Oracle Bone free essay sample

Religion in Shang Dynasty Religious practice has always been an essential part of Chinese Culture. Even in the period of the Three Augusts and Five Kings, religious practices occurred. However, it is not until the Shang Dynasty when actually records of spiritual communication were founded. Oracle Bones were recorded of communication between human and spirits. The ritual of cracking oracle bones told what ancient Chinese concerned the most the relationship between spirits and nature. The intricate Oracle Bones not only reveal the religious aspect of the Shang Dynasty, but also relate the cultural and olitical system in ancient China. During the Shang Dynasty, Kings were granted the power to communicate with spirits. Mostly importantly, spirits informed kings about the unknowns. When Shang kings have questions regarding the future and their relationship with spirits, they assigned priests and shamans to become medium between human and spirits. When shamans were asked to foretell for the king, they drill hollows in shells and apply red- hot poker to these shells. We will write a custom essay sample on Oracle Bone or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page They believed this ritual would attract spirits who were nearby to answer kings questions asked by shamans. Shamans main task was to nterpret spirits respond through the different cracks on shells. These kinds of predictions were said to be legitimate the kings were the ultimate representative of the spirit. Most of the time, kings requested to perform oracle bones divination to learn from spirits regarding the success of harvest, outcomes of battles, and schedule of sacrifices to spirits. For example, the King asked: Will Di order rain sufficient for harvest? (Eno 46). During earlier years of Shang Dynasty, the outcomes of harvests were more important to the people. Nevertheless, by the end of the Shang Dynasty, a large portion of divinations were performed to know the schedule and proper scarifications to spirits and ancestors. There were scarifications everyday for different ancestors and spirits according the results of divinations accumulated overtime. After oracle bone divinations were performed, kings would perform sacrifice to the assigned spirit at a specify time with appropriate goods. When an oracle divination indicated a negative answer from spirits, for instance defeat in battles, kings would then sacrifice to spirits hoping for spirits help to change the result. Shamans would slaughter animals and/or humans according to spirits preference. The result of appeasing spirits could lead spirits to provide extra helps for the people. On the other hand, if the king sacrifice the perfect quality and quantity of goods to a specify spirit but the king did not get his preference; kings could temporarily stop sacrificing to this spirit until the effect of previous scarifications were shown. Therefore, human scarification and spirits effectiveness created an economy between human and heaven. This economy applied more on the loyal level than the family level. During Shang Dynasty, family could only sacrifice to their own linage of ancestry. It was a crime to sacrifice to other linage of ancestries because only the king had this power. Family often sacrificed to hope ancestors would bless the family to have male children which can extend the family-tree. Thus, only the royal family had the Shang king can communicate and sacrifice to all linage of ancestries, which include Shen (natural deities), royal ancestors, and cultural heros. People in Shang Dynasty worship the greatest spirit Di (Tian). Yet Di do not receive any sacrifice ompare to other spirits. Tian, which is said to be equivalent to Di, was so powerful that other spirits could never match their power with D. Di was a significant factor of Shang peoples religious believe that was indicated in the oracle bones but Tian was not indicted in any evidences at all. On the other hand, Shang people viewed Shen as the power of nature, including power of earth, river, mountains, rain, thunder, and the power of directions, etc. in the early stage of Shang Dynasty, oracle bones divinations were directly performed to communicate with Shen to foretell harvest esults. Shen, unlike Di, did take sacrifice in order approve kings requests. For example, king asked, Shall we call upon Que to sacrifice a hound by fire to Cloud? (Eno 48). Thus, Shen was the second highly respected power after D. Shang kings also sacrifice to spirits of their royal ancestors, including parents, grandparents, forebears of ruling king, relatives. These spirits were located inside the royal familys palace, and their tablets were put together with other ancestors of the same family. Kings worshiped his linage of ancestors to hope they would bring fortune to the royal amily and the countries. When the current king died, he became part of his linage. Oracle bones divinations were use to communicate with royal ancestor spirits: Should we protect the kings eyes against Grandmother Ji? (Eno 49). Current kings Other families only sacrifice to their own linage as well. This ancestor worship ritual was established during the Shang Dynasty and is still performing in modern Chinese culture. Finally, kings also sacrificed to ancient cultural heroes, yet they were the less prominent group of spirits. Thus, religion practices in Shang Dynasty were an essential part of Chinese ultural before and in todays society. The use of oracle bones to predict future allowed reader to date the first actual evidence of Chinese religion. The written records left by Shang Dynasty created a clear picture of the cultural and politic aspects of ancient China as well. The relationship between human and spirits remains to be a significant part of Chinese peoples religious belief. I grew up practicing ancestor worship. Work Cited Eno, Robert. Deities and Ancestors in Early Oracle Inscriptions. Religions Of China In Practice. Donald S. Lopez Jr. New Jersey: Princeton University press. 41-51

Secure Online Shopping System Model on Customer Behavior

Secure Online Shopping System Model on Customer Behavior Introduction Research Background Safety and security over the cyberspace has become such an important issue in determining consumer behavior. Thus the introduction of a Secure Online Shopping System (SOSS) is vital towards survival of an online business.