Antrhopologys Importance to Poverty Alleviation - 914 Words

Anthropology is the study of what makes us distinctively human, including culture. Culture is the system of human behaviors that is shared, patterned, learned, symbolic, and adaptive. Culture is a unique human capacity, which every society has but varies considerably across them. Culture comprises the myriad possible ways that human societies allow individuals address (and allow them to fulfill) their biological needs. As such, culture demonstrates how nothing human is ever 100% biological and hence is affected by context. The job of an anthropologist is to understand how different elements of a culture complement each other and create a cohesive worldview. Because of anthropologists’ capacity to examine the cultural lens of a society, their presence can ensure that the development project has the highest likelihood of success within the unique cultural context of its implementation. Anthropologists look at modes of organization and frames of meaning to carefully constru ct a cohesive cosmology for the culture they are studying. Modes of organization refer to the ways in which human societies are constructed and the composition of its social role relationships. This could include studies of political, family, and economic structure – and how these interactions influence each other. This is particularly important for poverty alleviation efforts because, as Paul Farmer points out in Anthropology of Structural Violence, economic, social, and political systems of

Achieving Sustainability When Using Central HVAC and VAV Systems for a Essay

Essays on Achieving Sustainability When Using Central HVAC and VAV Systems for a Building Essay The paper "Achieving Sustainability When Using Central HVAC and VAV Systems for a Building" is an outstanding example of an essay on engineering and construction. The fundamental importance of central HVAC andVAV in a building cannot be overemphasized. The assumption is that heat, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) are straight forward when it comes to constructing a building that meets the relevant requirement. Achieving sustainability is of the essence when using HVAC in a building. To achieve sustainability it necessary to employ a high-performance HVAC with integrated building design. The integration of the two components ensures a reduction in the cost of energy. It is, therefore, important to select an HVAC that is capable of minimizing the consumption of energy. An energy-efficient design integrated with a high-performance HVAC ensures sustainability in a building by saving on the cost of energy (Kaabouch Hu 2012, P.165). Variable air volume (VAV) is a fundamental component required for building just like the HVAC. Achieving sustainability is critical while employing VAV in a building. Most of the VAV used in the building has a single minimum control strategy that is employed in construction. However, single minimum control strategies do not ensure sustainability in buildings. The single minimum strategy does not ensure sustainability in the sense that when it reaches the setpoint, it does not cool or heat effectively making the VAV flow of air higher than the specified limits. To ensure sustainability, it is important to employ a dual maximum strategy (Appleby 2012, p. 313). This strategy ensures that as VAV gets to the heating mode, it is broken down into two spheres. The approach ensures that airflow and reheating are significantly controlled effectively leading to a reduction in energy loss (Appleby 2012, p. 313).

Brave New World Aldous Huxley Essay Example For Students

Brave New World Aldous Huxley Essay Aldous Huxley in his novel Brave New World written in 1932 presents a portrait of a society which is superficially a perfect world. In this satiric novel, Huxley makes fun of science and religion, using his idea of the future to attack the present. This pessimistic story of the modern world opens in London some 600 years in the future, specifically in 632 A. F†¦ Through the use of irony and detail he shows how the advancement of science affects human individuals. In Brave New World, Aldous Huxley makes evident that the misuse of science results in a dreadful society. Huxley’s heritage and upbringing had a significant effect on his work. Huxley was member of a family that included the most distinguished members of that part of the English ruling class made up of the intellectual elite (Barron’s 1). Aldous’ father was the son of Thomas Henry Huxley, a great biologist who helped develop the theory of evolution (1). Throughout Brave New World the reader can see the evidence of the conflicting attitude toward the intellectual authority assumed by a ruling class. In addition, Huxley’s own experiences made him isolate from the class into which he was born (1). Even as a small child he was considered different, showing an alertness and an intelligence, which his brother called superiority (1). He drew on that feeling of separateness in the characters of Bernard Marx and Helmholtz Watson, who are members of the elite class but have problems because they are different from their peers. Huxley was unable to do the scientific work he had dreamed of due to an eye illness that made him nearly blind (2). However, his scientific interests remained with him