Focus Group Guide Essay

Lenora Lubega Introduction Hello, my name is Lenora Lubega and I would like to welcome all of you to our focus discussion group. I will be the moderator. Our purpose for meeting today is to discuss ‘hands-free’ cellular telephone use while driving in the State of Tennessee, and to get your feedback on how you feel about the driving while using a cellular device. This focus group’s intent is to openly and discuss the question: â€Å"Should the State of Tennessee require ‘hands-free’ cellular phone use in automobiles? Everyone here this evening is an automobile driver living in the State of Tennessee. This will be a short discussion that will require an hour and thirty minutes of your time to complete. Our time will be very limited; and we will not take a break. The restrooms are conveniently located at either end of the hall. I would like to remind you that this session is highly confidential. Once this session ends, no one’s name will be used in any way outside of this group. Everyone signed consent forms to participate in tonight’s discussion. If there is anyone here that has not signed a consent form, please do so before we began tonight’s discussion or you will not be allowed to participate in this discussion group. For transcription purposes of the discussion there will be an audio recording. I will listen to the recording and prepare my final summary of our focus group accordingly. This will be an informal discussion group. You are encouraged to ask any questions or make any comments that you feel are pertinent to our discussion. Please speak freely, and if anything is unclear, please ask. The intent of this focus group is to ask, listen, and observe. As stated in the consent, please keep everyone’s identities and response confidential once you leave the group. We want to encourage oneness and honesty for everyone involved. We will begin this discussion by finding out a little bit more about each another. If I could have everyone give their name or a nickname, your occupation, and the type of cell phone that you own. I will go first and we will proceed to my right. Data Collection Warm-up Discussion: If you could take out a piece of paper and write a short paragraph on an experience you have had in dealing with drivers who are distracted by the use of a cell phone. Next I will like to ask if you, yourself us a hands free device with your cell phone? Have you used any of the newer apps that allow you to talk and text? Is it burdensome or easy to do? Does your car have a synchronizing device? How often do you us it? Secondary Research: An estimated 3,092 traffic fatalities in 2010 were blamed on distracted drivers, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. More than one in six drivers send text messages while driving, and nearly half of drivers less than 25 years old are doing it, according to a NHTSA survey released last week. â€Å"This is becoming the new DUI,† said Robert Sumwalt, a member of the safety board. â€Å"It’s becoming an epidemic. † The District of Columbia and 35 states ban text messaging for all drivers, according to the Governors Highway Safety Association. They should be made to us a hands free device or something of the like Tasha Fider: I would create a standardized audio output jack, not unlike the one available for iPods and iPhones today (which is actually a data jack), and mandate that all mobile phone manufacturers have it on each new phone that is created. Moreover, I would mandate that all future automobiles have a docking system that is adaptable to any kind of phone whatsoever. I would even mandate that current cars still on the line right now be fitted for such a docking system. I know it would be a hassle, and would put a few more dollars on everyone’s monthly car note, but I am considering the safety of our future. Anything that saves lives is worth the effort as well as the money invested into creating the technology. Renee Partida: my opinion is simple, there is no need to be using your cell phone whether text or calling or face booking while driving. I think people should us a hands-free devices they were made for that reason. I’ve seen too many people hurt while driving using their cell phones. I was in the car with a girl that dropped her’s and while driving tried to pick it up. Ruth Ellen Galgano: Once I was driving down 65 north bound and saw this lady on her phone. She was clam but as soon as the kids started fighting she became very distracted with driving. There are so many things that can and will distract driving we don’t need to have one more and cells phones are adding another problem to the long list that already exist. I would love to see the law changed on this issue. Jessica McClanahan I use to live in NY, all use of cell phones while driving is against the law including calling and text. I just honestly want to be allowed to slap idiots that know it’s against the law yet do so and I see them make several driving mistakes that only underage drivers should make like cutting someone off and not making a complete stop at stop signs. They should get their licenses revoked and cell phones stomped on! Tabitha Jerome: (She did not show up. We waited for ? hour but she never came) Specific Discussion Richard Johnson 1. How do you currently view driving while talking on the cell phone without a hands-free device? Yes, I was planning to by one but have not gotten around to it. 2. Does talking on a phone while driving seem safe, or can it lead to low driving performance? Not all the time. Why? When I am dialing the number I often find that I am not in my lane and have come very close to having an accident from time to time. Why not? 3. Of the different things involved with making or receiving a call, which task contributes most to bad driving? Making the call. You must look at the phone to dial the number and that causes your attention to be taken off the road. 4. Is it searching for the phone? Not for me, I often have my phone in the middle of the car. What about dialing? Yes, that is my biggest issue. Talking? No, I use speaker phone. Is it hanging up? No I simply let the other person hang up and my phone will hang up automattly. Or receiving the call? Sometime. 5. How do you feel the state of Tennessee should respond? Laws must be made and enforced. The issue is most driving laws are never enforced here. 6. Should the state mandate hands-free devices for driving? Why do you feel the way you do? Yes, but the phone companies need to do something to help with the cost to the customer. 7. Do you think a hands-free device would make a difference in road safety? Not really. How so? Most people will not use it if it is user friendly. Tasha Fider 1. How do you currently view driving while talking on the cell phone without a hands-free device? Dangerous 2. Does talking on a phone while driving seem safe, or can it lead to low driving performance? No *she did not give any more info, she did not seem to want to be here* 3. Of the different things involved with making or receiving a call, which task contributes most to bad driving? Both 4. Is it searching for the phone? Yes What about dialing? Yes, I think so. Talking? Yes, for sure. Is it hanging up? Yes it can be. Or receiving the call? No 5. How do you feel the state of Tennessee should respond? It is hard to say, I don’t agree with making laws to do so. We are force to do everything. I think we should be able to drive safe. 6. Should the state mandate hands-free devices for driving? Why do you feel the way you do? No they should not. I don’t like the government telling me what I can or cannot do. 7. Do you think a hands-free device would make a difference in road safety? How so? Yes, it could help but only if it is used. Renee Partida 1. How do you currently view driving while talking on the cell phone without a hands-free device? I view it as a health hazard 2. Does talking on a phone while driving seem safe, or can it lead to low driving performance? It is not safe. It can and has killed people and I think a person doing it should be charged with murder. It is not safe. Why? It kills. Why not? 3. Of the different things involved with making or receiving a call, which task contributes most to bad driving? Making the call, although, answering the phone can be just as dangerous. 4. Is it searching for the phone? Yes What about dialing? Yes Talking? Yes Is it hanging up? Yes Or receiving the call? Yes, all these things contribute to unsafe driving. 5. How do you feel the state of Tennessee should respond? Laws need to be enforced. 6. Should the state mandate hands-free devices for driving? Why do you feel the way you do? Yes they should. I hate to see people killed by stupid things people do that are so very avoidable. 7. Do you think a hands-free device would make a difference in road safety? How so? I do. If people use them the danger would be lessened. Ruth Ellen Galgano 1. How do you currently view driving while talking on the cell phone without a hands-free device? I find that if a person is responsible they can do it without any issues. The problem comes in when you have people who are not responsible. Most of the time, I find that people will do one of two things, ignore the call or take it. If they take it, they will cause an accident. 2. Does talking on a phone while driving seem safe, or can it lead to low driving performance? Why? Why not? It seems safe as long as the person is paying attention to the road and not the call. A lot of what we do on the phone is for fun, it is only when the call is serious that it can be a problem. Their attention is turned to the call and not the road. 3. Of the different things involved with making or receiving a call, which task contributes most to bad driving? I would have to say, making the call. 4. Is it searching for the phone? Not really What about dialing? Yes, that is the big problem. You cannot watch the road and dial a number at the same time. Talking? Not really. Is it hanging up? I don’t think so. Or receiving the call? It can really be hard to take a call while driving. Sometime the phone can fall on the floor of the car and you try to pick it up. 5. How do you feel the state of Tennessee should respond? I think we should allow people to do what’s right and not make any new laws at this time. Although the statistic show more people die from using the phone I think it would be safe if we just use caution. 6. Should the state mandate hands-free devices for driving? No Why do you feel the way you do? I just don’t like it when I am told, by law, what to do. 7. Do you think a hands-free device would make a difference in road safety? It might if the person uses. How so? If the person never uses it what would be the point? Jessica McClanahan 1. How do you currently view driving while talking on the cell phone without a hands-free device? It is a dangerous practice, to say the least. I know different states are different, but I think TN says it is not legal to do it without a hands-free device. 2. Does talking on a phone while driving seem safe, or can it lead to low driving performance? Why? Why not? It does not seem safe, and it can lead to low driving performance, since full attention is not given to all the hands and foot motion of driving (not to mention attention to the surroundings) 3. Of the different things involved with making or receiving a call, which task contributes most to bad driving? I think making a call contributes most to bad driving 4. Is it searching for the phone? What about dialing? Talking? Is it hanging up? Or receiving the call? Dialing 5. How do you feel the state of Tennessee should respond? The state should mandate mobile phone manufacturers to make a safety modification to all new phones 6. Should the state mandate hands-free devices for driving? Why do you feel the way you do? Yes. It should also impose stiff penalties for those who do not comply. The state is responsible for the safety of its citizens. 7. Do you think a hands-free device would make a difference in road safety? How so? Yes I do. It would save lives. Tabitha Jerome (She did not show up. We waited for ? hour but she never came) 1. How do you currently view driving while talking on the cell phone without a hands-free device? 2. Does talking on a phone while driving seem safe, or can it lead to low driving performance? Why? Why not? 3. Of the different things involved with making or receiving a call, which task contributes most to bad driving? 4. Is it searching for the phone? What about dialing? Talking? Is it hanging up? Or receiving the call? 5. How do you feel the state of Tennessee should respond? 6. Should the state mandate hands-free devices for driving? Why do you feel the way you do? 7. Do you think a hands-free device would make a difference in road safety? How so? Summary We are at the end of our discussion. Today we have shared our personal views in detail on this topic. With all our newly acquired information, together with our personal feelings, let us imagine the president of AAA entering this room. Let us each give 30 seconds of advice his company should consider regarding support of a law requiring hands-free devices for cell phones while driving in the state of Tennessee. If in favor of the law, state what elements of law you think should be included in the law and which should not. If opposed to the law, do likewise, and give personal reasons why. Now is your chance to make a big difference in something you believe in. Please write this brief statement to AAA. Include what you think of legislation and the specific elements of law that should be involved. If against it, please speak out. List reasons either way. This legislation could make all the difference for you or your family, so please answer honestly. Summary of Metting Our focus group was held at the La Vergne, TN public library. The date was Sunday, March 4, 2012 at 4 p. m. Most of the participants arrived on time, but one did not come at all. Another one arrived extremely late, and with an irritable attitude. Refreshments were served. Everyone seemed okay with the idea of being there, and light, friendly chit chatter occurred. The meeting was called to order, and everyone eagerly participated. Ideas flowed freely. There were opinions the entire spectrum. Some were in agreement with the state of Tennessee coming up with moderate laws governing cellular phone usage while driving. Others were diabolically opposed to the idea. One person became feisty and almost bellicose in her expression of her view. She said she had a ‘real problem’ with the government trying to ‘run her life’. We all understood what she meant. When we were able to calm her down, the discussion continued without incident. Each person felt that something was needed but no one really could agree on what that â€Å"something† should be. It seems that much more discussion is needed on the topic. I would recommend that the state fund more groups meetings and have a smaller group to find a solution to the matter. It is my recommendation that we all meet again in a month to see if any opinions have changed. The meeting was closed, and everyone politely bid each other adieu, and we went home.

