Investigation And Evaluation Of Two Organizations Management Essay

Investigation And Evaluation Of Two Organizations Management Essay label and Spencers is one of the major British seller companies. It has oer 895 stores all over the world in much than 40 countries. mark and spencers arrive at over 600 domestic stores and 295 international stores. tag and spencers is the UKs largest change state retailer and a high end food retailer. mark and spencers is the worlds 43rd largest retailer. It sells clothes, food and wine, furniture, flowers and gifts and electronic products. It has do a pretax net income of over 1 zillion in 1998. They were the first British retailer to achieve such target. This clearly indicates that marks and spencers is a retail giant and has been an undisputed leader in the retail sector as far as the United Kingdom market is concerned. It has also proved itself in the international retail market and plans to expand its business sector in more than than directions and covering newer international market. mark and Spe ncer was founded by Michael Marks and Thomas Spencer in 1894 as their first store in partnership at Cheetham Hill Road, Manchester. They made their reputation on a policy of only selling British made goods in 20th century. This was something extremely new in the market and hoped to capitalize on the buyers sense of be longsightedingness to UK They sold food and clothes under the St. Michael stigmatise which they introduced in 1928. They are also repudiated for having the well-nigh generous 35 days return policy on the British High Street. By 1950 almost all the goods were sold under St. Michael, women clothes and uniforms of girls were under St. Margaret label until the unhurt thing became St. Michael. The Asian food was introduced as the beginning of the cautious international expansion. Marks and Spencer opened stores in Europe in 1975 and in Ireland in 1979. This was a calculated step as Asian food was gaining popularity in the west and also the inflow of Asians in the western countries was on an upswing. This idea clicked and the company made massive returns.The company is known for emphasizing quality and offering fair value for money. marks and spencers has been a historic iconic retailer of British fiber goods. marks and spencers is aware of the fact that a solid and consistent growth is only guaranteed if it maintains its standards and delivers the best quality at the most reasonable rates. Being retail oriented company customer satisfaction is of utmost importance and marks and spencers ensured it by healthy customer relations and most importantly provided post sales services to its customers In 1973 the company expanded in Canada. At a point they had 47 stores there. But they had never been able to improve their as a dull retailer. In late 90s efforts were made to improve and unprofitable locations were closed, only when it wasnt successful. So they had to close the remaining stores in 1999.In 1975 they expanded in France by origin the store s in Paris. Paris being the worlds fashion capital, there was already stiff competition and it made it tough for Marks and Spencer to survive in such passing competitive environment. Except for Paris the European operation did not fare and the stores were sold in 2001.The Company acquired Brooks Brothers and Kings Super Markets in US scarce they were sold off. Several factors like these combined to threw Marks and Spencer into a heavy fall in 1997/98, which took everybody by surprise. These were the results of some bad decisions taken by Marks and Spencer which resulted in downfall of the company. The companys share fell by 70% approx. and its profits degraded from 1 billion to 145 million at the end of 2001.In 2001 there were changes in their business focus. They started accepting credit cards and a new range of clothes was introduced. They also redesigned their business model. This resulted in some recovery still the problem still remained. In 2004 there was an attempt to take over marks and spencers by Bhs boss, Philip Green and Arcadia group. In Feb. 2007, marks and spencers announced to open worlds largest Marks and Spencer store at Dubai festival city. This surely turned out to be an intelligent move as Dubai is slowly becoming the trade capital of the world. Dubai, which is the most popular emirate of UAE, is now one of the hottest destinations for shopping, trading and travel and tourism industry. The high end Zendra Rhodes Collection was introduced in late 2009.PERFORMANCEMarks and Spencer is listed on LSE (London rail line Exchange) as a constituent of FTSE 100. Here is Year/Net Profit plot for Marks and Spencer.From the above data we discharge conclude thatThere was a heavy fall in 1998.In year 2001 the profits were very low only M 2.8.There was some recovery in 2003-04 but they were still facing problem.From 2006 to 2008 there is some improvement.There is a signifi trampt decline in 2009.BRITISH HOME STORES (Bhs)British home stores is a depa rtmental store chain in Britain which have branches in high street locations. They are primarily selling clothing and household items such as strike out linen, cutlery, crockery and lighting. Now they have also started selling furniture etc. Bhs competes on value and quality. They are targeting at lesser part of the population as compared to John Lewis and Marks and Spencer. They have over 186 stores all over UK. The company is listed on LSE (London stock Exchange) as a constituent of FTSE 100 and is currently owned by Sir. Philip Green.HISTORYIn 1928 the first shop of Bhs opened in Brixton. They copied the business model of United Kingdom arm of US based FW Woolworth in that the price of goods was at max 1 shilling. In 1929 the maximum price was increased to 5 to enable the company for expanding the range of products. This includes furnishing and drapery. Bhs became Public company in 1931. After World War II selling based on price was stopped and goods with value and quality to m oney have been started to be offered. Bhs started expanding in 1970-80. They also opened the stores in indoor shopping malls. In 1977 they launched a joint venture with the firm Sainsburys to create hyper markets using SavaCentre brand. Sainsburys took control of the exclusively brand in 1989 and converted all the stores. There was a downturn in business