Point of Sale Essay Example

Point of Sale Essay SECTION I 1. 1 Introduction Nowadays, data processing uses one or more database at one or more certain organizations. Databases are use in transaction processing where information are stored, retrieved and transmitted at certain time it is needed. Examples of transaction processing systems are airline reservation systems, billing system, payroll system, library system, online marketing and online transaction processing. Handling business is not an easy thing to do. In order to have a successful business, each of its sub departments must have this eagerness to learn new ways of how it will be competitive enough to deal with the ups and downs of the economic world. * Company Profile Dante’s Radiator Enterprises Corporation In 1968, Dante’s Trading began as a trading firm dealing with repair of automotive. Organized by its President Mr. Dante Caguioa, an entrepreneur backed up by skills and sheer confidence. It started as a small shop located at the heart of A. Bonifacio Avenue, the road leading to North Diversion. Since it as located on a busy site, the small shop was improved into a bigger one, for them to accommodate its fast and growing number of customers and clients. Afterwards, the company concentrated on servicing of automotive radiators. From the very first auto radiator, it moved on to making not only Marine radiators, but a fast growing demand for Industrial radiators made the company a name in the automotive service industry. Just recently, the company re-entered to Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) from Single Proprietorship into a Corporation, one sign of the company’s progress. 1. Background of the Study Small businesses are the heart and soul of the entrepreneurial economy. They create, inspire, and fundamentally change people’s lives. However, small business across the globe including here in the Philippines have problems coping up with the fast pace development because of three major aspects, to be exact: management, non-utilization of technology, and sale s and marketing strategies. Small business owners tend to be involved in every aspect of their business from being the bookkeeper, marketer, human resources manager, mediator, customer liaison officer and cleaner. We will write a custom essay sample on Point of Sale specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on Point of Sale specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on Point of Sale specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer They tend to do it all and find it hard to hand over these tasks for the main reason of the frown on spending any money. However, many fail to realize that if they invest their money wisely in accessing the right type of goods and services to grow their business and be more effective, they will see positive changes occur over time. They can become more productive and profitable. Small business companies tend not to use technology like computers and other productivity tools or if they tend to use it, they are under-utilized because of poor choices or cost effective decisions. However, the utilization of automation is a matter of perspective. Almost all small business have the mindset of not needing it because what they knew is that the process they are doing is already working for them and adapting change would disrupt the operation. Additionally, they are thinking that these tools are just cost effective move; because they do not know how to use it or even their personnel don’t, though they could learn to use it and yield it to their full advantage. For small business the basic automation process would be point of sales system. Sales or ordering system throughout the world has relied on pens and papers. Problems such as missing orders and information sent to the wrong place arise. Furthermore, some could not be able to handle the massive volume of orders. Under the old manual ordering systems, it takes up too much time to process. Here comes point-of-sale system a company’s gateway to valuable information. When a store POS system isn’t able to share valuable information about customers, sales, and operations with other parts of the organization, it can impact the bottom line. Real time ordering and improved efficiency has been the focus of entrepreneurs. As with many business scenarios, getting rid of paper improves efficiency, reduces human error and allows information to flow to an infrastructure without a time consuming data input process. There is also less chance of handwritten orders being misread and a higher customer turnaround as customers will be served faster. Thus, a POS Point-of-sale system is needed. 1. 3 Statement of the Problem 1. What are the tools needed to develop the Point of Sale? . How will the stakeholders assess the developed system? 1. 4 Statement of Objectives 1. 4. 1 General * Create a POS System that will fit the need of Dante’s Radiator Company. * To simplify the accounting and record-keeping tasks involved in business. 1. 4. 2 Specific 1. To develop a system using the following tools: a. VB. Net b. MSAccess c. Adobe Photoshop 2. To develop a system to be evaluated by the stakeholders in terms of the following: a. Speed b. Accuracy c. Reliability d. Efficiency e. Security 1. 5. Scope and Limitation This Point of Sale system provides log-in process for security purposes and only admin can control the maintenance of the system as well as the process. The main control of the admin is on items; only admin can add, edit and remove item/s. The other access will be for the cashier, he/she can also view the items but unlike the admin he/she is not privileged to manipulate the products inventory. This system will list down all the products the company has. In transaction, the receipt will be filled by inputting the barcode of the product then it automatically displays the item name and the price. When you input the same barcode, it will also be automatically counted and the price will be computed based on how many products were bought. In settings, we can select which printer is available and where we want our receipt to be printed. It also includes the dimension of the receipt and the size of the font. Once it was on the print view we cannot remove or add an item in the receipt else we go back to Fill Receipt tab. We also cannot save the filled receipt unless we select a printer. The system also counts the receipt or transaction held in a particular day by the receipt no. s primary key. The printed receipt will show the receipt number for that day, receipt date, item, price, quantity, sum of each product based on their quantity and the most important the total amount. SECTION II 2. 1 Review of Related Literature 2. 1. 1 Foreign * History of POS Point of Sale Over the years, more enhancements were made to the cash registers until the early 1970s, when the first computer-drive n cash registers were introduced. The first computer-driven cash registers were basically a mainframe computer packaged as a store controller that could control certain registers. These point of sale systems were the first to commercially utilize client-server technology, peer-to-peer communications, Local Area Network (LAN) backups, and remote initialization. In the late 1980s, retail software based on PC technology began to make its way into mainstream retail businesses. Today, retail point of sale systems are light years ahead of where they began. Todays POS systems are faster, more secure, and more reliable than their predecessors, and allow retailers to operate every facet of their business with a single, integrated point of sale system. (*http://www. retailsystems. com/history-of-retail-pos-systems. fm*, July 28, 2009) * 7 reasons to switch to a point-of-sale system If youre a veteran retailer, you know the problem: Your inventory doesnt match your tallies. Sales are going unrecorded. Your staff is spending far too much time chasing mistakes instead of tending to customers Something is seriously wrong, and youre just not sure what the problem is. These a nd other snafus suggest that its time that your business did away with its cash registers and stepped up to a point-of-sale (POS) system, such as Microsoft Dynamics Retail Management System and Microsoft Dynamics Point of Sale (POS) . A POS system is a computer software and hardware network that records sales as theyre occurring; it solves a variety of operational and record-keeping headaches. If you need more proof, here are seven signs that your business could boom with a point-of-sale system. 1. Your sudden shrink no longer goes undetected. POS systems such as Retail Management System are designed to immediately record any and all sales. Not only does that mean timely and accurate sales tracking, but a POS system also lets you readily identify inventory levels, particularly when what you have on the books doesnt jibe with actual stock. You see it with the onset of sudden shrink—when you realize that inventory is missing or your numbers just never seem to match up, says John Rarrick of RBS Inc. , a Nyack, N. Y. , consulting concern specializing in startups and small businesses. Almost every modern POS has a receiving and inventory module that, when used properly, can help pinpoint the cause of the shrink. 2. Markdown management is much easier. A common land mine for many small to medium-sized businesses is price reduction—knowing which items have been marked down and recording those discounts accordingly. Rather than wrestling with cash-register receipts at days end, a POS automates the process of introducing markdowns and, in turn, tracking them accurately. The trends in POS are not just inventory accuracy but the use of pricing models to allow for markdown management, says Gary Ruffing, senior director of retail services for BBK Ltd. , a business advisory firm in Southfield, Mich. 3. Promotions can be tracked more successfully. A similar dynamic holds true with promotions. Whether through coupons, special discounts or other vehicles, promotions can be central to attracting and retaining business. Trouble is, managing and reconciling short-term specials—not to mention pinpointing their impact—can be nigh impossible without the automation and immediacy of a point-of-sale system. Many small retailers invest in things such as direct home marketing, Rarrick says. At the end of the promotion, those with manual cash registers are hard pressed to tell you how successful the promotion was. The POS store can pretty much tell you to the penny how they did. 4. You can maintain control in absentia. You may be surprised to discover that you actually run two businesses: one when youre there and its evil twin when you dont happen to be around. Many operations suffer in employee efficiency and customer service when the boss is away. Automating a host of functions via a POS can help boost those areas, no matter where the head honcho happens to be. You simply cant be there all the time, says Jim Melvin, chief executive officer of Siva Corp. , a Delray Beach, Fla. , company which provides point-of-sale systems to restaurants. A POS lets you have that important level of control when youre not there. 5. Your prices are consistent from one location to the next. Nothing can prove more embarrassing than having a customer question why one item has one price at one store, yet a different price at another. If your business operates at more than one location, a point-of-sale system ensures pricing consistency. Even better, a POS system automates overall inventory control, helping to keep stoc ks in proper balance depending on demand and other factors, which can vary from one location to the next. It really lends itself to a better overall customer experience—the sorts of things a customer expects when he walks through the front door, says Melvin. 6. You get many tools in a single package. Buying business equipment piecemeal can be pricey. If you find your checkbook wearing thin from the expense of software and other gear, a comprehensive point-of-sale system may include them in a single package. Most POS systems have add-on modules like payroll time clocks and customer preference databases, says Rarrick. That removes the need for small businesses to invest in separate systems for those purposes. 7. You can make better use of your personnel. Little is more maddening to a business owner than watching his or her staff bogged down with inefficient, unproductive responsibilities, from double-checking inventory disparities to seemingly endless cash-register reconciliati on. Perhaps the greatest advantage to a comprehensive point-of-sale network is the freedom it can afford your personnel to devote their energy to what genuinely matters the most: helping customers. A good POS allows you to allocate your human resources to the customer service area of the business, Ruffing says. That means they no longer have to be counting, calculating, ordering, and checking cash-register accuracy. † http://www. microsoft. com/business/en-us/resources/technology/business-software/7-reasons-to-switch-to-a-point-of-sale-system * Importance of computerization COMPUTERS have changed the world of business. They’ve helped increase productivity, improve recordkeeping, reduce paperwork, track sales, and control inventory. They’ve helped people work more efficiently and profitably than ever before. The world is changing and is changing fast. With the globalization of markets, ever-shifting demands of the market, and the growing use of information and communication, small to medium business must learn to compete in order for them to survive. Especially in developing countries which the use and adaptation of technology is very slow;most small to medium businesses still operate with manual or semi-manual accounting systems. Such systems are labour-intensive to maintain, leave plenty of occasions for errors and create opportunities for abuse. It is difficult for managers to be competitive when they must work with outdated or inaccurate information. The use of information and communications technologies can significantly improve results: they can facilitate the collection, analysis, storage and reporting of information much faster and more accurately than could be accomplished using manual systems. Computerization also can help cooperative managers streamline operations, cut operating costs, enlarge their networks of members and affiliated institutions, increase sales and respond to signals from far away markets. Connecting to the global network of the Internet also has its advantages, allowing faster communication with members, partners and clients at a fraction of the cost. Speaking of cost, of course these benefits are not free; there are costs involved. Fortunately, in terms of hardware and software, the costs are relatively low and within reach of most small t0 mid-sized business companies. Yet they are not the only cost. Yet hardware and software costs are not the only costs. There are also â€Å"people-related† expenses to consider. Since the information processing needs of each cooperative are unique, these other expenses will depend on a host of factors, including: Size of the cooperative and volume of operations; Business activity of the cooperative; The type and number of computers and other supporting equipment to be used and The kind of software selected, whether it is commercially available software or Open Source software. There is also the cost of the upkeep and maintenance of the equipment purchased plus the cost of upgrading the software used as new developments occur. Lastly, there is the cost of the training of the people who will use the system, not just the preparatory training at the start but the continued upgrade training