The Emergence Of The Role Theory

The Emergence Of The Role Theory Role theory is a conceptual framework with long history in the field of Foreign policy analysis. In order to explain and understand the foreign policy of nation states, the role theory focuses on the reasoning of national political elites, their explanation of the international system and their own states role within this larger system. Despite its conceptual stringency, methodological openness and rich empirical applications, the role theory seems to be neglected by the main stream scholars. Role theory as we said is a long established conceptual tool for the foreign policy analysis. While the role theory analytical potential is high, only recently we have witnessed its revival. Role theory first attracted attention in the foreign policy literature after the publication of Holstis  [1]  study of national role conceptions. Role theory had been in development for nearly four decades in Sociology, Social Psychology and Anthropology by this time. Holsti didnt import much of the conceptual or theoretical language associated with role theory. He chose to focus on the simple idea that the Self, in this case the leaders of the state may hold a set of beliefs or images about the identity of the state. Also, a social psychologist of the sociological variety  [2]  suggested that Holstis article may well be an example where borrowing a theory has paid off. These national role conceptions were shaped the way that a state acted by it in the international system level. The objective of this paper is to present a role theory as a theoretical and conceptual tool for the analysis of the foreign policy. This paper will divide into parts. First part introduces the intellectual sources and inspiration of the role theory. The second part introduces the assumptions of the role theory, and then Ill mention the key concepts offered by the theoretical conceptual framework of the role theory. The third part summarizes the criticism of International Relations theorists towards formulation of the role theory. The fourth part explores briefly how we can integrate foreign policy analysis and international relation through role theory. The emergence of the Role Theory and its intellectual sources: Role theory was first introduced in 1970 by Kalevi Holsti in his article National Role Conceptions in the Study of Foreign Policy. In 1970, Holsti criticized the unnecessarily crude shape of the national roles and too strong pre occupation with national role types relevant to then structural conditions such as bloc, leader, satellites, allies, and non-aligned. Such typology ignores the great set of roles that smaller states play in the system and in different regions  [3]  . At a time of structuralism analysis of foreign policy, Holsti tries to refocus the attention of the discipline towards the domestic sources of foreign policy behavior. Role theory has been inspied by sociological and social psychological theories about the role of individual in the society  [4]  . Holsti drew heavily on Meads symbolic inter action  [5]  long before Wendt picked symbolic inter action as a core principle of his constructivist theory. Holsti relies on George H. Mead and his study of the impact of the behavior of others on an individuals self conceptions and his conceptual distinctions between the self and the change. Symbolic inter action remains the most important source of inspiration for role theorists up until today. Social psychological and sociological theories about the role of individual in the society are applied in the explanation of the behavior of the state. Role theorists argue that by providing the sense of purpose of the state in international community, national role conceptions concede the state with a sense of selfhood and identity. Without the sense of identity, individuals cant order their environments and they will find that the social behavior becomes difficult to understand and manage  [6]  . According to Chaftez, the same process occurs within the states. In this sense, role theory is just another example of anthropomorphic theory  [7]  . It is built around an anthropomorphic assumption that we can draw an analogy between individuals in the society and the state. This assumption some would say chicanery allows us to import social psychological and sociological theories into the disciplines of international relations and foreign policy analysis. At the same time the role theory steers clear of the trap of treating states as some kind of unitary actors. After explaining the origin of role theory and knowing the main scholars and intellectuals ideas of the theory. Ill explain the main assumptions that theory depend on. Theoretical assumption of the role theory: This part tries to identify the assumptions of the role theory which are the epistemological and ontological and its position in contemporary theoretical debates. The starting point is the classification of approaches to the study of foreign policy by Walter Carlsnaes  [8]  . In line with the categories developed by Hollis and Smith  [9]  , Carlsnaes distinguishes four basic approaches to the study of foreign policy according to their epistemological assumptions which are objectivism versus interpretativism and ontological assumptions versus individualism. Objectivist holistic approach such as various strands of realism and neo realism offer a structural perspective on the foreign policy. Objectivist individualist approaches such as bureaucratic politics approaches and liberal approach see the foreign policy from the agency based perspective. On the intersection between holism and interpretativism lie the approaches such as: social constructivism or discursive approaches representing the social institutional perspective. Hollis and Smith distinguish explanation and understanding as two basic epistemological positions. Explanatory approach is inspired by natural sciences and looks for causal relations within the social reality. On the other side interpretivists rely on reconstructing inter subjective meaning of that structure for the subjects of interests. The goal of interpretativism is to reconstruct and understand the way people make sense of the social reality and on this ground understand the behavior of individuals and groups. While some authors argue that the two theoretical questions are interrelated as ontological position predestined the epistemological choice  [10]  , Carlsnaes agrees with Hollis and Smith that ontology doesnt entail epistemology and thus we can distinguish four basic combinations of theoretical perspectives. After that, itll be better to explain the meaning of the two assumptions which are epistemology and ontology in details to form the whole image in our minds about the role theory. Epistemology The epistemological position of the role theory is quite clear according to Carlsnaes. It is an example of interpretative perspective. Role theory seems to favor domestic sources of foreign policy and at the same time given its roots in symbolic interactionism, role theory produces interpretative knowledge rather than casual explanations. Role theory allows us to reconstruct the meaning attributed to national role by the domestic elite individual national foreign policy makers  [11]  . Carlsnaes classification shows the original analytical intentions of those who formulate the role theory. According to Stephen Walker, role theory offers a thick description. The theoretical function of role theory isnt codifying abstract regularities but to make thick description possible, not to generalize across cases but to generalize within them. In line with its epistemological underlying, role theory is more suitable for answering the How possible questions rather than the Why questions. Role theory follows the principles of interpretative which examine the background of social and digressive practices and meanings which make possible the foreign policy practices as well as the social actors themselves, how meanings are produced and attached to various social subjects and objects thus constituting particular interpretive disposition which create certain possibilities and exclude others. Ontology Walter Carlsnaes, following Hollis and Smith distinguishes two basic ontological positions: holism and individualism. Holism holds that the effects of social structures cant be reduced to independently existing agents and their interactions, and that these effects include the construction of agents in both causal and constitutive senses  [12]  . The dynamics of social systems can always be tracked to the evolutionary changes on the level of self reproducing structures  [13]  . On the other side individualists claim that individuals are ontologically primary, all social phenomena as institutions, norms and cultue are intended or unintended consequences of aggregated behavior of the individuals. Social scientific explanations should be reducible to the properties or interactions of independently existing individuals. Walter Carlsnaes puts the role theory unambigously into the individualist box. The role theoretical analyzes focus on the reasoning of individual national foreign policy makers. Role theory exemplifies the bottom up individualist interpretative approach which is concerned to understand decisions from the standpoint of the decision makers by reconstructing their reasons. Holsti and most of the empirical applications of his conceptual framework didnt incorporate role prescriptions of external expectation and their empirical analyses focus solely on the domestic sources of national roles. Conceptual framework of the role theory: Its better to divide the concepts of the role theory into three categories which are: National role conceptions, which are better one role or many roles and other concepts of the role theory. National role conceptions Role theory explains the foreign policy behavior by exploring the roles played by individual countries in international level. The conceptual framework of the role theory has evolved through time as new concepts have been added. The key concept of the role theory is national role conception introduced by Holsti. He defines the national role conception as the policymakers have definitions of the general kinds of decisions, commitments, rules and actions suitable to their state and its the function of any state that should perform on a continuing basis in the international system or in subordinate regional systems. Its the image of the appropriate orientations or functions of their state or in the external environment  [14]  . This definition has been widely accepted by other role theorists. For example Ulrich Krotz thirty years later defines the national role conceptions as domestically shared views and understandings regarding the proper role and purpose of ones own state as a so cial collectivity in the international arena  [15]  . National role conceptions induce preferences and motivate wills, goals and actions. Often interests and policies that derive from National role conceptions are viewed as