Discuss what air cargo carriers are doing to assist in the quest to find alternate fuel sources?

1) Discuss what air cargo carriers are doing to assist in the quest to find alternate fuel sources? The usual practice of air cargo carriers was to pass the high cost of aviation fuel to passengers via surcharges. Nevertheless, this industry is currently facing huge decline in profits due to the overnight doubling of fuel prices. According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA) profit forecast, airlines and air cargo carriers can incur a loss of as much as $5 billion at the prevailing fuel prices (Logistics Business Review, 2009).To overcome the challenges posed by the rising fuel cost, air cargo carriers are exploring the option of finding alternative fuel sources. Towards this end, they are liaising with organizations like the Air Transport Association(ATA) and Commercial Aviation Alternative Fuel Initiative (CAAFI) who, according to ATA, are currently â€Å"coordinating work on the research and development of alternative jet fuels, including technical specification s, environmental aspects, production and distribution†(ATA, 2009; para. ). By liaising with these organizations, air cargo carriers are actively participating in meeting the objective of ensuring constant supply of affordable aviation fuel.This is because these organizations are involved in educating â€Å"potential fuel suppliers on the aviation fuel supply process – including airline operations as well as distribution and logistics considerations – to further ensure the reliable delivery of alternative jet fuel(Air Transport Association, 2009; para. 0), as well as in working with â€Å"potential suppliers to identify commercial terms and strategies that individual suppliers and purchasers might adopt to accelerate deployment† (Air Transport Association, 2009; para 12). Another strategy adopted by air cargo carriers in their search for alternative fuel sources include is to add more fleets of fuel efficient planes in their stock of commercial jets (Logis tics Business Review, 2009).The point to note here is that it is expected that these strategies explained here will enable air cargo carriers to improve their deteriorating financial position, and to become more efficient, more competitive and more profitable. It is assumed that a healthy air cargo industry not only facilitates domestic and international trade but will equally provide the needed jobs to the populace. 2) Post a current air cargo article in the Bulletin Board Discussion forum and add your comments. Current Air Cargo ArticleIATA: Air cargo drop may have found its floor Source: Retrieved March 29, 2009 from http://www. btimes. com. my/Current_News/BTIMES/articles/airo26f/Article/index_html GENEVA: International air cargo traffic fell 22. 1 per cent in February compared with the same month a year ago, but the decline in freight may have found its floor, the airline industry body IATA said yesterday. Freight demand is considered a key barometer for the health of global tr ade, which has weakened considerably in response to the world's economic downturn and credit crisis.The February decline was the third consecutive month with cross-border cargo volumes far below the previous year levels, following a 23. 2 per cent year-on-year drop in January and a 22. 6 per cent decline in December. â€Å"We may have found a bottom to the freight decline, but the magnitude of the drop means that it will take time to recover,† IATA director-general Giovanni Bisignani said in a statement. Freight demand in Asia, the region most affected by the decline in shipments, fell 24. 7 per cent year-on-year in February, the Geneva-based group said.Japanese exports have almost halved from February 2008, it said. Air passenger traffic also declined last month, but less sharply than cross-border cargo. Overall passenger volumes fell 10. 1 per cent below February 2008 levels, following a 5. 6 per cent year-on-year fall in January, IATA said. Asia-Pacific carriers saw a 12. 8 per cent drop, North American airlines carried 12 per cent fewer passengers and Europe's recorded traffic down 10. 1 per cent, matching the global average.Latin American passenger traffic was slightly stronger, with only a 3. per cent drop, and in the Middle East it was up 0. 4 per cent. IATA, which represents 230 airlines including British Airways, Cathay Pacific, United Airlines and Emirates, said earlier this week that airlines would lose US$4. 7 billion (US$1 = RM3. 63) this year as a result of the economic downturn that has kept people and cargo from flying. Its traffic data excludes domestic flights. – Reuters Comments This article discussed the current issues facing the air cargo service industry – the decline in business and revenue as a result of decrease in customer patronage.According to this article, IATA reported that, compared to the figures obtained for the month of February the previous year, the international cargo traffic fell by as much as 22. 1 pe r cent this current year (IATA, 2009). The article went ahead to identify four markets that were hard hit by this fall in cargo traffic and revenue. These markets included the Asian market, North American market, European market, and Latin American markets. In addressing the Asian market, the article noted that â€Å"Freight demand in Asia, the region most affected by the decline in shipments, fell 24. per cent year-on-year in February†¦ Air passenger traffic also declined last month, but less sharply than cross-border cargo. †(IATA, 2009; para. 5). For the other markets, the article reported that â€Å"Asia-Pacific carriers saw a 12. 8 per cent drop, North American airlines carried 12 per cent fewer passengers and Europe's recorded traffic down 10. 1 per cent, matching the global average.Latin American passenger traffic was slightly stronger, with only a 3. 8 per cent drop, and in the Middle East it was up 0. per cent† (IATA, 2009; para . 8). The article went ahe ad to explain that the current challenges facing the industry was precipitated by the global economic and credit crises which had tended to discourage people from patronizing both the air cargo service companies and passenger airlines. This article is thus an â€Å"eye opener because it exposed the financial troubles of the air cargo service industry – and industry that is considered by the less-informed to be immune to economic recession.

Chinese history Essay

250 Word Essay One of the most important aspects of ancient Chinese history is the formation of the Silk Road, a trade route which spanned two continents and put China on the map as one of the most important import/export countries in the ancient world. It’s beginnings were smaller in scale as it only encompassed the Chinese Empire itself but it became apparent, after Zhang Qian made contact with Central Asian tribes, that the expansion the trade route would benefit both China and other Asian nations. It continued to expand under the Han dynasty and into Roman times (Beauty).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   One of the most important reasons for its formation as a major trade route was fear of marauding gangs that were eager to obtain the many goods that Chinese merchants filled their caravans with: silk, gemstones, incense, spices, and blue and white porcelain were just some fo the cargo traveled along the Silk Road. The Chinese army was even beefed up in order to protect this special route that helped to keep China’s economy booming. It’s reach expanded throughout China and Asia and eventually commerce was developed between the Roman Empire and China (Newton).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The long-term impact of the Silk Road on Chinese culture and history were that it literally brought a strong economy to China, and brought the goods and customs of other cultures into its borders. The traders, including Zhang Qian in 138 B.C.E., were able to learn economic, military, and geographical information that would help in the roads expansion and with Chinese military success. The Silk Road was so important to the culture of both the Eastern and Western world because during Roman times, even the lower socioeconomic classes depended upon the goods that were imported from China on the Silk Road, and even the religion of Buddhism was spread by way of the Silk Road. Its impact on the world was huge and its impact on Chinese culture even more prominent (Newton). Works Cited â€Å"The Silk Road.† Beauty, the Land of China. ThinkQuest. 19 Jan. 2007 . â€Å"The Silk Road.† Newton Public Schools. 19 Jan. 2007 .       100 Word Assignment  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚     Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   One of the most surprising aspects of my research about the Silk Road was the vast expanse of space which is encompassed. It’s amazing how far the caravans had to travel and how large they were. From all accounts the Silk Road was dangerous to those traveling it because of the terrain and yet it was such an integral part of Chinese history and lasted for many years, even expanding. The images of the Silk Road that I could find reminded me the regal images of Chinese royalty, for some reason. It’s as if everyone is perceived as being clothed in silk from head to toe, even the camels! I definitely see how difficult the trip must have been because of the limited means of transportation that the merchants had access to, and how they could easily become victims of a raid for their goods. I also thought that it was interesting that Buddhism itself was virtually spread by way of the Silk Road. I was surprised to see that the Silk Road is being revitalized for tourism purposes and that there are many tour groups that specialize in trips just along the route that used to be traveled by Chinese merchants in ancient times.

“Night” by Elie Wiesel Essay

Elie Wiesel, a famed author and survivor of the Holocaust stated quite simply that anyone who witnessed a crime, and did nothing to stop it is just as guilty as the one committing it. Elie Wiesel learned a lot about man’s nature by surviving the Holocaust, but his statement about a bystander being just as guilty as the actual criminal is wrong. People are responsible for there own actions, and it is not fair to blame someone for a crime they did not commit, whether they could have done something to stop it or not. During the Holocaust there were over 6 million people persecuted, but there were many more silent bystanders who were unable to do anything because they feared for their lives. It is human nature to look after your own wellbeing and those closest to you, and many people felt if they tried to do something to stop the persecution of Jews it would endanger them in one way or another. In some cases somebody can witness a horrible atrocity, but have no power to stop it. Elie wrote in his book about how he and his fellow Jews were forced to watch the hanging of a young and innocent child by the S.S. The Jews that witnessed the hanging of the boy were all silent bystanders who, according to Elie, should be punished in the same manner that the executioner was. This shows how wrong Elie’s judgment is. The Jews were unable to do anything to help the boy for fear of their own lives, people cannot be blamed for their most fundamental and primitive instinct which is self preservation. Elie Wiesel experienced a lot of pain and suffering during the Holocaust, but the silent bystanders cannot be punished the same way the actual criminal is no matter what the circumstance is. If Elie truly believes that a silent bystander is just as guilty as a criminal, then that would mean that he is guilty of hanging a young innocent boy and deserves to be killed or sent to prison. Although it’s easy to see where Elie’s statement is coming from and why he chose to make it, it is clear that he made his statement more out of emotion than actual logic. I disagree with his judgment because silent bystanders do not always have the power to stop or intervene with the crime without endangering themselves.

