Scott Eaton and His Sculpture

Scott Eaton The artist of this paper's five pieces of work are created and conceptualized by Scott Eaton. He is an artist and designer from the I-J and uses traditional art techniques with digital tools. What makes his work so fascinating is his knowledge of anatomy and clean use and mastery of the media. This piece is gorgeous and for it being a digital sculpt, you could hardly tell. The texturing is almost like real clay mimicking skin! It is to be acknowledged that this piece was created and rendered in only 2 days. â€Å"The digital sculpture was executed to a very tight schedule, going from start to final rendered image in two days! (Eaton ). – Something to note is that in digital media there is no gravity or real light, meaning he created his own glass, lit it himself and made the glass reflective. This was a speculative piece for the most recent Pirates movie during the preproduction phase of development. Work like this is great for establishing a baseline of what a fi lm or game will look like. There are hundreds of people which work on huge productions now a days and they need to find ways of keeping everyone's mind in the same kind of groove, making this a fine example of that taking place.The second piece is named female figure study IV, I love the neutral heavy color alter. With the presence off bit of yellow and a dark shade of blue all under this brownish grunge the piece gets a very earthy look to it. While squinting you can see that the silhouette is successful as well as the proportions and gesture is on point. All the shadows and highlights are in the right place and the flesh would feel real. The weight of the breasts and the soft dangle of the hair makes the piece soft and sensual.Take a look at the midsection right under the (stage)right arm, the shadow shows careful observation and great knowledge of how light works. It is safe to live that Scott Eaton is a consultant on anatomy and teaches advanced classes online. If you want to kn ow your figure you got to know Scott Eaton. If you still aren't impressed take a look at some of these studies he has made. The accuracy of each muscle and how the skin behaves over each muscle is truly a marvel. The man has clearly been practicing and has studied his anatomy. Scott Eaton attended Princeton University as an undergraduate majoring in both engineering and art. These two majors make a fine mix of artist and designer and later got his masters at MIT Media Lab. He would later continue his art studies at the Florence Academy of Art in Florence, Italy. † (Eaton 1). His work shows his Italian influence. The figures he sculpts carry have a classical renaissance feel to them. As you can see in the in the photo above the man has a great understanding of anatomy as well as has a very well tuned process.Process and evidence of process is just as important as your final piece. This is simply because as an artist you are being hired for a skill for which you will be asked us e. Many people can make an amazing sculpture with time and patience, but what really sells is your ability to create and rate quickly and consistently with great results. Showing process whether it be on a blob or document will give everyone a peak into your work ethic and efficiency. In short it shows if you know what you are doing or Just happened to get lucky.Here is an example of Scoots process for his most recent design work for design festival in London. † The Venus of Cupertino, my pad docking station, is Just back from a busy week at the London Design Festival. † This piece is relevant to what was being done in class with the silicon mold and such being used. It's also a great simple and fun design. The appealing softer shapes and edges as well as smooth color and finish makes this successful. A quote was used on Scoots website, â€Å"A stylish docking station for syncing, charging and display.An evocative blend of ancient fertility symbolism and modern technolo gy worship. I want one! † (Eaton 1). The quote really says it all, this piece is an example of how multivalent this man is who's knowledge of art history, skill with a sculpt, and a mind of a designer can create things everyone can enjoy. This is Hyphenates II, if you rant familiar with Greek mythology this mythological man was the black smith for the gods. He is described as being ugly but Zeus arranged is marriage with Aphrodite who is the goddess of love, pleasure, and beauty.DRAMA, the poor guy had no chance and she would run off with different gods leaving him lonely and enraged. This sculpted shows great emotion and mood. A workers body with strong hands and a worn face. The details in the face are believable and the â€Å"meat† around the arms have weight and almost reveal a saggy inflexed arm which is impeccable observation. The single light source creates the drama and a peek into the soul of this poor ugly blacksmith. Works Cited Eaton, Scott. â€Å"Scott Eat on. † Catenation. Eaton Media Ltd, n. D. Web. 24 Feb.. 2013.

Jenny Saville and Lucien Freud

Jenny Saville and Lucien Freud share the same subject matter i. e. the human form however both have very different approaches to recording their observations and ideas and it’s an approach that I’ve become accustomed to because I like it as it allows absolute freedom in artistic expression. Saville produces large-scale pieces of work and uses impasto in a similar way to Freud however notably less thick and blockier. She chooses to work in such a way as she wanted ‘people to know what it is they're looking at. But at the same time, the closer they get to the painting; it's like going back into childhood. And it's like an abstract piece†¦ it becomes the landscape of the brush marks rather than just sort of an intellectual landscape’ this way of working is prominent in the painting ‘Rosetta 2’. The formidable scales of the paintings are awe-inspiring and really capture the eyes of the viewer. Using oils, she makes highly pigmented work, employing a gorgeous palette that conveys the effect of creamy, liquid skin poured directly onto the canvas. The brushwork is very dynamic and aesthetically pleasing; the skin has a rich look to it. The subdued colour range of blues, greys and muted pink create a bleaker natural form. The best of Jenny Savilles work in my opinion would be her series of photographs with Glen Luchford the fashion photographer. Produced in 1995, the collaboration produces some exciting and bizarrely beautiful work. Commenting on the work and her intentions she says ‘the boundary of our bodies, which we presume is so fixed and can only exist in that certain area, can be extended so far. This movement, malleability of flesh, I started to think about that quite a lot’. ‘Closed Contact no. 4, fig (vi)’ Photographed from an elevated angle through a glass plate, shows Saville contorting her body whilst pressed up against Plexiglas. The piece definitely is appropriate to her intentions as she manages to distort her body enough so that we have no clear visual point of reference; there are no â€Å"boundaries†. I appreciate this image because she has abstracted herself and pushed her body to extremes also its very different from her paintings there are no definitive lines instead folds of flesh frame the image that is what I like most. One aspect that differentiates both artists’ similar styles is Savilles expression of anger; her work from the turn of the millennium onwards explores more violent themes and showcases brilliant reds and blues slashing through her figures. Her work is overtly violent were Freuds is more muted. Evidence of her violent expression is in the painting Witness fig (vii), it is a very bleak portrayal of the human form that commands a reaction. I like the harsh and unforgiving light created by the varying toes of purple and red. Freud said, â€Å"The longer you look at an object, the more abstract it becomes, and, ironically, the more real. † This principle is prominent throughout his work and his 1985 self-portrait best embodies his saying. In the portrait the face appears distorted, yet the intensity of what the artist is trying to convey remains in every thick stroke and restores the reality of it. His work is unquestionably more abstract as he plays with the true tone of the subject and the strokes appear wilder, blockier but ultimately freer. There is a level of realism achieved in this piece that surpasses his earlier work. The self- portrait captures a powerful aura one that can only be achieved through careful observation and not working from photographs and fretting over accuracy. I like how the segments of slightly different colours come to form an exciting image. A piece of work I really like of Freuds is his portrait of the queen some hated it for its brutal depiction of Queen Elizabeth II but I like it for the level of emotion he manages to capture in this one painting. For me what makes the portrait is the inner struggle to supress a smile. For the Queen to have her portrait forever show the containment of personal laughter is an historic way for her to mark the new millennium. I like it also because it shows his integrity as an artist, he favours no one and he painted the ageing Queen as ruthlessly as he had painted his ageing self. Freud’s application remains very thick like in most of his work, which I like as it adds age and wisdom to the face. Freud’s best-known work ‘Benefits Supervisor Sleeping’ it is a piece which truly fascinates. When compared to photographs of what the model looks like in reality we can see he’s obviously played with it. He did so â€Å"since the painting is going to be there on its own, it is of no interest whether it is an accurate copy of the model† he ages the model and somehow made her more obese and splotchy. Both Freud and Saville fail to omit bruises and calluses and visible veins, they don’t idealise the body but show it for what it is complete with overtly sexual overtones I’ve chosen to look at the work of Freud and Saville because I enjoy their work as well as I like the way in which they use paint. They look at the human form objectively, removing the humanity. This is an approach to painting and drawing from life that I’d like to develop in my own work.

Career Trends in Information Technology Essay

The information technology industry is always changing and evolving, and 2013 looks to be no different. The dramatic rate of change in technology is great for innovation and increased business efficiency but can also cause problems for many organizations. The new changes and breakthroughs in technology require organizations to hire employees that are experienced and up-to-date on the new technologies. Often, this can pose a challenge for businesses because the talent pool is split between recent grads with little experience or longer tenured employees whose skills may not be up to date with the newer tech advances. A recent study of IT executives conducted by Computerworld outlines what the most popular and in demand tech skills will be in the future. 1. Programming and Application Development 60% of the IT executives surveyed claimed they plan to hire employees with programming and application development skills. This need for programming and development skills stems from organizations trying to implement new programs, products and services. Organizations want to offer their customers the positive experience with their products, and having the newest technology is usually the best way for them to accomplish that. A majority of the industry professionals expressed that they will specifically be looking for people with experience in Java, J2EE and .Net. 2. Project Management 40% of employers plan to hire individuals with project management skills in 2013. It seems obvious that the organizations requiring programming and application development skills will also need individuals to plan, oversee, and execute the new projects and initiatives. Newer technologies lead to increased demand for project managers mainly due to the new projects being more complex. IT executives desire project managers that have a proven track record for success, display leadership, and show great attention to detail. 3. Security Security has been and always will be a major issue for IT leaders. The threat of data and identity theft is very real, and protecting that information is imperative. The increased demand for specialized security individuals can be attributed to more complex systems, larger amounts of data, and organizational policies such as bring-your-own-device (BYOD.) These items will make it more difficult to monitor and keep secure data and information. 27% of IT leaders plan to hire more security professionals in 2013, and the majority of those leaders want the professionals to have expertise in encryption technology, deploying firewalls, threat detection tools, and high levels of business acumen. 4. Help Desk/Technical Support Expected system and program updates for organizations in 2013 will lead to the increased demand for tech support professionals. 35% of IT executives surveyed said they plan to hire help desk or tech support individuals due to the need to monitor and support the new programs and systems created by their organizations. Implementing new systems can lead to questions and confusion when using the systems, and tech support individuals will be necessary to support the increased number of inquiries. Roles of Responsibilities of Employers and Employees Employers and employees work together on a daily basis and have very different roles and duties. These primary roles and duties have remained fairly static over time despite changes in technology that have made business more global and efficient. They define what workers are supposed to do on a daily basis without delving into specific job descriptions and thus establish a foundation for the kind of relationship employers and employees should expect. Employer Responsibilities To provide and maintain * a safe working environment * adequate resources, information, training and supervision * an effective health and safety program * to establish a process for identifying, assessing; and controlling risks To ensure that * relevant laws are complied with * workplace rules, procedures and methods are developed and maintained To prepare and maintain OHS&W policies in consultation with * Health and safety committees * Employees * Elected Health and Safety Representatives * Unions, if requested by an employee * And if the employer chooses, a registered employer association of which the employer is a member, Employees Responsibilities Workers’ responsibilities are: * to not place themselves at risk; * to not knowingly put others in danger; * to follow safe working procedures; * to use machinery and equipment safely; * to not let drugs or alcohol affect their work. * to report any hazards they may notice in their workplace; * to apply any training they have received. Responsibilities Of Employers Towards HSRs And HSCs An employer must:- * Consult any relevant Health and Safety Representatives and Health and Safety Committee on the occupational health, safety and welfare practices, procedures and policies that are to be followed; * Consult any relevant Health and Safety Representatives and Health and Safety Committee on any proposed changes to any workplaces such as: – the workplace itself, plant, substances used, handled, processed or stored; nature of work to be conducted, procedures for carrying out work; where those changes might effect the health, safety and welfare of employees at the workplace. * At the request of the employee, permit a Health and Safety Representative to be present at any interview concerning occupational health, safety and welfare between the employer and the employee; * Permit any relevant Health and Safety Representative to accompany an inspector during a workplace inspection; * Permit a Health and Safety Representative to have access to such information as the employer possesses or can reasonably obtain:- relating to workplace risks, concerning the health and safety of the employees and, when requested to do so, supply a copy of that information to the Health and Safety Representative; * Immediately notify a Health and Safety Representative of the occurrence of an accident, dangerous occurrence, imminent danger or risk; or hazardous situation; * Notify a Health and Safety Representative of the occurrence of any work-related injury; * Provide such facilities and assistance to Health and Safety Representatives as are necessary to enable them to perform their functions under this Act. This includes time off, without loss of income, to perform duties as Health and Safety Representatives, and to attend approved training courses (minimum of 5 days per year). Mechanisms for fast-paced and stressful work environment All of us live incredibly fast paced lives. We commute to work and for many people the ride to work is getting longer as people move to more distant locations in the suburbs and rural areas. The journey to work is complex. Drivers are faced with traffic accidents and jams that often cause lateness. Many employers are not sympathetic to the reasons for lateness. Instead of sympathy they demand that people leave for work even earlier. Once at work, there are enormous pressures to be productive. The nature of many careers is that productivity includes the need to think creatively. However, it can be difficult to think creatively if someone is exhausted and stressed once they arrive at work. According to an article in the September 2005 edition of Scientific American it is suggested that in order to maintain the ability to be productive as well as creative, it is necessary to take a twenty minute break from work and go on a â€Å"mental vacation.† By â€Å"mental vacation† is meant that you close your eyes and imagine your self in the most relaxing, beautiful and serene place that you can. In other words, this is a kind of self hypnosis or visual meditation that actually reduces the levels of stress hormones excreted into the cardio vascular system resulting in the reduction of stress and exhaustion. The article urges that a nap not be taken because this dulls thinking and does not necessarily reduce stress. However, the â€Å"mental vacation† sharpens the ability to think and reason after the fifteen to twenty minute journey is over. In doing this visualization it is important to imagine all of the sensory experiences that would go along with the actual trip. If you are at the beach on your journey, smell the ocean water and hear the sounds of the surf hitting up against the shore. If twenty minutes in one lump of time is too much then a ten minute break will help, especially if repeated during the day as pressure builds up. Working in a fast-paced environment can induce stress in many employees. According to the Helpguide website, people tend to react to stress in three distinctive ways: Some freeze up under pressure, others become frustrated and angry and the remaining withdraw or become aloof. In order to be productive in a high-paced, driven work environment, you must know your own limitations and reactions. Survival depends on developing the right mental, physical and practical skill set to manage any hectic, stressful situation to the best of your ability. Industry-related lawsRegulations Computer Law is concerned with controlling and securing information stored on and transmitted between computers. Computer networks contain and store a great deal of private digital information: data on identities, internet access and usage; credit cards; financial information and information for electronic commerce; technical, trade and government secrets; mailing lists; medical records; and much more. It is illegal to maliciously erase this type of data; acquire proprietary information; manipulate said data to obtain funds illegally, through bank withdrawals and transfers, identity theft and credit card use; and to access and use any of this data for any other reason, without authorization. Computer crime and criminal information law are relatively young phenomena. A first historical analysis indicates that each new development of computer technology was followed by a corresponding adaptation of crime as well as by legislative changes. A short overview – using the example of Germany – illustrates this adaptation of crime and information law to the new information technologies. It also indicates that this process started gradually at first, but then continued at an increasing pace: – From the beginning of the 1950s computers were introduced in industry and administration to control routine processes. As late as 20 years after that time, the first cases of computer manipulation, computer sabotage and computer espionage became known. Only in 1986 did the German legislator react with the Second Act for the Prevention of Economic Crime. – On the other hand, the mass processing of personal data in electronic data banks since the 1960s was soon regarded as a danger to privacy. In Germany, the first law that took this development into account was enacted in 1970. – The open networks of the 1970s soon led to corresponding misuses in the form of â€Å"hacking†, which the Law Committee of the German Parliament could still consider in the Second Act for the Prevention of Economic Crime in 1986. – The mass phenomenon of program piracy came along simultaneously with the spreading of personal computers in the 1980s, forcing the legislator to carry out different reform measures from 1985 onwards. – The use of automated teller machines in the 1980s, too, was immediately followed by new ways of code card misuses, which already represented criminal offenses due to the reforms of the Second Act for the Prevention of Economic Crime. – Today, electronic post services, mailboxes, ISDN as well as the development of close links between data processing and telecommunication are used by neo-nazi groups, perpetrators in the field of economic crime and organized criminals: Computer technology and telecommunication have not only become part of general life, but also of general crime. The changes that these new technologies caused in criminal procedural law do therefore not only concern traditional computer offenses, but all kinds of crime.