of them as new developments and updates in software occur. These â€Å"people-related costs† are usually underestimated and investing on your people is a must in businesses. Companies should realize that benefits do not come as quickly as might be expected. That happens because computerization is more than just a technical issue involving the installation and linking of a few computers and the development or use of appropriate software. It also means changes in work habits and the way people relate to one another; these behavioural and institutional changes cannot easily be predicted or planned for beforehand. They are the result of experimentation and innovation after adoption of the technology, and this can take time. Plus there is this risks just like in any other business initiative, there is also a risks in computerization. There is always something that can go wrong, and if the process is poorly planned and provisions have not been made to cope with the problem, solving it may end up costing the business companies a lot of money. The main way to manage these risks successfully is to plan carefully and adopt a project approach. Below is a table of computerization projects risks and ways to manage them. Risks Ways to manage risk EXTERNAL Electrical power supply is unreliable or erratic. Purchase of an auxiliary electric generator and/or battery-based uninterrupted power supply (UPS) for the cooperative may be required Unreliable fixed line telephone system. May require the purchase of a mobile telephone set-up, if mobile phone service is available in the area Local Internet service provider too expensive and service is poor. Find another less expensive or more reliable service provider. INTERNAL ACCEPTANCE Staff maintaining manual system fear computer will replace them. Explain that computerization can improve business efficiency which can lead to expanded operations and this will require more staff. Provide job re-training to redundant staff to work in new areas. Some staff feels threatened by new technology. Special on-the-job training implemented in a gradual manner may overcome this resistance. PROJECT MANAGEMENT Project objectives not met and member needs not satisfied. Develop a careful project design before starting and be sure to consider users’ needs. Estimate resources with a certain safety margin Define measurable success indicators at each stage of implementation Define scope and cost of project: What problems have to be solved? Does the coop have the resources to solve it? What will the net benefits be? TIME The project took longer than expected. Prepare a detailed work plan with clear milestones indicated and be sure to define target dates for each. COST The project cost more than expectedPlan carefully. Estimate the time required and costs involved with a margin of safety. Make sure that contracts with external service providers specify what has to be done, by when and by whom, along with penalties for missed targets. MAINTENANCE Post-project maintenance costs more than expectedAssess maintenance facilities before implementation. Plan upgrade (growth) of the computer system, both software and hardware Consider subsequent follow-up support requirements and costs, availability of a reliable service provider in the post-project period If computerization is so risky and costly, then why are businesses computerizing? Mainly because they realize that improving the efficiency with which they collect, analyze and use information will help them achieve their business goals. Below are some list of benefits that business companies can gain from computerization. a) Business services and management: Accounting and management: computerization of accounting and administrative records (payroll, invoicing, accountancy, bookkeeping, purchases and sales) and tax requirements (assessment of taxes and duties) reduces paperwork and offers the possibility of keeping updated accounting records in real time. Inventory control: product stock inventory records can be easily updated and additional information on production factors (agrochemicals, fertilizers, machinery, seeds), included. This allows for a better control of stocks, which can mean financial savings. b) Governance and member relations: Administration of member participation and member shares: computerization allows for the automated tracking of each member’s transactions and balances and calculation of his/her patronage refunds and dividends on shares can be quickly done. This improves the quality of service offered to members. examples are salary and shares) Improving member-management relations: automation allows for more frequent and detailed reporting to members by management and provides individual members with easier access to more detailed and current information on their business transactions. Improved communication and information sharing: computerization also broadens communication channels among members, supp liers and consultants, through the publication of contents on Web sites with restricted access (intranets), delivery of news by e-mail, newsgroups and discussion lists for debating subjects of interest, electronic publications, and so on. ) Policy level: Data access: raw data can be stored in digital format and accessed much faster. Using computer systems larger volumes of data can be easily saved and retrieved. Turning data into policy decisions: data can be more easily organized for analysis or presentation to assist in management and policy decision making. For example, cumulative historic production data can be analyzed and future trends projected in order to plan future scenarios. Networked computers allow for multiple analysis of data in an easy way. Optimization of procedures: the logical setup of computer systems leads to a more unified way of doing things, easier compliance with regulatory and/or legal requirements, and better overall quality of the administration. d) Capacity building in business management Learning: training in the use of computers to solve day-to-day cooperative business and member service problems helps in building new abilities in cooperatives’ staff and members. Real time information: it allows for instant access to real business information that can be used to support staff training processes. ) Communicating beyond the boundaries of the business: E-mail, mailing lists, and newsletters: computers, connected via modems to the telephone system and to the Internet, permit the use of e-mail thus facilitating faster, cheaper and easier communication between managers and distant buyers and sellers of the business’ goods and services. Web sites: a business can easily create its own public Web sit e to provide partners, clients, and potential byers and sellers information on the business performance and services. In summary, there are lots of ways in which computer and telecommunications technologies can help small business companies optimize their business results, solve problems, and assist in creating new member services or improving existing ones. Computerizing agricultural cooperatives: A practical guide by The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations http://articles. directorym. com/Habits_Of_Unsuccessful_Business_Owners_And_Managers_New_York_NY-r971702-New_York_NY. html 2. 1. 2 Local * LevelUp’s POS Integration Makes Payment a Breeze A tech startup is making it easier for quick-service operators to allow their customers to use mobile payment solutions. LevelUp, which created a customer- and business-friendly mobile payment process for restaurants, recently integrated with MICROS, POSitouch, and Dinerware point-of-sale systems. These three constitute 30 percent of all existing POS systems. This integration allows merchants to choose â€Å"LevelUp† on their POS during payment, and then scan a barcode that LevelUp customers have on their phones to complete payment transactions. When we integrate with a point-of-sale system, we supply [businesses] with just a 2D barcode reader that plugs directly into the POS via USB or serial, and it operates just like when you have a credit-card reader attached to your POS,† says Christina Dorobek, LevelUp’s vice president of partner development. In addition to making transactions faster and easier, Dorobek says LevelUp’s integration with POS systems also makes accounting more seamless and analytics more robust. â€Å"LevelUp, at its most basic, is able to track who your customers are, how often they’re coming in, [and] how much they’re spending,† Dorobek says. And one of the really cool net benefits of the loyalty program—the loyalty campaign that is built in to the system—is we see customers coming back, on average, about 20 percent faster, spending about 7 percent more on an average ticket. So there’re very tangible benefits to a business in terms of being able to grow. † LevelUp services around 300,000 active consumers and about 3,800–4,000 businesses nationwide. Though Dorobek says a majority of quick serves are using LevelUp predominately at the counter, many are also using LevelUp at the drive thru. The company has an open API, so any POS system is welcome to integrate, Dorobek says. She predicts that mobile phone use at quick serves will become a norm as time goes on. â€Å"When I look at the way customers are interacting with businesses, especially quick-service businesses, I think there is definitely a shift to consumers using their mobile phones, not only to pay, but also to check the menu ahead of time †¦ or place an order for pick up,† Dorobek says. â€Å"I think that shift to paying with your phone will be an automatic next step, and obviously is already happening, at least with 300,000 LevelUp users. http://www. qsrmagazine. com/news/levelup-s-pos-integration-makes-payment-breeze 2. 2 Review of Related Systems * CREST POS CREST, (Complete Retail Electronic Sales Terminals) these are Self-contained, single unit, self-installing systems, and are available only through us. CREST units are built in a 12 gauge, powder coated steel case, 16 by 16 attached on a stu rdy steel cash drawer of the same dimensions. Inside the case is an Intel computer with POS and Credit card processing software fully installed, configured and ready to use! The touch screen, thermal receipt printer, magnetic strip reader and barcode scanner are all attached and ready to use. Self-Installing means you literally take the unit out of the packing box and plug it into power and the internet that is it! Complete Retail Express Software is standard, and other supported software is available. Different Hardware and software combinations are also available, contact us for specific information. www. point-of-salesystems. com * DELL POS Dell offers three POS solutions. You can choose from versions for QuickBooks, Cash Register Express or Restaurant Pro Express. These are top-of-the-line POS software applications, and the computers Dell offers with the software are better than most POS systems. Through Dell, you can obtain a POS system with up to 4GB of RAM that is quite capable of running other business software. However, if you need a point of sale system but cant afford to pay too much in out-of-pocket start-up expenses, Dell may be a bit out of your reach. The version with the lowest price starts out at about $3,500. Dell does offer financing for those who would like to set up a payment plan. Through Dell, you can customize the computer and any of the peripherals that come with your POS system package to meet the needs of your business. The company offers multiple options for most equipment. The Dell/QuickBooks retail solution comes standard with a 15-inch flat panel monitor, a compact cash drawer, a barcode scanner, a POS keyboard and a thermal receipt printer. You can add upgrades such as increased RAM and speakers. Dell offers a wide variety of peripherals; however, the company does not provide POS products like kitchen printers, kitchen displays, scales, wireless inventory handhelds or PIN pads. Dell also does not provide tablet or mobile versions of its POS software. Unlike some of the other complete POS systems, the Dell systems are fully functional computers. This means you can access the internet, use office applications such as Word, Excel and PowerPoint and any other software you might consider, including accounting and inventory software. This makes it a practical choice for those who need their system to perform more than one function. Dell hardware comes with a three-year parts-and-labor warranty. If you need technical or customer support, you can contact Dell via phone, email or chat. They have training videos and manuals that you can access to help you get to know how to use their POS system. The POS system information says it comes with Dells Gold Technical support; however, this support service appears to be discontinued. We cannot find a description of this service on Dells website, and the link to the Gold support is a dead link. If you need help with the POS software, the software providers offer that support . pos-systems-review. optenreviews. com 2. 3 Methodology 2. 3. 1 SDLC Implementation Implementation Coding Coding Design Design Analysis Analysis Project Planning Project Planning Testing Testing Maintenance Maintenance SECTION III 3. 1 Description of the Existing System The group had an interview with the company Manager, tackle about their existing system upon getting the orders of the customers for them to start the making of their product, since, they were made -to-order service, and the process of getting the customer’s order needs to be accurate. By then, the company had this system of depending onto pens and papers on their transaction process upon the customers that sometimes lead to some problems: missing order, wrong delivery details, losing of proper information of the products, less security, cannot update easily the total payments made by the customers in the whole day, and lastly the inaccurate computation of bills and inventory of the products itself that could get the company to lost profit. Upon interviewing some personnel, they keep on complaining about their system that it was an old-fashioned type of transaction process where they were all depending on just a sheet of paper that may lost or something, yes they had these computerized transaction using MS Excel 2007 yet it still remains not so organized because redundancy of data occurs. Based on the answers stated by the employees of Dante’s Radiator Enterprises Corporation about the problems encountered by the branch about their current transaction process which is paper and pen dependent, the proponents concluded that the Dante’s Radiator Enterprises Corporation really needs the proposed system. The process of existing system in terms of maintaining the current information of each items are first the checking on the MS Excel 2007 of the current status of the customer, how much is the total sold for each of the items. Second, the cashier will get the payment to the customer then the sold product will be deducted to the total number of stocks of the company. Third, the cashier will save the current changes made to the records. Then lastly, the cashier will issue an Official receipt to the customer as a proof of payment. 3. 2 Use Case Diagram Ordering Sub-System Ordering Sub-System Point of Sale Point of Sale Automation Boundary Automation Boundary Look up for the availability Look up for the availability Create new order Create new order Update Order Update Order Owner Supplier Purchased Sub System Purchased Sub System Point of Sale Point of Sale Automation Boundary Automation Boundary Look up item order Look up item order Update order and price of item Update order and price of item Update Purchased Items Update