in 1980s which was tried to be fought with the reconstruction of the stores and high profit margins selling. Bhs had to close its overseas stores during these times. In 1985 they opened first franchise store. Such stores now operate in Europe and Middle east. There was a optical fusion between Bhs, Habitat and Motherhouse. In mid 90s the brand went under reinvention under the guidance of retail design house 2020.In May 2000 Philip Green took over Bhs (for 200 million) and changed the company from public to private (ltd). In May 2005 Philip Green bought Etam UK (which included good girls fashion retailers). To improve Bhs girls pe rception as a whole the stand alone brands were integrated into Bhs.On Feb 27 2009, the company announced its merger with sister company Arcadia.PerformanceThe current condition of Bhs is not good. It is owned by Philip Green. Marks and Spencers performance is at present much better than Bhs. The growth is slow in retail market. To have a major growth you have to steal your rivals sales. Hence the gain of marks and spencers is resulting in Bhs loss. Philip Green is implementing cost cutting programs to increase the margin. There is a scope of improvement for others here. Cost price in this sector is continuously increasing because of the increase in energy and utility prices which accounts for 12 million fall for Bhs. For revitalizing of the brand Green is expend at least 100m and if he pulls this one out next time we will be discussing about marks and spencers slow recovery.Task 2QUESTIONAIREThe questionnaire has the questions on the following fields for evaluating the performan ce of both companies harvesting designShelf priceBrand imageAdvertisingProduct rangeShelf quadrupletLogistics discipline and Customer relationshipsThe answering of the questions has to be done on interval level. Questions specifically meant for staff members are marked as (SM). Rest can be answered by all.QUESTIONSA) Product design1) How is the efficiency of the product designing process? (SM)badexcellent2) Which product generation method is preferred? (SM)Based on ideaBased on need3) How good are solution designing and production methods? (SM)PoorExcellentB) Shelf price1) How is spending at each level of production handling and distribution? (SM)Very lessjust rightVery highC) Brand image1) Which brand is more preferable?marks and spencers BhsD) Advertising1) How much does the firm spent on the marketing? (SM)very lessjust rightVery high2) Which brands publicizing is more enlightening about the product?marks and spencers BhsE) Product range1) Which brand has wider variety of prod ucts to choose from?marks and spencers Bhs2) Which brand fulfills the better product fate?marks and spencers BhsF) Shelf space1) Which brand has better stores?marks and spencers Bhs2) Which brand store is easily reachable?marks and spencers BhsG) Logistics1) How good is the flow of goods, resources and information in the company? (SM)PoorExcellentH) Information and Customer relationships1) Which brands store provide better information about the product?marks and spencers Bhs2) Which brands customer service is more satisfactory?marks and spencers BhsStatistical outputOutput stats after a watch over of 150 persons.Result interpretations of the surveyProduct design process of Bhs is more efficient than that of marks and spencers .Idea based product generation is preferred more in Bhs, whereas it is almost balanced in marks and spencers .Shelf determine efficiency of Bhs is much better than that of marks and spencers .marks and spencers brand is more preferable as compared to Bhs.Adv ertising marks and spencers spent more on Advertising.Product range marks and spencers have wider variety of products.Shelf space of marks and spencers is slightly better than Bhs.Logistics of Bhs are better than marks and spencers (there is not much difference).Information and Customer relationshipsCustomers are more satisfied with marks and spencers as compared to Bhs.CONCLUSIONFrom the result of the above survey and from the information collected from the various other resources we can conclude thatmarks and spencers s (Marks and Spencer) is a much bigger company as compared to Bhs. marks and spencers have over 695 stores whereas Bhs only have over 185 stores. marks and spencers s net profits and turnovers are much higher than those of Bhs. Marks and Spencer can invest into more number of ventures and more capital which is generated by its huge network round the globe.marks and spencers is more famous and older brand as compared to Bhs. marks and spencers operations are more wide spread as compared to Bhs. marks and spencers s targeted customers are much larger than those of Bhs. marks and spencers usually targets high end customers whereas Bhs do not. Product range of marks and spencers is much higher than that of Bhs. Customers prefers marks and spencers over Bhs.However, the internal operations, functions and working of Bhs are more coordinated better and efficient than that of the marks and spencers . This can prove beneficial to the company in the long run and this can result in Bhs having more output to input ratio as the system is more efficient.ROCOMMENDATIONSFrom our current analysis I can say that Bhs has improved its internal structure to its maximum. There is a need to revitalize the plans, if that is successful then there is a good chance that Bhs baron improve to the required level.However, marks and spencers have scope of improvement in its internal structure which will bring significant change in its profit margin. Currently marks and spence rs have better hold of market but if they can side by side update their structure then they can avoid majority of the downfalls they face.ReferencesMarks Spencer (n.d.). Retrieved on May 6, 2010, from http//www.marksandspencer.com/ (Marks Spencer)Modern living made easy (n.d.). Retrieved on May 6, 2010, from http//www.bhs.co.uk/ (Modern living made easy)How to begin your survey design project. (n.d.). Retrieved on May 6, 2010, from http//www.surveysystem.com/sdesign.htm (How to design your survey design project.)Bhs results in investment and retail sector. (n.d.). Retrieved on May 6, 2010, from http//www.moneyweek.com/articles/money-morning/why-bhs-could-be-just-the-start-of-retail-sector-woes.aspx (Bhs results in investment and retail sector.)