Civil engineering issues Lab Report Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Civil engineering issues - Lab Report Example However, it is associated with specific stories to global concepts, proper behavior in the corporate environment, and the inspiration of corporate geology for making of wise management decisions. The geological limits of Clarence Road comprise land dereliction, poor infrastructure, and the loss of open space and agricultural lands in Clarence Town. As an element of Master Plan 2015, the state should enhance prevailing open space conservation tools and to initiate a conservation program. These comprise a purchase of development rights program in those regions most vulnerable to development, prioritizing those lands, which are presently active in terms of agronomic production. As acknowledged in the Nutter Study, open space conservation under such a plan would not generate an economic adversity for the Town considering a growing local tax rate nor to intellectual property proprietors. Infrastructure and especially the extension of sewer lines and the escalations in traffic volumes on the present Clarence road will be a serious factor in establishing development and in guiding land usage resolutions in the future of the road and entirely in the Town of Clarence. Access to public sewers is serious to the lasting ecological health of the community. Sewer lines have stretched out comparatively slowly and have fashioned significant development impacts on the Town. According to Town of Clarence Planning and Zoning Department, growth in focus regions will and has had a correspondingly dramatic influence the service of existing roadways. The geological limits of Hunslet Riverside include the landscape of smoke nuisance. The region is home to a collection of voluntary firms servicing the public, this comprises The Hunslet Club, a youth association founded in 1940 which offers sport, dance and drama events for hundreds of young individuals in the region in addition to

In the Service of My Lord Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

In the Service of My Lord - Essay Example There, it flashed in me what it was to be a true follower of Jesus Christ who pleaded to the Heavenly Father when crucified on the Cross, "Father, forgive them for they know not what they do" (Luke 23:34). Forgiveness doe not come easily to even ordinary human beings like me. So then, how was it that He, the Holy Spirit, who had within Him the power to speak to the Father who was in Heaven directly, could pray for their forgiveness If He, Son of God, could pray to His Father for forgiveness of those who have been so cruel to Him, was it because He was weak I knew even such a thought was preposterous. To the contrary, it was because He wanted to teach us mortals, the power of forgiveness, the power of prayer. He showed us by His own example, how to forgive, how to pray! I was moved when I realized this, and a strange calm settled in me after this episode. I resolved to take Christ as my 'Guiding Spirit' ever since and truly believe that "His word" has been "a lamp to my feet and a light for my path" (Psalm 119:105). I devoted myself to my studies then on, and have successfully completed my schooling, to the best of my ability. However, the above experience has never left my memory and has made me believe that I can progress in my spiritual as well as social life, by following the path of the Holy Gospel. Education has always been important to our family.

Enterprise Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words - 3

Enterprise - Essay Example f its customers by offering them timely services; clean vehicles and easy local accessibility which can reduce the cost for its customers while at the same time ensure that customer expectations are met. One of the key assets, firm has been able to develop over the period of time is the strong Human Resource Base. The quality of the HR is considered as one of the key assets because firm is not only the largest recruiter of the graduates but also put them through a systematic training which helped employees to understand the business from bottom up. Apart from this, firm has been able to develop a better customer services, large fleet, local management and truly customer focus. However, considering the overall change in dynamics, the management of the firm may use following strategies to achieve further growth : 1. Firm needs to develop alternative delivery channels to further penetrate into the market. Currently, though it is following all local strategy however, it needs to focus on developing alternative channels to achieve the growth. The changes in the technology may help the organization to achieve required level of growth therefore firm can use online web portals as well as mobile applications as alternative booking channels for its services. This can help firm to specially target those customers who are mobile and want to use rented cars for commuting long distances. 2. The current strategy of the firm is focused upon delivering local solutions to the customers through effective services, clean vehicles and cheaper rides. This strategy however, may not be viable as the overall demographics and consumer orientation changes. The current breed of customers require strong reviews, online social acceptance before they make any purchase decision. In order to cater to the needs of a customer base which is too mobile and have loads of information at access, it is critical that the firm shall match desired experience of such consumers. It needs to move out of its

SOCIAL NETWORKING AND STUDENT SAFETY BALANCING STUDENT FIRST AMENDMENT Essay

SOCIAL NETWORKING AND STUDENT SAFETY BALANCING STUDENT FIRST AMENDMENT RIGHTS AND DISCIPLINING THREATENING SPEECH - Essay Example ertain nation are capable of governing their own selves but at least, it is of an utmost fact that people always desires for the good and well-being of their own country; hence, the essence of universal suffrage prevails that the people instinctively chooses leaders who will run the nation; leaders who possess the same amount of passion in upholding the welfare of the nation and therefore deserves to take supreme control over the nation. In America, it is very evident from a keen observers eye the results brought about by democracy. There is so much talent that can be found everywhere. There are many people who are more deserving for a seat to supremacy but are not part of the supreme authority. Instead, they are part of the common Tao that work and live a normal life every day and it should be noticed that these are the outcomes in connection to democracys excess over its previous limitations. Democracy is not merely deficient of judgment that is important to choose people that truly deserves their trust, however, almost always have not wished or had the intention to look for them. It is of an undeniable fact that institutions embracing democracy inclines to introduce a sense of jealousy in the heart of each individual; it is not due to the fact that they have all the capacity to rise above everyone elses position as ultimately because these would mean to unnoticeably beset the people who hired them. Democratic bodies enlivens and teaches a desire for fairness which cannot be satisfied at all. The norm of fairness that renders men self-regulating of each other provides them a practice as well as a perception for going along their isolated acts no other controller aside from their own drive. The whole freedom, which they always delight in relative to their peers and in the interactions of personal life, lean towards making them gaze at all power with an envious eye and hastily proposes towards them the concept and the passion of political liberty. A usual bias

Is Public Safety Assured or Threatened Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Is Public Safety Assured or Threatened - Essay Example In such instances, prison terms are far more costly and less effective than alternative programs. Effective alternative programs, regardless of intensity, are still the less costly option. There are other sanctions and programs available, such as probation, treatment programs, work-release programs and a host of combined services that, when combined and applied appropriately, may prevent crime without the expense of prison. Criminologist James Q. Wilson believes that prison has been overused as states have Expanded their incarceration programs. â€Å"They have dipped deeper into the bucket of persons eligible for prison, dredging up offenders with shorter and shorter criminal records.† Wilson argues that the costs to society may far outweigh the benefits. Increased incarceration does little to increase public safety. The cost of America’s correction system â€Å"now exceeds $60 billion per year† (Austin & Fabelo 7). Those who have violated their probation for con victions of alcohol and drug use, unemployment and failure to pay court fees has also increased, as a result. The increased cost ultimately is passed on to taxpayers, with little return for their investments. Crimes related to drugs, property and public disorder have little to no connection with pain and suffering to victims. Yet , â€Å"over 90% of crimes committed are of this nature† (Austin & Fabelo 9). Public safety is not even an issue. Effective alternative programs, which could include job training, education, rehabilitation and other services based on ability to pay would likely save taxpayers and communities money.

Business Cultures Which Foster and Impede Product Development Research Paper

Business Cultures Which Foster and Impede Product Development - Research Paper Example New product development takes time and it is also quite risky and costly. The failure rate of new products is really high in the market. This happens due to several factors but the most common factor is lack of market research. The marketers should do a proper market research for their product. If they are successful then, after developing the product, another product research is also necessary. This will not only give a true picture to the market, but also save them from incurring huge losses before developing the idea or concept (Saxena, 2009, p. 266-268). The reason behind developing new products for the company is known and generally discussed aspect in business environment, but the significance of business culture in product development is a rarely discussed issue. However, organization culture plays a very important role in generation of innovative ideas, product designing or developing a whole new product. Ricks (2006), in his book â€Å"Blunders in International Business,â⠂¬  suggested that â€Å"The failure to understand cultural differences can bear serious consequences.† This means that culture of the company determines how it functions and this directly affects innovation and development of new product in the company or business. Objective of the Study In the highly competitive market it is very important to develop innovative new products and services for getting good responses from the customers. So the objective of this study is to analyze the different facets of business culture which promote and obstruct the development of new products. This would assist in understanding the right culture that organizations should maintain to integrate innovation as the permanent ingredients in the strategic framework of the organization. Outline of the Study The study was designed to evaluate the admittance and barriers of business culture in case of new product development. So the study initiated with a background study on product, development of n ew products in organization and the importance of such on the profitability of the organization. Then the objective for conducting the research study was ascertained. Next, the study moves on to the discussion of the past literature available, which supports the objective of the study and the argument. So it would focus on topics like organizational culture, contribution of culture in innovation, Encouraging pioneering culture for the development of new products, role of workforce diversity, and a case study which includes the real life example of innovative culture of a company, due to which it is a market leader and a developer of numerous innovative products, called 3M. After this the implications of the product managers in the organization would be also scrutinized and the study would be concluded by analyzing the different aspects included in the study to derive results. LITERATURE REVIEW Business or Organizational Culture The term management means getting things properly done with the help of other people. This theory is considered true all over the world. For achieving this mission, the management of the organizatio

