Design and Technology (D&T) Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

Design and Technology (D&T) - Essay Example Stenhouse (Cited in Armitage, 195) argues that "Curriculum to many in compulsory education, is understood to be the government planned intentions", or "prescribed intended learning outcomes" This definition lends itself to the planning of specific learning targets which can be translated into specific learning outcomes for individual lessons. However this process is not inclusive, as it does not maximise the potential of immediate learner feedback, and therefore reduces the level of learner participation in the learning process. The aims of this study are therefore focused upon the potential role learner feedback or evaluation can play in developing curriculum, facilitating greater learner participation and ownership. The role of Design and Technology in schools on England is evolving. These changes were announced in the Government Green Paper 14-19: Extending Opportunities Raising Standards (DfES, 2002), which argued that education and instruction of 14-19-year-olds should be delivered by a more flexible curriculum with a broad range of options. Beginning in September 2002, Design and Technology was no longer a compulsory school subject from age 14: the age which marks the end of Key Stage 3 of the National Curriculum in England. Students will have a statutory entitlement at KS4 to opt to study D&T subjects, but also more freedom within what was recognised as a very crowded curriculum to select other subjects of their choice. These changes along with the introduction of league tables have had a considerable impact on D&T provision in secondary schools. Hirst (1974: p 110) argues that the wider context of education 'is affected by the motivations of society'; the advent of league tables has evoked increasingly competitive organisations and teachers, along with an increased organisations and teachers, along with an increased orientation towards accountability both on an organizational and individual level. Design and Technology was introduced into the National Curriculum in England and Wales in 1990 (Under the Technology in the National Curriculum Statutory Order, DES and Welsh Office, 1990). Some suggest that this was a response by the government to the importance of technology to the British economy at that time (Layton, 1995). However, most agree that little research evidence existed before the introduction of D&T into the curriculum, on which to base these decisions (DES/Welsh Office, 1988. Section 1.15. Kimbell, Stables &Green, 1996, 17. Penfold, 1988, 5; Shield, 1996, 10). This is also reflected upon the curriculum of the day that was viewed as being 'product' orientated (Bobbitt 1918, 42; 1928. and Tyler, 1949, 89). The underpinning theme being that learners were taught 'what people needed to know in order to work' (Bobbitt, 1918. 42); this orientation towards knowledge focused upon achieving competences. Today still some practical elements of D&T are and will remain competence or skills focused, and therefore influenced by product orientated curriculum of the 1990's. These elements of the D&T curriculum include the correct and safe used of tools and equipment, which are also assessed competences at GCSE level. Nevertheless, its associated distinctive model of teaching and learning had been evolving over the years (Kimbell and Perry, 2001; Penfold 1988, 23). It is claimed that England and Wales were the first

EN102 Exam 3 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

EN102 Exam 3 - Essay Example Social networking through the Internet is rapidly gaining attention from the public. This has potentially changed people’s lifestyle including purchasing habits. The ability of social media to form virtual networks is an opportunity to enhance the effectiveness of advertising and to gain more consumers. The chance for interaction in most virtual communities is helpful to marketing improvement if businesses avail this kind of advertisement. Wood and Solomon (2009) contend that virtual communities are influential in examining the "differences in consumer perception of virtual and real-life recommendation sources" (p. 66) and would offer companies a practical look on what the consumers need. Social media offers an extensive marketing for the products and services of various companies considering the internet’s speed in disseminating information, while companies are able to keep track on the level of customer satisfaction through online interaction of virtual communities. Social media, amidst its disadvantages, is undeniably a useful tool in adapting to new age consumers’ preferences and needs. The onset of modern technology changes the trends of various aspects in the society, including marketing. The cost-efficiency of using social media to introduce the product to virtual communities is helpful in the development of the business’s market and profit. With a suitable brand online strategy, the business is introduced to the social media users. An advantage that social media has that other forms of marketing does not have is the chance to listen to a direct feedback and the chance to know what the consumers like or dislike about the product. If taken as a constructive criticism in the part of the management, such comments can be an opportunity to develop their products and services. Based on the information discussed at the previous parts of this paper, three

Case Study of PTSD in Ghana Armed Forces Personnel

Case Study of PTSD in Ghana Armed Forces Personnel CHAPTER ONE INTRODUCTION 1.1 Background to the Study According to The League of Nations was the first major organisation established after the First World War for conflict resolutions. Following the failure of the League of Nations to avert the Second World War, the United Nations Organisation (UNO) was established in 1945 to replace it. The United Nations (UN) is an international organisation, which among other things, aims to maintain international peace and security and to take collective and preventive measures to ensure global peace ( Rikhe, 1983). The need for peaceful co-existence and resolution of conflicts and wars necessitated the introduction of third party involvement in conflict resolution mechanisms in the nineteen century. The third party approach to settlement of conflicts and wars is practiced primarily by the UN, regional and sub-regional organisations through Peacekeeping Operations (PKO). Peacekeeping is defined as â€Å"the process of mediation, conciliation, negotiation and the management of conflict in a bid to bring peace in an area of conflict, violence or hostilities†. Peacekeeping involves the deployment of a neutral force (UN, Regional or Sub-regional body) in the field, with military, civil police and civilian personnel, in order to stabilize or dampen a conflict situation and provide viable opportunities for pacific resolution of conflicts. It entails peace-making and peace-building (Maj Agyemang-Bioh, 2000). In peace-making, an effort to settle the conflict through mediation, negotiation, concil iation and other forms of peaceful settlement is made using diplomatic action. Peace-building on the other hand, is â€Å"action-like†; it includes the identification and support of all measures and structures which will promote peace and build the needed trust and healthy interactions among former enemies; in order to avoid a relapse into conflict or recurrence of the hostilities. Thus peace-building is a social change through socio-economic development, rehabilitation and reconstruction; it actively seeks to eliminate the likelihood of direct or indirect violence in the conflict area, with the object of preventing further war and then to obviate any distress signal in the community (Ibid). The complex nature of modern conflicts and approaches to dealing with such conflicts gave birth to the term Peace Support Operations (PSO). Peace Support Operations are multifunctional operations in which impartial military activities are designed to create a secure environment and to facilitate the efforts of the civilian elements of the mission to create a self sustaining peace (Institute of Security Studies, 2000).  