Thursday, November 28, 2019

Creating Standard International Marketing Communication Strategies

Introduction In the simulation, the international marketing strategy for the Allsmile toothpaste product was to enter countries in Latin America with the first year in Chile.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Creating Standard International Marketing Communication Strategies specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More The second year strategy was to enter the Mexico and Brazil markets after successful establishment of a production plant in Chile. The third year strategy was market expansion within the three countries an increasing product visibility by 70%. In the fourth year, the strategy was to enter Argentina market. The product was targeting four specific customer segments consisting of the family, kids, young customers, and the aged. From the market research, it was apparent that the family segment was the largest followed by the young customers with the aged being the smallest consumer segment. Although there were sever al competitors such as Eversmile and Clean+White, the entry strategy and market penetration in the five targeted countries were very successful. Despite the successful international marketing strategy, the implementation was characterized by a challenge in allocation and customisation of marketing resources, especially in marketing communication in the five targeted regions.Advertising Looking for essay on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More This treatise attempts to explicitly review this challenge with the intention of proposing appropriate strategies for turning this impediment into a positive international marketing tool. Challenge of Allocation and Customisation of Marketing Resources In marketing the Allsmile product in the four targeted markets, the regional manager faced the challenge of allocation and customisation of marketing resources due to variances in culture, demand, demographics, and penetrati on strategies in the four targeted markets. The cultural, demographic, and economic factors made it difficult for a smooth flow in product entry in each country and subsequent market penetration. For instance, the demographic factor made it very challenging to penetrate the market in Argentina due to imbalances between the family and young customer segments. Besides, the market is Chile was highly stratified due to the unique culture among the targeted client. Literature Review Allocation and customisation of marketing resources involves proper distribution of the marketing budget to ensure that the targeted market is served in the most optimal means possible. Customisation of marketing resources is vital in international marketing since it should be in line with different factors that directly determine the outcome of each marketing strategy (Hellenes 2014). In order to successfully allocate and customize resources in international marketing, it is important to carry out in-depth r esearch about the geographical location of the market, the role of the strategy in line with the needs, concerns, and interests of the targeted market.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Creating Standard International Marketing Communication Strategies specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More In addition, it is necessary to study the business needs. According to Belch Belch (2009), â€Å"high level of customer intimacy that comes with international marketing sometimes reveals business need that can’t be filled by the marketplace† (Belch Belch 2009, p. 34). This means that a company interested in international marketing must review its needs to ensure that the short and long terms plans are implemented without interfering with the primary goal of business sustenance and feasibility. Allocation and customisation of marketing resources should consider the element of people since the entire marketing plan is b ased on the need to convince customers to accept a product or service (Hammond 2006). In allocation and customisation of marketing resources, Hakala, Svensson, and Vincze (2012) note that a marketing agent should â€Å"endeavour to monitor the response rate and the duration or period of advertisement to ensure that the point of contact is sustainable† (Hakala, Svensson, Vincze 2012, p. 446). Therefore, realistic market assessment and creation of a unique market niche are the main prerequisites for successful resource allocation and customisation. In the case of the Allsmile product, the regional manager found it difficult to balance the aspects of people, culture, and marketing communication in the four targeted countries of entry for the proposed Allsmile product. According to Rossiter and Bellman (2005), â€Å"activities, interests, and opinion marketing directly dictates purchasing behaviour and preference among customers† (Rossiter Bellman 2005, p. 34). The popul ation in the five targeted regions consists of relatively conservative middle income families as the majority.Advertising Looking for essay on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More This group is very consciously of culture and tends to be influenced by their cultural perception on a product before making a decision to purchase (Jones 2010). Since selling of the Allsmile product was done through indirect distribution, it was difficult for the regional manager to balance the power of the supplier since the proposed advertisement messages could not be designed for each targeted market (Stokes 2011). In the international marketing operations, sustainability is vital in placement of an effective promotion plan to ensure that the targeted market is reached (Belch Belch 2009). According to West, Ford, and Ibrahim (2010), â€Å"it is critical to adopt brand amalgamation and consolidation through a long term communication strategy that directly appeals to the target market† (West, Ford, Ibrahim 2010, p. 37). Though the international marketing communication was effective in promoting the visibility of the Allsmile product, advertisement model was inflexible to the cultural and social dynamics in each of the four states (West, Ford, Ibrahim 2010). Besides, the negotiating media contract stage was very difficult to implement since the entry in each market was done at different time with different resources. Shortcomings of Academic Materials on the Challenge Despite the fact that the challenge of allocation and customisation of marketing resources is common in most of international marketing, the current literature on the topic has not focused on the South American continent. This means that there are no past research studies that are directed towards the dynamic region in Latin America. Therefore, the research paper will attempt to fill this gap by investigating how the challenge of allocation and customisation of marketing resources affect international marketing strategies. How Challenge of Allocation and Customisation of Marketing Resources Manifested Itself Despite the fact that the targeted countries are located in one region, the le vel of market attractiveness differed with Chile being the most attractive and Brazil being the least attractive market. Since the entry plan for each country was systematic, the resources available should be spread across the five years. Customisation of resources also became challenging in applying a standardized marketing communication plan since some of the targeted countries used different languages. Therefore, it was very difficult to use a single advertisement message to market the Allsmile product across the Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Mexico, Peru, and Venezuela. Since the production point for the targeted markets was located in Chile, the challenge of logistical support in order to keep constant supply in other countries such as Brazil, Colombia, and Argentina was apparent. Besides, transporting the Allsmile products manufactured in the US to Mexico was a challenge since the long distance translated into more resources being channelled in the distribution costs. Th e entire international marketing strategy had different primary channels for each targeted market. For instance, in Chile, the channels comprised of hypermarket, and self service while the channels in Mexico comprised of traditional and wholesale. The differences in primary channels translated to need for more logistical support in customisation of the marketing resources for each geographical location. Since the geographical regions that were targeted by the Allsmile toothpaste product have different cultural, social orientation within their demographic dynamics, it was very difficult to create a standardized international marketing communication strategy as part of advertisement to improve product acceptance and visibility. In trying to ensure that the marketing communication strategy for the Allsmile product is effective, there was the challenge of sustainability, especially in the dynamic Argentina market since the research findings revealed that majority of the targeted custome rs in this country can easily change their preference. It was not easy to create a sustainable marketing communication plan for the Allsmile brand since the advertisement message was similar in all the five countries. Among the key preconditions that emerged in implementing the simulation was the possibility of creating a long-term commitment in marketing communication beyond the five year period dedicated for entry in the four markets. Specifically, the marketing communication plan was not created in a way that it can remain responsive to societal changes since the research conducted did not accommodate possibility of brand amalgamation in the long run. In developing the international marketing communication implementation stage, the regional manager was successful in creation of a high level strategy to ensure that the entry plan and marketing penetration in each target country was done within the time frame allocated. Actually, the regional manager was able to create benchmarks f or increasing product awareness and sustaining publicity in the four countries. However, the advertisement tactics were mismatched since each targeted market did not operate in the same conditions. For instance, the regional manager did not have a comprehensive â€Å"understanding of the dynamics of the local market, technological competition, quality assurance, cultural compliance, and effective marketing skills when reaching its target market through the advertisement plan† (Shimp 2007, p. 45). This situation occurred due to initial assumption that the targeted clients in the four countries will find it very easy to associate with the Allsmile product. How the Team Handled the Challenge Allocation and Customisation of Marketing Resources It is important to note that different countries exhibit different cultural and social practices and beliefs, which may have significant influence on business. One important aspect to consider is the fact that the targeted region has cultur al practices, consumption patterns, and beliefs that are different from those in the US (Shimp 2007). A lthough it may be a daunting task to convince some clients in the targeted region to accept products affiliated to US, the team depended on the good diplomatic relations between the US and this region to create positive change in social environment and eventual product acceptance (Shimp 2007). Indeed, the team’s strategy of production in Chile was successful in convincing the clients that the Allsmile product was local. In terms of language, the team used English as the primary marketing language since majority of the targeted population speaks English as a second language. This made it easy for the team to create a standardised international marketing communication strategy. Since the targeted region is largely dominated by Christians, the team successfully created procedures on how to satisfy the needs of the communities without interfering with the Christian culture in C hile, Brazil, Peru, Argentina, and Mexico. This allowed the Allsmile product to maintain its leadership position in the dental hygiene market (Hollensen 2014). During expansion, it is normal for any business to face different challenges. For the expansion to succeed, it is very important for one to take note of all challenges that might appear, and strategise on how to tackle them. The team marketing the Allsmile product adopted strategies to ensure that they are culturally sensitive through a thorough stakeholder analysis when launching the campaign, in order to eliminate any chances of alienating company stakeholders, especially on social perspective (Yan, Myers, Wang 2012). The team conducted a survey of the South American region, including socio-cultural norms of each targeted country, in order to understand their consumption patterns and needs. Besides, the production plant in Chile was established to produce dental products that are more inclined to interests and preferences of this community. In order to address the challenge of demographic imbalances in the targeted region, the team marketing the Allsmile toothpaste product carried out clear customer segmentation and identified the needs of each segment in each country. From the demographic segmentation strategy, the team was able to identify the young and family segments as representing the majority of targeted clients while aged segment was the least in the targeted region. Through this strategy, more resources and marketing customisation was directed to the young and family segments to maximize the brand intake (Yan, Myers, Wang 2012). Reference List Belch, E, Belch, A 2009, Advertising and promotion: An integrated marketing communications perspective, Mass: McGraw-Hill, Boston. Hakala, U, Svensson, J, Vincze, Z 2012, â€Å"Consumer-based brand equity and top-of-mind awareness: a cross-country analysis,† Journal of Product Brand Management, vol. 21 no. 6, pp.439-451 Hammond, K 2006, â₠¬Å"Market Segmentation for Competitive Brands,† European Journal of Marketing, vol. 30 no. 12, pp. 39-49. Hollensen, S 2014, Global marketing: A decision oriented approach, FT Prentice Hall, London. Jones, P 2010, â€Å"Advertising: strong force or weak force? Two views an ocean apart,† International Journal of Advertising, vol. 9 no. 3, pp. 45-61. Rossiter, J, Bellman, S 2005, Marketing communications: Theory and applications, Prentice Hall, Frenchs Forest Shimp, T 2007, Advertising, promotion, and other aspects of integrated marketing communications, Thomson South-Western: Mason, Ohio Stokes, R 2011, eMarketing: The essential guide to digital marketing, Quirk eMarketing (Pty) Ltd, London. West, D, Ford, J, Ibrahim, E 2010, Strategic marketing, Oxford University Press, London. Yan, R, Myers, A, Wang, J 2012, â€Å"Price strategy, information sharing, and firm performance in a market channel with a dominant retailer,† Journal of Product Brand Management, vol. 21 no. 6, pp.475-485. This essay on Creating Standard International Marketing Communication Strategies was written and submitted by user T0adMen to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here.