Communication Analysis Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Communication Analysis - Essay Example In eye contact I will analyze to what extent was Oliver able to engage the audience; how his facial expressions with respect to the context did and what sort of body language did he apply at various points of his presentation. In verbal communication techniques, I will analyze the pitch of his sound and tone, his fluency with the language that he was using and the kind of confidence with which he exercised authority on his subject and over what he delivered. I will look into the intricacies of each of the aforementioned techniques used by Oliver to deliver his speech. Description of communication situation: The speech is a TED Talk by Jamie Oliver. Jamie Oliver is changing the way we feed and nourish ourselves and our children today. He has been attracted to the kitchen since his childhood. He used to work in his father’s pub-restaurant back then. He not only possesses culinary talent but also has a passion for creating fresh, delicious food. He has been in the business for ov er ten years now and has built a worldwide media conglomerate of TV shows, magazines, books and cookware. His formulae are simple. It is to invite people to get busy in the kitchen. His business model- his fifteen Foundation is a very generous venture, in which trains His business model- his fifteen Foundation is a very generous venture, in which trains young chefs from various challenged background to run four of his restaurants. In this speech, Oliver is capitalizing on his fame and charm to draw attention towards the changes that Americans and Brits need to plug into their life styles and diet. He calls upon adults and parents of these generations to take charge of the food eating habits of the youth of America as it is deadly. He exposes his audience to ground breaking statistics regarding healthy eating and encourages them to adopt healthy food. He appeals for a food revolution. Jamie Oliver in this speech is talking to an audience of above 40 years old, most of whom are childr en and have the capability to rationalize the situation. Analysis of Communication Techniques: Oliver was very effective in his eye contact with the audience. He kept moving to and fro and back and forth throughout the stage to ensure that his eye contact is maintained throughout the presentation. The eye contact is a very important part of communication. When people fail to look at others in the eye, it appears as if they are trying to hide something. However on the other hand, eye contact can also seem to be confrontational and intimidating. While eye contact is a crucial part of communication it is important for one to know that eye contact does not necessarily mean staring and gazing into someone’s eyes repeatedly. Oliver’s eye contact lasted for above five seconds with the audience. According to experts, good eye contact during speech communication should last somewhere between four to five seconds. (Chris) Another very crucial aspect of communication is facial ex pression. It is important to nail the facial expressions. The human face is a very expressive and can express innumerable number of emotions without saying a lot. Face expressions tend to be universal. There are expressions for happiness, sadness, anger, surprise, disgust and fear and they are the same across all cultures. Thus facial expression is a very important part of any communication. Oliver’s use of facial expression was apt throughout the TED Talk. His

What are the problems faced by small convenience stores of UK in terms Literature review

What are the problems faced by small convenience stores of UK in terms of surviving against the larger competitors and obtaining financing - Literature review Example The paper tells that it was in the year 1971 when the Bolton Committee presented its report concerning small businesses, made the first attempt to define small, medium and large sized firms and highlighted the indispensable importance of SMEs for the British economy. Not only that SMEs generate bulk of the employment, contribute significantly to the overall GDP but they create value for their customers and the entire society. However, SMEs also face significant challenges, which are unique in their own. Many business start-ups who fail to address those challenges become history. Amongst these challenges, problems related to financing and facing competitive pressures from the larger players in the industry rank at the top of the list. In fact, these challenges and problems have ensured the decline of many SMEs as well. This investigative report is an attempt to explore these problems faced by small businesses within UK related to financing and surviving against larger competitors. The same has been presented in under the heading of critical literature review. The study then narrow downs the focus to small convenience store within UK and conducts a questionnaire-based research to explore the dynamics of problems and challenges faced by small convenience stores in the above-mentioned areas. The common perception about entrepreneurial ventures and small businesses is that their growth slows down during recession like large corporations and big businesses but the evidence coming from Berger and Udell reveals that the same might not be true. ... 1 Respondents identifying competitive advantage enjoyed by larger firms 22 Table 2 Respondents on their perceived competitive advantages 24 Introduction It was in the year 1971 when the Bolton Committee presented its report concerning small businesses, made the first attempt to define small, medium and large sized firms and highlighted the indispensable importance of SMEs for the British economy. Not only that SMEs generate bulk of the employment, contribute significantly to the overall GDP but they create value for their customers and the entire society. However, SMEs also face significant challenges, which are unique in their own. Many business start-ups who fail to address those challenges become history. Amongst these challenges, problems related to financing and facing competitive pressures from the larger players in the industry rank at the top of the list. In fact, these challenges and problems have ensured the decline of many SMEs as well. This investigative report is an atte mpt to explore these problems faced by small businesses within UK related to financing and surviving against larger competitors. The same has been presented in under the heading of critical literature review. The study then narrow downs the focus to small convenience store within UK and conducts a questionnaire-based research to explore the dynamics of problems and challenges faced by small convenience stores in the above-mentioned areas. Critical Literature Review The common perception about entrepreneurial ventures and small businesses is that their growth slows down during recession like large corporations and big businesses but the evidence coming from Berger and Udell (2011) reveals that the same might not be true. The study focuses on 112 different small business in London alone and

Research Paper Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3750 words

Research Paper - Assignment Example Furthermore, a questionnaire survey has been conducted with ten respondents in order to recognize their experiences regarding racial disparity of the US criminal justice system. Introduction In the United States (US), the legal system has been developed considerably in order to provide equal treatment to every citizen. However, in the critical fields of law such as in the criminal justice system, increased cases of racism can be observed. Although the criminal justice based regulations in the US are facially unbiased, they are imposed in such a way, which provides biased outcomes. Irrespective of deploying different acts, the US is unable to prohibit discernments based on race. For instance, in the year 1964, the US government had approved Civil Rights Act in order to forbid discernments. However, a considerable proportion of African American individuals were determined to have served certain period of time in prison. Then again, in the year 1968, the US government had passed Fair Ho using Act, yet substantial number of Blacks or Hispanics served in prison cell at that specific period of time (Weich & Angulo, 2011). Although several people believe that the US has overcome discrimination driven history, racism still creates a major impact on the organizational policies and criminal law practices. Focusing on this aspect, the paper intends to assess if the US criminal justice system is racist. Both primary and secondary researches have been conducted in order to evaluate the criminal justice system of the US. As a part of primary research, a survey has been undertaken with ten respondents in order to understand their opinions regarding the subject. Besides, different secondary sources such as textbook and literatures have been evaluated to gather an understanding related to the topic. Literature Review The criminal justice system through which lawbreakers are arrested and penalized is considered as one of the key pillars of democracy. However, in order to stay fea sible, the public must have faith in the justice system. Every phase of criminal justice system i.e. from initial investigation to prosecution, equal treatment of individuals needs to be ascertained. Yet, the US criminal justice system is far from an ideal legal structure. Several researches suggested that in the US, Blacks, Hispanics and other subgroups are mistreated through inconsistent targeting and biased treatments by law enforcement administrators. They are racially charged by discriminatory sentencing activities, resulting in the failure of equitable criminal justice legislations. Context of Racism in the US In the 17th century, racism began to rear its ugly head in different facets in the US such as in the fields of employment and justice system. In the 18th century, the conduct of racial discrimination had increased and became synonymous to the US. During 19th century, race was observed to be a subdivision of human beings that discriminate one individual from others. The g eneral concept of race surfaced in 20th century and continues to impact different legal facets of the US throughout 21st century. In most circumstances, African Americans are historically observed as inferiors across different attributes (SAGE Publications, 2013). The disparate treatment of individuals in the US justice system starts in the initial phase of the system. Police

The Data Scientists PowerPoint Presentation Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

The Data Scientists - PowerPoint Presentation Example In this regard, they suggest that data can amount to four basic objectives, thus report role; where issues that have occurred can be understood, diagnostic role; where the reasons for their occurrences are noted, predictive role; where projections of future events can be based and finally recommendation role; where ideas can be suggested based on the projections made (Davenport and Patil 73). The lasting effect of data storage is vested in vested in their master definitive roles of economic significance. Such data have got overwhelming value. It can also yield to efficiency especially in organizations. Such a pivot is easily provided to make the organization perform on a higher playing ground (Davenport and Patil, 76). In my general perspective, with the advent of data scientists, business models can be rapidly developed. A point to back this is the argument that organizations use enormous capital to maintain the data infrastructure, yet still, the end users doesn’t incur direct monetary implications. The question is then, where could be the compensation for such a massive investment? The answer to this is pointed at the amount of data at the disposal of such

Tata Nano International market Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2750 words

Tata Nano International market - Essay Example In some sense, the market was flooded with their products and a hedge existed to bar new entrants into this market category (McLoughlin and Aaker, 2010, p. 121). Tata Nano could not compete favorably in this category of the market because its products due to the presence of the stronger brands that had controlled the segment for years. Its pioneering entry into the ultra-low-cost market had the implication of expanding the market niche in the country in ways that increased possibilities and opportunities for local and international players. The growth of this segment of the market resulted partly from the synergies of globalization and liberalization of the market economy. These global forces helped Tata Nano to establish a strong operational base since the growth in the purchasing power of the middle class signaled the ability to own cheaper cars that could align well with the needs of the industry (Thakur, 2009). In general, some of the issues that affected the choice related to th e desire to invent alternative ways of business practice with regard to the global car industry. In essence, some of the issues that related to the growth of the industry revolved around the need to provide the clientele with alternatives away from the generally acceptable ways of conducting business. In this regard, Tata Nano became revolutionary in the manner in which it contributed to the realignment of the global car industry as perceived from the perspective of industry players. Essentially, the need for alternatives was necessitated by the apparent inequalities that favored global players at the expense of the local investors. Strategically, the choice for the ultra-low-cost car market positioned Tata Nano on a vantage position from... Center of discussion in this paper is Tata Nano as one of the companies that created the most innovative approaches in the global car industry. Its intention of manufacturing cheap and user friendly cars received positive remarks from the global markets. Although originally intended for the Indian middle class and low-income earners, the Tata Nano model has spread to other parts of the world. It also continues to receive diverse responses from various sections of the global markets. However, there is a sense in which the company continues to contribute to consistency in growth in car innovations. Some of the challenges that have affected the development of the Tata Nano model relate to the marketing strategies that have had the unintended consequence of lowering its prestige of the car. This effectively locked away the car from the higher-level income of clientele. Much of Tata Nano’s potential lies in the emerging markets. The growth of Tata Nano is tied to the development of new market segments previously ignored by established global players in the industry. It might be necessary to consider the fact that some of the issues that afflict the growth of the industry relate to the relative potential of other companies to engage with the markets and other aspects of business. It is recommended for the company to embark on aggressive marketing strategies that might help the company in redeeming some of the image lost through its single-angled dimension of marketing.