Ã‚   The concept of PSO refers to ‘the military, diplomatic, economic and humanitarian activities carried out in order to achieve long-term peace settlement and reinstate political and socio-economic stability to   a conflict or disaster situation (United Kingdom Joint Warfare Publication, 3-50). The terms Peacekeeping and Peace Support Operations are however, used interchangeably in this paper since both terminologies refer to the same concept. Additionally, the role of the peacekeeper has not changed significantly with the shift from PKO to PSO.   The first UN conflict resolution in Africa was in 1960 following the crisis in the Congo, now Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).   Thereafter, the UN focused attention on all troubled spots in order to check crises before they escalated. It also encouraged the formation of regional and sub-regional bodies such as the Organisation of African Unity (OAU), now the African Union (AU), Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and Southern African Development Community (SADC) to complement her efforts. This is in line with Article 53 of the UN Charter on regional organisations, which states that, ‘the Security Council should encourage associations or agencies that promote peace at regional level (Rikhe, 1983). Since its initial intervention in Congo in 1960, the Ghana Armed Forces has been involved in complex peacekeeping operations; from the civil wars in Rwanda, the Liberian and Sierra Leonean conflicts and the Ivorian conflicts, almost all commencing within the 1990s. All these conflicts were characterised by extreme cases of human rights violations and other violent crimes which have claimed so many lives and caused so much pain and suffering. In Liberia, Ghana was among the five leading member states of ECOWAS which deployed troops before the UN Security Council belatedly sanctioned it (Erskine (Lt Gen), (2000). Currently, the Ghana Armed Forces is providing contingents for United Nations peace support operations in Cote dIvoire, Liberia, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Sudan, and Lebanon.   A total of 3,250 troops are deployed for peace support operations in the five listed missions. As at 2008, Ghana was the sixth largest contributor of uniformed personnel to UN Peacekeeping (Un ited Nations Factsheet, 2008). Participation in these operations exposes military personnel to traumatic incidents. Since the twentieth century, a lot of changes have taken place in both the manner in which peacekeeping operations are executed and the circumstances to which the peacekeeping soldier is exposed to risk. Firstly, not only has peacekeeping operations increased in terms of frequency but they have also undergone a metamorphosis with regard to the manner in which they are conducted. It has been argued that previously peacekeeping soldiers were responsible for monitoring and observing cease-fire agreements between formally belligerent states (Liebenberg et al, 1997). Others contend that the 1990s witnessed conflicts where parties did not comply with peace agreements and/or disobeyed the rules of war (Olonisakin, 1998). He also refers to situations where peacekeeping soldiers themselves were viciously attacked. The nature of conflict also changed. In the pas,t conflict was characterised by being mainly inter-state, but today intra-state conflict is more prevalent (Nkiwane, 2000; Cilliers, 1999). Another indication of the changing nature of peacekeeping is illustrated in the roles that todays peacekeeping soldiers have to fulfill. The classic roles of the peacekeeping soldier to monitor the implementation of an honourable agreement between two or more parties in conflict; to act unarmed and guard a distinctly marked observation post, or to patrol a demilitarised cease-fire line, have become the exception rather than the rule (Potgieter, 1995). Thus, the evolving nature of peacekeeping duty in itself suggests that today peacekeeping soldiers are faced with new psychological challenges (Litz et al, 1997), and that it is no longer unusual for contemporary peacekeeping missions to include exposure to traditional war-zone experiences (Orsillo et al, 1998). The above conditions have the effect of increasing the stress levels of the peacekeeper. The ability to cope with stress is intrinsically related to psychological and material resources (Lazarus and Folkman, 1984), which are likely to be adversely affected by repeated traumatisation experienced during conflicts. Experience and appraisal of trauma tends to be related to both poverty (Muldoon, 2003) and social identity (Haslam et al, 2004). The most common psychological consequence of war and conflict is post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The resulting stress has beenassociated with reduced cognitive, emotional, and behavioralperformance (Mitchell and Dyregov, 1993) and may negatively affect work performance (Paine, 1992).These findings have implications for both the career path ofthe worker and the efficiency and productivity of organizations. From the social identification perspective, the world may appear to be a frightening place and the trauma victim can feel powerless, helpless and incompetent. But in the interpersonal realm, the family is really affected. Post-t raumatic stress can cause the sufferer to become emotionally withdrawn and distant from family members. People affected can become overly needy and dependent, or outrageously demanding and impatient. Most of them can revert back to old habits like smoking or drinking, or become a newly hatched adolescent and engage in reckless, sometimes life threatening hobbies. PTSD is an anxiety disorder that can develop after exposure to a terrifying event or ordeal in which grave physical harm occurred or was threatened (Muldoon, (2003). Traumatic events that may trigger PTSD include violent personal assaults, natural or human-caused disasters, accidents, or military combat. These traumatic experiences could be caused by reasons such as near-death, serious physical injury, serious accident, violence, war, torture, any event that causes extreme fear, a horrifying event, or when one feels an extreme sense of helplessness (Ibid). PTSD can be categorized into four types depending on the length of time it takes for the disorder to appear and the amount of