Marketing mix success of Xiaomi Essay

Background Founded in 2010 in Beijing, Xiaomi first began by launching custom Android-based firmware- MIUI. Backed by tech savvy early adopters and  enthusiast, it thrived on feedback to improve usability. A year later they entered the hardware market with their flagship phone, the Mi One which featured the top specifications at a low price. Today, Xiaomi has launched it’s 4th series of their flagship phone the Mi 4 and have expanded their product line to mid tier smart phones, smart TV, routers, set-up boxes and other accessories. In just four short years, Xiaomi has become the third largest smartphone manufacturer just behind technology giants Apple and Samsung (Appendix B). Introduction This essay will discuss the marketing mix, a combination of marketing tactics which consist of four elements known as the 4Ps- product, price, place, and promotion that is derived from the marketing strategy of the company (Kotler and Armstrong, 2012) and the efforts made to adapt each mix to reach it’s intended audience in a foreign market. Price Xiaomi aims to provide similar specifications phones to competitors but at a much lower price. Currently they offer 2 series of flagship phones, the Mi and Redmi (or Hongmi). The Mi 3 has specifications that is similar to Sony’s Xperia Z1 that is priced only at CNY 1,999 (USD$322.62) as compared to Z1 retail  price of USD$935 (Appendix C). The Redmi series, a mid tier range is priced at CNY 799, targeting the lower income in emerging markets such as China, India with plans to expand into Brazil and Mexico. As the first company with such an aggressive penetration pricing strategy, Xiaomi changed the perceived value of smart phones (Ramesh Kumar, 2007). Anticipating that consumers would be skeptical about the quality of it’s low priced Redmi series, Xiaomi chose to first launch their top tier Mi before launching Redmi in each new market so that the reduction in market price would not be too drastic and that consumers could gain confidence in the quality (Snoj, Pisnik Korda and Mumel, 2004) of it’s Redmi series. Product Unlike other phone manufacturers that make their products obsolete with product refreshes within a year, Xiaomi’s phones have a longer product life cycle of 24 months. As the product enters the maturity stage, volume sales starts declining. Yet from a technological standpoint, Moore’s law dictates that a longer product life meant that it’s cost to manufacture the same product becomes lower. This decline in volume sales profit will be counteracted by a higher profit margin achieving overall profit sustainability. Similar to Apple & Amazon, Xiaomi has developed an ecosystem of software & services such as cloud service, messaging app, theme store and app store which preloaded to it’s custom firmware. An integral part of this ecosystem is Mi Market (app store) since Android’s default app store is not accessible in China. China’s market for apps has fragmented into many app stores birthed from startups to the likes of search giant Baidu. Thanks to the popularity of Xiaomi’s phones, Mi Market is currently one of the largest app stores in China. Place To eliminate the cuts that retailers and distributors would get, Xiaomi has sold their products entirely online, on their own website. However since expanding into new markets, Xiaomi has more recently adopted a horizontal marketing system to build upon retailer’s expertise in the region. In India, Xiaomi chose a partner to sell exclusively through Flipkart, India’s largest e-commerce company. Xiaomi needs to understand the local distribution methods in order to mitigate the loss of potential customers especially when they employ exclusive distribution which would impair the availability of their products (Pride and Ferrell, 2011). For instance, due to purchasing behavior, cash-on-delivery remains as one of India’s primary mode of payment. Buyers would perform an inspection of the product before payment. In short,  accounting for less than 1% of the total retail market, e-commerce is still in it’s infancy stage in India. As Xiaomi’s mobile phones shifts into the maturity or even decline stages of its product life cycle, it might want to employ selective distribution through traditional brick and mortar stores. Bilgin and Wà ¼hrer (2014) points out that products not adapting to maturity stages will find themselves soon in the decline. In order to prolong it’s product’s life, Xiaomi should change their distribution strategy. Though it may not be economically feasible to sell their phones with thinner profit margins or perhaps even selling at a loss, it should be noted that Xiaomi’s goal is to make profits through services and apps rather than purely hardware sales- similar to the relationship between printers and ink cartridges (Appendix D). Promotion Releasing fixed amount of handsets at specific times, Xiaomi primarily engages in flash sales for new products that often results in phones selling out within seconds. Xiaomi meticulously limits supply to artificially create more demand than supply- a strategy known as â€Å"hunger marketing† (Chen et al., 2014 p. 1950-1957). â€Å"Hungry† consumers through word of mouth created buzz which in due time transits into hype where consumers mimic one another in the buying craze (Mourdoukoutas and Siomkos, 2009 p. 82), further raising demand. In Xiaomi’s advertisements, it is evident that marketing messages are focused on hunger marketing. There is always emphasis on how fast their products have been sold (Appendix D) , editorial tone that communicate a sense of  urgency (Appendix E), statistics to provide an impression of popularity (Appendix F), and multiple teasers for product launch over a period of time to create hype (Appendix G). Conclusion Xiaomi’s marketing mix is a combination of both Apple’s strategy of producing high quality products and limiting supply to magnify consumer hype as well  as Amazon’s kindle strategy of making products as widely as possible and to profit primarily from its services. Though Xiaomi has seen exponential growth in retailing smart phones, it’s key focus should remain in distributing mobile applications and services while maintaining the quality of smartphones instead of diversifying into other electronics. Without the access restrictions in China, Google remains dominant for app distribution as well as its services which are preloaded to every Android phone. Xiaomi must continue to innovate and integrate it’s solutions and services even tighter to it’s own firmware to remain competitive and profitable. It needs to pry it’s customers away from the many alternatives available in the heavily saturated mobile app market perhaps through technological acquisitions or strategic partnerships. References ASSOCHAM, 2014. E-Commerce Evolution in India: Creating the bricks behind the clicks. India: PricewaterhouseCoopers. Bilgin, F. and Wà ¼hrer, G. (2014), International marketing compact, Wien: Linde Verlag GmbH. Chen, E., Huang, K. and Cheng, L. (2013), Xiaomi: China’s answer to Apple, http://asiaresearch.daiwacm.com/eg/cgi-bin/files/china_tech_food_chai n_130925.pdf, Date accessed 15/12/14. Chen, Y., Kuo, C., Jhan, Y. and Chiu, P. (2014) ‘Hunger marketing on smartphone’, Proceedings of the Management of Engineering & Technology (PICMET), 2014 Portland International Conference, Kanazawa, 27-31 July. United States: IEEE Xplore, pp. 1950-1957. Kotler, P. and Armstrong, G. (2012), Principles of marketing, Boston: Pearson Prentice Hall. Kumar, A. (2014), What India taught Xiaomi: On Flipkart, lessons and future plans, http://yourstory.com/2014/09/india-lessons-xiaomi-flipkart-future-plans -hugo-barra/, Date accessed 15/12/14. Pride, W. and Ferrell, O. (2011), Marketing express, Mason, Oh.: South-Western Cengage Learning. Ramesh Kumar, S. (2007), Marketing and branding, New Delhi: Dorling Kindersley (India). Ridge, M. (2014), e-commerce in India: not just cash on delivery to a man on a bike, http://blogs.ft.com/beyond-brics/2014/09/22/e-commerce-in-india-notjust-cash-on-delivery-to-a-man-on-a-bike/, Date accessed 15/12/14. Siomkos, G. (2009), The Seven Principles Of Wom And Buzz Marketing, New York: Springer Berlin Heidelberg. Snoj, B., Pisnik Korda, A. and Mumel, D. (2004) ‘The relationships among perceived quality, perceived risk and perceived product value’, Jnl of Product & Brand Mgt, 13, 3 156-167. Triggs, R. (2014), Hugo Barra talks business models and Xiaomi success, http://www.androidauthority.com/xiaomi-business-model-success-5596 81/, Date accessed 13/12/14. Appendices Appendix A (Selected case article: Xiaomi Flash Sales Prove Popular in India) Chinese smartphone maker Xiaomi, which has overtaken Apple and Samsung in China, is working its way into the Indian market using sudden online sales and high-end handsets priced at close to cost. On Tuesday alone, Xiaomi says it sold 100,000 of its 5,999 rupee ($97) Redmi 1S smartphones in 4.2 seconds. It has sold about 500,000 total handsets using similar sales since its July launch in India, it says. The Beijing-based company sells its products exclusively online through Flipkart, one of India’s largest online retailers, via flash sales at specific times. The phones are sold at close to the manufacturing cost, with Xiaomi making profit through services such as mobile applications. Xiaomi has used the sales tactic in other countries, as well. Analysts say Xiaomi is taking off in the world’s second-biggest telecommunications market because Indians see value in its low-cost products. Word of mouth has created a buzz surrounding the brand, and the  flash sales help create a scarcity of the company’s products. â€Å"The way they carried out their PR was key to the success,† says Karan Thakkar, an analyst with research firm IDC. â€Å"With the flash sales they have created a competitive spirit among the consumer.† While Xiaomi’s market share isn’t yet known, IDC says competition among companies selling low-cost smartphones is expected to increase in the coming quarters thanks to similar low-cost makers, such as Mozilla, which offers a $33 smartphone. Indeed, smartphone sales in India should double through 2018 as devices priced below $200 enter the market, IDC says. Meanwhile, rivals such as India’s Micromax remain skeptical of Xiaomi’s success. â€Å"Selling for PR is different from selling for business,† Micromax Chief Executive Vineet Taneja told media at a launch event for a new phone last month. Micromax, India’s second-biggest smartphone seller by market share after Samsung, sells about three million phones every month through its 130,000 outlets spread across the country. But that hasn’t stopped Micromax from adopting an online sales model. In September it began offering one of its devices on Snapdeal.com, a Flipkart rival. Source: Wall Street Journal http://blogs.wsj.com/digits/2014/10/17/xiaomi-flash-sales-prove-popular-in-i ndia/ Appendix B (Top Five Smartphone Vendors, Shipments, Market Share and Year-Over-Year Growth, Q3 2014 Preliminary Data (Units in Millions) ) Source: IDC Worldwide Quarterly Mobile Phone Tracker, October 29, 2014 Appendix C (Smartphone pricing and specification comparison) Source: Companies, Daiwa Appendix D (Net revenue comparison of hardware vs supplies (Units in millions) ) Source: Hewlett-Packard Annual Report 2011 Appendix E (Typical post flash sale update to inform customers that the sale has ended) Source: Mi India Facebook page Appendix F (Announcement of flash sale) Source: Mi India Facebook page Appendix G (Post Christmas sale infographic) Source: Mi Singapore Facebook page Appendix H (Teaser for new product) Source: Mi Singapore Facebook page

Why Was the Work of Andy Warhol in the 1960’s?