Media Influence On Female Body Image Media Essay

Media Influence On Female Body Image Media EssayIn the past decades, in that location has been an increase in the tutelage of pistillates and the carcass, this situation is exceedingly blamed on the media and its sudden focus on veerness. Many enquiryers has blamed the print, picture receiver and early(a) forms of the media for this propagation of thinness in the media, with fewer researches focusing on the network, products advertisement campaigns particularly either on websites, blogs and social media platforms much(prenominal) as Facebook.This research project examines the media trance on female organic structure view using qualitative method of doing research. It focuses mainly on meshing advertisements to investigate how the media, through net income advertisement in particular has settled females to rethink their bole orbit especially their shape, looks etc. This paper utilized critical discourse draw near to carry come start of the closet a textual analys is of some selected products advertisement campaigns in relations to beauty, proboscis shapes and appearance. The result found significant concepts and strategies applied in several advertisements to bewitch consumers, and how the constant bombardment of this adverts on the internet drives female to acquiring the ideal system as portrayed in these advertisements.It also found that advertisement shit belatedly gone beyond gaining consumers (females) attention, to developing interest and desire resulting in consumers taking actions, ground on how persuasive the advert get. Furthermore, the analysis revealed the power that the thin ambit (model) in media (advertisement) carries and how obsessed our culture is with thinness. Even though some females may be able to differentiate reality from fantasy, this research found that the media has vigorous negative influence on females consistence form based on how it is constructed.Word count total number of words=13,970TABLE OF CONTEN T committalACKNOWLEDGEMENT ..ABSTRACT .LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS..1.0 CHAPTER ONE RESEARCH OVERVIEW1.1 INTRODUCTION..1.2 A drawing HISTORY OF tree trunk IMAGE..1.3 AIMS AND OBJECTIVES OF THE RESEARCH.2.0 CHAPTER TWO LITERATURE round off2.1 INTRODUCTION..2.2 BODY IMAGE..2.3 THE MASS MEDIA.2.4 MASS MEDIA BRIEF EVIDENCE.2.5 UNDERSTANDING THE MEDIA..2.6 MEDIA EFFECT possibility..2.7 USES AND GRATIFICATIONS THEORY2.8 BODY IMAGE AND SOCIAL THEORY2.9 THE ROLE OF SOCIO-CULTURAL THEORY ON BODY IMAGE2.1.0 ADVERTISING AND BODY IMAGE DISSATISFACTION2.1.1 RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN BODY IMAGES AND MEDIA IMAGES2.1.2 PEER AND PHYSICAL APPEARACE AMONGST FEMALES..2.1.3 FEMALES TROUBLES2.1.4 FEMINIST PERSPECTIVE OF BODY IMAGE2.1.5 PSYCHOLOGIST PERSPECTIVE OF FEMALE BODY IMAGE.2.1.6 CHAPTER TWO SUMMARY3.0 CHAPTER THREE METHODOLOGY.3.1 INTRODUCTION3.2 RESEARCH METHOD.3.3 DATA COLLECTION AND sampling3.4 CRITICAL DISCOURSE ANALYSIS3.5 IMPLEMENTATION OF RESEARCH3.6 LIMITATIONS OF THE RESEARCH3.7 ETHICAL CONSIDE RATION.3.8 CHAPTER THREE SUMMARY..4.0 CHAPTER FOUR ANALYSIS AND DISCUSSION.4.1 INTRODUCTION4.2 post IN THE MEDIATED IMAGE..4.3 BEAUTY IN THE MEDIA.4.4 FEMALE BODY AND MEDIA MARKETING.4.5 THE FEMALE BODY AS COMMODITIES4.6 CHAPTER FOUR SUMMARY.5.0 CHAPTER FIVE goal AND RECOMMENDATION .5.1 CONCLUSION5.2 RECOMMENDEDATION.APPENDICESBIBLIOGRAPHY.CHAPTER ONE RESEARCH OVERVIEW1.0 INTRODUCTIONThe entrance of mass media (such as television, magazines, newspapers, and the internet also social networks such as Facebook, Twitter) as a means of communication has become part of human manners of life, as seen in the Western valet de chambre. The most common possession of these media saturation in the postmodernist era is the prevailing portrayal of societal beauty ideals to its audience (Tiggemann, 2006 2). The media producers uses this medium (such as internet) to sh be their works and ideas across the globe (Gauntlett, 20081).Recent research conducted by (Gauntlett, 2008), indicates that you ng females frequently make use of the media for different purposes (e.g. interaction with friends family, bleeding games and for academic reasons). The relationship mingled with the media and its audience is characterised by the role of user or participant than audience member. This ensure some level of interactivity (between the sender and the receiver) in the media, especially (on the internet) in new media platforms such as Facebook, yahoo messenger, Skype, blackberry messenger, whatsapp, and other inter prompt websites (Gauntlett 2008 2).A research by Bignell (2001) indicates that the new media produces and modifies the old media. For instance, the primary duty of media in the past was to disseminate breeding without getting feedbacks, but with the introduction of internet, the audience/viewers has the opportunity to give their feedbacks on advertised products and other related matters. fit in to (Gauntlett 2008), individuals in Western societies spend more time with televis ion than an average African person. They do so, observation advertisements, fashion shows, reality show etc., and they also read newspapers and gossip magazine and other forms of publication. Similarly, they surf internets, watch movies, play games and find it difficult to avoid the popular culture. This is achievable because the media producers have get alongd slipway of capturing the viewer attention and they understand the masses want (Laughey 200933).The evolutions of media have paved way for series of advertisement using print (such as newspapers and magazines), internet and television. Images of thin females are usually used to sale products, this is mostly done in the western sandwich world and it is viewed globally (Poorani 2012). This advertisement helps to re-shape the lives and corpse of the advertiser which is portrayed worldwide. On the other hand, this have a negative effect on the contemporary world as their women begins to feel inferior (Poorani 2012). Having ver balize that, it could be argued that the traditional way of showcasing beauty is no longer acceptable as many believes that the modernized ways are the acceptable way (Poorani 2012). Reasons universe that, the media advertise female in different ways and encourage them to attain certain hackneyed of beauty and proboscis shape in coiffure to be qualified and acceptable in the society.Therefore, the mass media act as arbitrating construction amongst persons and their body, through powerful messages that portray and interiorise