Sunday, November 24, 2019

William Shakespeare Essays - Shakespearean Tragedies, Free Essays

William Shakespeare Essays - Shakespearean Tragedies, Free Essays William Shakespeare William Shakespeare was a great English playwright, dramatist and poet who lived during the late sixteenth and early seventeenth centuries. Shakespeare is considered to be the greatest playwright of all time. No other writer's plays have been produced so many times or read so widely in so many countries as his. Shakespeare was born to middle class parents. His father, John, was a Stratford businessman. He was a glove maker who owned a leather shop. John Shakespeare was a well known and respected man in the town. He held several important local governmental positions. William Shakespeare's mother was Mary Arden. Though she was the daughter of a local farmer, she was related to a family of considerable wealth and social ezding. Mary Arden and John Shakespeare were married in 1557. William Shakespeare was born in Stratford in 1564. He was one of eight children. The Shakespeare's were well respected prominent people. When William Shakespeare was about seven years old, he probably began attending the Stratford Grammar School with other boys of his social class. Students went to school year round attending school for nine hours a day. The teachers were strict disciplinarians. Though Shakespeare spent long hours at school, his boyhood was probably fascinating. Stratford was a lively town and during holidays, it was known to put on pageants and many popular shows. It also held several large fairs during the year. Stratford was a exciting place to live. Stratford also had fields and woods surrounding it giving William the opportunity to hunt and trap small game. The River Avon which ran through the town allowed him to fish also. Shakespeare's' poems and plays show his love of nature and rural life which reflects his childhood. On November 28, 1582, Shakespeare married Anne Hathaway of the neighboring village of Shottery. She was twenty-six, and he was only eighteen at the time. They had three children. Susana was their first and then they had twins, Hamnet and Judith. Hamnet, Shakespeare's son, died in 1596. In 1607, his daughter Susana got married. Shakespeare's other daughter, Judith, got married in 1616. In London, Shakespeare's career took off. It is believed that he may have become well known in London theatrical life by 1592. By that time, he had joined one of the city's repertory theater companies. These companies were made up of a permanent cast of actors who presented different plays week after week. The companies were commercial organizations that depended on admission from their audience. Scholars know that Shakespeare belonged to one of the most popular acting companies in London called The Lord Chamberlain's Men. Shakespeare was a leading member of the group from 1594 for the rest of his career. By 1594, at least six of Shakespeare's plays had been produced. During Shakespeare's life, there were two monarchs who ruled England. They were Henry the eighth and Elizabeth the first. Both were impressed with Shakespeare which made his name known. There is evidence that he was a member of a traveling theater group, and a schoolmaster. In 1594, he became an actor and playwright for Lord Chamberlain's Men. In 1599, he became a part owner of the prosperous Globe Theater. He also was a part owner of the Blackfriars Theater as of 1609. Shakespeare retired to Stratford in 1613 where he wrote many of his excellent plays. There are many reasons as to why William Shakespeare is so famous. He is generally considered to be both the greatest dramatist the world has ever known as well as the finest poet who has written in the English language. Many reasons can be given for Shakespeare's enormous appeal. His fame basically is from his great underezding of human nature. He was able to find universal human qualities and put them in a dramatic situation creating characters that are timeless. Yet he had the ability to create characters that are highly individual human beings. Their struggles in life are universal. Sometimes they are successful and sometimes their lives are full of pain, suffering, and failure. In addition to his underezding and realistic view of human nature, Shakespeare had a vast knowledge of a variety of subjects. These subjects include music, law, Bible, stage, art, politics, history, hunting, and sports. Shakespeare had a tremendous influence on culture and literature throughout the world. He contributed greatly to the development of the English language. Many words and phrases from Shakespeare's plays and poems have become part of our