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Secure Online Shopping System Model on Customer Behavior specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Secure online shopping system is a platform where consumers of the product are able to make orders on particular product and make payments using their credit cards. The SOSS platform will ensure the safety and security of those cards. Research carried out by different organizations shows that the level of trust of internet shopping of many Chinese has increased making them willing to shop online as long as their security is ensured (Ira 2002). Since the development of electronic commerce, practitioners of E-commerce have strived to gain insight in to consumer behavior in cyberspace. SOSS target to woe global consumers of beauty products to make their purchases online. Economical and social responsible purchasing behaviors of consumers have become significant determinants of consumer behavior therefore SOSS will ensure that consumers’ social and economic welfare is well thought-out. According to Ira (2002), online consumers continued to use the internet amidst the economic recession experienced in Europe. According Kotler (1997), the highest number of internet users in China are those aged between 25 to 44 years. It further states that online purchases amongst these internet users are done by those in their late teens and early twenties. As a result, the SOSS platform will be used as that mainly target the individuals in the age bracket that use internet shopping frequently. It is thus important to establish how SOSS will influence behavior of customers in the Chinese Market.Advertising Looking for essay on busi ness economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Statement of the Problem Each year, vast numbers of new products in different groups are launched globally. Factors such as growing advertising costs and increasing competition have made the successful implementation of a new product more difficult in recent years. The concept of E-commerce in relation to the topic of online consumer behavior has been examined by different researchers in a variety of contexts. Despite the immense progress that researchers from different business disciplines that have made on this vast and new concept, none of these studies have focused on the security dimension of online shopping. Thus, introduction security aspect of online shopping services will be analyzed to establish its influence on behavior of consumers. To achieve this broad objective of increasing online customer base for the products offered in Chinese market, we analyze online consu mer behavior in a systematic manner using various consumer behavior theories and models. Consumer behavior theories have been applied to study online consumer behavior; however, gaps still exist between the online and offline consumer behavior that warrants further studies. Consumers are generally influenced by two factors: internal influences and external influences. Internal influences are personal feelings and thought that includes; self-concept, motivation, attitudes, emotions and perceptions. These factors generally influence perception, purchasing patterns, and attitude customers develop towards a product or a service offered by the business. Besides, these factors are directly linked to internal and external interacting social aspects that control the pattern of thought and expressed feelings. Resonating on the facets of internal and external influences, this paper develops a comprehensive matrix for purchasing patterns exhibited by customers within the Chinese market in orde r to understand how SOSS influences the behavior of consumers in e-commerce.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Secure Online Shopping System Model on Customer Behavior specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Purpose of Study To succeed in the e-business era therefore, companies need create adept initiatives and maintain long term sustainable relationship with loyal. SOSS is proficient platform that will help e-businesses remain relevant in this digital period (Ira 2002). Then purpose of this study is to explicitly review emotions and motivations as the emerging forces within consumers that activate certain behaviors. Emotions are described as temporary state that show present changes in motivations whereas motivation are persistence need that stimulate long term goals in consumers. These emotions control direct and indirect behavior inclination that arouse the instinct to purchase or refuse to purchase. Though a temporary st ate of mind, emotions challenge the market preference and direct judgment to buy. Therefore, the research is specific on how SOSS will impact on consumer behavior by arousing their motivation to buy products online. The aim is to find respondents who are the potential, if not actual customers of our online products who fall within the category of youths and young adults described in the introduction. One reason that informed the decision was the fact that such respondents are categorized as the most internet shoppers in China. Limitations of Study The study aims to make sure that the respondents chosen are aware of the brands investigated. Thus, a certain degree of familiarity with internet shopping and the security risks will be a prerequisite among the interviewees, in order to carry out meaningful discussions. As a result, consumers who do not show any familiarity of the brand will not include as respondents despite having knowledge of online shopping. Besides, being an empirical study, the researcher will depend on responses by these respondents that might not give accurate data.Advertising Looking for essay on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Therefore, biased or selfish responses will have negative effects on the final outcome and this may render some of the findings inaccurate. In addition, the researcher may experience the constraint of time delays in sending the responses. Review of the Literature Koufaris (2002) asserts that the previous studies have been relatively fragmented with contradictory results. A large body of knowledge has been developed in consumer behavior analysis by influential authors such as Engel and Nicosia among others. A large part of this literature concerns differentiable products, thus, may not be explicitly applicable in a service such as online shopping. It is therefore necessary to understand the intrinsic differences between offline and online consumer behaviors. Attitude and Perception on Online Trade Attitude is the general evaluation that consumers engage in before deciding to purchase a particular product or service. Attitudes are direct personal experiences that are influenced by con sumers’ personality, advertisement, family and friends. Perceptions are unique ways through which consumers internalize and interpret information about a product. Consumer engagement is essential towards winning and maintaining a client especially in a competitive market setting where the best offer carries the day. The offer could be in the form of price, quality, and quantity. When information on attitude is verifiable, it is easy for a company to execute a well researched plan within allocated resources. The processed information is used by consumers in making â€Å"the buying decision,† as such, SOSS provides consumers with the platform to share information on the internet. There has been substantial research on consumer behavior, examining the decision process, and influences upon it, in terms of storage and brand characteristics and consumer behaviors (Thomson, Peteraf, Gamble, Strickland 2008). Central to the theories of consumer behavior is the conviction that different consumers go through markedly complex decision making process that is influenced at different stages by a number of possible variables. The buying process normally begins with the need for a particular product or good. The need that is created prompts the consumers search for available information concerning the good or service that can satisfy that need. Having considered the available information, consumers then evaluate alternatives before making a purchase (Kotler, 1997, p.17). SSOS will not only avail the information on the product, but also ensure that customers security of their information making shopping accurate and safe. (Source: Kotler 1997) External Influences of Online Buying Behavior Several external influences affect online