Cause of Homelessness

Homelessness is a devastating experience for families. It disrupts virtually every aspect of family life, damaging the physical and emotional health of family members, interfering with children†s education and development, and frequently resulting in the separation of family members. The leading cause of homelessness is the inability of poor people to afford housing. Housing costs have risen significantly over the last decate, white the incomes of poor and middle-class have stagnated. In addition, who are unemployed or work in low-paying jobs are among the most vulnerable to becoming homeless. Homelessness and poverty are inextricably linked. Poor people are frequently unable to pay for housing, food, child care, health care, and education. Being poor means being an illness, an accident, or a paycheck away from living on the streets. Homelessness frequently breaks up families. Families may be separated as a result of shelter policies which deny access to older boys or fathers. Separations may also be caused by placement of children into foster care when their parents become homeless. In addition, parents may leave their children with relatives and friends in order to save them from the ordeal of homelessness or to permit them to continue attending their regular school. According to youth homelessness are family stress or breakdown, physical or emotional abuse, sexual assault, incest, poverty, schooling difficulties, institutionalisation, or mental illness, all cause youth homelessness. In these young people being depressed, angry, and emotional. They have low self-esteem, and drug and alcohol abuse is common. There are some strategies to control with youth homelessness or effective communication with them, the development of rapport and engagement with youth people on their level interest, the showing of respect including a respect for their choices The homeless people usually die in hospital and the dying homeless often appear to be dying alone. The dying person†s mind is filled with a myriad of emotions, encompassing shock, depression, anger, regret, sadness, and the ambivalence of acceptance and denial. Beside that, the homeless person†s death with no food, no clothing, no house, loss jobs, no money. So, how can to help homeless people to get out of poverty. They have to volunteer group to help homeless people with serve food, looking for the job, cloths. Finally, that homelessness is often the result of a complex set of circumstances which push people into force impossible choices between food, shelter, and other basic needs. Only a concerted effort to ensure jobs that pay a living wage, adequate benefits for those who cannot work, affordable housing, and access to health care will bring an end to homelessness.

Othello: Explain the important and effectiveness of ‘Act three, Scene three’