normal and right within the respective country. According to Le Prestre, the articulation of a national role betrays preferences, operations of an image of the world, triggers expectations and influences the definition of the situation and of the available options  [16]  . At the same time, national role conceptions make certain interests and policy options intuitively implausible, categorically exclude them as wrong or unacceptable or make them unthinkable. National role conceptions are a product of domestic socialization processes and they give meaning and purpose to the foreign policy. One role or many roles Glen Chafetz notes that actors usually have multiple roles that various in overall importance centrality and according to the situation salience. This argument is supported by Holstis original empirical analysis. He confirms that on the lowest level of a day to day politics actors normally have several different roles in the international system and its subsystems. Role theory reflects the arguments made by James March and Johan Olsen that humans maintain a repertoire of roles and identities each providing rules of appropriate behavior in situations for which they are relevant  [17]  . On the other side some researchers adopt the single role assumption that the foreign policy as such is on the highest plane guided by a shared, historically constituted role vision of a national mission which is relatively stable and coherent across time, context and circumstances. The analysis of such dominant, overarching shared view, understanding regarding the proper role and purpose of ones own state as a social collectivity in the international arena can be challenged for being overly generalizing. By looking for common thing in the national elites world views and visions of the national mission, we get that one inevitably puts aside differences in the political elites foreign policy priorities. On the other side the single role assumption allows us to trace and explain patterns in the foreign policy of the state and identify ideas discourse shared even among national politicians with different political preferences in foreign policy making. Other concepts of the role theory Even though the national role conception represents the key concept of the role theory it isnt the only concept. While the national role conception is an egos own conception of his position and function, the term role prescription has been introduced to capture the alters prescriptions. Holsti defined role prescriptions as norms and expectations cultures, societies, institutions or groups attach to particular positions. Role prescriptions emanate from the external environment. In the constructivist language role prescriptions are interred subjectively shared norms and expectations which form the social structure of the international system. Even though the term role prescriptions has been introduced in the role theory since its very beginning, the structural source of the role prescriptions has been sidelined and hardly utilized in role theoretical empirical analyzes. It took some time before role theorists acknowledged the analytical value of the role prescriptions and of the struct ural dimension of the role theory. Contemporary role theorists not only acknowledge on a theoretical level that roles are determined both by an actors own conceptions about appropriate behavior and by the expectations or role prescriptions of other actors but they include role prescriptions into the design of their empirical analyses. The inclusion of the role prescriptions into the research design is in line with the tenets of symbolic interactionism and with the constructivist arguments that roles are institutionalized in social structure. Stephen Walker a Sheldon Simon introduced another structural concept into the framework of the role theory: role set  [18]  . Role sets can be defined as a set of actors positioned as significant others and the web of mutual roles in the system. It is a web of mutual expectations which according to Walker and Simon represent a dynamic and interconnected system. The last term is national role performance. National role performance denotes concrete foreign policy decisions and actions. National role performance encompasses the attitudes decisions and actions governments take versus other actors in order to implement the role. Empirical analyzes relying on the concept national role conceptions usually rely on the single role assumption, they try to discover domestically shared ideas about the purpose and role of the state in international arena and they try to illustrate. The term role set is simply denoting the set of roles played by a particular state versus the spectrum of other actors explain the continuity in the foreign policy behavior of national role performance. On the other side analyzes operationalizing the concept of role prescriptions are better equipped to capture and explain changes in roles and role performance of foreign policy behavior. For example: Walker and Simon claim that actors do from time to time experience role conflict. Role conflict is defined as a situation in which multiple roles are elicited by competing or conflicting expectations, cues and conceptions. This conflict can have the form of a clash between contradicting national role conceptions and role prescriptions or as a clash between two competing role prescriptions. Walker and Simon convincingly argue that the structure of the role set is a product of this role location process as countries enact roles and attempt to cope with role conflict. If individual member of the system in an attempt to solve his own role conflict and changes the role he plays in the system then the whole role set changes as other members of the change their roles and expectations in respons e. The criticism of the role theory: In line with Carlsnaes classification of the role theory as an individualist interpretative approach, International Relation constructivists treat the role theory as an actor based perspective. Alexander Wendt who praises the role theory for introducing symbolic inter actionism into the field criticizes Holsti for emphasizing the agentic role taking side of the equation at the expense of the structural, role constituting side which strips the concept of role of much of its interest. Similarly Audie Klotz criticizes Holsti for excessive focus on individual motivation and cognition at for ignoring the congruence in shared norms which form the backbone of dominant ideas and knowledge. To summarize the critique, International Relation constructivists castigate the role theory for orientation on subjective rather than inter subjective ideas. Role theory seems to forget that national identity and role is not only about inner experience of the state in elite national role conceptions but al so about the structure of expectations of the wider international environment role prescriptions. Wendt and other critics are to some extent different and right. The theoretical and conceptual model introduced by Holsti in fact incorporates not only actor centered national role conceptions domestically shared visions about the role and purpose of the state in international arena but also structural role prescriptions expectations of others. But this socio psychological theoretical model wasnt fully translated into Holstis design for a foreign policy analysis. Even though role the agent society relationship plays a crucial role in the original Meads social psychological theory, Holsti depreciated the impact of society on the formation of national roles in the international context. In his words the expectations of other governments, legal norms expressed through custom, general usage, treaties and available sanctions to enforce. These are ill defined, flexible and weak compared to those that exist in an integrated society and particularly within formal organizations. In a rather n eorealist he also refers to the lack of institutions, acute international conflict and the fact of sovereignty as the factors behind the precedence of policymakers role conceptions over externally derived role expectations. Here lies the rift between Holsti on one side and the English School and constructivist IR on the other side which has been reproduced in some of the empirical analyses. Integration of FPA and IR through Role Theory: Role theory has an intermittent presence in the study of foreign policy analysis, though it is unfamiliar to scholars in international relations. Yet it is uniquely suited to integrate IR and FPA. Role theory is premised on explaining and understanding the interaction between agents and structure. This may sound familiar to constructivist IR scholars. Role theory tends to focus on the agent structure debate from a slightly different, albeit complementary and vantage point. Foreign policy analysis and International Relation scholars operate within different analytical traditions. Whereas the former consider the individual to be the ground of International Relation theory, the latter are more apt to proceed from a system level orientation. To be more precise, Foreign policy analysis scholars often use role theory informed by social psychology while International Relation scholars are more firmly grounded in constructivist principles borrowed from sociology. There is a geographical divide: the former group of scholars is more prevalent in the United States, whereas the latter tend to be located in Europe and elsewhere in the world. Both groups use methods of analysis and standards of evidence that are in keeping with their separate traditions. Some suggest that theories of International Relations cant also be theories of foreign policy. However, others have argued that there is no logical barrier to such a synthesis  [19]  . We believe that role theory offers the potential for integration, possibly and synthesis. Foreign Policy Analysis generally as well as cognitive approaches specifically and International Relation theory generally as well as constructivism specifically stand to benefit from the results of dialogue between the formers largely agent based role theory and the latters largely system based agent structure debate. Although fully synthesizing the two fields may not be feasible, there is so much common ground that bridging the divide between these two traditions not only brings them closer together but also advances knowledge in both Foreign Policy Analysis and International Relations theory. Indeed some efforts aimed at synthesis can already be identified. Consider for example: Maulls work on the civilian power role of Germany and Japan and Harnischs subsequent efforts to place Germanys civilian power role in a constructivist International Relations framework. These two scholars demonstrate the potential for a synthesis of Foreign Policy and International Relations through role theory. Roles like the civilian power role make intuitive sense to policymakers and offer great potential to translate Foreign Policy and International Relations theory into meaningful policy relevant advice.