consumer behavior. These influences include individual culture and sub-culture, group associations, social cultural and household structure. Under SOSS we classify external influences as negative externalities that determine consumer b ehavior. Consumer behavior studies have shown that consumers’ attitude, opinions, belief, and values shape consumer buying decisions. Products that consumers view to be violating their cultural belief often attract fewer customers (Thomson, Peteraf, Gamble, Strickland 2008). In fact, cultural beliefs influence and dictate how consumers meet their needs. Often, customer tend to associate satisfaction and value of a good on cultural believe or inclination in line with the preset societal mindset. Culture controls dressings, morals, and even association. As long as a service or a good is associated with positive result, the sales for such a good are likely to skyrocket. On the other hand, the reverse often leads to damning or uncomfortable response from potential customers who may appear reluctant to play along (Ira 2002). Therefore, acceptance of a good or service is a reflection of its responsiveness to culture and a target group’s social affiliation. The household str ucture basically represents the household composition in terms of age, occupants and their incomes (Thomson, Peteraf, Gamble, Strickland 2008). On the other hand, groups in the context of consumer behavior represent individuals who share a set of common values, norms and beliefs. The group and the household to which a consumer belongs to has a significant influences on consumer behavior that is influencing the decision making process. Mass media services are mainly concerned with generation of modern cultures. Cultural values normally influence whatever values that are generated by mass media. Cultural values normally dictate what consumers would purchase; in fact, people buy certain signs when they are driven by the implication conveyed. Moreover, semiotics plays a significant role in the ads because it inspects signs and implications that are conveyed and thus alerts the users about the relevance of a product. E-Commerce Models The Models of Intention, Adoption, and Continuance a re essential in investigating the concepts of intention, adoption, and continuance on the process of online consumer purchasers. (Source: Kotler 1997) This model is an integration of two models of consumer behaviors: Kotler’s expectation-confirmation model and Ira’s attitudinal theoretical model (Thomson, Peteraf, Gamble, Strickland 2008). The attitudinal theoretical model is used in examining the variables informing consumer purchasing intention and adoption. According to this model, â€Å"behavior is principally determined by intent. Other factors like, perceived behavioral control, subjective norms, and attitudes are also shown to be related to an appropriate set of significant normative, behavioral, and control values about that behavior† (Thomson, Peteraf, Gamble, Strickland 2008, p. 89). However, this model does not explain consumer behavior in relation to repurchase. Ira’s expectation-confirmation model, on the other hand, focuses on past purcha se behavior of consumers. This model is used in explaining consumer satisfaction with a service or good through their repeat purchases. Thus, â€Å"consumer satisfaction is the key focus of this model and expressed via the gap that exist between the perceived performances† (Thomson, Peteraf, Gamble, Strickland 2008, p. 78). Kotler (1997) found that personal innovativeness of individual consumers is key personality characteristic that give an explanation of consumer online behavior. Baskerville (2004) contends that consumers’ trust on the internet is a significant determinant of online shopping. E-commerce is non discriminative on the size of business since even retail chains are in a position to trade online. Moreover, this model of business operation functions exclusively online (Thomson, Peteraf, Gamble, Strickland 2008). In addition, â€Å"web tracking technology permits sites that practicing E-commerce to monitor customer satisfaction and preference† (Ira 2002, p. 56). These aspects allow such companies re-model to customize service delivery and maintain quality. At technological advancement improves, E-commerce is likely to widen further. Consequently, it is cheap and easy to operate and open online stores â€Å"without a brick –and-mortar presence† (Thomson, Peteraf, Gamble, Strickland 2008). In addition, E-commerce offers entrepreneurial opportunities to persons in all business fields. The recorded sales data estimate progress at 4% annually across the globe (Ira 2002). Ira (2002) states that â€Å"It wasn’t until 1994 that e-commerce (as we know it today) really began to accelerate with the introduction of security protocols and high speed internet connections such as DSL, allowing for much faster connection speed and faster online transaction capability†(Ira 2002, p. 46). However, full adaptation of E-commerce begun in 2000 in America and Europe by pioneer companies such as Amazon and eBay which beca me prominent in E-commerce for many brands of products (Baskerville 2004). Model and Hypotheses Conceptual Framework The aims and objectives of this research paper are: To gauge and quantify the reasons for the behavioral influence of SOSS in online trade within China To identify the underlying factors that influence online purchasing behavior within China To identify the most profitable online business model in the stratified market of China To establish the most appropriate technique for introducing and maintaining sustainability of e-business within the borders of China Research Questions What are the profitable e-business models today? How do they compare to those that failed? How to transfer consignment business model to e-commerce especially in a specialized niche market Will people accept consignment business model in China? What difficulties are facing? Hypotheses Below are the null and alternative hypothesis based on the research problem. H1o. There is no link in e-busi ness efficiency and purchasing behavior in China. H1a. There is a link in e-business efficiency and purchasing behavior in China, H2o. There is no link between e-business model and success of an online business. H2a. There is a link between e-business model and success of an online business. H3o. There is no link between online brand awareness and the ease of online sales. H3a. There is a link between online brand awareness and the ease of online. Research Methodology Research Design Both descriptive and qualitative research methods will be used in this inquiry. Qualitative research method is a design which typically investigates behavior when it naturally occurs in a non contrived situation. On the other hand, descriptive survey designs will be used in preliminary and exploratory studies to allow researcher to gather information, summarize, present and interpret for the purpose of clarification. Descriptive investigative research is anticipated to produce statistical information ab out facets of SOSS that concern business that operate online Investigation of the problem will be conducted by means of both literature synopsis and empirical investigation. Subjects of Study and Sample Size The population targeted by this study includes 3 randomly picked participants within the Chinese market. To generate the sample size for this study population, the research will adopt