The corporation report Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

The corporation report - Essay Example In addition, they have compared corporations to a football team in that all teammates play different parts yet have a similar goal (HAINES, 2007, P 8). Furthermore, corporation has being compared to a family unit and a telephone line. Overall, corporations are greedy and materialistic organizations that do not care about the welfare of the people. Examples of workers being paid slave wages and the use of chemicals to increase milk production at the expense of the animal’s health by Monsanto is proof (YouTube, 2013). Findings Argument for the Film The film talks about the negative side of corporations and produces enough evidence. For example, the Nike shoe company has been accused of hiring child labour in the third world countries. Another corporation is the Coca-Cola Company which continued to manufacture the beverage despite protests of water infections in India. These corporations exploit people (Fisse, & Braithwaite, 1993, P, 1). The child labour in the Nike Company is al so being paid slave wages. Monsanto insisted on the use of BST Posillac, which harms the, cow and the farmer too. Monsanto also polluted Vietnam with toxic herbicide that resulted to death and cancer. The documentary has listed some negativity of corporations. Continuous deceitfulness. Callous unconcern for others. Reckless disregard for safety of others. Failure to conform to social norms with respect to lawful behaviours. Incapacity to endure lasting relationships. Incapacity to experience guilt. Arguments against the Film Even though the documentary has majored on the down sides of corporations it has also shed light on the good sides of some corporations. Billionaires have given out their wealth in support of the environment, for example, Bill Gates and Sir Richard Branson. Monsanto has a number of claims to defend their position. The corporation claims the following. Protecting ecosystems while driving productivity. Innovating to improve lives. Delivering the best seeds for far mers. Looking globally to plant the best locally. In the top 10 of the World’s most innovative companies. Nike also claims the following. Providing safe working environments. Usage of ethically sound methods. Socially responsible sourcing practices. Burson-Marsteller corporation claims to aid people achieve good lives by; - Giving people a voice. Set up the national smoker’s alliance. Created BCFA to combat environmental campaigns. Legal Position of a Corporation – UK Different countries have different legal positions of a corporation (Rosenau, 1997, P, 200). Companies Act 2006 is laws that restate the greater part of the enactments relating to companies (Degenhardt, 2010, 17). In the UK CA 2006 sets out the rules for reform of companies (Almond, 2013, P 191). In the company acts of the UK legal position states under Salomon v Salomon & Co Ltd [1897] A.C. 22 that a company has a separate legal personality. This means that a corporation Liability for its actions is limited to the company. It can sue and be sued, own property and enter into contracts. The EU transparency directive 2007 in the case of the Cadbury report 1992 and Hampel committee report 1998 addresses corporate fraud and accountability (Fisse, & Braithwaite, 1993, P, 2). Furthermore, it addresses conflict of interest and auditor independence or the white collar crime (Haines, 2007, P 9). Legal Position of a Corporation – USA In the USA Corporations are now armed with constitutional

Carpe Diem Essay Example for Free

Carpe Diem Essay We live day to day working, paying bills, and not noticing what is truly out there in the world. We get caught up in drama with co-workers, friends, family and random people that we meet in our day to day activities. We stress over little things that shouldn’’t even be stressed over, because what’’s going to change from the time you’’re stressing from the next day to the next? The problem won’’t go away or get better or worse either way. So why stress? Life is too short to not enjoy what the world has to offer. Carpe Diem is a Latin phrase meaning â€Å"â€Å"Seize the Day†Ã¢â‚¬ . It can mean many different things to different people. Carpe diem really just means living life to the fullest because tomorrow may never come. Carpe Diem in Latin means seize the day but when you look at that what does it mean to you? To me it means living your life to the fullest. You need to enjoy every aspect of life as much as possible because when you really look at things in the big picture we are not on this planet very long. So it really isn’’t a phrase that means something, but it is a way of life. When you look at it you should ask yourself this question. If my life was a book, how interesting would it be and would anyone want to read it. When living life to the fullest a major aspect would have to be your family. How can you say you have no regrets if you are not in order with your family? Your family should be your life and you should enjoy everything you do with them. You should also strive to make sure they feel the same way about you. Making sure you’’re not too busy to enjoy your family and doing things with them will make you feel more fulfilled in life. You and your family’’s happiness will always be one of the biggest aspects when it comes to living your life to the fullest. Working is a big part of life because you spend the majority of your day doing it. You should work at a career that you enjoy not work just to pay bills. Working at a job that you enjoy will make many other aspects in life seem that much better and you will enjoy life much more. Money can’’t buy happiness, love, family, or friends. If you work just for a paycheck and don’’t enjoy what you do you will not enjoy all the other things in life as much. How do you think your daily life will feel if you spend eight of the sixteen hours you are awake doing something you don’’t enjoy? When looking back at your life in your older age you should want to feel that you have enjoyed your career and did it for the right reasons. Enjoying your job and doing what you live is a big part of living your life to the fullest. Life is also about going out having good experiences with good company. Whether good or bad, new experiences with good friends will always be a memorable and good time in your life. Remembering the good times around the camp fires and the nice ice cold beers with those that mean the most to you is a great example. Having the chance to explore the world and making memories is one of the most charitable things in life. Climb a mountain, swim a sea, what’’s the worst thing that can happen; your phone bill doesn’’t get paid. I’’m not saying quit your job and forget that you have responsibilities, but what should really come first? Everyone needs a break from work to enjoy life. Take the time out of working to go out for a god hunt or a day at the beach with friends. If you can look back and like a bigger part of your life than not you are seizing the day. So you might say that isn’’t what seizing the day means. You may feel that it means something completely different. But looking at your life, how accomplished would you feel if you didn’’t have any family or never had any fun memories about your life. You could not say with a clear conscience that you have lived your life to the fullest. No matter how you feel inside or what your definition may be on living life to the fullest you will always want to look back and say I had no regrets. You can look at your life in many different ways and see several different views on it. When looking at it in the big picture you want to feel that you lived it to the fullest with no regrets. When picturing the whole thing we call a life and reflecting on it you will see that family, what you do, and the people you do it with make up a huge portion of it. So make sure you live everyday to the fullest and never forget the saying â€Å"â€Å"Carpe Diem†Ã¢â‚¬ .

Effects of Children Essay Example for Free

Effects of Children Essay Children have a big impact on a relationship and the communication between two parents. Adding children into any relationship takes change and communication on both ends. It can be harder depending on the different relationship situations. Children change not only your personal relationship but also the relationships you have with friends and family. I asked three different parents that I know the same three questions. The questions were: 1. What change was least expected after your baby was born? 2. How did communication with your partner and others change after having a baby? . How did having a child affect your marriage or relationship? Each of the answers I received was similar. A\ll of the parents expressed that their lives and relationships changed a lot after having children. Their relationship with friends and with their partner became a challenge. Two out of the three said they expected the challenges while one said she didn’t expect so many issues to arise with her partner. A big issue that was mentioned by all three was the fact that the time between them and their partner was cut down drastically. That became a relationship breaker for one. She chose her daughters needs over the needs of her relationship. The communication patterns described by the parents did not follow the Guidelines for Effective Communication in Families. They differed because the communication and equity was not followed. One parent chose her time and energy needed to be focused on her child and put her relationship on hold. This in the end broke up her relationship. The other two followed the guidelines to an extent but not completely. Communication is tampered no matter what way you look at it. Men and woman look at parenthood different and that may be the main reason why children have such an effect on relationships. Communication is key in any relationship. There has to be a level of understanding and respect from both ends to balance any kind of friendship or intimate relationship. Children can change a lot of things in our lives. If two people are not on the same page in a relationship or about the choices that have to made with children it can ruin the relationship all together.

