Alcoholism In Russia free essay sample

Examined in terms of iIncidence, effects of govt. anti-alcohol policy, socioeconomics, human health costs, consumption, demographics and cultural aspects. SOCIAL, POLITICAL, AND ECONOMIC RAMIFICATIONS OF ALCOHOLISM IN RUSSIA Introduction This research examines the political and economic ramifications of the problem of alcoholism in Russia. The question to which an answer is sought is as follows: Is government intervention against alcoholism an advisable policy in Russia in 1997? Russias Emergence The emergence of the Russian Republic as an international player in its own right has occurred since 1991 (Sachs, 1994, pp. 14-16). With the demise of the Soviet Union, the former Soviet Socialist Republics became politically sovereign nations, among which was the Republic of Russia. Hopes and dreams ran high in..

Words linked to Alzheimers - Emphasis

Words linked to Alzheimers Words linked to Alzheimers Your words could say more about you than you realise. New research suggests that changes in vocabulary could be an early sign of Alzheimers disease. The study by scientists at Southampton university focuses on the speeches of former UK Prime Minister Harold Wilson. It supports the theory that he was suffering from the condition but never diagnosed. Writing in the Journal of Neurolinguistics, the universitys Dr Peter Garrard says hes detected a marked change in the words Wilson used in the months leading up to his unexpected resignation. It seems that Wilson stopped using his trademark broad vocabulary shortly before he resigned, relying instead on much simpler words. Dr Garrard has detected similar changes in the work of the author Iris Murdoch, who died of the disease in 1999. Short words more powerful The use of short words, of course, is not in itself an indicator of Alzheimers. Another famous prime minister and orator, Winston Churchill, favoured short words over long ones, as he felt they were more powerful. Our work with hundreds of the UKs top organisations over the last ten years suggests that overuse of long words may actually be a sign of under-confidence. Click here for details of our course on Writing high-impact speeches and presentations.

Trade Union Negotiation and Strikes Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Trade Union Negotiation and Strikes - Essay Example While the trade negotiations can be, and often are, filled with emotional hot buttons for both parties, game theory gives the parties tools to use to evaluate their prospective positions, and weigh the possible outcomes of their negotiations, and hence arrive at an agreement which is mutually beneficial for all parties, a win - win situation if you will. Too often, trade negotiations can devolve into a win-loose argument, in which the management is seen as taking from the unions in order to gain for itself, or vice versa. When the trade talks head in this direction, the parties seldom are able to make positive progress toward goals which can benefit both management and labor. Only be reaching toward a cooperative agreement can they create a positive work environment, and a financially healthy company. To understand how game theory benefits labor negotiations, one must first understand the five elements of game theory The game theory is defined as an interaction between a number of parties in which the following five elements are present. 1. The players: there are a defined number of players with defined roles. Game theory must identify how many players there, and whether or not natural elements outside the persons play a role, or if chance can play a role in the decisions. 2. The conditions or roles of the players: The players must be understood, along with their possible decisions. In other words there should be a minimal number of known decisions which the parties can undertake in order to apply game theory. 3. Information: the information which the players have with which to make decisions should be known. In other words, all the variables in the negotiations must be known in order to assist the parties using game theory. 4. Payoff Consequences: the parties must know what the course of their decisions will produce. Parties must know and understand what will be the consequences of choosing A or B or C in the negotiations. 5. Player preferences: Finally, a thorough knowledge of the preferences which the players would like to pursue should also be on the table. (see Duffy, 2003) When these 5 elements are known by the participants in the trade negotiations, then game theory can help them move toward effective resolution of their issues, as well has help them understand the payoff and the costs of their respective decisions. Game theory is often called a means for making moral decisions. The theory seeks to find a solution which works toward the benefit of the greatest number of people, maximizing all parties return. Thus, the theory's outcome has been compared to morality in decisions making. However, one way to undermine the effectiveness of this theory is for parties to come to the table with the assumption that their particular perspective or their desired outcome is the moral high ground. This assumption by one of the parties is a sure path toward defeating the effectiveness of game theory. According to Hardin (1988, 2003, negotiators should be wary of moral theorists that claim universality for their