How One Film Demonstrates Features Which Can Be Considered as Post-Modern Essay

Film within the post-modern genre simply illustrates the ideas of postmodernism through expressive art. Postmodern can be defined as a â€Å"genre of art and literature†¦ in reaction against principles and practices of established modernism† In this essay I will be outlining the key concepts as well as characteristics that can be found in a post modern film. Postmodern cinema contradicts the typical principle of narrative structure and the portrayal of the characters. One film I believe illustrates these ideologies is Quentin Tarantino’s film Pulp Fiction. Released when postmodern films were at its peek. Pulp Fiction has to be one of cinemas most iconic films of all time. Due to the uncertainty of the characters and the stylised yet ambiguous nature of the plot, Pulp fiction is not only to be branded intriguing but also a great example of postmodern. Work by theorists such as Fredric Jameson, will be looked at to help with the analysis of the chosen film. By doing so this helps prove that key concepts which are present within the film such as pastiche, irony, fragmentation and parody are perceptions that together make up a postmodern film proving that pulp fiction is a good illustration. The use of pastiche is present throughout the film. Pastiche allows the emergence of differing techniques to form together in order to create a new structure. Replications of renowned film makers work has been used in order for an updated equally creative film to be produced. Anything from words, phrases, visual, and musical patterns can be used, by doing so it demonstrates that postmodern film is a combination of a variety of texts, styles and skills. Many theorists have spoken openly about their disproval of pastiche. Theorist Fredric Jameson for example even goes as far as to refer to pastiche as a â€Å"dead language†. In the book Postmodern Culture Fredric Jameson writes about the decline of new art, he writes â€Å"in a world in which stylistic innovation is no longer possible, all that is left is to imitate dead styles† (Jameson,1995 ) Even though â€Å"plagiarism of older plots†(Jameson, 1995) occurs in some films it can be argued that by this technique being used it allows an ingenious reinvention of a classic, to be made. One of the first indications of pastiche in Pulp Fiction takes place in the third scene where Vincent (John Travolta) and Jules (Samuel L. Jackson) enter the house. When Vincent is directed to the place where the brief case is, and opens it he is to be met by a bright glow, the scenes shows similar replication to a 1950s film in the film noir genre; called kiss me deadly. Where in both films the characters gaze adoringly in to the case, in Pulp Fiction the question of what it could possibly be is asked, considering the 666 (the mark of the anti-Christ) had to be entered into the case in order for it to be opened. Referencing to the 1950s is evident in the film, Marcellous’s wife Mia is associated with the 1950s quite a lot. The dialogue between Vincent and Mia is reminiscent to what would be said in a 1950s film. This idea is highlighted again when she chooses to go to a 1950s themed restaurant. The language and the setting break’s away from the usual formatting of the film which up until now consisted of violence. Mia being so much associated with the 1950s is rather ironic as you automatically associate the 1950s and women to be calm and innocent. We soon find this not to be the case as she is soon after shown taking drugs in the bathroom. Another example of pastiche within the film would be when Marcellous got raped. After his traumatic experience he tells Butch that he’s going to get his men to work on Zed with a â€Å"pair of pliers and a blow torch†. A line that was famously taken from the film Charley Varrick. The use of parody is another postmodern feature that is evident in pulp fiction. Like pastiche parody is also the imitation of a person’s previous work. Even though they may seem the same, the two techniques in fact contrast one another. Parody imitates film through cynicism whilst pastiche emulates true form. According to Jameson the use of parody emphasises a films distinctiveness through mockery, he rightly declares â€Å"now parody capitalises the uniqueness of these styles and seizes on their idiosyncrasies and eccentricities to produce a imitation which mocks the original† (Jameson,1995 ) The sarcastic tone to situations that can be considered to be serious are ridiculed whilst random partially irrelevant scenes are present at times. This technique easily can be seen as an attack on history however it also can be perceived as a humorous take on a scene or situation of something of importance. According to Linda Hutcheon â€Å"pastiche usually has to remain within the same genre as its model, whereas parody allows for adaptation† (Hutcheon1989). Parody allows the script to differentiate away from the original and become a voice and vision of its own, helping create a new meaning to the scene. Parody allows the script to differentiate away from the original and become a voice and vision of its own, helping create a new meaning to the scene. An example of parody is shown in the film is in the scene where Butch is a young boy. He receives a visit from a friend of his father who died at war. On first appearances you as the audience not only are intrigued but curious to find out what is going on. What seems to be something of importance is soon dismissed as the soldier goes on to talk about how Butch’s birth right was hidden up his and Butch’s fathers â€Å"ass† for seven years. Another element which is evident is the exploitation of words and situations being used in order to suggest the opposite of their intended meaning. Pulp Fiction explores this feature in the form of irony. The three types of irony used are: irony of fate, verbal irony and dramatic irony. Together the three different varieties of irony merge collectively providing a witty script. The scene where the two men in suits (Samuel L. Jackson and John Travolta) approach the door and enters, is a prime example of dramatic irony. This is due to fact that we know something bad is going to take place. The audience knows more than the characters in the film, making us to wonder what will happen next. The sarcastic tone in the conversation Jules is having with one of the victims, too adds to the suspense as his tone is not serious â€Å"do you mind if I have some of your tasty beverage to wash this down? The dialogue is rather confusing as you immediately think that your interpretation of events must be wrong and once again are left not knowing what is going to happen next. Before killing the victim Jules recites a biblical verse â€Å"The path of the righteous man is beset on all sides by the iniquities of the selfish and the tyranny of evil men. Blessed is he who in the name of charity and goodwill shepherds the weak through the valley of darkness, for he is truly his brother’s keeper and the finder of lost children. And I will trike down upon thee with great vengeance and furious anger those who attempt to poison and destroy my brothers. And you will know my name is the Lord when I lay my vengeance upon thee† (Ezekiel 25:17). The irony behind this is that he associates God with assignation. His act has now become justified in a deluded way. Whereas before God was associated with negativity in regards to Jules in the end it was the â€Å"divine intervention† of God that also saved him from the life of violence. Jules’ epiphany came when he was close to death it was this same epiphany that saved the thieves in the diner at the end. An example of irony of fate would have to be when Butch runs into Marcellous at the traffic lights. This is ironic as Butch escapes being killed due to Marcellous putting out a warrant for him. The scene continues to show irony as the two of them end up being put in a compromising situation in which they end up needing the help of the other for their own survival. Marvin’s death in the car is an additional case of irony of fate. He ends up being shot accidentally minutes after his life was spared. This is tragic as in Marvin’s case he was killed due to being at the wrong place at the wrong time. The complex nature of the film means that pulp fiction contains multiple storylines making it a story within a story. This fragmented form â€Å"deliberately discontinuous narratives†¦to suggest the fragmentation and breaks-up of formerly accepted systems of thought and belief† (Tim Woods, 1999). This particular feature is vital and takes place through out. The mergence from one thing into the next forces those watching to construct and figure out the story for themselves. Fragmentation has a real role of importance in Pulp fiction as the distorted storyline enables the audience to have empathy for the characters. The beginning of the film which we later find out is in fact the end, starts off with a mid way conversation between a man and a women. Only seconds into the movie and already the audience is left unsure of what it is they are talking about and what is going on in the scene. After a confusing dialogue between the two people which lasts only a few minutes the scene ends with a frozen image of the two of them. Not knowing what is going on is a theme which is explored throughout the film. Like in the first scene the scene following, too starts off with a conversation which has already started â€Å"okay so tell me again bout the hash bar† by doing so again the audience are unaware of what is taking place and feel the need to construct the story for themselves. A different example in the scene â€Å"Vincent Vega and Marsellus Wallace’s wife† introduces another character which the film later reveals is one of three protagonist characters Butch. Like the formatting of the other scenes a conversation is already taking place when the scene begins. The scene continues and Vincent and Jules randomly enter wearing t-shirts and shorts. It is only nearer to the end of the film that we find out why they are wearing what they are wearing. As the film draws to an end the first scene in the diner is explained in the last scene. The audience later find out that both Vincent and Jules are in fact present at the robbery. With his new morally correct path in which Jules wants to pursue he spares them their lives even though they had a gun pointed in his face. After an extensive look into postmodern film and the role in which it plays in the formation of film, it is evident that it is these features that make the films what they are, despite it contrasting the conventions of typical film. Borrowing plot lines from other well known sources, the use of sarcasm when imitating art, irony and perplexity are just a few descriptions, you could find within this genre. Even though at times these features have been questioned as well as criticised, in the end the final product at times are fascinating, a good example of this theory defiantly lies in the film pulp fiction. Pulp fiction forces the audience not to conform to the conventional ideas of film but instead consider a new way of understanding and acknowledge film. The concepts effectively add a new type of understanding to a collective of ideologies, allowing the reader to witness many different transitions that occurs within life through the characters. The relation between postmodernism and film has been openly criticised yet applauded by theorists. The lack of originality is the main focal point in regards to the subject with some theorist even referring it to plagiarism. Quentin Tarantino disproves this theory as his work is a prime example of originality and uniqueness that can come out of postmodern film in spite of pastiche, parody, irony and fragmentation being used.

Mathematics Important When Looking At Australian...

