emphasized. Recognition of the significant link between customer retention and profitability is leading to new and better strategies for strengthening customer satisfaction and loyalty (RFID to Transform Real-Time, 2004). Branding, advertising, promotion, and additional services to customers and product innovation strengthen the company’s image (Sell Your Product, †¦ 2004). In-Store Checkout TV Channels are introduced in different locations around the country aimed improve customer service and engage customers in buying process. This strategy decreases time and efforts that customers must expend to learn about the products. Wal-Mart reduces prices seasonally in order to attract new customers and benefit existing buyers. Wal-Mart’s customers evaluate an item of a given specification in terms of its total expected costs, i.e. acquisition price plus any necessary additional expenses associated with an item: it can be installation, running and maintenance costs, all discounted to the present time in order to take account of cash flows over a period of time. In the same way the cost of a transport movement or service may be expressed in terms of the original price of acquisition plus any additional and necessary costs or expenses (Brown Quintin, 2000). It is possible to distinguish two aspects of costs: price and expenses. Trying to provide customer service an organization considers these two measurements. In evaluating an organization, customers consider or respond to these two measurements. Mobile computing and increased staffing for weekends help to overcome retention and improve customer service (The Big Secret Is Continue†¦ 2006). Strengths and Weaknesses of Wal-Mart’s Acquisition and Retention The main strength of Wal-Mart acquisition and retention strategies is that they improve company’s position on the market; they are customer-oriented and help Wal-Mart to expend internationally. Also, the management team of Wal-Mart takes into consideration that direct Investment involves sev ­eral distinct forms. Ranging from a sales/marketing subsidiary through to a fully operational manufacturing unit producing the same products as the domestic plant, investment includes product specific manufacturing units, plants producing components and facilities which simply assemble products in the end-user market (Davison, Smith, 2005). At the very beginning the strengths included high potential to growth and profitability of the company, and professional management team, customer loyalty and excellent service. It is targeted at the customers, which buy discounted and unpackaged goods from manufactures at extremely low prices (The Ever-Expanding Empire, 2004). For Wal-Mart, acquisition and retention strategies help to save millions of dollars on advertising and market penetration. Wal-Mart plans on a combination of forecasting and budgeting systems can only work if the future is going to be the same as the present or the past. Wal-Mart will succeed in redu ­cing costs in the next few years of the decade by international acquisition strategies. The main weaknesses include negative attitude of foreign competitors and strict government regulations restricted foreign ownership in some countries. For instance, in 2002 Wal-Mart’s attempts to buy Supermercados Amigo in Puerto Rico were blocked in order to prevent anti-competition policies and foreign dominance of Wal-Mart. Also, Wal-Mart has made attempts to acquire Ahold’s operations in Argentina, Brazil and Peru. Another weakness of Wal-Mart is comparatively low wages which increase dissatisfaction with its policies (Is Wal-Mart Good for America, 2004). This situation negatively affects company’s image and causes critics in press. Changes in legislation and international regulations can weaken Wal-Mart’s global presence and limits its acquisition plans. For instance, the end of 1990s was marked by the changes on the European market which altered many of the parameters of competition and thus enforced a period of reassessment and adaptation (Person of the Week, 2006). Recommendations Taking into account current acquisition and retention strategies and activities, the best collusions for Wal-Mart are planning for com ­petitiveness and are actively involved in re-investing profits in new critical assets. Wal-Mart may choose to concentrate on its core strengths and rationalize its portfolio, focus its activities on a particular geographic area or centre on a particular user segment. Wal-Mart, as a result of being able to adapt to changing competitive demands, is likely to survive in the long term. The changes can be incremental or major in their nature, but each type provides specific advantages to deliver customer satisfaction. It is possible to conclude that effective international and national marketing depends upon effective marketing system employed by a company. The company needs better management facilities outside the USA to control and monitor performance around the world. For Wal-Mart acquisition should be key market-entry strategy that entails purchasing multiple existing outlets in a foreign and domestic market. CRM (customer relationship management) can be seen as one of the main tool to improve current service and attract potential target audience. Maintenance of high standards is a key factor to improve customer service. References Bianco, A., Zellner, W. â€Å"Is Wal-Mart too powerful?† Business Week, October 6, 2003, p.5. The Big Secret Is Continue to Do What You Do Best. Daily Herald (Arlington Heights, IL), November 28, 2005, p. 3. Black Agenda Radio. Wal-Mart’s siege in Chicago. KPFK, October 09, 2006. Brown, R., St Quintin, R.E. Distribution Sector Faces Major Impact. The Birmingham Post (England), February 17, 2000, p. 41. Davison, J., Smith, S.E. (2005). â€Å"Wal-Mart Finds Dominance Harder to Achieve in Europe†. 2 Sept. Gartner Research. Available at: gartner.com/resources/ 130800/130826/walmart_finds_d.pdf The Ever-Expanding Empire; after Wal-Mart Chief Talks to Key Men in Europe He Has a Big Message for His Shareholders. The Evening Standard (London, England), May 27, 2004, p. 40. Is Wal-Mart Good for America? TV program Online Nov 16, 2004. Available at: http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/shows/walmart/ 8.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Oliva, S.M. Price Check on Antitrust: WalMart’s Acquisition of Britain’s Safeway PLC. Capitalism Magazine. Available at: http://www.capmag.com/article.asp?ID=2394 Person of the Week. Braun and Dolores Hummel. ABC’s World News Tonight. Monday, October 09, 2006. RFID to Transform Real-Time Business across Industries; SAP Exec Says Technology Has a Big Future Business Impact. Manila Bulletin August 30, 2004, p. 4 Sell Your Product the Wal-Mart Way. Daily Herald (Arlington Heights, IL), September 13, 2004, p. 3. Wal Mart. 2005. May, 21. Available at: http://www.datamonitor.com/~e923bef8274740fc8a14e76a70d51687~/companies/company/?pid=8046847E-B325-4AF0-BC79-48100850E764 Watch Out Europe: Here Comes Wal-Mart. Business Week Online. June 28, 1999. Available at: http://www.businessweek.com/1999/99_26/b3635129.htm Wal-Mart Home Page. 2006. Available at: http://www.walmartstores.com/wmstore/wmstores/HomePage.jsp Wal-Mart’s Germany Exit Reflects on Its Market Entry Strategy. 2006. Gartner. Available at: http://www.gartner.com/DisplayDocument?doc_cd=142370