A2 Art Essay: Why was the work of Andy Warhol and Roy Lichtenstein immediately popular in the 1960’s? Roy Lichtenstein rapidly became popular in the 1960’s with his very original pop art pieces which he based many on comic strips, advertisements or newspapers. These tended to be the main inspiration for his work; this is because the subjects would tend to be exceedingly emotional and melodramatic. He became an idol to the American culture by adding in comic book characters which were very popular at the time.One of his most renowned pieces that he made was almost certainly ‘WHAAAM! ’ which is based on an image from ‘All American Men of War’ published by DC comics in 1962. This is a wonderful piece that reflects strongly what life was like around that period of time, this made it extremely popular amongst the people. The painting shows a rocket being fired from an aircraft into an enemy plane, with a large red-and-yellow explosion on the plane b eing hit. The cartoon is made a great deal more dramatic by the use of the onomatopoeic lettering â€Å"Whaam! and the boxed caption on the top left of the painting reading, â€Å"I pressed the fire control†¦ and ahead of me rockets blazed through the sky†¦ † like the painting â€Å"WHAAAM! † many of Roy lichtensteins works were hard-edged with commercial techniques and he used flat and new colours which were used to portray culturally-popular ‘pop’ images. Another one of my favourite pieces is ‘Girl with ribbon’ I find it portrays a strong sense of emotion to viewers, like many of his other pieces it only tells a snippet of the story and the rest is left to the viewers imagination.This is the aspect that I love the most, each of his pictures are overly dramatic with sometimes a speech bubble to give you an idea of the story behind the painting, it really makes the viewer think about the piece and let their imagination run wild and decipher meanings for themselves. This is what I am planning on achieving through my coursework, I have studied various works of Roy Lichtenstein’s and through taking photos, have designed my own pieces that also tell a story. Andy Warhol is another New York artist that developed in this genre that used very similar techniques to Roy Lichtenstein.

Thesis Proposal Social Media Marketing Plan for Loop

Social Media Marketing Plan for Loop - Thesis Proposal Example thesis proposal for e-marketing plan about Loop, World’s first mobile wallet that links cards, and provides competitive analysis and feasibility study about its e-marketing targets. Situation analysis is one of the most essential components of en e-marketing plan. It provides a comprehensive overview of a company’s current situation related to marketing activities and it can help the firm identify and focus on the key variables in terms of revenues, profitability, competition and performance (Smith and Taylor, 2004). Internal and external environmental analysis with help of tools such as SWOT will be used for conducting environmental scanning of Loop’s e-marketing activities. Loop, a recent project developed by Will Graylin and George Wallner, will be an amazing experience for all customers worldwide as they can store and organize all their cards on their Smartphone to be used in retail and other major outlets. Loop is going to pioneer linking of cards to Smartphone for customers’ shopping purposes. Using e-marketing strategies for promoting it worldwide will certainly open greater opportunities of wider marketing. The SWOT and environmental analysis of Loop will focus strengths and opportunities including focus on value creation, customer relationship, wider opportunity of global market, innovation and R&D advantages, growing trends of using cards in stores and people’s perception about safety and security of cards etc. The analysis will also focus on weaknesses and threats such as shopper’s acceptance of linking with Loop, storage and transmission capacities in Smartphone, alliance with mobile Smartphone companies, hacking and spy-ware etc. The main reason why e-marketing continues to create newer opportunities for marketing success is because it transforms marketing strategies to create more customer value through effective segmentation, targeting and positioning and creates exchanges that satisfy consumers’ requirements (Gay, Charlesworth and

Analyse the opening sequence of desperate housewives Essay

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Criminal Justice - Youth Justice Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Criminal Justice - Youth Justice - Essay Example The focus is no longer on punishment. A search for committed effective criminal justice practice is often hindered by an unwarranted certainty about what works regarding reformation of youth criminals. The best way to view the entire juvenile justice system is as a work in progress rather than something that is written on rock. Nothing is certain at this point on what works or not and it is very necessary to keep an open mind on new theories and one of these is a child rights-based framework (Cotter, 2006: 108) The Children Act of 1908 established juvenile courts to try young offenders. It tried to stamp out infanticide by the introduction of foster parenthood in the country. This led to the establishment of orphanages for unwanted children and to keep them out of the workplace in which they could be mistreated by the new capitalist system. A law called Children and Young Persons Act of 1933 was more encompassing as it prohibited sale of liquor and cigarettes to persons under 16 years of age, letting them in the prostitution business, use them for begging in the streets or inflicting cruelty to them. Before this law, criminals below 18 years of age can be executed for serious crimes but it raised the criminal responsibility of a child from only 7 to 8 years of age. The Children Act of 1948 established childrens committees and authorities are mandated to receive vulnerable kids into their care (Batty, 2005: 1). November 20, 1959 saw the adoption of the UN Declaration of the Rights of the Child and made this a universal celebration each year on this date. It expanded the original version from only 5 principles to a present 10. This was followed by the Children and Young Persons Act of 1969 that introduced more compulsory measures for the State to intervene in behalf of a child and to take over parental rights if necessary. It introduced a revolutionary concept of care and control through the use of care orders for criminal kids.

London City Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

London City - Essay Example With such a prominent position in Western history, there are endless articulations of the city. This essay examines Ackroyd’s (2003) London: A Biography and Hunter’s (2006) Persons Unknown; / Life and Death in Hackney in terms of the way they present the city as reality, experience, and practice. Ackroyd’s (2003) London: A Biography presents an expensive exploration of the city of London. As this texts offers considerable insights into the nature and meanings of the city’s reality, it’s necessary to consider a number of particular themes. While traditional biographies oftentimes explicate specific historical events, or notable occurrences in a person’s life, Ackroyd’s account captures many of the instances of London life that would otherwise go undetected. This multidimensional approach can be witnessed in Ackroyd’s exploration of linguistic elements of speech in the city. He writes, â€Å"London speech has been variously descr ibed both as harsh and as soft, but the predominant characteristic is that of slackness† (Ackroyd 2003, p. 347). Ackroyd then extends this consideration to involve the means that London speech experienced broad patterns of change; for instance, during the fourteenth century the East Saxon voice of London was displaced by verbal elements from the Central and East Midlands. While Ackroyd’s account of this linguistic sentiment is undoubtedly biased by his personal opinion, it functions to contribute to the recognition of the city as a living entity that has evolved through major shifts in time. The presentation of this city in this context creates a reality of the London experience as something monumental. While Ackroyd’s consideration of London as a living entity is prominently demonstrated in the evolution of linguistic elements, there are other means that articulates these elements of reality, experience, and practice. As Ackroyd considers London as evolving a la nguage of slackness, he additionally considers the city as shaped and reflecting more naturalistic elements. Perhaps nowhere is this better witnessed than in his consideration of the ocean as shaping and informing London reality and experience. Ackroyd (2003, p.6) writes, â€Å"There was once a music-hall song entitled 'Why Can't We Have the Sea in London?', but the question is redundant; the site of the capital, fifty million years before, was covered by great waters. The waters have not wholly departed, even yet, and there is evidence of their life in the weathered stones of London.† While the specific historical consideration here is the actual linkage between London and its pre-historic past, more significantly Ackroyd is drawing a deep-rooted linkage to the city experience as emanating from its natural surroundings. In addition to the influence of the Ocean, Ackroyd considers elements such as birds, remnants of early civilizations, and the clay that can become mud. Ackro yd links these elements to literary references in Dickens and other historical perspectives. The cumulative impact of such notions of the city further enhances the theme of the city as a living entity and its monumentality. While Ackroyd’s text considered London as a living entity with a monumental reality, Hunter’s photography series captures Londoners’ lived experience. The contrast between these depictions depends on the portions of the articulations the reader or viewer chooses to emphasize. Hunter’s ‘Persons Unknown’ series present a minimalist portrait of individuals living in London. The main aesthetic quality of these images is precisely rooted in the isolation of the people and the quirky, yet somber ambience of their surroundings. For instance, one photograph ‘