time it is present. These include; firstly, Acute Stress Disorder, symptoms of these occur within four weeks of the traumatic experience and lasts between two days and four weeks; secondly, Acute Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, with symptoms lasting for more than four weeks; thirdly, Delayed Onset Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, where symptoms appear years after the traumatic experience; and finally Chronic Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder where symptoms last for over three months with the symptoms disappearing for a few days and then reappearing. The major symptoms of PTSD include: exaggerated startle response, loss of memory (forgetfulness), sleep disorders (nightmares and waking up suddenly during the night), flashbacks or images of the traumatic incident that keeps coming back to haunt you, hyper vigilance (very similar to, but not paranoia), hypersensitivity, extreme irritability, anger over petty issues with violent outbursts, possessiveness, extreme nervousness and anxiety, muscle aches and pains for no apparent reason, unexplained fear, low self-esteem and lack of confidence (Mitchell and Dyregov, 1993). PTSD is categorized as Intrusion when the symptoms appear suddenly and happen when memories of a past traumatic incident keep coming back as flashbacks. These flashbacks could be induced by a variety of triggers such as smell, sight, or sound. Once the flashback is triggered, it is almost impossible to stop because the incident seems real with all the emotions involved. Nightmares are a good example of this. PTSD is categorized as Avoidance when a PTSD sufferer consciously or unconsciously tries to prevent remembering anything related to the traumatic experience. This may involve avoiding those close to you, or those you work with, causing misery to yourself and those close to you. PTSD is categorized as Hyper arousal when the symptoms are as a result of stimulated nerves and hormones. One could experience severe insomnia, and not remember the entire traumatic experience. During this phase one will have very poor concentration and will get irritated easily (Thompson and Gignac, 2000a ). PTSD can be treated. However, if left untreated, PTSD could remain lifelong, damaging ones relations with others and causing one several ailments, both physically and mentally (Solomon et al, 1996). 1.2 Statement of the Problem Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is common among people who have served in the military or any of the security or law enforcement agencies. The involvement and exposure of military personnel to combat and combat related situations expose them to risks which tend to affect them physically, mentally and emotionally. Some military occupations are more likely to witness traumatic events than others and thus be at greater risk. These occupations include frontline combat unit, combat engineers and medical personnel. It is often these same professionals or trades that are tasked repeatedly for peace support operations (Gignac, 2000). The fundamental components of combat power of the Armed Forces include the equipment and the personnel who carry out the combat roles. Therefore, it is important that all armed forces maintain a high state of personnel readiness (United Kingdom Doctrine for Joint and Multinational Operations-JWP 0-10). However, participation in combat and combat related activities exposes the military to stressful conditions. Over the years, the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) have been exposed to battlefield hazards through their participation in peace support operations including the   Economic Community of West African States Monitoring Group (ECOMOG) operations in Liberia, The United Nations Mission in Sierra Leone (UNAMSIL), the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), the United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL), the United Nations Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (MONUC), the United Nations Mission in La Cote IVoire (UNOCI), and until recently, the United Nations Mission in Chad (MINURCAT). Exposure to such hazards of war in most cases result in mental and emotional tensions, injuries and death.   These situations usually result in what is referred to as stress on the part of the service personnel. It is therefore necessary that serious attention is paid to the problem of stress among participants of peace support operations. This research will therefore investigate and examine so cial identification and post-traumatic stress symptoms among participants of peace support operation, with the GAF as a case study. 1.3 Justification of the Study The military plays an important role in a nations development. They provide a congenial atmosphere for the overall development of a nation. Military personnel as a core element of the security services therefore need sound mind and body to be able to perform their duties effectively and efficiently. It is therefore important that attention is paid to the psychological and emotional needs of the military. Effective handling of post-traumatic stress related problems among personnel of the GAF will enhance their efficiency and productivity both at home and during peace support operations outside the country.The study will help come out with relevant information and recommendations that will help in assisting personnel who are affected by post-traumatic stress in the course of discharging their duties. It will also help reduce the incidence of PTSD among peacekeepers. This will help boost the morale of the personnel of the GAF both at home and on international peace support operations. 1.4 Research Questions The study will attempt to find answers to the following questions: What are the symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorders among personnel of the GAF? What are the effects of peace support operations on post-traumatic stress disorder and social identification? Which are the populations that are affected by post-traumatic stress disorders in the GAF? Is there a relationship between post-traumatic stress and the strength of social identification? 1.5.Methodology This research which is a case study of Social Identification and Post-Traumatic Stress Symptoms among personnel of the Ghana Armed Forces is a   qualitative research project hence the researcher largely employs the use of qualitative research design to include both primary and secondary data. Qualitative research is exploratory in nature and encompasses a range of philosophies, research designs and specific techniques including in-depth qualitative interviews; participant and non-participant observation; focus groups; document analyses; and a number of other methods of data collection (Pope and Mays, 2006). The primary data was collected from live interviews, focus group discussions and questionnaire administration. A total sample size of two hundred (200) was used for the study.   This comprised of interviews with thirty individuals, thirty persons in focus groups of six and one hundred and forty questionnaire which were administered to randomly selected personnel of the Ghana A rmed Forces. The secondary data were gathered from books, journals, articles, dissertations, and published and unpublished thesis.   