Outback Steakhouse Case Study Essay Example

Outback Steakhouse Case Study Essay Overview of the Outback Case Study Analysis The authors of the Outback Goes International study, (hereinafter the â€Å"Study† or â€Å"Case†) depict a restaurant company, Outback Steakhouse, (â€Å"Outback†, the â€Å"Business†, or the â€Å"Company†) that by 1995 had experienced significant growth over the prior seven years. The Case addresses how management identified international expansion and product diversification as the principle elements of a strategic plan formulated to continue rapid expansion. This report will evaluate Outback’s strategies of international expansion and restaurant diversification in light of alternative means of achieving enhanced shareholder value via growth. Several uncertainties and challenges, which management acknowledged and the Case documents, faced Outback. The methodology used by the Company to consider its strategic options will be addressed by this report as well. The analysis contained herein will evaluate issues pertaining to those challenges, relying on the comparative performance of the Company’s publicly traded stock as the ultimate measure of management’s success or failure. This report will first evaluate the fundamental elements of the companies’ strategic plans, incorporating published academic research regarding strategic decisions, risks and the basis for management’s decisions. Additionally, further evaluation of the opportunities and competitive achievements in the international arena will be conducted. Finally, this report will attend to and appraise the ultimate financial performance achieved by the Company since the establishment in 1995 of its strategic plans and subsequent preparation of the Case being analyzed herein. We will write a custom essay sample on Outback Steakhouse Case Study specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on Outback Steakhouse Case Study specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on Outback Steakhouse Case Study specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer Comments from Outback’s legendary C. F. O. Bob Merritt, will serve to punctuate the conclusion of this analysis; Outback’s strategies of product diversification and international expansion did not pay off for shareholders. Strategic Planning Methodology In evaluating Outback’s strategic plan this report adopts the fundamental assumption that management has as its primary objective the creation of shareholder value. Presumably, strategic decisions of management are designed to support this value proposition. A number of alternatives exist for companies to create value and Outback’s challenge was to weigh potential returns of alternatives against their inherent risks. Adrian J. Slywotzky and John Drzik of Mercer who document seven classes of strategic risk in their April 2005 article Strategic Risk Management published in the Harvard Business Review, set forth that in managing strategic risks there are an, â€Å"array of external events and trends that can devastate a companys growth trajectory and shareholder value. † It is evident that Sullivan, Outback’s chief executive, was aware of risk when he stated, â€Å"†¦the world is becoming one big market, and we want to be in place so we don’t miss that opportunity. † Management can react to risk through five generic responses as addressed in A framework for integrated risk management in international business, published in 1992 by Dr. Kent Miller in the Journal of International Business Studies . Miller’s five responses are identified as avoidance, control, cooperation, imitation, and flexibility. Sullivan and his management team’s plans reflected their primary concerns over two of the strategic risks identified by Slywotzky and Drzikclear; stagnation and competition. Stagnation is characterized as flat or declining sales volumes; in the case of Outback slower growth. The risk of competition is characterized by emerging competitive threats; in the case of Outback this strategic risk was represented by restaurant competitors in their markets. These were appropriate concerns and priorities given the facts of the Case. In responding to these threats, management’s reaction reflected four of Miller’s five categories of risk responses including control, imitation, cooperative responses and organizational flexibility . Sullivan and his team sought to control uncertain variables rather than passively treat the uncertainties as constraints by continuing to gain market power via growth in units. In addition they resorted to imitation of rival organizations strategies to cope with uncertainty by pursuing a â€Å"multipronged† strategy that both encompassed new restaurant concept development and international expansion; a strategy that had been adopted by other competitors including their former employer and competitor Brinker International. Outback also intended to utilize joint venture and franchise agreements as a cooperative response by creating partnerships that produce interdependence. Finally, as Miller points out, the Company adopted organizational flexibility by embracing, â€Å"the most widely cited example of flexibility in the strategy literature†¦product or geographic market diversification. † International expansion and new restaurant concept development certainly fulfilled this documented organizational flexibility response to risk. Absent from the Case and potentially excluded from Outback’s strategic considerations was the alternative response of expansion and diversification through a merger or acquisition. While the Company did acquire an Italian concept, Carrabbas Italian Grill, for development purposes, the business was very small at the time and as a result did not