The Almighty Latin King and Queen Research Paper

The Almighty Latin King and Queen - Research Paper Example One of the oldest, largest and most organized street gangs in the United States of America has been the Almighty Latin King and Queen Nation (ALKQN) which is a Hispanic street gang, dating back to the 1940s in Chicago, Illinois. A reflective exploration of the history of this street gang confirms that ALKQN was originated for the same ideologies for which other street gangs were established, i.e. to protect their rights and to fight injustice, but it soon turned out to be one of the most violent street gangs in the nation. The history of the Almighty Latin King and Queen Nation offers a convincing case of analysis on the gang phenomenon in the nation, because on the one had this gang is one of the most notorious and criminally pursued gangs in the U.S. and, on the other, it claims to be a social movement working on certain essential social values. As Brotherton and Barrios (2004) argue, â€Å"when one of the most notorious and most criminally pursued gangs in the United States, the Almighty Latin King and Queen Nation of New York City, declares that it is a social movement acting on behalf of the dispossessed, renouncing violence, refusing to be associated with the underground economy, and making school attendance a criterion of membership, it is time to take a closer look at the gang phenomenon.† (Brotherton and Barrios, 2004, p. xv). Therefore, this paper makes a profound analysis of the street gang ALKQN, focusing on its history, way of working, major ideologies, criticisms, etc. A detailed examination of the history of the Almighty Latin King and Queen Nation confirms that this street gang was introduced by Gino Gustavo Colon in Chicago, Illinois, during the 1940s. As their manifesto indicates, ALKQN was formed initially in the Illinois prison system to protect the Latino inmates, Puerto Ricans and Mexicans first arriving in the United States. It is important to recognize that this gang has become one of the most powerful and populated Latino urban g angs in the nation having nearly fifty thousand members in the Chicago area alone. However, it has also become one of the most notorious and criminally pursued gangs in the United States. â€Å"Started in the 1940s, the Latin Kings began as many other gangs did – to protect each other, to fight injustice, and to better themselves and their communities. However, over time, they became one of Chicago’s most violent street gangs.† (Kinnear, 2009, p. 189). Therefore, it is significant to realize that the history of the ALKQN has had a mixed impact on the nation’s social scenario and it has become one of the well-organized entities influencing the youth culture of the nation. One may also take note of the fact that the exact date or reason for the inauguration of this gang is unknown, although several factors may have contributed to its origin. One major argument, as their manifesto maintains, is that the ALKQN was introduced as a prisoner self-help group for Latino inmates in the Illinois prison system. According to the community leaders in Chicago, â€Å"it began as a street group called the Latin Angels during the 1950s and later became the Latin Kings during the 1960s. Another explanation for the group’s origin is †¦ that prior to 1965 there was little evidence of the Latin Kings†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (Kontos and Brotherton, 2008, p. 3). Thus, it becomes obvious that the exact year of, or reason for, the origin of the Almighty

Globalization Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words - 5

Globalization - Essay Example Globalization, for that matter, is also remarked as Internationalization since the nature of the two terms is on a worldwide scale more than anything else1. However, on the part of the two terms, the one thing common however is the fact that these have identified themselves well with the changing (and growing) trends, where most of these are credited on the shoulders of the World War II, after which there has been a resurgent rat race nonetheless. The movement of commodities, people, information, money, technological developments, organizational infrastructures, legal frameworks and so on and so forth have only proved to all and sundry that globalization is a phenomenon and it is one that is here to stay for long. The world has become a global village due to globalization and it is a good omen if seen in the proper perspectives. Globalization entails within it the changing technological innovations, the improvement in structures and different infrastructures, the advancements in basic thinking mindset of man, his ability to break loose from the ordinary and reach out towards the unknown and in all essence do something which can bring about an ultimate change, for the better. Having said that, we need to understand that globalization is not just a phenomenon, it is the science of human evolution and since man has for long held fast to this belief, there can be no reason as to why he should not comprehend the basis of the phenomenon of globalization2. It is a paradigm shift or a movement as we might call it, one that brings more stability within the ranks (where it is applied) and unison in the efforts and activities of all concerned. More often than not, we have seen improvements within the present day systems owing to globalization and it is because of this very perspective of change that we see world bodie s doing their utmost to reach out to far flung areas and explore hidden markets for the

Economics Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Economics - Essay Example Apart from economic factors, cultural and political issues also affect inflation rate. The activities of workers’ union might create pressure on the wage rate preventing any downward movement of the same. Therefore production cost will not come down and hence increase in supply is restrained. An increase in supply of money or credit in the economy can make the incidence of inflation strong in an economy. The global financial crisis which resulted from the excess credit and increasing defaulters especially in the housing loan market led to inflationary pressures owing to increasing demand and cost of basic necessities around the world (Nanda). For the Gulf Countries where oil is a key commodity and factor responsible for growth, the rise in oil prices from 2005-2006 led to increase in related products. The increase in oil prices across the world has been occurring at a rate higher than the depreciation of the dollar. The spot price of oil rose by 171.9 percent ($65.66) and achi eved the highest point in August 2006 (reaching the peak at $76.01). Depreciation of dollar across a wide spread of currencies took place at 13.8 percent (Oxford Business Group 38-39). The paper attempts to compare two different Gulf Countries, Bahrain and UAE, with respect to the incidence and impact of inflation. Inflation The first outcome of inflation is usually reflected in the purchasing power of money. Hence there is a reduction in the real value of a good. Inflation rate which measures the price inflation has both positive and negative impacts on the economy. On one hand it reduces the real value of wealth in hands and on the other it creates an expectation of inflation in future and leads to a fall in savings and investments. If there is increased activity of accumulation of goods in apprehension that price might rise further, then there might be a crisis of supply of products in the market. If one considers the positive effects it may be reflected in adjustments of nominal interest rates which help in controlling recessions. Seeing from the demand side, low and moderate inflation are caused by demand side changes or alteration in the number of suppliers at times of crisis and increase in money supply. Going by the Keynesian viewpoint, demand-pull inflation is brought about by a rise in private and government expenditure leadings to high demand. This reflects a grot hint he economy since such higher demand and favorable market situation will lead to higher investment and growth. However cost push inflation which is brought about by supply side shock (fall in supply) could be owing to some natural calamities or high prices of inputs. For instance a sudden increase in oil prices might affect the supply side of those products for which oil is used as raw material or input. The built-in inflation is brought about by a wage-price circle where workers try to keep prices up in keeping with the market price and employers in turn pass this labor cost on to the consumers in the form of higher prices. The essential way out from inflation is the monetary policy and central banks resort to high interest rates and slowed money supply growth to control inflation. Keynesian school of economics suggest that demand can be increased during recession and decreased during boom in order to control inflation; this might be brought about by both monetary and fiscal policy adjustments (Ball). Inflation in Bahrain Inflation as not really an issue for Bahrain as it

An assessment of business value of information technology in Literature review

An assessment of business value of information technology in organisations - Literature review Example There are more reasons to justify why it is essential to invest on Information technology, although other fail view Information Technology as a business venture that can pay off after some time (Carlos and Macada, 2012). This discussion will look at the relevant theories and models on IT business values, different views on Information Technology business value and effectiveness and efficiency of information systems to support decision making. In order to understand the effectiveness and efficiency of information systems on decision making a lot of factors must be put into consideration. Using of technical efficiency as a performance criterion when application of individual analytical occurs. Information technology contributions in different countries differ in magnitude from a production point of view due to increase and decrease of the countries technical efficiency. Spending on Information technology will not improve countries technical efficiency. Whether a country is developing o r not, is not a subject to look at in order for it to improve its technical efficiency in the field of information technology. Relevant use of theories and models and good decision makes it possible for a country to have an efficient and effective Information technology. ... Defining the substance of technology, how it changes its relation towards human practices or social structure, and how it emerges are addressed by Descriptive theories. The descriptive theories view that how much force it has in determining human practices or social structure, and how much it addresses the extent in which technology is autonomous substantively. Social construction of technology in connection to descriptive approach states that, technology does not necessarily determine human action; on the contrary it is the human actions that shape technology. Actor-network theory is also necessary theory in business IT. This theory addresses a heterogeneous network of non-humans and humans as similar interrelating actors. Technology acceptance model (TAM) is a well known model that relates to Information technology use and acceptance. This model was originally proposed by Davis in 1986. This theoretical model has continuously proven to be of great help because it predicts and expla ins user behavior of information technology. This model is also considered to be an influential extension of theory of reasoned action (TRA) (Heijden, 2000). Its mandate was to explain why a user rejects or accepts information technology by adapting theory of reasoned action. By the use of technology acceptance model one can menage to get the basis to trace how external forces influence attitude, belief, and intentions to use. There are two cognitive beliefs that are associated with technology acceptance model. These are perceived ease to use and perceived usefulness. According to technology acceptance model, one use of a technology system is manipulated either directly or indirectly by the user’s attitude, behavioral