In the 17th century, Shakespeare found the plot for ‘Othello' in Giraldi Ginthio's collection of tales ‘Hicatomithi' (1565). The play itself is set in the 16th century Venice and Cyprus. At the time of Shakespeare, Turks were considered to be barbarians as opposed to the Christians who represented civilization and morality. In the play there is a reference to a Turkish naval attack on the Venetian controlled land of Cyprus. It's because of this battle that most of the plot takes place in Cyprus. The third scene of the third act in the play is an intense and important scene, which displays the turning point of events that begun in the previous two acts. Such events as the migration of Othello, the moor, Desdemona, Othello's wife, Iago, Othello's ensign, Cassio, Othello's lieutenant, Roderigo, Iago's friend, and many Venetian men and women, from Venice to Cyprus. This change of location for the characters and the plot led to opportunities for later aspects of the play; in particular the evil plan created by Iago began to take shape as things fell to place in his favour. In act three, scene three, and the audience can witness Iago's newly found control over the general, Othello. Iago manages to convince Othello that Desdemona is having an affair and is a false woman. This definitely comes as a shock to the audience due to the good, loyal and trusting image of Othello that they saw at the start of the play. There is also a display of Iago's power of manipulation that allows him to use them in any way he wants, so he can achieve his goals. Othello is much changed in this scene; he believes that his wife is having an affair and starts to have doubts in the marriage he so strongly believed in. Othello shows signs to his more vulnerable and weaker side that makes the audience question his character. The events in this scene build up to a tragic ending that the audience can predict from the moment they realise Iago's evil plan and role in act three. Tragedy is inevitable and the audience can clearly see it, due to their understanding of Shakespeare's real intensions in the scene. In conclusion it can be said that in this central scene of the play, Othello begins to lose control of the situation and Iago takes possessions. Scene three is the turning point of events in the play. It's the point where Iago's plan starts to fall in place and the audience notice the power of Iago's words over Othello. But these events begun long time before this scene: At the start of the play we are introduced to Iago, Othello's ensign and advisor, Roderigo, Iago's friend that's in love with Desdemona. The audience learn the fact that Roderigo is paying Iago to get Desdemona away from Othello. From the first conversation, it becomes clear that Iago is evil, cruel and selfish. He talks of the fact that Othello made Cassio lieutenant instead of him and how much he hates and wants to bring down Othello. Iago's evil plan begun when he told Brabantio that Othello has secretly married and ran away with Desdemona, Brabantio's daughter. This caused for Othello to be taken to court and accused of using witchcraft on Desdemona. During this event Othello stays cool and calm while Iago was hoping for him to get angry and in more trouble. At the end of the act, Othello is sent to defend Cyprus from the Turkish attack. In act two, Othello, Desdemona, Iago, Roderigo and Cassio arrive in Cyprus. As Iago continues his plan against Othello, it becomes clear that it's not just Othello that will get hurt at the end. Iago decides to use Cassio in his plan by making him vulnerable; so he gets Cassio fired. With the intension of making things worse, Iago advises Cassio to meet with Desdemona and beg her to persuade Othello to consider giving him another chance. Cassio arranges to meet Desdemona in her house. At the start of act three, Iago plans for Othello to arrive at his house just to witness Cassio leaving and makes sure that Othello does not forget the sight of cassio by sounding suspicious of Cassio's appearance and suggesting that there is something going on between Desdemona and Cassio. Even though Othello doesn't accept any of this, he keeps the thought in his mind. The audience are now aware of Iago's plan and Othello's jealous mind and all they await is to see how far this would drive Othello and how it will affect the outcome of the play. At the end of the scene Othello loses control when he finds himself having to decide between his love for Desdemona and his trust of Iago's word. This shows Othello's weakness and foolishness to the audience. Shakespeare's intension is to prove that not everyone would fall for Iago's plan and that Othello was made vulnerable through out his life and was open to attack from Iago. Through out the play, the audience witness the rapid change of character in Othello and unlike Othello himself, they realise that Iago is responsible for most of it. Iago was the person that didn't seem very dangerous at the start of the play but as the events following up to act three, scene three took place, he showed his true colours by initiating his evil plan to destroy Othello, Desdemona and Cassio's life. Iago's hate for Othello started because of his despite for black people, his jealousy of Othello's fame and finally because of the fact that Cassio was made lieutenant instead of him. Iago felt betrayed and destroyed and decided to make life hell for Othello by acting as his friend but working secretly as his enemy. As time passed, things changed in his favour and all he had to do was to give them a push in the wrong direction and enjoyed the show as Othello's wonderful life went to ruins. It is very important to understand the tricks and skills used by Iago during the time which he brainwashed Othello. At first he tried to throw hints and ideas but Othello ignored them for some time. ‘ Cassio, my lord? No, sure, I cannot think it that he would sneak away so guilty like, seeing you coming' 3:3(38-40). He continued his manipulation by telling false facts and proving his points using any possible situation. But he still held back made his words sound like suggestions while Othello is taking in every word without being aware. ‘I speak not yet of proof, Look to your wife; observe her well with cassio' 3:3(194-195) Finally, he took his case to the extreme when he realised that Othello would not give in without proof. Iago told Othello about a made up event in which he witnessed Cassio having an erotic dream about Desdemona. Othello immediately believed this, which proved just how little he trusted his wife and how much he trusted Iago. †In sleep I heard him say: ‘ sweet Desdemona, let us be wary, let us hide our love† 3:3(416-417) Iago talked to Othello about false acts done by cassio and other wrong men but most of the time the actions he spoke of are the same things he did and continued to do; while Iago and the audience were completely aware of that, Othello had no clue, making this an example of dramatic irony. ‘ O beware, my lord, of jealousy! The green-eyed monster, which doth mock the meat it feeds on' 3:3(164-165). Othello was introduced as a brave, understanding man, famous in the army, loved by his wife and respected by the court. After all the work done by Iago, Othello completely changed and did things he could not imagine before. By the end of act three, scene three Othello had gone past denial and just needed enough time and proof to be completely convinced and to make a tragic decision. In act one, Iago and Roderigo's description of Othello made him look like an evil man who kidnapped a girl and betrayed a friend; when Othello first made an appearance, everything changed due to the contrast between his good personality and the fake description. The audience thought of Othello as the good characters that wont change under any condition; it is clear that when Othello resorted so low to think false of his wife, he would be a disappointment to the audience. Iago's words and speeches had the worst effect on Othello and Shakespeare shows this through the weird and wild actions from Othello towards Desdemona and cassio, which eventually led to murder. Shakespeare demonstrated Othello's confusion and disturbed mind as he fought a battle in his head between suspicion and reality. Then there was the loss of control, which managed to bring down Othello and let him be consumed by jealousy created by no other than another man. At this point Othello acts and talks just like Iago with a mind of blood, hatred and vengeance; he starts to use animal imagery to describe woman and specially Desdemona. Was this fair paper, this most goodly book, made to write ‘whore' upon? What committed! ‘ 4:2(70-71) The audience didn't feel sorry for Othello anymore. He fell into a deep hole and cannot be rescued. They knew that there would be tragedy at the end of all this and they could guess it will be mostly Othello's doing, because Iago did his part already; Othello would roll down the hill by himself and hitting rock bottom is inevitable. A lot of tragic events take place in ‘Othello' that cannot be blamed completely on one person. On one side of the argument, there is Iago a racist, sexist and cruel man who is driven to the very edge by hate for others and selfishness. He manages to use everyone in order to complete his plan of ruining the lives of others. On the other side there is Othello the tough, likable and kind man who proved weak when put in the situation of choosing between false suspicion and his love and trust for his wife. He tried to fight the control of jealousy over him but due to the doubts he kept in his heart, it was no use; so he lost control of his mind, which drove him to his death. It is real hard to figure out whom Shakespeare wanted to blame for the tragedy as both characters played a big part in it. It's true that Iago started the whole issue and made it known by any means necessary but it was the Othello, the man meant to be better, that gave in to some words. Shakespeare wanted to make it clear that even though Othello made all the bad decisions but he didn't always have complete control over his conscience because of his past. It was made clear that at the time black people were not treated right by all. He lived most of his life as a slave and he was mocked and beat down by all kinds of people and it is obvious he lost self-confidence and trust but the fact that he made it from nothing to a famous and respected general is incredible. In some way it can be said that they were both to blame for the bad events. But then again Othello is the main character and the audience believed in him from the very start and he managed to ruin things for the one he most cared for. It is very important to keep in mind the effect that the racist society of the time had on him. Haply for I am black and have not those soft parts of conversation that chamberers have; or for I am declined into the vale of years. ‘ 3:3(260-264). In a deeper look at the scene there are many small details that helps a lot more into the understanding of the decisions made by the characters. In contrast to the previous two scenes, this scene is lengthy. Here we watch as Othello's mind is poisoned. Desdemona and Emilia offer cassio their assurance that Othello will soon restore him to favour. Desdemona insists that she will talk her husband ‘out of patience' (line 23) until he agrees to reassign cassio. As they talk, Othello enters with Iago. Uneasy and ashamed, cassio leaves when Desdemona offers to plead for him until she is heard. Iago immediately sets to work, observing briefly that he does not like the manner of Cassio's leave-taking. Iago continues to suggest that he suspects him of false behaviour with Desdemona. He urges his master not to be jealous without telling him directly why he should be jealous. Othello insists that he is not given to jealousy, but his mind has clearly been moving in the very direction Iago intended because he then speaks of his wife's attributes and talents. He also brings up the subject of rivalry when he says ‘ she had eyes and chose me' (line 192). Iago knows he has ensnared his victim. He then offers Othello specific advice; watch Desdemona with cassio, remember that Venetian women are deceitful. Iago continues to twist the knife by pointing out things that he knows Othello would think about. Finally it becomes clear that the doubt is created in Othello's mind and heart when he says ‘ why did I marry? ‘ (Line 245). Iago is merciless so he returns to offer more wicked advise until Othello is completely under his control. After this long and important conversation, Othello and Desdemona go to dinner. Emilia comes back to find Desdemona's handkerchief that she dropped earlier; unaware of the importance of the handkerchief to both Othello and Iago, Emilia steals the handkerchief and hands it to Iago. Here we discovers that the handkerchief is a big part of Iago's plan; the handkerchief will be left at Cassio's lodgings to serve as proof of his secret affair with Desdemona. When Othello returns, he is absorbed with thoughts of his wife's treachery. He now seems absolutely convinced that desdemona is guilty of deceiving him and is tormented by the lack of evidence. He also regrets finding out about any of this; he says he was happier when he was ignorant of ‘her stolen hours of lust'. Iago feeds othello's jealousy by telling him that it will be hard to get evidence and then he continues to give a description of an event in which he shared a bed with cassio and witnessed him having an erotic dream about desdemona in which he tells her to kiss and such. This drives Othello angry and he turns to violence and revenge but not as much Iago would've wanted. Iago then moves to his serious back up plan; he tells the general about the handkerchief that's been seen with cassio rubbing his beard with it. Othello is now utterly consumed by ‘bloody thoughts' (line 460). They both kneel and vow to help each other and correct what's wronged. Othello asks Iago to kill cassio. Iago then receives the promotion he has been looking for; he is made lieutenant when he agrees to murder his ‘friend' (line 476). Othello always needs someone to completely trust and believe, so it can be said that Iago's devotion has replaced the harmony Othello received from marriage with Desdemona. This scene ends, as a new phase filled with hate, blood and vengeance, is about to start. In terms of characters, Iago is most to blame for the events in this scene that build up the road to tragedy for Othello. Following scene three, a short but funny moment takes place in which desdemona and a clown have a conversation. This to stop the tension built up in the previous conversation between Othello and Iago. This lighter start makes the audience forget about the tense events of the last scene and to get them to look forward to the outcome of the play. We see Othello very confused and angry with Desdemona regarding the missing handkerchief. Desdemona realises that her husband is acting like a different man as he shouts and accuses her of false actions. The audience can identify that the tense events of the last scene have definitely changed Othello for the worse. It is understandable that some people would feel sympathy for Othello even though he is being weak and stupid in believing Iago and loosing faith in his wife. But the sympathy can be described in different ways, some might feel sorry for him because they believe him to be a victim of racism and an evil, psychopath like Iago while others believe that Othello is partly to blame for the events of the play but still a victim. But no matter what kind of sympathy they have for him, they all know he was a victim to some extent because even though he denies it, he misunderstands women and doesn't give Desdemona a chance to explain herself. He believes that he is allowed to judge people and decide their fate. Through out his problems, he loses his pride and resorts to hiding and eavesdropping which results in even more jealousy that eventually leaves him shattered and vulnerable, in other words, a victim. Shakespeare's intensions are to put the audience in a situation where they can choose what they want to think of Othello. But he still wants them to feel the same thing about the plot when the play is over; Othello is responsible for a monstrous murder and then destroys himself in an act of self-slaughter. However the final response from the audience will be great sadness because of the moor's death and relieved and glad that his tormentor will be definitely tortured. Othello was a noble, compassionate and courageous black man that against all odds, served in a white man's society. He tried to be more than a soldier by loving his wife more than anything else in his life. Throught out his youth, he was tortured and broken down and just when he thought that he had found everything he's ever wanted, Iago turned up in his life. Iago tortured him, just by using the precise words at the right place and at the right time. The audience were constantly aware that he was directly under his ensigns' poisonous influence and was being pulled in many directions. The audience felt that his desire to revenge himself on cassio and Desdemona was the terrible result of Othello's attempt to combine his roles as soldier and lover. When he feared that his wife had betrayed him, he said woefully, ‘ Othello's occupation's gone! ‘ (3:3. 360); it is almost as if Desdemona was the prize he earned for his military victories; she had perhaps replaced his career as the source of his pride and honour; no wonder he felt her loss so keenly. In the final scene, before he killed himself, Othello reminded us of his previous services to the society and the man he was. Shakespeare wishes for us to know that Othello was a worthy man before he was ensnared by Iago. Othello heroically takes his own life as his punishment for killing his honest and loyal wife. In his final act and speech, he realised who he was and allowed the soldier inside him to kill the lover. But some might say that it was all too late for him, for Desdemona and for their beautiful life and marriage.