Thursday, November 21, 2019

Outline (for public space) Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Outline (for public space) - Assignment Example Properly lit pathways and proper security system can reduce the problem of sexual harassment which is the core of all problems for women outdoors. According to a survey conducted by the United Nations in New Delhi, after every 29 minutes a rape case is reported ( UN, 2010). Hypothesis: If these unattended security issues persist in the public space for Indian women, how does Indian government expect the better half of its nation to behave after this ignorance in an appropriate manner? Are the fundamental rights been given to both genders in the state? If yes, why does the survey show that half of the population is threatened by the pathways, especially in the evening? The amendments need to be taken for this ignorance, as it encourages the outlaws to take advantage and feel comfortable to do what they desire with the public around. The awareness of civic rights by the Unifem department seems like a potential step towards betterment in New Delhi (Unifem). According to The New York Times (Asia Pacific), 489 rape cases were reported and countless unreported cases of street harassment (Ninaljana, 2011). Thesis statement: Unavailability of basic facilities like lights, buses, security guards and maintenance of pathways is the arising problem which can later lead to major dilemmas for the country to deal with. It mainly consisted of the public survey conducted by Women and Child development department, as these problems can only be defined well by people who face them on daily basis. The women in New Delhi, both working and students, participated in the surveys which lead to a better understanding of the problem. Global Safe Cities Free of Violence for Women and Girls â€Å"SNAPSHOT† of the CITIES. (chap. New Delhi) Retrieved 1. 25, 2012, from

Wednesday, November 20, 2019

Domestic Violence Annotated Bibliography Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 1

Domestic Violence - Annotated Bibliography Example The other myth is that males cannot be victims of domestic violence. It is not true, though. These myths (and others) have to be demolished for creating full picture of the problem in its modern condition. There is a number of researches attempting to discover the causes of domestic violence. For instance, specialists of a Domestic Violence Intervention Project consider the cases and repeating cycles of domestic violence to be a result of a desire to establish control over the victim. The main factor of a man’s aggressive behavior is the denial of responsibility for the committed actions. Another theory, known as the theory of resistance, was offered by Allan Jenkinson, an American psychologist. He believes that social factors and personal features of a person may turn into obstacles which would not let a person treat women and children with respect. Among them there are traditions, cultural peculiarities, personal habits, values, and so on. According to this theory, reasons of aggressive behavior lie in a person’s concept of the self and the world around. There are potent methods of counterwork against domestic violence, such as effective laws and police procedures, educational and therapy programs for abusers, shelters for victims, public information campaigns for prevention of domestic violence, etc. Eventually the supreme goal of any research dealing with domestic violence is some proposition or learning of methods against domestic

Monday, November 18, 2019

Advanced Database Systems Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Advanced Database Systems - Essay Example Additionally, all of these computers are connected with each other and every system has the capability to process the data individually thus helping local systems. In addition, each of the systems contributes in running a single or many wide-reaching database applications. However, a distributed database is not installed on a single location completely. But, it is divided throughout a network of computers that are physically detached and linked via communications medium. However, these types of system require accessing data from a single place. Thus, the distributed nature of the database is unknown to its clients as well as this simplicity appears itself in a different means. In more simple words, a distributed database (DDB) is a set of numerous, reasonably organized databases, spread over a large size computer network. A distributed DBMS is the computer application software that helps manage the distributed database as well as enables the sharing apparent to the clients. Moreover, the term of distributed database system (DDBS) is normally utilized to state both distributed database systems as well as distributed database management system. Furthermore, the distributed database management systems are similar to the distributed file systems in a sense that they help access distributed data (Oracle Corporation, 2003), (Camarinha-Matos, 2010), (Borysowich, 2007) and (Ozsu, 2010). This report discusses some legal and ethical issues that need to be considered when introducing a distributed database system. In this connection this report will analyze the legal and ethical issues that apply to distributed and relational databases. DISTRIBUTED DATABASE After the emergence of the distributed networks (which later on became more and more popular), the need for the development of distributed database management systems turned out to be more critical. In this regard, a distributed system differs from a centralized structure in one main feature: The information and data i s frequently in the command of data are distributed/dispersed over two or additional distantly scattered places. On the other hand, distributed database management systems are exposed to a lot of security challenges more than that exist within a centralized DBMS. Additionally, the improvement of proper distributed database security has been challenging through the comparatively new development of the object-oriented database paradigm. Moreover, this innovative paradigm is not able to be disregarded. Thus, it has been formed to tackle with the rising complication of the data stored in current business or corporate database structures (Coy, 1996) and (Camarinha-Matos, 2010). Distributed systems basically allow users to access files that are placed on different computer systems. Additionally, this data has no obvious organization as well as the relationships between data in diverse files are not handled by the system and are the client’s duty. In this scenario, a distributed dat abase system is developed on the basis of a design (normally called schema) that describes together the arrangement of the distributed data, as well as the relations between the data. In addition, this design can be expressed with a number of data models, such as object-oriented or relational data model. In this regard, a distributed database management system encompasses all the tasks of a database management system. For instance, it offers advanced transaction management, declarative query capability and integrity implementation. However, in fact distributed database management systems differ from transaction processing systems due to the fact that transaction proce