generate synergies or make significant near term contributions to revenue and profits. While Outback may have evaluated acquisition or merger alternatives, the Company did not integrate this strategic alterative into its plans. In fact, in June of 1999, Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse was available for sale . This company represented several hundred million in annual revenues with obvious synergies. However, despite in-depth discussions, Outback avoided making an offer to acquire the business and Ruth Chris was sold to the private equity firm of Madison Dearbourn Partners. Ironically, Ruth Chris went public in August of 2005, raising $235 Million that represented, â€Å"the richest IPO from a restaurant firm since Dominos Pizza (DPZ) kicked off in July, 2004 with proceeds of $337 million†, according to Thomson Financial. This was an opportunity the Company missed, and reflects an error in not considering acquisitions as a prong in its â€Å"multipronged† plan. In reviewing the Case, and researching the basis for Outback’s evaluation of strategic alternatives in 1995, management’s decisions appeared prudent at the time and reflected established theories in strategic thinking, planning and risk evaluation. Expanding internationally and diversifying through new restaurant concept development represented sound direction at the time. To further support the basis for the aforementioned strategic direction of the Company, one can look at the growth trajectory of the business. At the end of 1994, Outback had 214 locations in operation. Its annual sales growth from inception in 1988 until its fiscal 2004 year end averaged 53. 91%. Since 1992 the company had more than doubled revenues, growing from $189. 2 Million in 1992 to $415. 9 Million in 1994. As the Study notes, Chairman Sullivan described this growth, expressing that, â€Å"we can do 500 to 600 restaurants (domestically)†¦ over the next five years. † In the year 1995 had Outback maintained its averaged unit growth rate of 53. 91% over the prior three years the Company would have reached U. S. market penetration of 600 locations in a matter of a few years. In fact the Case notes, although somewhat more conservatively, â€Å"At the rate the Company was growing (70 units annually), Outback would near the market’s saturation within 4 to 5 years. † Therefore Sullivan had to explore alternative methods of growth to continue to create value. The business had, according to the Study, a â€Å"multipronged strategy† that included the expansion of its Italian chain â€Å"Carrabbas Italian Grill† and the development of new dining themes. Interestingly, by 1994 Brinker International, a key competitor of Outback, had already achieved a degree of international expansion and planned to continue its pursuit of this strategy. According to Brinker International’s 10K filing with the SEC dated September 27, 1994, â€Å"During the past two years, the Company entered into several international franchise agreements, which will bring Chilis to Australia, France, Puerto Rico, and the United Kingdom in the next 12 months. In fiscal 1994, the first Chilis restaurants outside North America opened in Singapore and Malaysia on February 4, 1994 and June 15, 1994, respectively. The third, fourth and fifth overseas Chilis locations opened in Egypt, Australia and Puerto Rico on July 19, 1994, August 28, 1994 and September 6, 1994, respectively. The Company intends to continue pursuing international expansion and is currently contemplating development in other countries. † In addition to Brinker’s international expansion, it also had amassed 458 locations that included six different restaurant concept brands. It is apparent that Brinker International had already pursued the plan that Outback ultimately adopted, further confirming Outback’s adoption of Miller’s imitation response to risk referenced previously. Restaurant competitors of Outback that served the casual, full-service dining segment generally had not expanded internationally like fast food restaurants. This is confirmed by the Case, which lists T. G. I. Friday’s and Applebee’s, the only direct competitors of Outback on the list, as having only 39 international locations as of 1994. The Case failed to include Brinker International in its data, but given the documented expansion, the number of casual dining chains engaged in international expansion was relatively limited in 1994 at the time Outback was considering its plans. Obviously an opportunity existed for international growth; but would this growth add value to shareholders? Recall that this report addresses the strategic decisions of the Company in the context of appreciation in shareholder value, which represents the ultimate measuring stick of performance. A June 2005 report in the Outlook Journal titled Getting a Truer Picture of Shareholder Value, concluded that, â€Å"there is a limited and diminishing correlation between those measures (net income and earnings per share) and share prices. A company’s income statement usually accounts for only about 4 percent of market value for a stock with a typical price/earnings ratio of 25, while the balance sheet covers about 25 percent. The remaining 70 percent of market value consists of intangible assets and expectations of future growth. † Pushing continued expansion to support or further promote publicly traded share prices is common. However, as Motley Fool’s Brian Green attests in a February 2000 article commenting on then popular P. F. Chang’s, a recent star in the domestic casual dining segment, stock, â€Å"Its at this point in the script when the customer lines are stretching out the door and the national expansion plan is gearing up that so many hot restaurant operators of