Project management 5 Essay

Project management 5 Essay Project management 5 Essay NAME: Samuel Adebayo COURSE: MIS 4433 INSTRUCTOR: Dr. Mike Estep DATE: 3/14/2015 The sinking of the Titanic is now known to be a folk story and a romantic movie and so many people are unaware of what exactly happened that caused the ship to sink that night on April of 1912. So many people claimed that the builders of the Titanic claimed that the ship was ‘unsinkable’ but the actual statement made by the builders was that, the ship was ‘practically unsinkable’ which is pretty close. The Titanic was the largest ship ever built in the world as at the time she was built. She was built to compete with the Lusitania and Mauretania which both held the ‘Blue Riband’ for the fastest Atlantic crossing ships. The Titanic was built to look like her sister ship, â€Å"The Olympic† in so many different ways. They were both built to travel at moderate speeds, carry a lot of people, and to have a lot of space to carry cargo. The upper part of the titanic was also built to look like the Olympic only that, the Titanic’s was enlarged and refined. There were no risks taken in building the engines as the engines were enlarged versions of the propulsion system first used experimentally in Laurentic in 1909. There was also no risk taken in the design of the inside of the ship as it was built to look like that of older white ships only larger. The Titanic’s long thin rudder with its high counter stern was, in fact, a copy of an 18th century steel sail ing ship, a perfect example of the lack of technical development. This design compared with the modern rudder design of the Mauretania or Lusitania, Titanic's was a fraction of the size. Apparently no account was made for advances in scale and little thought given to how a ship 852 feet in length, might turn in an emergency or avoid a collision with an iceberg. This was Titanic's Achilles heel. It was also said that the Titanic wanted to set a record on her maiden trip by arriving the shores of New York ahead of schedule and that speed played an important role in the Titanic which is not actually true. She went through the route the Olympic followed the previous year and she didn’t even have all her boilers on. She was sailing through the longer route in order to avoid the icebergs. An allegation was brought up that claimed that Bruce Ismay, chairman and managing director of

