Thursday, October 31, 2019

Safeway's 10k Form Analysis Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Safeway's 10k Form Analysis - Research Paper Example The company’s forward looking financial statements and its commitment to quality while expanding perishable offerings influenced my choice. Safeway’s operates in a highly competitive industry where competitors struggle to increase their market control and share. Its strategies of providing products that are tailored to ensure local preferences make it survive the diverse cultures and tastes in the different market segment. The operating strategy of providing value to its customers through stocking high quality products and maintaining high store standards together with the competitive prices makes it preferred by the shoppers (Safeway Inc. Annual Report 2011, n.d, p.43). Besides, it provides a one stop shopping for busy customers. Competitors include supercenters and club stores, specialty supermarkets, dollar store, drug stores and restaurants. The environmental legislation has also not had adverse effect on the financial results and is not expected to do so because of the company compliance to state and federal laws. Labor relations pose a threat to the company because most of the employees are unionized and work stoppages and disputes could affect their results (Safeway Inc. Annual Report 2011, n.d, p.14). Moreover, the failure of Safeway’s to achieve cost reductions could further adversely impair the company financial performance. this forces the company to consider altering their product mix to mitigate financial problems. Negative publicity on food safety, quality, and health concern poses a threat of loss of customers and could disrupt production. Moreover, the current economic condition in US and Canada with regard to the uncertain unemployment rate, fluctuating energy prices and demand of discounted products could further affect Safeway’s financials. Other environmental factors that pose a risk include changing regulation, increased amounts of debt, pending litigations and Information technology risk affects their performanc e. Question 2 2a) Deloitte $ Touche LLP audited the consolidated financial statement of Safeway’s and the internal controls over the financial reporting (Safeway Inc. Annual Report 2011, n.d, p.34). It issued an unqualified report on the financial statement and on the effectiveness of the internal control. According to the report, Safeway has prepared their financial statements in accordance with the generally accepted accounting principles accepted in the United States and the integrated framework issued by the committee of sponsoring organizations of the tread way commission. 2b) Management analysis and discussion of the financial statement reveals a declining consumer spending because of the current economic conditions. Consumers are said to change their product mix or shop in discounted groceries to cut down on their expenditure. On the side of income, Safeway is reported to have a net income of $516.7 million in 2011 compared to $589.8 million in 2010 signifying a loss o f $1097.5 million (Safeway Inc. Annual Report 2011, n.d, p.22). MD & A further reveals how the economic environment impacted adversely on Safeway’s division (Safeway Inc. Annual Report 2011, n.d, p.22). The sales in 2011 increased by $43.6 billion while fuel sales increased by $1408.7 million because of the average price increase of fuel per gallon. Besides, the exchange rate fluctuation of Canadian dollar resulted in increase in sales increase by $ 240 million. The number of transactions alos inceresed in 2011 desites the slight

Tuesday, October 29, 2019

Leadership And Management of Law Enforcement Personnel Within the Term Paper

Leadership And Management of Law Enforcement Personnel Within the Organization - Term Paper Example Transformational leadership has shown significant potential in law enforcement organizations. These organizations now operate in the current age of unpredictable change where leaders must try to ensure that their members are sufficiently developed and empowered to make their own decisions, especially in the field. Line officers must be able to also take a leadership role once they are outside the physical custody and jurisdiction of their leaders (Dobby, et.al., 2004). In the field, they may be thrust into situations where they need to make quick and appropriate decisions. The transformational leader therefore seeks to prepare his subordinates to be independent and proactive thinkers, making them significant assets in the field. Transformational leaders seem to be more effective as compared to transactional leaders in the long term (Hinkin and Tracey, 1994). They help inspire confidence, as well as help provide learning experiences to the to the subordinates (Dobby, et.al., 2004). Th is type of leadership has also been known for assisting in the implementation of changes in various settings, thereby allowing the members to adjust to these changes and make personal adjustments in their activities. In applying this transformational type of leadership in the UK, the National Policing Plan was able to deliver improvements in the performance of police officers, as well as ensure the reduction of crime in the country (Dobby, et.al., 2004). This type of leadership is therefore one of the effective methods of leadership which can be applied in order to ensure the effective management of law enforcement organizations. Moriarty (2009) discusses that most organizations need effective leadership in order to succeed. Without... This essay stresses that it is also important for managers to recognize stress, anxiety, and fatigue among their employees. It is therefore important for managers to be adequately trained in recognizing signs of stress and fatigue. Some of these signs may include irritability, hot-headedness, sleeping while on shift, frequent yawning, forgetfulness or memory lapses, and anger. Once these signs are noted among employees, it is important for managers to implement changes in shift work, ordering time off for these officers, and similar other fatigue-relieving remedies. It is also important for the managers to encourage their employees to approach sleep and rest as a safety and performance issue This paper makes a conclusion that Leaders and managers of law enforcement officers have a significant challenge of managing their subordinates and ensuring the peace and safety of the general population. In order to manage law enforcement officers, various programs can be applied. One of these programs is the Leadership in Police Organizations which has gained widespread support. This is a program which seeks to ensure police participation in their own leadership. Very much in relation to transformational leadership, the LPO is an effective means of engaging officers to be their own leaders. Education and training among managers and line officers on the management of stress and fatigue is also an important addition to the effective management of law enforcement officers.