Consumer Attitudes: Online Shoe Shopping

Consumer Attitudes: Online Shoe Shopping Segmentation is to identify homogeneous groups or customer segments in the market place that will respond in a consistent, predictable way to variations in the marketing mix (Reynolds, 2006). Previous market segmentation research studies indicate that market segmentation benefits firms in various ways. It directly influences the consumer decision-making process (Haley, 1968). Also, it generates new market segments and creates new business opportunities, which enables companies to overcome developing barriers and to achieve competitive differentiation. IKEA, Gillette and Microsoft are all successful examples. (Bowonder, 2010) The product that people choose to use or wear exactly reflects their life taste and social identity (Solomon and Barmossy, 2006). Belk (2003) think that the shoes consuming are crucial for both men and women which are not only a way of self presentation but also inseparable parts of our extended selves. Shoes are the mirror of our souls. Furthermore, people assume others from their footwear. They would rather bear the tortures from a pair of uncomfortable but stylish shoes than wear an average one, because they believe that shoes have the magic for their self achievement. 4.11 Consumer Attitudes towards Shoes Women are known to be much crazier on shoes than men. A research in America in 2000 showed that women aging from 16 to 74 owned more than twice pairs of shoes as men did on average. And lots of women owned over 50 pairs of footwear while none of the male respondents owned more than 30 pairs. However, men spent almost 25 dollars more on their most expensive shoes than women (Belk, 2003). Another survey of working women recently conducted by Mintel revealed why women are so keen on shoes. Forty-four percent of those who aged 18-34 said they needed two pairs of shoes for work, one for commute and the other one for wearing in the office. And almost two-thirds of participants said shoes helped them to achieve a fashionable working look (Dolliver, 2010). But the report in Minter about footwear retailing in 2008 demonstrated that Younger consumers are looking for better but affordable quality while the older care more about comfort and durability. The younger, especially men, are much more willing to buy shoes online. Once experiencing successful online shoes shopping, they are more likely to repeat purchase. In 2008, only 5 per cent adults aged over 15 buy shoes online, in which those who aged 15-24 and 35-44 more frequently buy shoes on the Internet (Mintel, 2008). 4.2 Competitor Benchmark Learning from the Icons in the same industry can help company quickly improve in an economically way. The most successful example online for shoes selling is Zappos.com from the USA. Although Chinese culture and economical environment are completely different from the USA, there is no border for business. Zappos business mode and managerial experience could be a good model for EA. Zappos online shoes selling business is in common with EAs e-commerce plan. It built up the brand online and reached $1 billion annual sales after 10 years effort (Zappos.com, 2009). There are more than 500 brands and 90,000 styles of shoes on Zappos.com with the price ranged from $20 to $2,000 to meet the needs of different consumer groups. Delivering high-quality online service and building up brand credibility by favourable WOM are the two key successful necessities to Zappos (BRAND WEEK, 2008). The store experience and the product try-on experience are the two highlights of physical shoes stores that online shoes shopping can hardly compare at present. However, the customer service, entertainment marketing as well as no sale area limitation are the benefits that most physical stores can never reach. Craig Adkins, Executive Vice President of Zappos, said that they dont compete with other online trade companies but compete with physical stores. The only reason that they have grown so quickly and won the game in the fierce competition is to offer the best customer service, product option and delivery speed possible (Zmzsk.com 2009). The interactive sections such as videos and blogs also provide more diversified customer experience and achieve the breakthrough of customer value. Namely, customer service, product variety, delivery and interactivity could be the four key points for EAs e-commerce. 4.3 Market Data Research There is barely any research about the shoes market or online market specifically focusing on the places EA plans to target (Beijing, Shanghai and Guangdong province). However, we could have a general understanding about the Chinese online shoes market as a whole from the small amount of literature. With the popularity of online business, a lot export trade companies have been stepping into the home market through the internet. Certain famous shoes companies also start to change their companies from traditional bricks and mortar to bricks and clicks, even majority click level. Needless to say, EA will meet the competitors threats when it starts the approach into the new market. China is the largest footwear manufacturing base as well as the largest footwear consuming market around the world. The sales volume of Chinese shoes market is huge and steadily growing by years due to the large population and the annual improvement of disposable income. Those who live in the big cities such as Beijing and Shanghai as well as the coastal cities in Chinas southeast have the greatest purchasing power. According to The 2009 China Leather Shoes Market Situation Analysis and Forecast Report from Beijing Heading Century Consulting Co. Ltd, 85% of the total shoes consumption in China is low-to-middle-level products whereas most high-end shoes are imported from abroad (Sewworld.com 2009). There is a gap of the high-end domestic footwear market for EA to fill. Suffering from the economic recession, export trade shoes companies all consider stepping into the domestic market which contains numerous consumers and large consuming potential. But lots of them failed. The main barriers for those companies to open the home market are enormous variations of the outdated product style, lack of distribution channels, unfamiliarity with the market and huge costs of human and financial resources. Still, a great deal of export trade companies plan to have a finger in the pie despite of the difficulties (Cnxz.cn 2009). That means a chance for EA to survive in the dog-eat-dog world as long as the company finds the right way. On the other hand, department stores and speciality shops are the main distribution channels of leather shoes, according to The 2009 China Leather Shoes Consuming Market Research from Beijing Heading Century Consulting Co. Ltd, with 51.5% and 40.1%. Certain famous Chinese shoes brands, for instance, Belle, Aokang and Daphne, have occupied the majority of the domestic market and there is little market share left for those not that well-know SMEs (Sewworld.com 2009). The competition among physical stores is extremely fierce. Therefore, the SMEs start to explore a new distribution channel by opening the online market. In fact, several shoes brands which have physical stores have opened the online market. Not only the SMEs, but also large and famous companies either have built an online shopping website or have set up a virtual store with B2C websites. According to the China B2B Research Centre, there are more than 100 million internet consumers in China in 2009, and the number of the SMEs with e-commerce has dramatically increased to more than seven million in the past six years. Nevertheless, online sales in the footwear industry are basically at the initial stage except for a few industry leading companies which have entered the Internet shoes market early and systematically operated it in a large scale (Zmzsk.com 2009). EA could seize the right moment to open up a new world. 4.4 Online Consuming Analysis More and more people have joined the dramatically growing group shopping online, but still lots of people hold a conservative attitude towards online transaction. Risk perception about offering personal information, online payment and product quality etc. prevents consumers from further purchase behaviour. How can we encourage people to be willing to take risk (Schoormanà ¯Ã‚ ¼Ã…’2007)? How can we convert web visitors to buyers? Considerable previous studies proved that online trust building is the biggest issue facing e-marketing managers. Trust to a large extent determines the success of the relationship between buyer and seller and it is rather significant in the changeable e-business environment (Morgan and Hunt, 1994; Pavlou, 2003; Wang and Emurian, 2005). Establishing trust between shopper and sellers can reduce consumers uncertainty and rick perception. Furthermore, it has a positive impact on e-shoppers purchasing behaviour (Lim et al., 2010). There are manifold studies contributed to the definitions about trust. Deutsch (1962) thought that trust is an actions that increase ones vulnerability to another; Moorman (1992, p315) defined that Trust is the willingness to rely on an exchange partner in whom one has confidence; Sitkin and Roth (1993, p373) referred that trust is a belief in a persons competence to perform a specific task under specific circumstance. Whereas, Koufari and Sosa (2003) developed the concept of initial trust. In their opinion, trust can be built at the first time when people interact with the company, which directly influence the following consumer behaviour. Well-designed website and the good name of company can help visitors to form a positive attitude and against the risk of switching to competitors websites. Pleasant experience can gain a lot of new customers even at the first time. We agree that the first impression is very important, it may determine whether the future communication will continue or not. However, we believe that the temporary positive feelings aroused from the website are not equal to trust. Customers real faith towards the website requires companies to take continuous effort and to develop a good relationship with online consumers over time, such as offering an ongoing enjoyable interactive communication with customers. Furthermore, establishing and maintaining the trustful relationship can eventually affect the customers purchase intention (Bhattacherjee, 2002; Lee et al., 2001; Lim, 2001; Hoffman and Novak, 1996). Purchasing online involves risk, especially when a person lack experience with the online firm (Schlosser et al., 2006). In the particular case of EA, which just starts its approach to the domestic market, few people are aware of the company (reputation and size) and its products (brand and quality). Therefore, the progress of convincing consumers is fairly necessary and critical for EA, which means ongoing trust building is essential for EA to gradually convince its customers and maintain a good customer relationship. Thus, the present research is focused on investigating the importance and determinants of ongoing trust building. Numerous researchers have studied the importance of online trust building as well as the factors that influence the construction of trust in the virtual environment. For instance, Bhattacherjee (2002) claimed three key dimensions about the e-commerce trust: trustees ability, benevolence, and integrity. In his journal, he defines trustees ability as the trustors (website visitors) perception of trustees (online company) competencies and knowledge salient to the expected behaviour. For an online business, its website should clearly and successfully present the companys capabilities and professional skills (e.g. EAs expertise technology in making leather shoes) to increase the e-customers confidence via, for example, offering the list of the powerful partners, presenting detailed product or service information, designing an both attractive and functional (easy to understand/use/response) website. (Bhattacherjee, 2002) Benevolence here is referred to the faith in an online business that the company is willing to do more/extra service for the customers without profit consideration. The service or behaviour the online companies take can increase peoples confidence and sense of security. Its not possible for every company to offer extra service considering the additional cost. However, directed by the benevolent rules, online business firms should at least be completely aware that they need to respect their online consumers, fully understand their specific requirements, and work effectively and continuously on reducing web visitors uncertainties and worries. (Bhattacherjee, 2002) Integrity, in the e-shopping context, means customers confidence to the firms that their online commercial activities are directed under a set of moral principles or professional standards (Schlosser et al., 2006). In the practical virtual environment, the firms which conduct the integrity rules should attach great importance to the process of online transaction and relative service, the usage of consumers private data. These rules are practically linked with the realisation of company fulfilment, such as timely delivering, accurate record, reliable payment system and so on. (Bhattacherjee, 2002) In sum, indicated as the measurement of online trust building in many researches, trustees ability, benevolence, and integrity are associated with website design such as product presentation, attractiveness and usability, service quality, say delivery and payment system, and credibility (Bhattacherjee, 2002; Doney and Cannon, 1997). In other words, website design, credibility and service quality could contribute to purchase intention through ongoing trust building, and in the next section, a conceptual framework is built to testify it. 4.5 Conceptual Framework According to the studies on consumers relationship with companies (Bhattacharya and Sen, 2003), trust and online purchase intention (Schlosser et al., 2006), the key determinants of online satisfaction and the impact on the following behaviour (Zeng et al., 2009), the role of trust in online business (Lim et al., 2008) and online product presentations influence on peoples purchase intention (Park et al., 2005), we develop a conceptual framework about the key determinants that impact ongoing trust building, combining the practical situation of EA with previous studies on online shoes consuming characteristics. This study divides the contributors to ongoing trust building into three categories: (1) website design, (2) credibility and (3) service quality. The Research Model is presented below (Figure 1). It is predicted that website design, credibility and online service quality will affect consumers intention to purchase indirectly through ongoing trust building. Whats more, the study will discover whether the three contributors share equal weight of influence on purchase intention. In a word, we argue that if online consumers perceive high-level web design, high credibility and high-quality service, then they are more likely to trust in the online service provider, which in turn contributes to intention to purchase. The results will be able to offer the directions and guidelines for EA or future shoes business to improve their online marketing performance. Figure 1: Research Model 4.51 Ongoing Trust