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Presentist History - Essay Example Even those who were already born during this period may not remember much about it. Despite this, it is clear that Americans cannot escape the foundational legacy left by the Great. At the very least, it is known that during that period, times were really bad because the Great depression is the standard by which economists, historians and journalists measure most of other potentially bad times that followed. Liberal and Conservative economists still argue over the cause of the depression but the fact remains that it happened and in the process scarred the lives of millions of Americans while at the same time changed the course of United States politics. The parallels between the Economic Crisis of 2008 and the Great Depression have been subject to many comments. The current economic crisis is believed by some economists to be as bad as the Great Depression but this point highly disputable. As economists and historians continue with their debates, the effects of the 2008 recession are still felt all around the globe. Introduction Depressions lead to large and persistent declines in economic activities of a nation. They feature a major crime whereby an economy is leveled. There are always a number suspects who possibly contributed to the depression. The most fascinating aspect of depressions is that they manage to remain a mystery. They are mysterious when looked at from the perspective of standard economics. This is so particularly in countries that are highly developed such as the United States, Britain, Australia that ideally should not have them because of their relatively efficient institutions and well functioning economies.1 This then begs the question as to what makes such economies go bad. This paper will assess the features of crises and depressions, with a focus on the Great Depression and the recent economic recession of 2008. Though these crises initially occurred in the United States, their magnitude was felt all over the world. In the United States , the effects of the systemic crisis are easily seen due to the recent political, economic, and ideological developments. Output and employment levels in the U.S. gradually fell at a great speed that had never been seen for many decades with the situation getting worse to a point that forced the government to introduce bailout plans to rescue some of the economic sectors. General Motors and Citigroup which were two of the largest corporations in the US, one a symbol of the manufacturing prowess of the US and the other the largest bank became insolvent. Policies that had previously been effective in overcoming past financial recessions and crises such as institutional bailouts and expansionary monetary policies were not capable in stemming the 2008 crisis.2 Comparisons: The Similarities It is important to note that in terms of real economic decline as measured by unemployment, real GDP or Industrial Production, the Great Recession was relatively minor. In the period between 1929 and 1933, the real GDP of the US fell by close to 30 percent. On the other hand, between 2007 and 2009 the real GDP fell by slightly over 5 percent. In 1933, unemployment in the U.S. peaked at 25 percent whereas in 2009 it was slightly above 10 percent.3 The United States Bureau of Labor Statistics places the unemployment rate at 8.2 percent as of March 2012.4 Though this rate is still high, it cannot be compared to the rate that prevailed during the 1930s. Secondly,

Slavery During the Antibellum Era Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Slavery During the Antibellum Era - Essay Example He highlighted the agenda of the South to spread slavery to the rest of the nation. The standard of living of the Negro slaves of the South in real terms was good, according to him. Their family life was free from tensions and the aged and infirm were properly taken care of. Women could look forward to the protective umbrella of their masters against the highhandedness of their husbands. He made an interesting observation about the conditions of labor in the North. â€Å"We do not know whether free laborers ever sleep. They are fools to do so; for, whilst they sleep, the wily and watchful capitalist is devising means to ensnare and exploit them. The free laborer must work or starve. He is more of a slave than the Negro, because he works longer and harder for less allowance.†(George Fitzhugh)This line of thinking was his original contribution to the issue of slavery. Abraham Lincoln possessed the inherent capability to gauge the public opinion, one of the greatest traits of a successful politician. He had the good measure of the issues that divided the North and the South and personally he was not an abolitionist. He advocated that the nation cannot remain half-free and half-slave, on a permanent basis. Supreme Court Ruling, 1857 in the Dred Scott v. Sanford case sealed the fate of the black race. It read thus. â€Å". . . [t]here are two clauses in the constitution which point directly and specifically to the negro race as a separate class of persons, and show clearly that they were not regarded as a portion of the people or citizens of the government then formed.† (Roger B. Taney)The struggle for abolition slavery turned more intense with the legal position clarified by the Court. The court opined that Negro race was a separate class of persons. Denied of legal protection for getting equal status the Negro leadership and society turned cynical and began to adopt violent alternatives to secure their rights. Fitzhugh argued,