Mathematics used in the investigation Mathematics is important when looking at Australian teenagers’ nutrients consumption. Different mathematics will be used throughout the investigation process, such as statistics, measurement and number. Statistics has become one of the major mathematics learning areas as interpreting and working with a number of data became important numeracy skills according to the development of new technologies. Different statistics will be collected during secondary research process. The collected data will be described, compared, evaluated, interpreted and displayed in relation to the topic in assignment 3. Number is important when looking and comparing statistical data. Quantitative data includes measurements and values, which will be the main type of data used in the investigation. Having a good understanding of numbers including decimals, percentages and rates is important in this investigation. Measurement will be used throughout the investigation. This includes measuring and estimating the difference between the Australian teenagers’ diet and the recommended diet by health professionals. Selecting appropriate metric units is important, for example kilocalorie (kcal) and calories (cal) when comparing energy consumption. Data Collection Data collection is important in this investigation. Both quantitative and qualitative data will be collected. Quantitative data is a form of numeric data which includes measurement and values. Various numericShow MoreRelatedA Critical Aspects Of The Relationship Between Australia And Australia931 Words   |  4 PagesIntroduction Obesity became one of the major health concerns in Australia. According to Malicdem (2015), teenagers in Australia were successful of avoiding bad habits such as consuming alcohol, smoking or drugs. However, obesity still remained as one of the major health problems. 27 percent of young Australians aged 12 to 24 were considered as overweight. In addition to this, the statistics showed low vegetable and fruit consumption. Only 10 percent of the population stated that they eat vegetablesRead MoreConsumer Lifestyle in Singapore35714 Words   |  143 PagesConsumer Expenditure on Clothing and Footwear as a Proportion of Total Consumer Expenditure 2011................ 35 Health and Wellness Habits ....................................................................................................... 36 Public Versus Private Healthcare ........................................................................................... 36 Attitudes To Health and Well-being ........................................................................................ 37 Over-the-counterRead Morepreschool Essay46149 Words   |  185 PagesCalifornia Preschool Learning Foundations Volume 2 CALIFORNIA DEPAR TMENT OF EDUCATION †¢ SACRAMENTO, 2010 California Preschool Learning Foundations Volume 2 Visual and Performing Arts Physical Development Health Publishing Information The California Preschool Learning Foundations (Volume 2) was developed by the Child Development Division, California Department of Education. This publication was edited by Faye Ong, working in cooperation with Laura Bridges and DesireeRead MoreHuman Resources Management150900 Words   |  604 Pagesmanagers. List and define each of the seven major categories of HR activities. Identify the three different roles of HR management. Discuss the three dimensions associated with HR management as a strategic business contributor. Explain why HR professionals and operating managers must view HR management as an interface. Discuss why ethical issues and professionalism affect HR management as a career field. ââ€"  ââ€"  ââ€"  ââ€"  ââ€"  3 HR TRANSITIONS HR Management Contributes to OrganizationalRead MoreFundamentals of Hrm263904 Words   |  1056 PagesISSUES: We Are Now Entering the Blogosphere 10 Workforce Diversity 10 The Workforce Today 10 DID YOU KNOW?: Chief Diversity Officer 11 How Diversity Affects HRM 11 WORKPLACE ISSUES: Diversity Awareness 12 What Is a Work/Life Balance? 12 DID YOU KNOW?: Looking at the Future of HRM 13 DID YOU KNOW?: International Diversity 14 The Labor Supply 14 Do We Have a Shortage of Skilled Labor? 14 Why Do Organizations Lay Off Employees during Shortages? 15 How Do Organizations Balance Labor Supply? 15 Issues ContingentRead MoreLogical Reasoning189930 Words   |  760 Pagesthat is sold to students). (3) No Derivative Works You may not alter, transform, or build upon this work. An earlier version of the book was published by Wadsworth Publishing Company, Belmont, California USA in 1993 with ISBN number 0-534-17688-7. When Wadsworth decided no longer to print the book, they returned their publishing rights to the original author, Bradley Dowden. The current version has been significantly revised. If you would like to suggest changes to the text, the author would appreciateRead More_x000C_Introduction to Statistics and Data Analysis355457 Words   |  1422 Pagesand received the Siemens Award for Advanced Placement in mathematics in 1999. Chris is a frequent contributor to the AP Statistics Electronic Discussion Group and has reviewed materials for The Mathematics Teacher, the AP Central web site, The American Statistician, and the Journal of the American Statistical Association. He currently writes a column for Stats magazine. Chris graduated from Iowa State University with a major in mathematics and, while acquiring graduate degrees at the University ofRead MoreDeveloping Management Skills404131 Words   |  1617 PagesUnderstanding and Appreciating Individual Differences Important Areas of Self-Awareness 61 Emotional Intelligence 62 Values 65 Ethical Decision Making and Values 72 Cognitive Style 74 Attitudes Toward Change 76 Core Self-Evaluation 79 SKILL ANALYSIS 84 Cases Involving Self-Awareness 84 Communist Prison Camp 84 Computerized Exam 85 Decision Dilemmas 86 SKILL PRACTICE 89 Exercises for Improving Self-Awareness Through Self-Disclosure 89 Through the Looking Glass 89 Diagnosing Managerial Characteristics 90Read MoreStephen P. Robbins Timothy A. Judge (2011) Organizational Behaviour 15th Edition New Jersey: Prentice Hall393164 Words   |  1573 PagesLibrary Am I Engaged? 78 Myth or Science? â€Å"Favorable Job Attitudes Make Organizations More Profitable† 83 Point/Counterpoint Employer–Employee Loyalty Is an Outdated Concept 87 Questions for Review 88 Experiential Exercise What Factors Are Most Important to Your Job Satisfaction? 89 Ethical Dilemma Bounty Hunters 89 Case Incident 1 Long Hours, Hundreds of E-Mails, and No Sleep: Does This Sound Like a Satisfying Job? 90 Case Incident 2 Crafting a Better Job 91 4 Emotions and Moods 97 WhatRead MoreStrategic Marketing Management337596 Words   |  1351 PagesHow can we ensure arrival? Strategic implementaion and control 16 Problems to overcome 17 Management control –1 18 Management control –2 15 Modelling approaches –2 Chapter 1 Introduction INTRODUCTION 3 1.1 Learning objectives When you have read this chapter you should be able to: (a) define marketing in strategic terms; (b) understand the basic structure of the book and how this chapter establishes the context for what follows; (c) specify the characteristics of strategy and

Deviance and Crime How Sociologists Study Them

Sociologists who study deviance and crime examine cultural norms, how they change over time, how they are enforced, and what happens to individuals and societies when norms are broken. Deviance and social norms vary among societies, communities, and times, and often sociologists are interested in why these differences exist and how these differences impact the individuals and groups in those areas. Overview Sociologists define deviance as behavior that is recognized as violating expected rules and norms. It is simply more than nonconformity, however; it is behavior that departs significantly from social expectations. In the sociological perspective on deviance, there is a subtlety that distinguishes it from our commonsense understanding of the same behavior. Sociologists stress social context, not just individual behavior. That is, deviance is looked at in terms of group processes, definitions, and judgments, and not just as unusual individual acts.  Sociologists also recognize that not all behaviors are judged similarly by all groups. What is deviant to one group may not be considered deviant to another. Further, sociologists recognize that established rules and norms are socially created, not just morally decided or individually imposed. That is, deviance lies not just in the behavior itself, but in the social responses of groups to behavior by others. Sociologists often use their understanding of deviance to help explain otherwise ordinary events, such as tattooing or body piercing, eating disorders, or drug and alcohol use. Many of the kinds of questions asked by sociologists who study deviance deal with the social context in which behaviors are committed. For example, are there  conditions under which suicide is acceptable? Would one who commits suicide in the face of a terminal illness be judged differently from a despondent person who jumps from a window? Four Theoretical Approaches Within the sociology of deviance and crime, there are four key theoretical perspectives from which researchers study  why people violate laws or norms, and how society reacts to such acts. Well review them briefly here. Structural strain theory was developed by American sociologist Robert K. Merton and suggests that deviant behavior is the result of strain an individual may experience when the community or society in which they live does not provide the necessary means to achieve culturally valued goals. Merton reasoned that when society fails people in this way, they engage in deviant or criminal acts in order to achieve those goals (like economic success, for example). Some sociologists approach the study of deviance and crime from a structural functionalist standpoint. They would argue that deviance is a necessary part of the process by which social order is achieved and maintained. From this standpoint, deviant behavior serves to remind the majority of the socially agreed upon rules, norms, and taboos, which reinforces their value and thus social order. Conflict theory is also used as a theoretical foundation for the sociological study of deviance and crime. This approach frames deviant behavior and crime as the result of social, political, economic, and material conflicts in society. It can be used to explain why some people resort to criminal trades simply in order to survive in an economically unequal society. Finally, labeling theory  serves as an important frame for those who study deviance and crime.  Sociologists who follow this school of thought would argue that there is a process of labeling by  which deviance comes to be recognized as such. From this standpoint, the societal reaction to deviant behavior suggests that social groups actually create deviance by making the rules whose infraction constitutes deviance, and by applying those rules to particular people and labeling them as outsiders. This theory further suggests that people engage in deviant acts because they have been labeled as deviant by society, because of their race, or class, or the intersection of the two, for example. Updated by Nicki Lisa Cole, Ph.D.