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Media influences - Essay Example It is through previously established theoretical traditions and research methodologies developed in countries all over the world that enable us to form knowledge and opinion about different elements within the media. The theoretical conventions include those f the American 'Empiricism', European Critical Theory, Western 'Marxism', British Cultural Studies, Political Economy, and French Structuralism and Semiology. Investigating these methodologies, along with exposure to media itself, can assist us in understanding the relationship between the text, the producer, and the audience, and therefore make sense f the political, economic and cultural meaning f everyday life. The worth f media studies itself includes the preparation for media practice, as well as the preparation for skilled reception by the audience, which we are all a part of. For this reason, media studies in society is a vital skill which will continue to be relevant well into the future. Media studies allows us to examine elements f the media and its affect on audiences, whilst investigating the influences that make up the media that we are familiar with. Cunningham and Turner describe briefly the way in which media shapes our way f thinking and allows us to further our ideas and opinions on particular issues. "We learn about world politics from our newspapers, radio news broadcasts and TV; while we may be aware that the views we receive are necessarily brief and partial, they play an important part in our conception f the world." (The Media and Communications in Australia, 2002) It is difficult to determine exactly how he media affects its audience, as the results are different between individuals. For example, drug use in a movie may deter someone from wanting to use drugs, whilst tempting another to try them. This shows how vital it is to study the media and the particular ways in which it affects its audience. It is essential that we continue to try and make sense f exactly how the media influences our society in order to prevent negative effects. When doing this, we should look into theoretical traditions f media is history such as the American 'empirical traditions and Western 'Marxism' J.B Thompson states his ideas about the important role media plays in self-formation, "individuals are able to gain access to new forms f knowledge which are no longer transmitted face-to-face."Individuals' horizons f understanding are broadened... shaped increasingly by the expanding networks f mediated communication." (The Media and Modernity: A Social Theory f the Media, 1995). This proves the importance f media in everyday life in our society. We are assisting in shaping our own ideas and opinions through the media, in much the same way that we are influenced by people around us. When speaking f such influences, we must examine further the specific elements f everyday life and the way in which theoretical traditions have influenced how we think f the media to this day. Politics are all around us. Political issues can exist in the workplace and at home, as well as in our local, state and federal governments. The general public relies on the media to communicate political messages that could possibly effect how society is run. Unfortunately,

Folk Rock Paper Research Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Folk Rock - Research Paper Example Groups like the Beatles were largely known at the time. Dylan was considered an influential man when it came to the pioneering of this genre of music. At a festival that was held in the year 1965, he decided to appear at the festival with an electric backing band. This was considered the turning point in the development of folk rock (Logan and Woofinden 39). The previous influences that encouraged the growth and development of folk rock into what is heard today should be applauded. Creativity put into bringing these different genres of music together to make one common, lovable genre is viewed as a symbol of ingenuity. This is by all those whose love for music grew immensely, and they could relate to it. This paper will review some of the influences that existed which led to the growth of this genre in music. Also, it will look at the role it has played in influencing music that developed much later. Some of the influences that led to the growth and development of folk rock were seen in the form of vocal groups. Others came in the form of revival of rock and roll. This was largely in the United States. After the invasion of the British, this growth seemed to be propelled further where there was the popularization of protest music. This was done, at the time, to achieve some political edge. Inspiration among groups during that period grew as many seemed to form groups that popularized folk music (Logan and Woofinden 43). The performances of these groups were aimed at a popular, mainstream audience. This audience, at least, would appreciate their stage performances. Tight vocal harmonies are what these groups exhibited when they performed for their audiences. At times, there were mild comedic routines that were performed. During the 1960’s, the main thing that set American folk rock apart from other genres, was the clear harmony singing. This singing was originally from some of the philosophies present. They were pioneered by a movement known as the colleg iate folk. Traditional folk songs heightened level of exposure for people aspiring to be entertainers during that period (Unterberger 37). Many of the well-known folk rock artists began their careers as folk revival group members. This saw them get the experience well needed to champion this genre of music to modern times. Some of the traditions among the American people were not largely accepted. This prompted some artists to start composing songs relating to the current situation. These songs, in their own right, could have been termed as protest songs. Social issues were addressed in some of these songs. An example of an artist who composed and wrote lyrics that dwelled on these issues was Bob Dylan. Some of the issues were based on the real life experiences that he went through during his lifetime. This led to the acceptance of his music by the audience who could relate to what he sang. He earned the title of singer-songwriter after this period. This propelled his fame, and the fame of the music he pioneered. In the United Kingdom, an equal force was at work. Traditional folk singers led to the growth of such a genre of music. During the late 1950’s, groups sprang up and started performing on known well-known instruments (Unterberger 40). Examples were the harmonica, the banjo, the acoustic guitar among others. The music they tried was known as the skiffle. It was a blend of music that incorporated jazz and had some roots in traditional African-American folk music.