Impact of Packing Elements on Consumer Buying Behavior

Impact of Packing Elements on Consumer Buying Behavior Introduction Nowadays consumers have become more and more conscious about the packaging available to them from products. The role of packaging has changed over the years since primarily due to the changing lifestyles and needs of the consumers. Companies have started bring innovations in packaging since their beliefs over the years have changed that good and unique packaging can stimulate consumer buying behaviors. It has become the source of customers attraction towards products or services, increases the image of the brand and increases the perceptions of the consumer for the product (Rundh 2005). In marketing context packaging plays a very vital role in communicating the product to the consumers and ultimately increases consumers purchase decisions. According to Underwood, Klein Burke, 2001; Silayoi Speece, 2004 a good package communicates unique values about products, and also helps in differentiating the products from other products, hence helping the consumers in choosing the right produc t from a wide range of similar products, and as a result stimulates consumers buying behaviors. (Wells, Farley Armstrong, 2007). In the past the primary function of packaging was to protect the product, but nowadays according the changing marketing environments packaging is being used as a tool for promoting sales, attracting customers and communicating the product to the consumers. (Kotler et al. 1998). The major objectives of a good packaging, which should be achieved are that is should be able to identify the product to the consumer, conveys descriptive and persuasive information about the product, facilitates the product protection and transportation, aid product consumption, and assists at-home storage. Consumers in daily life are exposed to a very wide range of products having different packaging ranging from different product categories displayed in markets, supermarkets and any other place of shopping. Products can then be differentiated from the external packaging having different shapes, sizes, colors, labeling, etc. what is actually inside the package can only be judged through a creative and innovative packaging. The issue here arises that can a good package design impact consumers buying behaviors? Does packaging color impact the behaviors? Do innovations impact these behaviors? Do the labels on packaging impact these behaviors? It is very easy gaining examples from our daily lives. The package design helps the consumer is judging what the package is carrying. If we take the example of Nestle Orange Juice the package reveals that the product contains a very healthy orange juice. The package design should be able to communicate to the consumer what the product is. According t o Schoormanns and Robben (1997) a new package design can be negatively related to the consumers influences of taste perceptions. This is likely due to the consumers past experiences with the product, the perceptions they develop by judging the product by its packaging design. Thus it is very important that the packaging design is the key to developing consumers perceptions about the product or brand. These perceptions may be negative or positive, so it is essential for marketers to bring creativeness and innovations in the packaging design. Consumers are very much likely to judge the product on the basis of price, package color, design, labeling etc. (Implicit Product Theory of Pinson 1986). Background Problem Formulation Previous Studies Deficiencies Significance Purpose Statement The purpose of this cross-sectional survey study is to determine the impact of Packaging Elements on Consumer Buying Behavior in Pakistan. In this context Quantitative Method has been used, the purpose of this survey is to study the various packaging elements that influence the consumers buying behavior. The present study focuses on packaging elements including design, color, labeling, and innovations. Packaging is a wide term in which different elements describe and identify a product or service. It is considered a science, art and technology which not only protects, stores, and distributes a product but also helps the consumer in identifying a product (Wiki). Orth Malkewitz 2006; Underwood Klein 2002 argue that the importance of packaging is increasing due to the increased significance it is playing in buying decisions in store, the presence of it at the time of purchase decisions, and its ability to reach to a wider audience of product purchasers. Rundh 2005 further argues that packaging has the ability of differentiating products from each other. In todays global and competitive environment, packaging can also provide a source of competitive advantage. This study will identify the impacts of packaging elements on the consumer buying behavior in Pakistan using questionnaire survey method. Significance of Study The topic under research will study the impact of packaging elements on consumer buying behavior of Pakistan. For this purpose four packaging elements have been selected; packaging color, design, innovation and printed information. According to Cruden 1989, over the years the, introduction of new packaging concepts have accelerated. This study will be of value in a number of ways. The topic of research is highly under researched and least research has been done regarding the impact of packaging elements on consumer buying behavior of Pakistan. This study will not only help the marketers in bringing innovations and creativeness into the packaging of products but will also provide the policy makers in implementing effective decisions in bringing changes and creative strategies in packaging. This study will contribute immensely through Quantitative research. Theoretically Practically Methodologically Theoretical Framework Theoretical Stances Model: Color pPa Design Consumer Buying Behavior Printed Information Innovation Research Objectives Main Objective The main objective of the study is to: To determine the impact of packaging elements on consumer buying behavior of Pakistan. Sub Objectives The sub objectives of the study are: To provide a basis for future research and to facilitate the administration in implementing and introducing effective and creative packaging elements in order to influence the consumers buying behavior in a positive way. Research Questions and Hypothesis Main Research Question Impact of Packaging Elements on Consumer Buying Behavior. Hypothesis H1 = Does package color influence the consumer buying behavior? H2 = Packaging design has an impact on consumer buying behavior? H3 = Does labeling influence the consumer buying behavior? H4 = Do innovations in packaging impact the buying behaviors? Chapter 2 Literature Review Introduction Nowadays consumers have become more and more conscious about the packaging available to them from products. The role of packaging has changed over the years since primarily due to the changing lifestyles and needs of the consumers. Companies have started bring innovations in packaging since their beliefs over the years have changed that good and unique packaging can stimulate consumer buying behaviors. It has become the source of customers attraction towards products or services, increases the image of the brand and increases the perceptions of the consumer for the product (Rundh 2005), further argued by Rita Kuvykaite (2009) that a package attracts the attention of the consumers for a particular brand. In marketing context packaging plays a very vital role in communicating the product to the consumers and ultimately increases consumers purchase decisions. According to Underwood, Klein Burke, 2001; Silayoi Speece, 2004 a good package communicates unique values about products, and a lso helps in differentiating the products from other products, hence helping the consumers in choosing the right product from a wide range of similar products, and as a result stimulates consumers buying behaviors. (Wells, Farley Armstrong, 2007). It has become a significant issue that the consumers buying behaviors are influenced by the packaging elements. According to Kotler 2003 six packaging elements are the important elements that should be evaluated while employing packaging decisions, these include; size of package, package form, package material, color, text and the brand using that package. According to a study conducted by Bed Nath Sharma in 2008, the respondents response was 84.37% in which they responded that product labels are a simple tag which is attached to any product or consider it as a graphical design which an essential part of a package. In another study in support of packaging belongs to Alice Louw (2006) in which he studied the responses of university students in which it was concluded that in the marketing arena packaging has played a very vital role and he concluded that the right packaging helps in creating unique place in the market as well as in the minds of the consumers. In another research conducted by Renaud Lunardo (2007) the impacts of label on particular brand consumption showed that many consumers buying behavior has been influenced by the labeling. In support of packaging influencing the buying behavior of consumers another study has been conducted by Bytyqi Hysen Vegara Mensur (2008) on how consumers purchase or buy diary products in Kosovo. The results that generated from the research show that majority of the respondents feel that packaging has much to do while purchasing diary products. Various studies have found that packaging is a mean of attracting customers attention towards a product (Underwood et al., 2001; Garber et al., 2000; Goldberg et al, 1999; Schoormans Robben, 1997). Goldberg et al. (1999) emphasized that if non-verbal communication like colors etc, if they are removed from packaging and the use of verbal communication is increased (like images) then it highly attracts the customers specially when the brand in unfamiliar with the consumers. (Underwood et al., 2001). Futher it is argued that package color (Gordon et al., 1994), name of brand (Rigaux-Bricmont, 1981), and package material (McDaniel Baker, 1977) all communicate the meaning of the brand to the consumer. Despite these finding researchers argue that physical appearance is not all that attract consumers towards a particular brand (Garber et al., 2000; Schoormans Robben 1997) while others argue that package colors and shapes are the main source of product attraction and attention (Garber et al., 2000; Schoormans Robben 1997). According to a research conducted by Pires Gon (2008) it is unable for the consumers to preceive what a product is all about, they heavily rely upon the packaging of any product. So the essential packaging elements are the color and shape of the package as well as labeling which communicate the product message to the consumers. Literature Flow Diagram Packaging Elements Color Design Labeling Innovation Conclusion Introduction Consumer Buying Behavior: History of consumerà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ Packaging Color Consumer Buying Behavior: Packaging Design Consumer Buying Behavior: Bridging the gapà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦. dkvà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ Packaging Labeling Consumer Buying Behavior: Packaging Innovation Consumer Buying Behavior: Summary Chapter 3 Methodology This chapter deals with the methodology used in investigating the collected data. A systematic way has been provided which includes the procedures taken for the purposes of data collection and analysis. Introduction For the purpose of this research Quantitative Research Method has been used. Paradigm: Research Approach: The research approach used in this study is Quantitative Research. For this purpose a self administered questionnaire was designed. Research Design: Quantitative research approach is implied in this study in which questionnaires will be undertaken for the purpose of data collection. The questionnaire respondents were the employees of the Telecom sector. (Sampling, validity reliability, cross sectional survey) Research Site: Population/Sample: For the purpose of data collection the site selected for this study includes general consumers from which the data has been selected. Strategy of Inquiry: Method: Data collection method was questionnaire which was self administered. The method of sampling was random sampling. Survey method has been used Validity and Reliability: Reliability means that the result is applicable whereas validity means that the measurement are accurate and whether they are measuring what they intend to measure. In reliability checked the results through statistical procedure of internal consistency. To increase the reliability of questionnaire a pilot test was made from 5 respondents. Errors and ambiguities were removed during this process. Analysis Procedure: After setting the sample size, site, the tool for data collection, various analyses were done using SPSS. Summary Chapter 4 Analysis and Results Introduction Analysis and Results Summary Chapter 5 Discussion Conclusion and Recommendations Introduction Discussion Conclusion Suggestions and Recommendations Impact of Packing Elements on Consumer Buying Behavior Impact of Packing Elements on Consumer Buying Behavior Nowadays consumers have become more and more conscious about the packaging available to them from products. The role of packaging has changed over the years since primarily due to the changing lifestyles and needs of the consumers. Companies have started bring innovations in packaging since their beliefs over the years have changed that good and unique packaging can stimulate consumer buying behaviors. It has become the source of customers attraction towards products or services, increases the image of the brand and increases the perceptions of the consumer for the product (Rundh 2005). In marketing context packaging plays a very vital role in communicating the product to the consumers and ultimately increases consumers purchase decisions. According to Underwood, Klein Burke, 2001; Silayoi Speece, 2004 a good package communicates unique values about products, and also helps in differentiating the products from other products, hence helping the consumers in choosing the right produc t from a wide range of similar products, and as a result stimulates consumers buying behaviors. (Wells, Farley Armstrong, 2007). In the past the primary function of packaging was to protect the product, but nowadays according the changing marketing environments packaging is being used as a tool for promoting sales, attracting customers and communicating the product to the consumers. (Kotler et al. 1998). The major objectives of a good packaging, which should be achieved are that is should be able to identify the product to the consumer, conveys descriptive and persuasive information about the product, facilitates the product protection and transportation, aid product consumption, and assists at-home storage. Consumers in daily life are exposed to a very wide range of products having different packaging ranging from different product categories displayed in markets, supermarkets and any other place of shopping. Products can then be differentiated from the external packaging having different shapes, sizes, colors, labeling, etc. what is actually inside the package can only be judged through a creative and innovative packaging. The issue here arises that can a good package design impact consumers buying behaviors? Does packaging color impact the behaviors? Do innovations impact these behaviors? Do the labels on packaging impact these behaviors? It is very easy gaining examples from our daily lives. The package design helps the consumer is judging what the package is carrying. If we take the example of Nestle Orange Juice the package reveals that the product contains a very healthy orange juice. The package design should be able to communicate to the consumer what the product is. According t o Schoormanns and Robben (1997) a new package design can be negatively related to the consumers influences of taste perceptions. This is likely due to the consumers past experiences with the product, the perceptions they develop by judging the product by its packaging design. Thus it is very important that the packaging design is the key to developing consumers perceptions about the product or brand. These perceptions may be negative or positive, so it is essential for marketers to bring creativeness and innovations in the packaging design. Consumers are very much likely to judge the product on the basis of price, package color, design, labeling etc. (Implicit Product Theory of Pinson 1986). Purpose Statement The purpose of this cross-sectional survey study is to determine the impact of Packaging Elements on Consumer Buying Behavior in Pakistan. In this context Quantitative Method has been used, the purpose of this survey is to study the various packaging elements that influence the consumers buying behavior. The present study focuses on packaging elements including design, color, labeling, and innovations. Packaging is a wide term in which different elements describe and identify a product or service. It is considered a science, art and technology which not only protects, stores, and distributes a product but also helps the consumer in identifying a product (Wiki). Orth Malkewitz 2006; Underwood Klein 2002 argue that the importance of packaging is increasing due to the increased significance it is playing in buying decisions in store, the presence of it at the time of purchase decisions, and its ability to reach to a wider audience of product purchasers. Rundh 2005 further argues that packaging has the ability of differentiating products from each other. In todays global and competitive environment, packaging can also provide a source of competitive advantage. This study will identify the impacts of packaging elements on the consumer buying behavior in Pakistan using questionnaire survey method. Significance of Study The topic under research will study the impact of packaging elements on consumer buying behavior of Pakistan. For this purpose four packaging elements have been selected; packaging color, design, innovation and printed information. According to Cruden 1989, over the years the, introduction of new packaging concepts have accelerated. This study will be of value in a number of ways. The topic of research is highly under researched and least research has been done regarding the impact of packaging elements on consumer buying behavior of Pakistan. This study will not only help the marketers in bringing innovations and creativeness into the packaging of products but will also provide the policy makers in implementing effective decisions in bringing changes and creative strategies in packaging. This study will contribute immensely through Quantitative research. Research Objectives Main Objective The main objective of the study is to: To determine the impact of packaging elements on consumer buying behavior of Pakistan. Sub Objectives The sub objectives of the study are: To provide a basis for future research and to facilitate the administration in implementing and introducing effective and creative packaging elements in order to influence the consumers buying behavior in a positive way. Research Questions and Hypothesis Main Research Question Impact of Packaging Elements on Consumer Buying Behavior. Hypothesis H1 = Does package color influence the consumer buying behavior? H2 = Packaging design has an impact on consumer buying behavior? H3 = Does labeling influence the consumer buying behavior? H4 = Do innovations in packaging impact the buying behaviors? Literature Review Introduction Nowadays consumers have become more and more conscious about the packaging available to them from products. The role of packaging has changed over the years since primarily due to the changing lifestyles and needs of the consumers. Companies have started bring innovations in packaging since their beliefs over the years have changed that good and unique packaging can stimulate consumer buying behaviors. It has become the source of customers attraction towards products or services, increases the image of the brand and increases the perceptions of the consumer for the product (Rundh 2005), further argued by Rita Kuvykaite (2009) that a package attracts the attention of the consumers for a particular brand. In marketing context packaging plays a very vital role in communicating the product to the consumers and ultimately increases consumers purchase decisions. According to Underwood, Klein Burke, 2001; Silayoi Speece, 2004 a good package communicates unique values about products, and a lso helps in differentiating the products from other products, hence helping the consumers in choosing the right product from a wide range of similar products, and as a result stimulates consumers buying behaviors. (Wells, Farley Armstrong, 2007). It has become a significant issue that the consumers buying behaviors are influenced by the packaging elements. According to Kotler 2003 six packaging elements are the important elements that should be evaluated while employing packaging decisions, these include; size of package, package form, package material, color, text and the brand using that package. According to a study conducted by Bed Nath Sharma in 2008, the respondents response was 84.37% in which they responded that product labels are a simple tag which is attached to any product or consider it as a graphical design which an essential part of a package. In another study in support of packaging belongs to Alice Louw (2006) in which he studied the responses of university students in which it was concluded that in the marketing arena packaging has played a very vital role and he concluded that the right packaging helps in creating unique place in the market as well as in the minds of the consumers. In another research conducted by Renaud Lunardo (2007) the impacts of label on particular brand consumption showed that many consumers buying behavior has been influenced by the labeling. In support of packaging influencing the buying behavior of consumers another study has been conducted by Bytyqi Hysen Vegara Mensur (2008) on how consumers purchase or buy diary products in Kosovo. The results that generated from the research show that majority of the respondents feel that packaging has much to do while purchasing diary products. Various studies have found that packaging is a mean of attracting customers attention towards a product (Underwood et al., 2001; Garber et al., 2000; Goldberg et al, 1999; Schoormans Robben, 1997). Goldberg et al. (1999) emphasized that if non-verbal communication like colors etc, if they are removed from packaging and the use of verbal communication is increased (like images) then it highly attracts the customers specially when the brand in unfamiliar with the consumers. (Underwood et al., 2001). Futher it is argued that package color (Gordon et al., 1994), name of brand (Rigaux-Bricmont, 1981), and package material (McDaniel Baker, 1977) all communicate the meaning of the brand to the consumer. Despite these finding researchers argue that physical appearance is not all that attract consumers towards a particular brand (Garber et al., 2000; Schoormans Robben 1997) while others argue that package colors and shapes are the main source of product attraction and attention (Garber et al., 2000; Schoormans Robben 1997). According to a research conducted by Pires Gon (2008) it is unable for the consumers to preceive what a product is all about, they heavily rely upon the packaging of any product. So the essential packaging elements are the color and shape of the package as well as labeling which communicate the product message to the consumers. Literature Flow Diagram Summary Chapter 3 Methodology This chapter deals with the methodology used in investigating the collected data. A systematic way has been provided which includes the procedures taken for the purposes of data collection and analysis. Introduction For the purpose of this research Quantitative Research Method has been used. Paradigm: Research Approach: The research approach used in this study is Quantitative Research. For this purpose a self administered questionnaire was designed. Research Design: Quantitative research approach is implied in this study in which questionnaires will be undertaken for the purpose of data collection. The questionnaire respondents were the employees of the Telecom sector. (Sampling, validity reliability, cross sectional survey) Research Site: Population/Sample: For the purpose of data collection the site selected for this study includes general consumers from which the data has been selected. Strategy of Inquiry: Method: Data collection method was questionnaire which was self administered. The method of sampling was random sampling. Survey method has been used Validity and Reliability: Reliability means that the result is applicable whereas validity means that the measurement are accurate and whether they are measuring what they intend to measure. In reliability checked the results through statistical procedure of internal consistency. To increase the reliability of questionnaire a pilot test was made from 5 respondents. Errors and ambiguities were removed during this process. Analysis Procedure: After setting the sample size, site, the tool for data collection, various analyses were done using SPSS.