Sunday, October 27, 2019

History of Nude Drawings in Art

History of Nude Drawings in Art Nudity vs. Nakedness The nude figure is the most volatile subject in the history of painting. The artists treatment of the nude dictates whether her gaze addresses the viewer with a coy obliqueness or a confrontational directness. The figure has the ability to condemn, invite, and often perform both simultaneously. Through the viewers inverted projection an immediate response to nudity, the nude figure attains the ability to undress us. The vulnerability and splendor of nudity is that in its elemental form, with no adornment or intention, it is looked upon with grace and beauty but the moment that it dallies on the line of effortful pleasure, it will be seen in the opposite light. Even today, certain nude photos, in the culturally appropriated context, are appreciated as art, whereas pornographic images are viewed tactlessly and cheaply. The reclining nudes contentiousness can be charted from Cabanels Venus to Manets Olympia through the writers Zola, Clark and Castagnary. They argue that it is the contex t that demarcates the crucial difference of acceptable and refutable works of nudity and explain that these artists, most notably, Manet, disobey traditional conformity by being able to belong to multiple facets of prostitution therefore, in essence, not belonging to any singular categorization. To preface my explication on Manets Olympia, Ill first give some background. Edouard Manet was born on January 29, 1832. He was well educated but showed a great liking toward drawing and the arts. His Uncle Charles Fournier encouraged Manets appreciation for the arts and often took him and his friend, Antonin Proust, on outings to the Louvre. In 1850 Manet entered the studio of Thomas Couture and studied there until 1856. During this time, Paris began its massive transformation of the city under the supervision of Baron Haussmann. Haussmanns revitalization affected the physical environment of Paris as well as the cultural and social atmosphere. Thousands of jobs were created, stores redesigned, and buildings torn down and redeveloped. All of this happened to try to make Paris the most beautiful and cultural city in the world. This idea of change might have prompted Manets decision to paint his Olympia so boldly naked. But I believe the answer lies in the artists lifelong ill-health; it was in fact Manet himself suffered the physical pain from which he suffered on a daily basis was the result of a syphilic virus contracted during one of his aforementioned youthful encounters, a misconception which haunted the artist throughout his life . Taking this point into consideration, one must therefore consider the psychological effects that Manets own feelings of guilt and regret concerning the cause of his illness, and consider the effects that it had upon his life and his work, and thus in turn the way in which those feelings influenced his view of women as a whole, but particularly those of ill-repute. Although he has been hailed as the first modern painter, Manet was inspired by the great tradition of artists like Giorgione, Titian, Velazquez and Raphael, whom the Pre-Raphaelites had rejected. For example, Olympia (1863) is undoubtedly based on Renaissance works and shows his re-examination of old masters where as traditionally, nude figures were always depicted in classical settings or as goddesses, details like the choker and shoes of the subject of this painting make it clear she is a contemporary courtesan. Also, she does not have the typical demure, slightly coy expression the public would expect, but instead looks straight out of the painting in a matter of fact, challenging manner which would be shocking and considered unacceptable at this time. This painting also shows Spanish influences, and was described by a critic as a crazy piece of Spanish madness; due to the way the figure seems to be asserting a powerful physical presence. This idea of a powerful female figure was possibly inspired by the Spanish ballet troop who performed at the Hippodrome in Paris starring a woman called Lola, depicted as a robust, red-blooded figure. In the Salon of 1863, Manets Olympia was criticized her unacceptable composition and directness of gaze while Cabanels Venus, later purchased by Napoleon III, was lauded for its refined eroticism. Castagnary epitomizes this idealized view of the nude in his account of 1863 when he uses the words dazzling, immaculate and naked beauty to describe the nude form of the goddess Venus. Castagnary also comments on Venuss harmonious pose and pure, well arranged contours. Cabanels Venus is perfectly, technically drawn- idealized, devoid of any blemish or body hair. She is sexually passive, characterless and more perfect than is humanly possible- which fitted with the accepted style of the time. According to Frances Borzello, Cabanel adheres to a strict set of conventions when he paints his Venus as historically, the reclining nude is painted in the guise of a classical goddess and tends to lie with her eyes turned from the spectator, half closed, or even closed (as in Cabanels piece), offerin g no obstacle to his free-ranging glances over her body she often stretches out in a landscape whose hummocks and valleys metaphorically echo her curves (hence the significance of the swelling sea Venus floats atop) . The Salon goers were used to seeing paintings with elaborate shades between light and dark, and because Manet covered up nearly all such shades, the critics could not see Olympia as a three dimensional figure, only as an arrangement of flat patterns. But this engaged the eye more, forcing it to assemble continuity from extremes of light and dark. Manet chose instead to paint bold brush strokes, implied shapes, strong simplified forms, and used simple colours. He allowed the viewer to see the paint itself as a part in the painting and to see the texture, and elements of colour. His work looked natural with no actual fixed composition. Olympia beyond doubt shows Manets determination to simplify. Manet highlights his subject with a thick, blackish outline that closes in o n her. As a result, all of these techniques forced the viewer to see Olympia not only as a naked woman, but also as patches of paint precisely laid on the surface of the canvas. Manets use of color in Olympia separates it from many of his other paintings. Olympias chest is very lit up making her the focus of the painting. This flattens the image of Olympia by extracting the roundness of her. Everything in this painting is either light or dark. The light and dark both make up two different planes, the foreground and the background. The white sheets, pillows, flower bouquet, and the servants dress are the entire foreground layer. The