1.6 Objectives of the Study The study has four-fold objectives. These are to: Identify and examine the symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorders among personnel of the GAF; Examine and analyze the effects of peace support operations on post-traumatic stress disorder and social identification; Examine and analyze the prevalent group of post-traumatic stress disorders in the Ghana Armed Forces; and Examine and analyze the relationship between post-traumatic stress and the strength of social identification. 1.6 Hypothesis The research hypotheses used in this study is tailored to suit a qualitative methodology that is interpretative rather than statistical. 1.6.1 Alternative Hypotheses There are symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorders among personnel of the GAF. Peace support operations have effect on post-traumatic stress and social identification. Post-traumatic stress disorders affect people of a particular group in the GAF. There is a relationship between post-traumatic stress and the strength of social identification. 1.6.2 Null Hypotheses There are no symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorders among personnel of the GAF. Peace support operations do not have effect on post-traumatic stress and social identification. Post-traumatic stress disorders affect every group in the GAF. There is no relationship between post-traumatic stress and the strength of social identification. 1.5 Limitations The research was limited in terms of data collection. Military personnel are generally sceptical about accepting their stress situations, largely due to the existing stigmatization associated with combat stress and PTSD. Nevertheless, the researchers status as a member of the GAF provided an insight into some of the issues relating to social identification and PTSD. The researcher further interacted with colleagues and other military personnel involved in post peace support operations to gain further insights into issues raised in the research. 1.6 Organization of Study The study is organized into five chapters. An introduction of the entire study is captured in Chapter one. Chapter two presents a review of the relevant literature. Chapter three outlines the methods of data collection while an analysis and interpretation of data and results is covered in chapter four. The fifth chapter is devoted to the summary of findings, conclusions and recommendations. CHAPTER TWO LITERATURE REVIEW 2.1Introduction This chapter provides the theoretical framework for the research.   It considers the views of some writers on Peace Support Operations and how they impact on social identity, stress and related concepts.   The study of these concepts will help in understanding the social identification and post-traumatic stress symptoms in post peace support operations among Ghanaian peacekeepers. 2.2 Social Identification and related Theories 2.2.1 Social Identification Social identification is the process by which an aspect of self- image is developed based on in-group preference or ethnocentrism and a perception of belonging to a social or cultural group. (APA, Thesaurus of Psychological Index Terms, 8th ed). 2.2.2 Theories of Social Identification Several theories have been formulated to explain how threats or stress affect social identification. Three of the well known theories are explained below: 2.2.2.1 The Integrated Threat Theory The theory of Integrated Threat was first identified by Walter and Cookie Stepan, when they attempted to explain how a groups prejudiceswere created by threats from other groups. These threats are said tobe present anytimeone groups actions, beliefs, or characteristics challenge the goal attainment or well being of another group (Riek, Mania, Gaertner, 2006).An individual group may feel threatened by another which is utilizing resources it needs to achieve its goals or to sustain its status as a group. These resources may be tangible, such as money or materials, or intangible, such as status, power or knowledge (Ibid). When resources are scarce, the group whichis threatened by the lack of resources finds itself motivated to compete for the resources in order to maintain its identity as a group or to achieve its goals (Ibid). This competitionpromotes negative attitudes towards those in the group utilizing the resources (Aberson Gaffney, 2008). The two groups in competition over resources can be described as the in-group and the out-group. The in-group can be described as the group of people with whom an individual categorizes himself/herself with. Members of an in-group feel a sense of commitment to the group and gain greater esteem from their sense of belonging to the group (Redmond, 2010). The out-group can be described as any group outside of an individuals in-group and a group that can be a potential rival/competitor for resources (Ibid). The in-group is the group which feels threatened, and the out-group is the group which is posing a threat to the in-group (Kendall, 1998). Intergroup threats contribute to conflict because they influence behaviors, perceptions, and emotions. An appraisal of threat can evoke strong negative emotions, including that of fear, rage, anger, resentment, frustration, contempt and insecurity. In addition, perceptions of threat reduce emotional empathy for members of the out-group. All of these negative emotions combined with the lack of empathy felt for the other group, can literally bring people to a breaking point. 2.2.2.2 Social Identity Theory Social Identity Theory focuses on the relationship between self-concept and group behavior (Hogg and Terry, 2001). The social identity theory was proposed by Henri Tajfel as a result of work he was doing in the 1970s concerning categorization and social perception, intergroup behavior, and the pursuit of social psychological understanding of the causes of prejudice and intergroup conflict (Abrams and Hogg, 1999). He believed that there was discontinuity between how people behaved when they related to others on an intergroup basis as opposed to an interpersonal or individual basis and sought to explain the behavior of people in group situations (Abrams and Terry, 2001). Tajfel identified three components of social identity, self-conceptualization, group self-esteem, and commitment to the group, which when met, lead a person to feel connected to their in-group. As a result, all other groups become out-groups and are rivals for status and resources as well as a source for comparison. Th is can lead to discrimination in favour of the in-group or against other out-groups as well as stereotyping and prejudice when a perceived threat occurs (Redmond, 2009). According to the Social Identity Theory, social identity and intergroup behavior is guided by the pursuit of evaluative positive social identity through positive intergroup distinctiveness, which in turn is motivated by the need for positive self-esteem (Hogg Terry, 2001). In other words, a persons behavior will be affected by their positive association with their in-group, when their self-esteem and/or status are elevated by that association. Central to this theory are three components identified by Tajfel: self-categorization, group self-esteem, and group commitment. 