the formulae created in 1972. Sampling Formula n=N/ (1+N (e2)) Where: n = sample size N= Target population e= Degree of freedom n=3/ (1+3*0.052) n=3/1.025 n= 1.025 From this population, random sampling will be applied and questionnaires with close ended questions given to each participant. Data Collection method In the collection of data procedure, the research will adopt a drop and pick module for the sample population. Each respondent will be given a time frame of a week to respond to questions in the questionnaire. Where necessary, further clarification will be accorded to participants. Statisti cal Techniques Used Data analysis will begin from the onset of the interviews until the process of interviews is completed. After all the data are collected, the analysis of the transcripts will be reduced through a procedure known as coding. At this stage the researcher will conduct data reduction, presentation and interpretation. The researcher will carefully but accurately transcribe the responses from participants recorded telephone calls as well as audio recordings. Transcripts from the interview questionnaire will be read and key points noted. Similarities and differences will be identified and key challenges presented by the managers, teachers and educators noted too. After the analysis of data details, symbolic qualitative and high technological ways were employed to arrive at conclusions. The content analysis was used due to its ability to review a wide range of non-construction data. The actual scenario was then analyzed through mathematical, statistical, and computational modus operandi to derive quantifiable results. Basically, the process relied heavily on respondent information from the twenty four participating organizations (Ira 2002). Open ended online questionnaires were the main data collection tools since the process relied on voluntary response. This type of purposive sampling is done through the outlines of criteria which the participants have successfully fulfilled. Open-ended questions were designed to allow the participants to fully express their experience without being too confined within the boundaries of a question. The semi-structured interview was used as it allowed the greatest possible advantages in creating an understanding of the experiences of the participants. The structured set of questions acts as an outline allowing for the participant to inject personal perspective and diverse lines of inquiry that may not have occurred to the interviewer. To make the responses inclusive despite the few numbers of respondents interviewe d, the participants were selected from four different regions within China. The respondents differed in age but fell within the age bracket described as internet shoppers (aged between 25 to 44 years). However, it is worthy to note that due to the limited number of respondents, the interviewees could have been more representative. Nonetheless, the aspects of sex, age, and occupation were taken into account considering the target customers described in the introduction (See Transcripts in Appendix I). The entire interview questions and answers given by respondents are attached in the transcripts as an appendix I.I. Findings and Analysis Before engaging in a business activity, it is vital to access its merits and demerits, risks involved security of the transaction, and regulative organs that directly provide protection from unpredictable and unethical practices by competitors. The participants opine that the main disadvantage of E-commerce is the fears and doubts by potential custome rs who don’t how it works. In this case, the potential customers are afraid of purchasing products online because of doubt on reliability, practicality, and risks involved especially when delivery is done to a wrong party. Some of these customers may be curious on appearance and reality and may develop a negative attitude after an assumption of possible fraud. Besides, online stores do not give an option for wear, touch, trial of the product before purchasing. Therefore, the sale of products such as furniture might be challenging. Moreover, invasion of malware and malicious codes in online stores might turn a simple business transaction into ‘Hellgate’ transmitting virus to PC of potential clients (Baskerville 2004). In addition online trading limits the social aspect of shopping in which parties involve interacting physically with one another. Due to surge in the use of E-commerce, several security reasons have been identified by the participants, especially in safety of information exchanged. The occurrence of some security threats has compromised the principles of authentication, privacy, and non-repudiation which is fundamental in protecting security breaches such as Denial of Service. The most common threats in E-commerce include ICM Flood, Teardrop Attack, Plashing, Distributed Denial-of-Service Attacks, and Brute Force Attacks. These practices aim at compromising integrity of E-commerce. Recommendations In the face of globalization and the development of e-commerce competing companies apply strategic techniques to in their products and services to avoid being obsolete. The companies compete through product differentiation through focusing on the service-dormant paradigm with investments in new technology, people, and policies. These investments are imperative for organizations as because customer’s attitudes and motivation significantly influences the consumer behaviors. The earliest marketing principle of marketing was the mo del introduced by McCarthy in 1960 was the 4Ps marketing mix, defined by Product, Place, Price, and Promotion. This marketing model was further modified by Bettman in 1979 to include the service industry introducing three additional variables: People, Physical evidence and Process (Baskerville 2004). Due the unique characteristics of the service industry: intangibility, inseparability, and heterogeneity, these products can be offered to the market for an acquisition, consumption, attention, and use. The product can include the services, places, persons, organizations, physical objects and ideas. From this definition the new service: SOSS that we want to introduce in the operations of online shop in China will fall under a service. The reality of e-commerce in the market guarantees that the service will be very important in ensuring that new and existing customers are given the opportunity to shop cheaply and conveniently for the beauty product with an assurance of privacy and confid entiality. The Price is the amount charged for a product or service offered by a particular business organization (Kotler 1997). The service that SOSS creates is relatively inexpensive since customers will not be charged for using online shopping services, rather they are charging for the product and deliver costs. Apart from these direct costs the customers will have to incur internet service charges by their providers. SOSS therefore reduces the product cost and time incurred by offline shoppers for our products by maximizing on economies of scale since these products are likely to sell in large scale. Process refers to the mechanisms, procedures and flow of activities through which a service is delivered to customers. Koufaris (2002) notes that the process of delivery is an important variable that creates a difference to the benefits the consumers in the service industry reap. In a normal offline buying scenario, customers