Friday, November 15, 2019

Cross Cultural Influences on Decision Making

Cross Cultural Influences on Decision Making Introduction This chapter introduces the reader to the broader context of the research area with an overview of decision making in cross cultural MA. The purpose is followed by the problem area and research question which will lead the readers through the thesis. Background Decision making is a process that managers face of diverging to explore the probable options and then converging on solutions. As Pratt points out, there is clearly a distinction between what an individual thinks(personality)and the way an individual thinks(cognitive style) (1980). The process is made even more complex when the companies are dealing in decision making in an arena of Merger and Acquisition. Mergers and acquisitions (MAs) have become the dominant mode of growth for firms seeking competitive advantage in an increasingly complex and global business economy(Adler, 1997).Cross-border merger and acquisition has continued to increase at a torrid pace during the last decade and half, to the point that it has become a major strategic tool for growth of multinational cormporations(Cartwright and Cooper,1993). Therefore it is essential for companies to pay attention to the analysis, strategy and planning behind its decision making. The management extent becomes much vast when it comes to different cultures both on the national and even greater on cross border level. The manager chances of successfully dealing with the rapid changes reduces to an extent. Multinational corporations require to hold a varied set of routines if they are to be renouned in a diverse world. Routines and repertotoires are often dependent on the multinational corporations unique institutional and cultural environment, and are therefore not imitated easily by other firms (Barney,1986). As multinational companies increasingly acquire targets in more culturally distant countries, they face new challenges in manageing their external environment (Moren,1980). Along side these encounters it is also important to understand the relation between national cultural distance and cross-border MA performance while devising strategic decisions. The difficulties in MAs are seen due to the lack of strategic decisions makingmade by organization. Managers end up having unrealistic expectations of probable synergies and fail to cope with multiple complexities. Companies now a days publish their cultural norms and values which might not be the real culture of the organization. Anthropoligists have researched that the undertaking of knowledge about a particular organisation culture does not always begin by inquiring the members themselves to identify the particular trait. In reality the cultural norms are recognised by understanding the profundity of cultural influences that are carried out in an interval within an organization. This necessitates to have an insightful long term observation and the foundation of norms,disciplines and new problem solving strategies. The decision-making paradigms have seen to occur in many fields, including management theory, psychology, information systems, management science, and operations research. It is also a fundamental activity of all management, and research and literature concerning decision-making processes.(Stewart, 2003) Problem Companies are equipped to make better decisions if they are more sensitive to cultural differences in a cross-cultural environment. Effective decision-making can enable smootherwork place relationship within and across the border MA, if managers are attuned to cross-culture management. Contextually how do organizations make decisions in a cross-cultural aquisiton is a critical research question in the study of administrative process. Researchers have paid little attention to complexities of decision making, in cross-cultural MAs. Previous research is more concentrated on routine operational decisions that are more available to quantitative analysis and particular descriptions.(Mintzberg, 1999) Additionally other important research questions, especially related to thinking or cognition are prevailing in the dynamic research of decision making, such as; how individuals get benefit from cultural diversity learning, and how do individuals think (Mitchell et al., 2002) and make different decisions. These emerging notions defined our research questions of this thesis. Consequently, we have formulated our research problem in the following questions: 1. What are the cross-cultural difficulties affecting decision-making in the aquired firm? 2. How does these cross-cultural difficulties influence the decision-making of acquired firm? Purpose The purpose of this thesis is to study the influence of cross-cultural implications of MAs on Decsion-Making. Delimitations The study is only concerned with the decision-making process in a cross-cultural acquisition and there is a less emphasis is on the cognitive factors of decision-making but the influence of cross-cultural implications on decision-making behavior in general. Due to time constraint, one case company is used for this analysis consequently the results limit to this Company A only. Moreover, the Company A has agreed to co-operate with an anonymous status of itself and its employees. This also set boundaries to the scope of our analysis and presentation. Further, this research has been conducted on a local Swedish company acquired by an Austiran firm, so analysis and conclusions will be restricted to information obtained locally. As a result, the analysis of Austrian work behavior is also subjective from Swedish employees perspective. Definitions To better understand the research, definitions are presented below to avoid misinterpretation of key concepts used in our study. Decision-making Cross-cultural Company A- It is a company based in Sweden. But has agreed to participate in our research on complete anonymity of itself and its participants and therefore will be refered to as Company A throughout the paper. Its formerly a Swedish organization which was acquired by an Austrian company in year 2000. (More information on Company A and its relevance to our study is mentioned in the Method) 1.6 Disposition The disposition of this thesis will be as follows: This chapter critiques the study and makes suggestions for future research. To fulfill the purpose of this thesis this section answers the research questions. This chapter covers analysis of the empirical findings in connection with theory and results. This chapter present result from the qualitative interviews conducted in Company A. This chapter presents theories within the field of decision-making and cross-cultural acquisitions. This discusses the procedure of collecting data and interviews as our instrument. Reliability, validity and generalizability of the study are also discussed here. Frame of Reference The section will present the previous research and studies in the areas of decision making and Mergers and Acquisitions integration. Further in reference to existent literature this section will discuss the decision making process in MAs. A brief summary of the whole frame of reference is presented at the end of the section in order to make a link with our research questions and to provide a base and guidance for the creation of themes for our empirical data. Frame of Reference Recently, a considerable amount of management research has been developed that focuses on the cultural perspective of international acquisition performance. (Arikan,2004; Rottig and Reu,2005) Researchers argue that a lack of national cultural fit may lead to cultural clashes between the involved workforces (Larsson and Risberg,1998). This may lower employee commitment and cooperation (Cartwright and Cooper,1996), and complicate the post-acquisition integration process (Very and Schweiger,2001) Some studies exposed a negative impact of cultural distance on the performance of international acquisitions (Datta and Puia, 1995, Olie, 1994, Uhlenbruck, 2004), while others identified a positive relationship (Doukas and Travlos, 1988, Morosini, Shane and Singh, 1998). Still other studies indicate that cultural distance either has no direct effect on international acquisition performance (Markides and Ittner, 1994) or is one of the least significant variables affecting performance (Kanter and Corn, 1994). These contradicting views developed the interest in the knowing how much of the cultural differences involved in the decision making in MA. This paper provides a descriptive framework that addresses the complexity of the decision making process of consequences of culture for international acquisition performance. Decsion-making Cross-cultural MAs Methodology A way of gathering knowledge about the social world is the methodology notion refered to by Stauss and Corbin (1998). The specific research methodology we are inspired by for this research is the grounded theory which is consummated by qualitative methods of data collection and analysis. To study the implications that emerge out of a cross-cultural acquisition and its influence on decision making process, we want to take advantage of the theoretical fundamentals and researches that have already been done in the realm of decision-making and cross-cultural acquisition implications. We also want to take that knowledge further through this chosen method by taking into account the case of Company A which was acquired by an Austian firm and has realized decision-making differences between the two units after the cross border Acquisition . 3.2 Research Method Determining the why and how of decision-making in a cross cultural contxt of an acquired frm can be done by finding the first-hand experiences of employees in Company A. To serve the purpose of our study we chose interviews as the primary source of data collection. We felt that person-to-person interaction with semi structured questions will be best in acquiring information. Moreover, considering the characteristcs of our investigation and that all the employees could be reached within a close proximity and in a single premise, the interview schedule was chosen instead of a questionnaire. Since culture can be a sensitive topic and the interviewees could be reluctant in answering, we ensured anonymity at the start of the interview process to make them comfortable as also stated by Kumar, Ranjit (1996). Through primary data we know the reasons behind a certain management decision. Most appropriate way of learning about opinions and behavior that are relative to culture is by asking que stions directly to people involved. (Ghauri Gronhaug, 2010) Information on the Austrian acquisition of a Swedish firm, as Ghauri and Gronhaug also states can only be gathered by asking people who have been involved or have observed the process i.e. of acquisition. Research problems which are focused on uncovering a persons experience or behavior and understand a phenomenon which we know little about are an example of qualitative research(Ghauri, 2004; Marshan-Piekkari and Welch, 2004). Such is the nature of our decision-making and cross-cultural research which includes social and behavioral sciences. The Choice of Research Method The approach is to use use a qualitative research methodolgy of investigation, data collection and analysis. Decision-making is not a fixed and static state to measure and its a cognitive process, besides it is not a steady state phenomenon and changes erratically with time and environment as described by Mintzberg(1997). Quantitative research emphasizes on the quantification of data collection and analysis as argued by Bryman and Bell (2007) and observe social world as an external and objective reality. Holloway (1997) advocated of qualitative research for capturing the way the individuals experience, interpret and make sense of their environment. Bearing this in mind and our focus of discovering and understanding the role of cross-cultural factors in decision-making, we were convinced to use this method. Consequently the choice of our research method, is qualitative and the purpose of the research inquiry is behavioral and therefore interconnected, therefore provides a basis for quantitative analysis. The qualitative study Our approach is purely qualitative. Auerbach (2003) claims that qualitative research involves analyzing and interpreting texts and interviews among others, in order to investigate specific patterns, i.e. examining decision-making amidst cross-cultural challenges in an acquisition. Interviews Interviewing is the most widely utilized method in qualitative approach of investigation, as stated by Bryman and Bell (2007) and this instrument suits appropriately to find answers to our research questions, .i.e. decision-making under the implications of a cross-cultural acquisition. The technique and construction is very important in the formulation of interviews. The interviews can be unstructured, semi-structured or structured (Saunders et al. 2007). As we were more interested in theory of a particular reality Wengraf (2001) instead of the numerical data, we chose to settle on semi-structured interviews. We were very particular in formulating the questions as two cover both aspects of cross-cultural implications and decision-making. On request by the contact person at Company A, we got interview questions reviewed for improvement from our tutor before presenting it to the company. The interview questions were then sent out to the contact person to be distributed to the interviewees in advance. Sampling The choice of subjects that were needed to be investigated for our research questions was crucial. Collins, Onwuegbuzie and Jiao (2006) stated that researchers should decide sample size in both quantitative and qualitative studies. In the sample from Company A, we were looking for all the people cooperating with Austrian counterpart and are making some forms of decisions. It was kind of our contact person at the company, after explaining our research necessity, he arranged ten people from mangers to engineers who were in some way cooperating with their cross border counterpart. Considering this we used purposive sampling technique which as mentioned by Maxell(1997) is used in qualitative studies to select e.g., individuals or institutions based on specific purpose. Data Collection The research design directed us on the empirical data. The empirical data was collected through semi-structured interviews using open ended questions. This permitted us to probe relevant issues which emerged during the interview. We aimed at making the data reliable, to ensure this we recorded the interviews upon permission and also took notes to reduce the chance of misinterpretation. In an attempt to motivate the respondents to co-operate with us and obtain factual data with their trust we ensured the anonymity and confidentiality of responses. We skipped a few questions in two interviews due to shortage of time. We completed a total of ten interviews in a session of three days with an allotted time of thirty minutes each. Reliability and Credibility A reliable and credible data is vital for an authentic research. Throughout our study we took measures to ensure this. During the interviews we did not rely on perceptions which affects the accuracy of our observations and used constant probing to have clear answers. We remained unprejudiced and flexible to have reliable working data. Respondents sometimes perceive risks and may believe interviews to be jeopardizing their emotions and privacy as accounted by McCracken (1988). Knowing this, we assured the interviewees about the privacy and academic purpose of interviews. So they were at comfort in providing information conveniently. To avoid potential bias of our preconceived notions and theories we transcribed only what the interviews said, which we stored in the form of recordings and written notes taken at the time of the interview. We calim to have a plausible study, considering all the measures we took responsibly in terms of organizing and conducting the interviews. Qualitative Data Analysis Our analysis was exploratory as asserted by Creswell et al. (2003) with a focus on understanding the influence of cross-cultural difficulties on decision-making by employees in an acquired firm. Like in most of the qualitative analysis we refer to the inductive approach, as claimed by Bryman and Burgess (1994). Raw data was in the form of interview recordings and our notes taken during the interviews. We read the data vigilantly too derive concepts, themes, or a model which is common in qualitative data analyses, especially grounded theory (Strauss Corbin, 1990). In consistency with Strauss and Corbins (1990), our inductive analysis began with an area of study, which was to investigate the influence of cross-cultural factors on decision-making, and let the theory to develop from data. The analysis was organized as follows: Interview description: To begin with, we recorded all the interviews and took notes during the interview. We read the transcripts many times to get familiar with descriptions. Identifying discourses and theme generation: After identifying the accounts from the data, we recognized relevant discourses from the transcribed interviews, and excluded other irrelevant description. Following this we observed the core information and concluded some patterns of behavior/ theme. Later, formed categories with summary of data sets as behavioral, structural and interaction and communication to do a quality analysis and conclusion. Discussion: In this section we explored the meanings explicitly or implicitly included in our empirical findings and looked for links of cross-cultural difficulties and decision-making. We also put forward suggestions of future research in this clause. Empirical Data The Interviewees Total number of ten interviews that conducted, ee found that from technical engineers to line managers including logistics, project and bid manager everyone is cooperating with Austrian counterpart in one way or another after the acquisition. Consequently, employees at different levels of the organization are all involved in some kind of decision-making that accounts for the cross-cultural differences after the acquisition. Following are some themes that we identified that will be of assistance in developing the analysis. Employees organizational behavioural Swedes in an organization generally work in groups and are independent individuals at the same time. They also have a freedom to express views, owing to a less heirarchical system. Mutual agreement, consensus, structure and logical reasoning is very important to them for which they have a lot of meetings and discsussions. This also refers ot the notion of collective decision-making as explained by Melaville, Blank, and Asayesh (1993). Swedes are solution-oriented and are usually calm. The essence of usual Swedes vs. Austrian behavior was narrated by Interviewee 5 as: There is a great difference in the decision-making process. In Sweden everyone should agree and we ask a lot of people of what everyone think. Then we make decision after hearing all the opinions. And its opposite in Austira, you do not ask the employees if you are working as a manager. I think you are seen as a weak leader if you ask people of what they think. Its positive and negative in both ways I think Swedish way is better for working in a team and but in Austira you really make the decision and you come forward. Austrians on the other hand dont have much freedom of expression due to a heirarchical system in the acquired firm view. Another common view observed was that Managers in Austria alone make decisions and value of consensus is less there. Austrains are social and build relationships. A lot more emotion is involed than facts in their reasoning. Moreover, Austrians are problem-oriented and get usually stressed under a problem. This observation can be futher emphasized by few statements of the interviewees. They have a lot more emotions and we like to base our decisions on facts. , Interviewee 2 said. They have much hierarchy. More power distance. There is a very large distance between the manger and the individual member in the group. Interview 4 affirmed. Decision-making process structure The decision-making process depends on the type of decision. If its a higher stake decision, the process is followed through formal procedures of contracts and agreements compared to daily operational level decisions which are simple. In Swedish unit agreement has to be reached through consensus whereas in Austrian unit, managers give a decision which is to be followed. More decision-making authority lies with managers in Austria than Swedish ones who work more as asupport function. Interaction Communication between units Cooperation at the technical or the lower level works well. At the management level cooperation is difficult where decision making takes longer. Some employees expressed that even with electronic facilities available communication across the border is difficult. Employees cooperating for a longer period developed relationships of trust which helps in cooperation amidst the cross-cultutral differences It doesnt work well when we cant sit together and discuss, makes harder to communicate over cross borders even though facilities are provided like skype ,video conferences, but it kills the team spirit as its not the same as for sitting together Interviewee 5 recalled. On a practical point, the interaction between units is informal. But it depends on the type of decision aswell, i.e. starting a project, would follow a formal procedure of interaction. Project mangers have a closer contact compared to the rest. Informal day to day technical decisions are handled on a daily basis. Its is also hard to predict a response to an interaction from across the border, some interviewees responded. Through data it was also understood that is easier to agree on factual information, which all can straightforwardly agree to. Language barrier has seem to affect the agreeability due to misinterpretations sometime. The technical side of the decisions are easier to agree on, compared to the decisions made at management level i.e. commercial issues. This can be analysed from the figure  [1]  below. The tactical decisions have been observed to have most complications whereas operational decisions are easier. decisionmaking_intro.gif Additionally, we comprehended from suggestions put forward by the respondents that, early in the process of post-acquisition integration, communication on the differences in national and company culture can facilitate decision-making. Understanding of adapting to a culture is important. Performace indicators and clarity on who makes which decisions will also assist. Additionally, diversity courses and communication on how to work together has helped in the past and can also facilitate later on. An interesting point observed by an interviewee during a diversity course; One thing I learned from that cultural diversity course is that people is Austria are more problem oriented and here in Sweden we are soultuion oriented and that affects how we are able to communicate and cooperate. Analysis Analysis Unfortunately a lot of merger and acquisitions fail to achieve their hoped objectives. Solutions are of course complex. MA are different along a number of dimensions. Companies fail to realize a blind spot, by keeping their focus mainly on costs, they minimize or defer until too late the human and cultural dimensions of blending two entities into unified growth-oriented business. In any case organization is generally a collection of people sharing a common vision, one or more location and resources such as money, equipment, and similar processes. Still much of the business management persists in believing that the latter is the most important issue, while people are only sort of the less important side of the scenario. The Challenge of Urgent Realization Clearly there is an urgent need to realize, rationalize, restructure and eliminated duplication the first weeks and months of post-merger integration. Nonetheless rationalization only escalates of the new organization making it a greater value to its shareholders. It is one thing to design a new structure and relationship on paper and quite another to bring them to life. No matter how visionary and driven the leaders are the financier, quickly learns that the synergy cannot be generated merely from above or realize and reacting by reducing headcount or vice versa. Synergy requires the commitment and involvement of the entire organizations. That is the most challenging part. Most mergers are seen of confusion, panic, uncertainty, distraction, limitation and dehumanization. The process is painful and the results are costly. When knowledge capital is vanished due to the turnover of key individuals during an MA, when pride in the company and pride in ones work is not appreciated through ill treatment at the hands of merger managers, when innovations are abandoned in favor of outdated practices just because one group is considered the boss and the new one reasoned expendable, the network that make the organization work break down and fall apart. When employees stop caring, they lose interest and motivation in improving the business processes. If they are not asked for their opinions, they have no means or enthusiasm to inform the new system designers the unrevealed secrets of success. When selection processes do not seem to be reasonable and rational, dynamic management does not step into position they take on new challenges elsewhere. These are not the circ umstances which synergistic growth is likely. Fortunately, the situation can be turned around. The MA can become an opportunity for people to learn, grow and have a voice. Shared visioning activities and cross company MA project teams can provide opportunities to meet new people and gain new perspectives and skills. The problem with the acquired organization is that the managers must rearrange strategy, organizational structure, work on staffing of employees, make changes to systems and culture, all on top of the day to day business performances. They feel the pressure to quickly perform and harmonize the decisions by reaching the performance in the changed worked environment. So they do this by restructuring to create economies of scale, streamlining operations, focusing on product and market synergies while eliminating noncore businesses. During the same time they might be looking for the next merger or acquisition opportunity. This does not allow them the time and effort to ensure a synergistic and sustainable basis of people and operations to support the growth. However for continued growth, building a foundation is the key to sustainable success because it defines how the work of creating the new organization will be continued. Regrettably most post MA implementation plans seems to assume that if the financial priorities are comprehensively addressed the human foundation will take care of itself. The synergy created by a successful MA Conclusions Discussion References Auerbach, Carl F. (2003). Qualitative Data : An Introduction to Coding and Analysis; New York, NY, USA: New York University Press. Bryman A., and Bell E. (2007). Business Research Methods Oxford University Press. Denzin, Norman K., and Lincoln, Yvonna S.(2000). Handbook of Qualitative Research. Second Edition. Sage Publications, Thousand Oaks, California. Holloway, I. (1997). Basic concepts for qualitative research. Oxford: Blackwell Science. Kumar, Ranjit (1999). Research Methodolgy: A step-by-step guide for beginners. Sage publications. Regnà ©r, P., (1999). Strategy Creation and Change in Complexity Adaptive and Creative Learning Dynamics in the Firm. Stockholm: Gotab. Richards, Lyn and Morse, Janice, M. (2007). Users Guide to Qualitative Methods.(Second Edition). Sage publications. Saunders, Lewis and Thornhil, (2007). Research Methods for Business Students, UK, Prentice Hall. Smith, J.A., and Osborn M. (2008). Interpretive phenomenological analysis. In Smith J. A. (Eds.) Qualitative Psychology: A Practical Guide to Research Methods (2nd Edition). Sage Publication. Strauss, A. L.,and Corbin, J. M. (1998). Basics of qualitative research: techniques and procedures for developing grounded theory. (2nd Eds.). SAGE Publikation. Thomas, Susan, J. (1999). Designing surveys that work Sage Publication. Wengraf, Tom, (2001). Qualitative research interviewing. Sage Publication. Yin, R. (1994). Case study research: Design and methods (2nd ed.). CA: Sage Publications Reference: Pratt, J. The effects of personality on a subjects information process: A comment. The AccountingReview, 1980, 55, 501-506. Adler, N. J., Re-entry: Managing Cross-cultural Transitions, Group and Organization Studies, 6 (1981), 341-356. Cartwright, S. and C. L. Cooper, The Role of Culture Compatibility in Successful Organizational Marriage, Acad. Management Exec- utive, 7 (1993), 57-70. Barney, Jay B. 1986. Organizational cul- ture: Can it be a source of sustained competitive advantage?. Academy of Management Review, 11(3): 656-65. Arikan, A.M. (2004) Cross-border mergers and acquisitions: What have we learned? in Punnett, B. J. Shenkar, Oded, editors (eds.) Handbook for International Management Research, The University of Michigan Press: Ann Arbor, MI. Rottig, D. Reus, T.H. (2005) The impact of culture on mergers and acquisitions: 25 years of research, Paper presented at annual meeting of the Southern Management Association, Charleston, SC. Larsson, R. Risberg, A. (1998) Cultural awareness and national versus corporate barriers to acculturation, in Gertsen, Martine Cardel, Soderberg, Anne-Marie Torp, Jens Erik, editors (eds.) Cultural Dimensions of International Mergers and Acquisitions: Berlin. Cartwright, S. Cooper, C.L. (1996) Managing Mergers, Acquisitions and Strategic Alliances: Integrating People and Cultures, 2nd ed, Reed Elsevier: Oxford. Very, P. Schweiger, D.M. (2001) The acquisition process as a learning process: Evidence from a study of critical problems and solutions in domestic and cross-border deals, Journal of World Business, 36(1): 11-31. Datta, D.K. Puia, G. (1995) Cross-border acquisitions: An examination of the influence of relatedness and cultural fit on shareholder value creation in U.S. acquiring firms, Management International Review, 35(4): 337-59. Olie, R. (1994) Shades of culture and institutions in international mergers, Organization Studies, 15(3): 381-405. Uhlenbruck, K. (2004) Developing acquired foreign subsidiaries: the experience of MNEs in transition economies, Journal of International Business Studies, 35: 109-23. Doukas, J. Travlos, N.G. (1988) The effect of corporate multinationalism on shareholders wealth: Evidence from international acquisitions, Journal of Finance, 43(5): 1161-75. Morosini, P., Shane, S. Singh, H. (1998) National cultural distance and cross-border acquisition performance, Journal of International Business Studies, 29(1): 137-58. Markides, C.C. Ittner, C.D. (1994) Shareholder benefits from corporate international diversification: Ev