physical stereotype of beauty as valued and acceptable especially through advertising (Calado, 2011). Advertising is referred to as the art of arresting the human news show by persuading them to acquire certain media products (Bardikian 2000). The use of advertisement dates back to 3000BC, where the Babylonians used store signs and street barkers to promote their wares and business (Zoubkov, et al. 2004). In Recent years, the mass media move on introduced advertisement into our daily lives and as advertising technique continue to grow classier each year it has created consumerism, by dramatic playing luxuries into need thereby creating ask where there was none before (Shah 2008).The sad trend of this constant bombardment of advertising and the consumerism is that it tends to portray that the natural appearance of females in the world have lost its value, and as such should be replaced by the artificial beauty which is aided by make ups (Robertson 20082).Zoubkove et al in his write up give tongue to For the majority of people, ikon to advertising is as normal as the breath of life, which is more or less like living near the road. Similarly, it constantly presents a visual monitor of how we should look, think, and live (Zoubkov, et al. 2004).Furthermore, it has been argued that media channels are constantly in the habit of propagating conflicting stories and ideas to the viewers (consumers) (Myers, et al. 1992). Females are made to believe that there is a certain and pass judgment ways of leaving in order to fit into the complex society, this views has disregarded consumers individual self-worth. As Sohn (2009) opined, the media have paid particular attention to thin females in recent years , reasons being that they capture the minds of the viewers and helps to market product easily.1.1 A BRIEF HISTORY OF BODY IMAGEThe understanding of modern sentiment of body images centres on a clear insight on the long and rich lineage of body image construct, the issues of body image dates back to everyplace 50 years, with different scholarly attempt to understand the idea of body image (Pruzinsky, et al. 2004, p.3). While Fisher et al. (1968 1970) reflected on the then pervasive psychodynamic view of body image, Franklin (1969) argued for the take in of multifaceted body image experience, placing emphasis on the use of scientific methods and the integration of theoretical developments, and applied body image conce pt to the study of physical disability. Furthermore, David (1989 1990) emphasizes on the role of the modern psychodynamic thought in the illumination of the functioning aspects of body image.In addition, a neurologist, Schilder (1935/1950) also argued persistently from a bio-psychosocial approach to body image, emphasizing the need for a neurological, psychological, and sociological insight examination into the multifaceted nature of body image, this coincides with Fishers recommendation for future research to be carried out on body image experience (Fisher, 1990 p.12). Furthermore, Thompsons prolific contributions differ in some respect in that its central focus reflects on the scientific and clinical interests in eating disorders and obesity. In addition, Jacksons (1992) work focuses on the physical appearance and gender. She further reviews the empirical and clinical literatures on body images concepts. Also, Pruzinsky, et al. 1990, 1995 1997 editions equally support this blo t in opening by contributing massively to the argument on Body Images (Pruzinsky, et al. 20046).Empirical evidence reveals that many scholars have conducted research on the said topic. Some argued that females are influenced by the media, peers/parent and the environment negatively while others oppose this detail. The question that persists to this effect is why are females easily influenced by the media? In an attempt to answer to this basic research question, this research paper examines how the media influences females in terms of their body shapes. To achieve this and to gain an in-depth understanding on the said topic, internet advertisements will be used as a case study, the goal is to critically analyse the discourses surrounding female images in advertisements.1.2 AIMS AND OBJECTIVES OF THE RESEARCHThe main beget of the research is to determine the social factors responsible for body image distortion amongst females. In this paper, the first section gives a brief overview of the research, stating the aims, the objectives and the motivation behind the research. The foster section critically evaluate the concept of the media and body image construction in females, the fourth section analyses how female images are structured in the media to influence body image creation amongst female viewers, through critical scrutiny of advertisement campaigns on body image advancement and how these images helps in the construction of female body image (femininity), finally, the last section of the paper draws from all chapters to form the concluding part.Key words media, advertising, body image, femininityCHAPTER TWO LITERATURE round off2.0 INTRODUCTIONThis chapter is geared towards reviewing literatures concerning body image, advertising, mass media, femininity, psychology. Body images, mass media, advertising are defined, and the link between media and females in terms of body concern and body construction are discussed, this is done with the aim of arriving at the aim and objective for the study. The construct of body image is used extensively throughout the study and then the first focus point of this discussion is body image, Also the link between the advertising as a type of media and female body image is described in order to examine and explain how advertising are constructed to influence female body image.2.1 BODY IMAGEFor centuries, scholars and researchers have defined body image from different perspectives, according to Fisher (1990), body image is the perception of ones body attractiveness, body size distortion, the perception of body boundaries and the perception of accuracy of body sensation. Cash Pruzinsky (1990), explain body image as the feeling of ones thought and perception about their body as well as age, race, function and sexuality, Schilder (1950) further added that body image is a blame of attitude and interaction with others, while Grogan (1999) sees body image as a picture of ones body originated from the mind.B ody image is multidimensional it is a symbol of a multifaceted construction of ideas that pertains to individual perceptions, attitude as well as associate behaviours (Stewart Williamson 2004). Psychologically, body image is seen as a salient factor of interpersonal development especially with females (Levine Smolak 2002). According to Grogan (1999) body dissatisfaction is developed when negative thoughts concerning body shape are nursed.They debated body image as being multidimensional, comprises of a cognitive and an emotional dimension. Cognitive body image consists of beliefs and self-statements about the body. Emotional body image consists of experiences of appearance, whether the experiences are comfortable or uncomfortable and if there is satisfaction or dissatisfaction with the body. Body image is a subjective experience it depends on how the individual interprets ones self (McCabe et al. 2002 cited in Sparhwak 20037).The first cognitive dimension of body image includes, b ody importance and dieting behaviour, and perceptual body image. This relates to thoughts and beliefs on body shape and the equalive dimension including personal feelings towards body appearance (Sparhwak 20037). The Second cognitive dimension is the body importance and dieting behaviour which can be described as behaviours associated with grooming and dieting. Finally, perceptual body image is described as the accuracy that an individual has when judging its shape, size and weight. Various research indicates that researchers have the same views on body image pointing to the fact that body image is multidimensional in construct but different when it comes to the dimensions (Sparhwak 20038).Body image is non stationary and open for amendment (Sparhwak 20038), according to Pruzinsky et al. (1990) constant watching of television influences an individual sense of judgement. Grogan (1999) after several studies concluded that body image is not only influenced by the media but by numerou s factors such as friends, family, teachers, peers and even the society. He further asserted that females that think negatively about their body are those with bad experience of body image, either from peers, family, friends, or society at large. In addition to what Grogan (1999) said, negative body image may lead to several health disorders including anorexia nervosa, and bulimia nervosa, anxiety, depression, lowered self-esteem, dysfunction.2.2 THE MASS MEDIAThe media is recently portrayed as a medium of cultivation, conveyance, or expression and is most willingly related to in associations of mass communication (Grant 2000). It is believed that Mass communication has a continuous influence on human either consciously or unconsciously. Some of the extensively identifiable forms of media includes print and electronic media such as television, magazines, newspapers, books, radio, scene games, CDs and tapes, as well as internet, billboards, posters, movies and videos (Grant 2000). P resently, there are lots of debates regarding body image in relations to its portrayal through the media especially in the twenty dollar bill first century. Several researchers have argued on the said topic, also it has been observed that body dissatisfaction is caused by the media as well as other influencing factors such as ethnicity, social class, peers, family background and the surrounding environment (Amalikn 20101).The technological development (such as the internet) on the other hand has helped to increase the rate of advertising which in turn increases consumerism as a major way of living (Robertson, 20083). The human minds begins to buy into the media and the media messages the moment the ideas of how much something is worth having begins to develop, this is done through several advertisement which the internet source has gain much attention in recent years (Battacharya, 2003).A number of influences have been highlighted as formative in the development and aid of body sh ape and body weight related disorder (Fairburn et al.1997). These factors include, teasing and critical comments on someones appearance either from parents, peers or social comparing tendencies (Frankos et al. 1994). Yet, sociocultural factors such as the role that the media internet advertisements in particular, have recently been pointed out as an important donor to body image dysfunction (Fallon 1990 Heinberg 1996).2.2.1 BRIEF EVIDENCE OF MASS MEDIAIn the last century, eating disorder theorists and feminist scholars have argued that fashion magazines, movies, television, and the social media platforms are the major contributors to eating disorder among individuals (Smolak et al. 1998). The standard of beauty at present evokes low self-esteem and inferiority among the average women in the society (Fallon 1990 Heinberg 1996). This has raised series of questions and blemish on the media for promoting thinness as a measure of beauty (Thompson et al. 1999340).According to Freedmen (1986), a comparative analysis carried out indicates that the present visual media is different from the previous one, in terms of technological advancement which makes images more clear and attractive the visualization helps in capturing the minds and attention of viewers easily. This technological advance in the media world (in terms of print and electronic media images) has made it impossible to differentiate reality from fantasy (Thompson et al. 1999 340). In addition, Hargreaves (2002) states that digital redact has created a false world that is impossible to achieve, this is evidently seen through editing and filtering of the original copy of the media images before distribution. This act portrays to the consumers that the original and authentic version of images is being presented in the media (Thompson et, al. 1995, 1998, cited in Heinberg, et al. 1999341).2.2.2 UNDERSTANDING THE MEDIAThe media is a means of communication between the sender and the receiver. In recent years , it has been argued that the media has a negative influence on body image. The primary role of media is to propagate information across to viewers. This information is ofttimes understood base on individual perspective and sense of reasoning, and most individuals tend to be influenced by the media in the negative direction.According to Laughey (2009), media is a diaphysis that reflects peoples likes, therefore, media providers should endeavour to capture the mood of individuals in order to know their wants, and understand their views. The competitive media market is highly influenced by the popular culture. This invariably has becomes the focus of concern since it is perceived to have a major influence on other nationals and the world at large (Laughey, 2009 p.33).2.3THEORETICAL