Technology, Society, and Culture Group Project Term Paper

Technology, Society, and Culture Group Project - Term Paper Example na, Evaristo and Srite (2005) values are acquired early in life through childhood socialization and education, and are often â€Å"stable in nature but can change over time reflecting changes in culture†. Practices develop later in life through activities such as workplace socialization, and are more subject to change than values. According to a cross-cultural research conducted by Kawabata and Tamura (2007) there is limited religious use of the Internet by the Japanese in comparison to the US in spite of a high Internet penetration rate of 66.8% and estimated 85.29 million users by the end of 2005 Internet exchanges are primarily text-based interactions, whereas the new religions, which are more active in Japan than Buddhism or Christianity, have a strong element of religious activities that are physical action-oriented and cannot be translated into text. The structure of public education in Japan is largely based on the American model of education adopted after World War II. Practically almost 100% of Japanese students complete its nine-year compulsory education core. In the late 1980s, the Ministry of Education included computer literacy courses in technology education programs in lower secondary schools to help students understand the roles and functions of computers, and develop capability for the use of computers and information (Murata & Stern, 1993). Combining these new computer courses with introduction of integrated problem solving courses such as mechatronics, applied mechatronics and independent project study at upper secondary technical courses greatly increased the technical human capacity in Japan. Japan has also been able to leverage its superior computer technology and skills to create some of the largest and most advanced products such as textiles, electronics, motor vehicles, chemical substances, processed foods, steel and nonferrous metals and so on. Cultural practices may have changed due to the cross-cultural information brokered by

Assess the contribution of Social Action Theory to sociology Essay Example for Free

Assess the contribution of Social Action Theory to sociology Essay Social Action Theorists, or Interactionists are also known as micro sociologists, this is because instead of looking at the bigger picture in society, and how the large structures and institutions such as the education and judiciary systems affect individuals, which is what Marxists and Functionalists (macro sociologists) look at, Social Action Theorists look at the opposite, how us, individuals, act by our own accord, and how we make up society. This is known as a ‘bottom up’ view of society. They see people as having a much more active role in society, as opposed to the passive puppets that Structuralists make us out to be. They reject the view that our behaviour is the product of these organisations and structure. Although Social Action Theorists do look very much as individual behaviour, they also take into account the fact that we are aware of the people around us, they argue that our behaviour is influenced by how other individuals react to us and behave, so society is made up because people come together and interact. We are able to react to each other’s behaviour in this way because we have learnt how to expect what people should and shouldn’t do, and how to interpret behaviour. We have meanings for various symbols during interactions, for example, someone frowning may show confusion or anger, and someone swearing with a hand gesture may be insulting, because of these codes and symbols, we are able to anticipate behaviour, and judge how people are feeling. This also gives us a knowledge about what behaviour is and isn’t appropriate in certain situations. These different situations can also affect how we behave and what behaviour is acceptable, for example shouting and swearing may be seen as acceptable at a football match, but this would be highly inappropriate in the middle of a supermarket or library. These behaviours and expected ways of carrying ourselves, or norms and values, (especially the basic ones, such as how to act around others) are learnt from the family at a young age. However education teaches us how to act in a larger range of social situations. The acquiring of this knowledge is what leads to us gaining our identity. Social action theorists suggest that there are three main parts to our identity. The first of these parts is the things that make us individual, such as name, signature and photograph. The second aspect is social identity, which is made up of the personality characteristics that are associated with our role in society. For example, I am seen as an older brother, which society may make me out to be annoying and protective of my younger sibling, but I am also seen as a student, who is perceived to be hard-working and well-behaved. The final part of our identity is the concept of ‘self’, or what we think of ourselves, and how we think we play our respective roles. This concept of ‘self’ has been developed further by social action theorists, who believe that this can be further broken down into two components, the ‘I’ and the ‘me’. The ‘I’ is the private inner self, what we truly think of ourselves, whereas ‘me’ is the social self, and is the one that carries out the roles of brother and student. Goffman referred to society as a play, and that we are all as individuals, actors in this play, or in the drama of everyday life. The expected ways of behaving, or social norms are the script, for example, greeting someone with ‘Good morning’ is expected. He suggests that the roles we carry out are simply a performance designed to create a particular impression. For example in front of grandparents, I put on this performance of being exceptionally well mannered (believe it or not). Another part of social action theory is the concept of labelling. This is when someone is put into a group, or stereotyped, because of the way they look or act. For example a young person may be labelled as a ‘goth’ because they have pale skin, black hair, and listen to a certain type of music. Becker came up with the idea of a Master Status. This means that an individual can have a status (normally negative) which overrides all other labels. For example, someone may be a very good brother and son, but then may be arrested for robbery, and then the label of ‘criminal’ will become his master status, and people won’t see the brother or the son they saw before, they will simply see him as a criminal. It is believed that these labels lead to a self-fulfilling prophecy. This means that someone will react to the label they have been given, and this label will become true. For example, if a teacher (very wrongly) labels a student as ‘dumb’ they may think they genuinely are dumb, and will not do well at school. However it has been argued that the opposite can occur, and people may go out of their way to disprove their label, to carry on with the example before, the ‘dumb’ student may try exceptionally hard at home and at school, to prove the teacher wrong, the label may act as motivation. There are many criticisms of Social Action Theory, one being that they tend to be very vague when describing who is responsible for creating these norms and values, and interpretations that mean we know how to act around people and in certain situations. They fail to explain power, and factors which may affect these norms such as class or gender.

Globalization Localization Product

Globalization Localization Product 1. The paradoxes of globalization vs. localisation and profitability vs. responsibility In todays continuously changing world, globalization is what every business, organization, and nation should seek and welcome as a positive change. However, many people are unaware of the main focus and meaning of globalization, especially in comparison to localization. A large number of people believe that globalization is just another common word used to refer to changes and differences that cannot be explained. Therefore, many different activities or changes are improperly labelled to be a part of or caused by globalization. Localization is the process of adapting a product or service to a particular language, culture, and desired local preferences. Ideally, a product or service is developed so that localization is relatively easy to achieve for example, by creating technical illustrations for manuals in which the text can easily be changed to another language. The process of first enabling a product to be localized and then localizing it for different national audiences is sometimes known as globalization. In localizing a product, in addition to language translation, such details as time zones, money, national holidays, local color sensitivities, product or service names, gender roles, and geographic examples must all be considered. A successfully localized service or product is one that appears to have been developed within the local culture. Globalization is also a term that refers to the process of global integration of the economies of nations by allowing the unrestricted flow of goods, services, investments and currencies between countries. The process of globalization has both positive and negative impacts on life at the individual and nationals levels. Globalization and localization are almost opposite concepts but can coexist. Globalization can briefly be defined as ‘something that affects and changes the traditional arrangements. It is a term that directly implies change and therefore is a continuous process over a long period of time as compared to quickly changing into a wanted or desirable end business system. Globalization, focusing on a narrower scale, refers to sequences that occur in ones mind or behaviour that lead to processes that evolve as people or organizations pursue their daily tasks in a hopeful attempt to accomplish their specific goals. Both globalization and localization have many costs and benefits, although not always considered when making decisions that significantly affect a group or countrys outcome. Two main benefits of globalization include it being a good way for a company to make more money and also initiate more openness between countries on the economic level. Moreover, other positive aspects of globalization include the increase in productivity and improvement in standards of living. On the other hand, the benefits of localization are more beneficial to a single state/country because it involves and allows a country to have its own specific national style of economic practices that reflect upon the countrys distinctiveness. The costs of globalization mainly comprise of giving up a countrys distinction of its politics, culture, economy where as costs of localization involve less trade and international investment. Although many people view a decrease in a countrys involvement with trade and investment as a benefit, in the long run it is a cost because it denies the country the ability to communicate with other countries and to increase its technology and status (by importing and learning about other countries products). An increase in trade would also allow a country to advertise its products and abilities and export items to different countries with high odds of making a profit. Another cost of localization is its evolution from the pressures that lead organizations to narrow their horizons and participate in dissimilar forms of behaviour not always accepted and approved by globally integrated countries. The costs of globalization are not weighed as heavily as those costs of localization because time wi ll override many of the unavoidable problems. Therefore, globalization cannot be stopped and as the political and cultural changes occur, organizations with strong economic performances will survive, succeed and replace those less productive. From an economic point of view, globalization focuses on the expansion of production and trade whereas localization focuses on more narrow and specific activities of consumers and producers. These two dynamics operate in all human activity from cultural and social to economic and political activities. From the social and cultural aspect, globalization attempts to extend its ideas and practices beyond its original and present setting whereas localization discourages new ideas, norms and practices. In addition, these two sets of dynamics are linked in a way that it seems every change in globalization causes a change in localization and vice versa. Todays world affairs and processes are greatly affected by the tensions between the different aspects and characteristics of globalization versus localization. In my opinion, the benefits of globalization discussed in this paper are far more important than its costs or the costs and benefits of localization. Although, localization and globalization will continue co-existing, globalization will continue to increasingly dominate over time because most countries are generally leading to and becoming more accepting of the idea of globalization. The benefits gained by globalization are the most important to peoples lives because it aides in the learning process of people expanding their horizons and understanding the benefits to countries, organizations, and groups working together. Although losing some part of ones national identity can be a disadvantage at times, the advantages of being able to work together and help each other in a globally integrated world are much more. It is widely known that for a business to be successful it needs to provide a good or service that is desired by the public and also to obtain a profit in providing said well or service. Now while these are the most important components to a successful business, they are not the only ones. The social responsibilities of a business include the following: environmental protection and preservation, employee safety and morale, product safety for the consumer. The financial manager must keep these three social responsibilities in mind when making any and all decisions. The purpose organizations should serve has been a puzzle for strategists over years. There are two perspectives from which this paradox could be viewed: shareholder value—profitability oriented and stakeholder value—focused on responsibility. According to the shareholder value perspective, each company is established to serve the purposes of their owners. In other words, an organization should focus on increase of its stock value through the implementation of profitable business strategies. Even though it might be in the interests of shareholders to treat stakeholders well, there is no moral obligation to do so. On the other hand, stakeholder value proponents argue that a company purpose should be seen as an agreement among shareholders, employees, banks, customers, suppliers, governments and community and an entity should orient on the interests and values of its stakeholders. Stakeholders value perspective assumes that an organization should serve the interests of all parties that can be influenced by its activities or are somehow involved into the company operations. Even though all stakeholders are interested in the company profitability, there are also other business areas on which stakeholders place high value such as quality is demanded by customers; job security, occupational safety, good working conditions are required by employees; prompt payments, shared risk taking, secure demand are preferred by suppliers. Therefore, maximizing shareholders value to the detriment of the other stakeholders interests would be unjust. That is the emphasis that major shareholders place on stock pric e appreciation and dividends must be balanced against the legitimate demands of other parties. The choice of the major company purpose—the reason for which an organization exists is the essential one because it defines what will be the company mission i.e. the business philosophy that should guide strategic choices i.e. who should ensure that the strategies pursued are in accordance with the mission. If the company purpose is clearly specified, it will give direction to the strategy process and influence the strategy content. Moreover, the values share by an organizations members may have an impact on strategic choices and thus the company mission. 2. Grupo Elektra analysis For analyzing the performance of Grupo Elektra one of the helpful techniques is to scan the internal and external environment of the company with application of the SWOT analysis at different stages of its development in a chronological order. Environmental factors internal to the company can be classified as strengths (S) and weaknesses (W), and those external to the firm are opportunities (O) and threats (T). The following is the SWOT analysis for Grupo Elektra. Internal environmental factors: STRENGTHS Grupo Elektra was the first Mexican manufacturer of TV sets that allowed introducing a new product at the market. Ricardo Salinas, Elektras new CEO, employed a group of talented and competent professional managers. As a result the company had a competitive advantage in future business development based on the excellent management team that allowed achieving quality levels with greater efficiency, while other competitors was based on the trial and error approach. The company profits were properly divided: for distribution to employees, for commercial reinvestment and the product/service development. This rational division of profits allowed further continuous development of the company accompanied with employees motivated to put much effort into there work. In 1995, the company had extended its service range (domestic wire transfer, extended warranty program, photo products and processing services, as well as saving accounts) that strengthened its position at the market. The distribution network was increased to more than 500 stores all over Mexico that made Elektras products more available to customers. With four different chains (Elektra, Bodega de Remates, Salinas y Rocha and The One) Grupo Elektra covered 87% of the Mexican population it means that the company was monopolistic. The business plan for the international expansion is made by Filiberto Jimenez in order to attack the main competitor La Curacao. The plan successfully worked and in 2001 La Curacao went bankrupt that allowed Elektra redouble companys position at the Latin America market. Elektra offered 20% lower prices than it closest competitor La Curacao that gave a possibility to deserve the customers loyalty. The major factor in Elektras success was the partnership with TV Azteca. The channel did not advertise any of Elektras competitors that allow company to create unique image and to be very effective with advertising efforts. Elektra had a huge media budget of $27 million per year and it was the largest advertiser in Mexico, in terms of airtime. The strategy followed by Elektra requires careful analyses before any merger or acquisition is made and any acquisition should result in the additional value to the whole company. The strong side of the Grupo Elektra management is a well prepared and experienced management team and motivating techniques applied to employees, people are allowed with freedom to express themselves. WEAKNESSES In the management of the company there is only one person, Alvaro Rodriguez, who makes final decisions. This limited decision power may lead to difficulties in further management of Elektra. The company has a problem with the production of cloth for the clothing chain The One. The production capacity was not enough, so there were the shortage of stock level, colors and sizes of cloths. The company is not concentrated on one kind of business, there are many business directions and not all of them are enough qualified. In El Salvador and the Dominican Republic the existed Elektras business model didnt work. The main source of companys income is financial services, such as credits. The Elektra tries to attract more and more people to live on a credit and to pay quite high interest rates. External environmental factors: OPPORTUNITIES Offering Elektras services internationally provided the opportunities to compete at the worldwide market. In year 2001 Grupo Elektra was already a well recognized in many countries. THREATS Evaluation of management and suggested solutions As SWOT analyses demonstrates strengths prevail over weaknesses in Elektra case that explains continuous prosperity and success of the company in the market. However, certain weaknesses still present and are better to be eliminated. First of all, the management is performed by a group of well prepared managers while the final decision is always made only by one person, while others are not informed what principles and criteria are followed in making decisions. It is a risky strategy since biases the success of the company toward the decision of Alvaro. Moreover, it will be rather difficult in the future to replace Alvaro Rodriguez with anyone who will be equally active, smart and so well informed about the business of the company. More people should participate in the decision making process in order to avoid subjectivity and provide necessary support to the next CEO if something happens to Alvaro Rodriguez. From one side, the Elektra system perpetuates such type of culture where lower-income groups owe their lives or earnings to a central figure in this case Elektra owner Ricardo Salinas Pliego. For example, Elektra employs 4,000 â€Å"investigators† so every potential credit client can be visited at home before a credit sale is approved. From another point of view, the Elektra gives the chance of purchasing new things immediately and it makes peoples life better.