2.2.2.2.1 Self-Categorization Self-categorization refers to a persons belief that he/she belongs to a group. A person must categorize or identify him or herself as a member of a group in order to have their self-esteem elevated through association with the group. According to this theory, categorization sharpens intergroup boundaries by producing group-distinctive stereotypical and normative perceptions and actions and assigns people, including self, to the contextually relevant category (Ibid). In addition, self-categorization can reduce uncertainty about themselves and others and about how they and others may or ought to behave in specific social contexts (Ibid). The core of an identity is the categorization of the self as the occupant of a role (Stets Burke, 2000). By assigning roles to individuals that are self-categorized as being part of a group, individuals can derive meanings and expectations associated with their roles, and as a result, are able to create values based standards that motivate and guide b ehavior. 2.2.2.2.2 Group Self-Esteem Group self-esteem refers to the positive self-esteem or self-identity gained through membership in a group. In order to categorize ones self as a member of a group, membership in the group must hold some value for the person such as improvement in their status or positive personal identity through the association with the group. The theory suggests that people have a need to see themselves in a positive light in relation to relevant others (Hogg and Terry, 2001) and that this can be achieved in a group context through making comparisons between in-group and relevant out-groups in ways that favour the in-group (Ibid). 2.2.2.2.3 Group Commitment Group commitment refers to the strength of the commitment a person feels to their in-group. This is important because if an individual believes they can move into a higher status group, this person will be unlikely to show much solidarity or engage in much direct intergroup competition and will instead attempt to disidentify and gain psychological entry to the dominant group (Ibid). When a person identifies him or herself with a group, gains a positive self-esteem through the group, and feels committed to the group, the person will be motivated to maintain the group and their memberships in the group (Redmond, 2009). There can also be adverse consequences, however, to an individual over-identifying with a group. When a person becomes too attached to a group, it can lead to stereotyping and the degradation of out-groups as well as overdependence, antisocial behavior, decreased creativity, and a decreased sense of self for the individual (Hogg Terry, 2001). As a result of being too attached, the lines that once separated the individual identity from that of the group may become blurred. If this loss of individuality takes place, it may result in a decreased ability to create an independent self concept apart from the group. 2.2.2.3 Social Dominance Theory The Social Dominance Theory originated in an attempt to combine the more classical theories of social behaviour such as Marxism, and more contemporary theories such as Social Identity Theory into a unified behavioral model to explain bias in group behavior (Sidanius Pratto, 1999).The Social Dominance Theory is based on the idea that in virtually all societies, group-based hierarchies are formed in which both dominant and subordinate groups co-exist. As is naturally the case, the dominant group(s), referred to as having positive social value in the group structure; has access to rights and privileges that are denied to subordinate group(s) because their (negative) social value and ability to bring to bear power and resources are limited (Ibid). A principledistinction between Social Dominance Theory and similargroup-based social theories, such as Social Identity Theory, is that group members are not only motivated to protect the group to preserve their social status, but feel compelled to justify their group behavior (dominant or subordinate) through ahierarchicalsystem represented through the following omponents:Legitimizing Myths, Trimorphic Structure, and Social Dominance Orientation (Redmond, 2009). 2.2.2.3.1 Legitimizing Myths Dambrun, et al.(2009)upholds Sidanius and Prattos contention that both dominant and subordinate groups strive to sustain group-based hierarchies by the development of opposing ideologies that promote, or attenuate group inequality and domination; otherwise referred to as legitimizing myths. In other words, social groups play off each other through social policies to maintain the group hierarchy but are motivated to do so for different reasons. The differences between these reasons are referred to as behavioral asymmetry (Redmond, 2009). Asymmetry occurs when the dominant group wishes to maintain their positive social status, yet the subordinate group wishes to climb the proverbial ladder and participate in the myriad advantages of the dominant social group. As selfish as we are, social groups are not fully inclusive. These groups seek to maintain their social status by justifyingbehaviors through mitigating perceived gaps in social status. This is accomplished through legitimizing myths in the form of perceived negative stereotypes, values and beliefs against the opposing groups. â€Å"Legitimizing myths consist of attitudes, values, beliefs stereotypes, and ideologies that provide moral and intellectual justification for the social practices that distribute social value within the social system† (Sidanius and Pratto, 1999). Legitimizing myths can be broken down into two distinct groups: hierarchy-enhancing legitimizing myths (HELM) and hierarchy-attenuating legitimizing myths (HALM). HELMs not only organize individual, group, and institutional behavior in ways that sustain dominance, they often lead subordinates to collaborate with dominants in the maintenance of oppression (Pratto et al, 2006). 2.1.2.3.2. Trimorphic Structure of Group-Based Hierarchies Our predisposition to join groups is an essential element of Social Dominance Theory that assumes a trimorphic structure of group-based social hierarchy in which members are stratified into social groups based on characteristics related to the following three structures (Sidanius and Prato, 1999): Age A biologically-based system where adults are classified as socially higher (valued) than younger people. Gender Another biologically-based system in which males are classified as socially higher than women. Arbitrary set -Group-based hierarchies determineits orderbased on a virtually limitless set of factors including personal preferences, religion, beliefs, class, ethnicityor values.The age and gender systems are fixed in terms of their applicability to social groups. In other words, these stratification systems extend to all social systems as members invariably fall into a range of either group. The inclusion (or exclusion) of membership within the arbitrary set system however, is dependent upon the factor(s) applied to the group. For example, a social group based on ethnicity or religion will include a very specific subset of participants to the exclusion of all others. For these reasons, the arbitrary set system represents the most dynamic group-based social hierarchy. This system has the potential to be the most inclusive (and positive) in terms of being socially constructive, as well as the most exclusive, or socially destructive. 2.1.2.3.3.Social Dominance Orientation To better predict social group bias, Social Dominance Orientation (SDO) was developed to measure the extent to which individuals manifest discriminatory behaviors(Sidanius and Prato, 1999). SDO is defined as the degree to which individuals desire and support group-based hierarchy and the domination of inferior groups by superior groups (Ibid). 2.2. Concepts of Stress and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder 2.2.1. Combat/Traumatic Stress Stress is a word that is often used to cover a whole range of feelings and emotions. There are many varying definitions of stress. Some researchers distinguish between eustress (when something changes for the better) an