Pizza Pan Business Plan Essay Example for Free

Pizza Pan Business Plan Essay P ? ? ? ? izza Pan is an Australian Company, has developed two new styles of frozen pizza that is lite-cheese, single size whole meal pizza and a jumbo, topping-plus pizza. Pizza Pan is considering undertaking a promotional campaign to market these new varieties in Malaysia. As a marketing manager, we are required to: To outline possible marketing goal for Pizza Pan in promoting these new products. To identify and analyses target markets for these two products. To develop a marketing mix for ONE of these product. To develop an appropriate competitive marketing strategies for Pizza Pan ? In order to outline possible marketing goal for Pizza Pan in promoting these new products. So fast food is one of the worlds largest growing food types. As such Pizza Pan is also one of the well known companies in frozen pizza. This has currently developed two new styles of frozen Pizza. One of the pizzas is a light-cheese, single-size and whole meal pizza whereas another pizza favor is a jumbo, topping-plus pizza. As all of us knew, Malaysia which is a multicultural country which populate by more than 2. 8 million people and they loves experiencing new products and specially food and this country surrounded by hyper-competitors, yet Pizza Pan is considering undertaking a promotional campaign to market these new varieties in Malaysia. Obviously in order to promote these products effectively and efficiently the company needs planning ahead the marketing goals and strategies. Since Malaysia population was 28,728,607 during July 2012. Meanwhile there are 28,728,607 people on Malaysia, out of 29. 6% of Malaysian was 0-14 years old; 65.4% who are in 15-64 years old and there are also over 5% of Malaysian are 65 years old and above. Refer to the index shown; we had decided the goal of Pizza Pan is within one year 80% of Malaysian will get know Pizza Pan. We set the goal at 80%, there are 29. 6% of people are 0 to 14 years old in Malaysia let ignore the baby so we minus out 15 % on the group of age in 0 to 14 year olds so it will be 14. 6% of people who are in 9 to 14 years old. When added up with the group who are in 15 to 64 years old, 65. 4% + 14. 6% there are 80%. Now 80% of Malaysian there are all who can have Pizza or who love Pizza. It’s because baby who just born will not able to enjoy Pizza Pan and People Who over 65 years old will not like fast food or less although when they are young they like to have it. So we decided to minus out this two group therefore Pizza Pan has specific segments to achieve. Then, another goal would be associative in promoting these new Pan Pizza. One of it is to become the market share leader of frozen pizza products amongst its other competitors. Due to that creating customers awareness is also another important goal in promoting these new products. Whereby the company is aiming of rising up to 80% awareness towards these products and beat the rest of the competitors. In simple word, Pizza Pan Company also aims in retaining new customers into long term customers. With this, sales of the new product can be increased due to excellent brand image, attractive advertisement, showing the temptation to eat the product which has been positioned in consumers mind and their willingness to spend the money or experience new products on how creativity of the product can meet their satisfaction comparing to the standards favor of frozen pizza. In brief, we expect customers be aware of these new products in the market. For instance, during the first promotional period of these products, we are targeting the sales of RM2 billion for the frozen pizzas with low price strategy to gain the market share during the growth of life-cycle. In addition achieving true and loyalty customers towards the products is also our objective. In order to be first among equals in a category, the company needs to be more innovative by designing more alternatives selection for consumers. Besides, the company needs to promote the category brand first after only individual brand. Due to promoting frozen pizza it has an advantage like promotional saying â€Å"let frozen pizza refresh you today†, â€Å"Eat fresh anytime frozen pizza†, â€Å"Instant pizza, frozen pizza† â€Å"Ready to eat any time† etc†¦. ? In order to identify and analyses target markets for these two pizza products target markets for Pizza Pan Company are demographic, geographical, psychographic and behavioral. The company is intending to promote the two new products into the selected target markets. This would be metropolitan cities such as Kuala Lumpur, Johor Bahru, Selangor, Penang etc†¦ From the demographic market point of views, Pizza Pan Company is targeting for the highest expiation of consumers which are between 18 to 48 years of age and the expiation is starting to drop at the starting ages of 49 for the people. Besides, the company is not fixing the gender of consumers of selecting the products. Demographic speaking, the company is targeting for the single and married people who are like main customer for the company. It can be easy for the people who are individuals or even working marriage couples who are likelihood to consume frozen pizza and having busy life style and have to prepare meals for themselves. So it’s time consuming and full satisfaction for busy people. Moreover it will also ease the burdens of parent as even children can prepare their own meals in a very safe way. Not only income and occupation of consumers are included in the demographic market. For example, a person who is holding the high-position in the rapid changing world, can means he/she is high income earner who has to responsible with amount of workloads through working against its time. Hence, they are encountering frozen pizza is fast food and best convenient option for them to work through their days. Besides, the company is targeting for the Englisheducated students who are more likely to follow the western style by consuming frozen pizza as their priority frequent meal whereas Chinese -educated students are preferred in consuming flour products as their elementary needs such as rice. Since Malaysia is multicultural country and comprising of variety race with different religion. Therefore, Pizza Pan Company is taking into consideration of religion respects as their target market. As a result, two new frozen pizzas are promoting but restricting with no pork contents, namely Halal in order to be available for Malaysian consumers. Also, the young generation has becoming the target market to focus on nowadays. Owing to the lack of responsibilities that teenagers have and the lack of home cooked meals whiles home alone, along with current trends of impatience youngsters that everything must be simple and fast, thus frozen pizza is a quick alternative for meal. The geographical target market for the company is Malaysia. The company is targeting for the metropolitan such as Kuala Lumpur which is the capital of Malaysia and Penang as the second high population area. Johor Bahru with high population and the people who works in Singapore, so basically they don’t have time to cook or even eat outside food. However, the company would only develop the two new products to other urban area and rural area when the company’s see some progress or growth in economic situation. Besides that, it is also due to the reason that rural area people spending power is dependable on their own economic growth. This is generated in a traditional way for many decades instead of spending on a new product. Moreover, the new products are available in shopping malls, grocery shops and even schools. Another target markets owing to psychographic is individuals who value their health and diet. They are those who have a fast-paced life and dont seem to have much time on their hands. They are those who find it difficult to fit in something health for lunch as anything that is fast is fast-food. For example, frozen pizza is quick, easy and delicious at the same time can have for lunch. The home oriented is the people who are willingly to stay in the house rather than hanging out for their lunch or dinner. Besides, target market to focus on for Pizza Pan is all social class can enjoy the frozen pizza as it is economical for everyone. With the outgoing and energetic personality individuals are on the list of target market because they might curious to come across of how delicious a new frozen pizza can be. The target markets for behavioral segmentations are benefits, usage status and attitude towards product. Attitude towards product is the emotional response in which positive attitude would affect the usage and loyalty status to a company. If the new frozen pizzas are meeting the customers satisfaction, hence new consumers would insist of consuming the pizza by shifting to the regular consumers. In order to benefits the on diet or health conscious consumers, Pizza Pan is designing the light-cheese, single -size and whole meal pizza with adequate nutritious guaranteed on the package. Moreover, the advantages of new frozen pizzas are only to be cooked in just 5 minutes. It would beneficial busy workers who are working around the clocks to be fast and convenient for their time efficiency yet economical for their livings in the rat race world. ? In order to develop a marketing mix for ONE of the products. The marketing mix is primarily made up of four variables and they are 4p’s which is Product, Place, Price, and Promotion. The marketing mix is often described as a method used in developing a viable marketing strategy, with each ingredient being used different ways and at different times based on the product or service one is trying to market . The type of place channels used by Pizza Pan is the direct channel. The direct channel is successful when there is a very large market that is geographically dispersed. The direct channel is also useful when there are a large number of buyers, but a small amount purchased by each. Pizza Pan uses two different methods of selling its products directly to the market. The first method of place used by Pizza Pan is free delivery as suppliers . The Company would supply their products to wholesalers, retail chains, supermarkets and online but with certain amount of purchase or even small neighborhood grocers for their mass selling. The advantages of using the method are a lower search cost or easy to find for our consumer. Consumers will not have to search the lengths of the earth to find our product. Basically they could find it anywhere. Another method of distribution is for consumers to dine-in especially those who are travelers can go to the highway recreational stands or even conveniences stores like 24 hours Seven-Eleven shop to purchase the fresh from oven frozen pizza. It can mean convenient as quick and take-away products for the travelers eager of reaching the destination. Product Pizza Pan should offer a new product called The Deluxe Plus pizza. The Deluxe Plus is a light-cheese, single-size, whole meal pizza which is the alternative choice for the health-conscious who is on diet with light cheese content pizza along with the current trend that slim is beautiful for female who is likely to consume whole meal foods rather than origin flour foods. This new pizza will have many different competitive advantages. The first competitive advantage of The Deluxe Plus is dietetic food concerned for consumers. The second competitive advantage is the whole meal pizza which is in reasonable price and single-size than any other pizza on the market which is a jumbo pizza. In simple words, it would be a waste for an individual finish the pizza on time. Thus, The Deluxe Plus helps for cost-saving. Another competitive advantage is the Pizza Pan brand name. Pizza Pan has built an international brand name which means quality products. Since Pizza Pan will be introducing The Deluxe Plus customers will automatically think this is a high quality product. The final competitive advantage is that this product will be the special designed pizza to target Malaysian youth. The Deluxe Plus will target young generation or people between the ages of 18 and 48. This market purchases a lot of pizza each year, but very few pizza restaurants actually target them. It will be introduced on Rtm1, 2, 3, 8TV channel. During the introduction stage of the product life cycle, Pizza Pan will try to establish a market for the product and persuade early adopters to buy. The Deluxe Plus is expected to begin and declining the purchase intent after one year on the market. Pricing strategy plays an importance role too because it affects both revenue and buyer behavior. The retail pricing strategy allows Pizza Pan to charge a price that is lower than the competition, in order to promote the frequent sales since the market of the demand of suppliers and consumers are elastic. Customers are price sensitive and the quantity demanded will increase significantly as price decline. Therefore, several sales promotions and coupons will be used to lower the price below those competitors. For example, Pizza Pan is offering free pizza on purchase on two pizzas on special occasions like Chinese New Year, Deepavli or Raya holidays etc†¦ The high or low pricing strategy has several advantages. Firstly, pricing strategy will help to segment the market. Different groups of customers are willing to pay different prices for the same product. Pizza Pan is enabling to sell The Deluxe Plus to the consumers who are first-come-firstserve with economical price. Customers will be able to try something new when they purchase The Deluxe Plus and this exciting experience may bring those customers back to purchase other products. The main theme that will be used to promote The Deluxe Plus is youth. Since Life brand of tomato, chili or BBQ sauce is becoming the non-substitute items for Pizza, therefore it will be included in promotions like KFC. The main promotion will be a coupon to purchase The Deluxe Plus and receive a bottle of sauces which includes many favors. The objectives of this promotion are to introduce a new product, stimulate demand, change the short-term behavior of the customers; This promotion will be distributed mainly by mail, but also by fliers on college campuses or supermarket malls in order to reach the target market. The Deluxe Plus will be published in the newspapers or magazines that are popular with the target market such as STAR, New Straits Times, Woman weekly, Apartments post box and Seventeen. Although advertisements are not cheap, Pizza Pan is an Australian company who is preparing the financial resources to advertise. The young people will then eat The Deluxe Plus with their favor sauces. There will also the teaser banners will be bought to be displayed on bus stops, lampposts or even the Billboard announcements will be placed wherever on the highways for the travelers to notice it. Thu, the advertisements campaign can create awareness of the new product in the target markets. ? In order to develop appropriate competitive marketing strategies for Pizza Pan, Pizza Pan has tough competitors such as Pizza Hutt, Dominos, Barista, Papa Johns, Subway and many others. Hence, there are several competitive marketing strategies that are developed in order to compete with them. Our main intention is to be overall cost leadership, for offer lowest price to the consumer. We are also planning to practice differentiation by offering products with unique customers benefit or features which is not available from the competitive offerings. For instance the The Deluxe Plus which is a health concern product. We want to create a unique selling proposition that gives a real competitive edge Pizza Pans business growth strategy starts with a strong competitive positioning strategy in the marketplace there will discounts offered as a part of a grand opening campaign. Moreover we should watch on over competitor’s strategies too whatever they apply for their product we could plan for it too. Such as Pizza Hutt is offering buy one get one free so pizza pan could work on that too. Then, product leadership is also another strategy as we aim in leading in frozen pizza In Malaysia. Hence, before leading in we have to enter the new global markets; we also intend to create a local partnership with Malaysian businessman. For example, Pan Pizza that originated from Australian company would identify local partners in Malaysia like share holders in food industries so that it will be easier for them to markets the new variety products in Malaysia. This is because local partners know on how to attract their country people and to bring these products to customers as they can receive a good response. Another marketing strategy would be balancing customers and competitor orientations. In specific, we focus on being market centered company. This actually focuses more on customers development in designing strategy. Whereby strategies that can increase products availability and promotion in existing markets. To enter new global markets, the we would make a sponsorship within targeted countries. For example Pizza Hut is an American restaurant chain International franchise having their store locations in Malaysia and they achieve their goals and objective of their company like sponsoring shirt for English football club or become a part time sponsor of Galaxy M. Thus, we would also sponsor for Malaysian tennis or squash team during tournament. Finally, a small-scale trial can be a good way of testing a marketing strategy without committing to excessive cost. Whereby, a SWOT analysis would be carried out that includes strength, weakness, opportunities, threats. As for strengths, Pizza Pan is known for personal and flexible customers and service, depth industry experience, creative yet practical product designer, the use of highly flexible and efficient utilizing direct customer’s sales and distribution, varied menu items for broad appeal, high/consistent quality, and strong advertising marketing promotion. Then, weaknesses of lack of an established reputation of frozen Pizza in Malaysia, In conclude, promotion methods used by Pizza Pan tend to create product awareness amongst its new consumer in frozen pizza market. As mentioned earlier segment of the market that we have targeted is a very diverse group whereby promotion of the product has to be done in a very diversify style and unique. It is also believed that The Deluxe Plus will bring Pizza Pan a great success by using effective marketing mix strategy which may even consume high cost in its promotional campaigns but, however we strongly believe that, our potential product will cover the cost and gain maximum profit. http://en. wikipedia. org/wiki/Demographics_of_Malaysia http://www. pizzapanonline. com/ http://en. wikipedia. org/wiki/Pizza_Pan http://www. marketingteacher. com/lesson_marketing_mix. htm http://www. markedbyteachers. com/catalogsearch/result/index/? http://in_defense_of_frozen_foods_9907348. html http://www. quickmba. com/marketing/mix/ Uk marketing uni. Kotler keller,(2006),marketing management.