History of Federal Taxation in the United States

History of Federal Taxation in the United States The existing taxation policies in the U.S. have been characterized by a myriad of changes over the decades as a result of variations in the governments roles as well as the changing circumstances. The U.S. Department of Treasury asserted that the kinds of taxes imposed, their percentages as well as the size of the collections differ from what they were 100 years ago due to various historical events, including the war, the 16th Constitutional Amendment, changes in the society, economy, and the changes in the governments roles and responsibilities. During the colonial times and the post-revolutionary era, which spanned from 1791 to 1802, the U.S. had no income tax law. Therefore, to finance its roles and responsibilities, it relied on the contributions made by the states and internal taxes on whiskey and other distilled spirits, tobacco and snuff, refined sugar, carriages, properties sold at auction, slaves, and the corporate bonds (Sandbox Networks, Inc.). When President Jefferson was elected in 1802, he abolished these direct taxes, leaving the federal government, for the next decade, with only the internal revenue taxes. However, in 1812, more funds were needed to finance the war and Congress imposed extra excise taxes, issued Treasury notes, and raised certain customs duties (U.S. Department of the Treasury). In 1817, all these taxes were cancelled and for the following 44 years, the country relied on the customs duties and the public land sales for its revenues. Upon the eruption of the Civil War, Congress enacted the Revenue Act of 1861, reintroducing the former excise taxes and imposing taxes on personal earnings at a rate of 3% on all incomes above $800 a year (U.S. Department of the Treasury). However, due to some noted inadequacies, the personal income taxes became effective only in 1862. The increased cost of the war made Congress pass a new excise tax law in 1862 focusing on items like the pianos, gunpowder, feathers, playing cards, leather, iron, drugs, patent medicines, telegrams, billiard tables, whisky, legal documents, and license fees. In 1872, the income tax was abolished, but it was again revived in 1894 and 1895 before being deemed unconstitutional (Sandbox Networks, Inc.). The 16th Amendment of 1913 reintroduced the income tax and made it a permanent item in the U.S. tax system. Through this law, Congress imposed taxes on incomes of both individuals and corporations. The U.S. entry into World War I saw Congress pass in 1916 and 1918 Revenue Acts, all increasing the tax rates. In 1943, there was an introduction of the withholding taxes on wages. The need for more far-reaching reforms in the U.S. tax system led to the enactment of the Tax Reform Act of 1986, which lowered the individual income tax rate from 50% to 28%. Other notable changes to the U.S. tax system were made through the 1993 Revenue Reconciliation Act and the 2001 Economic Growth and Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2001 under the Clinton and George Bush administrations, respectively. Taxation is an important fiscal policy item in every economy. The view of this paper in regard to the contribution of the taxation on the economic growth depends on its policy, the purpose for which it is collected and the administration. Lower tax rates for the lower-income groups have been linked with improvements in the economy, especially through the creation of jobs (Worstall). This idea of spurring the economic growth by reducing the tax rate was advocated for by President Reagan in 1986 due to the effects on the economic incentives experienced by businesses and individuals. Therefore, the government should reduce the marginal tax rates with a view to significantly expand the tax base. Also, a tax imposed to collect revenues to finance war activities may not lead to improvement in economy unlike the one used to finance various economic activities. Works Cited Sandbox Networks, Inc. History of the Income Tax in the United States. 2017, http://www.infoplease.com/ipa/A0005921.html. Accessed 17 Jan. 2017 US Department of the Treasury. History of the US Tax System. Aug. 2003, http://www.policyalmanac.org/economic/archive/tax_history.shtml. Accessed 17 Jan. 2017 Worstall, Tim. Tax Cuts Do Increase Employment, Do Create Jobs, the Science Is In. Forbes, 22 Apr. 2015, http://www.forbes.com/sites/timworstall/2015/04/22/tax-cuts-do-increase-employment-do-create-jobs-the-science-is-in/#28d752437382. Accessed 17 Jan. 2017

Online Privacy at What Cost Essay -- Essays Papers

Online Privacy at What Cost When the constitution was written over two hundred years ago, our founding fathers probably did not have the Internet in mind. Since then, United States citizen along with their elected officials have tried to keep the rights of each American sacred, no matter what the cost. The major right that has been fought over since the dawn of the USA, has been that of the freedom of speech. Now, with the beginning of the twenty-first century, a new freedom of speech is again being examined. This newest freedom of speech is that of Internet privacy, more directly; how much privacy is too much privacy when on the Internet? To explore this question I will be looking at three areas; the freedom of speech of American citizens, the protection of children, and the protection of the United States' government. Should the freedom of speech protect the users of the Internet to write and print whatever they want? The Internet is a great place to interact with the world, since we are all connected as one and have the ability to share our unique cultures with each other with just a type of the keyboard. As long as the material being written is to help enlighten and learn about other places and peoples, then the Internet is a marvelous place for learning. It is when the Internet is used for more perverse propaganda like the neo-Nazi regime or pornography sites that use underage children to arouse its user. When the Internet is perverse with such corrupt material, this is when the Internet should be reexamined as if it should still retain the right of free speech. The privacy of the user into such inflammatory propaganda sites as the 'Aryan Nation Will Rule America', should be monitored, for it is no longer a question o... ...en our children and our national security, there should be none. Today, there are millions of web sites with millions people logging onto them for everything from information to entertainment. The Internet can be a great source of connection with the outside world, but when it contains such inflammatory articles like how to build a nuclear bomb and where would the best place to set it off to cripple America, then it is a matter of protection that the net is monitored. Otherwise, America may wake up one too late, to terrorist at all fronts knowing our secrets, and ready to takeover. Works Cited The Watchman by Jonathan Littman. Little Brown and Company Limited: 1997. Anarchy Online by Charles Platt. HarperCollins Publishers New York, NY: 1996. Cyberwars by Jean Guisnel. Plenum Trade New York: 1997. epic.org www.privacyrights.org www.privacy.org

A Separate Peace - The Role Of Minor Characters :: essays research papers

Without the minor characters the story "A Separate Peace" would be missing major points and it wouldn’t run smoothly. The minor characters in the story play an important role in the way the story falls together and in causing Finny to die. The minor characters in this story set up kind of props for other things to happen in the story. For example Brinker’s conflict with Gene. The first part of the conflict begins in the butt room where Brinker brings Gene after Finny has his fall. Brinker tries to tell everyone that Gene in fact did knock Finny off of the tree. Gene gets out by making up a crazy story but he is still mad at Brinker for this so he must get even. So later on in the story, at the winter carnival, Gene gives Brinker a reason to hold a stigma against him. Gene, caught up in the excitement, and getting back at Brinker for the butt room incident, pours some cider down Brinker’s throat. This cider almost chokes Brinker which causes him to be angry at Gene and he must get even with Gene later. So even later in the story, as his revenge, Brinker sets up another trial about Gene’s pushing Finny off of the tree. He gets everyone into his ""court room" to watch the trial and he t ries to prove that Gene did in fact push Finny off. The result of all of this revenge and the result of Brinker’s existence is that Finny finds out the truth which is that Gene did knock him out of the tree on purpose. The major result is that Finny dies because of Brinker. So Brinker, being a minor character, has the role of partly causing Finny to die in the end. If it wasn’t for Brinker, Finny would have still been alive. Minor characters also add plot and volume to the story and keep it alive. For example Leper’s going to the war. When Leper goes to the war, it is brought as a surprise. This is because Leper is not expected to be a war going type of guy. Leper is a quiet, non athletic guy, making him not a very ideal war person. Brinker would have been expected to be the first to enlist in the war because he is so big and athletic. This is one part of the minor characters adding plot to the story.