Building Crosby et al. (1990) defined trust as a conviction when the customer develops a tacit understanding with a seller, and a seller can be relied upon to behave in such a manner that the long-term interest of the customer will be served. Pavlou (2003) indicated that trust in e-commerce is the belief that allows consumers to willingly become vulnerable to web retailers after having taken the retailers characteristics into consideration. In the virtual world, customers cant access enough information about the company to build the trust, which makes it more difficult to achieve trust at the beginning of a relationship than in the physical world (Wirtz and Lihotzky, 2003). Therefore, on the basis of the previous literature review, we define ongoing trust building as the continuous efforts that create and maintain a consumers confidence in an online service providers ability, benevolence, and integrity in order to achieve a lasting buyer-seller relationship (Liang and Chen, 2009; Bhattacherje e, 2002). Several researches have studied trust in e-business. There are different points of view about the taxonomy of trust. For instance, Kim et al. (2005) thought trust impacts buyers purchase intention in four dimensions: trust in technology, trust in product, trust in institution and trust in information. Plank et al. (1999) categorized trust into three types: trust in product, trust in company and trust in salesperson and developed various sales strategies for each. Moreover, Lim et al. (2008) proposed three key trust variables specific to online automobile insurance business which are service trust, company trust and product trust. And this viewpoint was proved by Lim et al. (2010). In our opinion, services, products and company reputation are more paramount to EA as a high-end online shoes selling SME and require more trust from consumers. Thus, we argue that service trust, company trust and product trust could be the key variables to high-end online shoes selling business and EAs ong oing trust building should base on the three dimensions. For an online business, its website is the primary channel for contact and communication with its customers and it shapes the cognitive perception of the customer. That is why e-commerce companies are constantly looking for ways to improve their websites to make the interaction between the website and the customer more inviting, convenient, and ultimately conductive to purchasing their products and services. (Lim et al., 2010) As we mentioned in the previous literature review, consumer perception to the website has an indirect effect on purchase intention via ongoing trust building. Namely, consumers perceptions towards website design, credibility and service quality of an online service provider are positively associated with its ongoing trust building and ultimately influence consumers intention to purchase. 4.52 Website Design As the traditional shopping channel is gradually replaced by the internet, e-retailers have to rely to a great degree on the website interface, which is not only a critical medium to publicise itself and improve its reputation, but also a necessary channel to sell products and services as well as interact with web shoppers to win e-consumers trust (Rayport and Jaworski, 2001; Bellizzi, 2000; Hoque and Lohse, 1999; Jarvenpaa and Todd, 1996/1997; cited in Song and Zahedi, 2005). Features, component, information are three key components of website design (Song and Zahedi, 2005). A well-designed website can skilfully apply the three elements and attractively present valuable content in a clear-structured format with certain creative feature (Ahn et al. 2004; Konradt et al 2003), by which can increase web visitors interest and prolong their browsing time. The longer visitors stick to one particular website, the easier they are likely to form a positive attitude towards it, which could con tribute to a trustful relationship (Mccloskey, 2003-2004). New information technology is welcomed only when its useful and easy to use (Davis et al., 1989). Taylor and Todd (1995) also clarified that compatibility impacts peoples acceptance of technology. When people are searching or shopping online, the websites learnability, efficiency, memorability, infrequency of errors, and other key features of web design (Nielsen, 2000), such as the ease of use of the website, the quality of information, or the effectiveness of online transaction, are very significant. They dominate consumers following behaviours: to stick to the website or switch to another one, to view more information or actively communicate with the company via internet (Zeng et al., 2009; Koh and Kim, 2004; cited in Lin, 2007). In addition, attractive outlook or atmospheric stimuli in the offline shopping environment may increase consumers purchasing possibilities (Weinberg and Gottward, 1982; Weinberg and Gottward, 1994; cited in Wang et al., 2009). Similarly, well-designed website and skilfully application of the information technology can appeal web-visitors to stick longer to the website and have interactive communication with its staff (Heijden, 2003). And it was valued as the reason for satisfaction and subsequent trust (Martà ­n and Camarero, 2007). As Anderson (1980) referred that it is very important to catch peoples eyeballs at the first time, the visual appeals would possible influence the subjective judgment about the websites performance (Jennigns, 2000; Tractinsky et al., 2000). Approving this theory, Lindgaard and Fernandes (2006) also emphasised that a reliable decision can be made in 50 minutes. When consumers visit one website at the first time and the impression formed in the first 50 mi nutes could influence the consequent decisions. On the other hand, for apparel shopping, consumers are quite concern about the material, the fit, the colour and the quality of the products, but its difficult to know when people shopping in the virtual environment. Risk perception might be one of the most important reason that restrain consumers to purchase online (McCorkle, 1990; Ernst and Young, 2001; Park et al., 2005). As a result, presenting product in an attractive and convincing way is necessary to the online apparel companies. Also, pleasant virtual shopping experience may reduce the perceived risk which associated with online purchasing behaviour (Bhatti et al., 2000; Park et al., 2005). Furthermore, as mentioned above, one of most key factors for Zappos success is the shoes presentation in 360 degree with plenty of pictures, which minimise the uncertainties of online shoes shopping (Zappos.com, 2009). According to the empirical research conducted by Song and Zahedi (2005), website design can strengthen customers beliefs and consequently increase the tendency of purchasing online. Therefore, we assume that the website design presents a unique competitive advantage among all the e-commerce strategies and the website usability combined with novel design as well as the product presentation in a detailed and clear way lead to e-consumers ongoing trust building. H1: Web Design has a positive influence on ongoing trust building. 4.53 Credibility Credibility was defined as the consumer belief that a seller is competent, reliable, predictable, and honest, and would perform a potential transaction effectively and reliably, acknowledge explicit contracts, and fulfill the requirements of an agreement (Pavlou, 2002). It is another important contributor to the online trust building. Credibility was also described as believability and a credible website means a believable website (Fogg et al., 2001). Drawing on previous studies, credibility has been identified with two most important dimensions: trustworthiness and expertise. (Fogg et al., 2001; Corritore et al., 2003; Fogg and Tseng, 1999). Trustworthiness is characterised by the well-intentioned, truthful, unbiased behaviour, which requires the web-marketers to convey a real-world features towards its customers, that is to say, providing physical address and employee photographs, linking to outside materials and sources or stating a policy on content, to create a honest and accountable company image. Expertise can be proved by the professional knowledge or skills, sufficient experience and capability (Fogg et al., 2001). In the context of e-commence, e-retailers expertise and profession can be delivered to e-consumers by the demonstration of credentials or the proofs from a third party. As we mentioned before, the Internet is still considered as a risk shopping channel for public. E-marketers face the challenge of reducing the risk perception of shopping online when stepping into the online market where traditional face-to-face communications are replaced by the way of face-to-screen. Particular virtual characteristics require online business to offer a convincing mechanism. Some researchers have proved that feedback mechanism can positively support online transaction, functioning as WOM in the off-line commerce context (Pavlou, 2002). Additionally, reputation is a critical element in the online world, which can help e-retailers to reduce consumers risk perception and lead to the improvement of online trust (Pavlou, 2002). Positive comments from the third parties (previous buyers) have been examined to increase e-retailers reputation and can be a major source of information for trust building, which in turn improve online sellers credibility (Doney and Cannon, 1997, cited in Pavlou, 2002; Kim et al., 2004). Considering online feedback mechanism is a continuous two-way communication progress, it can also contribute to the ongoing course of online trust building. Thus, we hypothesise that a credible website with truthful and expertise features, supported by good reviews, positively affects the ongoingtrust building. H2: Credibility has a positive influence on ongoing trust building. 4.54 Service Quality Parasuraman (1985) defined service quality as the relative perceptual distance between customer expectations and evaluations of service experiences and service quality in his SERVQUAL model (Sung et al., 2009). High-quality service including regularly update web information, response customers enquiry immediately, easy and safe online payment system, clear return/chance/refund policies has a positive impact on website performance (Park and Kim, 2003). Technology development has laid a sound foundation for the service evolution of e-commerce. The increasing popularity and quality of broadband Internet access as well as advanced Web technologies have allowed online retailers to provide flexible and competitive services to their existing and potential customers. These technologies allow retailers to build their online stores and services, and effectively deploy strategies in all aspects of their operations (Lusch et al., 2007 and McCarthy and Aronson, 2000; cited in Ayanso et al., 2010). More and more web retailers are applying advanced information technologies and creative website features to offer better service to the customers (Dabholkar et al., 2003; Moitra and Ganesh, 2005; Tarafdar and Zhang, 2005; Udo and Marquis, 2001; Viswanathan et al., 2007; Wakefield et al., 2004). These refined technology-based website functionalities such as personalisation, advanced search tools and product cataloguing are remarkably popular among onl ine retailers (Chu et al., 2007). They couldnt offer such high-quality online service without the technology support. Many past researches have positively linked online service quality to e-commerce performance. Liu et al. (2001) pointed out four determinants that are significantly related to e-commerce success, which are information and service quality, system use, playfulness, and system design quality. Based on DeLone and McLeans study (2003), Liang and Chen (2009) identified service quality as one of the three important factors of information system success. Marimon et al. (2010) examined that high levels of online service quality has a positive impact on purchasing behavior. While lots of researches testified that service quality is a key attribute of the e-commerce success, several studies argued that none of them have established an empirical link association between online service quality and the retailers actual sales performance (Ayanso et al., 2010; Marimon et al., 2010). However, considering this study is a consultancy project which is reality-based, practical experience of other firms cant be ignored. In the case of Zappos we have learned that the most critical reason for them to develop so rapidly from an unknown company is customer service, especially the 365 day return and free shipping both ways policy. The main concern when people buying shoes online is that the purchased shoes do not fit them (in size/colour) because they cant try them on before ordering. Particularly in the case of EA, which is not famous and sells quite expensive shoes, a customer-friendly advanced delivery system helps to remove or at least reduce the concern, which is matched with the study conducted by Tan and Wu in 2004. Also, Parasuraman et al. (2005) identified fulfilment, the extent to which the sites promises about order delivery and product availability are fulfilled, as the most critical dimensions of e-service quality and Boshoff split fulfilment into delivery and reliability and proved it to be the strongest predictor of value perception (Parasuraman et al., 2005, Boshoff, 2007; cited in Marimon et al., 2010). Therefore, we argue that service quality could be a stronger antecedent of online trust building due to fulfilment aspect. Furthermore, Tan and Wu (2004) referred that, especially for the wholesalers and retailers in China, the barriers to employ online promotions were poor credibility monitoring systems both for vendors and consumers, awkward delivery systems, and lagging behind payment. A reliable payment system is also important for EA due to the high price of its products. People start to think more when its a large amount of money paying to a not well-known company. Moreover, Stockdale and Standing (2006) compared the benefits and barriers which SMEs should take into account for e-business. Apart from limited resources, one of the most possible barriers for SMEs is the lack of specific e-commerce marketing experience or e-busines s professionals. Especially in China e-commerce is still at the initial stage and organisations are exploring e-business while doing it. That is, another important attribute is e-business professionals. Perceived service quality significantly contributes to customer trust (Liang and Chen, 2009). Namely, the service quality of an online firm is positively linked with its ongoing trust building in three dimensions: e-business professionals, fulfilment and payment system. Accordingly, we propose that: H3: Service Quality has a positive influence on ongoing trust building. 