Gangs of Youth Essay Example for Free

Gangs of Youth Essay Tattoos, graffiti in the walls, foul language, drugs, guns and violence are the most popular notions for â€Å"street gangs†. Street gangs are prevalent ever since the 19th century, when there was a surge of immigrants in the United States. They are an identity, a fearful group of people who organizes a variety of delinquent activities. Though gangs have been widely used in popular culture, as observed in the invention of slang words, baggy pants, hip-hop and rap music, they are a threat to society. Gangs are not really cool as what is being portrayed in our television sets. The following questions, which were taken from GWC, Inc. [1997], provide us some ideas on how to assess whether our community or school is suffering from severe gang activity. 1. Do you have graffiti on or near your school? 2. Do you have crossed out graffiti on or near your school grounds? 3. Do your students wear colors, jewelry, clothing; flash hand signals; or display other behavior that may be gang related? 4. Are drugs available in or near your school? 5. Has there been an increase in physical confrontations or incidents of threats, abuse, or intimidation in or near your school? 6. Is there an increasing presence of weapons in your community? 7. Do students use beepers, pagers and cellular phones? 8. Has there been a drive-by shooting in your neighborhood? 9. Have you had a show-by or a display of weapons near your schools? 10. Has there been an increase in the truancy rate and/or daytime burglaries? 11. Are there an increasing number of racial incidents in your community or school? 12. Does your community have a history of gangs? 13. Is there an increasing presence of informal social groups with unusual names? If most of the answers are yes, then your community or school is definitely in need for an effective gang prevention program. But before doing so, I will first discuss about the proliferation of street gangs, its history and its impact to the society especially to the youth. I will also provide recent reports on the current statistics in some areas; then I can now dwell on the useful measures on how to fight and avoid gang activity. What are gangs? The Children’s Health Encyclopedia [n. d. ] mentioned that there are a couple of definitions of gangs, specifically, youth gangs. In general, they are a â€Å"loosely-organized association† who were formerly alienated by the society. They are headed informally by a leader. The members are usually between ages 12 to 24 and they have a gang name to identify themselves. The members of the gang share something in common in them. Usually they have the same race or ethnicity, same social class or some characteristic that are usually defined by some form of a symbol, usually represented by tattoos, graffiti, clothing or even hand signals. According to Safe Youth [2007], gangs are most of the time male-dominated and have their own territory. Such male members have experienced a loss of a male figure at home. For females, they often participate in gang activity during family crisis or drug addiction. They have been characterized to be run-away-from-home youths. Moreover, another characteristic of these gangs is that they may either be a subsidiary of a larger group of gangs. Some gang organizations have their respective mother groups whom they share similar attributes and culture. It is also common for such gangs to have their own set of rules and codes of conduct. Some even have weird rituals of their own. They treat each other as kin or family; since in the first place, they were formed because they felt some kind of alienation with their respective lives. Gangs can compensate and nurture the members a sense of belongingness. They also can gain power and influence especially when they cooperate to fight for their own endeavors. They gain confidence and self-worth especially when gang members are promised to be given protection or better yet a higher social status. They do organized crime activities in order to get what they want. These activities are violent and nature and such can threaten a lot of lives. According to the U. S. Department of Justice, groups must be involved in criminal acts before they are deemed to be called as gangs. Such acts, according to Johnson and Muhlhausen [2005], can vary from extortion, robbery, smuggling, drug trafficking, arms trafficking, and defending their territory. Basically, there a two types of gangs, city and urban/rural gangs [Green, 1999]. In cities, gangs are situated in a particular â€Å"turf† or â€Å"hood†, unlike in urban/rural areas, gangs are dispersed and some needed to travel in order to be with their members. According to Green [1999], there three indicators of gangs: saggin’, flaggin’, and braggin’. Sagging is manner of dressing. Gangsters are usually wearing loose clothes like baggy pants and caps that are tilted in a different manner. Some gangs have a unique style, which makes them distinct from other gangs like hairdos and leather jackets. Flagging is the show of colors. Gangs have a branding color which represents them. Last is bragging, which is self-explanatory. They brag about being gangsters though they are very secretive about their activities. History Johnson and Muhlhausen [2005] stated in their paper, â€Å"North American Transnational Youth Gangs: Breaking the Chain of Violence† that youth gangs can be traced even as far as the end of American Revolution. They said that such violence was heightened during the immigration and population shifts during the early 1800s, 1920s, 1960s and in the latter 1990s. Though in Europe, gangs are already popular in the 14th Century. It was reported in the 1999 National Youth Gang Survey that gangs in the United States are composed of 47 percent Hispanic members, 31 percent African-Americans, 13 percent Caucasian, 7 percent Asian and 3 percent others. These can traced from the 10 to 12 million undocumented Hispanic aliens in 1970s and 1990s. The most popular Hispanic groups are Calle 18 and Mara Salvatrucha. They were the first gangs to accept members from other nationalities as well as recruit outside their own territory. Outside means that even the youth, as young as elementary and middle schools are involved in the use of weapons, stealing money and selling drugs. The GWC, Inc. [1997] believed that gangs use children because if ever they are caught, they will not go to jail. It was also said by Johnson and Muhlhausen [2005] that during the 19th century, Irish and Italian street gangs were greatly concentrated in the East Coast cities, while African-American gangs were mostly in Los Angeles especially during the 1960s and 1970s. When you migrate, most probably the neighborhood the family is exposed are much disorganized, thus leading to exposure to crimes and gang activities. Statistics As shown by the GWC, Inc. ’s Gang Guide [1997], the FBI thinks that there are around 400,000 youths who are members of gangs in the United States. Moreover, the Journal of American Medical Association believes that 94 percent are active gangs in the cities. Such cities according to the American Street Gang can include up to 40 different gangs. In the Children’s Health Encyclopedia, in between the years 1996and 2001, over 90 percent of the largest cities in America are reported to have gang activities in their area. Between 1998 and 1999, it was studied that there was a 27 percent increase in gang membership in the suburban areas while 29 percent in rural areas. Gangs do not only involve the minorities like the Latinos or the African-American, all nationalities or ethnic groups, despite economic class and geographical setting are highly involved in gangs. Earlier we said that males dominate that gangs and females are only involved usually when she experiences family problems and had run away from home. It was discovered by A. Campbell in his research that female gang members have experience a larger risk in gang membership. According to Johnson and Muhlhausen [2005], the reported gang activity in 1970 was 270, by 1998, it increased by whopping 800 percent with 2,500 cities. In a comparative study of gang members and youths-at-risk in Cleveland, it was found that 44. 7 percent of gang members were reported to committing auto theft, as compared to 4. 1 percent of non-members. Moreover, 40. 4 percent of gang members said that they have participated in â€Å"drive-by shootings†, while only 2. 0 percent of non-members have done so. Furthermore, 34. 0 of gang members have been reported to intimidate or assault crime victims or witnesses, compared to none from the non-members. 72. 3 percent of gang members acknowledged that they have assaulted rivals, compared to 16. 3 percent. More so, 17. 0 percent of gang members have committed robbery compared to 2. 0 percent of non-members. We can conclude in this study that being involved in gangs exposes one to be more at-risk even greater than those who are already at-risk yet non-members of gangs. According to Safe Youth [2007], recent studies reveal that member of youth gangs join before they reach 18 years old. In contrast to the notion of the public, such members do not commit to a long-term membership. In a span of one year, only one-half to two-thirds remain in their gang. To heighten our claim earlier that gang members are more at-risk than at-risk non-members, Howell and Decker [1999] revealed that youth gang members have higher drug usage rate than non-gang members. Moreover, Battin-Pearson, et al. [1998] said that delinquency rates are higher for gang members, which includes the use of illegal drugs, display of violent behavior and even the rate of being arrested. Between 1989 and 1995, it was reported by the United States Departments of Education and Justice that the percentage of gang activity doubled. This heightens the strong correlation of gangs with the proliferation of guns and drugs inside the school campuses. However, there is contradiction with the study. Chandler, et al. [1996] believed that gangs have not been the cause of victimization inside the schools although it was found to contribute to the dangerous atmosphere. Presence of gangs in school has even brought protection to students who are part of the minority groups. It was reported in the 2002 and 2003 National Youth Gang Surveys that 4 out of 10 large cities in the United States have experienced 10 or more gang homicides [Egley, 2005]. In Los Angeles and Chicaga, half of the reported 1,000 homicides were gang related. This also implies a frequent use of firearms. Risk Factors In the study of Johnson and Muhlhausen [2005], if the following risk factors increase, it was believed that the youth has higher probability of joining a gang: marginal neighborhoods, family, academic problems, peer groups, drugs and violence. Marginal Neighborhoods involve a more dangerous environment and most of these neighborhoods are highly exposed to drugs. Johnson and Muhlhausen [2005] said that those who are living in these neighborhood are thrice more likely to join gangs. More so, such neighborhoods who are highly exposed to drugs like Marijuana, youths are 3. 6 likely to join a gang. Youths with families headed by a single-parent are 2. 4 more likely to join gangs than those families who are headed by a complete set of parents. As mentioned earlier, those males who missed a father figure will seek out such companionship in gangs. More so, with a broken family, it is much easier for a child to acquire belongingness and love from a gang. However, as long as families promote violence, and there is low parental care and love in the family, a youth will be highly misguided, leading to gang membership. Academic problems lead to higher gang membership because as already mentioned earlier; gangs can lift low self-esteem individuals. Since academic failure contributes to low self-esteem, such youth are 3. 6 times more prone to join the gangs. When there is low commitment to study in school, a child is more likely to join a gang, since it can mean that he or she prefers other activities. Such activities as we know can be more violent in nature, and may or may not be done within the school premises. Peer groups are great motivators for the youth to join a gang. When you have friends who are members of such gangs, you are also twice as likely to join too. Peer pressure is sometimes very hard to resist because friendships are broken if you cannot do a favor for a friend. We know that people do need companionship especially in school and it is difficult if we do not have friends around. They are a source of protection as well. Drugs and violence can evidently trigger gang membership. Youths who already use Marijuana, are 3. 