Stereotype paper Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Stereotype paper - Essay Example that sometimes, maybe many times, we are actually just as guilty as the next person of making incorrect snap judgments based upon another person’s appearance alone rather than any inherent qualities. These judgments are based more upon what we understand about that type of person from what we’ve been taught or by comparing them with other elements of our experience. Many of these understandings are shaped by the media outlets we pay attention to. I never believed I was a very judgmental person and didn’t really feel I acted on stereotypes until I had an experience that opened my eyes. At the time, I was working in an auto parts store and was the only person manning the store when a new customer walked in. It was a woman and, although I didn’t really stop to think about my reaction to her, I realize that it was based mostly on what I understood of this kind of woman on how her type was portrayed in the movies. There were few facts involved in my decisions regarding the girl. The woman was blonde, skinny, young and dressed fashionably well. Her big, blue eyes seemed overwhelmed at the materials in the automotive shop and she wandered around the aisles as if lost. Without even thinking about it, I made an instant assessment of her based upon her looks that qualifies as stereotyping. Her appearance was really the only fact I had to go on before making my assessment, but this was enough to me to feel as if I had correctly identified her personality and ability. The other fact I was working on was the fact that I had very few female customers. My typical customers were men, ranging in age from teenage through old man, and they were usually dressed in oil-smeared clothes that had little resemblance to their original color or shape. The few women who came into the shop were regulars and they were usually only distinguishable from the men in the length of their hair and the higher pitch of their voice. Comparison to what I knew was also strongly

Global Warming Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 1

Global Warming - Research Paper Example Global warming can be referred to as indisputable and continuous increase in the earth’s temperature. Oxlade defines global warming as â€Å"increase in the temperature of the earth’s atmosphere† (4). Global warming has been linked with natural and human (anthropogenic) causes. However, little attention has been given to natural causes and scientists and environmentalists have mainly focused on human causes. Scientists have established that increasing accumulation of greenhouse gases, especially carbon dioxide, in the earth’s atmosphere is the main cause of global warming. Industrialization era has seen much increase in the concentration of carbon dioxide in the earth’s atmosphere. Humans are the main emitters of carbon dioxide through activities that involve combustion of fossil fuels (Haldar 10). There have been massive carbon dioxide emissions from industry, agriculture and transport sectors. Even lighting systems in homes that use fossil fuel have contributed towards global climate change. Moreover, increasing human population has led to deforestation for to create settlement areas and expand agricultural lands. Trees are known to be important for carbon dioxide sequestration. When trees are cut, forests, which store huge amounts of carbon dioxide, cease to be there. This means an increased amount of carbon dioxide that escape into the atmosphere. The impacts of global warming are already evident across the world. Global warming is having serious implication on human health, global economy, and environment. The temperature of sea and oceans are constantly rising and coastal flooding is becoming more common than ever (Haldar 24). Heat waves are becoming a common phenomenon and many places around the world that were once agriculturally productive are turning into deserts (Gupta 24).