4.55 Intention to Purchase We can expect that the various antecedents of online trust building web design, credibility, service quality have different effects on purchase intention. This expectation is based on the previous study about the behavioural consequences of customer satisfaction (Zeng et al., 2009). In the findings, five elements (fulfilment/reliability, customer service, ease of use and product/service quality) are directly/indirectly impact the customer behavioural consequence through overall satisfaction, while those behavioural consequences are practically and theoretically proved to demonstrate as loyalty to the firm, intention to purchase and repurchase, willingness to pay premium price, willingness to post positive reviews about the firm and its service, and recommendation to others (Bearden and Teel, 1983; Zeithaml et al., 1996; cited in Zeng et al., 2009). Customer satisfaction was found to possibly contribute to trust and satisfied customers mostly have high confidence in the company and their future transaction activities (Garbarino and Johnson, 1999; Geyskens et al., 1998; Ganesan, 1994; cited in Liang and Chen, 2009). Approved by their own research, Liang and Chen (2009) suggested that trusted consumers have more commitment and more willingness to develop a solid relationship with service providers than satisfied ones. This finding logically supports the prediction that trust has a positive influence on the intention to purchase/re purchase. Public Opinion: Gender Differences in Sex Abuse of Children Public Opinion: Gender Differences in Sex Abuse of Children Table of Contents (Jump to) 1. Introduction 2. Gender Bias 3. Gender Inequality 3. Registering of Sex Offenders 4. Limitations of the Research Approach 5. References 1. Introduction This dataset is analysed using the principal of thematic analysis. The dataset was extracted from media reports related to the case of a woman who abused her partner’s three-year-old daughter. Thematic analysis is a qualitative analytic method used for analysing or identifying themes across a dataset (Craver, 2014). The process is illustrated in the appendices, adopting the approach used by King and Horrocks (2010). One of the overarching themes in the analysis of the data relates to public opinion about gender differences in the sexual abuse of children. There are two sub-categories, namely gender bias and gender inequality. 2. Gender Bias Gender bias can be seen in the few quotes below: â€Å"A group of feminist not too long ago told me women never sexually abuse anyone only men I guess this women and those teachers that have been in the news recently don’t exist† â€Å"This cannot be true! Because feminists are constantly telling us that it is only men who are violent and abusive!† â€Å"It has been kept quiet over the years just how many women abuse children. I’m glad that she is being held accountable. â€Å"Another female paedophile, the myth of all women being gentle is lifted† â€Å"We hear so many stories of â€Å"boyfriends† of women being guilty of abusing a child, so this is quite shocking, what is her excuse? â€Å"We live in a gynocentric feminist so society. Had he not done it this way, she would have accused him, he would have been arrested, separated from his child and would never been believed. Ask the thousands of fathers to whom similar things have happened through malicious false accusations. Men a perpetrator. Women are victims. De facto† Analytic research done by Landor and Eisenchlas (2012) shed some light on gender bias in Australian print-media reports regarding sexual acts. The authors gave two case studies. First, they described the teacher Mary Kay LeTourneau’s marriage to her former student, with whom she had been engaged in a sexual relationship since he was 12 years of age. The headline they use as an example reads: â€Å"School lovers tie knot†. The contrasting case advanced by the authors was related to the story of Brisbane teacher Allan Thomas Walters, who was charged with indecency in his dealings with a 13-year-old boy; the example headline reads: â€Å"More time for pervert†. The two case studies advanced by the authors are very similar in terms of the age of the victim and the offences committed. However, the media clearly portrayed LeTourneau’s case in a less negative way than Walters’ case. The article uses the comparison appropriately throughout, although the arg ument presented is unbalanced. Another example of gender bias was given by Tsopelas et al. (2012), in which a victim of a female perpetrator was not believed when they made allegations to the authorities. This suggests that a higher standard of evidence is required in cases of child sex abuse by female perpetrators. It can be seen on the data transcript that some people were angry that the father had to put the girl through more abuse before enough evidence could be gained. â€Å"My stepmother, a famous person, abused my little brother like this when he was a toddler. To this day, despite my witnessing it and my brother being terrified of her, my father refuses to believe us. If only we too could have planted a camera† â€Å"Another awful thing about this is that with the knowledge that his daughter was being abused in order for him to gather evident the child had to endure another vile attack† â€Å"Its so sad that the faher had to put his daughter through two more violent events in order to get proff but I guess he had no choice.† â€Å"Well done for showing self restraint altho I don’t agree with the way the child was put thu the abuse again in order to abtain more damning evidence† â€Å"Men a perpetrators. Women are victims. De facto† â€Å"†¦..after just having read bat those poor wretched girls in Rotherham. Authorities there should all be sacked, how can this happen, seriously? â€Å"Reading the comments made I can say that the Father did the right thing 1. He had a recording of what was happening the Child screaming, yelling, crying for Help. That is not enough proof for the Police, that can be classified as Child Abuse only. 2. He had to have actual evidence for the Police, Courts. Of the actual act been committed for his (Partner) to be prosecuted in court in accordance with the law. She could have turned all against him, had he not had that important piece of evidence, so she can be convicted and from now on be classified as a Paedophiler(visual/audio proof). 3. Gender Inequality Gender inequality is the second sub-category. Geddes, Tyson, and McGreal (2012) discovered that female teachers who have committed sexual acts with a student are punished more leniently compared to male counterparts. The study also found that participants showed significantly more anger towards male teachers who commit such acts. However, the sample size of the study was not equally distributed: although the author randomly sent out the questionnaire to 250 female students and 250 male students, out of 130 respondents, 86 were female and 44 were male. Geddes, Tyson and McGreal (2012) believed a sample size of more than 30 participants was large enough to obtain significant values, based on a test run on the violation assumption using analysis of variance. However, it is important to achieve a gender-balanced sample size to study gender bias. Gender inequality can be found in the following comments: â€Å"As usual not naming this monster, but a guy doing this would have his picture and name plastered all over the media† â€Å"Why isn’t she being named, if it was a bloke his name would be plastered everywhere for what he did† â€Å"This woman is a common filthy pedophile and must go to jail, as men go to jail. Anything other than jail would serve as proof there are not equal rights between the genders† â€Å"2Guaranteed this woman will not do jail I don’t care what that judge said, however if the roles were reserved this would be another matter† â€Å"Who recalls the push for laws where women would be allowed to have the police run back ground check on potential partners. Do man get this right? If not why not?† Angelides (2008) discusses another aspect of gender inequality in child sex-abuse cases. The author presented two examples involving a teacher-student relationship. One involved Karen Ellis, a 37-year-old teacher who committed sexual offences with a child under the age of 16. She was sentenced for six months. On the other hand, tennis coach Gavin Hopper pleaded guilty of having a sexual relationship with his 14-year-old student and was jailed for two years and three months. On the basis of this comparison of two similar situations Angelides (2008) presents a very good argument regarding the principal of gender equality in the sentencing of offenders. While judges have shown some leniency towards female perpetrators, comments from the data seem to express a wish to see harsh punishment for sex offenders. For example: â€Å"A nice long sentence I hope† â€Å"I’d lock her in solitary confinement and feed her food under the door and weld it up so she could not be released.† â€Å"Jail this pedophile for life† â€Å"This woman is a common filthy pedophile and must go to jail, as men go to jail. â€Å"Hope the horrible woman is jailed for a long time. â€Å"It’s the other prisoners who could be her real punishment† â€Å"VILE WOMAN THROW THE BOOK AT HER† Statistics have shown that sex-offender treatment programmes have a small but positive effect on sex offenders (Craissati, South, Bierer, 2009). However, in some patriarchal cultures such as in India, harsher punishments are meted to stop violence against women (Gill, Harrison, 2013). Gill and Harrison (2013) discussed both punitive options and the kinds of treatment that are available for sex offenders in relation to the sexual violence issue in India. The punitive options are demonstrably based on the human-rights principle regarding the death penalty. Gill and Harrison (2013) believed that harsh punishment might not be the best approach to sex offences in the justice system in India. Sex-offender treatment programmes might be a better strategy. Declining moral standards is another overarching theme. Males were dominantly viewed as perpetrators of child sex abuse in the 1980s, with females appearing almost exclusively as victims (Tsopelas, Tsetsou, Ntounas and Douzenis, 2012). Current literature is paying more attention to the role of female sexual abusers. This cultural shift was due to the increasing of the proportion of female sex offenders in all sexual-assault arrests from 1% in 1994 to 8% in 1997 (Vandiver and Walker, 2002). Below are the illustrative quotes from the data that show public disappointment about declining moral values in society: â€Å"Britain in the 21st century† â€Å"What the hell is wrong with people. Why would you harm an innocent child?† â€Å"What has gone so wrong in our world when so much of this is happening?† â€Å"Some people say it was always so, but I dont believe that at all. I think its an epidemic now† â€Å"I remember my childhood as being safe and secure. Parents were always there for me. I wish it could be the same for all children. What a horrible world we live in† â€Å"Something is clearly wrong in this godforsaken world we live in† 3. Registering of Sex Offenders One further overarching theme is related to legislation. Registering of child sex abusers is practised by many Western countries such as the USA and the United Kingdom. The general public tend to want sex offenders to be put on a register in order to protect the general public. But other find this labelling could create a barrier to sex offenders reintegrating with society (Bollinger, Seidler, Kemp, 2012). The study by Bollinger, Seidler and Kemp (2012) found an interesting result: people with children wanted more punitive approaches towards sexual offenders, even when not fully aware of the purpose of a register. A few relevant quotes are shown below: â€Å"I hope shes put on the domestic abuse register† The attacker has, IMO, no right to anonymity† â€Å"so she can be convicted and from now on be classified as a Paedophiler† â€Å"Around here we are starting to name and shame people that don’t pick up their dog mess YET they don’t name or shame these disgusting vile people? We have right to know who she is. However, some quotes suggest perpetrators should not be named, in order to protect their victims: â€Å"The anonymity of the perp is to protect the identity of the child, not the perp. As a victim of sexual abuse there is an automatic protection of identity† The problem with naming and shaming is that if the perpetrator of the abuse is known to people in the area, the little girl would also be identified by association which is often best avoided† 4. Limitations of the Research Approach Thematic analysis is a popular method widely used in qualitative research (Braun Clarke, 2013). However, this qualitative method can be subject to the personal bias of researchers (Vaismoradi, Turunen, Bondas, 2013) as well as the researcher’s grounding in epistemological philosophy. Hence, it is important to take the philosophical perspective into account when choosing the design for the study. 5. References Angelides, S. (2008). ‘Sexual offences against â€Å"children† and the question of judicial gender bias.’ Australian Feminist Studies, 23(57), 359-373. Doi: 10.1080/08164640802233302 Bollinger, J., Seidler, K., Kemp, R. (2012). ‘Who thinks what about child protection: Community perceptions and awareness of child protection strategies and their effectiveness for reducing sexual reoffending.’ Sexual Abuse in Australia and New Zealand, 4(4), 33-40. Retrieved from http://eds.a.ebscohost.com/eds/pdfviewer/pdfviewer?vid=4sid=4f62b2c7-f642-47e6-b828-1f128e44c525%40sessionmgr4001hid=4213 Braun, V., Clarke, V. (2013). Successful qualitative research: A practical guide for beginners. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage. Craissati, J., South, R., Bierer, K. (2009). ‘Exploring the effectiveness of community sex offender treatment in relation to risk and re-offending.’ Journal of Forensic Psychiatry Psychology, 20(6), 769*784. Doi: 10.1080/14789940903174105 Craver, G.A. (2014). ‘Not just for beginners – A review of successful qualitative research: A practical guide for beginners.’ The Qualitative Report, 19 (review 16), 1-4. Retrieved from http://www.nova.edu.ssss/QR/QR19/craver16.pdf Geddes, R.A., Tyson, G.R., McGreal (2012). ‘Gender bias in the education system: Perceptions of teacher-student sexual relationships.’ Psychiatry, Psychology and Law, 1-11. Retrieved from http://www.tandfonline.com Gill, A.K., Harrison, K. (2013). ‘Sentencing sex offenders in India: Retributive justice versus sex offender treatment programmes and restorative justice approaches.’ International Journal of Criminal Justice Sciences, 8(2), 166-181. Retrieved from http://eds.a.ebscohost.com/eds/pdfviewer/pdfviewer?vid=7sid=bf077283-9215-4735-9500-dad6353ad5fc%40sessionmgr4001hid=4213 King, N., Horrocks, C. (2010). Interviews in qualitative research. London: Sage Publications Ltd. Landor, R.V., Eisenchlas, S.A. (2012). ‘â€Å"Coming clean† on Duty of Care: Australian print media’s representation of male versus female sex offenders in institutional contexts.’ Sexuality Culture, 16, 486-502. Doi: 10.1007/s12119-012-9134-5. Tsopelas, C., Tsetsou, S., Ntounas, P., Douzenis, A. (2012). ‘Female perpetrators of sexual abuse of minors: what are the consequences for the victims?’ International Journal of Law and Psychiatry, 35(4), 305-310. Doi: 10.1016/j.ijlp.2012.04.003 Vandiver, D.M., Walker, J.T. (2002). ‘Female sex offenders: An overview and analysis of 40 cases.’ Criminal Justice Review, 27(2), 284-300. Retrieved from http://cjr.sagepub.com/content/27/2/284 Vaismoradi, M., Turunen, H., Bondas, T. (2013). ‘Content analysis and thematic analysis: Implications for conducting a qualitative descriptive study.’ Nursing and Health Sciences, 15, 398-405. Doi: 10.1111/nhs.12048