Working mothers

Instead traditional feminism has always focused on white middle-class needs. Traditional values fall to recognize how women's different identities such as race, class, and sexuality shape our views and beliefs about family and motherhood. Many believe that shared social issues such as women rights bring women together, but what many do not see are the different Identities such as class, race, and sexuality within gender, that can cause conflicting views. The quote above by Joan Williams Is a testament In understanding how these deferent identities within women can become a delving factor In their beliefs.Specifically women's beliefs and roles In the family are Influenced by their Individual Identities. These Intersections of identities play an important role in women's beliefs on motherhood. Through the course readings I will show how the notions of motherhood changes through these different identities. Women's participation in the labor, education, domestic duties as well as views o n marital status and child rearing will show the division within women's notions of motherhood. America underwent a change in 1945 that had never been seen before.Despite representation there was a conflict from WI in the ass'. There was a shift from reduction to consumption, where America was seen as ‘living the good life'. By 1960 America's Income had Increased, and by the end of the decade Americans were moving up In prosperity. What history falls to acknowledge are the women who feel disorientated and discontent. The ass's and ass's was also a time filled with anxiety and alienation. As Betty Friedman puts it there was a vague uneasiness' that is the mark of this period. The sass's was an odd period of time, where many social issues were taking place.Nevertheless women continued to enter the labor force, which suggested the growing antinomy for women after the war. In the 1 ass's as Friedman suggest people were politically and culturally conservative, particularly regardin g gender and family issues, which made exploring new opportunities difficult for women due to restrictive gender norms. Through the lives of middle-class white women Friedman uses labor force participation to show their beliefs of motherhood. The role of a housewife to some may seem simple, as If they have nothing to do but to take care of the children and domestic duties.But what many fall to see are that these women are well educated and hold traditional ideologies of the family in which women sacrifice ones fulfillment ender role expectations. Women's behaviors and beliefs were in relation to men, which created a lack of fulfillment amongst women. Friedman argues these housewives needed competition and should make contributions to society. Friedman's argues that middle-class white women needed to find something fulfilling in society to feel a since of purpose. To get away of what society tells them to do, and start living for what they would want to do.Surprisingly women's action s did not reflect their beliefs. Though these women were educated enough to have careers but, many found it best eatable to become a housewife because it was the gender norm for women to stay at home and be the caregivers while men should become the breadwinners outside the home. These beliefs countered women's fulfillment as a woman but filled their beliefs on motherhood. Friedman titles masculine ideologies of motherhood that creates feelings of emptiness as ‘The Feminine Mystique'. Its overpowering, hegemonic dynamic in the work place and in the homes, where men carry the power enforce gender roles.These women adopt the Feminine Mystique, for the purposes of appeasing to societies expectations, but Friedman clearly shows how the traditional views of others are not holding strong in these women's beliefs. Women were becoming board and tired of being a housewife. This shows the view of motherhood for these women would be to have a more active part in the community, take care of the domestic duties and fulfill the husbands needs but their fear of going against men's ideologies of motherhood keeps them confined.The intersecting identities of class, education status and gender played a role in how these women view their roles in the family. Becoming a stay at home mom may have not always been by choice but by sacrifice. Gender roles have proven to be influential on women's beliefs on others. Despite Friedman pushing for women to become contributing factors in society, Bart Laundry in â€Å"Black Working Wives† offers a counterpoint to the norms of white middle- class families. Black women are usually excluded from white framework of motherhood.He incorporates race unlike Friedman as a contributing identity that shapes black middle-class women's notions of motherhood. Participants were black middle-class two parent families. The black women in these families took care of domestic duties, cared for the children and had an active part in the community, which allowed black women more freedom. Black women in most cases did not have the option of staying home. They pursued careers outside the home because they believed a true woman' could do both. The notion of mother hood was achievement in both public and private spears.The black community held a different standard then their white counterparts. The black community appreciated women's intelligence and their independence. Women's in Friedman's book looked to their husbands for the decision making rather then formatting and expressing their own views. There is a big divide in how women in Friedman's reading and Landers book viewed womanhood partially due to the racial preference and also because of class. For white families you could be middle-class solely on the husband's income.Black families did not share the same experience, to Laundry challenges domesticity as she focuses on African American women. Looking at black families we can see a transition of the traditional family to a more radical modern family. The male ideologies of motherhood were also different as unlike there white counterparts black husbands had the expectation for their wife's to work outside of the home, which allowed black women to become more active in the community. The egalitarian mindset of black families combined the public and irate spear.Working outside of the home gave black women more respect inside of the home. Race has played a significant difference in expectations of working wives. Black women did more because there family needed both incomes to be middle class. They face more criticism in the work place and carry the burden of isolation from the male counterparts coming home from an oppressed workplace. On the other hand white women stayed at home because they had stronger beliefs in ideologies. Catering to the household and their husbands were put over their own needs.Women in both readings lacked fulfillment. Men shared unequal responsibilities in doing housework, which is an issue that has been solved. The power dynamic of who is responsible for the domestic duties, stems from male ideologies. Men in both readings are the primary breadwinners therefore lack the obligating in helping with domestic duties. Friedman and Laundry take on two different perspectives on motherhood. While Friedman is pushing women to become active contributors in their communities Laundry is showing how black women have been working for year to support their families.Here we can see how identities such as class and race can create a division amongst gender and also shape beliefs on motherhood. Women who participate in labor both inside and outside of the home have contradicting beliefs on motherhood. In Mary Blair-Loss book â€Å"Competing Devotions† she looks at how women in both spears view labor and family schemas. Work devoted women in the reading were well education and help high power position Jobs. They worked full time which became time demanding and had to sacrifice their extracurricular time for work. They felt their Job was important and more like dynamic work.Women wanted to become more economically independent from men UT at the same time their high-end Jobs meant working long hours, which left them tired and facing discrimination from male dominance in the work place. Women felt that they were providing a better life for themselves and their children. Their beliefs of motherhood was not to fulfill domestic duties like cleaning and cooking every day but to provide the economic needs for their children so they would always have what they needed. The family devoted women sought marriage and child rearing as their primary devotion.Some women worked part time but still took care of the domestic duties. Families believed their roles to be biologically destined, where men should work full time outside the home. Family devoted mother criticized work devoted mother for not spending more time with their family and work devoted women critic ized stay at home mothers by saying they are lacking fulfillment and depended on men. Like the women in Friedman's reading these women held a more traditional view of womanhood. Like all mothers both schemas came with their sacrifices, which they people for support and shunned the opposite schema.The notions of motherhood aligned with the schema these women adopted. It is interesting to see the role education played in choosing which schema to adopt. Women's views on motherhood relied not only schemas but also their beliefs on marriage. Kathleen Eden and Andrew Cheering search to find the problems as to why low income white and black single mothers are not getting married. The study finds five reasons to why women are reluctant to enter or reenter into a marriage. The same five reasons are also how they define womanhood.Women sought having children before marriage fulfilling, but did not count on being single. Women saw affordability, respectability, control, trust and domestic viol ence as important measures when looking into marriage. These women felt if they were to be in another relationship it would be with a man that would uplift her status. These women wanted a man that they could trust and count on to support them and a child. Class, race and previous experiences shaped these low-income single women notion of motherhood. Due to their low social economic status they wanted a man that could take care of their family.Because they claimed there was a scarcity of black decent men, they looked for affordability and respectability and because of their previous experience they wanted someone they could trust. These women had their own economic stability but anted to gain upward mobility and believed having a decent trustworthy man will fulfill their notion of motherhood. Lastly through Mignon Moor's chapter â€Å"Lesbian Motherhood and Discourses of Respectability' we can see the ways in which lesbian women form motherhood through women's sexual autonomy, and an emphasis in strength and resilience.The reading discusses a lesbian woman named Jackie who has adopted her sister's child. Jackie overcame a massive struggle with social services in finalizing her adoptive rights to Andrew. Her refusal to hide her sexuality supports the notion of black womanhood that communicates a sense of sexual autonomy. Jackass's beliefs of what it meant to be a good mother derived from her childhood past. What she never had as a child she gave to Andrew and she made it her personal responsibility to see that he was safe, and stayed out of trouble.For women like Jackie challenges such as race, family structure and poverty influenced how she defined motherhood. Lesbian mothers have accepted a social responsibility based on family obligations, and have looked into their upbringing and personal experience for defining lesbian One woman named Athena had difficulty with telling her child from a previous heterosexual relationship that she was a lesbian. Athena did not feel comfortable identifying herself as a lesbian because she not only felt stigmatize from the community and family but she felt it was best to keep her sexuality unexposed to protect her child.By Athena not coming into terms with her lesbian identity it ruined her relationship and her chances to gain fulfillment in life. With the ending of her relationship with her partner we can see her understanding of motherhood. She defines motherhood as self-sacrificing for the good of the child. The move toward sexual autonomy is a struggle for women who are reluctant about their identity. Drawing a division between the two identities becomes difficult for women who are heterosexual lens and absorb cultural understandings of good motherhood in ways that make it difficult for them to view their lesbian sexuality in a positive light† (130).There is a constant battle when one is forced to choose between who they are and what is best for their child. Unfortunately the one parallel betw een all women are the sacrifices they endure for their families. We can she a range of mothers living in traditional families to more radical contemporary families, and all define motherhood differently. Women re forced to navigate motherhood through tough circumstances, which can become difficult.As seen in the reading women's roles are stretched so thin it becomes inevitable to find a suitable balance for themselves within the family needs. We can see that motherhood can vary through the different identities such as class, race and sexuality. No women's identities and experiences are the same, which make ‘motherhood' hard to generalize and allows motherhood to also divide gender. It becomes a forced decision rather then a choice that women struggle with in their daily life. Motherhood has become an internal battle between selfish and selfless.