Fiji Water Analysis Essay Example for Free

Fiji Water Analysis Essay Introduction Corporations like FIJI Water are forced into having Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). Corporate Social Responsibility is the idea that businesses need to give back to society as much as they take away. Although companies like FIJI Water produce some type of product for consumers, in this circumstance water, they are compelled to give back as much as they take away. The issue companies have to deal with is whether they really have CSR, or if they are just green washing to make people believe they are socially responsible. â€Å"The 10th Edition of the Concise Oxford English Dictionary recognizes the word â€Å"greenwash,† defining it as, â€Å"’Disinformation disseminated by an organization so as to present an environmentally responsible public image.†Ã¢â‚¬â„¢ Environmentalist make it their job to eliminate any green washing by bringing to light companies negative impact on society and proving outrageous claims to be over exaggerated or completely false. Environmentalists compel companies to reduce, if not eliminate their carbon footprint on society through exposing how wasteful they are to society. Every company in order to be successful has to recognize this issue and do their best to resolve it, otherwise their company will tank. Companies like FIJI Water have to walk the fine line of CSR and green washing. FIJI Water LLC, has proved to be a tough competitor in the market of selling bottled water. They have overcome trials and set-backs and have kept their image of a premium quality brand of water. They have done their very best to become socially responsible over the years and had to use the idea of green washing to exploit their product. How FIJI Water Came to Be FIJI Water was started in 1996 by David Gilmour, one-time partner in Clairtone Sound Corporation Limited. FIJI Water is a U.S.-based business and brand of bottled water derived, bottled, and shipped from the Fiji Islands. It is available in 330ml, 500ml, 1 liter and 1.5 liter bottles.  According to marketing materials, the water comes from an artesian aquifer in the Yaqara Valley of Viti Levu. A good way to identify what FIJI Water is all about is in their mission statement which reads, â€Å"FIJI Water, the world’s finest water, is committed to quality and excellence in our product, people, profitability, and strategic partners. We are dedicated to communicating the passion and unique properties of our brand to consumers worldwide and continuing to invest in the future while preserving and cherishing the pristine source.† They have marketed their product towards wealthy people who could afford to pay more to drink water. Their main marketing drive was that the product was far from pollution, acid rain, and industrial waste in the island nation of Fiji. The way their product differed from other water bottling companies is that the FIJI Water was drawn from an artesian aquifer that lies hundreds of feet below a primitive rainforest. The idea being that distance and isolation is part of what makes FIJI Water so much purer and richer in taste than other bottled waters. Corporate Social Responsibility FIJI Water has a few marketing and CSR campaigns to help address the issue of social responsibility and to give their product more attention. FIJI water was seen as being extremely wasteful. To take a naturally occurring product like water and use the resources to ship it half way across the world was thought to be â€Å"water insanity†. â€Å"In response to this protest, the company launched a new promotion campaign under a slogan â€Å"every drop is green,† only to be immediately accused by environmentalist groups of engaging in green washing activities.† At the same time that this was happening, FIJI focused on its contributions to the local communities in Fiji. As environmentalists’ criticism increased over the years, FIJI Water LLC launched a â€Å"carbon negative campaign, claiming that it was the first bottle water company to release carbon footprint of its products.† This was part of their push towards the slogan â€Å"every drop is green†. The Company estimated its total annual carbon footprint at 85,396 metric tons of CO2eq.  They were also able to calculate their carbon emissions at each stage of the product from production to distribution. They started at the production of raw material to running the plant, to getting it to the markets, to even refrigerating the product. It did this to try and eliminate as much carbon footprints as possible. The VP of the company, Mooney, argued that, â€Å"the only way consumers can turn their environmental intentions into good decisions is to give them the information they need regarding the emissions with the products they buy.† This made customers aware that they were actively looking at their operations and doing something about it. To most people, it didn’t really matter what, as long as they were trying. Sustainability The results of their work were impressive. They were able to accomplish the following: reduction in packaging by 20 percent, supplying 50 percent of the energy used at its bottling plant with renewable energy, optimizing logistics to be more carbon-efficient in transportation, restoring grasslands in the Yaqara Valley by planting trees, and supporting recycling programs for plastic PET bottles. With their new image as a socially responsible company they were more sustainable in the fact that they were giving back. They summed up their operations in a PR pitch: a sale of every bottle of FIJI Water would result in a net reduction of carbon in the atmosphere! The question remains, are they giving back enough? To ship a naturally occurring product half way across the world seems pretty ridiculous to those who care about our earth’s resources being wasted. Green Washing Conservation group didn’t buy it. This absurd claim, along with â€Å"every drop is green† was green washing at its finest so they thought. In Section 53 of the Commonwealth Trade Practices Act 1974 it prohibits a corporation from representing that â€Å"goods or services have sponsorship, approval, performance characteristics, accessories, uses or benefits they do not have.† They were in direct violation of this. The Greenwash Brigade were some of the most professional environmentalist that were known for exposing this kind of  behavior. In June 2008, they published an article titled â€Å"Fiji Water by the numbers,† which summarized the terrible environmental impact of the company. Some facts that came out of that were that there were 5,500 miles per trip from Fiji to Los Angeles, 46 million gallons of fossil fuel, 1.3 billion gallons of water used, 216 million pounds of greenhouse gases emitted. These were staggering amounts of energy, water, and fuel being used, especially for something that is naturally occurring! The Impact of the Nay-Sayers These conservationists had a big impact on the company in forming who they are today. Without bringing this information to light, nothing would be changed. They would just fly under the radar without being criticized. We need the nay-sayers to motivate companies to change so they won’t use up our limited resources. The fact of the matter is that every drop of FIJI Water is not green, every drop is imported! These environmentalist help prevent green washing and provide important research behind their accusations of companies. In 2007, Pablo Paster, an engineer and MBA, undertook a thorough and exhaustive study of the cost of bringing a liter of FIJI Water to America. His study found that, â€Å"In summary, the transport of that one kilogram bottle of Fiji water consumed 26.88 kilograms of water (7.1 gallons), .849 kilograms of fossil fuel (one liter or .26 gallons) and emitted 562 grams of Greenhouse Gases (1.2 pounds).† One can only imagine the effect that has on our en vironment. Conclusion Overall, Fiji was able to show flexibility in changing for the times. They established credibility among the community through addressing concerns of others. At first they tried to hide from the answers needed by consumers and conservationists and even used some green washing to help get their product through the tough, trying times. They used the idea of green washing to their benefit by making outrageous claims that had to be proven false initially, but in time they held to it as best they could. They had to be vague at first, but later specified their goal in operations. Comparatively to most companies, FIJI Water has a great Corporate Social Responsibility in that they have done significant things to try and eliminate their carbon footprint through efficiency and planting more trees. Going forward, the company will have a hard time living up to becoming a carbon negative company. They need to keep on their path of fulfilling promises made to invest in renewable energy equipment and to off-set that with continuing to plant trees abroad. FIJI Water has especially helped the local community surrounding Fiji. They have established good CSR with the five neighboring villages. They have supported children’s educations in helping them get a good start. In pre-schools they have provided equipment, educational material, teacher training and other support. In March 2002, the company voluntarily established an independently administrated community development trust fund and allocated FJ$275,000 to it. That is a great use of their resources. They also support village projects to improve hygiene and sanitation as well as provide portable drinking water. FIJI Water is a benefit to society as a whole. They have used their resources to give back to our planet and help others in need. More [ 1 ]. James McMaster and Jan Nowak, â€Å"FIJI Water and Corporate Social Responsibility – Green Makeover or â€Å"Greenwashing†?, May 2009, Ivey Management Services. [ 2 ]. N.A., â€Å"FIJI Water,† http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fiji_Water#History, 2012. [ 3 ]. N.A., â€Å"Mission Statement,† http://www.fijiwater.com/company/company-timeline/, N.D. [ 4 ]. Ibid. [ 5 ]. James McMaster and Jan Nowak, â€Å"FIJI Water and Corporate Social Responsibility – Green Makeover or â€Å"Greenwashing†?, May 2009, Ivey Management Services. [ 6 ]. â€Å"FIJI Water Becomes First Bottled Water Company to Release Carbon Footprint of Its Products,† April 9, 2008, www.bevnet.com [ 7 ]. Ibid. [ 8 ]. Ibid. [ 9 ]. â€Å"FIJI Water Becomes First Bottled Water Company to Release Carbon Footprint of Its Products,† FIJI Water Press Release, Los Angeles, April 9, 2008, www.bevnet.com. [ 10 ]. James McMaster and Jan Nowak, â€Å"FIJI Water and Corporate Social Responsibility – Green Makeover or â€Å"Greenwashing†?, May 2009, Ivey Management Services. [ 11 ]. Heidi Sigelbaum, â€Å"Fiji Water by the numbers,† June 6, 2008. [ 12 ]. www.treehugger.com/files/2007/02/pablo_calculate.php [ 13 ]. McMaster and Nowak, â€Å"Natural Waters of Viti Limited – Pioneering a New Industry in the Fiji Islands.†