Romanticism Arts Essay examples -- essays research papers

Sensation, imagination, and judgment are interrelated in the experience of art. Burke explains how sensation, imagination, and judgment determine the experience of pleasure and pain, and how pleasure and pain are represented by the aesthetic concepts of beauty and sublimity. Burke says that, in order to understand the origin of our ideas of the sublime and beautiful, we must examine the experience of pain and pleasure. Romantic painter Caspar David Friedrich has a painting that will leave viewers in thought. His painting, The Wanderer at the Sea of Fog, leaves us to ponder what has happened. We see a man, wearing all black, standing on a ledge of rocks. He gazes out into a beautiful open sky, slightly cloudy, with the sun setting. There is an orange haze left as the reflection of the sun fills the sky. However, we cannot see his face. We do not know his facial expression, if he is sad, or if he just wanted to see the view. The end of pleasure may result in a state of indifference, disappointment, or grief. On the other hand, the end of pain may result in a state of indifference, happiness, or delight. Burke uses the term "delight" to refer to a pleasure which is caused by the removal of pain, while he uses the term "joy" to refer to a pleasure which arises in and of itself. As I look at this painting, I try and wonder if this painting h...

Provide Evidence in a Prosecution Case :: science

Provide Evidence in a Prosecution Case Experiments to Provide Evidence in a Prosecution Case with the Pervis Vinegar Company on Unknown Toxins The aim of this experiment is to preform tests on two samples of vinegar, one that is commercially safe and the other not (from the Pervis Company) to determine the unknown toxin contained in the Pervis Vinegar. Materials: * Numerous Beakers/Conical Flasks * Phenolphthalein Indicator * Burette * Numerous Test Tubes * Sticky Tape * Test Tube Rack * Sodium Hydroxide (NaOH) * Calculator * Sample of Commercially Safe Vinegar * 2 Surgical Swabs (large cotton bud) * Sample of Pervis Vinegar (Toxic) * 2 Agar Gel Plates * Universal Indicator * Incubator Oven * Incubator * Bunsen Burner * Water * 2 Small Syringes * Potassium Chromate Solution * Hydrochloric Acid Methods To fully determine and identify the unknown toxin present in the Pervis vinegar sample, four tests were needed. A molarity test was completed, a sample of the vinegar was then allowed to grow on an agar plate to ascertain whether bacteria were present and a pH test would also be done. The final test was a precipitant test to discover if the heavy metal Lead was present in the Pervis sample. A titration experiment was now set up using Sodium Hydroxide solution as the alkali in the burette with a molarity 0.01177 and 25ML of Pervis vinegar was placed in the beaker underneath the burette. Approximately four drops of Phenolphthalein indicator where added to the Pervis vinegar and then the measured amounts of NaOH were slowly added to the vinegar. The burette needed to be refilled several times and the average amount of NaOH solution needed to neutralise the Pervis vinegar was 181.5 ML. That same experiment was then tried using commercially safe vinegar in the beaker below the burette. Four drops of Phenolphthalein indicator were again placed in the vinegar and then measured amounts of NaOH were released from the burette into the beaker. This was completed three tines with the average NaOH needed to neutralise the safe vinegar approximately 154.5 ML. These amounts for the NaOH added were then recorded for later analysis. The pH test was now done with both samples of vinegar. Two test tubes were placed in a test tube holder and 14ML of each sample of vinegar poured into one of the test tubes. About two drops of Universal Indicator were placed in the test tubes and the reaction colourers were recorded for later use.

Causes Of Civil War :: essays research papers

Causes Of Civil War As members of the Futurist of America Association, we have been assigned to look specifically at the cause of the American Civil #War. There are five aspects that could of led to the Civil War and they are Westward Movement, Social Change, Froeign Policy Development, Government/Politics Development, and Economic Development. Out of the five aspects, Economic Development is the best reason for the eventual Civil War. First, Westward Movement could of led to American Civil War because of the Louisiana Purchase, Wilmont Proviso, Kansas-Nebraska Act, Popular Sovereignity, Compromise of 1850, Missouri Compromise, "Bleeding Kansas",   California Gold Rush, Manifest Destiny, and the Mistreatment of Native Americans. The Louisiana Purchase was done by President Jefferson because he wanted to doubled the size of the United States and to get control of   New Orleans. Wilmont Proviso was to ban slaves from territories that might gbe aquired from Mexico. Kansas- Nebraska Act was the result of Douglas wanting to build railroads from Chicago to San Franciso. Douglas was a big believer in popular sovereignity, where the people have the right to decide if they want to be free of slave state, and he completely ignore the Missoure Compromise. The Compromise of 1850 stated that should be equal number of free and slave states. The Missouri Compromise said that any state above the latitude of 36 30' can not be a slave state. "Bleeding Kansas" was where people were fighting over the issue of slavery and cost many American Lives. The California Gold Rust occurred when gold was discovered in California and people rushed out to California.When California apply for statehood, it cause huge problems because North and the South wanted control of the gold in the state. Manifest Destiny was where Americans believe that they had the right to expand westward. The Treatment of Native Americans was hoorible because Americans believe they were superior to the Native Americans. All these issues seperated the North form the South because each side a different view on each issue. Westward Movement could of led to the Civil War, but did not because of Henry Clay. When the Westward Movemet occurred new states started to enter the union. This is where the promblems begins. Missouri was the first state, other than Louisiana, to enter the union from the Louisiana Purchase and will give impications on the status of slavery west of the Mississippi. If   Missouri enter the union as a free state, then the North will get control of the House of Representatives because they would have more representatives. If Missouri enter the union as slave, the South will get control over the House.