FRAMEWORKThe predominant theoretical frameworks adopted in this research are media effect theory and social theory.2.3.1 MEDIA EFFECT THEORYMedia effect came into existence in 1920 (Media Effect Theory, 20 13). It was first proposed by Frankfurt school of social research, based on the Marxist German Intellectuals reaction to Nazi propaganda and US advertising suggesting that individuals way of thinking should be controlled by large corporations as well as the state (Moss, 2013) . This theory believes that the mass media makes people powerless and find it hard to resist the messages it carries (Moss, 2013). Having said this, (Media Effect Theory, 2013) argued that media effect theory is how the media affect society and how society affects the media, Some negative implication of this theory are when people do copycat, (Media Effect Theory, 2013) For instance, when individuals (old and young) begin to copycat the celebrities, in terms of their movement, garb styles, speeches, and shapes etc. and the blame is directed to the media. The theory helps to explain moral panic in relation to representation (Moss, 2013).In the study of media effect, there are three major theories, which inclu des cultivation theory, uses and gratification theory and social cognitive theory (Bandura, 2002). But for the purpose of this paper, uses and gratifications theory will be critically evaluated in order to determine the prospective influence of the media on female body image.2.3.2 USES AND GRATIFICATIONS THEORYUses and gratification theory is based on Maslows hierarchy of needs (Moss, 2013). According to Laughey (2009) this theory is used to describe media consumer needs and expectations. The ideology behind this theory lies in the movement from fear off effect to fulfilment of needs. In general, the theory identifies individuals as people with needs this need can be described as social or psychological needs (Laughey, 2009 p.49). At this point, it is noteworthy to say that the said individual need generates expectations that can only be satisfied by the media. (See illustrated below).Figure Uses and gratification illustration Source (Moss, 2013)Uses and gratification theory treats individuals as active and intelligent in their media choice and uses, it also reverses the assumption that individuals are held captive by the media. According to Laughey (2009), He argued that the media is like a set of tools that consumers freely go for at any time to fix any necessity. Furthermore, Laughey (2009) questioned the ability of some media products to get word individuals needs and expectations this is because at times, the media usually fall short of individual needs and expectations. An example of such is when a young woman purchases a product due to the way and manner it was portrayed on the media and the product did not meet her expectations.2.3.2.1 BODY IMAGE AND SOCIAL THEORYThe issue of indistinguishability creation is often observed during adolescence period and it has being recognised as a life-or-death stage of gender development. At this point, it is noteworthy to say that personal identity and consumer behaviour are inter-related, reasons being that a gr eat number of people derive their happiness in the attainment of ideal cultural standards, this is achievable through mass media (e.g. internet). The acquisition of the mediated perfect body image is the basic criteria for the reflection of individuals worth in the modern environment (Shaw et al, 199445).There are several social theories that best explain body image concerns and dieting among women. This theories includes social identity theory, social learning theory and social comparison theory. To gain more valid insight on the said topic, these theories will briefly reviewed.2.3.2.1 Social identity element TheoryThese theories suggest that self- image includes both the personal and social identities. In social identity, an individual attain certain status through socializing with others and being a functioning member of a group to which they belong (Shaw et al. 199446). Having said that, one could argue that the internet advertising comes under the social desirability, this is often seen in the way and manner in which female images are presented in the media and accepted by many. This on the other hand renders the portrayed body type highly desirable by other females and as such evoke copycat.2.3.2.2 Social Learning TheoryThis theory focuses more on the influence of role models on gender self-identity, mostly created during the adolescence period. This theory suggests that representation of models by the media tends to pressurize their female counterpart to conform to such body image. This forces individual to create their identity based on the role model they want to emulate (Shaw et al.1994 p.46).2.3.2.3 Social Comparison TheoryThis theory suggests that there is need for the use of other source of information as a guide for the evaluation of ones abilities and attitudes (Silverstein, et al. 1986). With that in mind, one could say that the media serves as a constant reference point for the womens evaluation of their body image (DiDomenico, et al. 1992). On the other hand, using media as a reference point female assessment of their body could cause dissatisfaction and anxiety among larger population of women (Shaw et al. 1994 p.46) However, these theories applies not only to women but men who are also consumers of media messages, with body image a major concern.2.3.3 THE ROLE OF SOCIO-CULTURAL THEORY ON BODY IMAGEAccording to Davis and Katzman (1999), people can be influenced by culture (e.g their food, clothes/wears, and appearance in terms of hair style etc). Sparhawk (2003) found that women especially young girls are more often influenced by the skinny body principles. This is further illustrated in the constant proclamation of thinness as a measure of beauty by the media. Similarly, King and Tsiantas (2001) refer to the socio-cultural theory as the pressure on women from parent, peers and the media to acquire/maintain certain body standard.At this point, it is worthwhile to revisit the social comparison theory which place emphas es on comparative assessment of ones appearance to other (p 141). Socio-cultural theory is a combination of ideas and concepts acquired from social and cultural factors (such as media, family, and friends). According to Tsiantas et al. (2001) body disturbances is influenced by the internalization of socio-cultural messages on thinness. Schwartz (1986) also supported the fact that dieting has a significant effect on female beauty, as it shapes and helps them (female) maximise their potentials. Stice (2002) traced socio-cultural influence on body image back to 18 centuries. He argued that the pressure on body image is enveloped by the notion of thinne