Intercultural Communication and Ecclesial Intergration African Research Paper

Intercultural Communication and Ecclesial Intergration African American - Research Paper Example A decade later, the African slaves were taken to New York, known as New Amsterdam by then (African American History Timeline, n.p.). By the year 1690, all the colonies of USA had African slaves. The African slaves in USA were later given American citizenship when USA became independent in 1776. In the year 1739, the African slaves at Stono, in North Carolina revolted against the oppressions that their masters subjected them to. This revolt is known as Stono revolt (African American History Timeline, n.p.). This revolt, however, did not stop the oppression of the African slaves by their masters. The importation of African slaves was banned by the USA Congress in the year 1808. In the 19th century, many Africans immigrated to American in USA in search of greener pasture; many of the African immigrants later became American citizens. The African immigrants, therefore, constitute a significant percentage of African Americans. Although Catholicism was brought to America in the early 16th century by the Spanish explorers, African American Catholics, however, could not be identified and defined as a distinct group of Catholics in the United States until in the mid 19th century (Fisher, 52). This fact can be attributed to the oppression and the marginalization that the Africans had experienced in the USA. In the mid of 19th century, the slaves of the Catholic planters were baptized into Catholicism in the Maryland state (Fisher, 52). The formation of the first African American Catholic community in USA can be attributed to the migration of slave owners from Maryland to Kentucky in the early 19th century. With the migration of slave owners in the early 19th century, the African slaves formed their community in the Nelson County area. With the formation of a community of African American slave community, the African American Catholics became a distinct group of American Catholics. The African American Catholics, therefore, gained prominence in the early 19th

Quality Outcomes Framework (measuring client outcomes in disability Research Paper

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Cake is a form of art - Research Paper Example After discussing the different types of cake designs that are readily available in the market, valid reasons why cake designing is considered as an edible art will be provided in details. The modern confetti cakes we can find in the market is made out of different shapes including shoes, bags, purses, a wine bottle in a crate, cameras, sports equipment, multi-tiered cups among others. A cake design can also be inspired by a comic book art wherein the different comic icons such as superman, batman, or Doctor Manhattan’s logo can be used as the main theme of cake design (The Weekly-Crisis). Mainly used for children’s birthday party, a cake design can be inspired by specific cartoon character such as the shape of Bumblebee or Optimus Prime’s head (ibid). In other words, the list of possible cake designs is endless depending on the theme the cake decorator would dream of sculpting. Cake decorating styles can be inspired by different cultures. Specifically in Europe, Victorian style which is characterized by multi-tier styled cakes with pillars of flowers are used in wedding ceremonies whereas the Lambeth style which is characterized by layers of icings applied on the cake is often used in countries like North America and New Zealand (Gitundu). In some cases, cake designing can also be inspired by Islamic or the 18th century (You Tube). Designing a cake has always been considered as an art because of the fact that cake designing requires good mix-and-match of colors, developing a strong cake designing concept, precision in making details in cake designs, and pipework (Garrett, Needham and Mathews, p. 9). Cake designing highly depends on the cake designer or the customers’ preferred motifs. In fact, most of the famous cake designers have strong background in fine arts in order to get the execution technique right (You Tube). In making different fun cake designs,

Genetics assignment two Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Genetics assignment two - Essay Example sive alleles of each of these genes (a,b,c and d) produce abnormal enzymes that cannot catalyze a reaction in the biosynthetic pathway for seed pigment. The pathway is shown below: 2. In the Australian Shepherd, Hereditary Cataracts is an autosomal dominant disorder that results in abnormal clouding of the lenses of the eye. In some Aussies, heterozygous for Hereditary Cataracts, the disease is not always expressed. Based on this information, answer the following questions: b. Several alleles are responsible for Hereditary Cataract formation. When present, some alleles result in very rapid cataract growth, whereas; other alleles result in very slow cataract growth. What terminology best describes the behavior of these various alleles? 3. In the oriental fruit fly (Bactrocera dorsalis), a number of genes determine eye color. A fly with wild-type eyes (red) is crossed to fly with yellow eyes. All the F1 flies from this cross have wild-type eyes. When the F1 from the cross are interbred (selfed), 450 of the progeny have wild-type eyes, 150 have amethyst eyes (a bright sparkling blue color) and 200 have yellow eyes. 4. The Scots Dumpy, a type of chicken from Scotland, can exhibit short-leg length and normal-leg length phenotypes. A breeder crosses two normal-legged Scots Dumpy, and finds that all of the F1 are normal-legged. The breeder repeats the cross and observes the same result. However, when the same breeder crosses a normal-legged fowl with a short-legged fowl,  ½ of the offspring are short-legged and  ½ of the offspring are normal-legged. Finally, following a third cross between two short-legged Scots Dumpy fowl, the breeder observes the following results among 200 offspring counted: 5. Fruit flies homozygous for the recessive allele, sc-, have bright red eyes. Fruit flies homozygous for the recessive allele, br-, have brownish purple eyes. Fruit flies homozygous recessive for both alleles have white eyes. Fruit flies that possess the sc+ and