dark green curtains and rust like wallpaper make up the background. These two layers, however, are joined together with the servants dark face, the black cat, and Olympias black jewelry. Without these elements the foreground would look like it was just cut out and pasted down on a background. The contrast of colors within Manets painting appeals to the viewers senses. Emotional responses to the painting, such as purity, are caused by the white colors of the bed and the woman upon the sheets. Her white, pure skin tone relates to th e natural association with virgin purity. The darkness that surrounds the women upon the bed then relates to dark, harmful feelings that most relate to evil. The woman upon the bed inhibits the natural innocence of the painting. The flower that is placed within her hair contains colors of pink and red hues. These brighter colors of the painting bring a very strong interest to the womans head and facial features. There are other various color relationships within this painting as well. The different flowers seen in the bouquet can also be seen in the blanket Olympia is laying on. The dress of the servant matches that blanket also. The wall in the background coincides with the couch or bed that she is laying on. Overall the repetition of color allows the painting to flow smoothly. The use of color within the painting allows different perspectives based on feelings and emotions. The subject matter of this painting is both intriguing as well as artistic. The woman, Olympia, is portrayed in a very different way than most of paintings in that time period. Her naked body shows her physical beauty, but the way she is propped upon the bed gives the idea of her not having respect for her personal body. The reason for this is that other paintings of this time show women presenting themselves in a more graceful matter, stereotypically ladylike. Her complete nudity, with the exception of her bracelet, necklace, and shoes shows that she feels that accents are needed to make her beautiful. If the womans view of herself was different she would see herself and her body as a piece of art work within itself. Her jewelry, flower, and shoes show us she needs more to feel beauty outwardly. The bed beneath her gives the pretrial of laziness because it is unmade. Yet the lines of the sheets accent her body curves to give an even idea of shape. Some might view her as a sexual par tner to many men because of her willingness to be nude and the flowers that are being brought to her by the servant. The flowers symbolize Olympia being very lady-like, and proper. However she maintains a very impersonal relationship with the viewer because of her flat gaze. Camille Lemonnier states that in order for a nude to stay pure in art she must be made impersonal and this is what Cabanel does by draping the arm across Venuss face, obscuring it and allowing her just to peek out through half-closed eyelids and by ridding her body of imperfections (which explains the absence of pubic hair) that make her personalized, and therefore flawed. The view that comes across very strongly in Castagnarys account is that all artists that paint nudes should strive to create perfection. This is a very different view compared to both Zola and Clark. Cabanel also includes the group of flying cupids that accompany Venus on her journey (to finally stand erect and reveal herself to men as Castagnary puts it). They play the part of the necessary allegorical trappings that must be included in a traditional reclining nude, as the aim of the painter is to elevate his model to goddess status and present her idealized, modest form to the spectator to appreciate and admire in her immaculate beauty. By placing cupids in his painting it ensured that the spectator would know that this was Venus- not just a naked girl Cabanel got to model for him, a mistake Manet makes with his Olympia. The fact that Manet copied his model, in Zolas words, just as she was caused much shock and outrage among the crowd at the salon of 1863. Manet disrupted the convention that the reclining nude should in no way cause embarrassment to the viewer. He caused a scandal by posing his model as a modern woman (with no allusions to her being a goddess) who stared boldly back at the spectator, challenging and discomforting. In Zolas account of Manets Olympia he focuses on the technical merits of the painting and highlights the new style that Manet was painting in, saying that everything is simplified and that if you wish to construct reality you must step back a bit, he believes Manet had performed a miracle. This view differs highly from Castagnarys, as in his account of Cabanels Venus he stresses the fact that Cabanel is a skilful draughtsman and much emphasis is placed on creating a technically correct painting. However it is my view that Venus in Cabanels work doesnt sit as comfortably in her setting as Manets Olympia does in hers. To me Venus appears stuck on to the crest of the wave- as if Cabanel had sketched his model first and added the background in later, working it around his model and not actually incorporating her into the scene very effectively. However, despite Manets miracle brushwork and his courteous nod to Titians Venus of Urbino people found the painting offensive. We can clearly distinguish Olympia as being a courtesan and this is what I believe caused the public react in a hostile manner towards it. She is adorned with many of the trappings that would have been familiar to them as they would have been able to tell she was a prostitute- her pink flower placed on the side of her head, her black ribbon around her neck and slipper dangling from her foot. A black maid offers flowers to her- no doubt sent by one of her clients, also whereas Titians Venus delicately covers her sex, Olympias flexed hand firmly protects hers, as if to refuse to let the viewers eye roam freely over her. This, accompanied with her calm, almost insolent glare further adds to the feeling of discomfort the visitors to the salon must have felt. There were many prostitutes around at this time that chose ancient names for themselves (like for example Olympia and Aphrodite) and numerous members of the nobility kept open mistresses. It was normal to go about your business and family life during the day then mix with women like Olympia at night. These high class men would have attended the Salon with their families and been confronted with something from their other life- a prostitute. The fact that she was a prostitute elevated to goddess status many people thought was unacceptable. Countless felt that this kind of image didnt fit in the setting of a respectable salon. Its because of this fact that Zola states that Manets work is more real than any other- when other painters