Solving the Online Offline Channel Conflict

Solving the Online Offline Channel Conflict Adding an online channel to a pre-existing offline channel can present a variety of challenges to a company. The e-business strategy of the online channel must be properly aligned with the business strategy of offline channel, so that the two channels can work in harmony with one another (Jelassi Enders, 2008, p. 265). When a company neglects to do so, their operations can end in organizational demise. In order to successfully implement an online channel, a company must address a number of strategic issues. The first issue an organization must address is to determine which products or services they will offer through their offline channel. A company may choose to offer the same products/services through both channels; an entirely different set of products/services online which are not offered offline; or a combination of new and existing products/services (Jelassi Enders, 2008, p. 264). When making such a decision, the company should evaluate their target audience and their preferences. They can also assess their competitors strategies to see how customers are utilizing the channels. Products/services offered online are often complementary to the offline channel; however, the organization must ensure that the online channel does not cannibalize the offline channel. Davids Bridal, a wedding and formal wear retailer, for instance, offers a combination of new and existing products via their website. There is a large portion of products which are offered through both the physical store and website, as well as a group of products offered strictly online. Most wedding dresses are offered via both channels, as customers prefer to try the dress on in the store before buying; however, they offer a number of ceremony and reception products through the website only. Offering such products online helps to maintain costs in the physical store, as such products require additional shelf space and warehousing costs. Another issue which a company must address when adding clicks to bricks is to determine their pricing strategy. A company must determine how they want to price their online products/services in comparison with their offline products/services. They may choose to charge the same prices via both channels or charge higher or lower prices online. Each of these options communicates a different message to the customer. Offering the same prices tells the customer that the additional value of purchasing online can be found in other ways than through price discounts; charging lower prices acts as a financial incentive; and charging higher prices expresses to the customer that the company incurs additional costs when offering products online (Jelassi Enders, 2008, p. 264). From my personal experience, I have found that most retailers charge either the same or lower prices via their online channels. It appears that many retailers charge the same price; however, they offer additional sales and increased savings when purchasing online. Many companies have online exclusive sales, which they do not offer through the physical store. As a consumer, I would not purchase a product through a website if the same product was offered at a lower price in a physical store. I find this to be the least successful pricing strategy which a company could choose. The final strategic issue which a company must address is how to prevent or manage channel conflict. When a company implements an online channel to an existing offline channel, there is a possibility that conflict may arise between the channels. First, the company must determine the likelihood that conflict will arise and the importance or the affected channel. If the affected channel is of little strategic importance, the company should accept the decline of the existing channel and/or ignore the conflict. If the affected channel is of strong importance, then the conflict must be addressed (Jelassi Enders, 2008, p. 189). It is important to mention that a company must find ways to manage the conflict between an online and offline channel in order to advance the organizations progress. Many companies are fearful of moving into online sales; therefore, if they find the likelihood of conflict to be high, they often avoid moving into the online world altogether. This is an unsuccessful strategy as the company may miss out on vital opportunities and can easily fall behind their competitors. Instead, the company should evaluate the opportunities and threats of each channel and determine how to extract the most value from each (Bendix, Goodman, Nunes, n.d.). Adding clicks to bricks may prove to be an enduring challenge; however, when managed appropriately, implementing an online channel can yield positive results. In todays business environment, most companies are forced to add an online channel in order to keep pace with the competition (Gilbert Bacheldor, 2000). Over the next decade, I believe it will be standard practice for companies to have a website advertising their business, if not, selling their products or services. Essay Question 2 In todays business world, most companies are beginning to implement an online channel to their existing offline channel, if they have not done so already. When adding clicks to bricks, an organization may encounter conflict between the channels. Such conflict is a common occurrence and the organization must ensure that the new channel does not cannibalize the existing channel (Jelassi Enders, 2008, p. 264). There are several options a company has to solve online/offline channel conflict, as discussed below. The most obvious and ineffective way to solve online/offline channel conflict is to avoid the conflict altogether. Many organizations are guilty of discarding online implementation plans in order to avoid channel conflict (Bendix, at. el., n.d.). The online environment can provide ample opportunities to an organization. When an organization does not follow through with their plans, they will most likely set themselves up for failure. Organizations should avoid this option by all means, as they can easily fall behind their competitors and lose market share. The most effective way to solve online/offline channel conflict, on the other hand, is to develop ways to manage such conflict. When conflict between the channels is high and the importance of the affected channel is also high, it is imperative that the organization address the conflict (Jelassi Enders, 2008, p. 264). Based on a case study performed on a variety of firms, the following are several options for managing channel conflict: Alignment of goals: In order to manage channel conflict, the goals of both channels must be aligned. The channels cannot work