On The Road By Langston Hughes - 1679 Words

In Langston Hughes’ short story â€Å"On the Road†, Sargent, desperate for food and shelter, challenges social barriers and racial discrimination during his fight for freedom. Sargent is an unemployed black man during the great depression who faces additional obstacles because of his skin color. While this period was almost fifty years after the end of the Civil War and the subsequent emancipation of slaves in the United States, racism was still prevalent across the country. In the South, despite the decline of organizations like â€Å"the Klu Klux Klan [,] †¦ racism was as strong as ever† (UVA). Furthermore, â€Å"the increased presence of Black Americans in Northern cities†¦increased tension† in the North as well. With widespread racism, Black Americans†¦show more content†¦He describes Sargent by the color of his skin rather than as an equal or someone he could help. This racial tension continues through the second half of Mr. Dorset description where he goes on to express him as â€Å"a human piece of night with snow on his face†. Hughes again uses this contrast between a black night and white snow to illustrate how Mr. Dorset focuses entirely on race throughout this interaction. Because Sargent has a different skin color, Mr. Dorset turns him away without any compassion. Despite being a â€Å"holy man†, The Reverend tells Sargent to â€Å"[g]o right on down this street four blocks and turn to your left, walk up seven and you’ll see the Relief Shelter.† Mr. Dorset blurts out these very general instructions without waiting to see if Sargent understood or even heard them before he shut the door. These instructions are not only vague but also harsh as Sargent has to walk eleven blocks through the snow before he can even see the Relief Shelter. While it is reasonable for Mr. Dorset to not offer Sargent food or shelter in his own home, it shows the utter lack of respect when he does not bother to talk to Sargent in a reasonable manner. When giving directions it is common to include information such as street names, landmarks, or buildings that give the person a sense they are going in the right direction, yet Mr. Dorset gives a trite, vague re sponse. It would not harm Mr. Dorset to take another minute ofShow MoreRelatedAnalysis Of On The Road By Langston Hughes1570 Words   |  7 Pagesâ€Å"On the Road† Analysis â€Å"On the Road† is a short story written by Langston Hughes whose major themes are of race, religion, and subjective nature of fiction. An influential African-American writer, Hughes was born in 1902 and primarily raised by his maternal grandmother (Meyer 1032). Over the course of his illustrious career he would go on to write poems, novels, short stories, essays, plays, opera librettos, histories, documentaries, anthologies, autobiographies, biographies, children’s booksRead More Langston Hughes On the Road Essay1244 Words   |  5 PagesLangston Hughes On the Road In Langston Hughes, On the Road the Sargeant is a homeless Black man that is desperate for food and shelter. In his desperation, Sargeant goes to the church to refuge, but there is no one at the Church to help him get refuge. Although Sargent is living in a time where the depression is in existence amongst all people, Black and White, he finds no one to help him. Sargent goes to the Church because the Church helps people. However, because Sargeant is Black andRead MoreAnalysis Of On The Road By Langston Hughes868 Words   |  4 PagesWalker insists that there is representation to white people when the narrator of the story â€Å"On the Road† by Langston Hughes speaks of the church and the snow. Walker does include some nice points, points that one could easily see. Some of her points and observations though, I feel are a bit of a long shot. I have the same feelings towards Walker’s comparison of â€Å"On the Road† and the story of Samson. Walker’s first theory is that the snow is â€Å"a symbol of the white oppressive world that is makingRead MoreAnalysis of on the Road by Langston Hughes Essay1401 Words   |  6 Pagesthe Road by Langston Hughes. Langston Hughes offers a gift in this work which is to open the heart and life will provide unlimited abundance. During this literary analysis Langston Hughes uses nature to demonstrate his main characters unwillingness to participate in life. Another point that Hughes demonstrates is the use of anger and survival and how it can be used as a powerful force in breaking down racial barriers. One more impact Langston Hughes uses is Jesus Christ as a metaphor. Hughes usesRead MoreEssay, Langston Hughes, And The Road Not Taken1107 Words   |  5 Pagestake risks will accomplish nothing in life.†- Muhammad Ali. The authors Rick Reilly, Langston Hughes, and Robert frost all have something in common. They wrote about characters finding the courage to do the right th ing. These commentaries, short stories, and poems are all trying to send a message. Try to do the right thing when called upon. After reading the texts Doing the Right Thing, Thank You Ma’am, and The Road Not Taken, it is evident that all the main characters found their courage from someoneRead MoreLiterary Analysis Of Langston Hughes s The Road 1402 Words   |  6 Pagesthe Road by Langston Hughes. Langston Hughes offers a gift in this work which is to open the heart and life will provide unlimited abundance. During this literary analysis Langston Hughes uses nature to demonstrate his main character s unwillingness to participate in life. Another point that Hughes demonstrates is the use of anger and survival and how it can be used as a powerful force in breaking down racial barriers. One more impact Langston Hughes uses is Jesus Christ as a metaphor. Hughes usesRead More Symbols Of Truth in Langston Hughes On The Road Essay1419 Words   |  6 PagesLangston Hughes uses b eautiful symbolism and imagery in his literary work â€Å"On the Road†. Hughes offers up the idea that if one is to open ones heart; life will provide unlimited abundance. In this literary work, Langston Hughes uses nature to demonstrate and symbolize the unwillingness of his main character, Sargeant, to participate in life. Hughes also demonstrates the use of a person’s anger and instinct to survive and how they both can be used as powerful forces in breaking down racial barriersRead MoreOn the Road with Racism: Langton Hughes Life Experiences824 Words   |  4 PagesWhat is racism? In â€Å"On the Road† by Langston Hughes racism is characterized in an unemployed African American. The African American depicted in this story is known as Sargeant. Sargeant is a character that Langston Hughes had little relativity to as being homeless as well as in search for food, but he undoubtedly identified with in culture. Langston Hughes childhood, heritage, and involvement in the African American community led him to create a strong willed character. Born in Joplin, MissouriRead MoreYolande Cornelia â€Å"Nikki† Giovanni Jr Is An Well-Known African-American Poet, Writer, Commentator,978 Words   |  4 PagesYolande Cornelia â€Å"Nikki† Giovanni Jr is an well-known African-American poet, writer, commentator, activist, and educator. Today we will look at â€Å"A poem for Langston Hughes† from her collection and do a literary analysis on it. The author took the time to adopt a certain sound throughout her work. You can shape sound within a poem through accent, alliteration, assonance, consonance, internal rhyme, meter, onomatopoeia, rhyme and rhythm. She uses a combination of these sound devices used in poetryRead MoreAnalysis Of I Too By Langston Hughes881 Words   |  4 PagesENG 102-71 Poetry Mini Research Paper 10/29/17 Langston Hughes’s â€Å"I, Too† Langston Hughes was a renowned poet and writer during the Harlem Renaissance. His background shaped the overall themes of his poems. Segregation and equality were the main subjects for Hughes’s writing. Langston Hughes wrote about the racial discrimination that African Americans faced during the Harlem Renaissance, and this theme resonated throughout the poem â€Å"I, Too†. Hughes was one of the boldest African American writers

The Halfling’s Gem 2. A Thousand Thousand Little Candles Free Essays

string(41) " timid even by the measures of his kind\." The assassin, mesmerized, watched as the ruby turned slowly in the candlelight, catching the dance of the flame in a thousand thousand perfect miniatures – too many reflections; no gem could have facets so small and so flawless. And yet the procession was there to be seen, a swirl of tiny candles drawing him deeper into the redness of the stone. No jeweler had cut it; its precision went beyond a level attainable with an instrument. We will write a custom essay sample on The Halfling’s Gem 2. A Thousand Thousand Little Candles or any similar topic only for you Order Now This was an artifact of magic, a deliberate creation designed, he reminded himself cautiously, to pull a viewer into that descending swirl, into the serenity of the reddened depths of the stone. A thousand thousand little candles. No wonder he had so easily duped the captain into giving him passage to Calimport. Suggestions that came from within the marvelous secrets of this gem could not easily be dismissed. Suggestions of serenity and peace, words spoken only by friends†¦ A smile cracked the usually grim set of his face. He could wander deep into the calm. Entreri tore himself from the pull of the ruby and rubbed his eyes, amazed that even one as disciplined as he might be vulnerable to the gem’s insistent tug. He glanced into the corner of the small cabin, where Regis sat huddled and thoroughly miserable. â€Å"I can now understand your desperation in stealing this jewel,† he said to the halfling. Regis snapped out of his own meditation, surprised that Entreri had spoken to him – the first time since they had boarded the boat back in Waterdeep. â€Å"And I know now why Pasha Pook is so desperate to get it back,† Entreri continued, as much to himself as to Regis. Regis cocked his head to watch the assassin. Could the ruby pendant take even Artemis Entreri into its hold? â€Å"Truly it is a beautiful gem,† he offered hopefully, not quite knowing how to handle this uncharacteristic empathy from the cold assassin. â€Å"Much more than a gemstone,† Entreri said absently, his eyes falling irresistibly back into the mystical swirl of the deceptive facets. Regis recognized the calm visage of the assassin, for he himself had worn such a look when he had first studied Pook’s wonderful pendant. He had been a successful thief then, living a fine life in Calimport. But the promises of that magical stone outweighed the comforts of the thieves’ guild. â€Å"Perhaps the pendant stole me,† he suggested on a sudden impulse. But he had underestimated the willpower of Entreri. The assassin snapped a cold look at him, with a smirk clearly revealing that he knew where Regis was leading. But the halfling, grabbing at whatever hope he could find, pressed on anyway. â€Å"The power of that pendant overcame me, I think. There could be no crime; I had little choice – â€Å" Entreri’s sharp laugh cut him short. â€Å"You are a thief, or you are weak,† he snarled. â€Å"Either way you shall find no mercy in my heart. Either way you deserve the wrath of Pook!