Engineering Health and Safety Principles

Engineering Health and Safety Principles 1. What are the main responsibilities of the employer and the employee under Health and Safety Act 1992? Answer : Duties of employers: Every employer shall take all practicable steps to ensure that no action or inaction of any employee while at work harms any other person. Duties of employees Every employee shall take all practicable steps to ensure- (a) the employees safety while at work (including by using suitable protective clothing and suitable protective equipment provided by the employer (b) that no action or inaction of the employee while at work causes harm to any other person. (health and sefatey in employment act 1992, 2014) 2. In marking the choice of which type of cutting fluid to use, many factors have to be considered. Name two of the important factors? Answer: selection of the cutting fluid generally depends on the types of machining process whether coolant, lubricant or both are required. Though selection for the effective cutting fluid depends the various factors which are type of machining , tool and workpiece materials, cutting speed, and the method of application. For example: machining process with slower cutting operation and where tools are exposed to high pressure in such cases fluid with good lubricating characteristics is required. Whereas, selection for the fluid is changed in high speed operation as in high speed operation temperature rises significantly so that fluid which has good cooling capacity and with some lubricity is required. (manufacturing engineering and technology, 2014, p. 617) 3. What is the purpose of chip breakers in the Turning Process? Answer: purpose of chip breaker in turning process: chip breaker controls the flow of the chip during machining. Eliminates the long chips as it can be hazard. Also reduce the heat. Reduce the intendancy of the vibration. (manufacturing engineering and technology, 2014, p. 607) 4. What effect would decrease the cutting speed have on tool life of a milling cutter? Answer: Because high cutting speed increases the temperature which results into the shorting of the tool. (manufacturing engineering and technology, 2014, p. 585) 5. Name two ways work can be held on a cylindrical grinder? Answer: Universal grinding: In universal grinding, both the workpiece and the wheel axes can be moved and swivelled around a horizontal plane, thus permitting the grinding of tapers and other shapes Thread grinding: thread grinding is done cylindrical grinders, using specially dressed wheels matching the shape of the thread. (manufacturing engineering and technology, 2014, p. 748) 6. how is feed specified on a drilling machine? Answer: Diameter of Drill Inches Feed Inches per Revolution Under 1/8 .001 to .003 1/8 to 1/4 .002 to .006 1/4 to 1/2 .004 to .010 1/2 to 1 inch .007 to .015 1 inch and over .015 to .025 (drill feeds and speeds, n.d.) 7. What is the difference between truing and dressing a grinding wheel? Answer: dressing is the process of a conditioning, producing sharp new edges on worn grains on the grinding surface of a wheel Truing: truing is the process of producing a true circle on a wheel that has become out of round. (manufacturing engineering and technology, 2014, p. 744) 8. In wire cut EDM, why does electrode wear not affect the accuracy of the cut? Answer: Because electrode doesnt touches the workpiece. (manufacturing engineering and technology, 2014, p. 781) 9. What is concurrent engineering? Answer: Concurrent engineering also known as integrated product development (IPD) its methodology is based on the parallelisation of task which means preforming the task concurrently. Concurrent engineering prefers to an approach to new product development in which all other engineering functions like design engineering, manufacturing engineering and other functions are integrated together in order to reduce the elapsed time required to bring new product to the market. (concurrent engineering , 2017) 10. In welding, what do the letters GTAW stand for? Answer: Gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW, 2017) 11. Define break-even point when comparing two types of machines making the same part? Answer: Break-even perspective are the purpose which offers precisely disguise its costs. Therefore these methods not lead to any benefit or reduction. When two different machines are making same part, the purpose of which is to offers disguise costs. 12. In machining operations, how does forming differ from generating? Answer: generating: generating machining operations of the workpiece are dependent on the feed or the movement of the cutting tool which involves different turning operations such as straight cutting, taper turning, peripheral milling and profile milling. Whereas forming machining operations is based workpiece geometry dependent on the tool geometry. Cutting edge of the tool and surface of the work part has the reverse shape example: form turning, broaching, drilling. (Forming and Generating Method in Lathe Machine Operations, 2016) 13. What are the two forms of broaching and what types of machine is used for each form? Answer: surface broaches: surface broches which generally used for cutting flat surface. Broches includes slab, slot, contour, dovetail, pot ( for precision external shapes) and straddle. Internal broaches: internal broaches which is generally used for close-tolerance hole. Broches includes hole keyway, internal gear, rifling (for gun barrels). (manufacturing engineering and technology, 2014, p. 684) 14. What is difference between a CNC machining centre and a universal milling machine? Answer: cnc machining centre is computer controlled program, which takes the instruction from the computer to select and control tools that used for cutting or shaping the metal to new product. Whereas universal milling machine is fitted with table so that it can have motion in all direction and also diving head which has ability to change gears so they can perform milling operation in all the direction. (manufacturing engineering and technology, 2014, pp. 703,705,669) 15. State an essential requirement for a lathe, which is intended to be used with diamond tooling Answer: diamond tooling is done when we have to give good surface finish and critical dimension for example: for polishing granite (manufacturing engineering and technology, 2014, p. 614) 16. What type of machining process would be used to cut an external keyway in a shaft? Answer: machining process used to cut keyways in a shaft is keyway broaching also known as spline broaching (coupling answers, 2014) 17. Define what is meant by CAD CAM? Answer: CAD: computer aided design CAD, which basically based on the principle of creating a technical drawing using different software like AUTOCAD, SOLIDWORKS, and PRO-E CAM: computer aided manufacturing Whereas CAM is referred as an software use to control manufacturing process like controlling machining tool which gives high precision. Machine used on the principle of CAM is known as CNC computer numerical control machine. (wikipedia , 2017) 18. Name two materials used to produce EDM electrodes for a sink type machine Answer: The materials which are commonly used for the making sinker EDM electrode are graphite, brass or copper tungsten. Graphite is used because of its superior machining capabilities and wearability, and copper is used because of its fine finish requirements. (qualitty EDM, 2008) 19. What feature controls the cutting speed of a milling centre? Answer: As we know the cutting speed V in peripheral milling is the surface speed of the cutter V = à Ã¢â€š ¬DN Where D is the cutter diameter and N is the rotational speed of the cutter. Thus cutting speed is directly dependent on the diameter and as well as the rotational speed of the cutter. (serope kalpakjian, 2014) 20. What is the main difference in the type of materials that can be machined when using either EDM or Water Jet cutting process? Answer: water jet cutting process: non-conductive material such as glass. Wood, plastic, ceramic EDM: material needs to be electrical conductive as EDM cuts through sparks such as graphite and metal (advanced manufractruring , 2005) 21. Compare 2 of the following casting processes on surface finish, accuracy, type of pattern and cost a. Sand moulding b. Shell moulding c. Gravity die casting d. Pressure die casting Answer: Sand moulding Shell moulding Surface finish Not good machining, forging, may required to obtain the required shape followed by the quality control Good surface finish Accuracy Dimensionally accurate High precision Type of pattern Match plate pattern Many pattern Cost Low cost Low cost (manufacturing engineering and technology, 2014, pp. 705,711) 22. Explain the purpose for which the investment casting process is used. Indicate the type of material that can be cast and some general estimate of the finish and accuracy obtained Answer: Purpose: knee replacement Type of material: ferrous and non-ferrous metal alloys. Surface finish: good surface finish Accuracy: high precision (manufacturing engineering and technology, 2014, pp. 271-272) 23. Explain clearly the difference between the HOT and COLD chamber die casting processes, giving the types of material casting in each process Answer: Hot-chamber process use a piston to forces a certain volume of metal into the die cavity through a gooseneck and nozzle 2.Cold-chamber process is where molten metal is poured into the injection cylinder (shot chamber) (manufacturing engineering and technology, 2014, pp. 278-279) 24. Giving examples of each show the difference between injection moulded and compression moulded plastic parts Answer: Injection moulded plastic Compression moulded plastic in injection moulded is used with thermoplastic polymers Compression moulding is used with thermosetting plastics for example: injection moulding is used for making chair. machine has three main parts i.e. injection unit, mould and clamp. process starts when plastic is poured into hopper from where plastic pallet moves to the barrel of injection unit inside, a screw transports the pallets forward t. heater bands wrapped around the barrel warms up the plastic pallets. as the pellets are moved forward by the screw, they gradually melt, and are entirely molten by the time they reaches the front of the barrel. once enough molten plastic is in the front of the screw it rams forward like the plunger of a syringe. in a matter of seconds, the screw injects the molten plastic into the empty part of the mould called the cavity image. the plastic solidifies in under a minute the mould opens and the part is ejected. for example: compression moulding is used to make rubber boots for which plastic is pre heated and then poured into the mould and held there for few minutes at fixed temperature and then finished product is then removed from the mould and then can be machined for further better finish or removal of the waste (plastic injection molding , 2015) (manufacturing engineering and technology, 2014, pp. 512,520) 25. What is the main difference between Hot Rolling and Cold Rolling, Giving examples of each process? Answer: Hot rolling Cold rolling Low tolerance High tolerance More Malleable Increase strength of material through strain Harding as much as 20% High temperature up to 1000F Low temperature equal to room temperature Sink when cooled down More precise dimensions Hot rolled steel is used in situations where precise shapes and tolerances are not required For example: used in welding and I-beam cold rolled steel is used in situations where precise shapes and tolerances are required. For example: used in production of metal furniture or desks. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.metalsupermarkets.com/difference-between-hot-rolled-steel-and-cold-rolled-steel/ administration, n. z. (2014, april 4). health and sefatey in employment act 1992. Retrieved from new zealand legislation: http://www.legislation.govt.nz/act/public/1992/0096/latest/DLM278829.html concurrent engineering . (2017, march 7). Retrieved from wikipedia : https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Concurrent_engineering coupling answers. (2014, december 2). Cutting Keyways Broaching, Keyseating, Wire-Cut EDM, Shaping, Milling . Retrieved from coupling answer: http://www.couplinganswers.com/2014/12/cutting-keyways-broaching-keyseating.html crayons, s. (Director). (2015). plastic injection molding [Motion Picture]. drill feeds and speeds. (n.d.). Retrieved from viking drill and tool : http://www.vikingdrill.com/viking-Drill-FeedandSpeed.php Forming and Generating Method in Lathe Machine Operations. (2016, februray 17). Retrieved from mechaenical engineering: https://basicmechanicalengineering.com/forming-and-generating-method-in-lathe-machine-operations/ government, n. z. (1992, jan 1). health and safety employment act 1993. Retrieved from New Zealand legislation : http://www.legislation.govt.nz/act/public/1992/0096/latest/DLM279232.html GTAW. (2017, march 11). Retrieved from wikipedia : https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gas_tungsten_arc_welding metalsupermaket. (2014, septemeber 14). difference between hot rolled and cold rolled steel . Retrieved from metal supermarket : https://www.metalsupermarkets.com/difference-between-hot-rolled-steel-and-cold-rolled-steel/ qualitty EDM. (2008). Electrical discharge machining (EDM). Retrieved from qualitty EDM: http://www.qualityedm.com/sinkeredm.html serope kalpakjian, s. R. (2014). manufacturing engineering and technology. new york: pearson. sme. (2005, october 1). Retrieved from advanced manufractruring : http://advancedmanufacturing.org/waterjet-vs-edm/ wikipedia . (2017, march 24). cad/cam. Retrieved from wikipedia : https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Computer-aided_manufacturing