How do large-scale forces shape and constrain people's intimate lives Essay

How do large-scale forces shape and constrain people's intimate lives - Essay Example Mut’a otherwise known as marriage of pleasure or temporary marriage is a pragmatic solution practiced by Shi’ite Muslims in Iran (Shahla). This arrangement permits an unmarried woman and an unmarried man to have intimate relationships. The contract is practical since it is usually encouraged for individuals who do not have necessitates for a binding permanent conjugal arrangement. For instance, widowed or divorced Shi’ites may have this convenient option when they prefer to enjoy momentary intimacies. Moreover, this is also ideal for men who do not have much financial, psychological, as well as moral means to enter permanent marriage. For example, instead of sacrificing moral standards and suffer from taboos and social stigma by engaging in premarital sex, a man can have a sanctioned relationship through temporary marriage. This kind of social viewpoint is most likely inspired by the changes brought about by industrialization, globalization, as well as economy. W ith the modernization comes the evolution of convictions and dematerialization of traditional principles. Nowadays, what is right is â€Å"what works†. Globalization has also affected this change in a way that conservative norms are challenged by more liberal foreign standards. In addition, with the economic crises in various areas and intervals, temporary marriage seems to be more sensible than ceremonially lavishing on an extensive yet unsure matrimony. There is no much commemorating and luxurious rituals for it. In the face of economic pressure, temporary marriage is more logical since there are lesser expenses.... There is no much commemorating and luxurious rituals for it. In the face of economic pressure, temporary marriage is more logical since there are lesser expenses. Similarly, globalization has made it possible for Vietnams to engage in transpacific marriages. â€Å"Globalization rapidly opened impersonal markets of capital, goods and labor, and in conjunction with these markets, it also opened a rather personal market of emotions and marriages† (Constable 149). This social change made it possible for locals to have a way out from the marriage squeeze crisis which is due to an extremely low male to female ration in Vietnam. By getting in touch with Vietnamese males in other countries like the US and Australia, women can have more marriage prospects. In addition, transpacific marriages is also an inviting option for many women due to economic benefits. Normally, men living in other countries have higher economic status and earn in profitable currencies. Hence, transpacific marria ges is made possible through globalization and poses advantages regarding pecuniary challenges. Another issue which is affected by large-scaled changes is masculinity. This aspect has varied interpretations. One common view is associated with aggression, independence, or vitality. â€Å"Penny, like Kate, relies on notion of masculinity as active, not passive† (Elliot 52). This is more of a cliched belief that associates men with the stereotypical attribute of brute strength and assertiveness. â€Å"Some mothers think that sons need more independent of their mothers than daughters do† (Elliot 52). Similarly, stereotypical mind-sets consider women to be dependent

Trade Unions and High Performance Working Essay

Trade Unions and High Performance Working - Essay Example The government also has not been left behind in passing legislations that ensure protection of worker’s rights. High performance working involves employee involvement and participation, learning and development, teamwork, information sharing, and other HR practices such as talent management, and performance management among others (Cox et al. 2006). The role of trade unions has been declining over the past two decades which bring us to the question as to whether trade union presence enables the British management to develop high performance. To answer this question, the paper will discuss the various high performances work practices in British organisations today and assess their effectiveness in absence of union representation. This is to try to show that despite declining union influence in organisations today, most of the practices require the presence of the union for them to be effective. Another issue of importance is whether an extended coverage of employee rights to of fer protection to workers can be a replacement for union representation given the nature of British laws which allow discretion to management in enforcement. Over the years, women participation in employment has increased but women have yet to achieve equal treatment as their male counterparts, does this require the intervention of unions? Another key debate is the work-life balance. HRM friendly practices claim to enable workers to have flexible working so as to balance work and family life and so are legislations passed to that effect such as the Working Time Regulations, but the question is, â€Å"are workers having a satisfactory work-life balance and what is the role of the union in this matter?† Another issue worthy noting is the current revitalisation efforts by the unions especially through advocacy for lifelong learning. The paper will first give a short history of trade unions to include the structure and changing legal framework of employment relations. The paper w ill then cover the alternative forms of voice both individual and collective and their effectiveness as well as the legal institutions and regulation of workplaces. The increasing role of women in trade union will be discussed and finally the paper will discuss the strategies used to revitalise unions such as use of learning representatives. History of Trade Unions Trade unions in Britain can be traced back to 17th century during the time of crafts trade whereby craftsmen formed guilds to guard their trade. The system of employment relations in place at that time was voluntarism characterised by low regulation or non government intervention in employment issues. The craftspeople carried out their trades at home and engaged the services of family members as apprentices and therefore there was no need for intervention. However, industrialisation changed the nature of employment relations as work turned to the factory system where labour was impersonal. The trade unions became more org anised as various guilds from different parts of the country joined to form unions so as to protect themselves from the effects of the factory system (Hyman, 2001). The role of the earliest unions was to offer mutual assistance to members and to defend their jobs and wages. As crafts trade was wiped out by