are likely to queue for the service or product. This is q uite time consuming as the customers have to be present physically. SOSS will eliminate this process by timely delivery thus eliminating the requirement of the physical presence of customers at the shop. SOSS customers will be able to receive the products they have ordered via the online portal. This will ensure that the products are delivered to specific customers at the right time. Customers will be required to provide information about their physical address to facilitate the process of transportation and delivery. With the information in their database SOSS takes into consideration the Place aspect of 7Ps marketing principles. The environment in which a service is assembled and where the customer and the service provider interact is what is referred as â€Å"Physical Evidence† in 7Ps marketing principles (Koufaris 2002). Managerial Implications As a matter of fact, visualization is dependent on internet networking and the ability of the targeted clients to access the same . Reflectively, the success of online trading and marketing depend on the type of business, the nature of products, and model of website in use. In the contemporary society, it is in order to state that online trade made possible through the invention of websites is the only future way of doing sustainable and customer friendly business. Thus, it is important for small, medium, and large business to embrace technology in order to remain competitive in the hostile global business environment. Every aspect of life is actively influenced by the revolutionary technological orientation and customers would gladly go for convenient purchasing tools. These services include all the tangible representation of the service being offered, such as, business cards, brochures, reports and Signage. For example, the design, furnishing as well as the neat arrangement of products on the shelves that will be shown on the website will influence customer perception on the quality of our products. Since ou r online customer are not physically present at the shop, the neat and attractive display and descriptions of products on the SOSS website will give our online shoppers cues that will help them understand the nature of the products they are ordering. Introduction of the Wi-Fi, iTunes, Blackberry applications, and Amazon search engines have made an online trade simple and reliable. For instance, the Wi-Fi and blackberry application permits potential client and seller to video conference and strike a deal irrespective of the distance between these parties. Besides, potential clients are now in a position to bargain, view, and make modifications to their product before making payment. In addition, these gadgets are portable and have widened access to products online without necessarily being connected to the traditional wire internet which was slow. Attitudes are direct personal experiences that are influenced by consumers’ personality, advertisement, family and friends. Percept ions are unique ways through which consumers internalize and interpret information about a product. Consumer engagement is essential towards winning and maintaining a client especially in a competitive market setting where the best offer carries the day. The offer could be in the form of price, quality, and quantity. When information on perception is verifiable, it is easy for a company to execute a well researched plan within allocated resources. The processed information is used by consumers in making ‘the buying decision’. Thus, our business will endeavor to incorporate SOSS within these engines to ensure convenience on the side of consumers and constantly mobile trade. Reflectively, these aspects will influence the decision science and successful management of our business. Conclusion From the examination of our findings, we can wrap up that the extent, to which consumers associate to Secure Online Shopping System (SOSS), is dependent on the degree of the perceived safety of the system and ease of use. Consequently if a high-level of perceived safety and ease of use is achieved, consumers tend to refer more notably to the system. On the other hand, the use of online shopping seems to be dreaded by online consumers when the degree of perceived safety is not achieved or relatively low. Furthermore, the safest and convenient the online consumers perceive an online shopping system in their mind, the more likely it is for them to use it when making online purchases. From the above research, markets are provided with a rich knowledge of consumer behavior as dependent on the degree of perceived positive and negative beliefs on a brand. Therefore, through improved advertising, balanced prices, and quality, markets will be in a position to monitor emotions and motivations which serve as the emerging forces within consumers that activate certain behaviors. These emotions control direct and indirect behavior inclination that arouse the instinct to purcha se or refuse to purchase. Though a temporary state of mind and emotions challenges the market preference and direct judgment to buy or reject a brand. These articles facilitate the process of examining the decision process, and influences upon it; in terms of storage and brand characteristics and consumer behaviors. Finally, this research has been conducted in a very meticulous setting with predetermined respondents’ characteristics. Therefore, we are aware of the possibility that the results could have turned out differently if respondents were picked randomly from across the social divide. References Baskerville, R. (2004). International e-business marketing. Alabama: Cengage Learning EMEA. Ira, K. (2002). E-Marketing: What Went Wrong and How to Do It Right. Los Angeles: KA Press. Kotler, P. (1997). Marketing management: Analysis, planning, implementation and control. Prentice-Hall: Englewood Cliffs. Koufaris, M. (2002). Applying the technology acceptance model and flow the ory to Online consumer behavior, Information System Research, 13 (2): 205-223. Thomson, A., Peteraf, M., Gamble, J., Strickland, J. (2008). Crafting Executing Strategy: Concepts and Readings with Connect. Alabama: McGraw-Hill Companies.

Financing Health care ( Article review) Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Financing Health care ( review) - Article Example Through support from authoritative scholarly studies coming from 61 research literatures on the subject, the authors were able to present a balanced scenario of the status of health care in America and the role of health care reform by providing explanations on who are directly accountable for increased health care spending and the rationale for rising costs. The findings revealed that the previously identified factors presumably contributory to rising health costs were merely marginal expenses and the true culprits to increased health expenditure should be blamed on â€Å"the confluence of rapid technological advance and intense commercialism in medicine, which together may be the most critical factor underlying America’s swelling health care sector† (Siegel, et.al, 2008, 645). Containment of these costs, coupled with the health reform, would ultimately assist in addressing the increasing health care expenditure in the country. Professional Critique It is one’s personal contention that the article was clearly and effectively written, with the overall presentation and structure well illustrated.