and used them in many books, particularly Brave New World (2). The reader is conveyed by Huxley’s vision of a Utopian future based on science and technology. Undoubtedly, his ancestry and the environment he was raised up in, influenced him in creating this novel. The illustration of the apparently perfect world resembles the title of the book. At one point in the novel the title is brought up by John the Savage, when he is asked to go to London and in response he says: â€Å"Oh brave new world that has such people in it† (Seltzer 2). He remembered these words from William Shakespeare’s play â€Å"The Tempest†, which once was found in the reservation where John lived ( 2). He really was enthusiastic, but when he is in London it disappoints him. Furthermore, â€Å"In this modern world all aspects of the population have been controlled: number, social class, and intellectual ability are all carefully regulated† (8). Even history is controlled and rewritten to meet the needs of this society (8). This new world is a startling image of Huxley’s vision of Utopia. In addition, unhappiness is one of the feelings that are not allowed in the world which Huxley creates (Barron’s 7). Two quick and easy ways of feeling good are Soma, the wonder drug, and the â€Å"feelies†, a common form of entertainment This civilization does its best to eliminate any deep feeling or passion. The origination of the title gets the reader acquainted with this futuristic society. Brave New World is a satiric projection of popular values and associated uses of science in the real world of 1932. By the time Huxley started to write Brave New World, the tremendous political, economic, and philosophical changes taking place in Europe and America contributed to his disillusionment (Smith 4). Big businesses used and misused the individual and man became important as a producer and a consumer (4). Word ProcessingEquipment or Concept EssayThe way in which Huxley emphasizes the tremendous advancement of scientific knowledge and practice is through his concept of genetic engineering in which he shows the complete control of the individual from the time of conception. Through genetic engineering his new world breeds prescribed number of humans artificially for specified qualities (Barron’s 7). People are created on an assembly line and categorized into their area of profession (7). This creates a community full of human clones completely devoid of personality. In addition, this community is structured towards order and stability, and away from individualism (Allen 4). All people are meant to respond identically without thinking and if a few are made imperfectly, they have to be sent away so they won’t â€Å"contaminate† others (4). In this novel technology requires a sacrifice of human individuality. Moreover, the new way to be born and raised in this society has destroyed the family concept (Barron’s 7). The parental relationship of a father and mother to a child has become a dirty and improper idea and consequently this lack of family keeps the different classes in their place (7). Things that create problems in the society’s class structure, such as the desire of parents to want something better for their children have been eliminated with the family. In this novel the reader is keenly aware of the dangers genetic engineering poses to the quality of life. The misuse of science is clearly shown through the conditioning process. After human beings are â€Å"decanted† from the bottles, people are psychologically conditioned mainly by hypnopedia and â€Å"sleep teaching† in order to do the society’s needs (Smith 8). By repeating phrases over and over while the children sleep, the government can condition each person to accept his role in the world around him and to behave in what the government deems to be a safe manner (8). This practice makes the individuals respond in a predetermined way. Moreover, conditioning is used to ensure that each class is happy with its type of work and its place in society (Gitzen 243). For example, Epsilons are supremely happy running elevators (243). The new world tries hard to ensure that every person is happy in order for stability to be achieved. Also, children are conditioned at hospitals for the dying and give them sweets to eat when they hear of death occurring (Lawrence 62). This conditioning eliminates the painful emotions of grief and loss, and the spiritual significance of death (63). This world insists that death is natural and not an unpleasant process. Through this technique science is being exploited since it creates a society with no individual freedom. Brave New World is a novel that is a source of controversy and has been a model because of Huxley’s skill of writing satires and his prophetic vision that attracts attention and comment. This novel is a warning that attempts to make man realize that since knowledge is power, he who controls and uses knowledge handles power. The advancement of science affects human individuals since man’s unqualified praise of science is wrong and their misuse of science is evil. Science and technology are man’s servants and man is not supposed to be adapted and enslaved to them. Brave New World describes our lives as they could be in the none too distant future, if the present obsessions persist for standardization according to the sciences.