CIPD Profession Map and HR/L&D practitioner services Essay

1. Introduction. The HR Map can be found on the CIPD website. It is an on-line self assessment tool created and based on research and collaboration with some of the organisations. It is continuously reviewed und updated. The HR Profession Map was developed by the profession for the profession. It was created by both specialists and generalists, working in the UK and globally, across the private sector public and third sectors. 2.The summarise the CIPD Profession Map. 2.1 The architecture of CIPD Profession Map. There are ten professional arrears which describes what need to be known for each area at four bands of professional competence and gives an extended definition of what HR people need to do and what they need to know for each area of the HR profession at four bands of professional competence. Each area gives a detailed explanation of the key requirements of people who work in that area. There some examples of areas. Strategies, Insights and Solutions – which must focus on the needs of the customers and employees, add value to the organisation, develop understanding of the organisation and use the insights to tailor strategy and solutions to meet organisational needs now and in the future. The other example is Leading and Managing the Human Resources – where HR professionals need to be able to leads and manage a fit for purpose HR function, act as a role- model leader, ensuring that the function has the right capability and organisation design. As the leader makes efforts within supporting, developing and works collaboratively to support each other, each understanding what their own role is and how it contributes to the overall organisation strategy. The Eight Behaviours There are eight behaviours which describe how HR people should carry out their activities. 2.2 How the Map works? The 4 Bands of Professional Competence define the contribution that professionals make at every stage of their HR career. For example within Band 1 you should be able to demonstrate supporting colleagues with administration and processes effectively manage information and data. At Band 2, should be able to advise on HR related issues and show a clear understanding of the evaluation process and the solutions available. At Band 3, should be able to lead a professional area, acting as a consultant or partner, addressing key HR challenges at an organisational level. At Band 4,  should be able to leading the function or professional area. 2.3 Comment on the one of the professional areas – Insights, strategy and solutions. For Insights, strategy and solutions, to build the picture of how my organisation is currently functioning on the market, from both business and HR related view. So I need a high level of curiosity. I analyse internally and externally my organisation and tried t o place the organisation in the bigger picture. I also try to match what is going on inside with the market by connecting with other specialists within my company using the credible behaviour. I used the analytical tools, experience and the necessary information to understand where my organisation is currently and what are the coming trends, business and HR related. I develop actionable insights so my curiosity to identify opportunities and risks, collaborate internally to choose appropriate priorities and activities. I used my curiosity to develop and implement situational HR solutions, by extensive research. Supported by the behaviour I am able to build capacity and capability. I am creative and seen as credible when I inspire others people, regardless the management level they are on. I inspire and help to develop not only colleagues in my team but also other teams such as payroll or operational. Managing people and helping them reach performance, means that I understand how each person works to do the task that I understand the goals and I can work using the appropriate tools. With my professionalism and curiosity, I can find the proper way to manage issues, situations and difficult situations than advise accordingly and support each individual, assess team culture and provide insights. Being curious means being very interested on how the business is working, how each department and individual is contributing within the organisation, how the business suits the market, how the competition or similar companies are working and functioning. Being curious means being up to date with the job requirements, including law, HR and others departments’ processes or company policies. Having the necessary knowledge and being constantly interested in understanding the changes, develops my credibility as an expert and professional in the area, where people rely on me. I understand the business and I am capable to implement changes. Being curious as an HR Professional I constantly seek feed-back to develop. Managing you, it is very important as HR professional, inside the organisation. Constantly developing yourself, growing and being seen as an important part of the  business while you represent HR is an important step. Being curious allows me to support the HR function design and service delivery, resource planning and development, delivering value and performance in groups and teams. Managing upwards and across means being the support point for fixing HR related issues to all levels of organisation. 3. How an HR Practitioner should ensure the services provided are timely and effective? 3.1 Different customers and their needs. From the definition that the customer is anyone, internal or external, who is affected by processes, products or services of HR, I had have a look who are our customers. The HR department in our company is a service department to a range of customers. We entertain a wide variety of customers within our company; the 3 key users that we deal with are the external candidates, who wish to work for our company, employees and management. Those who use HR’s services, whether staff, managers, candidates, etc., will have needs. External candidates except that the requirement process is easy to understand and that the induction could be helpful to understand the company strategy and values. Employees want professional HR support therefore HR needs to be responsive and clear about what services it offers. Employees except response quickly and effectively and want to contact to HR easy. Therefore it is very important to offer support to employees regarding equal opportunities to ensure all staff members have the same rights and privileges. Managers want an HR function which understands the workforce and can help management balance employee and business needs. They want HR team which help identifying the issues and works with managers to resolve them. They would like HR to help them with their most challenging people. Therefore providing management with correct and precise information regarding an employee’s duties, schedules, and expectations of the job itself and on the area the person would be working in is very important. As an HR practitioner it is important to indentify and manage properly the needs. 3.2 Prioritising conflicting needs. The needs of employees and managers sometimes could be conflicted. To prioritise conflicting needs effectively, the HR practitioner first has to determine what is the most important. Managers require high levels of  production and longer working hours. Therefore the target for employees has been increased. It is very difficult for employees as there a half term just has started and they want more time off to spend the quality time with children. HR department should work with managers and employees to find the right balance. First the conversation could be done, where everybody should concentrate on what can be done. A way of resolving this conflict is to focus on the needs of the organisation. Ensuring that the some workers from the agency are recruited will help this. Coaching and counselling employees and managers will also help and providing an effective reward and recognition system. Where there is the need for efficiency as well as effectiveness, there will always be conflicting needs. The better HR professionals are able to identify these conflicts, quickly and prioritise them. This in turn allows the HR person to manage time more effectively. 3.3 Effective communication. There are a range of communication methods and all of them need to be considered to ensure it is appropriate for the recipient. We should think what is the best method not straight away using the technology. Emails There are advantages to using emails; it is a convenient way to convey information to a wide audience. Information can be sent quickly and any time of the day. However the disadvantages are that it can be open for interpretation of information or tone. It is impersonal and there’s no guarantee that the recipient has read the email. Team briefings Team briefing can be an effective way of communicating information to a targeted audience. It can work well to provide key details that can be filtered. In my company the team briefing is done before each shift starts, The casual conversation. It is quite vital to spend some time with the customers, showing that you understand them, asking about the feedback in formal and informal way. Therefore the simple conversation is vital. 3.4 Effective service delivery. By providing HR services to employees and management, we need to be sure that the employees are happy with our service. Therefore it is vital to build trust with the users. If we provide confidential and good advice, the employee is more likely to stay with company for a long period of time. It will also allow for company to have a good name throughout the industry and encourage potential candidates to apply to work with us. Actively building and strengthening relationships with customers should be a focus of every HR function.

How Does the Concentration of Sucrose Solution Effect Thr Mass and Length of a Piece of Potato

What is osmosis? Osmosis is the diffusion of water molecules through a semi permeable membrane. Why is it important? It is important to know what Osmosis is, and to understand it so that we understand what we are measuring, and so that we can use this understanding to apply to other situations so that we can gain further knowledge. We can also use this understanding to analyse our results. What we will do: We will put potato pieces of similar sizes in to test tubes of different concentrations of sucrose solution, and measure any changes in mass and length. Affecting Factors: There are a number of factors which can affect our results. We need to keep them all the same, and make sure that the only thing that changes is the concentration of the sucrose solution. These factors include: †¢ Starting length of potato †¢ Volume of Sucrose solution †¢ Temperature of potato †¢ Temperature of Sucrose solution †¢ Time we left the potato in the Sucrose solution for To control these factors, We will measure each piece of potato before the experiment, and make sure each piece is the same length. We will also measure out the volume of sucrose solution each time. We will also leave the potato pieces in the solution for the same amount of time. We could also have measured the temperature of the sucrose solution and of the potato to make sure the temperature was always the same. However, we decided not to do this as we had a limited amount of time to conduct our experiment in, and we did not want to rush the rest otherwise we might have made a mistake, or been less accurate with either measuring the potato length and mass, volume of sucrose solution, or recording our results. Prediction: Based on what I know about osmosis, I think that the higher the concentration of sucrose solution, the more the potato mass and length will decrease. I think this based on my knowledge of osmosis. If I am correct, then when the water concentration in the potato is higher than the water concentration of the sucrose solution, the water will try and spread out, and will leave the potato, therefore, making the potato mass and length smaller. When the water concentration is the same in the potato as in the sucrose solution, the potato mass and length will stay the same because the water concentration will be balanced. When the water concentration in the potato is lower that in the sucrose solution, the water will try to balance out, and the potato’s mass and length increase as it absorbs water. Only water will go between the potato and the solution as the potato acts as a semi-permeable membrane where only water molecules are small enough to pass through, whereas, starch and sucrose are too large to pass through this membrane. Hopefully, my prediction will be shown in my results, but they will have to be very accurate and reliable to truly prove this, and for it to be more than just coincidence. [pic]

From Leninism to Stalinism: A Logical Progression

The question of whether or not Stalinism was a logical continuation of Leninism is a difficult one. Stalinism did take significantly more drastic measures than Leninism did. There were differences in policy. But in spite of these, Stalinism still found its basis in Leninism. Even Trotsky, a friend of Lenin and a staunch opponent of Stalin, grudgingly admits that â€Å"Stalinism did issue from Bolshevism† (Trotsky). Stalin's policy of socialism in one country, his use of terror to eliminate opposition, and his suppression of democracy and the soviets were all characteristics of Lenin well before they were characteristic of Stalin. Although some of Stalin's policies were different from those of Lenin, what difference Stalinism did show from Leninism were either policies which Lenin had called for but never put into action, or logical continuations of Lenin's original principles, but modified to suit the demands of the time. One of Stalin's main focuses was on the concept of â€Å"socialism in one country† – that is, the focus on the betterment exclusively of his own country rather than on the international communist revolution. â€Å"Socialism in one country† began with Lenin. In 1918 Lenin signed the Treaty of Brest-Livtosk, which pulled Russia out of WW1 and surrendered much of the Ukraine to Austria-Hungarian forces (â€Å"How Lenin Led to Stalin†). At this time, there was a revolutionary movement in the Ukraine composed of peasants and workers known as the Makhnovist movement. This group needed only the support of Lenin and Russia to launch their own socialist revolution. However, they were not given this support (â€Å"How Lenin Led to Stalin†). Clearly, Lenin's focus was on the well-being of Russia rather than the International Communist Movement. He was focused on Socialism in One Country. Lenin's actions, compromising his political ideals for the sake of peace, would later be echoed by Stalin when Stalin signed a non-aggression pact with Adolf Hitler on August 23, 1939. In addition to a focus on socialism only within his own country, Stalin also focused on a concentration of governmental control of industry and agriculture. This policy, originated by Lenin under the moniker of state capitalism, was a clearly established goal of Leninism well before Stalin implemented it. Lenin said that â€Å"Socialism isnothing but state capitalist monopoly made to benefit the whole people† (â€Å"How Lenin Led to Stalin†). It is clear that his idea of socialism was one of governmental economic control. Moreover, Lenin fully intended for this plan to be implemented. He said that â€Å"If we introduced state capitalism in approximately 6 months' time we would achieve a great success† (â€Å"How Lenin Led to Stalin†). As the government gained more and more control over the economy, Lenin felt it necessary to defend his actions. He published an article in April of 1918 in which he stated that â€Å"Unquestioning submission to a single will is absolutely necessary for the success of the labor process†¦ the revolution demands, in the interests of socialism, that the masses unquestioningly obey the single will of the leaders of the labor process† (â€Å"How Lenin Led to Stalin†). In addition to demonstrating the Leninist ideal of state capitalism, it also shows that Lenin viewed absolute governmental authority as necessary, a policy that would be further instituted during the totalitarian rule of Stalin. One aspect of Lenin's state capitalism was the forced collectivization of agriculture. In article six of his â€Å"April Theses,† Lenin called for â€Å"Nationalization of all lands in the country, and management of such lands by local Soviets of Agricultural Laborers' and Peasants' Deputies† (Russian History 1905-30†³). In 1929, when Stalin forced collectivization onto the agricultural workers, he was simply putting Lenin's concepts into action. Lenin had had the original idea, and had felt it was a necessary action, but he had been unable to put his plan fully into effect. Stalin was able to take a previously incompletely implemented Leninist policy and put it into action. In their attempts to bring the workers under governmental control, Leninists were willing to take drastic action. In May of 1918, a new decree stated that only one third of industrial management personnel could be elected, the rest being appointed to their positions. In April of 1920, Trotsky stated that â€Å"Deserters from labor ought to be formed into punitive battalions or put into concentration camps† (â€Å"How Lenin Led to Stalin†). Arguments have been raised which state that Lenin's New Economic Policy is a demonstration of the fact that Leninism's goal was not one of total governmental control. However, the New Economic Policy was only instituted by Lenin when it became absolutely necessary for the survival of Russia, and even then it was only intended to be a temporary measure before returning to state capitalism. Despite the temporary nature of the New Economic Policy, it was still viewed by many leading members of the Communist party as being too drastic a departure from Leninist doctrine. When Stalin abandoned the New Economic Policy, he was not abandoning a part of Leninism. Rather, he was banning a policy that even Lenin himself had not intended to be permanent, and that many people viewed as being a policy contrary to the aims of Leninism (Wood, p. 23-26). Stalin was also characterized by his strong suppression of opposition, which is once again a Leninist trait. A decree of the Sovnarkom on December 20, 1917 called for the creation of a commission â€Å"to persecute and break up all acts of counter-revolution and sabotage all over Russia, no matter what their origin† (â€Å"Russian History 1905-30†). The decree further read that â€Å"measures [to be taken against these counter-revolutionaries are] confiscation, confinement, deprivation of [food] cards, publication of the names of the enemies of the people, etc† (â€Å"Russian History 1905-30†). While these actions were admittedly not as drastic as Stalin's, they do represent a strong, forceful suppression of opposition. In addition, Stalin was in power after these measures had already proven futile. Given the ineffectiveness of these methods, a logical continuation of these policies would have been to increase the severity of the suppression. In addition, other actions taken by Leninism were far more drastic. In a Cheka raid in Moscow in April 1918, 26 Anarchist centers were raided, killing or injuring 40 Anarchists and imprisoning over 500 more (â€Å"How Lenin Led to Stalin†). Another feature common to both Stalin and Lenin was their attempts to eliminate any democratic or representative forms of government. This too was a continuation of a long-standing Leninist policy well before Stalin was in power. Starting in 1918, in elections for factory committees, an approved list of candidates was created beforehand, and voting was done by a show of hands while a member of the Communist cell read the names and armed Communist guards watched on. Voicing opposition to the proposed candidates would result in wage cuts (â€Å"How Lenin Led to Stalin†). Lenin's suppressions were not limited to non-communists. As Stalin would later do, Lenin also worked to eliminate any possible sources of dissention within the Communist party. In 1918 there was a faction within the party that was critical of the new policy of Taylorism, a system used to measure the outputs of the workers in the country. This faction was centered around the journal Kommunist. At a Leningrad party conference, the majority supported Lenin's demand â€Å"that the adherents of Kommunist cease their separate organizational existence† (â€Å"How Lenin Led to Stalin†). Three years later, the 1921 party congress issued a ban on all factions within the Communist party. Speaking regarding one of these factions, the Workers Opposition, Trotsky said they had â€Å"placed the workers right to elect representatives above the party. As if the party were not entitled to assert its dictatorship even if that dictatorship temporarily clashed with the passing moods of the workers democracy† (â€Å"How Lenin Led to Stalin†). We can see the dark motivations behind Leninism's banning of factions: to keep the democracy from interfering with the dictatorship. Well before Stalin was using his power to eliminate any who might oppose him, Lenin was carefully and thoroughly removing the opponents to his power. In the trade union congress of April 1920, Lenin stated that in 1918 he had â€Å"pointed out the necessity of recognizing the dictatorial authority of single individuals for the purpose of carrying out the soviet idea† (â€Å"How Lenin Led to Stalin†). This concept of a single absolute ruler that Lenin felt was so necessary was to become one of the points for which Stalin was later criticized. In setting himself up as an absolute dictator, Stalin was merely following what Lenin had said was necessary. Another aspect of Stalin's suppression of opposition was his violent suppression of workers revolts and the soviets. Stalinism crushed revolts in East Berlin in 1953, in Hungary in 1956, and in Czechoslovakia in 1968, as well as many other, smaller revolts (â€Å"How Lenin Led to Stalin†). This policy would seem to contradict the Leninist ideal, in which the government was built for the workers, and a revolt of the workers would have been something that occurred only as a step towards a communist society. However, we can find this policy originating from Leninism. The Leninist government itself often showed strong opposition to attempts made by the workers to increase their power. The first All-Russian Congress of Soviets, held in June of 1917, stated that giving full power to the soviets would have â€Å"greatly weakened and threatened the revolution† (â€Å"Russian History 1905-30†). In 1921, at the Kronstadt naval base, workers attempted to elect a soviet. They also issued a declaration which called for the reestablishment of the democratic soviets, and an end to censorship of speech and press. These actions were supported by the workers, the sailors, and many members of the Bolshevik party. However, official Leninist forces stormed the base, killing many of the rebels who were unable to escape. Leninism had demonstrated that it was opposed to a representative government designed with the wants of the workers in mind. All of the defining policies of Stalinism were either policies that had originally being instituted by Leninism, policies called for by Leninism but not put into action until Stalinism, or else Leninist policies modified to fit the needs of the situation. Stalinism was a logical continuation of Leninism.