Eating Disorders and the Media

Eating Disorders and the Media The purpose of doing this research project is to provide a different perspective on the role of the media in this modern era. This research project examines the impacts of media influence on eating attitudes and it contains relevant studies and statistics regarding this particular topic. The findings of this research are confined to the United States of America and United Kingdom due to the high prevalence of eating disorders as compared to other countries. In essence, the report covers the effects of media portraying unhealthy body images, weight loss advertisements and reality shows as well as the power of Internet in promoting eating disorders. Based on the evidence, it is clear that the media is responsible for the development of eating disorders in the society. Hence, it is important to take corrective measures and look into this matter seriously before further damage is done. 1.0 Introduction Eating disorders are serious psychological illnesses that result in people having dangerous eating habits. People with eating disorders usually have a negative perception of their body image and will attempt to control their weight through excessive dieting, exercising or purging. In fact, eating disorders cannot be separated from the culture in which they arise. In western countries where thinness is emphasized as an important social value, millions of women are suffering from eating disorders like anorexia, bulimia and binge eating. According to National Eating Disorders Association (2005), approximately 10 million females and 1 million males in the United States are suffering from anorexia and bulimia while 25 million more are struggling with binge eating disorder. Other than psychological and genetic factors, research shows that the media also has a profound impact on eating disorders. The media has grown rapidly over the years with the advancement in technology and now it has the persuasive power that can manipulate the whole society by shaping peoples attitudes and beliefs. This mind-bending power of the media has brought about many debates from different institutions especially on the issue concerning the harmful effects of media exposure on eating disorders. Therefore, immediate actions need to be taken before this issue becomes more and more controversial. Even though the media has the power to shape peoples behaviors and attitudes, do you agree that the media encourages people to develop eating disorders? Looking further into the issue, we will see that the media is indeed guilty of encouraging eating disorders in the society. It portrays an unattainable standard of body image, gives leeway for pro-anorexia groups to spread on Internet and promotes dieting and weight loss. This report will show compelling evidence on how media encourages people to develop eating disorders. They are many negative effects than positive one. The research findings are confined to the United States of America and United Kingdom due to their high prevalence of eating disorders in comparison to other countries. 2.0 Media Promotes Ideal Body Image Body image refers to peoples perception and imagination of their physical appearance. It is not inborn, but learned (Ojeda, 2003, p. 8). A study conducted by Anne Becker in Fiji, where television was introduced as late as the mid-1990s, found that 83% of the people felt television had influenced their perceptions and thoughts about body image and size (Friedman, 2007, p. 31). Therefore, the role of the media in promoting an ideal body image should not be taken lightly as it can cause harmful effects on ones self-image and self-esteem. 2.1 Portrayal of Ultra-Thinness Twenty years ago, the average model weighed 8 per cent less than the average woman, but todays models weigh 23 per cent less (Media Awareness Network, 2010). As time goes by, models and celebrities are becoming thinner and thinner to match the unrealistic cultural standard of beauty. Research shows that unrealistic portrayal of women stereotype in the media can have detrimental effect on ones health. According to Healthy Within (n.d.), an average American woman is 5 feet 4 inches tall and weighs 140 pounds while an average American model is 5 feet 11 inches tall and weighs 117 pounds. These super-thin models portrayed by television and magazines make women feel unhappy and dissatisfied with their physical appearance. As a result, millions of women who fail to reach this standard of beauty feel embarrassed and guilty and the desire to be thin drives them to develop eating disorders. 2.2 Wrong message is conveyed to the Society Television has always been viewed as a source for entertainment and information, but nowadays it begins to influence peoples thinking and attitudes by emphasizing thinness as a way to measure womens worth. For example, heavier actresses often receive negative comments about their bodies and 80% of these negative comments are followed by canned audience laughter (Media Awareness Network, 2010). Besides that, fashion magazines, television and movies are constantly delivering the wrong message that women must be thin in order to be loved, accepted and successful (Schlundt Johnson, 1990, p. 59). The portrayal of happy and successful women being extremely thin has a huge impact on womens perception of beauty. It has forced women to adopt the mindset that thin is beautiful and beauty is success. When women begin to equate thinness with beauty, they will strive hard to become thin so that they are attractive enough to be accepted in the society. Therefore, in order to achieve the ideal body image standard, women violently manipulate their weight and appearance by dieting, purging and even self-starvation. Family Influence Studies show that family influence is also one of the factors that trigger eating disorders. Parents especially mothers have significant influence over teenagers body image problems. In this society where thin is still in, most mothers would want their children to look beautiful and slim. Therefore, parents sometimes inadvertently encourage their children to lose weight even though most of them are not overweight. Parents usually encourage their children to diet with good intentions but teenagers may misunderstood their meaning as being fat is not good and they should lose weight to become thinner and more beautiful. Besides that, parents with weight problems tend to be over-concerned about their childrens weight and body images. This may cause teenagers to feel the pressure to be thin and start developing unhealthy eating habits to control their weight. Since teenagers take their parents words seriously, negative comments on their weight and eating habits may diminish their self-est eem (Ojeda, 2003, pp. 21-25). In conclusion, media promotes ideal body image that can cause women to feel dissatisfied with their body size and shape. The portrayal of ultra-thinness through television commercials, fashion magazines and movies will deliver the wrong message to the society. As a result, women develop dangerous eating patterns to stay thin so that they can reach the standard of beauty portrayed by the media. 3.0 Power of Internet Internet is a powerful agent of socialization and it allows easy access to different kinds of information. The online world of pro-ED (pro-eating disorders) consists of hundreds of websites and discussion groups created by people who claimed that they have the disorders (Healthy Place, 2010). Every time we come across a pro-anorexia site, a warning sign will appear on the opening page clearly specifying that the contents of the site is pro-anorexic and should not be viewed by those who are in recovery or those who do not suffer from an eating disorder. However, many people ignore the warning and enter these sites due to curiosity. 3.1 Impact of Pro-Anorexia Websites Pro-ana websites are online communities for people with anorexia nervosa (Suite101, n.d.). These websites have proliferated rapidly due to the rise of Internet usage in the last decade. They promote anorexia as a lifestyle choice rather than a life-threatening disease (Friedman, 2007, p. 60). Most of the contents in these sites glorify eating disorders and provide tips on how to lose weight more effectively. Therefore, those people without eating disorders but actively seeking for ways to lose weight and those with eating disorders seeking for advice to conceal their disorders become the victims of pro-ana websites. Besides that, these sites also contain inspiring quotations and poetry that encourage eating disorders. The impact of pro-ana websites is so immense that there is no way back after their first visit on these sites. Most of the pro-ana websites display thinspiration pictures of waif-thin models and famous celebrities with eating disorders like Mary-Kate Olsen and Karen Carpenter to get the attention of impressionable young women (Healthy Place, 2010). After viewing these pro-ana websites, teenagers are more likely to be unhappy with their physical appearance and have a negative body image. Study shows that individuals subjected to a single viewing of a pro-ana site are more likely to have low self-esteem and become preoccupied with exercise and weight loss, as compared to the control group (Wikipedia, 2010). 3.2 Online Social Networks Nowadays, there are many social network groups available online such as MySpace, Xanga and Facebook. These online social networks have gained popularity among young people in the recent years and eventually become a tool to promote eating disorders among the members. After connecting with each other for years on unknown and secret websites, pro-anorexia groups are now moving to more public forums like Facebook to attract more people to join their groups (Newsweek, 2008). Many socially isolated anorexics join and become members of these sites because that is the only means of support available to them. Some said that the sites can help them to combat the feelings of loneliness and isolation as well as to get attention from others (Healthy Place, 2010). Moreover, they can find a circle of friends with the similar disease who understand and accept them as who they are. This makes them feel that they are not alone and thus motivated to carry on with their disorders. In short, pro-ana online networking website is a place for anorexics to establish friendship, gain support and seek solace by sharing their sorrows, joys and accomplishments with each other. Social Pressure People in professions where there is a particular social pressure to be thin such as athletes, models, dancers and actors are more likely to develop eating disorders during the course of their career. Studies found that around 15% to 25% of athletes have eating disorders, especially those involved in sports that emphasize on appearance such as figure skating, cheer leading and gymnastics (Schulherr, 2008, p. 244). Besides that, celebrities and models also suffer from eating disorders because they are placed under social pressure to look perfect in front of the camera. In order to look super skinny and sexy, they adopt excessive dieting and self-starvation which can lead to fatal health consequences in the future. For example, Ana Caroline Reston, a rising star in the modeling industry died of anorexia in 2006. Due to social pressure, she starved herself by just surviving on fruit juices, apples and tomatoes for many years. Finally, when she achieved the desired image of a supermodel, the fatal eating disorders took her life at the age of 21. In conclusion, the power of Internet in developing eating disorders among teenagers should not be underestimated. The slippery nature of the web makes the pro-ED world almost impossible to control (Healthy Place, 2010). Therefore, pro-ana websites and social networks should be monitored so that less people would be misled by the harmful information inside these sites. 4.0 Media Promotes Dieting Dieting can be defined as the attempt to lose weight by restricting food intake. Excessive dieting behavior may eventually lead to the development of eating disorders because severe weight loss is the primary symptom of anorexia nervosa. When the power of the media is misused by the advertisers to promote dieting and their diet products, the media can become a formidable force that leads millions of people worldwide to the possibility of eating disorders. 4.1 Exposure to Magazines and Advertisements Advertisements in magazines and television are featuring extremely thin models and celebrities to make women think that they are fat. When women start to fear of gaining weight, they will pursuit dieting as a way to lose weight. As a result, Americans spend over $50 billion on dieting and diet-related products each year (Healthy Within, n.d.). Since the standard of beauty portrayed by the media is unattainable to most people, consumers will never feel satisfied, and therefore creating an endless demand for beauty and weight loss products. Hence, it is certain that these industries are actually earning profit from encouraging a life-threatening disease in millions of women (Friedman, 2007, pp. 27-31). Furthermore, studies also show that adolescent girls who are frequent readers of fashion magazines record higher prevalence of dieting and exercising behaviors to lose weight as compared to those infrequent readers. Many people start to take up dieting because they are motivated by the pictures in the magazines. Dieting books are usually the best-seller because most people are attracted by the diet tips provided inside these books (Schlundt Johnson, 1990, p. 59). Thus, it is evident that the fear of being fat has dominated many young women and adolescent girls and this eventually leads them to engage in excessive dieting and unhealthy eating habits. 4.2 Weight Loss Reality Shows An increasing number of weight loss reality shows are appearing on television screens and all of them demonstrate major results that can be achieved through dieting and exercising (DietWords, 2010). For example, The Biggest Loser is one of NBCs most-watched prime-time programs and it has attracted approximately 10 million viewers each week (The New York Times, 2009). The programs target is to obtain a weight loss of more than 15 pounds per week through severe caloric restriction and many hours of strenuous exercise. However, health care professionals disagree with such extreme routine as it is not advisable to lose more than two pounds a week. These weight loss reality shows can have detrimental effects on the health of the contestants as well as the viewers. In order to win the money reward, some contestants may develop harmful practices to lose more weight within a shorter time. On the other hand, viewers are made to believe that rapid weight loss can be obtained from dieting. Consequently, they may try to emulate the contestants by developing unhealthy eating behaviors to lose weight, which eventually leads to long term fatal effects on their health. Peer Pressure Peer pressure refers to the influence exerted by a peer group in encouraging a person to change his or her attitudes, values, or behavior in order to conform to group norms (Wikipedia, 2010). This is common among teenagers because most of them spend more time with their groups of friends rather than staying at home. However, when teenagers encounter with negative peer pressure relating to their eating habits, it is very dangerous because they may lack the maturity to handle this kind of pressure. When teenagers are teased by their friends about their body size and shape, they will feel the urge to control their weight by dieting, which may lead to the development of eating disorders. Therefore, peer pressure is a factor that triggers dieting and eating disorders among young people. In conclusion, the media has brought about a dieting obsession in the society. Hence, it is clear that frequent exposure to weight loss reality shows, magazines and advertisements can contribute to the development of eating disorders. 5.0 Conclusion In summary, the media is the driving force behind the development of life-threatening eating disorders in millions of people worldwide. It reinforces the intense fear of weight gain among women by portraying pictures of super-thin models, encourages the development of eating disorders through the expanding online world of pro-ED and promotes dieting through weight loss reality shows and advertisements. All three arguments mentioned are clear cut showing that the media is guilty of promoting eating disorders in the society. In time to come, more people will be suffering from eating disorders because of the influence of the media. As the impacts of media influence cannot be seen in the short run, many people do not realize that it can actually lead to serious health consequences in the future. By the time they suffer from an eating disorder, nothing much can be done except to seek treatment and counseling for recovery. Prevention is better than cure. Thus, before it is too late, we should find ways to harness media power for good instead of evil. When there is no enemy within, the enemies outside cannot hurt you (Quotes Daddy, 2010). Therefore, love yourself more and enjoy life to achieve happiness within yourself, only then you will not be conquered by the fear of weight. Stay away from eating disorders and you will never regret. 6.0 Recommendation The following recommendations have been made to rectify the role of media in promoting eating disorders. Avoid using underweight models in the fashion industry as they portray thinness as the standard of beauty. In addition, this report recommends further work to: Set a minimum entry for modeling industry where all models should have a Body Mass Index (BMI) of between 18.5 to 25 Ban models who have a BMI of less than 18 Organize fashion shows that promote healthy body image Ban pro-ana websites that promote eating disorders as a lifestyle. In addition, this report recommends further work to: Introduce laws to impose punishments or fine on any means of mass communication that promotes eating disorders Establish pro-recovery websites and support groups to encourage those people who wish to seek recovery from an eating disorder Research the claim that government control over the media (e.g. censorship) can help to reduce the harmful contents in advertisements and reality TV shows. In addition, this report recommends further work to: Monitor and filter the harmful contents available on any means of mass media including movies, television and Internet Organize Eating Disorders Awareness Week and video competition to raise awareness on eating disorders