Misinterpretation of Correlation Essay Example

Misinterpretation of Correlation Paper Correlation in statistics is the measure of the association between two variables. The number computed in correlation is known as the correlation coefficient. The correlation coefficient’s value ranges from -1 up to +1. The -1 value means that there is a perfect negative association between two variables. The +1 value means that there is a perfect positive association between two variables. A coefficient of zero means that there is no association between two variables (Agresti Franklin, 2007). The next paragraph will analyze the scenario regarding John’s computation of correlation coefficient and Tom’s interpretation of the correlation coefficient. One often misinterprets the use of correlation in statistics. In the scenario, Tom made a misinterpretation of the correlation coefficient. Correlation measures the level of association between two variables. Association does not demonstrate causal relationship between two variables. We will write a custom essay sample on Misinterpretation of Correlation specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on Misinterpretation of Correlation specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on Misinterpretation of Correlation specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer The correlation coefficient stated in the scenario is 0.85. This means that there is high association between the medication and the stomach upset. This high association can be a ground for testing the causation between the medication and stomach upset. In order to test for causation, two variables must be associated to each other. The 0.85 correlation coefficient is not enough to say that the medication is the cause of Tom’s stomach upset. Thus, Tom’s statement is incorrect. If would be more correct if Tom states that there is an association between the medication and his stomach upset. Misinterpretation of data is one of the usual problem people encounters. Data can be seen everywhere, from newspapers up to the television sets. Statistics is a powerful tool used in interpreting data. Without proper knowledge in statistics, many data misinterpretation may rise. These give a hint about how important statistics is in one’s everyday life. References Agresti, A. Franklin, C. (2007). Statistics : The art and science of learning from data. Upper Saddle River, N.J. Pearson Prentice Hall.

Free Essays on Effects Of A Water-Based Resistance Exercise

Effects of a Water-Based Resistance Exercise Program on Sedentary Elderly TABLE OF CONTENTS CHAPTER I †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.....................................1 INTRODUCTION†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦..............................1 Purpose of the Study†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.................2 Null Hypothesis†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦......................2 Limitations†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦..........................2 Assumptions†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦..........................3 Definitions of Terms†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.................3 CHAPTER II†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.....................................4 REVIEW OF LITERATURE†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦......................4 SUMMARY†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦...................................5 CHAPTER III†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦....................................7 METHODOLOGY†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦...............................7 Subjects†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.............................7 Design of the Study†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦..................8 Pre-training Testing Procedures†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦......8 Training Procedures and Exercises†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦...10 Post-training Testing Procedures†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦....11 REFERENCES†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦....................................12 i CHAPTER 1 1 INTRODUCTION By the year 2035, it is estimated that those aged 65 and older will make up more than 20% of the population (Hopkins, 1990). With increasing age, we commonly see muscle and joint weakness, stiffness and decreased mobility. This leads to a decrease in older adults work and leisure activities. If this restricted movement progre... Free Essays on Effects Of A Water-Based Resistance Exercise Free Essays on Effects Of A Water-Based Resistance Exercise Effects of a Water-Based Resistance Exercise Program on Sedentary Elderly TABLE OF CONTENTS CHAPTER I †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.....................................1 INTRODUCTION†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦..............................1 Purpose of the Study†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.................2 Null Hypothesis†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦......................2 Limitations†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦..........................2 Assumptions†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦..........................3 Definitions of Terms†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.................3 CHAPTER II†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.....................................4 REVIEW OF LITERATURE†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦......................4 SUMMARY†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦...................................5 CHAPTER III†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦....................................7 METHODOLOGY†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦...............................7 Subjects†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.............................7 Design of the Study†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦..................8 Pre-training Testing Procedures†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦......8 Training Procedures and Exercises†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦...10 Post-training Testing Procedures†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦....11 REFERENCES†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦....................................12 i CHAPTER 1 1 INTRODUCTION By the year 2035, it is estimated that those aged 65 and older will make up more than 20% of the population (Hopkins, 1990). With increasing age, we commonly see muscle and joint weakness, stiffness and decreased mobility. This leads to a decrease in older adults work and leisure activities. If this restricted movement progre...