Affect of Fast Food

Primary Factors that Affect Choice of Fast Food PRIMARY FACTORS THAT AFFECT CHOICE OF FAST FOOD AMONG INDIVIDUALS OF DIFFERENT COUNTRIES AND DIFFERENTIATIONS IN HEALTH PERSPECTIVES RELATED TO CONSUMPTION OF FAST FOOD ABSTRACT The objective of this research is to identify the impact that culture has on the consumption of fast food and to compare the difference in buying behavior in different countries.Finally, this work will investigate the major factors that affect customer’s choice in fast food and to understand the relationship between food consumptions and health. This study has made a qualitative examination of fast food consumption among individuals of various nationalities and ethnicities in various countries specifically as related to consumption of fast food through an extensive review of literature in a study reported in interpretive and descriptive findings.Literature reviewed in this study is of an academic and peer-reviewed nature and published in journals, books, and professional literature and is of a recent nature. Globalization is greatly changing society and culture all around the globe in terms of consumer choices, lifestyle, individual preferences, socialization and custom and at the same time all of these factors are individualizing and changing specific aspects of marketing for fast food restaurants such as McDonald’s, Kentucky Fried Chicken, and others.In short, understanding factors affecting consumer choices regarding fast food is a complex focus of research because many diverse and various factors must be taken into consideration in terms of fast food and indeed the non-foodness’ (Kwan, 1999) this study has found that non-food related factors affecting consumer choice of fast food establishments on a local and international basis include factors such as: (1) individual choice; (2) religious; (3) group preferences; (4) health-related factors; (5) location and availability of restaurant choices; (6) costs; (7) sociali zation; (8) time available for eating; (9) with whom they are eating the food; (10) whether the individual is a student in a college or university within the proximity of a fast food restaurant. OBJECTIVEThe objective of this research is to identify the impact that culture has on the consumption of fast food and to compare the difference in buying behavior in different countries. Finally, this work will investigate the major factors that affect customer’s choice in fast food and to understand the relationship between food consumptions and health. INTRODUCTION This study focuses on the factors that affect the choice of fast food by individuals in various countries throughout the world and specifically as related to buying behavior as related to consumptions of fast food and health perceptions among these individuals and different cultures. BACKGROUND OF THE STUDYMany studies have cited health-related affects from fast food consumption therefore this study has sought to investi gate the factors that affect the choice of fast food among different individuals in various countries throughout the world and the related health perceptions of these individuals as related to consumption of fast food. METHODOLOGY This study has made a qualitative examination of fast food consumption among individuals of various nationalities and ethnicities in various countries specifically as related to consumption of fast food through an extensive review of literature in a study reported in interpretive and descriptive findings. Literature reviewed in this study is of an academic and peer-reviewed nature and published in journals, books, and professional literature and is of a recent nature. INTRODUCTIONGlobalization is greatly changing society and culture all around the globe in terms of consumer choices, lifestyle, individual preferences, socialization and custom and at the same time all of these factors are individualizing and changing specific aspects of marketing for fast fo od restaurants such as McDonald’s, Kentucky Fried Chicken, and others. In short, understanding factors affecting consumer choices regarding fast food is a complex focus of research because many diverse and various factors must be taken into consideration in terms of fast food and indeed the non-foodness’ (Kwan, 1999) of fast food must be examined. ‘Non-foodness’ is a term coined in the work of Kwan (1999) which is a term used to refer to other reasons that fast food is chosen for consumption among consumers internationally. These factors will be specifically focused on in this study. RESEARCH QUESTIONS ) What different views are held among different cultures in countries throughout the world relating to consumption of fast food? 2) What are the health perspective differentials existing among individuals in various countries throughout the world related to fast food consumption? 3) What are the primary factors that affect the consumption of fast food by col lege-age students from various countries of the world? 4) Is consumption of fast food an addition to- or an extension of- cultural issues surrounding food consumption? 5) What non-food related factors affect consumer choice of fast food establishments internationally and locally? LITERATURE REVIEWThe work of Jiang (2006) entitled: â€Å"American Fast Food in Chinese Culture† states that the research reported is of a study that examined the affects of American fast food culture on Chinese eating habits and the perceptions that the Chinese population have on their general health statuses and the effects of American fast food on Chinese health. Factors listed in this study for consumption of fast food included: (1) Convenience; (2) Speed; (3) Clean and quiet environment; (4) Children being the reason for visiting fast food establishments. Included in reasons for visiting fast food establishments by the Chinese individuals interviewed by Jiang were the reasons stated as: (1) Clea nliness; and 2) Preference for the food. In the country of China Jiang (2006) states that places: â€Å"†¦such as McDonald’s and KFC represent the attainment of the desired urban Chinese life. They are places where small companies started by recent college graduates hold office meetings. They are popular dating spots among the young adults and quiet places to get away from the hustle and bustle of metropolitan life for the increasing population of white collar workers. The well lit, standardized and clean restaurants represent the antithesis of the traditional Chinese restaurant in which franchises are rare, busy meal time are always loud, and the older generations tend to prefer. (Jiang, 2006) Jiang relates that these fast food restaurants in China place an emphasis on the culture and social status which is reflected in â€Å"†¦the business strategies of the fast food companies in targeting the younger generation with weight loss salads, quiet environments and tr endy music. † (2006) The younger generation in China have different values than do their parents â€Å"†¦the standards for social status have changed as well. Changing standards which American fast food among other companies have been catering to include the creation of â€Å"†¦non-smoking, clean, professional franchises that make the younger generation feel comfortable and upscale.At McDonald’s for example, they are treated in the same manner as a successful businessman thirty years their senior. At Starbucks, the standardized menu allows them to have their favorite drink made the same way no matter which franchise they visit. At KFC, one can sit down to study without being bombarded by loud yells from smoking middle-aged men talking business over beer. Whereas previous generations favored personal attention, the new generation now favors personal comfort. In order to be successful, consequently, new businesses have to target the intra-generational cultures . † (Jiang, 2006) The work of Wai Yin Kwan entitled: â€Å"American Fast Food in Hong Kong, Taiwan, and China† (1999) relates some very interesting facts.Kwan (1999) conducted a survey among Texas students from Hong Kong, Taiwan and China. Findings of the survey include the following stated reasons why these individuals choose fast food: (1) Because it is â€Å"something new and different† – Kwan relates that â€Å"since hamburgers, pizzas, and french fries are not items found in the traditional Chinese diet, many first time customers went to the fast food places just to find out what the food and the entire fast food experience were like. † (1999) (2) American – Kwan relates that for some of these individuals the aspect of the individuals in this study because it provided them with a â€Å"change to participate in and associate themselves with the American culture. (1999) Kwan’s study revealed that because â€Å"people have differin g conceptions of what America is, the exact aspects of American culture that the consumers found appealing also differ. For the younger generation the American fast food/tee-shirt and jeans culture represents a lack of formal rules, casualness, and youth. For young adults who are involved or wish to be involved in the business world, American fast food represents the modern, global culture. † (1999) (3) Something special – Kwan relates that in the advent of the fast food chains â€Å"†¦their prices were relatively high compared to lower end, traditional eating establishments. The high prices prevented most people from going there on a regular basis, and therefore fast food was seen a special treat. (1999) (4) Tourist destination – Kwan relates findings that since fast food places are generally concentrated in the large urban areas â€Å"†¦and have not yet reached rural towns, many rural tourists who visit large urban cities in China make a special tri p to fast food places. Many tourists have their picture taken in front of the McDonald's sign or with the Ronald McDonald statue outside the restaurant to document their contact with an exotic culture. â€Å" (1999) (5) Location, location, location – Over a period-of-time, Kwan’s study notes that â€Å"†¦as the number of fast food outlets increased, the reasons why people go to fast food places changed. All the interviewees who have become accustomed to the presence of the fast food chains now cite the numerous locations as a major reason for going to fast food outlets.Some of the students said while they would never make a special trip to go to a fast food place, they sometimes ate fast food because they happened to walk by a fast food place when they were hungry. † (1999) Additionally, other than the number of fast food outlets, the locations were noted to play an integral role in the popularity of fast food among the students from Hong Kong, Taiwan and China as many of these outlets are located nearby schools and college campuses and students were stated to be prone to gather in these outlets in the late afternoon and early evening following classes. (6) The Toys! – McDonald’s was found to be popular among youth from Hong Kong, Taiwan and China because of the toys provided with the Happy Meal. Kwan states: â€Å"Recently the Happy Meal toys also attracted the attention of the adult market.The sales of Happy Meals at McDonald's in Hong Kong jumped 80% in 1998 after the introduction of the Snoopy doll, and jumped 10% in 1999 after the introduction of the Hello Kitty doll This increase in sales was driven by both kids and adults who bought and then resold the dolls at twenty times the original price. † (1999) (7) Friendly staff – According to Kwan another reason cited for the popularity of fast food was the friendly staff and atmosphere. Findings of the survey relate that quality of service varies at other high-end expensive and traditional restaurants â€Å"while the quality of service at traditional places varies greatly depending on the personality of the waiter, the students said that the cashiers at the fast food places are always smiling and polite. † (1999) (8) Cleanliness – Kwan relates the fact that Taiwanese and Chinese students â€Å"†¦were also impressed by the cleanliness of the fast food places.One reason for the cleanliness is the fact that unlike traditional restaurants where the customers leave all the dishes on the tables when they leave, the customers at the fast food places throw their own trash away. The students were also impressed by the fact that employees were constantly sweeping the floors and cleaning the windows. † (1999) The students from Hong Kong however, â€Å"†¦didn't express the view that the service and cleanliness of American fast food chains are superior to domestic eateries. † (1999) Kwan reports that in surv ey questions that focused entirely on fast food at McDonald’s the following findings were stated: (1) Friendly atmosphere – Kwan relates that the tops reasons for choosing McDonalds among the students from Taiwan and China included: (a) clean atmosphere; (b) friendly atmosphere. Secondary was the food itself. 2) Cheap prices – Kwan relates that unlike China and Taiwan â€Å"†¦where the prices at McDonald's were higher than traditional food eateries, the prices at McDonald's in Hong Kong are cheaper than most other eateries. The low prices were very attractive to the young students who had a limited supply of money. † (1999) Kwan relates that among the students he surveyed that â€Å"none of the students I interviewed expressed a strong negative view of the American fast food chains. Also stated in the findings of the study conducted by Kwan (1999) is: â€Å"While there is a bias against American fast food, especially among the older generation, the bias isn't for reasons that American critics normally cite.Many of the students said that their parents never even wanted to try American fast food because of the fact that they didn't consider it real food. In their opinion a real meal consists of rice or noodles, some meat and vegetables, not â€Å"two slices of bread, a small piece of meat and some ketchup. †(Kwan, 1999) The students from Taiwan, China and Hong Kong, held the view that the more choices available to them all the better and as well nearly all of the students held the belief that â€Å"†¦of the students also shared the common belief that the introduction of American fast food companies was not a threat to their culture, because they believe that the Chinese people are too proud of their food culture to ever let fast food replace traditional food. † (Kwan, 1999)This study reports that among those students who enjoyed eating fast food it was viewed as â€Å"†¦more as alternative to their dail y diet, rather than being the main part of their diet. † (1999) Kwan relates that there was no expressed concern among Hong Kong and Taiwanese students â€Å"over the widespread presence of fast food back home, some of the students from China were bothered by the rapidly increasing presence of fast food in China. One student said while she readily accepts the presence of McDonald's in the urban cities, she is less supportive of the idea of McDonald's spreading into the rural areas. † (Kwan, 1999) Kwan humorously states: â€Å"Relax people, it's just capitalism! (1999) It is reported that the students surveyed held a belief that the fast food corporations are just â€Å"corporate behavior as a natural part of doing business†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (1999) The students surveyed by Kwan did not have a negative image of American fast food companies and some even held the belief that local food culture has been improved by the introduction of the fast food restaurants. The reason sta ted for this is: â€Å"Previous to the introduction of fast food, not much attention was paid to the service and cleanliness of inexpensive, small scale eateries; good service and a clean environment were high priorities only in expensive, high scale restaurants.The students, who are old enough to compare the conditions of local eateries before and after the introduction of fast food, said that some local restaurants are trying to improve their service and cleanliness in response to the competition from the American fast food industry. † (1999) The study conducted by Kwan also reveals the situation that occurred in Hong Kong: â€Å"In 1974 the founders of Cafe Coral changed the eatery from a traditional