Vincent van Gogh Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Vincent van Gogh - Essay Example Vincent van Gogh lived in the period 1853-1890 and died after shooting himself in the chest at the young age of 37. In spite of the fact that he was a late starter (as aforementioned, he commenced his career as an artist at the age of 27), he was highly prolific and produced more than 2000 paintings in the last 10 years of his life. The style of Vincent van Gogh is very unique but it can be best described as post-impressionist [3]. This style was initiated as an extension of impressionism but, at the same time, a rebellion against its limitations. The use of vibrant colors, thick brushstrokes and real-life subjects were features shared with impressionism. Conversely, the emphasis of geometric forms, the distortion of reality to create an emotional effect and the unnatural use of color were novel and innovative features that allowed the subsequent development of this style into expressionism, of which van Gogh was a pioneer [4, 5]. "Looking at the stars always makes me dream . Why, I ask myself, shouldn't the shining dots of the sky be as accessible as the black dots on the map of France ...., we take death to reach a star" [5]. It was perhaps this kind of thought that urged van Gogh to paint "the Starry Night" (Saint Rmy, June 1889), one of his most iconic paintings. It is oil on canvas and it is currently housed (since 1941 it is part of the permanent collection) in the Museum of Modern Art of New York (New York, USA) [5]. The tree in the painting is a cypress, a species generally associated with cemeteries and mourning. It is in the shape of a flame and helps connect heaven, represented by a lively, striking and vibrant sky, with earth, represented by the little village at the bottom of the painting. At the same time, the village identifies order, while the stars in the sky are a explosion of colour and energy. Although some critics maintain that the village depicted in the painting is not real, others believe it represents views of Saint Rmy (Provence, France) from the neighbourhood of the asylum Van Gogh was confined to at the time the painting was made. This period is often referred to as "the Saint Rmy period". It is characterised by the use of thick, sweeping brushstrokes to create a sea of swirls and spirals, which revealed the mental turmoil he was suffering. The mental hospital was housed in a former monastery a mile and a half out of town, in a area of cornfields, olive trees and vineyards. His time at the hospital gave him the opportunity to reflect about his childhood and the values and beliefs from this time of his life. The church spire is an addition that is believed to be a reference to his childhood and his native land, the Netherlands [6]. The painting favours feeling, emotion and energy and puts aside the impressionist doctrine of truth to nature. However, Van Gogh was never very happy with the painting as he considered it a study, not a finished piece. As he

Australian Administrative Law Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Australian Administrative Law - Essay Example In Australia, for example, administrative law involvement in decision-making cuts across tribunals, commissions formed by the government, and boards that act as part of law regulatory schemes in the country (Hocking & Guy, 2010). Principles of the ground review in Australian Administrative law (AAL) In the process of answering questions raised in workshop two of the Workshop Guide, it is necessary to understand the application of administrative law in Australia (Hocking & Guy, 2010). The AAL gives a work frame of the powers exercised by law agencies in Australia regarding the constitutional rights of the public (Hocking & Guy, 2010). Currently, Australia has a well-established Ombudsman system. It also promotes freedom of information to its citizens. Legislation governs the freedom of access to information by all people and their constitutional rights exist. The formation of legislations came as a way of grounds review brought about by western development (Hocking & Guy, 2010). In fu rther understanding of the principles of administrative law in Australia, events experienced in the factual scenario in workshop two are vital. In this case, the complainant is Miss Lister. It is stated in the beginning that Miss Lister is not an Australian by birth, but she is of Samkan nationality. She was using her Visa while visiting Australia (Hocking & Guy, 2010). ... The migration act states that upon reception of Australian Visa, the government must offer the applicant protection assuring him or her of security inside the country (Hocking & Guy, 2010). In case the applicant has fears of possible persecution in his or her country of origin on grounds of race, nationality or any other social and political stand, the country should offer protection. It is due to these articles in Australian law that Lister was using in her petition (Hocking & Guy, 2010). Miss Lister defends herself by claiming that if she happens to go back to her country, she would face persecution due to her Gonstranian ethnic background (Hocking & Guy, 2010). The case under which Miss Lister arguments lie was due to grounds review that took place in Australia’s law. The minister for migration, however, rejected the application citing inadequate evidence. Miss Lister used the law review act in the Australian law guide to appeal against the decision (Hocking & Guy, 2010). U nder section 32 of the law, Refugee Review Tribunal (RRT), a mandate to assist refugees, seeks justice after rejection of their applications. In respect to this provision in the law, RRT performed its duty and provided more material as evidence to support the complainant’s claims (Hocking & Guy, 2010). The evidence included documents from Samkan government and newspaper from media houses showing the extent of persecutions taking place in the country and the reasons. RRT has also powers to determine the case in favor of refugees after looking at the evidence available (Hocking & Guy, 2010). The RRT decision After looking at the evidence provided and the information from its tribunal, RRT exercised its duties to

Environmental Impact of Tobacco

Environmental Impact of Tobacco Price Anders Environmental Biology Tobacco use is the single largest preventable cause of death and disease in the United States. According to the 2010 U.S. Surgeon Generals report, approximately 443,000 U.S. adults die from smoking-related illnesses each year. In addition, smoking has been estimated to cost the United States $96 billion in direct medical expenses and $97 billion in lost productivity annually (Current Cigarette). These statistics are staggering yes, but beyond the mortal and economic effects of tobacco there is another overlooked downside to the continued use of cigarettes. This is the effects cigarette smoking has on the environment. In this term paper I will discuss the environmental effects of tobacco growing pesticides, tobacco and deforestation, the pollution involved with tobacco products, climate change and tobacco, and tobacco’s effect on food production. I will also discuss possible solutions to this tobacco problem. The pesticides used in the growing of tobacco have the potential to be very dangerous to our soil and wild life. Tobacco plants are delicate and susceptible to many plant diseases. Because of this, farmers who grow tobacco are required to use high levels of fertilizer, herbicide and pesticides (Healton). Among the pesticides commonly used are Imidacloprid, Dichloropropene, Aldicarb, and Methyl Bromide: Imidacloprid is extremely poisonous to fish, birds, and bees. According to the US Environmental Protection Agency, Imidacloprid could potentially contaminate the groundwater surrounding crop land where it is used (Schmitt). Dichloropropene is an extremely dangerous soil fumigant that causes breathing problems, dermal and ocular irritation as well as kidney damage. It is widely used amongst tobacco growers in the United States (Schmitt). Aldicarb is deathly poisonous. One one-thousandth of one ounce is a lethal amount for any