Michael Smyth vs. Pillsbury Company. Essay

STYLE: Michael Smyth vs. Pillsbury Company. COURT: United States District Court of Pennsylvania. CITATION: 914 F. Supp. 97; 1996 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 776; 131 Lab. Cas. (CCH) P58, 104; 11 I.E.R. Cas. (BNA) 585. ISSUE: Can an employer be accused of violating public policy, tortuously invading privacy and subsequently be estopped from firing or discharging an at will employee, if for the purpose of company’s interest, it monitor an employee’s email communications over the company’s email system just to find them contrary to company’s interest? FACTS: Plaintiff, a manager at defendant’s company had work email account with access from home. Plaintiff was assured by defendant that email communication is private and confidential with no messages being intercepted and used employment termination. Plaintiff in reliance to promise to its detriment used work email system to make threatening email comments with supervisor was intercepted and employment was terminated. Court ruled in favor of Defendant as it was not evident if termination threatened or violated a clear mandate of public policy or Plaintiff’s common law right to privacy. HOLDING: An employer cannot be accused for violating public policy, privacy and/or discharging an employee according to restatement definition of tort of intrusion upon seclusion. LAW: Restatement (Second) of Torts  § 652B: Liability only attaches when the â€Å"intrusion is substantial and would be highly offensive to the ‘ordinary. â€Å"Unless an employee identifies a ‘specific’ expression of public policy violated by his discharge, it will not be labelled as wrongful and within the sphere of public policy†. EXPLANATION: The clear mandate of public policy must strike at the heart of a citizen’s social right, duties and responsibilities. Plaintiff was not fired for serving on jury duty, for prior conviction or for reporting violation of federal regulations to NRC. Plaintiff’s alleged unprofessional communication over email system utilized by entire company diminishes expectation of privacy. Plaintiff was not asked to disclose personal information by defendant. JUDGEMENT: The motion of the defendant to dismiss was granted. The complaint was dismissed with prejudice

Act1 of the Tempest Essay

The Tempest written by William Shakespeare was a tragicomedy; this means this is a play that contains comedy and also tragic events. The Tempest was Shakespeare’s final play so therefore it was more experimental. In the Tempest the play deals with much more serious issues. The term â€Å"nature vs. nurture† is a phrase used for this play due to the fact that many unreal activities are taken place, by stereotype people around Shakespeare’s times were formally known to act unaware of the moral activities that surround them at the time. The Tempest is more rhythmical and pacific; this is more advanced and modern to those of his earlier plays. The Tempest has a magical setting. The play is set on an Island that it â€Å"topsy turvy†, meaning that everything is upside down, The setting of the play reflects its genre conveying that the magical setting mostly exist in fairytale stories in link to this the Tempest had a colonisation society which made situations much more clearer to understand due to this unreal society. Also in having everything upside down, this reflects to me that confusion comes into place so comedy gets fit in the place. I feel from reading the play so far that there are a mixture of emotions, themes and genre’s The Tempest also has evidence of magic. His brother Antonio over threw Prospero who is the duke of Milan. Antonio and others were returning from his daughters wedding, when Prospero had heard about this, Prospero had immediately ordered to be shipwrecked by his spirit Ariel. His spirit Ariel had agreed o do this because Prospero had once feed her form a tree where she was trapped. Prospero’s daughter Miranda claims that she had seen the shipwreck and so Prospero calms her down and sets her to sleep. Prospero then calls his spirit Ariel who verifies that the nobles are safe on the island Ariel’s language is more respectful and polite therefore emphasising more calming and relaxing soothing situations. This is evidence of magic in the plat; that Ariel can generate illusions, and can also trick people into sleeping. The Tempest opens up with themes such as anger, resentment, and revenge, which is represented through the storm; this reflects the mood of Prospero as a result of being over thrown. On board the Tempest are Antonio Sebastian and Gonzalo. The storm has effected the courtiers, they forget who they are that they stoop to a low level of being â€Å"Hell is empty all devils are here†¦ † this is an indication of madness and humour, in relation to this situation, there is mockery o the lower class people such as Gonzalo. Sebastian and Antonio realise that their duties as noblemen and courtiers had suddenly been evaporated due to the situation, they are just simply in the way. Gonzalo accepts that he himself is humorous. Antonio and Sebastian only get abuse they have lost touch with reality before stepping foot on Prospero’s land.

Milkshake Factory Case Study

The story of George Stein exposes the dynamics that drive the night shift at Eastern Dairy’s milkshake factory. George was excited to join the dairy’s unionized workforce because its contributions-to-inducements balance was so favorable. As soon as he crossed the functional boundary into the organization, more specific features of George’s work group became apparent. First, there was no manager to speak of supervising the night shift. Second, horseplay was the workgroup norm, considered a natural and necessary complement to the hard work the team did every night.Although the management likely excused this as peripheral role behavior, it was relevant and desirable to the members of the night shift itself because it allowed them to cultivate camaraderie and maintain morale, giving them motivation to perform as well as participate. Management’s only expressed expectations were that the night shift complete the set of production orders they were given each nig ht and that the equipment was spotlessly clean by 7 a. m. As long as these tasks were accomplished, the night shift was left to self-regulate.The night shift constitutes its own subculture within Eastern Dairy, and the special conditions that govern that workgroup make it discernibly different from the mainstream organizational culture. The absence of a formal manager to indoctrinate employees into organizational values such as quality management has allowed a different set of values and basic assumptions to emerge among the members of the night shift than might be held by the organization as a whole. For example, they share an implicit assumption that, where there is a conflict between workers’ best interests and quality control, the workers should win out.From a differentiation perspective, we can predict that the night shift’s internal consensus on this point is likely to be at odds with that of the managerial subculture. [1] If the company has the goal of total qua lity control, it has not taken the steps necessary to spread that philosophy throughout its ranks. Rather than sharing management’s presumed focus on the customer, the night shift is focused on doing their job quickly enough to get out of work on time.Since they have not received explicit training or communication about quality control issues, it is reasonable that they retain the view that some level of defects in the manufacturing process is normal and acceptable. If we are willing to dismiss the quality control aspects of the production line blockage issue, there remains the ethical question of what is the right way to deal with the problem. If George removes the filters as instructed, the 500 gallons of milkshake destined for public consumption will be contaminated with maggots.If he doesn’t, attempting instead to clear the filters every time one clogs, the production run will take forever, meaning everyone will have to stay late, and the equipment will not be clea n in time for the start of the day shift. If the crew discards the entire contaminated batch and restarts the production run from scratch, clean-up will still be delayed to some extent, plus the company will have to waste 500 gallons of milkshake mix. The instructions management (to our knowledge) has provided to Paul indicate that it prioritizes timely completion of the production orders and subsequent clean-up over things like purity of the product.Additionally, Paul knows that, due to pasteurization, the milkshakes will not hurt anyone, and due to homogenization, the extraneous matter probably won’t even be noticed. After weighing all of these points, Paul decides to remove the filters in order to process the milkshake mix, maggots and all. Whether this is an ethical solution to the blockage depends on the system of ethics used to judge it. Paul appears to be following utilitarian ethics in his decision, by which milkshake contamination is an undesired but acceptable outco me of the action of greatest net benefit to all involved.He is not ignoring the effect of this action on the prospective drinkers of the milkshakes; he just feels that they are not affected adversely enough (due to homogenization and pasteurization) to change the assessment of greatest net benefit. According to act utilitarianism (and potentially rule utilitarianism, if the rule agrees), Paul’s decision is perfectly ethical. According to right-based ethics, however, he is acting unethically because allowing the contaminated milkshake to go to market interferes with the consumers’ rights to make an informed decision about the products they purchase.Finally,[2] an ethical egoist would be split on the issue: If George were a individual egoist, he would remove the filters without hesitation because doing so will make his life easier, but if he were a universal egoist, he would refrain from sending the contaminated batch to market because he wouldn’t like to be on th e receiving end of that action. [3] George’s focus on others is apparent from the guilt he feels about the children who could find themselves drinking maggot-filled milkshakes because of his actions. Paul’s order to emove the filters falls on the cusp of George’s zone of indifference, and he considers disobeying out of concern with the morality of the request. One reason for George’s ambiguity is that he lacks the leadership defined by Mary Parker Follett. Paul may be the workgroup’s informal leader, but he has no real authority over his colleagues. He may know the technical aspects of the job, but he does not see the â€Å"big picture,† which includes the trust relationship between the dairy and its customers. He does his best to solve problems, but he hasn’t been given the resources to head them off before they occur.The solution he chooses for the blockage problem does not display the forethought of the ideal leader because it leav es the team open to potential repercussions from management and/or the public if the contamination is discovered. Nonetheless, Paul is George’s most obvious role-sender because he has the most impact on George’s daily work experience. Under the circumstances, Parker-Follett would like to see George try to influence Paul by suggesting a content innovation that miraculously solves their problem in an unforeseen way.In the end, it is not George’s responsibility – or ultimately even Paul’s – to solve the dilemma that confronts them. The management has not provided the night shift enough guidance to establish unequivocally what the organization considers the right way to proceed. The uncertainty the employees face in this situation is a good argument for formalized codes of ethics and quality control training. In the meantime, ethical relativism will prevail on the night shift: they will have to decide what is â€Å"right† based on what is best for everyone present. ———————- [1] This assumes two things about the managerial subculture: a) it espouses a commitment to quality management, and b) its in-use values do not conflict with the espoused values. [2] Justice theories of ethics can be construed to agree with rights-based theory, but they deal to a greater degree with more over-arching questions of how society should be run. As such, justice ethics are the least applicable to this situation. [3] Of course, a person who sees the contamination as harmless could allow it to happen without violating the â€Å"golden rule. †