Y2k: Should We Be Worried? :: essays research papers

Some people wonder what Y2K is, and whether it is true or false. Should we be worried about Y2K? Some people are sure it is false, yet the news stresses that it is true. This has many people in fear for their life. Some have been preparing for over a year now because they think Y2K is going to hit and the power will go out and absolutely nothing will work. Should we believe this? Many people ask, "What is Y2K?". It made me wonder one day, "What does Y2K really mean?". I went to the search engine <a href="http://www.altavista.com">Altavista and typed in "What does Y2K stand for?". I looked and looked and finally found a page that answered mine and many others' questions. Y2K stands for Year 2000. Why K though? Why not Y2T? It is K because the Greek for thousand is Kilo so we use K to stand for thousand. Then comes another big question. What causes Y2K? There are two different factors in what causes Y2K. One factor being: Along time ago, approximately in the 70's different operating systems were being made for computers. The computer programmers decided to make the dates in these operating systems and programs with 2 digits(73) instead of 4(1973). That was all fine until about the early 90's when computer programmers noticed something. They saw that when the year 2000 rolled around the computers would read the date as 00 instead of 2000. The computer would think, "1900?", but I was made in 1973. This confuses the computer ,therefore, it resets it's self to 1980 and rearranges all of the settings in the BIOS (the programs that tells the computer which drive to load to, what kind of memory, what kind of CD-ROM the computer has, etc.). This could cause a problem, but nothing that could not be fixed in 5 minutes. One downfall to that is every time it got up to 2000 it would need to be fixed again. The upside being a program that reads the date with four digits is approximately ninety dollars depending on the kind of program wanted. The other factor is a computer programming language called COBOL (common business oriented language). This computer programming language is used by many businesses' computers. COBOL handles numbers and text so that businesses can produce reports and keep track of all sorts of data. It has no idea what a date is.

Rhetorical Analysis of Walter Benn Michaels, “The Trouble with Diversity” Essay

Diversity isn’t something to be ignored, but is that where our primary focus should lie? It is in our very nature to celebrate our differences; without it we lose our identity. As a society we literally dance in the streets to celebrate our individualities. However, Walter Benn Michaels points out a very interesting issue that is not only social but economical as well, in his book The Trouble with Diversity: How We Learned to Love Identity and Ignore Inequality. When we strip away our color, our heritage and begin to look at our wallets we become embarrassed, even shy about our how fat or thin it becomes. His political stance is intended for a general audience to: show present concepts of cultural diversity, to illustrate how Americans have come to love race, and to shift the focus from race to economic inequality. The introduction of The Trouble with Diversity is merely a glance at Michael’s agenda and becomes quite confusing to an average reader. He spends a fair amount of time discussing how we have become engulfed in our, as Michaels puts it, â€Å"love affair† with diversity that his primary goals are diluted within the text. When we break it down, his arguments become clearer. To fully understand Michaels objectives one must take into account his general audience. It becomes clear with his use of the first person narrative, â€Å"The argument, in its simplest form, will be that we love race—we love identity—because we don’t love class.† As Michaels points out the bulk of society is below the poverty line and when discussing economic inequality no one will listen more closely than those who are suffering the most. The upper class will also be able to identify with because as he emphasizes, â€Å"Survey after Survey has shown, Americans are very reluctant to identify themselves as belonging to the lower class and even more reluctant to identify themselves as belonging to the upper class.† As a society, we would rather associate ourselves as being middle class. In this way, no matter what the race, we are alike. Beginning The Trouble with Diversity with F. Scott Fitzgerald famous saying to Ernest Hemingway, â€Å"The rich are different from you and me.† Expresses how some people view the upper class as a completely different race of individuals. Hemingway’s witty response, â€Å"Yes, they have more money.† Illustrated to Fitzgerald that there is no difference in the rich, or the poor, except their wallet size; they are still human. Michaels goes on from there to describe how we have come to warship diversity. In Bakke v. Board of Regents, the Supreme Court ruled that it was reasonable for colleges to consider race when accepting applicants, as long as was in the interest of diversity and not to exclude members of certain racial background. Along with racial diversity, diversity became something to describe more than just the color of our skin. It now is used for sexual orientation, medical coding, and religious preferences. Unfortunately, diversity became closely associated with the struggle with racism and ended up with a notion that we should be â€Å"a color-blind† society. As Michael states, â€Å"Why do we assume black people want to stop being black; why do we assume the deaf want to hear?† He finishes the intro of his book by illustrating how we have come to hate class. While we have become to love our identity, we have become increasingly uninterested in identifying ourselves based on the classification of income. He even accuses the left wing party (or liberals who have prided itself on working for social equality) in diverting focus of economic inequality. â€Å"Giving the priority to issues like affirmative action and committing itself to the celebration of difference, the intellectual left has responded to the increase in economic inequality by insisting on the importance of cultural identity.† So by his observation Michaels believes that even the liberals are guilty of thinking the solution to inequality is simply to appreciate the lower class.