correct nature (as Cabanel does in his work) they lie why not tell the truth? He says that Olympia is a girl of our own times whom we have met in the streets. Manet incorporated the present with the classical in a way that had never been seen before, it was a comment on society but more importantly he wanted to capture his subject as she really was. Titian turned his model into a goddess, whereas Manet turned Titians goddess back into a simple woman. Here we see the differences in Castagnary and Zolas opinion. Its my impression that Castagnary advocated that nudes should be objects of perfection to be viewed as a way of deepening our appreciation of beauty, whereas Zola stresses the importance of telling the truth and painting from real life, to create a comment on society. However Clark takes a different stance on the nude altogether and argues that the nudes purpose is to stir erotic feelings within us- if it fails in this objective he believes the artist has created bad art. Clark says this is the obvious point of the nude, and that however abstract, it shouldnt fail to arouse in us some vestige of erotic feeling. Manets Olympia certainly does this and so do countless other artists versions of the nude. Artists like Giorgione and Ingres show how the nude can be erotic in the traditional sense and artists such as Henry Moore, Modigliani, Picasso and Egon Schiele have explored new ways of portraying the nude- set free by Manets rebellion in 1863. However I do not wholly agree with Clarks view that the nude should always be erotic as I think that the nude evoke other feelings besides this. For example Egon Schiele can emit the feeling that is conveyed to me is one of intense vulnerability and this is something Clarke doesnt explore at all. To be nude/naked is to be stripped of our clothes, laid bare for all to see with nothing to hide us. It is true to say also that many nude paintings are too erotic- to the point where as a spectator you feel more like a v oyeur. Lucien Freuds painting Naked Girl Asleep for example, shocks me whenever I look at it, as do any of his paintings. However it is true to say that in the period we are living in we have been desensitized, which makes me believe that my reaction to Freuds work is similar to the salon goers of Manets day, to his Olympia. Its my opinion that the subject in Naked Girl Asleep is placed centrally on the canvas so that it forces you to look at her (much like how Manet made the focal point of his painting, Olympias eyes where she challenges you to engage with her). Everything in Freuds piece seems too stark and amplified, the rib cage juts out and the skin tone of the girl has an almost death like quality. Funnily enough this view is very similar to comments made by critics of Manets time about Olympias dirty flesh. I think it is very important to remind ourselves therefore of the period that each of these extracts were written in, as both Castagnary and Zolas account come from 1863, whereas the extract from Clarks book was written in 1956 and therefore what society found acceptable as art had changed quite dramatically. For centuries the reclining nude had been constrained by rules and conventions. After 1900 a reclining nude could be fractured by cubism or dissolved by abstraction painters were able to depict the previously unemitable. The nudes are no longer passive like Cabanels Venus but force you to interact with them, as did Manets Olympia. However, I do agree with Clarkes point that a nude should be erotic, but I dont believe that is its only purpose. I also agree with his point that if it does not evoke any feeling then it is bad art and I think this is true to says of all art in every genre. I believe a painting has to make you feel something whether its a bad feeling or a good one, as then it is creating a response- this is what I believe good art does. For me I get more out of looking at Manets Olympia than I do looking at Cabanels Venus as I feel there is more to engage with in the painting- the black servant presenting a bouquet of flowers, the cat arching its back and the mystery this creates. Is the cat arching his back and hissing because an unexpected person has just walked into Olympias room? Has Olympia sat up straighter, placed her hand coyly over her pubic area and met an unannounced guest with accusing, challenging eyes? Are we, as the spectator, in the position of someone bursting in? Is it us she chall enges, looking out as we look in? Cabanels painting in contrast fills me with none of these questions apart from the fact that I want to know why it is that Cabanel thought it acceptable to plonk Venus on top of the wave; I feel that she and the background do not fit together at all. Saying this I wouldnt say that Cabanels Venus was completely devoid of any erotic overtones, as I believe the way she gazes out at the spectator through half closed eyes is, in a way, inviting. I think the main thing that irritates me about this painting though is her passivity, almost as if she cant be bothered to really acknowledge you. She seems resigned to the fact that she is there as an object of desire and just accepts it. Whereas Olympia is much more aware of her sexuality and is in control of it- this to me, living in a post-feminist era is a lot more interesting and I feel I can identify with the painting more. In conclusion I believe that each of the writers attitudes towards the nude in the three extracts is valid and interesting. I can see Castagnarys point that the nude should be perfect as it can be an object of beauty, but this is an idealized view of how a woman should be. This view is still prevalent today in the culture we live in, where we are bombarded with images of perfect (often airbrushed models) on a daily basis. The idea of what perfection is may have changed but the concept has not. I believe that Zolas opinion that painters should tell the truth is correct in reference to painting the nude, as I agree with showing the body as it is, complete with every blemish as Picasso said if it is pure (as Venus is in Cabanels painting) it is not art . I also agree with Clark to some extent when he says that a nudes purpose is to be erotic, but I do not believe that this is its only purpose. The nude can evoke all sorts of feelings within the viewer- feelings of pity, of empathy, of a mazement, or of appreciation of our human bodies. To be nude is to revert back to the way we were in the beginning. Bibliography CLARK, T.J.- Olympias Choice, The Painting Of Modern Life- Princeton- 1984- p. 212, p.214 BORZELLO, Frances- Nude Awakening- The Guardian Online- 2009 (Found athttp://arts.guardian.co.uk/features/story/0,11710,824240,00.html) CLARK, Kenneth- The Nude- A Study Of Ideal Art- John Murray- London- 1956; repr 1957- p. 6