Electoral Gender-Based Quotas Essay -- Political Science

Hillary Rodham Clinton once said, â€Å"There cannot be true democracy unless women's voices are heard.† In 2006, when Nancy Pelosi became the nation’s first female Speaker of the House, one woman’s voice rang out clear. With this improvement, democracy grew to its truest level ever in terms of women’s equality. Regretfully, female candidates had never been so lucky in the past. There was a time when female candidates were highly underestimated; Men always had higher chance of being selected to any electoral office than any female had, even though they both might have been well qualified for that post. Never in the history of America, males politicians had wanted to recognize those women’ potential and true values; thus, sick and tired of always being misjudged, remarkable females had manifested their desire for equal representation, equal citizenship and equal rights by persistently debating and pleading. Opportunely for them, by the end of 1967 so ciety finally decided to acknowledge the females’ rights; accordingly, several countries decided to establish the gender - based quotas through the affirmative action in order to benefit them. Nowadays, the affirmative action is a growing argument in our society. Some can define it as a quota-based system in which people from different minority groups struggle for their equality and inclusiveness, while others might see it as an unfair way to benefit unqualified groups. But, what is it exactly? The affirmative action mostly refers to rules designed to provide groups that have suffered from discrimination on the ground of race, ethnic and gender in the past, greater opportunities with the principal aim of giving them preferential treatments. Unquestionably, it has aroused jealousy and tons... ... gain something from it. Males’ politicians gain a feminine support, females get to show their skills to the world while us citizens, get to live in a better world in which the government is really looking forward to provide us a superior quality of life. As Suzan Anthony famously said, â€Å"It was we, the people; not we, the white male citizens; nor yet we, the male citizens; but we, the whole people, who formed the Union; Men, their rights and nothing more; women, their rights and nothing less†. Works Cited †¢ http://www.quotegarden.com/feminism.html †¢ http://www.quotaproject.org/aboutQuotas.cfm †¢ www.wikipedia.org †¢ "Women Represent Only 19 per Cent of Membership in Parliament Worldwide – Speaker." Vibe Ghana. 29 Nov. 2011. Web. 29 Nov. 2011. .