style restaurant, to a self-service system that combined Chinese style food with Western style concepts of mass production, quality, service, cleanliness, and value. By 1999 Cafe de Coral had 112 fast food outlets in Hong Kong, second only to McDonald's 147 outlets.These dome stic fast food companies have taken what they have learned from Western fast food companies and created viable alternative for local consumers who want both the service, cleanliness, and low prices associated with Western fast food and the taste of traditional Chinese food. † (Kwan, 1999) Kwan relates that the rapid spread of American fast food in China â€Å"†¦China should not simply be seen as one-way process of foreign business imposing their product on local consumers. Consumers have as much affect on the way the product is perceived and used, as the corporations that market the product. † (1999) Adjustments have been noted in the menu offerings by the fast food restaurants in order to adapt to the tastes of the locality which includes offering of the Teriyaki burger by McDonald’s and the offerings of a seafood Pizza by Pizza Hut topped with shrimp and squid.Students in numbers have made note of the fact that the Spicy Chicken Wings at Kentucky Fried Chi cken (KFC) were greatly liked and Kwan states this is due to the fact that â€Å"Chinese people generally consider the wings, not the breast or the thigh, as the juiciest and best part of the chicken. † (1999) Another aspect of the attraction of fast food to consumers that differentiates American and Hong Kong customers is the time spent at a fast food establishment. American consumers are stated to spend, on the average, 11 minutes while the Hong Kong consumers reporting spending, on-the-average, 20-25 minutes at the fast food establishment. Kwan relates: â€Å"One student I interviewed said she and her friends would often go to McDonald's for a â€Å"quick† thirty minute meal before going somewhere else such as the movies. While for Americans the idea of spending thirty minutes eating fast ood seems to contradict the purpose of going to a â€Å"fast† food place, to Chinese consumers this behavior is quite normal. † (1999) Also stated among the findings of the study of Kwan is that the fast food establishment is a â€Å"place to hang out†¦a social gathering place for people, especially youths and college-age people. † (1999) The location of these establishments centrally located to schools, universities, and colleges and allowed those who frequented these fast food restaurants to hang out as long as they like, although the study reveals that other waiting customers did often apply pressure and hurry those with tables to eat and surrender the table and with other customers soon to follow to pressure those just having gained the table to give it up to them.Kwan specifically relates that one of the primary reasons for fast food restaurants becoming a chosen hangout is because â€Å"†¦there are no other food establishments that students and their friends could hang out. The owners of small, family-owned Chinese restaurants expect the customers to finish eating in a reasonable amount of time so that new customers can b e seated. The fancier restaurants, that are more accommodating to people who stay for longer periods, are too expensive for most youths. â€Å" (1999) The social aspect of fast food restaurants reflects that status of eating in socialization among these students. Kwan relates findings that eating, among the students surveyed â€Å"was considered a social activity to be shared with others.All of the students said that they would usually or almost always go out to the fast food places with someone else. Some students even said that they would never go out to eat alone. For some students the primary purpose of going to the fast food places was to hang out, not to eat. A few of the students said that they went to the fast food places, even though they didn't like the food, because their friends wanted to go. They would order a drink and maybe something small like fries or a dessert, and spend quite a while there just hanging out and talking with their friends. † (1999) Kwan note s the ‘Non-foodness of fast food† in that it has been assimilated into accepted local culture†¦Ã¢â‚¬  although this is certainly on a global scale, et this type of food is not viewed the same as traditional Chinese food in the Chinese culture. Chinese food is not only traditional in its content but in its cultural form as well the vast array of available dishes when eating in a Chinese restaurant is accompanied by a great and lengthy discussion as to the ‘quality’ of the food â€Å"†¦and urging others to eat more. † (Kwan, 1999) Furthermore, it is revealed in this study that Chinese fast food consumption is through â€Å"a simple routine of picking which number value meal they want. † (Kwan, 1999) One of the primary findings in this study is that â€Å"many people don’t expect to get full from fast food.Kwan states that students related: â€Å"†¦they would feel ripped off if they went to a traditional place and didn't g et full, the fact that they didn't get full from McDonald's never bothered them. A few of the students even commented on the fact that two or three hours after eating fast food, they would get hungry again. If they had eaten a real meal, meaning rice, meat, and vegetables, then they would be full for the rest of the night. † (1999) Kwan’s study notes that the reactions of the overseas students to fast food in America includes the findings that to these students interviewed from China, Taiwan and Hong Kong: â€Å"Chinese made American fast-food tastes better† accredited to the spices in China which are put in the burgers make them taste better than in America.Chinese students state that pizza is even better in China and stated in the survey: â€Å"Many of the overseas students said that they were disappointed the first time they ate pizza here in America because they were used to eating pizzas with five or six toppings back home. They thought it was a rip off tha t the pizzas in the U. S. usually only come with one topping. † (Kwan, 1999) Among the students interviewed Kwan states findings that â€Å"the ubiquitous nature of fast food is also another reason for their decreased interest in fast food. Since the allure of eating something â€Å"different†, something â€Å"American† is gone, the only reason left to go to the fast food places is the food itself. For most of the students I interviewed, the food just isn't enough of a reason to go to the fast food places. † (1999)Kwan concludes the study by stating: â€Å"The reasons consumers in China, McDonald's and Hong Kong go to fast food places is much more complex than the fact that â€Å"Chinese consumers are obsessed with all things American. † Their reasons for going to fast food places range from characteristics shared by consumers throughout the world, such as convenience, location and hunger, to reasons that based on specific cultural values, such as the view that eating is a social activity. Ironically the food itself only plays minor role in the popularity of fast food. The emphasis on going to a fast food place as a social activity, rather than a eating activity, offers a definition of the term â€Å"fast food† that is vastly different from the one created by the business executives. † (1999)The work entitled: â€Å"Fast Food: Faster Way to Ill Health† published in ‘The Hindu’ relates that while country has â€Å"the largest epidemic, in any nation, of malnourished people†¦Ã¢â‚¬  as well India â€Å"will soon be the largest epidemic of any national, of obese and diabetic people who will be prone to trouble with their kidneys, eyes, nervous systems, or other parts of the body. † (Balasubramanian, 2008) This is attributed to policies, or actually a lack of policies â€Å"of successive governments, central and state†¦Ã¢â‚¬  ((Balasubramanian, 2008) This report relates that fa st food or ‘junk food in India’ â€Å"does not come any faster than the traditional idli, vada, dosa, samosa, pakoda or chat in our shops and stalls; indeed it comes slower. † (Balasubramanian, 2008) The report relates a typical scene in India stating: â€Å"One report says that over 23 per cent of the children in Delhi are obese.One hopes that this estimate is not true; if it is, one shudders to think of the numbers in Mumbai, Hyderabad, Pune, Chennai, Kolkata, Gurgaon and other nouveau riche cities with their fast pervading mall culture and fast food attractions. Here is a typical scene from one such mall in Hyderabad. It has a 4-movie multiplex theatre, surrounded by 40-odd fast food kiosks and 20-odd shops that sell clothing, perfumes and jewelry, music and video CDs and DVDs and the like. Not one of them sells traditional Indian meals or snacks. And the mall, like 20 others in the city, is filled with thousands of youngsters who obviously have enough to spe nd. We did not have such scenes in India twenty years ago, but this mall and fast food culture is expanding explosively across India. This too is part of the globalization of India, a part that auses great concern about the health of its citizens. † (Balasubramanian, 2008) Balasubramanian reports a research conducted by the research firm ‘Synovate’ recently among thirteen countries on â€Å"food habits and health, particularly fast food culture and obesity. † (2008) Findings in the study reported by Balasubramanian (2008) state the â€Å"†¦the number one fast food nation in the world is the United Kingdom. About 45 per cent of the people there are fast food eaters, and say â€Å"I like the taste of fast food too much to give it up. † (Balasubramanian, 2008) Following a close second are Americans at 44% and Canadians in very close behind in third place consumption of fast food and 37%.Very different findings are stated for the French who reject fast food at a rate of 81% and Singaporeans who reject fast food at a rate of 71%. Balasubramanian notes that while â€Å"†¦these two countries too are globalized, developed nations, and yet their people reject fast food. † (Balasubramanian, 2008) Balasubramanian states that a paradox exists among the French in that there are so very few incidences of metabolic type disorders and diseases. This could well be the fact that only 30% of those in France are overweight while â€Å"less than 24 percent in Singapore†¦Ã¢â‚¬  are overweight. Those overweight in China are at approximately 18% and 15% of individuals were obese in India until 1980 when that rate climbed rapidly to 27%.Balasubramanian makes a comparison of fast food and traditional food in India and states: â€Å"A hamburger with toppings yields 300 calories (cal) and 10 grams (g) total fat. A slice of pepperoni pizza has 180 cal and 7 g fat. A 12-oz (340 ml) can of Coca Cola yields 155 cal, and a small porti on of McDonald’s French fries has 210 cal, and as much as 15g total fat (and the bad ones, the trans fats, form 4g of this amount). More often than not, these are eaten as snacks and not as meals, and thus add to the calorie and fat content- contributing to obesity and associated ill health. † (2008) Balasubramanian states that in comparison to Indian snacks nd ‘tiffin’ that these â€Å"†¦one midsize idli offers 70 cal and 0. grams fat, a sada dosa 140 cal and 5 grams fat (hence a set dosa or steamed dosa is better), and a samosa packs 370 cal and 18 grams fat (matching a pizza slice or a plate of fries). A glass of lassi (200 g) gives you 140 cal and 2 grams fat (only if it is not ‘malai dal ke’). In the list of fattening dishes of India, korma and biryani stand on top, while ‘tikka’ items cooked in dry oven are low fat. This comparison is not to say: â€Å"avoid burger and fries, and eat only idli vada,† but to reque st to use moderation and caution. † (Balasubramanian, 2008) In another report from the University of Austin Texas entitled: â€Å"Research Examines the Incorporation of Fast Food Culture† it is related that although McDonald’s the work of Dr. John Traphagan and Dr. L.Keith Brown which is published in the Journal of Ethnology (2002) which relates that fast food is among many and â€Å"†¦often is disparaged as imposing American culture upon unsuspecting global consumers, a new study shows that in Japan fast food restaurants may have positive cultural effects. † (2002) This study â€Å"†¦highlights examples of how McDonald's, Kentucky Fried Chicken and other Westernized fast food restaurants provide an opportunity for Japanese families to interact with a sense of intimacy and conviviality that is not seen in more traditional Japanese fast food establishments. † (Traphagan, 2002) T Traphagan states in the findings of the study: â€Å"We becam e interested in fast food in Japan as a result of casual observations of people in restaurants.It seemed to us that the patterns of eating and interaction were different from what is often reported in the media and in various scholarship in relation to the role of McDonald's and other fast food venues in modern societies. We also were interested, in this age of globalization, in how the products of multinational corporations such as McDonald's fit into other, non-American cultures,† he said. â€Å"We were interested in how such global, or American, products are perceived in other cultures, how those products are consumed and used in other cultures, how they are adjusted or changed to fit with the local culture and what effect such things have on other cultures. † (2002)Through observation of the behavior of those eating in fast food restaurants the researchers were able to note differential eating patterns between Japanese and American consumers including findings of th e sharing of food among co-workers, friends, and members of family. Traphagan states: â€Å"It is very common for Japanese to have plates of common food in the center of the table, from which they take small portions. Intimacy is sometimes evident by the manner in which people use their chopsticks. If they turn the chopsticks around and take the food from the common plate with the back ends of the chopsticks, this indicates a degree of social distance. One would not do this with family members.The tendency of having common food in the center of the table holds in restaurants like McDonald's, where people usually dump all of the french fries onto a common tray in the center of the table and then draw from them as desired. † (2002) Fast food was also found in the study conducted by Traphagan to be differentiated in Japan from fast food in the United States in that Japanese fast food â€Å"†¦involves a range of options wider than the burgers and fries or fried chicken that typifies the American example, ramen, yakitori and sushi can all be fast food. In some ways, many aspects of Japanese cuisine are fast food in that they can be prepared, kept and eaten quickly — although by no means do Japanese always eat quickly. (2002) It is important to note the findings stated by Traphagan that the Japanese â€Å"†¦view foods like hamburgers and fries as snacks, rather than as a full meal. The lack of rice puts these foods into a somewhat different category from that typical in the U. S. † (Traphagan, 2002) Traphagan states findings that certain customs of the Japanese were â€Å"†¦sustained in fast food restaurants. One is that a woman in the group — the wife, mother or girlfriend — will go to the counter to place the order and pay, while the rest of the family is seated. In a society where family dinners are rare, the researchers found this time was used by the father to interact with his children, making a trip to McDon ald's an important family outing. † (Traphagan, 2000)The work of Douglas Kellner entitled: â€Å"Theorizing/Resisting McDonaldization: A Multiperspectivist Approach† (nd) states that no doubt exists that â€Å"McDonaldization is spreading as an international phenomenon. † This work states that in 1996 the Economists made note of the fact that McDonalds reported the intention to open approximately 32,000 new restaurants and that two-thirds of these would be located outside of the United States. It is stated that the analysis conducted by Ritzer while acknowledged McDonalds in terms of its ‘product, architecture, and atmosphere to local conditions†¦Ã¢â‚¬  fails to