Friday, October 25, 2019

In Defense of Liberty and Individuality Essay -- Essays Papers

In Defense of Liberty and Individuality It is a little-known fact that for the past century, every American president has been given a copy of John Stuart Mill’s On Liberty[1] upon entering office. Since its publication in 1859, On Liberty’s discussions of liberty and individuality have been a foundation for modern Western political thought and for the liberal democracy. Mill brings to light a unique perspective on the relationship between liberty and individuality, and in the end, on tolerance. According to Mill, individual liberty should be limited by one, and only one thing: the self-preservation of society and other individuals. To that end, man should be free to act and even more so to think in any form he wishes, without the suppression of ideas or opinions, as long as it does not prevent others from doing the same. This liberty will diversify society and allow individuality to flourish. For Mill, liberty—based on a recognition of man’s fallibility and right to self-preservation —breeds individuality, which in turn leads to the betterment of individual character and of society as a whole. Mill begins On Liberty by stating his goal explicitly: a discussion of civil or social liberty and more specifically, what power society or government can legitimately wield over the people—â€Å"the struggle between Liberty and Authority† (On Liberty, 3). As will be shown in more detail later, Mill seems to find himself, and the developed world, in a period of transition. He notes that historical liberty was based on seeking protection against the political tyranny of leaders who did not rule by the will of the people or for the good of the people. Reformers, unsatisfied with the state of affairs, tried to limit the r... ...nt of recognizing all sides of the truth, are principles applicable to men’s modes of action, not less than their opinions† (On Liberty, 58). He argues that liberty and individuality are not only related, but are inseparable. He grounds his reasoning in the utilitarian view that because man is not perfect, no opinion or life should be taken as correct or incorrect unless given a chance to be tested, and that society and individuals can only progress if these tests are allowed. Mill remarks that society is currently being dominated by an emerging conformity and mediocrity. He sees individuality as the only hope to curb this dangerous progression, and liberty as individuality’s creator and protector. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [1] Mill, John Stuart. On Liberty. The Modern Library: New York, 2002. In Defense of Liberty and Individuality Essay -- Essays Papers In Defense of Liberty and Individuality It is a little-known fact that for the past century, every American president has been given a copy of John Stuart Mill’s On Liberty[1] upon entering office. Since its publication in 1859, On Liberty’s discussions of liberty and individuality have been a foundation for modern Western political thought and for the liberal democracy. Mill brings to light a unique perspective on the relationship between liberty and individuality, and in the end, on tolerance. According to Mill, individual liberty should be limited by one, and only one thing: the self-preservation of society and other individuals. To that end, man should be free to act and even more so to think in any form he wishes, without the suppression of ideas or opinions, as long as it does not prevent others from doing the same. This liberty will diversify society and allow individuality to flourish. For Mill, liberty—based on a recognition of man’s fallibility and right to self-preservation —breeds individuality, which in turn leads to the betterment of individual character and of society as a whole. Mill begins On Liberty by stating his goal explicitly: a discussion of civil or social liberty and more specifically, what power society or government can legitimately wield over the people—â€Å"the struggle between Liberty and Authority† (On Liberty, 3). As will be shown in more detail later, Mill seems to find himself, and the developed world, in a period of transition. He notes that historical liberty was based on seeking protection against the political tyranny of leaders who did not rule by the will of the people or for the good of the people. Reformers, unsatisfied with the state of affairs, tried to limit the r... ...nt of recognizing all sides of the truth, are principles applicable to men’s modes of action, not less than their opinions† (On Liberty, 58). He argues that liberty and individuality are not only related, but are inseparable. He grounds his reasoning in the utilitarian view that because man is not perfect, no opinion or life should be taken as correct or incorrect unless given a chance to be tested, and that society and individuals can only progress if these tests are allowed. Mill remarks that society is currently being dominated by an emerging conformity and mediocrity. He sees individuality as the only hope to curb this dangerous progression, and liberty as individuality’s creator and protector. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [1] Mill, John Stuart. On Liberty. The Modern Library: New York, 2002.