The Great War career of Field Marshal Douglas Haig Essay Example for Free

The Great War career of Field Marshal Douglas Haig Essay Considered assessment of the Great War career of Field Marshal Douglas Haig. Douglas Haig was appointed as commander of the BEFs 1st Army Corps at the outbreak of World War One in 1914 with Sir John French as Commander in Chief of the British Army. By the end of 1915 it became apparent that Sir John French was ill-suited to the role and Douglas Haig replaced him as Commander-in-Chief. Haig became one of the most controversial figures in military history with tag-lines such as the butcher of the Somme and an incompetent leader being the most associated with him. His tough and decisive leadership style with apparent little compassion to the huge amounts of British deaths during World War One made him one of the most debated person in history with varying views of his leadership style. It is widely believed that Haig was unwilling to accept new ideas but stick to his traditional, military experience with reluctance to hear new ideas and recommendations. Major Desmond Morton who served as one of Haigs adjutants said He (Haig) hated being told any new information, however irrefutable, which militated against his preconceived ideas or beliefs. This reliable source that gives an insight to the leadership of Haig goes on to say that John Charteris was being a sycophant to Haig and although he was anincredibly bad head of intelligence, Haig favoured him because he was conservative of the truth and always concealed bad news, or put it in an agreeable light. This is backed up by General Sir James Marshall-Cornwall who said that One of the faults of Haigs nature was that he trusted too completely some of his immediate subordinates. This is supported by the History Learning Site who says that Haig had little time for new military ideas and was steeped in the ways that he knew-conventional tactics. His history as a cavalry commander enforces this quote of Haig sticking to what he knew best and an inability to listen to new ideas or react to a changing situation-essential characteristics of a cavalry commander. Further criticism to Haigs inability to listen to new ideas is given by Liddell Hart when he states that Haig failed in his poor receptivity of ideas. However, some people hold the view that Haig and the other generals in The Great War were receptive to new ideas and did change tactics. The BBC History site says that it is not true, as some think, that British Generals and troops simply stared uncomprehendingly at the barbed wire and trenches, in reality, the Western Front was a hotbed of innovation as the British and their allies and enemies experimented with new approaches. Whilst not directly talking about Haig, this does imply that although Haig may not have been the most experimental leader, despite this view it did not impact on the experimenting of new ideas that took place within the Army. Mike Hone would agree with this evaluation of Haig when he wrote the fact is that British tactics developed considerably during the war. The disastrous first day of the Battle of the Somme resulted in huge amounts of analysis and blame put on the event with mixed interpretations. With 19,240 soldiers being killed on the first day alone it was one of the most costly battles in the history of warfare. The planning and conducting of the battle of Somme by Field Marshal Haig has also been subjected to criticism and evaluation. As Commander in Chief of the British Army, Haig is responsible for the welfare and safety of all British Soldiers and this has primarily led to the vast criticism of Haig regardless of Haigs direct actions. A Battle of the Somme timeline compiled by gommecourt.co.uk says that on the 23rd January 1916 whilst preparing for the preliminary attacks on a 20,000 yard front on the Somme to commence on 20th April, General Joseph Jaques Cesaire Joffre, Commander in Chief of the French Army suggested to Haig wearing down attacks prior to the main joint offensive starting on 20th April and the other in May. However, the source goes on to say that Haig rejects the plan. Whilst this may not be an extremely surprising quote it does present a worrying situation. Dennis Wheatley who served during the Great War wrote that He (Haig) had a rooted dislike of the French and was not even a second rate general. It presents an extremely worrying possibility that Haigs personal feelings and attitudes could have led to poor decisions and the loss of many innocent lives. The rejection of the French plan is also a further example of both his decisive leadership and his inability to listen to advice and recommendations. This also shows that Haigs planning of attacks are of an extremely dictatorial nature with a strong sense that his traditions of leadership should be withheld regardless of any interventions. Later on in this timeline, Haig replies to Joffre again on 10th April 1916 to again reject another of his ideas and on the same day, Haig received a revised plan from Rawlinson suggesting a long artillery perpetration rather than Haigs preferred hurricane bombardment. Communication during Haigs planning of the Battle of the Somme has also been under scrutiny after GHQ writes to Rawlinson that it was not clear whether his attack or that of the Second Army at Messines would start first . Both communications and Haigs decisions were disputed during the timeline of events, creating a picture of a dictatorial, private ruler who wanted to plan the British attacks by himself, using traditional methods and without any assistance, information or ideas. PW Turner and RH Haigh wrote that the planning of the Somme campaign was ham-fisted and clumsy. The fault for the failure of most of the strategic planning must fall on Haig. They hold the view that the failure in planning for the Somme was not due to communications or incorrect decisions but of national and personal pride and that Haig and his generals must have some spectacular victory to prove how right they were. The historians conclude that Haig promised victory and failed. This account holds the view that Haig was fulfilling his role of winning the war. He was a traditional leader in the sense that he was given an order (to win the war) and he was to complete that task at whatever cost. Martin Gilbert gave a somewhat more favourable view to the plan that Haig drew up. Gilbert believed that Haig made a logical plan to wear out the enemy and exhaust his reserves and then prepare for a decisive attack made with the objective of piercing the enemy lines. Gilbert the goes on to explain how Haig elaborated and made it extremely clear that it was to be a decisive account similar to his leadership. Haigs plan went on to describe that once the Germans had been worn down and used up their reserves-but not until then-a mass of troops would be thrown in at some points where the Enemy has show himself to be weak with the definite objective to break through and win victory . Gilberts view of Haigs planning is of an optimistic plan by Haig with clear and logical objectives. Norman Stone agrees with Gilbert that Haigs plan was logical but points out that Haigs information and intelligence from the Somme was flawed. Stone explains how Haig still imagined that the German line could be breached and cavalry could pour through the gap, but it could have been poured more effectively elsewhere. Stone simply explains that the solidification of the German line in 1914 along ridges allowed their guns a greater advantage and gave them the benefit of earth less likely to turn into mud. Stone concludes that the most Haig could do would be to take those ridges. Although the Brittish war industry was rapidly expanding to capabilities able to make thousands of guns and millions of shells able to launch a bombardment Haig did not trust his mens capacity, and Hereford relied on crushing bombardment. Stone points out that he believed this was probably the error in the planning of the Somme. After the catastrophic first day of the battle, questions were being asked about why to continue with the battle, why should Haig risk another 20,000 British lives? Martin Gilbert says that the Germans knew that the British would not give up. It was part of the British spirit and would not honour the 20,000 already killed to simply give up. It also didnt comply with Haigs determination to fulfil his task of winning the war. Questions regarding the planning of the battle also arose- why was the wire not cut? Why were the Germans still alive after such heavy bombardment? Was it an British failure of a German success and who should ultimately be blamed for the deaths of so many innocent soldiers? Some people like Desmond Morton believe that figures such as John Carteris who was head of intelligence was incredibly bad and sycophant nature of his relationship with Haig led to incorrect predictions that formed Haigs plans. The overestimated results of the British bombardment by British generals is extremely clear by Martin Gilberts description of what British soldiers had to carry and what they were expecting. They carried a rifle with fixed bayonet, between 170 and 220 rounds of small arms, two grenades, a waterproof cape(although it was a beautiful summers day), two sandbags, a steel helmet, two gas helmets, a pair of google against tear gas, a first aid field dressing and iodine, waterproof groundsheet, filled water bottle, haversack, mess tin, towel, shaving kit, extra socks, message book, uneaten rations, extra cheese, one preserved and one iron ration. In addition 40% would carry shovels and 10% would carry picks and one battalion was given a tin of grey paint each. This resulted in about sixty-six pounds of equipment. Historian General Edmonds wrote the weight of this equipment made it difficult t get out of a trench, impossible to move much quicker than a slow walk or to rise and lie down quickly Historian Peter Liddle agrees with this conclusion adding thousands of men offering so bulky and slow-moving a target would crumple to the ground quickly enough but would not rise at all, never mind quickly In addition to this, a planned stun tactic was used to explode mines in front of German trenches two minutes before the assault but this resulted in craters being formed allowing the Germans to occupy these craters, install machine guns and deliver devastating fire upon the British Army. The overestimation of the success of the bombardment by Haig resulted in the false expectations of British soldiers to be able to simply walk across no-mans land and create the beginning of the end of the Great War. This is evident in Martin Gilberts long list of issued equipment-40% of men carried a shovel obviously for digging trenches, 2 sandbags each to protect their trenches, rations and groundsheets to be able to stop overnight during their long advance. If the British generals had correctly estimated the effects if the bombardment, British soldiers would not have gone over the top and 20,000 lives could have been spared. Personally, I believe the initial failure of the battle of the Somme was down to the leadership and intelligence of the British generals. Soldiers trusted them for the correct information that would lead to the overall success of the battle-in reality false predictions led to the slaughter of thousands of innocent lives. Haigs continuation of the battle led to the monumental and historical introduction of the tank and the eventual victory over the Germans. The planning of the offence in Passchendaele was viewed by Stone to have made sense that Haig wanted to advance in Flanders. Stone explains that the German position was strong with height, the Messines ridge and could fire at Ypres from the side. It also allowed the British to deal with the submarine base at Zeebrugge. Stone believed that the British army was very strong with millions of shells and considerable experience with the kind of bombardment that might loosen the defence. The problem of the water table at Passchendaele resulted in near certain considerable amounts of mud whenever it rained or was churned up by shell. Although eventual success occurred following the explosion of the Messines ridge on 7th June the initial success lured the generals into disaster Disaster arose when Haig threw away the advantage. Stone says that there was an extraordinary interval before the next British attack.during which the German defences were strengthened and allowed the Germans to install pill boxes in which heavy machine-guns were placed. Therefore, it becomes clear that the initial planning of Passchendaele was extensive and proved a huge success but the resulting actions from Haig led to a catastrophic German rebound as a direct consequence of the leadership of Haig. The 21st March 1918 saw a large German bombardment starting at 4:40 am and lasted until 9:40 pm. It resulted in a million shells being fired and a British retreat over the old Somme battlefield to the French town of Amiens. Later in the year when German reserves were disrupted, Norman Stone describes how Rawlinson, Monash and Currie had to persuade Haig to not persist with the attack beyond a few days. J Rickard wrote that during the planning of the Battle of Amiens, Haig had directed General Rawlinson, to prepare for an attack on the salient. He goes on to explain that Rawlinson developed a plan fro a tank battle. Rawlinson had a multi-national army with American, Australian, Canadian and British divisions. Interestingly, Haig was also given control of the French First Army. However, Haig launched a second attack further nothing, using the Third Army. The purpose of this attack known as the battle of Bapaume, was to force the Germans back to the line of the somme. This attack began n 21 August.the British advance forced the Germans to retreat to the Somme. The battle of Amiens gives an example of times when Haigs leadership proved to be successful. Although Haig used the same methods of leadership as he did at the Somme and Passchendaele, the decisive, stubborn approach was needed here to drive the Germans back at a time when the German defence was at its weakest, the perfect cond itions for the leadership of Haig. The National Archives describe how the final German assault which started in the Spring of 1918 very nearly succeeded. The final German assault, which culminated in the Spring of 1918, very nearly succeeded. American forces were vital in holding the line but it was the British who took the lions share of territory and prisoners, no doubt in part thanks to Haigs still inspiring leadership. However, questions have now been asked as to whether Haig nearly settled for a compromise with the Germans. Nick Allen wrote for the Daily Telegraph thatHaig didnt realise how weak German forces were towards the end and wanted to settle for a compromise, according to Dr J P Harris, senior lecturer in War Studies at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst. Dr Harris said: He wanted to offer the Germans very, very, easy ceasefire terms in late 1918.That could have left Germany with its armed forces, including its artillery, and its territorial gains in Eastern Europe intact. The end of World War One on 11th November 1818 was a result of many factors that all came together. The arrival of fresh troops from America in the summer of 1918 gave the allied forces a very large advantage. History on the Net explains how The German commander Erich Ludendorff (right) was a brilliant military commander and had won decisive victories over Russia in 1917 that led to the Russian withdrawal from the war.In 1918 he announced that if Germany was to win the war then the allies had to be defeated on the Western Front before the arrival of American troops. The British Naval Blockade led to food shortages in Germany and subsequent protests on the streets of Berlin. October 1918 saw the resignation of German commander Ludendorff and a naval mutiny. Kaiser Wilhelm II then abdicated on November 8th 1918 and an armistice was signed on November 11th 1918. The controversial leadership of Field Marshal Haig throughout the Great War is subject to so many different views and opinions by different historians, making an informed assessment on his leadership is extremely challenging. However, I do believe that the infamous catastrophic first day of the Somme was down to poor intelligence, predictions and overestimation. Men were sent to their deaths in appalling conditions whilst I do not think that Haig was solely to blame, I do believe that his distinct leadership style was not suited to the planning of the Somme and as commander in chief he does have overall responsibility for the safety and wellbeing of all men in the Army. However, his leadership style fitted the circumstances of the final year of the great war. 1918 saw circumstances requiring decisive, quick and dictatorial actions at a time when German defences were weak and rapid advancements needed to be made. Haig played an incredibly important role in the final year which ultimately led to allied victory along with the help of the fresh American soldiers. In Conclusion, I believe that Field Marshal Haig had an incredibly unique leadership style that only fitted the final phases of the war. The inability to listen to new ideas and dictatorial style during the Battles of Somme and Passchendaele I believe led to the deaths of tens of thousands of innocent soldiers. Poor intelligence also contributed to the immense disaster of the first day of the Somme. Whilst Haig has a duty to take responsibility forthe deaths of British soldiers I certainly believe that a number of factors contribute to both the successes and failures of the Great War and no single person or factor can take overall responsibility.