† He snapped the pendant up into his hand from the end of its golden chain and dropped it into his pouch. Then he took out the other object, an onyx statuette intricately carved into the likeness of a panther. â€Å"Tell me of this,† he instructed Regis. Regis had wondered when Entreri would show some curiosity for the figurine. He had seen the assassin toying with it back at Garumn’s Gorge in Mithril Hall, teasing Drizzt from across the chasm. But until this moment, that was the last Regis had seen of Guenhwyvar, the magical panther. Regis shrugged helplessly. â€Å"I’ll not ask again,† Entreri threatened, and that icy certainty of doom, the inescapable aura of dread that all of Artemis Entreri’s victims came to know well, fell over Regis once more. â€Å"It is the Drow’s,† Regis stammered. â€Å"Its name is Guen – † Regis caught the word in his mouth as Entreri’s free hand suddenly snapped out a jeweled dagger, readied for a throw. â€Å"Calling an ally?† Entreri asked wickedly. He dropped the statuette back into his pocket. â€Å"I know the beast’s name, halfling. And I assure you, by the time the cat arrived, you would be dead.† â€Å"You fear the cat?† Regis dared to ask. â€Å"I take no chances,† Entreri replied. â€Å"But will you call the panther yourself?† Regis pressed, looking for some way to change the balance of power. â€Å"A companion for your lonely roads?† Entreri’s laugh mocked the very thought. â€Å"Companion? Why would I desire a companion, little fool? What gain could I hope to make?† â€Å"With numbers comes strength,† Regis argued. â€Å"Fool,† repeated Entreri. â€Å"That is where you err. In the streets, companions bring dependence and doom! Look at yourself, friend of the drow. What strength do you bring to Drizzt Do’Urden now? He rushes blindly to your aid, to fulfill his responsibility as your companion.† He spat the word out with obvious distaste. â€Å"To his ultimate demise!† Regis hung his head and could not answer. Entreri’s words rang true enough. His friends were coming into dangers they could not imagine, and all for his sake, all because of errors he had made before he had ever met them. Entreri replaced the dagger in its sheath and leaped up in a rush. â€Å"Enjoy the night, little thief. Bask in the cold ocean wind; relish all the sensations of this trip as a man staring death in the face, for Calimport surely spells your doom and the doom of your friends!† He swept out of the room, banging the door behind him. He hadn’t locked it, Regis noted. He never locked the door! But he didn’t have to, Regis admitted in anger. Terror was the assassin’s chain, as tangible as iron shackles. Nowhere to run; nowhere to hide. Regis dropped his head into his hands. He became aware of the sway of the ship, of the rhythmic, monotonous creaking of old boards, his body irresistibly keeping time. He felt his insides churning. Halflings weren’t normally fond of the sea, and Regis was timid even by the measures of his kind. You read "The Halfling’s Gem 2. A Thousand Thousand Little Candles" in category "Essay examples" Entreri could not have found a greater torment to Regis than passage south on a ship, on the Sea of Swords. â€Å"Not again,† Regis groaned, dragging himself to the small portal in the cabin. He pulled the window open and stuck his head out into the refreshing chill of the night air. * * * Entreri walked across the empty deck, his cloak tight about him. Above him, the sails swelled, as they filled with wind; the early winter gales pushed the ship along its southern route. A billion stars dotted the sky, twinkling in the empty darkness to horizons bordered only by the flat line of the sea. Entreri took out the ruby pendant again and let its magic catch the starlight. He watched it spin and studied its swirl, meaning to know it well before his journey’s end. Pasha Pook would be thrilled to get the pendant back. It had given him such power! More power, Entreri now realized, than others had assumed. With the pendant, Pook had made friends of enemies and slaves of friends. â€Å"Even me?† Entreri mused, enthralled by the little stars in the red wash of the gem. â€Å"Have I been a victim? Or shall I be?† He wouldn’t have believed that he, Artemis Entreri, could ever be caught by a magic charm, but the insistence of the ruby pendant was undeniable. Entreri laughed aloud. The helmsman, the only other person on the deck, cast him a curious glance but thought no more about it. â€Å"No,† Entreri whispered to the ruby. â€Å"You shan’t have me again. I know your tricks, and I’ll learn them better still! I will run the path of your tempting descent and find my way back out again!† Laughing, he fastened the pendant’s golden chain around his neck and tucked the ruby under his leather jerkin. Then he felt in his pouch, grasped the figurine of the panther, and turned his gaze back to the north. â€Å"Are you watching, Drizzt Do’Urden?† he asked into the night. He knew the answer. Somewhere far behind, in Waterdeep or Longsaddle or somewhere in between, the drow’s lavender eyes were turned southward. They were destined to meet again; they both knew. They had battled once, in Mithril Hall, but neither could claim victory. There had to be a winner. Never before had Entreri encountered anyone with reflexes to match his own or as deadly with a blade as he, and memories of his clash with Drizzt Do’Urden haunted his every thought. They were so akin, their movements cut from the same dance. And yet, the drow, compassionate and caring, possessed a basic humanity that Entreri had long ago discarded. Such emotions, such weaknesses, had no place in the cold void of a pure fighter’s heart, he believed. Entreri’s hands twitched with eagerness as he thought of the drow. His breath puffed out angrily in the chill air. â€Å"Come, Drizzt Do’Urden,† he said through his clenched teeth. â€Å"Let us learn who is the stronger!† His voice reflected deadly determination, with a subtle, almost imperceptive, hint of anxiety. This would be the truest challenge of both their lives, the test of the differing tenets that had guided their every actions. For Entreri, there could be no draw. He had sold his soul for his skill, and if Drizzt Do’Urden defeated him, or even proved his equal, the assassin’s existence would be no more than a wasted lie. But he didn’t think like that. Entreri lived to win. * * * Regis, too, was watching the night sky. The crisp air had settled his stomach, and the stars had sent his thoughts across the long miles to his friends. How often they had sat together on such nights in Icewind Dale, to share tales of adventure or just sit quietly in each others’ company. Icewind Dale was a barren strip of frozen tundra, a land of brutal weather and brutal people, but the friends Regis had made there, Bruenor and Catti-brie, Drizzt and Wulfgar, had warmed the coldest of the winter nights and taken the sting out of the biting north wind. In context, Icewind Dale had been but a short stopover for Regis on his extensive travels, where he had spent less than ten of his fifty years. But now, heading back to the southern kingdom where he had lived for the bulk of his life, Regis realized that Icewind Dale had truly been his home. And those friends he so often took for granted were the only family he would ever know. He shook away his lament and forced himself to consider the path before him. Drizzt would come for him; probably Wulfgar and Catti-brie, too. But not Bruenor. Any relief that Regis had felt when Drizzt returned unharmed from the bowels of Mithril Hall had flown over Garumn’s Gorge with the valiant dwarf. A dragon had them trapped while a host of evil gray dwarves had closed in from behind. But Bruenor, at the cost of his own life, had cleared the way, crashing down onto the dragon’s back with a keg of burning oil, taking the beast – and himself – down into the deep gorge. Regis couldn’t bear to recall that terrible scene. For all of his gruffness and teasing, Bruenor Battlehammer had been the halfling’s dearest companion. A shooting star burned a trail across the night sky. The sway of the ship remained and the salty smell of the ocean sat thick in his nose, but here at the portal, in the sharpness of the clear night, Regis felt no sickness – only a sad serenity as he remembered all of those crazy times with the wild dwarf. Truly Bruenor Battlehammer’s flame had burned like a torch in the wind, leaping and dancing and fighting to the very end. Regis’s other friends had escaped, though. The halfling was certain of it – as certain as Entreri. And they would come for him. Drizzt would come for him and set things right. Regis had to believe that. And for his own part, the mission seemed obvious. Once in Calimport, Entreri would find allies among Pook’s people. The assassin would then be on his own ground, where he knew every dark hole and held every advantage. Regis had to slow him down. Finding strength in the narrow vision of a goal, Regis glanced about the cabin, looking for some clue. Again and again, he found his eyes drawn to the candle. â€Å"The flame,† he muttered to himself, a smile beginning to spread across his face. He moved to the table and plucked the candle from its holder. A small pool of liquid wax glittered at the base of the wick, promising pain. But Regis didn’t hesitate. He hitched up one sleeve and dripped a series of wax droplets along the length of his arm, grimacing away the hot sting. He had to slow Entreri down. * * * Regis made one of his rare appearances on the deck the next morning. Dawn had come bright and clear, and the halfling wanted to finish his business before the sun got too high in the sky and created that unpleasant mixture of hot rays in the cool spray. He stood at the rail, rehearsing his lines and mustering the courage to defy the unspoken threats of Entreri. And then Entreri was beside him! Regis clutched the rail tightly, fearing that the assassin had somehow guessed his plan. â€Å"The shoreline,† Entreri said to him. Regis followed Entreri’s gaze to the horizon and a distant line of land. â€Å"Back in sight,† Entreri continued, â€Å"and not too far.† He glanced down at Regis and displayed his wicked smile once again for his prisoner’s benefit. Regis shrugged. â€Å"Too far.† â€Å"Perhaps,† answered the assassin, â€Å"but you might make it, though your half-sized breed is not spoken of as the swimming sort. Have you weighed the odds?† â€Å"I do not swim,† Regis said flatly. â€Å"A pity,† laughed Entreri. â€Å"But if you do decide to try for the land, tell me first.† Regis stepped back, confused. â€Å"I would allow you to make the attempt,† Entreri assured him. â€Å"I would enjoy the show!† The halfling’s expression turned to anger. He knew that he was being mocked, but he couldn’t figure the assassin’s purpose. â€Å"They have a strange fish in these waters,† said Entreri, looking back to the water. â€Å"Smart fish. It follows the boats, waiting for someone to go over.† He looked back to Regis to weigh the effect of his chiding. â€Å"A pointed fin marks it,† he continued, seeing that he had the halfling’s full attention. â€Å"Cutting through the water like the prow of a ship. If you watch from the rail long enough, you will surely spy one.† â€Å"Why would I want to?