Thursday, October 24, 2019

Case Study: Rule Utilitarianism or Act Utilitarianism? Essay

This paper examines the procedure that were followed that it is a common sight to see on the street, children and sometimes old, physically handicapped, beggars and sickly people begging for food and some money. It critically examines these procedures in the moral dilemma with reference of applying the concepts: rule and act utilitarianism. Should we give these beggars money or not? In deciding whether we give or not, the answer for that is we should give. Why? Act utilitarianism basically states that an action is moral if it produces the greatest happiness for the most people. This reason alone the act of giving them would be a good idea, because it would benefit the most amount of people. At a first glance in the problem, by just wishing them to just go away, ignoring and disappear from our sight is directly immoral. You’re giving them pain despite the rule of greatest happiness and pleasure – utilitarianism. However in the contrary it is really right that by giving it encourages them to become lazy and to be dependent on us, but what we are looking here is our act how we respond to them. That is our focal point giving them or not giving them by the prospect of utilitarianism in which we should act in such way that our actions produce the greatest happiness or pleasure. Whatever will be the consequences on how they used the money were out of that. If we reflect off of the act utilitarianism it is all about happiness the pleasure that is produced by the action. If we don’t give them even the smallest amount of money, we feel guilty and there is no pleasure. Here is that we will be viewed and judged as being moral through our actions. With this case, it was stated that is it not true that these people need the money more than we do, right here and right now? The truth is it is really true that they need the money more than we do because why would they be asking money if they didn’t need it? And see? The effect of giving them is pleasure. In terms of my own feelings, using the act utilitarianism is the better option with regards to the problem of this case than rule utilitarianism. Focusing on how we act, what are our actions, and especially the importance of the act of giving. In rule utilitarianism, we all have different rules on what we do. For example, the rules that govern my action are really not to give them money because of believing that it encourages them to be lazy and dependent. For me, it is a pleasure. But let’s try to think about others? The majority? Where is now the happiness for the most amount of people? That’s why act utilitarianism for me is the better option. It enables me to provide a strong foundation in this problem. Finally, no matter what really is the right concept here in this particular dilemma, all things that work for good are morally right.