The diary of Francis Seyton Essay Example for Free

The diary of Francis Seyton Essay One year hath passed, twelve months I have endured the backstabbing treachery of these troubled times, which are strange beyond all comprehension, and I but a humble servant am trapped inside a conflict of conscience and valour. Many things, all alien to me have I seen or heard, my mind is in turmoil should I believe what I see? Merely a week ago brave king Macbeth was pronounced unwell. When attending a banquet he was suggesting the iniquitous and muttering words dictated by Satan in a disturbing manner. Who would have thought? The king himself. When Macbeth was crowned I swore allegiance to him and his cause. Am I a servant of the devil? I fear so. My fears were accentuated when the most tragic and appalling incident transpired. For many weeks a doctor had been attending to lady Macbeth after a maid requested her attention as she was worried for the ladys well being. I was not informed of the reasoning behind the calling of the doctor but rumours were rife. With my mind a drift believing was not necessarily seeing and therefore I could not confirm any of the circulating gossip, which could so easily be false but just as easily true. I chose to postulate the rumour, actually closer to conspiracy theory of Macbeth and lady Macbeths plot to replace Duncan whether through fair play or not to become of a royal stature, influenced by satanical forces, which will eventually lead them to exasperation. I noticed lady Macbeths rather mystifying ritual of rubbing her hands together religiously as if to be washing the, scrubbing them of her sins to a degree, I passed her chamber a few days ago to hear her say: Heres the smell of blood still: all the perfumes of Arabia will not sweeten this little hand, oh, oh, oh! Foul whisperings were abroad, unnatural deeds do breed unnatural troubles; infected minds to their deaf pillows will discharge their secrets. With this and other accumulating evidence I put two and two together and came to a conclusion. Later that night I could not rest. A battle was underway in the depths of my mind, a bloody uproar against my murderous master. I could imagine only one way to rid me of the turbulent dreams distracting my sleep, to confront the demonic Queen and question her righteousness. I dressed myself in my finest robes, brilliant gold buttons and glistening silver laces, if I were to die tonight I would rather depart this ominous place presentably with self respect. I approached the chamber door, breathing erratically like the waves at sea in the most ferocious storm, crashing into my hull, untameable. The door lays ahead dare I go forth? I approach the point of no return, when I must pass through the gates of hell and conquer the foul creature Cerberus, Satans servant. The carvings on the door seem alive, the writhing serpents spitting venom, intimidating, driving me away. But I must prevail, I thrust forward grinding my teeth, clenching my fists, a raging sweat takes over my body, the adrenaline driving me toward. I fight back the serpents and place my hand on the chamber door. It is locked. I hear crying from within the room, which quietens down to a feeble murmur. I draw back and knock on the door, once, no reply, twice, silence, thrice, a blood curdling scream! Terror shoots through my veins like a galloping horse. Oh suck on my chocolate salty balls! Quickly I delve deep into my pocket and grasp my keys. Nervously I struggle to search through the brace and locate the key. Finally after what seemed like hours I set my hands on the key, and inserted it into the mortise lock. The key turned, another scream echoed through the corridor further emphasising my trepidation. I fear what lies ahead, could this be the end of my short-lived existence. I summon the curraige from the depths of my heart and continue to open the now unlocked door, the final stand lies ahead, I worry gravely but I know I must go forth. Upon opening the door I see nothing, darkness and the only thing I fear more is the light for what it may bring. Quietness now blankets the room an eerie darkness sends fear into the roots of my soul. I reach for the torch in the corner of the room, extinguished, sharing the same fate as lady Macbeth I fear. With my flint and tinderbox I strike and send a revealing light across the room. To my surprise I see the queen sat at her mirror, staring as if in a trance, vacant of reality. Preceding forward I notice makeup scattered over the floor, in a trail all the way to her seat. Looking at the mirror I see her reflection, a ruined figure with a pathetic look and makeup smudged by tears. I stop and ask myself have I the audacity to question her, I see her hurting I have reservations of whether I am insensitive enough. No, I cannot. Hoping I am unnoticed I turn, face the door and begin to walk away, regretting every stupid thought that entered my head, who am I to dispute the Queen? A mere Ill educated servant. My stupidity astounds me. I hear a sharp slicing sound from within the room, like the edge my razor, cutting the cheek as I shave in the morning, a sound that sends shivers through my spine. I turn and run towards the queen, I hear her wheezing through a self-inflicted mortal wound, leaking air, spewing blood in her throat, I hear her life escaping and quickly grasp her hand preventing her from falling from her chair. I hear her faint gargled voice trying to break through, drowning in her own blood. Tears begin to well in my eyes and a scream bursts forth from my mouth like a wolfs cry. Slowly the life in her escapes, she lies coughing, choking and I am helpless, unable to assist, I feel so worthless, where is help? For an eternity I stand with the queen dying in my arms. Blood covers the room in a viscous sheet, dark red, shining like a sheet of silk. I see the knife glinting in the dull light, blood stained on the floor, and the makeup on the queens face is ruined, ironic, what is on the outside has become what was on the inside, a broken woman. I hear footsteps, too late. As the queen draws her last breaths servants run into the room. They stand and stare at the bloody wreck of the queen and they too begin to cry, with their hands on their hearts, looking towards the floor it is obvious they are too late. Then without warning she exhales, her whole body becomes limp from head to toe, she is dead. I lift her from the chair and place her on her bed. I cannot stand to look at her pretty face stained with blood so I lift up the white sheet covering her bed and place it over her body. One of my colleagues faints and collapses on the floor, obviously overcome by the horror that fills the room. I know that eventually I must leave and give the disparaging news to my master; I fear he will not take it kindly.