human. Aldicarb is also toxic to fish, birds, and bees as well as earthworms. It has been detected in the groundwater of 28 states in the US. In the US it was approved for use on tobacco plants as recently as 2007 (Schmitt). Methyl Bromide is an Ozone diminishing chemical. It is frequently used to disinfect soil before planting the tobacco seeds. In 1997, over five and a half million pounds of methyl bromide was used on tobacco fields worldwide (Schmitt). The majority of tobacco is grown in underdeveloped countries. These countries lack environmental laws, and the farmers don’t have the proper equipment or training for the usage of these dangerous pesticides. Not only are these farmers at risk from contact with these pesticides, but the harmful chemicals sink into the soil, eventually finding their way in to rivers and streams polluting the drinking water and many food chains. These pesticides could also be causing the formation pesticide resistant insects likes flies and mosquitoes. This could make the controlling of diseases such as malaria practically impossible (McLaren). In most western countries there are laws to protect tobacco farmers from any contact with pesticides. Nevertheless using these pesticides still poses a threat to humans, as well as our ecosystems. The chemicals used in tobacco pesticides have also been detected in groundwater in the United States. This is believed to be the cause of many wildlife deaths (M cLaren). As you can see the negative effects of these pesticides are a huge problem for our environment and should be better controlled. While pesticides are a serious problem involved with the production of tobacco products, another major effect that tobacco manufacturing is having on our environment is deforestation. In underdeveloped countries, trees are cut down regularly to provide more space for tobacco farming, and even more trees are chopped down for use throughout the curing process. After reaping, the tobacco plants must be dried, to preserve them for storing, transportation and treating. Sun drying involves leaving the tobacco to dry naturally, but this process can take many months. Most tobacco growers flue cure their tobacco, which involves hanging the plant in specialized curing sheds where hot air removes any moister from the leaves (Healton). Flue curing takes only five to ten days and farmers usually burn wood to heat up the air. Not to mention the wood that is used to build these special sheds and make the paper for smoking tobacco products. Because of all the wood required in this process over 600 million trees are cut down for tobacco production every year. In areas where tobacco farming is common, the further loss of trees causes the land to become even more susceptible to desertification. For example in Brazil, the harmful consequences of tobacco farming are becoming visibly clear in the form of forest destruction, erosion and extremely low water levels (Assistance and Management). When tobacco farmers were confronted with diminishing sources of wood, the tobacco industry tried to address the issue by convincing the tobacco farmers to plant trees. However, the farms set up by tobacco companies in many countries contain non-native, quick growing Eucalyptus and Cypress trees that negatively affect the ecosystems and lower the water levels even more (Assistance and Management). It is clear that the deforestation involved with production of tobacco is very harmful to the environment and needs to be addressed. The next harmful effect of tobacco I wanted to address is the pollution that is involved with the manufacturing and use of tobacco products. The manufacturing of cigarettes and cigars results in large amounts of waste like tobacco slurries, solvents, oils, paper, wood, plastics, packaging materials and airborne pollution. Making cigarettes creates solid, liquid, and airborne waste. These are major causes for environmental concern, but the chemical pollution is the greatest danger to our environment. In the US it was found that the manufacturing of cigarettes produced more than 27 million kilograms of chemical waste. 2 million of which was released into our atmosphere and environment (Schmitt). Not only are the chemicals involved in the production of tobacco products polluting our environment, but cigarette and cigar smoke are also known pollutants. Tobacco smoke is categorized as a Class A carcinogen by the US Environmental Protection Agency (Schmitt). Tobacco smoke also contains tra ces of radioactive material. When a cigarette is smoked this radiation isn’t just spread into the atmosphere, but it is also leached into the soil and waterways from the butts littered by smokers. Cigarette filters are made from a certain type of plastic that takes over 10 years to break down and decompose. It is estimated that around four and a half trillion cigarette butts are littered around the world every year, and have killed millions of birds, fish and other animals (Schmitt). Cigarette butts are the most littered item in the world. According to the Ocean Conservancy 2009 Report of Ocean Debris, cigarette materials accounted for nearly 30% of the total amount of debris collected in their annual clean up. That is more than double the numbers of any other item listed in the report (McLaren). The negative effects of tobacco pollution are extremely visible in our everyday world, and should be taken care of immediately. Another issue that is a little less visible than pollution is the effect tobacco manufacturing and use has on our climate. Every stage of cigarette production and consumption advances global warming, from the growing and curing of tobacco, to the manufacturing, and lastly to the smoking and littering of the finished product, not to mention the deforestation involved. The cutting and burning of wood and other fuels during the curing process involved in the manufacturing of tobacco ads to the global warming. Also tobacco farmers regularly burn trees to clear the land. This burning releases high levels of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. This burning also means fewer trees available to absorb the excess carbon dioxide being created in the first place. Lastly, cigarette smoke also contains carbon dioxide and methane, thus contributing even more to the greenhouse effect and global warming (Healton). Although effects of smoking on our climate are more long term, they still need to be ad dressed. The final issue I want discuss is the impact tobacco has on food production. When farmers is less developed countries grow tobacco, there is less land available for food crops. Tobacco growing is rotational with other food crops, but tobacco makes soil extremely susceptible to wind and water damage which means that soil will sometimes be incompatible for food crops (Schmitt). Not only does the soil become unfit, but tobacco plants also use way more nutrients than other crops. This causes more soil degradation. It has been estimated that 10 to 20 million people could be fed by food crops grown instead of tobacco (McLaren). Although there is not much information behind this specific issue, the potential benefits of a halt in the growing of tobacco are very evident. Will all of the negative effects smoking has on our environment it is easy to see that something must be done. The easiest way to prevent further harm from being done would be to pass a law stating that the manufacturing of tobacco products is no longer allowed due to its harmful effects on our environment, our people, and our economy. This would eventually halt the growing and curing of tobacco crops because there would be no demand. Unfortunately passing these laws is easier said than done. Policies to increase the price of cigarettes and to restrict smoking in public places are much more feasible and are effective in encouraging many to quit. This is a step in the right direction, but smokers often à ¯Ã‚ ¬Ã‚ nd it difficult to overcome their dependence without help (Department of Health). Effective treatments to promote smoking cessation are available and need to be implemented in primary care, hospitals, pharmacies and other health settings.