You Will Always Remember Your First Time! :: essays research papers

You Will Always Remember Your First Time!   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  I wasn't real clear of what actually had just occurred, but I did know that I was in terrible pain. I laid beside the supercross track for at least 20 minutes answering the questions of very eager Emergency Medical personnel.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã¢â‚¬Å"Leave me alone! I will be all right.† I said to the medical guy that was tugging at my chest protector.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  If there is one thing that I can not stand is twenty medical people trying to take all of your clothes off for a little cut or scrape. As I was put on a backboard and taken to the ambulance I couldn't help wondering what had went wrong. All I remember seeing was my body tumbling with my bike to an abrupt halt.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  I laid in the ambulance for what seemed like days. All I could hear were engines revving at high Rpm's and the roar of the crowd when someone styled for the crowd. It was very disheartening to know that I was in the back of an Ambulance at my first professional supercross. The only thing I could do was play the past events over and over in my head.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  I couldn't believe it as I looked at a shiny gold and silver card. This card signified all of the rights and privileges of a professional supercrosser. Now I would have the right to race with the worlds best.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã¢â‚¬Å"Dad look it finally came!† I shouted.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  My dad looked at me with silly grin and said â€Å"Well you knew it was coming, you won your 25th race last month.†   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  As I stood there with a smile bigger than the sun on my face I said â€Å"I know but I am still excited about it. Just think I will be racing side by side with Damon Bradshaw and Kevin Windham.†   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  He just smiled and patted me on the back as I turned and walked to my room. I sat dreaming of the race I will enter next month. I had no idea what was in store for me at this spectacular event.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  As D-day drew nearer my mind overflowed with anticipation. I gathered my riding gear and my lucky Bart Simpson doll and headed out the door. I won my first race the day I sat my Bart Simpson on my handlebars between races. I have done it ever since to bring me good luck. The ride to Charlotte Motor Speedway was what I thought a trip that would never end. As we entered the pit area I was given a special pass to wear around my neck.

Meiji Restoration - Japan :: Japanese Japan History

Meiji Restoration - Japan The Meiji Restoration was period in Japan when massive changes in ancient Japan. The goal of the Meiji Restoration was summarized in their motto, "A rich country, a strong military." In their quest to do so, the Meiji looked to the western civilizations. The Meiji sent young men to study abroad and learn new traits from the west. Before this drastic move the traditional Japanese society was largely isolated from all other civilizations. By doing this the Japanese managed to strengthen the economy, strengthen the government, and make social reforms. Meiji leaders made the economy a major priority. They encouraged Japan's business class to adopt western methods. They Japanese built railroads to allow the shipment of goods and transportation of people, a banking system to aid in the expansion of businesses and investors, improved ports to aid in the expansion of trade with other countries, and also organized a telegraph and postal system which enables the spread of news quickly. Another goal of the Meiji was to strengthen the government and make it a strong central power, equal to those of the western powers. In 1889 they adapted the German for of government. It set forth principles that all citizens were equal before the law. Like the German system, however, it gave the ruler autocratic power. A legislature, or diet, was formed, made up of one elected house and one house appointed to the emperor. But its power was extremely limited. Japan then established a western style bureaucracy with separate departments to supervise finance, the army, the navy, and education. Meiji made social reforms to help appease the people and advance their society. The constitution ended legal distinctions between classes, thus freeing people to build the nation. The government set up new schools and universities and hired westerners to teach the new generation modern technology. The reform of the Japanese family system became the topic of major debate in the 1870's Reformers wanted women to become full partners in the process of nation building and to learn skills that would allow them to live on their own. While the government agreed to some increases in education for women, it dealt harshly with other attempts at change.

Soliloquy Essay - Soliloquies of Shakespeares Macbeth :: GCSE English Literature Coursework

Soliloquies in Macbeth Shakespeare   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Even though people in retributive justice feel satisfaction, the perpetrator can also suffer.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   William Shakespeare’s powerful Macbeth shows the deterioration of an honourable and respectable general, Macbeth, who becomes a tragic hero after temptations from the witches and his wife to perform murders.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Macbeth soliloquies enable the audience to experience the conflict within Macbeth and thus, gain an understanding of the reasons for his behavior and decisions. As a result, the tremendous reversal of Macbeth’s fortunes in the end leaves the audience filled not with pity, but also awe, at the realization that people can suffer greatly.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Macbeth’s soliloquies before the murder of Duncan shows the vigorous internal struggle of himself, as his conscience is fighting against his evil minds. Also, they shows Macbeth has brought his own downfall upon himself. The audience will then feel pity about Macbeth’s deterioration brought by himself when witnessing his choice of following the evil.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Macbeth is a courageous and honourable general in Scotland. His success in the battle against the invaders of Scotland gains respect from the King Duncan and his fellow soldiers. However, the demonic forces, symbolized by three witches, temptates Macbeth. The witches hail Macbeth as the Thane of Glamis and Cawdor who will be king and hail Banquo, who is a nobleman of Scotland and Macbeth’s friend, as one who will become the father of a line of kings. Macbeth ambition deep in his heart starts growing at that time. In Act I, scene iii, when Macbeth is thinking about the fulfillment of the two prophecies given by the witches before, "My thought, whose murder yet is but fantastical, shakes my single state of man"(I, iii, 139- 140) In this soliloquy, Macbeth reflects his idea about the "two truths" told by the witches. He is   ambitious to become king, as he reacts nervously when the witches mention his fate. The very idea of murder "shakes his single state of man". However, at this point, he is loyal to the king, and he rejects the idea of murder, "If chance will have me king, why, chance may crown me, without my stir."(I, iii, 143-144) The predictions by the witches may have strengthened the criminal intentions that he had probably never yet dared to express clearly, even to himself. He is not alliance with crime, he is neutral, but obviously temptation is working upon him. Soliloquy Essay - Soliloquies of Shakespeare's Macbeth :: GCSE English Literature Coursework Soliloquies in Macbeth Shakespeare   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Even though people in retributive justice feel satisfaction, the perpetrator can also suffer.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   William Shakespeare’s powerful Macbeth shows the deterioration of an honourable and respectable general, Macbeth, who becomes a tragic hero after temptations from the witches and his wife to perform murders.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Macbeth soliloquies enable the audience to experience the conflict within Macbeth and thus, gain an understanding of the reasons for his behavior and decisions. As a result, the tremendous reversal of Macbeth’s fortunes in the end leaves the audience filled not with pity, but also awe, at the realization that people can suffer greatly.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Macbeth’s soliloquies before the murder of Duncan shows the vigorous internal struggle of himself, as his conscience is fighting against his evil minds. Also, they shows Macbeth has brought his own downfall upon himself. The audience will then feel pity about Macbeth’s deterioration brought by himself when witnessing his choice of following the evil.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Macbeth is a courageous and honourable general in Scotland. His success in the battle against the invaders of Scotland gains respect from the King Duncan and his fellow soldiers. However, the demonic forces, symbolized by three witches, temptates Macbeth. The witches hail Macbeth as the Thane of Glamis and Cawdor who will be king and hail Banquo, who is a nobleman of Scotland and Macbeth’s friend, as one who will become the father of a line of kings. Macbeth ambition deep in his heart starts growing at that time. In Act I, scene iii, when Macbeth is thinking about the fulfillment of the two prophecies given by the witches before, "My thought, whose murder yet is but fantastical, shakes my single state of man"(I, iii, 139- 140) In this soliloquy, Macbeth reflects his idea about the "two truths" told by the witches. He is   ambitious to become king, as he reacts nervously when the witches mention his fate. The very idea of murder "shakes his single state of man". However, at this point, he is loyal to the king, and he rejects the idea of murder, "If chance will have me king, why, chance may crown me, without my stir."(I, iii, 143-144) The predictions by the witches may have strengthened the criminal intentions that he had probably never yet dared to express clearly, even to himself. He is not alliance with crime, he is neutral, but obviously temptation is working upon him.