How the United States of America will respond to German Cars Essay

German cars are famous worldwide for their luxury, durability, innovation, exoticism and sophistication in terms of design and production. Whatever they make is perceived of high value in terms of money and exhibits high cultural values of the Germans. Over the decades the German philosophy of management is structured in such a way that it bring out an element of extremely reliable quality and focuses on the aspects of giving something new to the world. Their cars are known to the world and most preferred by their target market because of the reputations that have been able to maintain over the decades. The German apply the concept of high level engineering in the manufacturing of the product add extreme level quality management is applied. In order to explain the German concept let us take the example of Mercedes, a German car manufacturer. The brain child of Karl Benz, this company has grown up to the limits of providing high value cars to the market it caters. Mercedes is a brand that has attached its values with luxury and comfort which encompasses extreme engineering that focuses on precision engineering. The target market of Mercedes is the highest socioeconomic group given in any country in terms of income. The target market includes people who have a sophisticated life style and prefer luxury of any of the factor. Mercedes goes by the philosophy of providing more for much more. Obviously high and reliable product offerings are then associated with higher cost which the customers of Mercedes are ready to pay. Mercedes has always been known to come up with innovation in its products which are always shown in the new model which Mercedes launches. The values that are attached to the brand are always taken care of by the manufacturer and as a result, reflected on the end product. Mercedes philosophy is based on providing the best of what is required. Its product has now become a prestige for its owners who stand out from the rest of the population. Mercedes has a reputation of maintaining customer retentions and high customer satisfaction. This is done in terms through the medium of providing high quality cars and much better customer service that comes in the form of car maintenance and part a service supply. The customers enjoy the convenience of getting better maintenance because they become a part of the Mercedes family. The reputation has become a part of the brand that lives up to its value. The German car manufacturer on which we will be focusing has a product that caters to the higher class of customer as they would be differentiated on the basis of their income. Our customer is a person of age around 25-35 years, a person who is lively, energetic and more fun loving. He prefers luxury and comfort over economy of the product and would mind spend money that gives him satisfaction. If we classify our target market’s need on the Maslow’s chart of hierarchy of needs, we would place it on the end that is self-actualization. The personality of our customer is a healthy and active individual, who is also very classy and has a good taste of products. He prefers to go to clubs rather than normal bars and would celebrate his success with wine rather than a glass of champagne. Our customer is a winner and would never settle for something low. If we were to diagnose of how reactant our consumer is then we would rate it as an early adopter who is highly informative about the newly arriving product and is a connoisseur for fine products. Our aim is to target the higher class of people and also the younger segment because of the sustenance of our business. To make thing more specific, our cars that are luxurious and we are not willing to expand our product line. The whole concept to cater to this segment of the target market is because of the rich tradition and culture attached to German products. German philosophy in the car manufacturing industry is to provide something innovative and high-tech. So this target market is chosen to order to align with what are philosophy is. And the whole objective to expand our domain to other countries is solely based on the feasibility of the plan which includes profits and sustainable development of the expansion. These things will be emphasized upon when giving analysis of the expansion plan of the company in the following countries. Plus we will also look in to business and operations process reengineering which will be needed in different countries in order to align with the consumers of the country and their traditions also. United States of America: USA is a country that has a blend of people living in it. They include Caucasians, Latin Americans, Mexicans, Afro-Americans, Asian and many more. The majority of the population that lives in the U.  S is Caucasian or white Americans . However this majority is in terms of the relative ratio to the different races. The American culture includes a variety of aspects in it and is a very complex system in itself to analyze it. If we analyze the country as a whole then we will have to analyze the geographical, economical cultural, demographical, and social concepts of people living there. The geographical design of U. S is divided in to two categories which further have been divided for other studies. These categories are defined as cities and country side. An important thing to note is that the lifestyle of people who live in the two different categories is extremely different to each other. The city life is perceived as fast paced and more inclined towards professional environment. The residential areas are either near the business hubs which are expensive and are in the form of apartment and penthouses or separated from the city center and are located in the outskirts of the city. These places are residential areas that have houses, bungalows, schools, supermarkets etc. The standard of living in the United States is high which is also reflected in the lives in people living in cities. However people who live in the out skirts are usually those who have their own family and own a house in those places. The people who live near the city center usually reside in apartment and are singles. The people who live in the outskirt residential areas have their own cars for traveling, while those who live near the business hub are the ones who not use cars to travel to office and use public transport like buses, subways and taxis also. So the business should emphasize on catering to the segment that lives in the residential area. People can afford the car because of higher income status and because of the lifestyle that aligns with the product’s positioning. More over its customers live in expensive areas