against one another, or else the operations will fail. Online channels can be used as a way to reduce costs, support existing clients, and target a new audience. Organizational members must be made aware of the benefits of the online channel and be encouraged to contribute to online sales (Steinfield, 2004). The organization needs to develop ways for the channels to work in harmony with one another. For instance, they can integrate the online channel with their existing offline channel and create a central profit center (Jelassi Enders, 2008, p. 264). Coordination and control mechanisms: Coordination and control mechanisms are another way in which the online/offline conflict can be solved. The company must find ways for the channels to complement one another. Customers should be able to utilize both channels when performing a transaction (Steinfield, 2004). For instance, they can check the availability of a product online before going to the store. The inventory of the physical store must be coordinated with the online channel. Additionally, control measures, such as the accuracy of inventory information and speed of in-store pickups, can be used to monitor the coordination of the channels (Steinfield, 2004). Synergy benefits: Another way a company can solve conflict between channels is to create synergy benefits between the channels. Many companies lack the web development or logistic skills necessary to conduct online operations (Steinfield, 2004). Rather than develop an in-house online division, the company can build on their competencies by creating an alliance with an established e-commerce company (Steinfield, 2004). As a result, the companys core operations are not affected by online operations. There are a variety of options a firm can choose to solve the online/offline channel conflict. Most importantly, the company must address the conflict and find ways for the channels to complement one another. In todays technologically savvy environment, many customers look at an organizations website as an indication of their professionalism. Online and offline channels should be highly integrated and coordinated in order to avoid conflict and provide the most value to the customer. Essay Question 3 Creativity is a key component to developing an innovative e-business strategy. It can be defined as the ability to transcend traditional ideas, rules, patterns, relationships, or the like, and to create meaningful new ideas, forms, methods, interpretations, etc (Creativity, 2010). Creativity stems from an individuals openness to new experiences. The more exposure an individual has to different experiences, the more creative their ideas will become (Jelassi Enders, 2008, p. 271). Case studies, in particular, help spur an individuals creativity by opening them up to a variety of business styles and techniques. Case studies present factual information regarding an organizations operations, strategies, and business methodology. They enable the reader to draw conclusions and formulate ideas based on the organizations successes and failures. Businesses can develop novel ideas and strategies by reviewing case studies and drawing insights from different organizations, cultures, or industries (Jelassi Enders, 2008, p. 278). Each type of case study analysis adds a different degree of creativity to a business strategy, as discussed below. Case studies can be used as an intra-industry benchmarking tool within an organizations own culture. This type of benchmarking involves an organization comparing their operations and strategies to those of their direct competitors. While the organization can determine where they need to make adjustments or are falling behind the competition, performing an analysis within their own culture will only provide a relativity low degree of creativity (Jelassi Enders, 2008, p. 278). The organization will not be able to draw upon fresh ideas which have not been used among their direct competitors. Case studies can also be used as an intra-industry benchmarking tool across cultures. Rather than focus on organizations within ones own culture, the organization compares their operations to organizations operating in other cultures. This type of analysis can open the organization to a variety of new ideas, technologies, and strategies which have not been achieve among their direct competitors. By looking across cultures, the organization can develop creative strategies which will place them ahead of the competitors operating in their own culture. Analyzing cross culture case studies can provide a mid-level degree of creativity. The most innovative ideas can be developed by analyzing case studies across industries. In such cases, the organization ventures outside of the comfort of their own industry. This type of analysis can prove to be challenging, as the organization must find ways to apply these e-business strategies and techniques to their own industry. However, despite such challenges, such an analysis can provide groundbreaking results (Jelassi Enders, 2008, p. 278). Analyzing case studies across industries can spur high degrees of creativity, which enable the organization to develop competitive advantages. Throughout the course of receiving my MBA, I have read several case studies in different classes. The information presented in these cases studies has opened my eyes to real organizational struggles, as well as creative business ideas. I have referred back to the case studies of past classes when studying unrelated topics. Although the topics were not related, much information was to be learned from these case studies. I believe that studying innovative companies, in particular, can provide a user with the most creative ideas. For example, I read a case study on 3M. 3M is a highly successful innovative company. They provide their employees with designated time to explore their own ideas. This has proved to be a successful tactic, as many new product ideas are developed this way. Although 3M is a product based company, other companies can learn from their successful business approach. Their techniques can be allied in a variety of industries and help inspire readers to develop innovative strategies. Another example is a case study I read on General Electric (GE) in my ethics course. GE began offering ultrasound machines in India; however, such technology is found to be controversial in India. While they had an obligation to provide technology which could save lives and provide early detection of life treating conditions, GE Healthcare also had to recognize a major cultural difference (Wicks, Freeman, Werhane, Martin, 2010, p. 131). The struggles presented in the case study and the manner in which GE handled the situation can offer innovative