Wednesday, October 23, 2019

Focus groups

â€Å"MARKETING RESEARCH †IntroductionBefore traveling farther we must understand definition of Marketing. American Marketing Association defines selling as â€Å"the systematic assemblage, entering and analyzing of informations about jobs associating to the selling of goods and services† . There are many research techniques that can be used for marketing intent, among that we are traveling to discourse about Focus groupFocus GroupA focal point group is a particular type of group in footings of intent, size, composing and process. A intent of focal point group is to listen and garner information. It is a manner to better understand how people think or feel about an issue, merchandises and services. Participants are selected because they have certain focal point group provide qualitative informations features that relate to the subject of focal point group. A focal point group survey is carefully planned series of treatment designed to obtain a perceptual experience on a defined country of involvement in a permissive, nonthreatening environment. Each group is created by six or eight people by skilled interviewer. The treatment are relaxed and frequently participant enjoy sharing their thoughts and perceptual experience. Group member influences each other by reacting to thoughts and remarks of others.A. FeaturesFollowing are the chief features of Focus groups.1. Focus groups involves peoples: –Focus group typically composed of five to ten peoples, but the size can run from every bit few as four to every bit many as 12. The group must be little plenty for everyone to hold an chance to portion penetrations and yet big plenty to diverseness of perceptual experience. When the group exceeds a twelve participants there is a inclination for the group to break up. Participants want to speak but unable to speak because there is merely non a sufficient intermission in the conversation. In this state of affairs participants portion by whispering to the people next to them. This is signal that group is large. Small group of four or five participants afford more chance.2. Peoples possess the certain featuresFocus groups are composed of participants who are similar to each other in a manner that is of import to researcher. The nature of this homogeneousness is determine by the intent of survey. This similarity is footing for enlisting and participants are typically informed of this common factor at the beginning of treatment. This homogeneousness can be loosely or narrowly defined, for illustration suppose an grownup community instruction wanted to cognize more about how to make people who have n't participated in their plan. In this instance homogeneousness could be loosely define as grownups who live in the community who have non yet attend community instruction session. Group member can be vary by age, gender, business, and involvement, but member have the commonalty of being grownups, community members and non members.3. Focus groups provide a qualitative information: –The end of focal point group is to roll up informations that are involvement to the research worker typically to happen the scope of options of people across several groups. This research compares and contrasted informations collected from at least three focal point groups. This differs from other group interactions in which the end is to come to some decision at the terminal of a treatment – range consensus, supply recommendations or do determinations among options. The focal point groups present a natural environment than that of an person because participants are act uponing and influenced by others merely as they are i n life. The research worker serves several maps in the focal point group, moderator, hearer, observer and finally analyst utilizing an inductive procedure.4. Focus groups have a focussed treatment: –The inquiries in focal point group are carefully predetermined. The inquiries are phrased and sequence so they are easy to understand and logical to the participants. Most are unfastened ended inquiries. These inquiries appear self-generated but are develop through considerable contemplation and input. The set of inquiries called oppugning path or interview usher is so arranged in natural and logical sequence. Question near the beginning of the groups are more general. As the groups continues the inquiries becomes more specific and more focussed. The beginning inquiries help acquire people speaking and believing about the subject. Questions near the terminal of group typically yield the most utile information. There is no force per unit area by moderator to hold the group reach co nsensus. Alternatively attending is placed on understanding the feeling, the remark, and through procedure of participants as they discussed the issues.B. Uses of Focus groupFollowing are the utilizations of focal point groups research techniques. 1. Helps in determination devising 2. Helps for merchandise development 3. This information can be used for research intent 4. They are of import for treatment intent.When to utilize focal point group1. To prove new construct 2. To measure advertising/ copy 3. To measure publicity 4. To developed questionnaire 5. To bring forth thoughts or support brainstorming 6. To place product/services 7. To measure merchandise serviceabilityC. Advantages: –1. Malleability 2. Provides observation of existent consumer in an synergistic scene. 3. Involves fewer participants compared to quantitative methods. 4. Can be arranged on short notice and at a lower cost. 5. Statistical analysis is unneeded.D. Disadvantages: –1. Focus group consequences are non quantitative 2. Sample size is little ; consequence are non projectable 3. Participants do non stand for the mark market 4. Subject are way of the treatment are moderator dependant 5. Careful reading of the information is important.E. How to carry on focal point groupA short overview of the literature provides some suggestion for carry oning focal point groups. The figure of groups you should carry on depends on your research inquiry and on the figure of different population subgroups required ( morgan1988, p.42 ) .it is by and large suggested that it is more appropriate to work with unusual alternatively of groups of friends or people who know each other really good, because the degree of ( 1988, p.48 ) .it is besides suggested that you should get down with the group every bit heterogenous as possible and so run a 2nd set if groups that are more homogenous ( 1988, p.73 ) .in each instance it is necessary to get down the group with some sort of warming up.These two gap of focal point groups are really typical and helpful:Before we begin our treatment, it will be helpful for us to acquire acquainted with one another. Let ‘s get down with some introductory remarks about ourselves. Ten, why do n't you get down and we ‘ll travel around the tabular array