† â€Å"Sharks, these fish are called,† Entreri went on, ignoring the question. He drew his dagger, putting its point against one of his fingers hard enough to draw a speck of blood. â€Å"Marvelous fish. Rows of teeth as long as daggers, sharp and ridged, and a mouth that could bite a man in half.† He looked Regis in the eye. â€Å"Or take a halfling whole.† â€Å"I do not swim!† Regis growled, not appreciating Entreri’s macabre, but undeniably effective, methods. â€Å"A pity,† chuckled the assassin. â€Å"But do tell me if you change your mind.† He swept away, his black cloak flowing behind him. â€Å"Bastard,† Regis mumbled under his breath. He started back toward the rail, but changed his mind as soon as he saw the deep water looming before him; he turned on his heel and sought the security of the middle of the deck. Again the color left his face as the vast ocean seemed to close in over him and the interminable, nauseating sway of the ship†¦ â€Å"Ye seem ripe fer de rail, little one,† came a cheery voice. Regis turned to see a short, bowlegged sailor with few teeth and eyes scrunched in a permanent squint. â€Å"Ain’t to findin’ yer sea legs yet?† Regis shuddered through his dizziness and remembered his mission. â€Å"It is the other thing,† he replied. The sailor missed the subtlety of his statement. Still grinning through the dark tan and darker stubble of his dirty face, he started away. â€Å"But thank you for your concern,† Regis said emphatically. â€Å"And for all of your courage in taking us to Calimport.† The sailor stopped, perplexed. â€Å"Many a time, we’s to taking ones to the south,† he said, not understanding the reference to â€Å"courage.† â€Å"Yes, but considering the danger – though I am sure it is not great!† Regis added quickly, giving the impression that he was trying not to emphasize this unknown peril. â€Å"It is not important. Calimport will bring our cure.† Then under his breath but still loud enough for the sailor to hear, he said, â€Å"If we get there alive.† â€Å"‘Ere now, what do ye mean?† the sailor demanded, moving back over to Regis. The smile was gone. Regis squeaked and grabbed his forearm suddenly as if in pain. He grimaced and pretended to battle against the agony, while deftly scratching the dried patch of wax, and the scab beneath it, away. A small trickle of blood rolled out from under his sleeve. The sailor grabbed him on cue, pulling the sleeve up over Regis’s elbow. He looked at the wound curiously. â€Å"Burn?† â€Å"Do not touch it!† Regis cried in a harsh whisper. â€Å"That is how it spreads – I think.† The sailor pulled his hand away in terror, noticing several other scars. â€Å"I seen no fire! How’d ye git a burn?† Regis shrugged helplessly. â€Å"They just happen. From the inside.† Now it was the sailor’s turn to pale. â€Å"But I will make it to Calimport,† he stated unconvincingly. â€Å"It takes a few months to eat you away. And most of my wounds are recent.† Regis looked down, then presented his scarred arm. â€Å"See?† But when he looked back, the sailor was gone, rushing off toward the captain’s quarters. â€Å"Take that, Artemis Entreri,† Regis whispered. How to cite The Halfling’s Gem 2. A Thousand Thousand Little Candles, Essay examples

Marketing Analysis for Nintendo Wii free essay sample

Today the global company is led by Satoru Iwata, the fourth and current president, while the Nintendo of America president is Reggie Fils-Aime. Nintendo is one of the largest companies in Japan and was instrumental in re-creating the video game market. The name Nintendo can be roughly translated from Japanese to English as leave luck to heaven. As of October 18, 2010, Nintendo has sold over 565 million hardware units and 3. 4 billion software units. Nintendos near monopoly on the home video game market left it with a degree of influence over the industry exceeding even that of Atari during Ataris heyday in the early 1980s and today it seems that Nintendo sells less but makes more money. It has been profitable practically every year since it moved into the video game industry over two decades ago and has long held a dominant position in hand-held gaming, developed through a strategy of focusing on playability. The company has recently gone on record to admit that demand is simply much higher than supply for their current Wii and Wii Fit while the DS is up 142% over last year. The companys own employees have even been put on a strict Wii system purchase limit. The company says it wants to be the games company that puts smiles on the faces of people of all ages and genders, and following the sales of Wii and Wii Fit, there are likely to be grins all around at the HQ. Nintendos official website saw the largest increase in traffic recently, while the Sony PlayStation website saw a moderate decrease. The companys products are actually cheaper than that of the competition and are one of the oldest and most successful console game developers. If you want a console to play games or to use for exercise you wont go wrong with Nintendo. Nintendo is taking a radical approach by attempting to change the very way that people play games. Instead of cramming as much graphic capability as possible into its system, Nintendo has focused its effort on creating an innovative controller that makes game play simple. A user can control a game by waving the wireless controller instead of moving a joystick or furiously mashing buttons. The Wii is a home video game console released by Nintendo on November 19, 2006. As a seventh-generation console, the Wii primarily competes with Microsofts Xbox 360 and Sonys PlayStation 3. Nintendo states that its console targets a broader demographic than that of the two others. As of July 2011, the Wii leads the generation over the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 in worldwide sales and in December 2009 broke the record for best-selling console in a single month in the United States. A distinguishing feature of the console is its wireless controller, the Wii Remote, which can be used as a hand-held pointing device and detects movement in three dimensions. Another distinctive feature of the console is WiiConnect24, which enables it to receive messages and updates over the Internet while in standby mode. Nintendo’s core competencies lie among the company’s important resources including its research and development team, marketing team, manufacturing processes, and the company’s management, headed by Satoru Iwata. These resources create valuable capabilities, such as Iwata’s ability to predict the future of video gaming. The company’s Research and Development gives it a capability in innovative technology and game concepts, while marketing has allowed the company to create an effective brand. Efficient manufacturing processes allow Nintendo to reach economies of scale and produce the Wii console at a cost lower than the production of competitor game systems. A product life cycle illustrates the phases that a product goes through during its existence. The Wii since its introduction in 2006 shows a continual upwards sloping showing no sign of decline. This shows that Nintendo has redefined what was traditionally thought to be the video game console life cycle. The Nintendo Wii, based on increasing but less significant sales, is in the Growth phase and possible early Maturity phase of the product cycle. The Market The target market for video gaming at the time Nintendo Wii was introduced was primarily males eighteen to thirty five. The Marketing Theory explains that you have to identify uncovered needs in a market, segment or divide this market according to a criterion, decide which segments you want to go for and define a marketing plan and proposition coherent with it. It seems to be really easy, but real life shows that it is not! All industries are full of â€Å"me too† products instead of innovative approaches. Nintendo has been extremely smart in their approach as it has discovered and attacked a new and unexplored segment in the video-console market. They have found users that want to have fun and do not look for best of the best graphic resolution (Playstation and X-Box target group), but for ease of use and simplicity. By doing this, they have been able to expand the video-game market, attracting new users that would not have purchase a console. They have attracted a very profitable segment, one with a higher purchasing power than teenagers and what is more important, less likely to get pirate games. They are the only player in that â€Å"ease of use† segment. So Nintendo has no need to have aggressive discounts and to share the market with your competitors. The whole target market goal of the Nintendo Wii is mass market appeal. It appeals to people of all ages including non-gamers. While they offer games for a wide selection of people, they still develop games for specific markets. Nintendo Wii established their market by following a disruptive strategy. The strategy is when companies can carve out attractive positions by growing a market (rather than just trying to grab a piece of the existing market) by making it simpler, easier, or more affordable for more people to consume. The disruptive literature calls this â€Å"competing against non-consumption. This approach is powerful because it allows an entrant to stake out a position in a market while minimizing the chances of a devastating competitive response. After all, if the entrant reaches customers the market leader was not serving, the market leader feels no pain. The is using an undifferentiated market strategy, focusing on family friendly entertainment, redefined the definition of gaming, and emphasize the simplicity of use and having the goal of new gamers joining and old gamers using their system. Wii is even becoming a huge hit in nursing homes with the aging population and soccer moms. The decision making process information search is aided by the Nintendo Company. Aiding the consumer in making informed decisions about what they purchase is always important. Nintendos Buyers Guide is designed to assist the consumer with making these decisions by providing information on such things as game ratings, researching game content, and determining which accessories the consumer might need for your systems and games. The consumer must then evaluate the alternative which is best accomplished by internet search. There is a plethora of information on line comparing and contrasting the Nintendo Wii with its competitors. The next step in the consumer buying decision is the purchase. Nintendo has on their website alternatives for purchasing their equipment. Consumers wanting to purchase new systems, games and accessories may choose from a number of places where they can purchase Wii systems. Many retail stores that sell home electronics also sell video game systems, games, and accessories. These can include large national chains and smaller local retailers. There are online retailers that carry Nintendo’s newest products. Many of these companies also offer phone and mail orders if the consumer does not wish to purchase the products online. There is also the Nintendos Online Store for accessories and replacement parts. Lastly, Nintendos quality service does not stop once the purchase has been made. Whether the consumer needs assistance with system setup or repair, want to know how to get help beating a game, or just need information about their purchase in general, Nintendo’s consumer service pages can provide many answers. Nintendo does perform market research. Upon obtaining authorization from the consumer, Nintendo may use personal information for internal demographic studies, so that they can improve their websites and products to better meet their visitors needs. Nintendo may also share the information with other entities of the Nintendo group, in particular its branches in Italy, Germany and the United Kingdom and its European affiliates Nintendo France SARL, Nintendo Espana, S. A. and Nintendo Benelux B. V. to inform the consumer about their Nintendo or third party products and for internal marketing studies. Nintendo may also share the information with third-party outsourced data processors acting in the interests of Nintendo and strictly in compliance with the Nintendo Privacy Policy. Social Responsibility Nintendo of Americas new headquarters building in Redmond, Wash. , was awarded LEED Gold Status by the U. S. Green Building Council, placing it among the nations top-rated buildings for sustainability and environmental friendliness. LEED certification indicates that a company has taken measurable steps to implement green building design, construction, operations and maintenance solutions. Their product packaging including the instruction manual and inserts use vegetable based inks. Recyclable cardboard packaging has replaced PVC/PET clam shells for all accessories. Nintendo has reduced the amount of plastic used to manufacture Wii game cases by more than 25%. Economic Forces The economy seems to be improving overall, a recent USA Today article states that sales of game consoles such as the Wii â€Å"have declined from $21. 