Vidal Business Strategy Overconfidence

Vidal Business Strategy Overconfidence Introduction During the annual business plan meeting regarding the shower gel brand Vidal, it was decided for 2017 to decline the 1+1 promo quantities in an effort to achieve better profitability versus last year. From the arguments that were presented, i believe that the team has overestimated the probability for the latter scenario to happen, since the decision might has been impacted by overconfidence. The aim of this report is a) to present arguments that justify the latter, b) to detect the source of this bias and c) to recommend de-bias techniques that will be proved useful also for the future. The case Vidal, in a short period of time became the 3rd player into the segment, with a continuous growth. Last year it gained +3.5 points in terms of market share and a +30% increase in value sales. Managers pointed that the key drivers of success were: a) the great value for money product b) the highest rate of 1+1 promo intensity c) the investment on distribution and traditional advertising. The team concluded that the objective to penetrate the market was completed and there is an opportunity to achieve better profitability and ROI at the end of 2017. This could happen by a 20-25% reduction in 1+1 promo quantities. Following this strategy, managers estimated that they can retain at least last years value sales, which in combination with the lower cost of selling goods will improve the brands profitability. The greatest ally that will support the latter is products excellence and consumer loyalty. More specifically, they considered that the combination of products low price (2ndlowest) and quality is so unique, that by reducing the 1+1 promo, consumers will be directed towards the regular product. Moreover, after the distribution expansion the team estimated that the products superiority versus competition will attract new consumers. I feel that both scenarios are overconfident and their probabilities should be reassessed for the following reasons. Initially, the findings of a qualitative research indicated that Vidal is a value for money product, but still lacks in terms of packaging. Most consumers considered the packaging as old fashioned and correlated it with Private Label. Additionally, they indicated some practical issues during the usage which are capable to restrain both users experience and perceptional quality. From a quantitative perspective, it was noticed that 55% of Vidals revenues were generated from the 1+1 quantities whereas the regular product presented a sharp increase in 3 out of 5 variances, mainly because of distribution expansion and not from gaining consumers from other players. Private Labels are leaders into the segment while in 2016 presented a substantial growth. From the data report, I noticed that the second player had around -40% lower price during some periods that are not supported from their 1+1 promo wave. From the latter I suspect that they might invested in price reductions in order to constrain PLs growth since they are more expensive. As a consequence I would like to underline that: Private labels are growing significantly in a price sensitive segment. Maybe by reducing 1+1 quantities we might push our consumers towards them, since we are highly correlated and more expensive. Palmolive might has realized the threat of PL and might has adapted its strategy by offering price reductions. The initiative to reduce our investment under these circumstances might also outflow consumers towards them. I think that the team has overestimated the regular products competitive advantage compared with competition and underestimated the importance of 1+1 promo. I believe that the source of this bias is generated by the teams motivation to improve profits since its a key performance indicator for both the companys and managers growth. During this effort managers knew that is not feasible to increase investment in order to boost sales and consequently they thought about a cost reduction strategy. The initial feedback about the very good results might boosted their confidence, whereas the fact that the brand has experienced only successes might constrained them to consider alternative scenarios. In order to improve the decision making process I would like to recommend some techniques of reducing overconfidence. The first is related about the importance of counter-argumentation. This means that managers when taking a decision should consider reasons why this decision might goes wrong. If the latter is difficult then they could ask from outsiders to express their opinion. For example in our case before approving the decision all the team members is recommended to list a number of reasons why the 1+1 reduction could not lead to increased profitability. In case that no one could think about any reason then, the Sales force should provide some input, since they have excellent sense of the market and its dynamics. Secondly, I would indicate the importance of feedback. The company is operating since 1970 while is consisted form experienced and new members. It is a great opportunity to exploit the companys knowledge by creating a case-study library that will host all the companys past successes and failures. Once a year we could organize the Sarantis-Training-Academy, in which managers will be assigned with cases, and they will be asked to provide their input for each strategy by assigning probabilities about their favored hypothesis. Afterwards, they will be informed about the real outcome and managers will be aware if they are overconfident or not. Finally from now on, I recommend that the Brand manager should be accountable for every decision. After every business plan meeting he will be responsible to present the proposals on the board of directors. The fact that he will have to present the ideas to seniors and experienced members might help him to enhance both self and group-criticism and reducing overconfidence. Conclusion The marketing team might has overestimated the probability of their scenario regarding the brands strategy of 2017, whereas this time has neglected also the normative approach. The excellent launch in combination with the fact that Vidal has experienced only successes might boosted the level of confidence. In order to improve the decision process this report has proposed 3 debias techniques (feedback, consider-the opposite and accountability) that according to the behavioral research seem to eliminate overconfidence. Part B Introduction Overconfidence might be proved a deleterious element for the decision making process since it does not only evokes people to overestimate their probabilities about the favored scenario but it also can cause catastrophic consequences. For example, in a study that examined the effect of overconfidence on newsvendors forecasts, showed that the higher the overconfidence the faster the profit loss (Crosson and Ren, 2009), while nowadays overconfidence seems to be a key driver for many start-up failures. This report is based on previous studies, and aims to underline the causes that triggered overconfidence to the Vidals marketing team while in parallel is focusing to provide a series of debiasing techniques in an effort to eliminate its effect. Overconfidence and Success In Vidals case I feel that the successful launch among with the wide recognition of the teams efforts, might have boosted their level of confidence. This relationship between success and overconfidence has lot of similarities with the case of Ducati. More specifically, in 2003 Ducati entered the motorcycle racing circuit MotoGP without having high expectations. During this effort, the team was focusing on data analysis and was gathering continuous feedback from the drivers for its improvement. At the end of the first year, Ducati surpassed every expectation and gathered the 2nd place, whereas for next year the team targeted the 1st place. This time the differentiated point was that the team stopped looking deeply into the data and receiving feedback. They considered that now their experience was enough in order to create an even better motorbike. Once a team member indicated you look into the data to understand whats going wrong and not why you are performing well. The next year Ducati did not covered expectations and performed even worse than the previous year. (Gino and Pisano,2011). Similarly, like on Ducatis case, it is remarkable how the Vidals marketing team after its successful launch didnt look deeply into the data, since so far it was a key principle prior taking any action. Additionally, the team seemed overconfident not only about their predictions but also about the products characteristics and performance. There are findings which show that success can inspire overconfidence. For example in a recent study, Hilary and Menzly (2016) found that analysts becoming overconfident when they achieve accurate forecasts as they tend to rely more on private information and to neglect markets reaction. As a consequence they perform less accurate predictions in the future. Additionally, when a trader achieves successful performance he becomes overconfident as he tends to revise his perceptional skills higher than the expected. The latter leads him not to use important information even though he might has a good database (Gervais and Odean, 2001). Walter and Ferrier (2004) stated also that success could generate overconfidence while it makes managers intolerant on new prospects. Since, success inspires overconfidence, it is important for managers to examine and understand the causes of success (Gino and Pisano,2011). Definition and Sources of Overconfidence Plous (1993,p.217) stated that no judgement decision is more prevalent and more catastrophic than overconfidence. In order to support this rationale in his book are some examples of the negative consequences of overconfidence. One of them is the destruction of Pearl Harbor, since Americans considered impossible the scenario for someone to conduct a proper attack in that location. Similarly, NASA, before the explosion of the space shuttle Challenger in 1986, had estimated that the risk of failure was 1/10,000. Overconfidence might has different forms. The first is related when someone overestimating the probability of the favored outcome to occur (Griffin and Varey, 1996), while the others are related when people consider themselves to be better than others, or when someone overestimates his skills or performance (overestimation) (MooreHealy,2007). I believe that in Vidals case both types are valid. This happens because the team might overestimated the probability to retain the amount of 2016 value sales by neglecting critical information, while they have excellent perception about the products potential. Russo and Shoemaker (1992) stated that a major cause of overconfidence is a persons difficulty to imagine all different outcomes that an event could have (availability bias).Due to this deficiency people become overconfident regarding their predictions as they have fewer paths to consider. In Vidals case the team could not envision different consequences of the cost reduction strategy, whereas the fact that the brand had only successes, might restricted the teams effort to recall or envision different scenarios. Another cause of overconfidence according to Russo and Shoemaker is anchoring. They stated that managers are anchored to one value or idea without making any adjustments, As a result they might generate sales forecasts before setting and adjusting their confidence rates. A prior study of Tversky and Khaleman (1974) confirmed this relationship by also stating that people tend to underestimate the risk of failure. The fact that cost reduction was the first thing that crossed the teams mind, might be due to an association based error. People are not used to think hard and usually trust the judgment that comes first into their mind (Kalheman,2003). Here, the first thing that the managers noticed was that Vidal had by far the highest promo intensity, while they might recalled from their semantic memory that cost reduction is a common and direct way to improve profitability. Arkes (1991) stated that people can think reasons to support their judgments much faster than the contradictory ones. The latter in combination with the fact that supportive reasons are greatly cued can cause overconfidence. Debiasing Techniques and Limitations Lichtenstein and Fischhoff (1980), stated that people are usually overconfident, but in an experiment that they conducted they found that feedback could improve participants calibration. Calibration is the skill to assign probabilities that equals the correct estimations (Sharp et.al, 1988). Performance feedback is one out of four types of feedback (outcome, process, environmental, performance) that are related with judgmental predictions, and can be divided into two subtypes (scoring-rule and calibration feedback)(Benson Onkal, 1992). In 1987, Arkes conducted an experiment between 2 groups in order to detect the effect of feedback. The 2nd group was informed that will have easy questions to answer while the 1st group was told that the questions were difficult. However, in reality both questions were difficult. After the first 5 questions the second group had higher confidence but same accuracy ratio with the first group. During the next sessions and after the second group received the discouraging feedback the members expressed less confidence and better accuracy. Similarly, in a recent study in which participated 57 students it was founded that performance feedback reduced overconfidence and lead to more accurate predictions (Al-Harthy 2016). Moreover, Richards (2015), examined as well the effect of feedback. This time the sample was consisted from 171 MBA students with 5 years of working experience. The participants were asked to assess themselves in 5 areas and afterwards to participate in a 3-hour assessment regarding their skills (problem solving, decision making, leadership, teamwork and planning).After the assessment, they participated in a pedagogy course in order to understand the essentials of behavior in relevance with the above skills. In parallel, they were being involved with many tasks such as: feedback and discussions with students. At the end of the semester the subjects repeated the same assessment. It was found that participants initially were overconfident in their self-assessment but after the feedback and the training cou rse their overconfidence level was reduced. Russo and Shoemaker(1992) pointed out the importance of feedback in companies since its a fast and cheap way to reduce overconfidence. He proposed that, companies should provide the employees with actual past cases where the result is known and to ask them to provide their guesses combined by their confidence level. With this method that was applied also successfully in Shell in order to train its junior gemologists, the employees learn to assess their level of confidence in relevance with their job and to identify if they are overconfident or not. However, all the above do not mean that feedback is always effective. Meikle et.al (2016) stated that this method is not suitable for people who have vested interest in seeing the world in a biased way. More specifically, a study in which participated football fans showed that feedback was not able to improve their accuracy on predictions since most of them still had preferences towards their favorite team (Massey et.al,2011).Additionally, the scoring-rule feedback (subtype of performance feedback) in which the forecaster gets rewards or penalties according to the outcome of his prediction doesnt show to reduce overconfidence (Fisher,1982). Finally, its important to indicate that this method is less efficient on overconfident CEOs, as they tend to show greater resistance on feedback which restricts them from improving calibration (Chen,et.al,2014). Feedback is useful for improving the decision making process since one of its characteristics is to warn that something, goes wrong or it might go wrong Thaler and Sunstein (2008). Kahneman (2003) stated that an outsiders view can provide more accurate predictions while it is less possible to provide unrealistic estimations. This happens because the outsiders view can provide safety against favored predictions that have less probabilities than the expected to happen (Kahneman Lovallo,1993). The outsiders can exploit knowledge from previous experiences by taking also into account the problems unique characteristics and data. As a result, since many people are overconfident, it is recommended for important decisions to ask either from an outsider to share his opinion or the decision maker to try to think like an outsider (Bazerman, 2013). This means that the decision maker should either think of reasons why his scenario might go wrong or to ask from others to provide counterarguments (Russo Shoemaker,1992). The latter might be proved helpful since considering the opposite scenario is capable to reduce the high levels of confidence (Soll et.al 2013).In a study that was conducted by Koriat et.al (1980), it was found that when subjects wrote down contradicted reasons and alternatives against their selected answer, they showed less confidence and better calibration. One way that might lead to this direction and to reduce overconfidence is accountability. The fact that the person is accountable for the decision, will lead him to enhance his pre-emptive self-criticism as he will have to present the decision and its rationale to others (Larrick, 2004).This mechanism will lead him to improve the decision quality and to assess more objectively the alternatives (Tetlock et.al, 1989). In a study that was conducted by Tetlock Kim(1987) the subjects participated in a person-perception process. The participants after receiving responses from each test taker they were asked to submit a short personality brief and to retake the test. This time they had to predict the responses of each test taker by assigning probabilities and level of confidence. It was found that subjects that they were told (before the test), that the researcher would like to have a detailed interview about their answers, to show more appropriate levels of confidence and better accuracy. Similarly in a recent study that participated 71 student students in a computer-based laboratory showed that accountability reduced significantly overconfidence (Jermias,2006). However, Brown (1999) stated that accountability might lead managers to take decisions that are most favorable to their peers, while the great amount of information could cause the lost-pilot effect if it will not being used properly (Larrick,2004). Accountability, does not seem to improve calibration in organizations in which the answer to the question what is a good decision is maddeningly subjective (e.g advertising agencies), whereas it is more effective in preventing rather reversing judgmental biases (Tetlock Kim 1987). The positive effect of overconfidence recommendations Contrary to all the above, overconfidence does not have solely negative effects. As Goethe wroteFor a man to achieve all that is demanded of him he must regard himself as greater than he is. Bernardo and Welch (2001) stated that overconfident entrepreneurs are more likely to explore their environment and to provide additional information to their social group while overconfident managers are more willing a)to take risk decisions b)to devote more effort and c) to motivate the team to accomplish its goal (Gervais et.al,2002). Finally, Taylor and Brown (1998) indicated that overconfident and optimistic people are more positive, happier and they have excellent ability for caring about others. Since overconfidence has also a positive side, Russo (1992) recommends that managers should distinguish between deciding and doing. This means that the decision process should be combined by realism and rationality, whereas the implementation of the decision should take advantage of the motivational benefits of overconfidence. As a result, its important for the decision makers to realize what they do know and what they dont, while the ones who are implementing the decision should indulge overconfidence when they think that will be proved beneficial for the performance. Conclusion Overconfidence when impacts the decision process could have negative consequences. However, it has some advantages that can be exploited from the ones who are implementing the decision. Since the decision process is critical, it is suggested to eliminate this effect by using three debiasing techniques. Performance feedback seems to improve calibration, whereas when people are thinking about why their decision might go wrong, they tend to reduce overconfidence. Finally, in special cases accountability seems to enhance self-criticism and to lead to a more rational way of thinking. References       Al-Harthy, I. (2016). Prediction Accuracy: The Role of Feedback in 6th Graders Recall Predictions. International Education Studies, 9(3), 212. doi:10.5539/ies.v9n3p212 Arkes, H. (1991). Costs and benefits of judgment errors: Implications for debiasing. Psychological Bulletin, 110(3), 486-498. doi:10.1037//0033-2909.110.3.486 Arkes, H., Christensen, C., Lai, C., Blumer, C. (1987). Two methods of reducing overconfidence. Organizational Behavior And Human Decision Processes, 39(1), 133-144. doi:10.1016/0749-5978(87)90049-5 Bazerman, M. (2013). Becoming a first-class noticer. 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Joseph Conrads-Heart Of Darkness :: essays papers