The Symbol of the Heart in The Floating Opera Essay -- Floating Opera

The Symbol of the Heart in The Floating Opera The bosom is the dominant symbol in The Floating Opera, more(prenominal) important even than the symbol of the showboat of the novels title. From beginning to end the book is richly populated by references to the mall on both a literal, physical level, and a figurative, symbolic one. In the first case, literal references are made to Todds heart condition. In the second case, the heart plays two symbolic roles not only does it armed service as a symbol of Todds emotional and non-rational side, but the frailty of Todds heart serves as a correlative for the fragility of all human life. This paper provide examine several examples from The Floating Opera that demonstrate this multi-levelled usage of the heart. Hearts make an early appearance in the text, in the very first chapter, when Todd describes his heart condition a kind of subacute bacteriological endocarditis1. This condition predisposes Todd towards myocardial infarction (hear t attack), and consequently Todd writes, What that means is that any day I may ancestry quickly dead, without warning - perhaps before I complete this sentence, perhaps twenty years from now.2 Although this may seem to be a purely literal device, Barth is using Todds heightened awareness of the delicateness of his own life as an exaggerated symbol for the vulnerability of all human life. This early focus upon the heart continues collect to the centrality in the novels plot of Todds decision to kill himself, and his subsequent change of mind. At the core of this decision to suicide is Todds realisation that his life has been governed by his heart (his emotions), despite his best efforts to live by will, priming coat and intellect My heart was the master... ...when Froebel had Parnassus in his pan?8 This quotation is demonstrative of both the inability of reason to overcome emotions - the very problem which Todd has grappled with for much of his life, and which lies centrally in The Floating Opera - and also of Todds acute awareness of that inability. This, like so many of the facts in the narrative, has both a symbolic and a literal meaning, and shows the extent to which the heart and what it stands for permeate the fabric of the entire novel. Bibliography Barth, John, The Floating Opera and The End of the Road, Anchor Books, current York, 1988. Endnotes 1 Barth, John, The Floating Opera and The End of the Road, Anchor Books, New York, 1988, p. 5. (All subsequent page numbers refer to this book.) 2 p. 5. 3 p. 226. 4 p. 49. 5 ib. 6 Ibid. 7 p. 124. 8 pp. 94-5

Parole Should Be Abolished Essays -- Argumentative Persuasive Crime Es

Parole Should Be AbolishedThe procedure known as watchword in the criminal justice musical arrangement has been in practice in the United States since the late 1800s when it was begun in a reformatory in Elmira, New York. Its process provides for early qualified release from prison for convicted felons, after part of their prison sentence has been served, and they are found to be pensionable for news based on factors such as conduct while incarcerated, rehabilitative efforts/progress, type of offense, and remorse for their crime. Its use has been expanded to many states, and today has become the primary way by which offenders are released from prisons and punitive institutions. Unfortunately, parole is not always rewarded to worthy inmates, thus putting society at risk for repeated crimes that often outweigh the benefits of parole, therefore, parole should be abolished and inmates should be made to complete their full sentences. Prison inmates are usually sentenced by the severi ty of their crimes, as well as their mental role at the fourth dimension of the act. For example a person who commits murder intentionally expects to take the life of another in reckless disregard for human life, and knows that the act itself which he or she has decided to commit, will surely bring about death. However, in the case of manslaughter, which is also the taking of a human life, there is no actual intention to bring about death. The act that lead to someones death, is measured by the circumstances that made the person kill such as self-defense, or a crime of passion because the killer was provoked in such a way that a chain of events lead to violence which eventually resulted in peril. Because of the difference in how these crimes are carried out, inmates are sentenced differently some are sentenced to life in prison, and others are sentenced to several years and will be eligible for parole after serving part of their sentence. In lieu of inmates completing their full s entences, parole tries to achieve releasing inmates early based on the head that the inmate has been sufficiently punished, and should be given the opportunity to become a law abiding citizen, capable of functioning in our society with adequate supervision. Although parole attempts to carefully screen inmates prior to granting early release, their decisions often do not merit wise choices. As a social worker, I e... ...niors who brought us into this generation. We merit to be protected as much as any other human race. Our tax dollars spent on housing inmates are a skunk cheaper for us to pay when one considers the cost of irreparable pain and suffering, of a victim who falls prey to a parolee who had no intention of reversing his or her former lifestyle and recommitted their life to crime. One cannot put a price tag on scarred lives. It would be worth every penny to halt these criminals behind bars until they have completed their full sentences, if it meant even saving one inno cent life, or sparing someone an unforgettable damaging experience. In conclusion, parole serves to benefit the inmate who is seeking his or her freedom, while society seldomly benefits from progress or efforts implemented by parolees in the community. We must understand that parole is a privilege, not a right. We must take into consideration that if almost half of the population that is released on parole returns to prison parole is not working(a) and should be abolished. Law abiding citizens have earned their right to freedom, and criminals have earned their right to confinement, and should remain that way, as sentenced.