4 billion in 2008 to $18. 7 billion in 2010,† despite an increase in the number of people who play video games. Further information from BBC News shows that Nintendo’s net profits decreased by 74% in 2010. Sociocultural Forces Nintendo Wii is geared toward a family-friendly ideology, which could limit the types of games Nintendo produces, and may threaten the company’s competitive advantage. Furthermore, the company’s focus on non-gamers could threaten future game console designs because the focus demographic demands simple, easy-to-use equipment. Technological Forces Nintendo’s biggest opportunities lie in the global and technology segments of the general environment. Nintendo’s global presence gives the company the opportunity to continue developing products for many different markets. Furthermore, technology is particularly vital to Nintendo’s success and presents the most opportunities for the firm. Because the company offers a technological product, and technology is always improving, Nintendo continually has opportunities to integrate new technology into its products. Environmental Factors Internal Environment Satoru Iwata Fourth and current global president. Reggie Fils-Aime Third and current president of Nintendo Board of Directors Nintendo Software Technology Video Game Designers Hardware Manufacturers Music Composers Translators Voice Actors External Factors Customers Competitors Media Suppliers Distributors SWOT Strengths Emphasis on corporate culture Strength in finance and partnerships Innovative technologies Unique and innovative products Brand reputation and recognition Appeals to all ages Nintendo brand loyalty Less expensive that other console Ease of use Weaknesses Expand demographics Increase video game technology Improve third party games Short Supply for an in-demand product No HD Opportunities Greater presence in online community More quality in third party support Social networking and mobile devices Expand games beyond family-friendly Threats Threats of substitutes (PC and online) Changing industry environment Loss of appeal X-Box Kinect Social networking and mobile devices Nintendos financial forecasts until March 2010 had investors and analysts questioning if the company cannot keep its streak from ending. The Japanese market, which tends to serve as a leading indicator for global markets, saw Wii sales drop by 47% when comparing Nintendos fiscal year of 2008-2009, to the previous year. While analysts predicted that game console sales in general will fall in 2009, Hall argued Nintendos big advantages are isappearing amid price reductions of the Xbox 360 and rumors of Sony unveiling a motion-sensing wireless controller. Distribution Nintendo has distribution centers around the world. The regional distributors deal in only the units appropriate to their area. The American distribution centers are located in Redmond, Washington and Atlanta, Georgia. Retailers get their inventory directly from Nintendo. Nintendo may sell some of their products online however their products are also sold at Wal-Mart and other mass merchandisers. Businesses are gaining approximately $10 per unit sold. The retailers make their money from the games and accessories. Pricing The pricing strategy, when the Wii was first introduced in 2006, was no price flexibility because the Wii was already offered at a rock bottom price and was priced much lower than competitors. It was thought that the price of the Nintendo Wii will not fluctuate much since it was released to the public at such a low price. On September 23, 2009, Nintendo announced its first price drops for the console. In the United States, the price was reduced by $50 resulting in a new MSRP of $199. 99, effective September 27, 2009. Nintendo sold more than three million Wii consoles in the U. S. n December 2009, setting a regional record for the month and ending 9 months of declining sales, as a result of the price cut and software releases such as New Super Mario Bros. Wii. As of the end of that month, the Wii is the bestselling home video game console produced by Nintendo with sales of over 67 million units, surpassing that of the original Nintendo Entertainment System. As of March 31, 201 1 according to Nintendo, the Wii has sold 70. 93 million units worldwide selling 20. 53 million units within 2009-2010 fiscal year. In April, 2011, Nintendo announced they had sold 86. 01 million Wii consoles, up to that date. Promotion The promotional mix used by Nintendo Wii is demonstrated through mass selling and universal entertainment. Nintendo uses middlemen to get product out in the market by distributing the console to mass merchandisers, specialty electronic stores and gaming stores such as GameStop, Best Buy, and Wal-Mart. A combination of push and pull techniques are used in selling, however, the pull technique is the more effective of the two. Pushing is used in advertising through commercials, ads, circulars, magazines, and internet ads. Pulling is when the costumer gets the product at one of the retailers that offer the Nintendo platform. Nintendo keeps the shipment number low to the retail stores and with such high demand this keeps the customer returning to check on its availability. In the beginning Nintendo had an innovative plan to reach the public. The Nintendo Wii ran a promotion with GameStop in local malls. They called it the â€Å"Wii Mall Experience. † It was an effort to get men and women of all ages out to not only show off their skills on the system, but to show they supported the Nintendo system. Nintendos goal is to get more new people interested in playing games. This is reflected in Nintendos series of television advertisements in North America, directed by Academy Award winner Stephen Gaghan, as well as Internet ads. The ad slogans are Wii would like to play and Experience a new way to play. These ads ran starting November 15, 2006 and had a total budget of over US$200 million throughout the year. The productions are Nintendos first broad-based advertising strategy and include a two-minute video clip showing a varied assortment of people enjoying the Wii system, such as urban apartment-dwellers, country ranchers, grandparents, and parents with their children. The music in the ads is from the song Kodo (Inside the Sun Remix) by the Yoshida Brothers. The marketing campaign has proved to be successful. Pensioners, as old as 103, have been reported to be playing the Wii in the United Kingdom. A report by the British newspaper The People also stated that Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom has played using the console. Branding is involved in Nintendo. Nintendo created the Wii brand and brand equity. The name Wii was simplified so that it could be understood and remembered by people of all languages. The brand image promoted physical participation and family oriented gaming style. The strategy was distinct and delivered an emotional message that conveyed the product value. The product identity is portrayed in all advertising, symbols, slogans and events. Nintendo also devised customer based brand equity that differentiated itself from its competitors. Nintendo devised marketing that included mom’s being Wii Ambassadors, encouraged Wii parties with 30 or more friends and promoted product through word of mouth to non-traditional gamers. General Observations A marketing concept that needs improvement is the response to demand. In the beginning, Nintendo Wii was a victim of their own success. Nintendo was not ready for such a rapid growth that took their system to the top of the list. However, it should not have mattered if they could have met the high demand for their product. This marketing mistake is sending their video game buyers to their competitors. On April 26, 2011 at an investors meeting, Nintendo head Satoru Iwata stated â€Å"I now regret that we didn’t tie up with someone outside the company to market the Wii. If we had done that, the fate of the Wii might have been different,† Iwata said. Now I am aware that we should not rely too much on ourselves. You will see what I mean by this when we market the 3DS and the Wii in the future. † The marketing concept that is very successful is the targeting and promotion. Thinking outside of the box and listening to their customers, Nintendo created an innovative, cost effective and relevant product that exceeded customer expectations. Nintendo used a well-planned holistic marketing campaign which included integration, personalization, and internalization to prove that you do not have to produce a better version of an existing product to be successful in today’s market. Whats the future for the Wii? Nintendo announced the successor to the Wii, called Wii U, at the Electronic Entertainment Expo 2011. The Wii U will feature a controller with an embedded touch screen, output 1080p high-definition graphics, and be fully backwards compatible with Wii games and peripherals for the Wii. The Wii Remote and Nunchuk controller, and the Wii Balance Board, will be compatible with Wii U games that include support for them. The wireless, hand-held controller for the new system includes a six-inch-wide touch-sensitive screen right there between your hands. No longer will playing a home console game mean looking at a television all the time. Instead, the controller screen can complement or replace what’s on TV. If, for instance, one person in the household is playing a game on the living room television, and someone else wants to watch television, the gamer can switch play entirely to the controller, while the TV is flipped to the other show.