7 times more prone to join gangs. This is definitely true since where else can you get such drugs but from those gangs. To be able to get it easier, one should join them. Moreover, it was revealed that if the youth has been engaged in a violent behavior before, they are 3. 1 time more prone to join the gangs. Lonnie Jackson [1998], the author of Gangbusters: Strategies for prevention and intervention also provided a list of risk factors. It includes again the exposure to crime and violence during the â€Å"formative years†. Role models from a particular ethnic group can also increase the likelihood to gang involvement. It also includes lack of parental control. Moreover, the lack of equal economic opportunities can also be the reason for gang involvement. The lack of â€Å"social and recreational activities† for the children, few employment opportunities and unmet employment qualifications and skills can trigger gang involvement. Youth enticed to power, money and drugs are evidently more likely to join these gangs. Immediate gratification is very attractive for some youths and this encourages them to join the gangs. Moreover the lack of sense of belongingness and security, as well as powerlessness will lead the youth to those gangs. Another source of gang influence would be the popular media. Though there is no substantive evidence, violence seen in films, even song lyrics from hip-hop or rap music can increase pressure in joining gangs since gang life are usually being portrayed with such glamour and power that even kids imitate them. Kids these days are dressing up like gangsters even though they are not, and it can be reason why they join gangs. They think it so cool. Impact of Gangs in Schools Gangs in school will obviously increase the violence in schools, though we cannot directly blame the gang members for them. According to Trump [1993], students enrolled in schools with evident gang presence are twice more likely to fear of being victims of violence, than those whose schools without gangs. In an interview of Boyle [1992], he said that gang members perceive schools as evils and forms of incarceration. They see school as a place for gathering and hosting violent activities. What is worse is that, even gang members who are already suspended or kicked out from school can be found in the campus with their fellow gang mates. They use school as a form of a hang-out place rather than a place for learning. Burnett and Walz [1994] said that gangs can broaden its reach even influencing the youth in gang-free schools, causing a wider influence and greater involvement in criminal activities. According to Chandler et al. [1998], youth gangs are correlated with issues in delinquency especially during elementary and secondary schools. The National Center for Education Statistics [2005] have reported that most students in urban schools are most probably report the existence of street gangs in their school with 31 percent, compared to suburban students and rural students with 18 percent and 12 percent respectively. According to Thompkins [2000], security officers, security cameras, and even metal detectors can serve as a means of deterrence, yet these causes fear among the people on school, knowing that such security was brought about by the heightening of gang activity in the school. Impact of Gangs on its Participants Most of the gang members are already involved in delinquent acts even during the time that they are not still members of the gang [Burnett and Walz, 1994]. Most likely, such delinquent acts will be heightened. They will be frequently involved in drug abuse, as well as violence against their neighbor and a lot more. There are many consequences of being involved in such gangs. If ever they do not follow the rules of their gang leaders, most likely they will be victims as well, facing more punishments than those who are non-members. Also, if the gangs were discovered, they can be arrested and put into detention. When they grow up, they can be put into prison. Gang life distorts a lot of healthy relationships especially if it is for long term. The gangs have so much power over their members and can limit their own capacities. It can deprive them their own ambitions and aspirations. They bring chaos to the community and it can break families. It is more likely to happen that a youth can be dropped out early in school. When this happens, there is less chance for the child to be employable in the future, thus increasing unemployment rate together with crime rate. Moreover, it can also bring about early pregnancy or teen motherhood, which brings about an unstable family and lack of parental care. We already discussed earlier that such families are more likely to produce delinquent children. Thus, we see a cycle going on in here. If you expose your child to an unstable environment, most likely, he or she will carry it in the future. Economic impact of youth gangs There are in fact economic costs associated to youth gangs just like any other crimes. Medical expenses are actually large, especially to those who were victimized. In a year, $655 billion are spent in the United States because of crimes and it was believed that a huge amount can be attributed to gangs [Fight Crime: Invest in kids, 2004]. In Los Angeles Hospital trauma center, it was revealed that $5 million was spent to the 272 gang-related gunshot victims. It was also reported that youth gangs turned to be entrepreneurial organizations, involving hard core drug operations in various numbers of states. An example of which is the Black Gangster Disciples Nation [Burnett and Walz, 1994]. It actually has a hierarchy with several officers with specialized jobs. They have a chairman, with board of directors who are in charge in the drug trafficking in their areas. They have regents, who are in charge in the drug supply as well as in overseeing the â€Å"drug† stores. They also have area coordinators, who are in charge in collecting revenues from several spots. They have enforcers who are like their police and punish members who cheat. Last are the shorties, or the â€Å"interns† who composes the staff in the drugs selling spots. So evidently, such gang is already very organized and they have climbed their way up because of their wider influence and power. How to fight gang activity Gang activities are very serious issues that need to be addressed. A lot of youths are being misled to another path, damages their lives, the lives of the people around them as well as their future. But, it’s never too late to pull them out of their misery and prevent those kids who are about to be victimized. The National Education Association developed a â€Å"Safe Schools Framework† in order to aid schools and communities to pinpoint the gangs in their areas [Safe Youth, 2007]. They are recommending cooperation among schools, families and communities in developing strategies in alleviating gangs in their areas, as well as promoting safety and security in the campus. We adopt three components of the framework: prevention, intervention and suppression. Under prevention, we should aim to prevent the youth in getting involved in gangs, as well as in gang-related activities. This includes heightened awareness and education of the negative consequences of joining gangs, and testimonials from former gang members discouraging them to be involved. By intervention, we mean that we create possible alternatives for the youth in terms of their after-school or extra-curricular activities. More so, we provide counseling for those who are already in trouble, and promote part-time jobs for students. By suppression, we should use adequate measures in identifying, isolation, punishing and rehabilitating criminal offenders [Safe Youth, 2007]. In order to fight the existence of gangs in the schools, we should promote policies like adapting a school uniform, implementing curfews to discourage delinquent activities at night, encouraging students to be punctual, as well as enforcing strict policies on underage drinking and bring of deadly weapons in schools. During the 1930s, the Chicago Area Project has already started in bringing about recreational activities and self-improvement campaigns in order to convert gang members [Johnson and Muhlhausen, 2005]. However, it only increased crime since they treated as gangs as a group. In other states, they have strict anti-gang laws but were not effective in enforcing laws. In states like California, Minnesota and Virginia, they have established gang task forces but it was observed that their success greatly relies on the sustainability of their efforts, a variety of strategies and strong political will. It is very difficult to do that for all the states. The U. S. Department of Justice’s Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention has recommended several strategies like after-school activities, dropout prevention, parent-training programs, efficient tracking of former offenders, job programs and many others. However, many failed to reduce delinquency [Johnson and Muhlhausen, 2005]. Other programs were also seen to be ineffective, like the GREAT (Gang Resistance Education and Training) which used police as instructors in schools on the dangers of gang participation. During their evaluation, the program has no significant effect on gang membership [Johnson and Muhlhausen, 2005]. Moreover, the on-the-job training provided by the Department of Labor had produced counterintuitive results. Instead of preventing the disadvantaged youth, it actually increased the arrests related to gang activity. It was suggested by Johnson and Muhlhausen [2005] that the following strategies must be used. First, they should foster stable neighborhoods. It is very important for the government to ensure the safety of the environment of the people. They know that an unstable neighborhood produces delinquent activities, thus by enforcing policies that could enable a more secure neighborhood will be of great help in reducing gang membership. Second, they need to reduce illegal immigration. We know for a fact that gangs were formed due to alienation and a sense of discrimination from the society. By requiring stricter requirements for labor and immigration, we are also ensuring the safety of these people and help the rise of gangs in the country. Third, there should be strategies to â€Å"deny time for gang activities†. Parents should be aware that they play a great role in forming the behavior of their children. They should help their children in avoiding being influenced by those groups by telling the possible dangers of gang membership. Fourth, there should also be an emphasis on the prevention on the individual. Counseling programs must be strengthened, helping students to overcome their family problems and encourage them to find happiness in other things, instead of resulting to drugs and violence. Last is to ensure that the suppression is a product of collaborative efforts of several different agencies. An enforcement of a policy will not be successful if people do not have a general consensus about it, or do not cooperate. Strategies must also be simultaneously be implemented in order to make the campaigns against gang violence to be systematic. We still have a long way to go in eliminating gang violence. However, if we start now at our own homes, we can prevent these children from being involved in such gang activities. There are various tools to assist them. We need to focus on the sustainability and effectiveness of those tools in order to ensure success. Bibliography Gang. (n. d. ). Encyclopedia of Childrens Health. Retrieved April 22, 2008, from Answers. com Web site: http://www. answers. com/topic/gang Howell, J. (2006). The Impact of Gangs on Communities. NYGC Bulletin. Retrieved April 22, from IIGC Website: www. iir. com/nygc/publications/NYGCbulletin_0806. pdf. Green, F. (1999). Street Gangs in School. Retrieved April 20, 2008 at Keys to Safer Schools Website: http://www. keystosaferschools. com/Newsletter%20Vol. %208%20pg%203. htm. Safe Youth. (2007). Gangs fact sheet. Retrieved April 20, 2008 at National Youth Violence Prevention Resource Center Website: http://www. safeyouth. org/scripts/facts/gangs. asp. Burnett, G. and G. Walz. (1994). Gangs in the Schools. Retrieved April 20, 2008 at Eric Digests Website: http://www. ericdigests. org/1995-1/gangs. htm. Johnson, S. and D. Muhlhausen. (2005). North American Transnational Youth Gangs: Breaking the Chain of Violence. Retrieved April 20, 2008 at Heritage Website: http://www. heritage. org/research/urbanissues/bg1834. cfm.