Wednesday, November 13, 2019

Ethnography :: Anthropology Culture Reflexivity Papers

Ethnography Personal experience and reflexivity should be used within anthropology as a tool to reflect on the culture that is being studied and not a refocusing of attention on the self. Works such as Dorinne Kondo’s â€Å"Dissolution and Reconstitution of Self,† use the idea of reflexivity as a mirror in which to view the culture being studied in a different manner. This use of reflexivity allows for the focus to stay on the culture being studied. A move away from this is the new branch of humanistic anthropology represented in this essay by Renato Rosaldo’s â€Å"Grief and a Headhunter’s Rage† and Ruth Behar’s â€Å"Anthropology that Breaks Your Heart† allows anthropologists to use reflexivity as a way to explore universal human feelings. For me, this is not the study of anthropology as much as self-reflexive psychology. The focus shifts from culture to self. The anthropologists completely understands the feelings of the people he/she is studying. I think that it is rather ambitious to state that emotion is univeral, and I do not think that it is the job of anthropologists to do so. The reflexive voice is a necessary aspect of ethnographic writing, but the anthropologist must be careful not to shift focus from concentrating on culture to concentrating on herself. Dorinne Kondo does an excellent job in her essay â€Å"Dissolution and Reconstitution of Self†in using the reflexive voice as a way in which to describe culture and break down the observer/Other dichotomy by giving agency and power to her informants. Not only does the anthropologist interpret the people, but the people give their interpretation of the anthropologist. She states: I emphasize here the collusion between all parties involved, for it is important to recognize the ways in which informmants are also actors and agents, and that the negotiation of reality that takes place in the doing of ethnography involves complex and shifting relations of power in which the ethnographrapher acts and is also acted upon. (Kondo 75) Kondo acknowledges the affect that the Japanese have on her character and by so doing she acknowledges their power. Instead of standing in the place of supreme authority, the anthropologist, by using reflexivity, can give the authority to her informants. Not only was she reflexively examining her positioning and the affect it would have on her informants, but she also looks at the affect that her informants have on her while still centering her discussion on the culture being studied.