that prefer big luxurious cars. Right now the personal transportation mode of the American is automobiles. It is estimated to be 80% of the land transport. This mean that out of 100 American, 80 of them have their own car; which in the European countries is approximately 51%. This is an added benefit for the automobile manufacturers. The market which will be focused upon are mostly cities like New York (population of 20,000,000 approximately), Washington D. C. 6,000,000 approximately), Los Angeles (12,500,000 approximately), Chicago (9,600,000 approximately), Miami (5,500,000 approximately) and other cities. The political system of the country is based on the democratic system of government. Everyone has certain rights that are stated in the charter of democracy. Everyone one has a right to vote in the elections which determine who will lead the country for the next four years. The country has had an advantage of having wise president and a clever and socially binding congress which has the responsibility of passing laws for the better of the people as well as to contribute to the world. U. S. A has been lucky to not to face political turmoil and the law and order situation in the country is very good. The crime rates even though high do not majorly affect the economic functioning and are able to withstand any sudden disruption. After the terrorist attack on the World Trade Center the government has increased its budget on social security in order to prevent any further assault on the US soil and has been able to achieve its objective of maintaining peace in the country. This is also proven by the fact that the country has until now not encountered another attack since the last nine years. The government gives very much importance to the social expenditure which is aimed at improving the socioeconomic aspect (education, medical etc). This in turn increases the standard of living if the people who further help in maintaining a sustainable economy by creating opportunities for new entrant in the market. U. S. A has high investment opportunity. It is because the economy is capitalist economy which means that it is based on the free market trade and that there is no government intervention. Due to this, there is high investment on other businesses and the high growth opportunities. The tax rate in the U.  S is high, which is a symbol for a developed economy. The taxes given by the people to the government further help the government to contribute to the social expenditure it incurs. The tax rate, even though; are cost are outweighed by the profitability of the companies operating in the U. S. USA is a huge market for potential businesses to enter. This can be seen from the fact that it has a GDP of $14. 4 trillion. This shows that how big an economy US is. The private sector contribution to the economy is 55. 3%, which is a majority and it shows the strength of the private sector. This means that U.  S has high private investment firms who are also high tax payers. The United States of America also has the privilege of having the world’s largest stock exchange in terms of volume which is the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE). More over as it is a country that has diverse group of people living in it; the chances of success are very high. Secondly the country has started to come out of recession which hit back in 2008. This means that the dark period for the US economy will in very short time become a thing of the past and the only thing which is anticipated now is the economic growth of the country. Another thing which will add to the benefit of the transfer is that the interest rates in the US are all time low. Which means that cheap financing is available to people and due to this there will be an increase in consumerism which will further add up to the advantage of sales in the automobile manufacturing. Moreover the competition in the automobile industry is low in the US because of the bankruptcy of the automobile company due to the recession. These companies have either packed up or either been bought by Chinese or Japanese companies. Now the competition remains with only the Chinese or the Japanese manufacturers. German cars comparatively have more edge to other manufacturers because of the higher quality and a very good reputation. Then to add further USA ranks third in the oil production industry. It is also the largest importer of oil. This means that there is no problem of availability of fuel for those who can afford it. The culture of a country is defined by the people living in it. It is the representation of the behavior and practices of the people in their daily lives. Everything what people feel, think and learn is a part of learning that comes from culture. The culture of U. S is a blend of people living in it. As described above there are many races in the United States. And since it is known that culture is adaptive and changes according to time, the mixture of their cultural values has evolved to form what is called the American way of life. U. S is also a house for people who belong to different religion and practices. The majority of the population living in U. S belongs to Christianity. There are also Muslims, Jew, Buddhists, Hindus and people of other religions living in America. What is unique about the people is that even though they consider themselves as American, they do not necessarily share a common set of ideas and beliefs. This is because even though they live in America that adds up to their social learning that comes through interacting with other people, their parenting and inherited learning is different from one another. This means that people belonging to different groups may have different behavior in different situations. This adds to the out benefit since the values related to luxury and satisfaction is espoused value that all the people of different races tend to share. Humans have always had the tendency to develop. People strive to in order to increase their standard of living. This means that with the growth of economy and socio-political environment people develop the tendency to get to the next level of their needs which are then changed into their wants and they demand for thing that gives them satisfaction. The change in the wants of people is reflected by their demand for a particular thing. So it won’t be wrong to say that growth in the economy is directly proportional to the demand of products which is an added benefit to the businesses. During the nineteenth century, the American philosophy was of working hard to become well off evolved into the increase in the social status. This is was the belief that was prevalent among the whites. This philosophy has now shifted to the Asians.