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buy custom Corporate Social Responsibility essay For a long time, there have been endless debates on whether businesses should give back to the society, especially the communities in the vicinity of businesses. It can be argued that any person who establishes a business does it with the purpose of gaining profits and furthering personal interests. However, civil society and other advocacy organizations have been pressurizing business entities to give back to the community as a way of paying them back for allowing them to operate in their environment (Hughes 2008). Due to this, most corporations have felt obligated to give charitable services to the society, such as promoting health and education by building institutions to offer such services. Corporations also give back to the society though employing local personnel as well as improving infrastructural facilities, such as roads, building play grounds and places of worship. However, most corporations feel that by being socially responsible, their ultimate goal of making profits is compromised. The argument for this case is that, when a company focuses on making profits, in the end it will be socially responsible as all stakeholders will benefit from it. Therefore, corporations fulfill their social duties by pursuing profits and should not be pushed to forego this goal since by doing so the benefits that come with it will be lost. Do Businesses Have Social Responsibilities? Classical View As mentioned above, the social responsibility of corporations is to make profits since it is in such a pursuit that everyone benefits; shareholders gain profits from their investment whereas other stakeholders, such as customers get high quality products. For example, in the pursuit of profits, a company that deals with the processing of foods can focus on producing foods that are low fat and healthier so as to attract more customers. This will benefit the company in that more people will buy such foods hence increasing the company sales. On the other hand, customers will be healthy and avoid eating related diseases, such as obesity, diabetes, and blood pressure. According to McWilliams (2008), corporations end up improving social welfare by focusing on making profits. A theory of corporate social responsibility by Friedman concurs with Adam Smiths view that, when companies pursue the goal of making profits, the whole society benefits (Hood 1998). Friedman, in his classical view of social responsibility, argues that since the ultimate goal of any business corporation is to make profits, managers should never at any time use shareholders money to pursue social interests. Therefore, any money spent in any activity should proof to be worth it. Further, Friedman argues that businesses do not have any responsibilities and hence can not be held to be socially responsible, only their owners. As quoted in Hood (1998), Friedman holds the strong view that any business has only one social duty of making use of its resources and being involved in activities aimed at increasing its profits as long as it operates under the set rules. Moreover, in the pursuit of maximizing profits, companies end up delivering unique social benefits. In support of Friedmans views, Hood (1998), states that any private business fulfills its social responsibility only when it tries to make profits. Additionally, an argument by Visser (2007) is in support of Friedmans view that companies should be left to pursue the goal of making profits. In this argument, Karnani holds the view that by forcing corporations to be socially responsible through doing some acts of charity, shareholders in turn lose their profits. Therefore, any manager who would not focus on making profits for the corporation is going against the stakeholders aim of maximizing profits. These stakeholders include the customers, shareholders, government, generl public among others (Branco Rodrigues, 2007). In some cases, such managers can face dismissal. As a result of the pressure to give back to the society, some companies claim to be socially responsible only though talking, but no action accompanies such words (Haynes 2010). Therefore, companies according to Kalind (2001) should be left free to maximize their profits since at the end social benefits will be realized. Branco Rodrigues (2007) maintains that businesses do not owe anything to the society as long as they conform to the set rules and regulations. However, Janda Pitts` (2009) view differs with that of Friedmans in that, it supports some degree of dishonesty when undertaking any business activity. Janda Pitts (2009), in support of his pure profit-making view argues that dishonesty is part of the strategy for success in business since business people have lower moral standards as compare to the rest of the society. Moreover, Janda Pitts (2009) holds the opinion that as long as a business operates under the legally set of laws, it has no moral obligation towards the society. On the other hand, Friedmans view supports honesty in business, which according to Branco Rodrigues (2007), can be referred to as the constrained profit-making view. Another argument against corporate social responsibility is by the chief economist, David Henderson (Branco Rodrigues 2007). In his 2005 publication, Henderson argues that corporate social responsibility affects a companys resource allocation procedure (Branco Rodrigues 2007). His argument is that, when companies engage in CSR activities, they lose focus of their ultimate goal of profit making. This will in turn end up misappropriating company finances which will lead to losses. The losses will then increase poverty, since it will make the shareholders poorer (Sun 2010). Moreover, Henderson holds the opinion that CSR regulations or laws that are formulated to support CSR lead to decreased business operations, which will translate into ineffective markets, reduced wealth generation and increased social inequity and poverty (Branco Rodrigues 