The Epic Education of Achilles in Homers The Iliad Essay -- Iliad Ess

The Epic Education of Achilles in Homer's The Iliad Dr. Fly’s comments: This paper was well-organized and developed; the thesis was argued in a logical fashion; material from primary and secondary sources was well-documented and integrated smoothly into the text; the author’s style was clear, with varied and sophisticated sentence structures and concrete vocabulary; and the paper demonstrated excellent command of grammar and mechanics.    Within the annals of epic literature, the celebrated role of "epic hero" has always been present, heralding the poem's themes through the actions of a single, extraordinary protagonist. Strong and courageous, he is caught within the nets of mortality, and, at times, he may struggle to replace his worldly desires with celestial knowledge. In profound ways, he can even embody the mythological ideals of a civilization, and, through his many perilous adventures and profound encounters, the course of his identity may shift in focus towards something greater than himself. Through this change in his character, one can observe the universal plight of humanity in greater detail and discover how one must overcome certain obstacles to understand the complex nature of the gods. In Homer's The Iliad, such an "epic education" can be found within the account of Achilles, who, through his slow transition from an excessively angry brooder to a compassionate symbol of self-sacrifice, matures in to a character that is more in tune with divine enlightenment. At the beginning of The Iliad, Achilles is observed as being insulted by Agamemnon and getting caught within a web of anger; this state of rage distinguishes the ignorance of his character at the beginning of his "education." The pinnacle of t... ...elf that lay beyond the superficial weaknesses that plague the journeys of all men. Works Cited Clark, Matthew. "Chryses' Supplication: Speech Act and Mythological Allusion.† Classical Antiquity 17 (1998): 5-20. Expanded Academic ASAP. Online.LOUIS.28 Nov.2001. Homer. The Iliad. Trans. Robert Fagles. New York: Penguin, 1991. Redfield, James M. "The Wrath of Achilles as Tragic Error." Essays on The Iliad: Selected Modem Criticism. Ed. John Wright. Bloomington: Indiana UP, 1978. 85-92. King, Katherine C. Achilles: Paradigms of the War Hero from Homer to the Middle Ages. Berkeley: U of California P, 1987. Schein, Seth L. The Mortal Hero: An Introduction to Homer's Iliad. Berkeley: U of California P, 1984. Van Nortwick, Thomas. Somewhere I Have Never Traveled: the Second Self and the Hero's Journey in Ancient Epic. New York: Oxford UP, 1992. The Epic Education of Achilles in Homer's The Iliad Essay -- Iliad Ess The Epic Education of Achilles in Homer's The Iliad Dr. Fly’s comments: This paper was well-organized and developed; the thesis was argued in a logical fashion; material from primary and secondary sources was well-documented and integrated smoothly into the text; the author’s style was clear, with varied and sophisticated sentence structures and concrete vocabulary; and the paper demonstrated excellent command of grammar and mechanics.    Within the annals of epic literature, the celebrated role of "epic hero" has always been present, heralding the poem's themes through the actions of a single, extraordinary protagonist. Strong and courageous, he is caught within the nets of mortality, and, at times, he may struggle to replace his worldly desires with celestial knowledge. In profound ways, he can even embody the mythological ideals of a civilization, and, through his many perilous adventures and profound encounters, the course of his identity may shift in focus towards something greater than himself. Through this change in his character, one can observe the universal plight of humanity in greater detail and discover how one must overcome certain obstacles to understand the complex nature of the gods. In Homer's The Iliad, such an "epic education" can be found within the account of Achilles, who, through his slow transition from an excessively angry brooder to a compassionate symbol of self-sacrifice, matures in to a character that is more in tune with divine enlightenment. At the beginning of The Iliad, Achilles is observed as being insulted by Agamemnon and getting caught within a web of anger; this state of rage distinguishes the ignorance of his character at the beginning of his "education." The pinnacle of t... ...elf that lay beyond the superficial weaknesses that plague the journeys of all men. Works Cited Clark, Matthew. "Chryses' Supplication: Speech Act and Mythological Allusion.† Classical Antiquity 17 (1998): 5-20. Expanded Academic ASAP. Online.LOUIS.28 Nov.2001. Homer. The Iliad. Trans. Robert Fagles. New York: Penguin, 1991. Redfield, James M. "The Wrath of Achilles as Tragic Error." Essays on The Iliad: Selected Modem Criticism. Ed. John Wright. Bloomington: Indiana UP, 1978. 85-92. King, Katherine C. Achilles: Paradigms of the War Hero from Homer to the Middle Ages. Berkeley: U of California P, 1987. Schein, Seth L. The Mortal Hero: An Introduction to Homer's Iliad. Berkeley: U of California P, 1984. Van Nortwick, Thomas. Somewhere I Have Never Traveled: the Second Self and the Hero's Journey in Ancient Epic. New York: Oxford UP, 1992.