and give our names and small about what we do for life? Today we ‘re traveling to discourse an issue that affects you. Before we get into treatment, allow me do few petition of you. First, you should cognize that we are tape entering the session so that I can mention back to treatment when I write my study. If anyone is uncomfortable with being recorded please say so and, of class you are free to go forth. Make talk up and Lashkar-e-Taibas try to hold merely one individual speak at a clip. I will pay traffic bull and seek to guarantee that everyone gets turn. Finally, delight state precisely what you think, do n't worry about what I think what our neighbour thinks. We are here to interchange sentiment and have fun while we do it. Why do n't we get down by presenting ourselves?Postal QuestionnaireQuestionnaire is a list of written inquiries, there are two types of questionnaire, foremost were respondent could inquire to finish the inquiry with research worker non present these types of questionnaire is called as postal questionnaire. And secondly respondent could inquire to finish inquiry with research nowadays is called as structured interview ( Sociological Research Skills ) .Questionnaires are restricted two types:Near ended: in this type research worker provides a list of suited response ( Sociological Research Skills ) . Open ended: in this type research worker non supply any suited list of response to the response dent.respondent asked to compose the reply in their ain manner ( Sociological Research Skills ) . For my undertaking I am utilizing postal questionnaire because I am a pupil and I am non able to travel each and every topographic points of Singapore. One of the most dependable methods of research is postal questionnaire because it ‘s really easy for research worker to standardise and analyse the inquiries. Each respondent answered precisely same inquiry. And I am utilizing stopping point ended inquirer in this.AppendixQuestionnaireQ.1a. Among all new theoretical accounts of auto which theoretical account you purchased?Answer: – — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — —  œQ.1b. When?Answer Day: – _____ , Month: – _______ , Year: – ________Q.2 What primary factors will you see foremost while buying a auto?Answer ( A ) Average ( B ) Speed ( C ) Maintenance ( D ) ComfortQ.3 By what beginning you come to cognize about this auto?Answer ( A ) Internet ( B ) Television( C ) Magazine ( D ) Motor Show Exhibition ( E ) OtherIf other please advert your beginning below: – †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦ †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Q.4 How much clip will you pass for determination of buying a new auto?Answer ( A ) Less than two hebdomads ( B ) 2 hebdomads to 4 hebdomads ( C ) 4 hebdomads to 6 hebdomads ( D ) More than 6 hebdomadsQ.5 Time taken by trader from puting order to bringing of order?Answer ( A ) Less than 3 hebdomads ( B ) Three hebdomads to one month ( C ) One month to three months ( D ) More than three monthsQ.6 Among all this companies which companies auto will you prefer?Answer ( A ) Audi ( B ) Lancer ( C ) Mercedes ( D ) SonataQ.7 Excluding any sedimentation how was your vehicle chiefly paid for?Answer ( A ) Loan ( B ) Cash ( C ) Leasing ( D ) OtherQ.8 After subscribing a contract how many yearss did it takes for your vehicle to be delivered?Answer ______________ DaysQ.9 Please place the chief alternate vehicle that you considered?Answer†¦ à ¢â‚¬ ¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ .Q.10 How would you rate your overall buying experience at the franchise?Answer ( A ) Poor ( B ) Met outlook ( C ) Satisfactory ( D ) ExcellentQ.11 Did you receive any benefits for taking an alternate specification to ypur preferable pick?Answer ( A ) No ( B ) Yes If yes please reference below †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ . †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ .Q.12 How did you corroborate your concluding order with trader?Answer ( A ) Phone ( B ) Fax ( C ) Personally ( D ) OtherQ.13 Is this auto is satisfactory to your demands?Answer ( A ) Yes ( B ) No Reason: – †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ .. †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦Q. 14 Do you believe buying auto is really hard process?Answer ( A ) Yes ( B ) NoQ. 15 How satisfied are you with the clip taken to finish the full sale procedure at your franchise?Answer ( A ) Poor ( B ) Average ( C ) Satisfactory ( D ) OutstandingDecision: –†¢ This study inside informations the consequences of a study of new auto purchasers which aimed to understand their purchasing demands and behavior in relation to build-to-order and short bringing lead times. It was portion of a research programme that examined the nature of demand for a Car †¢ Brochures, trader gross revenues staff, auto magazines and friends/relatives were the most common beginnings of new auto information beginnings used. The cyberspace was used by merely under one fifth, and peculiar by those aged 25 to 35 old ages. †¢ Colour or pigment type was the most popular type of specification alteration, and 46 % of those who compromised said they received some signifier of benefit from the trader for making so – preponderantly a price reduction on their new autos, followed by specification ascent. There big differences across the trade names in the benefits offered. †¢ The most common twenty-four hours for doing an order was Saturday, and the most common twenty-four hours for roll uping the new auto was Friday. Most orders and aggregations were made in the afternoon, though about 20 % said they collected their autos in the eventide †¢ On norm, new auto purchasers contacted or visited their trader three times when buying their auto †¢ Key themes that emerged from the consequences included the differences in attitudes and behavior of younger auto purchasers, and differences between volume and specialist purchasers. †¢ Younger auto purchasers are much more impatient than older purchasers and more predisposed to altering their behavior to guarantee they are ‘instantly gratified ‘ . †¢ Specialist purchasers are prepared to wait longer for their autos, with the suggestion that they make a clear nexus between quality and clip – that is, a premium auto by its nature will take longer to do and present. While technically there should be small difference in fabrication and bringing clip for both volume and specializer autos, it can be argued that the current selling and gross revenues system feats and reinforces this out-of-date belief. †¢ Overall, the research suggests that order to bringing clip affairs to new auto purchasers, that consumers expectation are high in footings of a short lead clip.MentionFocus Group As Qualitative Research David L. Morgan Focus Groups Theory and Practice David W. Stewart, Denis W. Rook The Focus Group Research Handbook Holly Edmunds