2007). Hendersons views in general support that businesses have the ultimate goal of profit making and wealth creation and, therefore, are not obl igated to serve the community in any other capacity. Branco Rodrigues (2007) is in support of the view that a businesss sole purpose is profit maximization. These authors argue that managers find it difficult to carry out their duties as well as to make decisions in cases, where the company has multiple objectives. Therefore, it is vital that businesses hold the shareholders interests of profit maximization close at heart so as to create wealth, which in the end will lead to more benefits to the society at large. Stakeholder View This is a theory that supports the involvement of companies in CSR activities. The theory holds the view that apart from shareholders, there are other groups that are interested in the actions of any business. These groups are generally referred to as stakeholders and are in one way or another affected by the actions of a business entity. Stakeholders range from customers, employees, suppliers as well as the communities around the business entity. This theory holds the view that a company should not only focus on profit maximization and wealth generation but should also strive to improve the welfare of its stakeholders (Roper 2007). Therefore, despite businesses being established solely as profit making entities, they have some responsibilities to the general public (McWilliams 2008). Other strong supporters of the stakeholder view are Janda Pitts (2009), who argue that, corporations are owned by interrelated groups of people who are affected by the actions of the corporations in diifferent ways, either positively or negatively (Branco Rodrigues 2007). Corporations should, therefore, embrace CSR so as to be sustainable and to brig forth benefits for all stakeholders. According to Cohen (2005), businesses should embrace moral values, since economics is deeply infused with ethics. Any business activity being undertaken should always strive to protect the interests of all stakeholders. For example, a cement manufacturing company has the responsibility of ensuring that all its employees always wear protective gear so as to protect them from work related disease, injuries among other dangers that may arise in the work place. This company also has the responsibility of ensuring that proper pollution control measures are put in place so as to ensure that the communities around them are not affected negatively. In addition, such a company has a responsibility to protect the environment from pollution as well as to ensure that it harvests natural resources in a sustainable way. This example shows that the shareholders will achieve their interests of profit making, whereas the community and the environment who are stakeholders will be protected from harm (Hart 2011). Another supporter of the stakeholder view is Sacconi (2004), who, in his three- dimensional conceptual model argues that, any company has several social responsibilities. This model describes CSR as having four categories that include legal, social, ethical, and philanthropic (Friedman 1970). Economically, any company is expected to produce high quality products that are good for customers, whereas legally it has the responsibility of conforming to the set rules and regulations. On the other hand, ethical responsibilities of a company include undertaking of business activities in a way that respect societal values, norms, and standards. The philanthropic category entails a companys responsibility to voluntarily support the society with the intention of improving its welfare. For example, an automobile manufacture industry has the economic responsibility of manufacturing vehicles that meet the consumers needs, while at the same time conforming to the governments regulations. Such a co mpany can also build an engineering institution for the community around so as to support science and technology in that community. In summary, the stakeholder view holds that corporations should undertake their activities with the aim of fulfilling the interests of all stakeholders. A strong argument in this theory is that, a corporation should establish good relations with all stakeholders so as to grow and be successful. Any business should not only focus on wealth creation and profit making, but also on improving social interests (McWilliams 2008). Businesses have been for a long time been pressurized to be socially responsible to enhance their short and long-term sustainability. However, this has been met by opposition from various economists who argue that the sole purpose of any business is profit maximization and wealth creation. Therefore, any deviation from this objective will lead to great losses for shareholders. The classical view has been supported by such authors like Friedman and Carr who argue that businesses should strive to make profits, while conforming to the set rules and regulations. This view holds that businesses are obligated to serve the shareholders interests only and hence are not obligated to serve the interests of the society. On the other hand, the stakeholder view supported by authors, such as Freeman and Carroll, calls organizations to be socially responsible. Generally, companies are urged to embrace CSR at all levels of their operations. By doing this, they are able to attract and retain customer s, investors among other key stakeholders, who ensure short and long-term growth of the business. In addition, the companies are required to fulfill ethical, economic, philanthropic, as well as legal obligations so as to be successful (McWilliams 2008). Buy custom Corporate Social Responsibility essay buy custom Corporate Social Responsibility essay Introduction Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is a form of policy where a business organization employs a self regulating mechanism that will provide the business with appropriate information. These policies ensure that the company complies with the set laws, ethical and international standards of there business activities (Grace, 2005). The main objective of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is to encourage the companys actions and also support a constructive impact through its activities with the aim of conserving the environment and also maintaining a good relationship between the company and its employees, customers, shareholders, community and all the other members of the public (Garriga Mel 2008).. Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is a way in which the organizations incorporates the views and interests of the public in the decision making process of the organization as a strategy used by an organization to maintain the close relationship with the public (Ismail, 2009). It also encourages public interests into the organization by eliminating practices that will harm the great coexistence between the community and the organization; while promoting the growth and development of the community and customers of the organization. It should be noted that this is also a strategy that is being used by the organization to generate extra financial gains and also increase its customers outreach (Lantos, 1998). Incase the organization doesnt record any increase in the sales and customer improvement the organization has no reasons of continuing with its activities as it is a waste of time and resources. Therefore it has to stop undertaking the Corporate Social responsibly role and thus i ndulge in other activities that will increase its sales and productivity (Smith et al, 2006). 1. Marks and Spencer is a leading British retailer company that specializes in the selling of clothing and extravagant food products. The store headquarters is located in the city of Westminster, London with more that 700 stores in England and more than 300 more stores spread allover the world (Murray, 2009). The company had introduced a new Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) strategy commonly known as "Plan A" (Marks Spencer Inc, 2010). The plan was launched as an initiative by Marks and Spencer MS January 2007; and will last for the next 5 years. It was intended to be used by the organization to ensure that it would be in a position of providing its customers with efficient environmental and ethical operations that will benefit the customers well being in the society (Garriga Mel 2008). Some of these measures that the company employed included the uses of Fair-trade products, use of environment friendly dyes on its clothes and sustainable fishing (Murray, 2009). As these aspects were seen as some important ways in which the organization can be able to conducts it business fairly and at the same time improve the relationshp that exists between the organization and its customers. The plan A that was initiated with the organization back in the year 1997 had vowed to undertake more than 100 commitments that were seen as the key factors that were seen as the greater challenges. These challenges were both in the organization and the entire universe some of these challenges they included the health, fair-trade (Partnership), climate change, waste products, and raw materials sustainability. With all these plans the companies was aiming at tackling these challenges and at the same time improve the livelihood of the communities in the world and at the same time benefiting from the social welfare of the customers and the community that is around the organization (Grace, 2005). The company will be in a position of making it as one of the major retailer store in the world by 2012; this is because it has been able to achieve and fulfill the key possible strategies that will be more responsive in ensuring that the organization relationship with its customers is improved. Thus the plane will ensure that the customers, employees and the surrounding community is in a position of becoming one of the most successful retail store organization in the world (Marks Spencer Inc, 2010). The first target that is set by the organization is to ensure that the organization is environmental friendly; this is by Becoming a carbon neutral organization. This is seen as the most pressing issue in the world today and this will add some credits on the organization as this will be seen as a good initiative used by the organization in conserving the world today. This is by reducing the rates of carbon gas emissions into the atmosphere; thus making it the friendliest organization as it is concerned with the environment of where it conducts its activities (Lantos, 1998). The organization will also be the most sorted after Retail Store Company this is when the organization implements its Corporate Social Responsibility that will help improve the lives of the people in the supply chain (Visser, et al 2008). This is well categorized when the organization will tend to strengthen the relationship that exists between the organization and its competitors. This is when the organization will negotiate with its competitors and thus come to a point of selling its products at a slight lower price that will be of great benefit for the customers of the retail store. With the implementation of this will definitely result to an increase in customers who will be purchasing their products from the stores; this is as a result of the store selling its products at reasonable and affordable prices (Smith et al, 2006). 