analyze the â€Å"meanings, social functions, and experiences†¦Ã¢â‚¬  that are experienced by customers as McDonald’s â€Å"generates a variety of local conditions. † (nd) It is noted that McDonald’s, just as any global artifact â€Å".. as very different meanings and functions in different regions and parts of the world, and a concrete analysis should interrogate local conditions in which consumers provide their own narratives of their site-specific and particular experiences to capture the variety and diversity of meanings of the McDonald’s effect. † (nd) Kellner states that he would argue for what I call a multiperspectivist social theory (Best and Kellner 1991 and 1997; Kellner 1995) to engage the phenomenon of McDonaldization and to provide a more contextual and multidimensional paradigm for analyzing the multiplicity of economic, socio-political, and cultural aspects of McDonaldization.This requires mobilizing the resources of both modern and postmodern theory, using both Marx and Weber, and Baudrillard and postmodern theory, as well as the resources of cultural studies and a critical multiculturalism, to theorize the full-range of the phenomenon of the global hybridization of McDonaldization, its cultural and ideological c onstruction, and its complex effects. McDonaldization is a many-sided phenomenon and the more perspectives that one can bring to its analysis and critique, the better grasp of the phenomenon one will have and the better one will be able to develop alternative readings and generate oppositional practices. † (nd)The work of Jack Marr and Alcinda Hatfield entitled: â€Å"Fast-Food Restaurants: Just What Eastern China’s Consumers Ordered† states that the growth of fast food restaurants in the country of China has â€Å"mushroomed† in both ‘number and diversity’. Specifically stated is that â€Å"as recently as 1993, Chinese consumers had few fast-food choices. Restaurant food was limited to five-star hotels, traditional Chinese restaurants and street-side wonton, pulled noodle and tea-egg vendors. † (2004) The favorite fast food in the country of China is Kentucky Fried Chicken who has combined a popular mid-priced menu, featuring fried chi cken, some of which is adapted to local tastes. Its modern atmosphere and marketing target Chinese children. (Marr and Hatfield, 2004) The primary competitor of Kentucky Fried Chicken in China is McDonalds with â€Å"sixteen of its current 120 restaurants in China are located in Shanghai. † (Marr and Hatfield, 2004) The work of Shiva Dindyal and Sanjay Dindyal entitled: â€Å"How Personal Factors, Including Culture and Ethnicity, Affect the Choices and Selection of Food We Make† published in the Internet Journal of Third World Medicine relates that the major cities in the world â€Å"are made up of diverse societies, consisting of a wide range of individuals from different ethnic and cultural backgrounds. Ethnicity refers to a social group, which shares certain distinctive features, such as language, culture physical appearance, religion, values and customs.Culture on the other hand refers to how we do and view things in our group. For example a shared set of values, assumptions, perceptions and conventions based on a shared history and language can make a certain group. In order for a society to function efficiently and smoothly these individuals must learn to integrate and coexist together. This will involve among other things, accepting and sampling different types of foods and even adjusting their diets. † (Dindyal and Dindyal, 2008) Dindyal and Dindyal relate that consumption of specific foods may be encouraged or discouraged among groups as well as the consumption of specific foods during certain life stages and under certain conditions.Religion is also stated to play a great role in food choice, selection and consumption in certain societies and cultures. Another personal factor affecting food choice and selection is â€Å"patterns of eating, which include for whom the food is being made. † (2008) Stated as an example is that in traditional eastern cultures â€Å"food tend to be prepared for a large number of people at regul ar times of the day. The opposite is true in western cultures, where food prepared less frequently during the day and often the same mea is eaten more than once during the day. † (Dindyal and Dindyal, 2008) Another personal factor affecting choice of foods is the individuals’ occupation which is a factor stated to â€Å"†¦directly influence the people’s social class. (Dindyal and Dindyal, 2008) Another factor is the â€Å"mood and individual personality† of the individual† as well as â€Å"geographical factors such as where people live and the range of shops situated near them†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (Dindyal and Dindyal, 2008) A recent survey conducted among 975 girls and 13 boys relating to fast food reports that when asked â€Å"Do you enjoy eating fast food? † respondents replied as shown in the following chart. Figure 1 Do you enjoy eating fast food? [pic] Source: (Report on would you Like Fries with that? – Latest Survey Results, nd) When asked â€Å"How often to you eat fast food? † respondents in this survey revealed that they eat fast food between one and three times each week while the second largest group replied that they eat fast food between two and three times each month as shown in the following chart. Figure 2How often do you eat fast food? [pic] Source: (Report on would you Like Fries with that? – Latest Survey Results, nd) When respondents were asked the question of: â€Å"If you don’t eat fast food, why? † respondents were asked to reply by stating: (1) I don’t like it; (2) My family never goes out to eat; (3) There are no fast food restaurants near my house; (4) It is unhealthy; (5) I eat fast food so this question does not apply to me; (6) I am a vegetarian/vegan; (7) It costs too much; or (8) other, the respondents stated as shown in the following chart. Figure 3 If you don’t eat fast food, why? |whynoeat | |dntlike |41 |5. 05 | famnoeat |51 |6. 28 | |n offrest |13 |1. 6 | |unhealth |126 |15. 52 | |eatff |550 |67. 73 | |Vegetarian |17 |2. 09 | |toomuch$ |6 |0. 74 | |other |8 |0. 99 | Source: (Report on would you Like Fries with that? – Latest Survey Results, nd) When respondents in the survey were polled in relation to what their favorite type of fast food was choices provided included burgers, pizza, Chinese food, chicken, tacos, salad, soup, breakfast, hotdogs, chicken, fish and chips, nachos, french fries, subway, pasta, sweets, and none.The respondents stated preferences for fast food type as shown in the following chart. Figure 4 What is your favorite type of fast food? [pic] Source: (Report on would you Like Fries with that? – Latest Survey Results, nd) When respondents were asked if they had a favorite fast food restaurant among the choices of McDonald’s, Burger King, Taco Bell, Wendy’s, KFC, Jack in the Box, Arby’s, Jollibee, Subway, Pizza Hut, In and Out, Panda express, Long John Silvers, Tim Hortons, Dairy Queen, Checkers, or some random fast food place the replies stated were those as follows with McDonalds in the lead: Figure 5 Do you have a favorite restaurant? [pic]Source: (Report on would you Like Fries with that? – Latest Survey Results, nd) When respondents in the survey were polled as to whom they usually went to fast food restaurants with the choices stated as parents/family, brother/sisters, friend, by myself, coach/team, grndrent, don’t eat, boyfriend/girlfriend, coworkers, or other, the replies given by respondents are shown in the following table. Figure 6 Who do you usually go to fast food with? Count Percent |whoeat | | | | parents/fam |526 |54. 73 | |brosis |63 |6. 56 | |friends |272 |28. 3 | bymylf |14 |1. 46 | |coach/team |1 |0. 1 | |grndrent |20 |2. 08 | |donteat |48 |4. 99 | |bf/gf |7 |0. 73 | |coworkers |5 |0. 52 | |other |5 |0. 52 | Source: (Report on would you Like Fries with that? – Latest Survey Results, nd) When respon dents were asked â€Å"What do you enjoy most about fast food? † respondents stated the tastes as being the number one enjoyment with the second and third most stated reply being the ‘fast’ and ‘cheap’ nature of the fast food as what is most enjoyed about fast food.All results are shown in the following chart. Figure 7 What do you enjoy most about fast food? [pic] Source: (Report on would you Like Fries with that? – Latest Survey Results, nd) When respondents were polled concerning what they liked the ‘least’ about fast food, respondents replied as shown in the following chart. Figure 8 What do you like the least about fast food? [pic] Source: (Report on would you Like Fries with that? – Latest Survey Results, nd) When respondents were polled as to their perceptions of fast food in terms of health the respondents gave the following replied stated in percentages concerning their view of fast food was that is it ‘unheal thy’.Only 104 disagreed with this statement and only 12 strongly disagreed. The overwhelming majority of respondents stated an agreement that fast food is not healthy. Figure 9 Fast Food is Unhealthy [pic] Source: (Report on would you Like Fries with that? – Latest Survey Results, nd) When respondents were asked â€Å"If you eat at a fast food restaurant, what is your main reason? † respondents stated reasons as shown in the following chart with liking the tastes of fast food and because their parents eat fast food as primary reasons for eating at fast food restaurants. Figure 10 If you eat at a fast food restaurant, what is your main reason? [pic] Source: (Report on would you Like Fries with that? Latest Survey Results, nd) Finally, this study asked respondents in this study the question of whether: ‘If you were forced to choose between cooking at home or eating fast food for the rest of your life, which would you choose? † Respondents overwhelmingl y stated that they would choose to cook the rest of their life if forced to make a choice at the rate of approximately 82%. The study of Marsh, Fanning and Stiegert (2003) entitled: â€Å"Socioeconomic Determinants of Fast Food Consumption† states that: â€Å"Fast food consumption has increased dramatically over the past three decades in U. S. , accounting for nearly 35. 5% of total away-from-home expenditures in 1999. It is interesting to note the findings of this study which states: â€Å"Lin, Lucier, Allhouse, and Kantor examined the influence of fast food growth on frozen potato consumption. They report that on any given day that 13% of consumers eat french fries with fast food establishments accounting for 67% of the french fry market. They also report that french fry consumption varies by age, region, urbanization, race, and ethnicity, but independent of income. † (Marsh, Fanning and Steigert, 2003) Also stated in the findings of this study is: â€Å"Important regional and socio-demographic factors emerged. Consumers in the South and Midwest were most likely to consume fast food.In terms of gender, males were more likely to consume fast food than were females. Individuals were more likely to consume fast food until they reached 20-30 years of age at which point the likelihood that they consume fast food decreases throughout their life. Larger households (especially those with more than four persons) were less likely to consume fast food. Although the impact of income on the likelihood of consuming fast food was statistically significant, it was very inelastic. The likelihood of consuming fast food was much more sensitive to age relative to household size and least sensitive to income. † (Marsh, Fanning and Steigert, 2003) SUMMARY OF THE LITERATURE REVIEWEDThe findings of the present study acknowledge first that fast food consumption is global in nature stretching from India, to China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore, to the United Stat es, fast food and fast food restaurants are relevant to a great majority of the world’s consumers. This study has found that fast food restaurants located near schools, colleges, and universities, are frequented regularly by students and that places such as McDonald’s represent more than food consumption because these places are also places of socialization for college students and other young people where these individuals study and ‘hang-out’ with their peers. The largest majority of individuals who eat fast food have been found in this study to e completely aware that fast food is unhealthy however, this study has found that fast food is not considered by most individuals to be ‘real food’ and that fast food such as McDonalds is acknowledge as less nutritional, less healthy and less filling than what is considered to constitute ‘real food’ cooked at home. FINDINGS OF THE STUDY This study has posed the questions of: (1)What diff erent views are held among different cultures in countries throughout the world relating to consumption of fast food? ; (2) What are the health perspective differentials existing among individuals in various countries throughout the world related to fast food consumption? (3) What are the primary factors that affect the consumption of fast food by college-age students from various countries of the world? ; (4) Is consumption of fast food an addition to- or an extension of- cultural issues surrounding food consumption? ; and (5) What non-food related factors affect consumer choice of fast food establishments internationally and locally? This study has found that consumption of fast food is viewed pretty much the same across cultures, race, and ethnicity in various countries as most individuals acknowledge fast food to be generally snack type food and not really to be considered a meal such as ‘real food’ cooked at home.Fast food, when contrasted to real cooked food would be cast aside if individuals had to make a life-choice of the type of food they preferred to consume. This study has also found that the largest majority of those who eat fast food acknowledge that fast food is unhealthy to consume on a regular basis. The primary factors influencing college-age students in their consumption of fast food are factors of socialization and availability of fast food restaurants near schools, universities and campuses. Fast food consumption has been found by this study to be both in addition to as well as an extension of cultural issues and customs surrounding food consumption.Finally, this study has found that non-food related factors affecting consumer choice of fast food establishments on a local and international basis include factors such as: (1) individual choice; (2) religious; (3) group preferences; (4) health-related factors; (5) location and availability of restaurant choices; (6) costs; (7) socialization; (8) time available for eating; (9) wit h whom they are eating the food; (10) whether the individual is a student in a college or university within the proximity of a fast food restaurant. CONCLUSIONS Having reviewed an extensive amount of literature in the subject area of factors affecting consumers in the consumption of fast food this study concludes that the factors that affect fast food consumption among consumers are great in number in all countries in which fast food in consumed. Non-food related factors are just as great in the influence of fast food consumption as are food-related matters such as taste and nutritional value of the food being consumed.However, traditional restaurant dining is greatly preferred among older consumers and among more discerning younger consumers although this does not greatly impact younger consumers in terms of reducing their consumption of fast food or increasing their consumption of more traditional restaurant dining food items. RECOMMENDATIONS FOR FUTURE RESEARCH Future research wi ll likely undertake studies of a longitudinal nature relating to factors affecting food consumption differences among different nationalities and ethnicities and as well will focus specifically on tracking the consumer patterns of individuals that follow those individuals over many years and life health-related transitions in gaining a complete understanding of the primary health-related factors that affect fast food consumption patterns among individuals of different nationalities and ethnicities.