Joseph Conrad's-Heart Of Darkness The Evil of Man In the novel Heart of Darkness, written by Joseph Conrad, Marlow finds himself in a position where he is faced to accept the fact that the man he has admired and looked up to is a madman. He realizes that Kurtz ¹s methods are not only unethical, but also inhumane. Marlow comes to realize that Kurtz is evil, and that he himself is also evil, thus Marlow ¹s disillusion makes his identification with Kurtz horrifying. As Marlow travels up the river, he is constantly preoccupied with Kurtz. Marlow says  ²I seemed to see Kurtz for the first time...the lone white man turning his back suddenly on the headquarters, on relief, on thoughts of home...towards his empty and desolate station ²(32). From the beginning of his trip, he is compared to Kurtz by all of the people that he comes into contact with, and a great deal of his thoughts are of Kurtz. He wonders how he will measure up to the standards that the company set for him, what Kurtz ¹s personality is like, and what Kurtz would think of him. The more obsessed he becomes with Kurtz, the more he sets himself up for the horrible reality of what his new idol was truly made of. Upon reaching Kurtz ¹s station, Marlow ¹s disillusion begins to set in. He is greeted by an English-speaking Russian whom he takes for a man who on the surface is deceant level-headed person, but after short conversation it is apparent to Marlow that he is talking with a disturbed individual, but that was not what bothered Marlow. Hearing of and seeing the acts committed by Kurtz made Marlow uneasy, and even afraid. It was at this point that Marlow begins his denial of any affinity he feels with Kurtz. He says in regard to the Russian  ³I suppose that it had not occurred to him that Mr. Kurtz was no idol of mine ²(59). Marlow sees all of the atrocities committed by Kurtz, and is appalled, but when he looks deep with inside himself he sees what he could easily become, and he desperately wants to suppress it. Once Kurtz is on the boat, and headed with Marlow back to civilization, things take a strange turn. Though Marlow and Kurtz have little to talk about, they develop a distinct respect for each other. As Kurtz dies, Marlow accepts this death easily and remains loyal to

The Storm :: essays research papers

The Storm   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The first rays of dawn shone upon my face. The sunlight illuminated the interior of my tiny yacht. Rising, I stood at the deck, watching the now sparkling blue sea. For the first time, I felt dwarfed by the vastness of the sea; my yacht was nothing compared to the sea. It was the second day of my cruise around the world, a silly challenge I had taken up in a moment of folly. Still I was determined to prove myself in my group of friends. Such an odyssey would gain my prestige rivaling that of a pop star. However, I had no idea what was to come later.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  I scanned the morning skies for any cloud that might bring unwanted rain. There was none. Satisfied with my observation, I went into my cabin, and checked the weather instrument. All was fine, except that the surrounding air pressure was dropping quickly. I was not unduly alarmed. Air pressure fluctuated at sea and thus, I never realized what was about to come. Had I realized, I would have probably abandoned the original course and head for shore.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Around noon, the winds began to pick up. Hoping to gain a little more speed, I hoisted my sails. All was fine until a few moments later. The sky turned dark, rendering day into night. All around me, there was silence, except for the occasional howl of the wind. The sea and the sky blended as one; the whole area turned into night and clouds concealed the sun. The winds steadily grew stronger. Fumbling in the darkness, I searched for my torchlight, accidentally knocking over something.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  It began to drizzle. Having found my torchlight, I made my way back to the steering wheel in the cabin, only to hear the cables snapping and see my mast collapse. The sea was now turbulent, with waves over three meters. The initial drizzle now turned into a heavy downpour, soaking the whole yacht. In the state of panic, I tried to radio for assistance. To my complete horror, I realized I had knocked the radio off the table earlier. It now laid broken on the floor, its circuits rendered unusable by the torrential rain. Now left with no option, I had to sit out the storm and pray that I would survive.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The rain steadily grew worse. Visibility was reduced so much the darkened skies, illuminating everything in their path.