The Effects of International Business Strategy in emerging Markets

The Effects of International Business Strategy in emerging Markets The increase in the continuous growth of the emerging markets, in particular the four major countries Brazil, China, India, and Russia, are the largest emerging markets (LEMs) which face challenges and offers immense opportunities to the international business growth however in the recent times it has shown an increasingly fierce competitiveness internationally of these economies now pose a challenge for the economies of the world. The challenges are evident in the form of increase in the commodity prices, rising food cost, growing outward investment and acquisition the largest emerging markets firms, with its direct impact on insecurity in jobs and growing inequality of income in developed and developing nations hence creating a need for restructuring the international institutions to reflect the shifting balance of economic power in the world economy. The growing recession in the west and the reliance on selective protectionism on a rise are impacting the prospects of the emerging economies of the world. Theoretical aspect This is research aims at formulating the scope of the international strategy by analysing the current situation of the economys and the theories applied by different theorist on the emerging nation in the past taking into consideration the degree of their effectiveness into account and postulating new perspective and dimension to it. The analysis of the early phase of the market emergence, Institutional theory helps in comprehending the impact on the enterprise strategies this is due to the strong influence of the government in the emerging economys to that of developed economies . the role of institutional theory is reviewed in context to the other theories and their interactions in understanding the the emerged and the developed market economies. Institutional theory This theory emphasizes on the influence of surrounding system organisation that shapes the social and organisational behaviour(scott 1995). The important role of an institution in a economy is to reduce information and transaction cost by building a a stable structure to facilitate interaction bye reducing uncertainty .Suhomlinova (1999) found that government institutions influence had a negative impact on Russian enter-prise reform, Lau (1998) suggested that political and market pressures were the institutional constraints faced by chief execu-tives in Chinese enterprise hence this theory would help in assessing the social barrier and interference pattern in the emerging market economy. Transaction cost in emerging economies Transaction cost economics studies the firm-environment interface through a contractual or ex-change-based approach (Williamson, 1975). This aspect plays an integral part as the rational governance choice requires a trade-off, at the margin, between the transaction costs associated with the market mode, a firms need for control, and the governance costs of hierarchy which in most of the emerging economies is high hence Choi, Lee, and Kim (1999) hypothesized that measurement and enforcement are two critically important transaction costs in emerging economies. In a country where the price system does not accurately provide signals for efficient resource allocation, measurement costs should be high. Similarly, in a country where official discretion rather than the rule of law defines property rights, enforcement costs will be high (La Porta, Lopez-de-Silanes, Shlei-fer, Vishny, 1997). This aspect has a important role to play in the emerging economies for international business. Resource based perspective The resource based view has argued on a primary concern, why do firms differ and how they achieve and sustain competitive advantage. Penrose (1959) argued that heterogeneous capabilities give each firm its unique character and are the essence of competitive advantage. This is another dimension for the research as to how do we strategize and enter the makets of these emerging economies Empirical analysis Research on strategy in this field of emerging economies is difficult on several grounds as the theory postulated for the developed economies may not apply for the emerging economies, with the empirical hence researchers do find it difficulty in data collection sampling measuring the variable for example the firms performance with the variety of variable changing. The combination of quantitative and qualitative method is the most reliable and relevant method of data collection and analysis. Sampling and data collection Sampling approach has to be innovative pertaining to the changing economies for example the general data source like telephone directory could become outdated rapidly. The data which may be generally collected from a company may not necessarily be consistent witht he data possessed by the government authority hence there requires a collaboration of different studies to analyse and find the right method for data collection as questionnaire, surveys are dependent on the postal service. Collaborative projects with local researchers using face-to-face interviews may be a key means of gaining access to data sources (Lee Miller, 1999). Henderson and Cock-burn (1994) used quantitative questionnaires, qual-itative interviews, and multiple informants to increase the validity and reliability of their measures of organizational competence, variable measurement do pose a number of problems that present a difficulty in strategy research in emerging economies. Mixed methodology In assessing the empirical aspect relating to the research of the growth and the different attributes to international business in emerging countries, the approach to it has to be on broader perspective hence it requires a collaboration of quantitative which primarily deals with the numeric data collection converting it into statistical form and then evaluating it to derive result and the qualitative measure of analysis which aims at understanding the meaning exploring it further by means of case study , questionnaire surveys to and then analyse the response, both method in proper coordination would provide the insight in understanding the complexity of the emerging market and the factor effecting international business. Conclusion The areas of research is focussed to the (BRIC) nations Brazil Russia India China with downfall of the economy which is at the brinks of pulling itself out of recession the key to overcome lies with this countries hence the objective of the research is to evaluate the current aspects of International business strategy applied to these emerging economies.