2. The 2010 Mark and Spencers CSR report that was released by the organization ensured that the organization was in a position of achieving its 100 commitments that are supposed to be of greateer benefit the customers, employees, suppliers and the environment in general (Pitts, et al. 2009). This will subsequently make it easy for the organization to be able to supply and be of great benefit to the organization that is more beneficial to both the organization and the community around the organization. Plan A also known as the How we Do business ensured that the company was in a position of succeeding in the retail industry by ensuring that its 5 main objectives of the Plan A are successfully completed without interfering with the ways in which the organization performs its activities (Marks Spencer Inc, 2010). The organizations main way or Corporate Social Responsibility was aimed at ensuring that the organization fulfill the social, environmental and ethical performances this will efficiently ensure that the organization is in the point of facilitating the recommended plan that will oversee the success of the organization Plan A. It is noted that all these recommended commitments that were established and initiated in 1997 with the aims of ensuring that the customers, employees and the other stakeholders are incorporated in the decision making of the organization (Visser, et al 2008). In matters that pertain to the environment conservation the company has bee able to monitor its contributions in the emission of carbon in the atmosphere. This eventually made it easy for the organization to reduce and regulate the rates in which the environment is destroyed. This reduced the rate of emission of carbon into the organization by 8% (Marks Spencer Inc, 2010). The organization has also managed to reduce the rate of waste matters it disposes to the world by approximately 33% of the previously recorded cases. This has been as a result of sensitization that has been constantly been conducted by the organization on the importance of the waste disposal management (Ismail, 2009). In social welfare the organization has achieved in the improvement of the lives of the people who are less privileged in the society; this is from the initiative that the organization had implemented of buying green palm certificates. These would be used by the organization to raise money by employees and the customers in order to ensure the organization funds all projects. Such projects were directed and stated in the third world nations as a way of raising the social status of the of the people living in these critical situations. The organization has also achieved in its health plan; this is in both the employees and the customers. This is by introducing them into healthy eating habits that will help reduce the cases of obesity and heart failure conditions (Marks Spencer Inc, 2010). Thus the organization stated the selling of cakes and bread that contains marginally reduced calories; in view of the fact that they will pose no health risks on the people eating them and this is when its sells these products to the entire store it has worldwide. Buy custom Corporate Social Responsibility essay

Managing Knowledge Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Managing Knowledge - Essay Example Knowledge is passive, analytic and atomistic (Thomas, Kellogg & Erickson, 2001). This does not imply that knowledge is power, rather applied knowledge is power. To apply knowledge, to use the abundance of information that is available in any organization today, codification of knowledge is essential. Codification of knowledge into information implies making knowledge portable, re-usable and transferable within the organization (Hall, 2006). Only when this is possible can knowledge become power. Organizational knowledge can then be used to gain competitive edge over the rivals but the organization should know how to use that power. Technological advancements have made it possible to retain knowledge and transmit it to the persons concerned within the organization. Knowledge can be a powerful weapon when retained, transmitted, disseminated and applied. It is thus important to understand the implications and the ways of retaining and applying knowledge. Knowledge has been classified into two categories - tacit and explicit. Explicit knowledge is that which has been previously defined and codified. It is usually gained through formal education, training, books and now the internet. Explicit knowledge is static and does not have the capacity to renew itself (Ehin, 2008). It requires an outside entity to keep it current. Tacit knowledge on the other hand is acquired by interacting with others and is connected to life's experiences. Tacit knowledge is the basis for generation of new knowledge or "the key to knowledge creation lies in the mobilization and conversion of tacit knowledge" (Nonaka cited by Marwick, 2001). The individual tacit knowledge characterizes the human capital of an organization. Human capital is the combination of genetic inheritance, education, experience and attitude towards life and business (Bontis & Fitz-enz, 2002). Human capital is the source of innovation and strategy. Sustained competitive advantage can accr ue from a pool of human capital. Human capital adds value and is not substitutable. An organization is not a passive repository of knowledge. The tacit knowledge in the form of organization culture may interact with the explicit knowledge of the individual. The core competencies of an organization incorporate both tacit and explicit knowledge and should be conceived as a mix of skills and technologies (Lindgren & Wallstrom, 2000). These interactions and combinations result in new knowledge as organizational learning or innovation. This knowledge has to be efficiently managed so as to derive competitive advantage. Managing knowledge Managing knowledge or knowledge management (KM) is nothing more than getting the right information to the right people at the right time. It is also known by other terms like organizational learning, organizational memory and expertise management. Most organizations may not even be aware of the knowledge they have, let alone knowing how to manage knowledge. They may under estimate the value and creation of knowledge; they may even unknowingly give away what they possess (Earl & Scott, 2001). They may defer the sharing of knowledge or under invest in the utilization of the knowledge. As organizations started recognizing these facts, they created the post of a Chief Knowledge Officer (CKO), whose popularity and demand has increased in the recent