ways for companies to handle cultural differences. This case study can apply to any type of organization regardless of their industry, as ethics is an issue which must be addressed in all businesses. Readers of case studies must have an open mind. They must be able to look at the issues and struggles encountered by other organizations and determine ways to proactively avoid or manage such challenges. Readers must also find ways to exploit their opportunities and strengths. It is important that they read a variety of case studies before drawing conclusions. The more exposure they have to different types of management styles, business strategies, and operations, the more the creativity will flow. Essay Question 4 Creativitypool.com is an interactive website which allows users to submit their own, personal and creative ideas. The concept of the website is for individuals to share their unused ideas with the world. Other users can view the idea and, if they choose, they have the right to pursue the idea. By submitting an idea to the creativity pool, the user relinquishes all rights to the concept. If their idea is pursued, they will not receive monetary compensation. Instead, the user can suggest a reward they would like in exchange for the use of their idea, such as a free copy of an invented product (Creativitypool.com, n.d.). Many individuals have great, innovative ideas; however, they may not have the means to pursue their ideas. Creativitypool.com is a great way for the ordinary individual to share their ideas with others for the hopes of their idea being recognized. As stated on the Creativity Pool website, many people have great ideas and wait around for others to think of the same idea and to develop them. Creativitypool.com is a great way to speed up the creativity process for people and organizations that have the means to produce such ideas. While not all ideas are sufficient for production, the website is a fun way for users to share their quirky ideas with others. The Creativity Pool website is broken down into a variety of categories, including, but not limited to, clothes and fashion, sports and fitness, companies and services, home and work, pets and animals, society and politics, etc. (Creativitypool.com, n.d.). When you click on a link for a certain category, a forum appears filled with users ideas. Users can write comments, vote on the idea, or forward the idea to their friends. Comments are available via a link titled messages next to each idea. When clicking on the link, a separate forum appears to discuss a certain idea. The format of the website is very clean, easy to read, and user friendly. One idea, in particular, which I found to be very interesting and useful is a metal detector shoe. The user suggested a metal detector be placed on the bottom of a soldiers shoe so that they could detect mines and trip wires when out in the field (Creativitypool.com, n.d.). The idea has a 95% rating and 16 comments. Users wrote messages on possible problems with the idea, as well as suggestions on how the idea could be improved. Overall, Creativitypool.com is an interesting website to explore. Even if the user does not find any ideas to pursue, it can help open them to a variety of new experiences. Exposure to such innovative ideas can help spur creativity. Creativitypool.com is a great website for inventors and business professionals, as well as ordinary citizens wishing to share their ideas. Essay Question 5 As an organization works through the strategy formulation process, it is important that they extend the breadth and depth of their analysis. In order for their strategy to be successful and efficient, they should cover a broad horizon and perform an in-depth analysis of each element (Jelassi Enders, 2008, p. 283). The concepts and frameworks presented throughout this course and in the textbook can help increase the depth of analysis when formulating an e-business strategy. This e-business course has covered a wide range of e-business and strategy concepts. By studying the topics in this course, one would be able to look for and recognize important issues that need to be further investigated. In particular, the course has covered e-business specific concepts, generic strategic concepts, and fundamental economic concepts (Jelassi Enders, 2008, p. 285). By starting at the most basic level of analysis, one can uncovered deep rooted issues and continue working their way down to specific elements of the problem. The most basic level of analysis can be achieved by analyzing e-business specific concepts. This course has covered a wide range of concepts including virtual value chain analysis, online/offline channel conflict, the ICDT model, etc. (Jelassi Enders, 2008, p. 285). Each of these issues is fundamental to e-business companies. Once an organization has analyzed issues specific to e-business, they must further their analysis by investigating cause-effect relationship between these issues. Cause-effect relationship can be identified by exploring the generic strategic concepts covered in this class. Such strategic concepts include the five forces industry model, strategy formulation process, differentiation and cost leadership strategies, co-opetition, etc. (Jelassi Enders, 2008, p. 285). These strategy concepts can be applied to any industry or business model. They allow the organization to explore cause-effect relationships of specific elements identified at the first level of analysis. By considering such concepts, the organization will begin to question the structure and importance of specific activities within their value chain, which will help them identify their core competences and develop competitive advantages. Once the organization has explored strategic concepts, they can continue their analysis by evaluating economic concepts. This course has covered a range of fundamental economic concepts which include transaction costs, economies of scale, perceived use value, value creation, value capturing, etc. (Jelassi Enders, 2008, p. 285). Expanding their analysis to this level will help the organization develop effective pricing strategies and determine ways to lower or maintain their costs. It is important to extend the depth of analysis from e-business specific concepts to fundamental economic concepts. The concepts presented in this course will help students to develop effective e-business strategies by presenting them with a broad overview of important strategic concepts. By gaining a deep understanding of such concepts, the student will have the knowledge to identify the activities and issues that require further analysis. Performing an in-depth analysis is a fundamental step in developing an effective e-business solution (ISKIV.net).