Sunday, November 10, 2019

Lymphoma

Lymphomas are a group of malignant tumors (cancers) that develop from lymphatic tissues and specifically from proliferating lymphocytes.   They are of three types, namely Hodgkin’s lymphoma, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and Burkitt’s lymphoma (which can also be considered as a type of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma).   The incidence of lymphoma in the US is about 64, 000 every year, and more than 493, 000 are living with the disease (Leukemia and Lymphoma Society 2006). Hodgkin’s lymphoma is a unique malignant condition in which the lymphoid tissues present throughout the body are involved (undergo painless enlargement), and is characterized by the presence of certain tumor known as ‘Reed-Sternberg cells’ (Mackie and Ludlam 1996).   The incidence of Hodgkin’s lymphoma in the US is about 7, 500 annually (Portlock and Yahalom 2000).   Non-Hodgkin’s lymphomas are a group of cancerous tumors that arises from the lymphoid tissues and is characterized by the malignant multiplication and growth of the lymphocytes. The Reed-Sternberg cells are absent.   Non-Hodgkin’s can develop in almost any site of the body such as the lymph nodes, spleen, liver, bone marrow, digestive tract, brain, etc.   70 % of all lymphomas belong to the non-Hodgkin’s variety (Mackie and Ludlam 1996), and about 50, 000 people developed this condition in the US in 1997 (Shipp and Harris 2000).   Burkitt’s lymphoma is an aggressive variant of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma that arises from the B-lymphocytes.   It is associated with the EB virus, and more often occurs in young children (Mackie and Ludlam 1996). The exact cause of Lymphomas and the manner in which the disease occurs is still not understood properly.   Several factors including immunodeficiency states (which may be congenital or acquired), infectious diseases, chemical substances (including certain drugs, solvents, pesticides, fertilizers, herbicides, etc), physical agents, autoimmune conditions, etc, may be associated with the disease (Shipp and Harris 2000).   In immune disorders, the body’s defense mechanism is compromised, and persistent antigenic stimulation may result in the development of lymphomas. In several congenital disorders, such as Wiscott-Alcridge syndrome, common variable immunodeficiency and severe combined immunodeficiency may be related with certain lymphomas.   Several acquired immune disorders such as post-transplant states, AIDS, administration of immunosuppressant, etc, may be associated with lymphomas.   Individuals suffering from various autoimmune disorders such as Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis, Sjogren’s syndrome, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, etc, may be associated with lymphomas. Several infectious agents such as H. pylori, EB virus, HTL Virus-1, Hepatitis C virus, Kaposi’s Sarcoma-causing virus (that is linked to the HIV virus) may be associated with the development of lymphomas (Shipp and Harris 2000). Genetic factors also play a very important role ion the development of lymphomas, as the incidence is higher in siblings (than ordinary population) and identical twins (compared to non-identical twins) (Portlock and Yahalom 2000). The tumor cells present in Hodgkin’s lymphoma is known as ‘Reed-Sternberg cells’ (large in size with 2 nucleus) which may be present in lower numbers compared to other inflammatory cells.   Based on the amount and the manifestations of the Reed-Sternberg cells, Hodgkin’s lymphoma can be classified into 4 types.   As the number of Reed-Sternberg cells increases and the lymphocytes drop, the diseases progresses, spreads to several areas of the body (including the extra-nodal sites) and has a poorer outcome (Portlock and Yahalom 2000). Various modalities are currently utilized to stop and fight the disease namely, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, bone marrow transplantation, immunotherapy, Angiogenesis Inhibitors, and gene therapy (ehealth MD 2004).   These individual modalities may be required alone or in combination with each other to effectively treat the disease and reduce the adverse-effects. Chemotherapy is the administration of certain agents (usually utilizing multiple drugs) into the blood that destroys the cancerous cells and reduces their uncontrollable multiplication (Shipp and Harris 2000).   Radiotherapy is administered to the affected site to shrink the size of the tumor by destroying cancerous cells.   Both these therapies may be required in combination with each other (ehealth MD 2004).   Bone marrow transplantations are performed to replace the bone marrow affected with the chemotherapy and replace with healthy tissue that can restore the WBC counts (Mackie and Ludlam 1996). Immunotherapy is a treatment modality in which certain substances known as ‘cytokines’ are administered which stimulate the white blood cells to capture and destroy the cancerous cells.   Some of the cytokines that are frequently utilized include interferon and interleukin.   Monoclonal antibodies can also be administered that help the body’s defense cells to fight the cancerous cells.   They usually attach themselves to the cancerous cells, which are later identified and destroyed by the white blood cells. Vaccines are also being manufactured that could prevent infections associated with lymphoma.   Angiogenesis Inhibitors are medications that prevent the formation of new blood vessels in the body.   They can be administered locally in the area of the tumor, such that the blood vessels that feed the tumor are destroyed.   In this way the cancerous cells are deprived of nutrition and may slowly degenerate.   Gene therapy involves correcting the defect in the DNA so that the cancerous cells do not multiply uncontrollably, or certain molecules are attached which cause the cancerous cell to die (ehealth MD 2004). References: E-Health MD. Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. [Internet]. 2004 [cited 2007 Apr 16]. Available from: http://www.ehealthmd.com/library/lymphoma/NHL_treatment.html Mackie, MJ, Ludlam, CA 1996. Diseases of the Blood. Edwards, CRW, Bouchier, IAD, Haslett, C, editors Davidson’s Principles and Practice of Medicine. 17th ed. Edinburgh: Churchill Livingstone. p. 815-821. Portlock, CS, Yahalon, J 2000. Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. Goldman, L, Bennett, JC, editors Textbook of Medicine. 21st ed. Philadelphia: W.B. Saunders. p. 969-977. Shipp, MA, Harris NL 2000. Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphomas. Goldman, L, Bennett, JC, editors Textbook of Medicine. 21st ed. Philadelphia: W.B. Saunders. p. 962-969. The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. [Internet]. 2007 [cited 2007 Apr 16]. Available from: http://www.leukemia-lymphoma.org/all_page?item_id=7030               