Teen Pregnancy Analysis

Teen pregnancy has become an increasing problem over the years. Parents, teachers and teens alike all fear for the same thing, teen pregnancy. In several studies the question always remain the same what is the cause of teen pregnancy other than the obvious answer, why is this continuing to increase over the years. Parents always feel that they were not strict enough. Teachers feel that the teens are either rebellious or that they did something wrong with their teaching. Teens feel all sorts of things that adults do not always understand. The studies that will be discussed are focused on teens and what they feel the problem is that causes teens to become young mothers. The research process with the articles that I have chosen is surveying teens to find out the source of the problem. In these articles the goal is to find out the point of view of the teens and to come up with a solution to rising problem of teen pregnancy. The literature was reviewed by several peers and doctors to come up with the opinions and solutions that were revised in the article. In this week’s reading of our text, it was discussed the importance of valid results, and not being biased to one side or another. It was discussed that results can differ from group to group of participants so making sure that the results are valid is important. Also, it is important to make sure that the sources are reliable as well. It would be wrong to ask parents only why they feel teen pregnancy is increasing so much being that teens are the ones involved in these studies. The ethical considerations for data collection is not to violate the teens right to have their voices heard with out having to fear what their parents will know about their sex life. An article in the Apollo library titled â€Å"Rural teen pregnancy reflections who will Listen? † discusses a study that was done on teens with surveying the teens in many different schools to find where this problem stems from. It is determined that most teens feel that they have a lack of information on teen pregnancy and sexual awareness, until hitting high school, which in many cases is too late to receive this information. A series of questions were asked in survey form, teens felt they were receiving information too late and they were self educated themselves long before they learned it from school, or their parents. With media being as violent, and sexual content today that we did not have twenty years ago, kids are curious about sex at younger ages, some even in elementary school. The data that was collected was taken straight from the affected age and targeted different reasons that effect teen pregnancy. They asked a question that was thought to be the reason and asked open ended questions as well meaning questions that do not have a yes or no answer but ones where the teens were forced to give their opinions. In this study the teen’s names were not given, the goal was not to know who the teens were, but to know what can be done to make the awareness of this problem known to teens and their parents. Another study that was performed in this article was on teen a parent who shows that many teen parents do not finish high school and live their adult lives in poverty. Teens who have troubled homes are more likely to become teen parents looking for that security that they have lacked at home, building their own family will give them the love they desire in their mind but they are likely to neglect and or abuse their child or children not intentionally but just out of lack of knowing how to care for their child, when they are still children themselves. Another result of this study reviewed that most teen parents do not marry the father or mother of the baby and the ones that do end in divorce in most cases. Many teen parents will be single parents within the first two years of the child’s life. The end result also proves that teens will have higher risk pregnancies and premature, under nourished babies will be born for lack of knowledge of how to take care of a baby in the womb. Another result of this is because the teen mother’s body was not ready for the change of having a baby. Many health problems in the child and mother’s life results from this as well such as possible asthma in the baby and osteoporosis at an early age for the mother. There are many reasons found in these studies over a few weeks time that teens did not realize to be an issue. From the teens point of view the main issue that was found was that they are not aware of precautions from teen pregnancies and resources that are available to them such as free birth control from the local health department and teen counseling services to encourage practicing safe sex and abstinence as well as lack of information on how pregnancies happen. It has been proven from these studies that these discussion need to occur in middle school or even elementary school. This study showed more statistics that have been proven throughout the years. The end result also proves that teens will have higher risk pregnancies and premature, under nourished babies will be born for lack of knowledge of how to take care of a baby in the womb. Another result of this is because the teen mother’s body was not in the child and mother’s life results from this as well such as possible asthma in the baby and osteoporosis at an early age for the mother. In both studies, the results were determined by questionnaires to teens and teen mothers to determine what the cause of teen pregnancy in their mind was. There have always been theories that teens don’t care about using protection, or that they want to be pregnant but these studies have confirmed that this is not always the case. This case study was a hard one to do at first because teens do not want their friends to pick on them in school for their answers or that they participated so once the barrier was broken there, the case study could be done effectively. The end result was successful because it gave teachers, parents, doctors and teens the tools they needed to change this. The hope is that over the next few years teen pregnancy will decrease dramatically. These health problems are caused because the teen mothers’ body is not fully developed so their body is not ready to bear the weight a pregnant women must bear. In conclusion, the data showed to be effective in both forms of research in both articles. The first article took the approach of survey research for the targeted group which is teens to find a cause of the problem which seems to be a lack of communication between teens and adults, and also a lack of information soon enough for teens. In the other article medical research was done to prove that teen mothers are more likely to develop bone problems earlier in life as their bones were not ready for the pressure a pregnancy causes. Another source that was used in this analysis was the census of teen mothers that drop out of high school and live in poverty trying to upport their children. This trend seems to pass down the genetic line as these homes become problem homes as well and the teens just want love they lacked growing up. Therapy has proven to change this trend as the children of teen mothers need to know how to cope with living in poverty, feeling rejection from their fathers or mothers, and dealing with not seeing their parent as often as their peers as most teen par ents work at least two jobs to provide for their children and still remain in poverty. These problems are being addressed and teen pregnancy is estimated to decrease as more and more resources are becoming available to target teens and warn them of what it really is like being a teen parent. I feel that both of these articles give ample information to effectively make decisions on the studies because there are several teens involved as well as medical studies to support the analysis that was determined. References: Rural teen pregnancy reflections Who will Listen?(2013) retrieved from http://apololibrary .com Teen pregnancy associated with future osteoporosis (2012) retrieved from http://apololibrary.com

Theme of Childhood in The Prelude and The Schoolboy Essays

Theme of Childhood in The Prelude and The Schoolboy Essays Theme of Childhood in The Prelude and The Schoolboy Paper Theme of Childhood in The Prelude and The Schoolboy Paper Romanticism, a literary trend during the period between 1780 and 1830, was heavily influenced by the social and political changes of the era experienced in Great Britain. These changes were a catalyst in literature as writers, in particular poets, produced highly influential and memorable work. Within these works major themes could be detected such as childhood for example. Both William Wordsworth and William Blake produced some of the most memorable poetic literature of the Romantic period that reflected the nature of childhood. The set extract has been taken from William Wordsworth autobiographical poem, The Prelude. Within these verse paragraphs, the reader is given an insight of Wordsworth upbringing, who as the speaker of the poem recollects his childhood memories. As such the reader is able to detect the magnificence of childhood that Wordsworth believed was fundamental in his growth as a poet. The Prelude makes use of iambic pentameter which in conjunction with enjambment, the long uninterrupted sentences provide the fluency of a conversation, a natural speech pattern which the reader can relate. The extract opens with the speakers account of growing up in that beloved Vale (l.309), Wordsworth attended Hawkshead Grammar School in Esthwaite from 1779 -to 1788, (Owens Johnson, 1998, page 428). While a formal education took place, nature provided a symbolic education, Fosterd alike by beauty and by fear (l.307), and as such adopting the role of a substitute parent, therefore nurturing the speaker as a child. The speaker narrates how he would wander half the night (l.315), setting traps and becoming a fell destroyer (l.319). The metaphor symbolises the first stems of guilt the speaker experiences. The tone of the poem becomes more urgent with the speakers repetition of hurrying, (l.320-321), as the progresses at a quicker reflecting the urgency of the speaker. There appears to be a hidden force in nature, the speaker feels trouble to the peace, (l.323) as he is overcome to take the bird of anothers toils (l.327). Fear and guilt overcome the speaker as the forces of nature pursuing him provide a spiritual element. With the solitary hills (l.329) and low breathings (l.330) a symbolic metaphor become apparent reflecting the child speakers developing conscience and the relationship with nature. The relationship with nature has been forged, will progress further in the future. The presentation of metaphor is once again created as the speaker describes stealing a birds nest. This destructive act will have long term consequences, a fate the speaker is well aware of. However, it is only when the speaker is hanging upside down that he is finally able to see nature in a different light, the sky seemd not a sky Of earth, and with what motion movd the clouds! (L.350 to 351). Reminiscing over these childhood exploits the adult speaker of The Prelude, reflects philosophically upon the effect of the incidents that he found terrifying as a child. Personification of a dark Invisible workmanship (l.353-354), the speaker considers there was a force consciously developing him. The early miseries, regrets, vexations, lassitudes, (l.357-358), of the childhood game have ensured the speaker has matured, learning to respect the natural world. With this in mind the speaker continues with the personification of nature, the tone and language towards the natural environment becomes religious. Nature nurtured the child to frame A favord being (l.364), developing the mind, heart and soul of the later poet. William Blakes The Schoolboy is an example from the collection of Songs of Experience. The poem discusses the issue of a formal education, which Blake disagreed with strongly believing children should discover the enjoyment of childhood and therefore gain an education through life experiences. The provocative poem reflects William Blakes own concerns regarding childrens welfare through the poetic devices of metaphor, rhyme and imagery. The Schoolboy consists of six stanzas, each with fives line. It is clear that from the first stanza that the poem has a set rhyme scheme of ABABB, which is continued throughout the poem a direct contrast to Wordsworth verse paragraphs in The Prelude. The poem opens with the speaker waking on a summer morning, the use of positive words such as love, rise and morn, (l.1) suggest an upbeat tone to the poem. However, an ambiguity is quickly followed as The distant huntsman winds his horn (l.3), a sense of threat detected with the horn as the warning sound. The natural world is clearly a source of inspiration to the speaker. The birds and trees mentioned in to the first stanza later develop as significant metaphors as The Schoolboy progresses. Blake establishes an idyllic scene, where the speaker lives in mutual harmony with nature as the skylark sings (l.4) with the speaker on this summer morning. This idyllic harmony shatters as the tone of the poem changes in the second stanza. With the speakers But (l.6), providing a link between the first and second stanza, the scene transforms from the peaceful countryside to the forbidding environment of the schoolroom. The repetition of in a summer morn (l.1, l.6) in the first and second stanza establishes a parallel link providing a comparison that shows an enlightening contrast of joy in the first instance, and melancholy in the second. With the speakers description of the teacher, a cruel eye, (l.7), further deepens the despair the child feels with the forced education, the sighing and dismay portraying the broken spirit that is visible to the reader. Entrapment experienced by the speaker becomes a focal point in third stanza. As noted previously, the natural world provides significant metaphors in The Schoolboy. Drooping (l.11) of the speaker evokes an image of a wilting plant, rather than of a child sat at his desk. The posture of the speaker reflects the state of a plant outside the protective environment of a bower (l.14); the speaker is clearly separated from the natural environment that stimulates his mind. The lessons taught by the teacher have stifled the speakers spirit with its dreary shower, (l.15). Metaphors are once again employed in the fourth stanza as the speaker continues, How can the bird, that born for joy, Sit in a cage and sing? (l.16-17). Children have been denied the joys of nature and are forced to sit in the classroom, which is therefore the metaphorical cage. Blake believed children were not allowed to enjoy the freedom of their youth with a formal education. This education does more harm than good as the fears of punishment is what drives the system and no genuine passion for learning is instilled into the child whose droop his tender wing, And forgets his youthful spring, (l.19-20). The final stanzas of The Schoolboy illustrate how brutal the education system can be to a child as the metaphors of plants and seasonal changes play an important theme. The buds are nipped, And blossoms blown away, And if the tender plants are stripped (l.21-23), connects the metaphor of a caged bird from the fourth stanza. Neither the flower nor the bird feel happy feels happy with the separation from the outside world, in parallel with the speaker who also feels the isolation from nature. This bleak image is continued into the final stanza of the poem, as the speaker talks of the vanishing summer season ending on the fearful line When the blasts of winter appear? (l.30), once again exposes the melancholy of the schoolroom. The poems composed by Wordsworth and Blake are both highly emotional in terms to the theme of childhood. While the styles of poem are contrasting, the poets have used symbolic metaphors to convey the importance of childhood and in turn the readers response to each poem. Wordsworths The Prelude relates the importance of spots of time, (Bygrave, 1996, page 12), a powerful impression that is a deep source of inspiration to an adult in later. In the case of The Prelude, Wordsworth advocates his childhood exploits as showing him the true magnificence of nature, and in turn the education that he learnt through the physical activities that he enjoyed as a child. While in comparison William Blakes The Schoolboy, brings restrictions of a formal education to the forefront of the poem. The strict rules of a teacher not only causes apprehension of a child but also restricts that lessons a child can learn from life experiences, therefore reducing the quality of childhood. The Schoolboy sympathises with children from poorer social backgrounds who are restricted to the classroom, rather than enjoying the books in the wonder of nature, as Blake believed was imperative. With these opinions formed it is imperative to note that both poets have conveyed a sense nature reflect freedom to grow not only as poets but as well happy child and later adults.