Will Smith

Will Smith is one of the greatest actors, singers and rappers of our time. Even from his youth to his adulthood, he has become one of the most influential people of America. He has become a gifted and talented actor, demanding millions of dollars for his parts in number one hits movies at the box office. With his charm, his talent, and his generosity he will be a household name remembered for years to come. Williard C. Smith, Jr. known as Will grew up in a middle class area in West Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, called Winnfied located in the Overbrook section of West Philadelphia.Will Smith is the youngest of four children born to Caroline and Willard Smith, Sr. Will Smith’s heritage is both African American and Native America. He attended a Baptist church near his home with his family. As a young boy, Will loved to sing and rap. He was a talented little boy who loved to be in the spotlight. As a young boy, he was given the name Prince, because he always talked his way out of tr ouble and because of his charming looks. He was a very smart child growing up. Will was one of those kids everyone wanted to be like and be around.He was close to parents; unfortunately they divorced when Will was young. Will was then raised by his mother, Caroline and three other siblings. He attended the prestigious Julia Reynolds Masterman Laboratory and Demonstration School in Philadelphia. He was later transferred to Overbrook High School, where he graduated. His good SAT scores didn’t satisfy him to get into a college he wanted to enroll. His plans were to study computer engineering. Therefore, he pursued music. He then met Jeffrey A. Townes at a party that he attended and they soon began performing together.They were known as â€Å"DJ Jazzy Jeff and Fresh Prince. † He was the first hip-hop artist to be nominated for an Academy Award. He won a Grammy Award for the song â€Å"Summertime† during his rap career and received the first ever Grammy Award for Bes t Performance for the song â€Å"Parents Just Don’t Understand† in 1989. In 1990, Will Smith was almost near bankruptcy, and that was when Benny medina and NBC had an idea for a sitcom based on his life in Beverley Hills. NBC television network signed Will to a contract on the hit sitcom, â€Å"Fresh Prince of Bel-Air†.It was this sitcom that prepared him for his acting career. The sitcom lasted six years; during that time, he ventured into movies. Starring in his first movie,†Six Degrees of Separation† in 1993. After that movie, he was offered major roles in Independence Day, in which he played a fearless and confident fighter pilot. He was also starred in Men in Black, where he played the confident agent J. From then on he has gained lead in many successes including Men In Black II, Bad Boys II, I Robot, and Hitch.Will met his first wife, Sheree Smith at a taping of â€Å"A Different World† in 1992. They had one son together, Willard Smith, III (Trey), he was born on November 11, 1992. Will and Sheree divorced in 1995. Will Smith then met his second wife, Jada Pinkett in 1995 when she tried out for the role of his girlfriend on â€Å"The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. † They have two kids together, Jaden Christopher Syre Smith, he was born July 8, 1998, and a daughter, Willow Camille Reign Smith born October 30, 2000.

Founding fathers Essay

This paper seeks to explore whether the Statess presentation fathers were manpower of feature and people who were not driven by psycheal political ambition. Some of the fathers examined in the study include Alexander Hamilton, Aaron take, doubting Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin, George capital letter, fanny decades and James capital of Wisconsin (Ellis, 1- 2). Character posterior be looked at as the individual(prenominal) traits that are attributed to an someone and which guides his intentions. A adult male of use is that soul who lives by principles and motives that are virtuous and sought after by the people he is dealing with.These principles and motives should also be acceptable stultificationonize to the ethical standards set by the society. private ambition is when a person sets and focuses on achieving targets which are aimed at individual satisfaction. sensation is said to be driven by individualised ambition if these targets are the actuate factors behind his actions. In the book founding Brothers by Joseph J. Ellis, the founding fathers were politicians who pursued large(p) ambitions through various avenues.The political rivalry, pride, green-eyed monster and ad hominemized ambition however horde them into doing things that do not qualify every last(predicate) of them to be called men of reference point (Ellis, 10, 16, 23). Nonetheless, closely of their activities yielded in the flesh(predicate) political gratification as well as contributing in some way to the creating of America as a area. fit to Ellis (75), it is due to selfishness and ad hominem affaire that the then runer deposit of the treasury Alexander Hamilton and sitting guilt president Aaron Burr ended up in a duel that cancelled come in to be fatal as Burr fired a destructive short that killed Alexander.The two men who were on both sides of the political divide republican Republican vs. Federalists allowed their hatred to take repoint of thei r thoughts. Alexander did not like Burr because the later captured a Senate seat from Philip Schuyler who happened to be Hamiltons father-in-law (Ellis, 172). A man of event at this point would have real defeat and allowed democracy to prevail. In addition, Hamilton comes out as a nepotist who placed personal ambition before the interest of the commonwealth for finding it had to accept that Burr disappointed his relative Philip Schuyler.The despicable prospect denotative by Alexander against Burr which triggered the bloodline ending in the duel depicts him as a man who lacked character (Ellis, 113,140). A man of character uses his words wisely in away that does not harm the feelings of his audience but communicates the needed information. rather of pushing Aaron Burr further in the New York Gubernatorial election by endorsing a candidate who ended up beating Burr and widening their differences, a man of character would have swallowed pride, bury their differences and offere d his tin or remained neutral to patch up their differences ( Ellis, 160).This is because men of character appreciate differences of opinion and not taking things personal. However, Hamilton manifested well-grounded character by intentionally wasting his slug and keeping his pre-duel promise by not shooting Burr. The spirited push for the shaping of permanent rural areaal capital along the Potomac River was a great fiscal polity that credits him with fighting for the welfare of the nation and not his personal political ambition. His support for Jefferson against Burr due to the latters ill intention shows his concern for the nation.According to Ellis (194) we can say with profound trustingness that Aaron Burr was not a man of character based on his carrying into action of Hamilton and treason accusation. He comes out as an arrogant man capable of doing anything to shoot military unit and retain power. Hunger for power is a vice that is not associated with men of character . Even after loosing his Vice-presidency in an election, he was still driven by personal political ambition to the extent of deficient to betray his own nation.This is evident in his conspiracy to steal Louisiana barter for lands away from the United States and crown himself a King or Emperor (Ellis, 201) before his election to presidency, Thomas Jefferson and James Adams regretful a relationship that contributed immensely to the American nation. It is this good rapport that prompted Hamilton to prefer his campaigning to that of Burr. In spite of all these, his riot and disregard of other leaders for not working his way does not glisten his good character but he comes out as a person who prefers things to work out in his way.This can be illustrated by his opposition to George Washingtons policies which were regarded by many as being in the interest of the nation (Ellis, 240). He was also angered by bum Adams shape up for presidency which made him to refuse Adams attempt to incorporate him into the cabinet. As a man of good character, he should have accepted the gratitude and acknowledgement all-encompassing by his friend to dole out in the cabinet. This incident also shows that he allowed his personal political ambition to supersede the interest of the nation by refusing to serve in the cabinet.His acts of character assassination on John Adam reveal his hate and wrong conduct (Ellis, 343). However, Adams response warrants his consideration as a good man who was just trying to attention the nation. From his policies and politics, Washington can be considered as a mentionable politician who went beyond his personal political ambition to serve the nation. For instance, through the promotion of national whiz and highlighting the danger of partisanship and caller politics (Ellis, 256).On the issue of buckle down trade, all of these leaders stand criminate especially Madison as a man who lacked character by promoting this form of oppression to dev elop their nation shut Benjamin Franklin who spoke out against it plot championing freedom for all (Ellis, 317) Conclusion. Looking at the early political days of the founding fathers, we can conclude that some of them had their personal political ambition that tarnished their good character while others maintained their ethical standards and respect while serving the nation.For instance, controlled by personal political ambition, Thomas Jefferson engaged in activities that eroded his character as a good man. This trend however changed in old age as he tried to repair his faults including reconciling with John Adams (Ellis, 406). From the above discussions, I can conclude that not all founding fathers were men of character who were not driven by personal political ambition.Work CitedJoseph J. Ellis (2001). innovation Brothers. New York Wheeler Pub Inc.