Skeptics and True Believers :: Free Essay Writer

Skeptics and True Believers In the first chapter, Raymo, opens with talk of his childhood. He brings to the surface the fact that children will believe just about anything they are told. In this chapter Raymo explains how people grow frm children into grown sdluts, peolpe somehow retain some of a child’s ability to believe in the unbelievable. It is the True Believer that retains â€Å"an absolute in some forms of empirically unverifiable make-belive...† (13), wheras the Skeptic always â€Å"keeps a wary eye even on firmly established facts.†(14) For an example, Raymo uses the Shroud of Turin, which simplly a linen cloth that has the likeness of a man on it ( some belive this man to be Christ). He tells of a time when the Roman Catholic authorities allowed scientists to radiocarbon date the Shroud. Small samples of the Shroud where sent with three samples controls of known age, to three independant labs. All three properly dated the controls and dated the Shroud to medieval time. Raymo conclueded that a Skeptic would have taken the evidence and belived it, while the True Beliver would find no truth in what was found. In fact, he said that the True Beliver would come up with explainations as to why the Shroud seems younger than it really is. In the next chapter, Raymo explains the main difference between Skeptics and True Believers is the opposite of what most people would think. He explains how â€Å"scientific concepts can be extraordinarily bizarre...† (27), wheras the True Believer believe what may seem much more sensible and somewhat down to earth. The example Raymo uses for this is DNA and its ability to reproduce itself. This tiny double-helix somehow manages to spilt and make a copy of its self from chemical components from whatever is surrounding it. It may seem easier for one to believe in a Shroud with a man’s face in it, or the picture of God in the Sistine Chapel, but it is the Skeptics who believe in the hard to concieve DNA. It is this DNA that contains the blueprints of what we are to look, talk, and act like. In chapter four, Raymo again brings up his childhood. He tells how he was forced into religion. The Church would not allow doubts to be spoken. For if it where to be questioned the whole religious system may fall apart. The only sources of information were the nuns, priest, and all other authorities that were ‘chosen’ by God.