Ray Bradbury biography essays

Ray Bradbury biography essays U.S. author, born in Waukegan, Ill., on Aug. 22, 1920. In his stories, Bradbury wove together the intrigue of changing technology with insightful social commentary. One of his best-known works was 'The Martian Chronicles; a collection of interrelated stories concerning colonization of the planet Mars those attracted readers both young and old. In it, Bradbury portrayed the strengths and weaknesses of human beings as they encountered a new world. Ray Bradbury grew up in Waukegan and in Los Angeles, where he founded a magazine called Futuria Fantasia while in high school. He sold his first short story when he was 21 years old. His early stories were published in pulp magazines, but Bradbury later published stories in such mainstream magazines as The New Yorker, Mademoiselle, and the Saturday Evening Post. His science fiction and fantasy short-story collections included 'The Martian Chronicles', 'The Illustrated Man', and 'Dinosaur Tales'. Bradbury's 1980 collection, 'The Stories of Ray Bradbury', covers a wide range of topics, none of which is truly science fiction. His novels included 'Fahrenheit 451', Dandelion Wine, and 'Something Wicked This Way Comes'. 'Fahrenheit 451' was made into a motion picture in 1966, and 'The Martian Chronicles' later appeared both as a motion picture and a television miniseries. In 1954 Bradbury was honored with an award from the National Institute of Arts and Letters for his contribution to American literature. In 1956 he collaborated with John Huston to create the screenplay for 'Moby Dick'. In addition to fiction Bradbury wrote 'Zen and the Art of Writing' and also published such dramas as 'The Anthem Sprinters, 'The Wonderful Ice Cream Suit, The Pedestrian, and volumes of poetry including 'When Elephants Last in the Dooryard Bloomed', 'Where Robot Mice ...

The Contest in America Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

The Contest in America - Essay Example The mitigation and extinction of slavery is inevitable because the reforms in agriculture cannot accommodate the dynamics of slavery. In support of Mill’s statement, consider his explanation that, the demise of slavery is brought by political developments. The major political development leading to the death warrant for slavery is the formation of the Republican Party. The Republicans aim at uniting the northern and southern regions of America. However, each region has different views on slavery. The north has to outlaw slavery for the union to work. Stuart Mill argues that the desire to unite these region impacts more on slavery compared to abolitionists. Although the Republican Party is the brainchild of slave owners, it shifts its focus towards the abolition of poverty. The Republican Party takes arms against slavery and its extension; thus, signs the death warranty for slavery. Agrarian revolution symbolizes the death of slavery. The incompatibility of slavery with any sought of skilled labor prevents diversification of produce. 3Mill considers that the main crops cultivated using slaves can no longer be produced on the same land. Consequently, it is possible that slavery may die out because the farmers cannot find new fields that need slave labor. The death warranty of slavery comes from the depreciation of the pecuniary value of labor due to liberalization of production options. Slavery presents challenges that could evoke civil war. The North American region may fight the South American region. In case the south is not put down, the contest will become an anti-slavery one. Stuart Mill hopes that war continues for a long time so that it can regenerate American people. Therefore, the contest in America will focus on the abolition of slavery. It is evident that Mill’s statement, death of slavery comes from the possibility that slavery will come to an end. The war will mark the abolition of slavery; thus, its beginning is the death

Introduction to Psychology Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Introduction to Psychology - Essay Example In the quest then for accurate psychic measurement, methods beyond the law must be considered in the interests of more accurate, useful and meaningful psychic measurement. (Fechner, 1912) Psychophysics: It’s Roots in Fechner and Weber As stated, quantitative scientific study of the relation between stimulus and sensation is, more to the point, the manual manipulation of stimulus properties for the purpose of analyzing perceptual processes of reaction to stimuli. Today, the area of modern psychophysics is seen as applying a whole class of methods evolved over time to the empirical study. Methods, for instance, such as absolute threshold can measure such sensory reactions as a subject’s ability to perceive a dim light in a dark room by manipulating the intensity of the dim light. (Zimbardo et al, 2010). While Gescheider (1997) found that modern applications tend to rely heavily on ideal observer analysis and signal detection theory, the work of Ernst Heinrich Weber and Gu stav Theodor Fechner, particularly Fechner as described in his 1912 treatise, Elemente der Psychophysik, remain the basis of new developmental processes. The classical techniques and theory of psychophysics were formulated by Fechner. Applying laws of physics and mathematics, he took Weber’s basic law of measuring the proportional aspects of stimuli a step further, using logarithmic relation between physical and psychological (or perceived) magnitudes—measuring statistically how individuals actually perceived stimuli, or understood it, in relationship to behavior. In considering the significance and practical consequences of access to such information, Zimbardo et al (2010) offer the example of the usefulness of knowing how loud a fire alarm must be for those inside a building to hear it. This particular example speaks to the importance of the hearing system in determining the impact of stimuli; the former example of perceiving a dim light in a dark room speaks to the visual system, which we focus on for the purpose of analyzing its importance to the measurement of stimuli and its effect. The Visual System The visual system as related to sensory reception is perhaps the most studied of all methods. Simplified, the eye gathers light, focuses it, and sends signals to the brain. For instance, Zimbardo et al (2010) found that color is literally created through neural processes of the brain as it interprets information from the original source. Hecht (1924) in his study of visual discrimination similarly found that sensory determination in changes of brightness and in discriminatory thresholds versus original light intensity can be calculated by mathematical formulas. These formulas over time, evolved and were incorporated into the Weber-Fechner law, combining â€Å"Weber’s Law that over a large dynamic range, and for many parameters, the threshold of discrimination between two stimuli increases linearly with stimulus intensity...[and Fechnerà ¢â‚¬â„¢s work] showed [ing] how Weber’s law could be accounted for by postulating that the external stimulus is scaled into a logarithmic internal representation of sensation† (Dehaene, 2003:146). Using information on the magnitude of star light and its ratio to intensity, Fechner (1860) was able to determine the relation between the two, and as suggested by Hecht (1924), thus developed the idea that this relationship produces a human threshold sensation leading to the perception of varying degrees of light.