Men and Women Playing a non-traditional Sport for their Gender :: Sociology Essays Research Papers

The Social and Cultural Costs and Benefits of Men and Women Playing a non-traditional Sport for their Gender The lines that separate the sexes in sport have been historically rooted in society's way of thinking. Though these lines have lately begun to fade, they are still embedded in the attitudes of the majority of the public. Women and men alike have been and still seated in their respective sports without much room or access to cross that gender line. These limitations take various forms, such as the availability of opportunities that are given to those that wish to enter certain sports to the media portrayals of athletes crossing these gender boundaries. The costs and sacrifices for an aspiring athlete entering a non-traditional sport for their gender are sometimes overwhelming and detrimental to their sport career. These athletes often experience the frustration of finding training facilities catering to their gender. More so, the lack of financial support from family or even endorsements hinder athletes from pursuing the best training available. Aside from financial considerations, finding willing mentors and coaches willing to blind themselves from the sex of the athlete doesn't come as easy as for instance, Diana in Girlfight. Most importantly, the emotional support that is greatly important in the mental preparedness of an athlete is often not existent. Young children are often discouraged and not offered opportunities to pursue desired sports if they are considered gender bending. In Billy Elliot, though Billy has a real passion and talent for ballet, it is after much time that his family accepts it. Billy's father and brother, employed in mining, a traditionally masculine field, are initially disapproving of his aspirations mostly because of the stigmas on sexuality placed on male ballet dancers. These stigmas appear throughout numerous sports; women who body build or play rough sports like rugby or hockey are often looked at as butch and thus characterized as lesbians. In Pumping Iron II, Bev appears to have been in the best shape, but she is deemed too masculine to win a body building competition. Similarly, men who ice skate or are cheerleaders are considered feminine or gay. On the same note, the strengths of men in these non-traditionally male sports are often doubted; it is speculated that the male might be weak and cannot handle "manlier" sports. Even women who enter male dominated sports are considered to be too tender to play.

Big Five Factor Model :: Psychology, Human Personality, Extraversion

Big Five Factor Model A model developed for using factor analysis to try to determine the key traits in human personality. Although trait theories were well established by the 1960s, there was no consensus concerning the number or nature of the traits that make up personality. Since then, further research has confirmed a basic five factor model of personality or ‘Big Five’ (Tomas 2007). This five factor structure has been replicated by Norma (1963), Borgatta (1964) and Digman and Takemoto-Chock (1981) in list derived from Cattle’s 35 variables (Lawrence &Oliver 2000). These scales are commonly alternatively represented by the OCEAN acronym Openness to experience, Conscientiousness, Extraversion/Introversion, Agreeableness and Neuroticism. The Big Five structure captures, at a broad level of abstraction, commonalities among most of the existing systems of personality description, and provides an integrative descriptive model for personality research. (Oliver& Sanjay 1999) Economists are not alone in their interest in the description, prediction, and explanation of human behavior. Psychologists, too, have approached these challenges. Economists can profitably leverage research from psychology on the measurement, prediction, and malleability of personality traits organized in the widely accepted Big Five taxonomy. (Lex, Angela, James & Bas 2008) Extraversion Extraversion is marked by pronounced engagement with the external world. Extraverts enjoy eing with people, are full of energy, and often experience positive emotions. They tend to be enthusiastic, action-oriented, individuals who are likely to say "Yes!" or "Let's go!" to opportunities for excitement. In groups they like to talk, assert themselves, and draw attention to themselves. (Beaumont 2003) Openness to experience Openness to experience is a measure of depth, breadth and variability in a person's imagination And urge for experiences. The factor relates to intellect, openness to new ideas, cultural interests, educational aptitude and creativity as well as an interest in varied sensory and cognitive experiences. People with a high openness to experience have broad interests, are liberal and like novelty. The preservers with low openness to experience are conventional, conservative and prefer familiarity (Howard & Howard, 1995). Agreeableness The agreeableness linked to altruism, nurturance, caring and emotional support versus competitiveness, hostility, indifference, self-centeredness, spitefulness and jealousy (Howard & Howard, 1995). Conscientiousness Conscientiousness is a measure of goal-directed behavior and amount of control over impulses. Conscientiousness has been linked to educational achievement and particularly to the will to achieve. The focused person concentrates on a limited number of goals but strives hard to reach them, while the flexible person is more impulsive and easier to persuade from one task to another Heinstrà ¶m (2003).

Artificial Intellegence: Identification And Description Of The Issue :: essays research papers

Artificial Intellegence: Identification And Description Of The Issue Over the years people have been wanting robots to become more Intelligent. In the past 50 years since computers have been around, the computer world has grown like you wouldn't believe. Robots have now been given jobs that were 15 years ago no considered to be a robots job. Robots are now part of the huge American government Agency the FBI. They are used to disarm bombs and remove dangerous products from a site without putting human life in danger. You probably don't think that when you are in a carwash that a robotic machine is cleaning your car. The truth is that they are. The robot is uses senses to tell the main computer what temperature the water should be and what style of wash the car is getting e.g. Supreme or Normal wash. Computer robots are being made, that learn from their mistakes. Computers are now creating their own programs. In the past there used to be some problems, now they are pretty much full proof. The Television and Film business has to keep up with the demands from the critics sitting back at home, they try and think of new ideas and ways in which to entertain the audiences. They have found that robotics interests people. With that have made many movies about robotics (e.g. Terminator, Star Wars, Jurassic Park ). Movie characters like the terminator would walk, talk and do actions by its self mimicking a human through the use of Artificial Intelligence. Movies and Television robots don't have Artificial Intelligence ( AI ) but are made to look like they do. This gives us the viewers a reality of robotics with AI. Understanding Of The IT Background Of The Issue Artificial Intelligence means " Behavior performed by a machine that would require some degree of intelligence if carried out by a human ". The Carwash machine has some intelligence which enables it to tell the precise temperature of the water it is spraying onto your car. If the water is to hot it could damage the paint work or even make the rubber seals on the car looser. The definition above shows that AI is present in everyday life surrounding humans where ever they go. Alan Turing Invented a way in which to test AI. This test is called the Turing Test. A computer asks a human various questions. Those conducting the test have to decide whether the human or the computer is asking the questions. Analysis Of The Impact Of The Issue With the increasing amount of robots with AI in the work place and in everyday