Narrative Essay: I am Japanese American :: Personal Narrative Essays

I am Japanese American I am sword lily I am Japanese American, even though I feel JA manpower are some of Americas best kept secrets. There is a horizontal surface of a vertically challenged man who was in the midst of some tall men. One of the taller men said to him, You must feel pretty small reclaim now. The man replied, Yes, I feel like a dime in the midst of a bunch of nickels. Being a JA male is not lax in America. We get no respect, it seems. Often, the image of the JA male is the nerd, the quiet invisible man, or somehow one devoid of sexuality. JA women have been elevated by American society to a somewhat higher level of acceptance, or so it seems from the mainstream media. I noticed recently that there are more JA (or Asian American) men doing the news on TV Rob Fukuzaki and others on local news are a welcome sight because it seems we Asian men have spliff the rest of society at least in terms of representation on the news (although pioneers like Ken Kashiwahara a nd Sam Chu Lin helped give early visibleness for Asian men on camera). My parents experienced the Depression years in America my father having arrived in this country in 1920, and my mother coming to join him in 1932. They experienced being forced into concentration camps, then having to start over again after the war, facing social discrimination and then overcoming it to a large extent through hard work, economic success and secure citizenship. They taught me values like working hard, being faithful to your family, the importance of a good name and being honorable, the importance of community and supporting community groups, remembering your ancestors and your cultural heritage, respecting your elders and your parents, and many other important values and virtues that help me to be a man of substance and strength. And yes, I can say it, I am a man of substance and strength, perhaps even a dime among a lot of nickels. A part of my JA upbringing also taught me to be reserved and m odest, unassuming and uncomplaining. And even though I picked up a trace of racial attitudes from my parents--that Japanese are superior to other people, and that others, especially African American, Mexican and Pilipinos, were subordinate. But still, I was dominated by a sense of being inferior myself to the general society around me.

Gay, Lesbian and Bisexual Issues - AIDS, Isn’t it Time We Demand Action? :: Argumentative Persuasive Essays

AIDS Isnt it Time We Demand Action? There are 42 one million million million the great unwashed living with AIDS worldwide. 950,000 are in the United States. New cases exceed 5 million every year. More than 28 million people die from AIDS each year. Within 10 years there will be 40 million orphans in Africa due to AIDS, and more(prenominal) than triplet of heavily affected countries have no strategies to deal with them. AIDS is now the fourth leading cause of death globally, and the leading cause of death in Africa (AIDS at 20). The plague thats killed 22 million isnt done with us yet. While we hunt for a vaccine, people celebrate to diefrom AIDS or the drugs intended to treat it (AIDS at 20). AIDS is not only killing the sick, but also stifling the healthy. There are two kinds of people here, the infected and the affected (Kristof, As Millions Die). Though there are various excuses regarding AIDS funding, semipolitical stances, and the count of whether or not Africa is ready to receive treatment, the fact remains that AIDS cannot sit on the backburner anymore action needs to be taken now. bread and butterFirst, the question of funding the cost of drugs has been a major issue in the treatment of AIDS. The estimated spending on AIDS stripe, care, and support in low and ticker income countries in 2003 is $4.7 billion, while the estimated dollars needed to address AIDS care, prevention and support in low and middle income countries is $6.5 billion in 2003 alone, with an additional $10.5 billion in 2005 and $15 billion in 2007 (Avert). In part because of those inadequate funds, many countries will not meet basic goals like rapidly expanding AIDS prevention and care expected to them by 2005. Perhaps if America wasnt spending an extra 87 billion dollars on futile efforts in Iraq, they would have more money to spend on the dying. If pockets had been opened earlier, millions of lives would have been saved (Slowly, the Virus is Being Fought). POLIT ICSThere are also many various political stances regarding AIDS President Bush pledged $15 billion for AIDS in African countries and the Caribbean over the next five years. But instead of $3 billion for the first year, he backtracked to just $2 billion (Kristof, Prudery). And instead of using existing channels to help, Bush created a new bureaucracy.

Taro (Colocasia esculenta) :: Botany

Taro (Colocasia esculenta)Breakthrough improvements in the major grain crops have increased world food production dramatically during the last xx seven years. The advancements in grain production, however, have not brought significant benefits to areas where expel crops are the major staples. Therefore, more emphasis should be directed toward such root crops as taro plant, which is a staple food in many developing nations of Asia, Africa, and the Pacific. Taro (Colocasia esculenta (L.) Schott), a member of the Araceae family, is an ancient crop grown throughout the humid tropics for its edible corms and leaves, as well as for its traditional uses. In the Pacific, the crop attained supreme importance in the diets of the inhabitants. Quantitatively it has become, and equable remains, as the most important crop. Today the plant is widely used throughout the world, in Africa, Asia, the West Indies, and South America. Taro is of great importance in many places such as the Caribbean, Ha waii, the Solomons, American Samoa, West Samoa, the Philippines, Fiji, Sri Lanka, India, Nigeria, Indonesia, New Hebrides, Tonga, Niue, Papua, New Guinea, Egypt, and others. In these areas many people depend heavily upon taro as a staple food. More recently, taro was introduced by the U. S. Department of Agriculture to the southern United St take ins as a supplement to potatoes. Taro constituted the staff of smell for the Hawaiians when Captain Cook arrived in the islands in 1778. At that time an estimated three hundred thousand people in the islands lived chiefly on poi (a fermented or cherubic taro paste), sweet potato, fish, seaweed, and a few green vegetables and fruits. They used no grain or animal milk in their diet, and animal proteins were a rarity. to that extent the good physique and excellent teeth of the Polynesian people testified to an adequate diet. Taro has played a similar role in the diet of the Melanesians and Micronesians, who ate boiled or baked corms and the leaves of taro. Young taro leaves are used as a main vegetable throughout Melanesia and Polynesia. They are boiled or covered with coconut cream, wrapped in banana or breadfruit leaves and cooked on hot stone. Thus, taro is one of the few major staple foods where twain the leaf and the underground parts are equally important in the human diet. Within the last sixty years, investigators have confirmed the superiority of taro over other starchy staples.