Friday, November 8, 2019

Music in a Childs Life Essay Example

Music in a Childs Life Essay Example Music in a Childs Life Essay Music in a Childs Life Essay Music in a Child’s Life Friedrich Nietzsche once said, â€Å"Without music, life would be a mistake. † Many people would agree that life would be different without music, but believing that life would be a mistake is a strong statement. Although, taking a look at the ways music has impacted our lives, one might agree with Nietzsche. Music is the fundamental key to developing a well rounded child. As schools are cutting music programs, children’s lives are suffering. For many people, music is a form of self expression; creating an outlet for their energy, and an effective way to develop a child’s brain. Early childhood music lessons have lifelong benefits. Making music is such a basic life skill as walking or talking. As children need these other basic parts of life, they need to be supplied with music as well. For as long as anyone can remember, music has been played and listened to. Music has served many purposes throughout the course of history, like communication, praise, enjoyment, etc. Therefore, it is no wonder that music is such an effective tool for developing children. In the Pennsylvania school system, music must be taught up until the fifth grade. It has been said, that when children learn to play a musical instrument, they strengthen a range of auditory skills. A study showed that music lessons in childhood may lead to changes in the brain that persist years after the lessons have stopped. Northwestern University researchers recorded auditory brainstem responses (electrical brain waves) of college students in response to listening to complex sounds. The group, who reportedly had musical training in early childhood, was better able to pick out pitch and other essential elements from the complex sounds with which they had been tested. Having the ability to detect these sounds is unique, giving children the opportunity to use these skills in the future. Many mothers believe that talking to their baby when it is in the womb makes a difference after the baby is born. Authorities also believe that music makes a big impact on unborn infants, babies, toddlers and even high school students because of the skills developed while learning a musical instrument. Music stimulates growth in the brain that can result in better motor skills, advanced auditory and language skills, and a smarter adult. Furthermore, if a child continues to hear music after birth, it can increase their creativity and an abstract mentality. As children grow up, many parents enroll them in music classes to enrich their learning. Not only will this improve their extracurricular activities, but also their academic life. As students advance throughout grade school, there is an evident difference seen between children who have continued their musical training and those who have not. Most children in music programs have better grades and higher test scores when compared to children who have stopped playing their musical instrument in elementary school. A study performed by the College Entrance Examination Board of Princeton, New Jersey showed that students taking courses in music performance and music appreciation scored higher on the SAT than students with no arts participation. Music performance students scored on average 53 points higher on the verbal and 39 points higher on the math portion. Music appreciation students scored 61 points higher on the verbal and 42 points higher on the math portion (â€Å"Profile of SAT Program Test Takers† 3). The U. S. Department of Education recommends the arts to college-bound middle and junior high school students asserting, â€Å"Many colleges view participation in the arts and music as valuable experience that broadens students’ understanding and appreciation of the world around them†( â€Å"Getting Ready for College Early† 12). By having music classes in grade school, children are setting themselves up for a better and more prepared college experience. In addition, it plays a part in developing â€Å"children’s intellectual development† (15). The U. S. Department of State also suggests for college-bound high school students to have one year of Visual and Performing Arts classes (16). As students grow up, music plays a less prominent role in their lives, but the skills developed continues. Lewis Thomas, physician and biologist, found that music majors comprise the highest percentage of accepted medical students at 66% (â€Å"Vivo Morphometry† 417). Researchers in Leipzig discovered through the use of brain scans that musicians had larger planum temporale, the region of the brain associated with reading skills. Also, musicians had a thicker corpus callosum, the nerve fibers that connect the two halves of the brain. Therefore, children who have learned music at a young age have grown up to have better reading skills and are better able to utilize both sides of their brain because of a thicker corpus callosum. Businesses have also recognized the benefits of musical education in their employees. In fact, according to Norma R. Augustine, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Martin Marietta Corporation, â€Å"The arts enrich communities and employees, and also stimulate the kind of intellectual curiosity our company needs to stay competitive†(â€Å"Music’s Values†). As seen throughout many cases, students who have developed musical skills in grade school grow up to have a more stimulated brain. Former presidents John Quincy Adams and Bill Clinton played the flute and saxophone. Neil Armstrong, the first man to walk on the moon, played the baritone. These three men developed a musical intelligence from playing an instrument while growing up. Throughout many generations, music had been integrated into society. Without music, the lives of many individuals would not have been enriched with ingenuity and creativity.

Wednesday, November 6, 2019

Effective Study Skills Joe Student

Effective Study Skills Joe Student Explaining Effective Study SkillsMr. Student, it has been brought to my attention that you believe that you can work full-time at Domino's and pursue an online degree in Business Management without modifying your study habits that you used in high school. If this is in fact your intention; please allow me to offer you some insight.Online/Distance learning is "No Joke", Joe. I am actually taking that same course that you have registered for right now. I can assure you that those old tricks from high school are not going to be sufficient enough for distance learning.You may be used to sitting in a conventional class room where you would listen to your teacher give blocks of instruction as he/she summarized the chapter for the class while you took notes. You are probably used to getting together with study groups as well. You may even be used to having your questions answered on the spot by your teachers and class mates.Mesa Distance Learning ProgramI know that you are used to having yo ur books on hand to flip through the pages for quick reference.Online/Distance learning is quite the opposite of what you are used to from high school. For instance, you will never actually meet your Instructor or class mates. Every thing you do is via the internet/computer to include your books. No one is at class at the same time, so you will never get quick/on the spot answers for any of your questions. You will have to read all your material for assignments well enough in advance that you will have ample time to wait for an answer to any questions you may have pertaining to an assignment. There are no study groups either; you are expected to understand and do your own work, which means that you will...

Monday, November 4, 2019

Women,crime and criminal justice Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Women,crime and criminal justice - Assignment Example Moreover, prisons are the culmination of several oppressions, including, class, ethnicity, indigenous status, and race. There is considerable discrimination against women in prisons, and this chiefly stems from their lesser proportion in the prison population. The security levels in prisons are grossly disproportionate to the lower seriousness of offending, which characterizes women offenders. Another disquieting feature of prisons, vis-Ã  -vis females is their tendency to isolate women to a much greater extent than men. This arises due to the smaller number of incarcerated females, which leads to the presence of fewer prisons in a specific geographical area. As such, women prisoners are subjected to greater social stigma than their male counterparts (Barberet, 2014, p. 163). In addition, prisons pathologize and infantilize females, thereby subjecting them to greater oppression. Hence, women should not be imprisoned for the less serious crimes. In addition, the close similarity in the conditions of women in prison, across the world, has made it possible to formulate international norms and guidelines for prisoners. Several of the international guidelines have suffered setbacks, due to cultural relativity or the imposition of Western standards. Prison standards have not been affected to the same extent by these influences (Barberet, 2014, p. 163). A major cause for this relative insularity is the fact that prisons are predominantly a Western institution that have been imposed via colonialism. As a consequence, the issues created for women in prisons tend to be quite similar across the world. This is despite the disparities in the manner of operation of prisons, the categories of females who are incarcerated, the crimes that these females have been charged with or sentenced for, the resources provided to female prisoners in the prisons, and the problems envisaged by these females

Friday, November 1, 2019

The cultural impact regarding to the application of Balanced Scorecard Thesis Proposal

The cultural impact regarding to the application of Balanced Scorecard to improve capability in construction industry in Saudi Arabia - Thesis Proposal Example & Company Management Tools and Trends 2007 (Bain, 2007) reports that 66% of the respondents were using the Balanced Scorecard (BSC) as part of their strategic decision-making process. Yet fewer than 20% of companies utilising the BSC have realised measurable performance improvement (Williams, 2004). Buytendijk (2007) proposes that the perception that implementation of a BSC, in and of itself, will lead to organisational alignment is a â€Å"fairy tale.† Bititci, Mendibil, Nudurupati, Turner, and Garengo (2004, p. 28) posit that the implementation and use of such performance measurement systems is greatly affected by organisational culture and management styles. Denton (2005) reports that 76% of firms place importance on organisational culture, but only about 37% are measuring it. Indeed, Kaplan and Norton (2004, p. 56) observed that companies with successful BSC implementations â€Å"had a culture in which people were deeply aware of and internalised the mission, vision, and core values needed to execute the company’s strategy.† A third concept that plays a pivotal role in this relationship is Organisational Learning. Indeed, Kaplan and Norton (2001a) include Learning as the basis from which improvement in all other perspectives grows. Further, Kaplan and Norton (1996c, p. 15) refer to the BSC as a â€Å"strategic learning framework,† and outline how the BSC facilitates learning in each of the four processes of the BSC model (Kaplan and Norton, 1996b). Kaplan and Norton (2004) report that the Learning and Growth objective appearing most frequently in BSC’s is â€Å"shaping the culture† (p. 60). They link strategy changes resulting from the BSC to changes in culture. These changes are the direct result of organisational learning vis-à  -vis the BSC feedback system. Accordingly, the literature indicates that the BSC leads to performance improvement in the presence of the appropriate organisational culture. In BSC terminology, organisational learning and growth