yesteryear have screwed up everything. † In fact, the notion that international expansion is an intelligent strategic option for a business in the service sector, such as Outback, is questionable. While it is generally understood that a firm’s financial performance improves with a greater multinational presence, empirical studies have rejected this notion. Instead, becoming an international business has been shown to have, â€Å"Both a U-shaped relationship (which suggests an initially negative effect of international expansion on performance, before the positive returns of international expansion are realized) and an inverted-U-shaped relationship (which suggests that international expansion beyond an optimal level is again detrimental to performance, and results in a negative slope). Meaningful analysis of expansion in the international marketplace by restaurant companies and the related financial performance of such companies is not readily identifiable. However, the Case does address many issues that created great challenges for international expansion, including location, distribution, local appeal, and other factors. Undoubtedly, if a proven financial model exists for a restaurant brand domestically, this does not mean that the same formula is applicable in foreign markets. Regardless, over the past decade Outback has expanded to 123 units internationally and developed six new restaurant concepts including Carrabbas Italian Grill, Lee Roy Selmons, Cheeseburger in Paradise, Bonefish Grill, Paul Lee’s Chinese Kitchen, and Flemings Prime Steakhouse Wine Bar. The Company also has a joint venture development relationship with Roy Yamaguchi, the chef and creator of Roys Restaurants located in Hawaii, the U. S. , and Japan. These accomplishments are in line with the strategies management outlined over ten years ago. However, despite achieving their goals, the ultimate judge of the strategic plan should be defined by the financial performance of the Company and finally the enhancement of shareholder value. Outback Financial Performance – The Results As mentioned in the introduction, increasing shareholder value is a primary objective of management. The results of a businesses’ profitability, growth prospects and returns contribute to investors’ valuation and ultimately judge management performance over the long haul. Share prices of public companies are objective reflections of market value and serve to compare Outback’s performance during the past ten years to a number of its main competitors. It should be noted that each of the competitor companies included in the comparison are large chains, with significant revenues, market capitalization of several billion dollars, managing multiple concepts and having significant international operations. These restaurant chains are identified as the â€Å"four big players† , in the restaurant industry. For additional evaluative purposes, the broad S 500 index is also included. (THIS SPACE LEFT BLANK FOR FORMATING PURPOSES ONLY) Graphic of Competitive Stock Price Appreciation From 8/26/95 through 8/26/05 Graph 1 Outback Steakhouse = OSI, EAT = Brinker International, APPB= Applebee’s, DRI = Darden Foods sp500=S 500 Of the four companies depicted in Graph 1, Outback has generated the poorest appreciation in stock price during the past decade. Darden Foods experienced the greatest appreciation, rising nearly 400%, Brinker International appreciated nearly 250%, Applebee’s nearly 150%, and Outback, below the performance of the S 500, appreciated 100% over the past decade. These are disappointing results and would not reflect the optimism demonstrated in the Case performed on Outback regarding its plans in 1995. What is the cause of this poor performance in shareholder value appreciation? Regrettably, financial disclosure documents submitted by Outback and its competitors described in this report do not provide adequate evaluation and disclosure of international operations to ascertain the relative financial performance of its international business. While Outback has successfully opened 123 units internationally since its strategic decision a decade ago, the specific financial contributions from these ventures are indeterminable. However, the appreciation of the Company’s stock is irrefutable. An interesting development pertaining to the financial performance of Outback is the recent surprise retirement of its CFO, Bob Merritt. Highly regarded and referenced extensively in the Case, it would be interesting to learn of Merritt’s perspective. Perhaps these observations would provide clues as to Outback’s performance issues. Thankfully, in a June 2005 interview with Chain Leader Magazine written by David Farkas entitled, Parting Shots, Merritt is rather candid. The article first substantiates Merritt’s stature as described in the Case. â€Å"Bob’s legacy will be as the pre-eminent CFO in our industry over the past two decades,† says investor and former Brinker International CFO Jim Parish. SG Cowen’s Paul Westra, who has followed Outback since 1994, considers Merritt to be â€Å"the granddaddy† of CFOs. While Merritt cites frustrating changes in financial accounting standards as a motivation for his abrupt departure from the Company, his thoughts are not limited to this point and he provides some keen insights to what has gone on in the halls of his former employer. When asked about his perspective on the casual dining segment, Merritt opined, â€Å"It’s going through a fundamental change. You now have four big players†, these are the companies included in this report’s stock price comparison, â€Å"and they are all net generators of cash. He added, â€Å"It’s also the most competitive environment and the worst cost environment. † Merritt makes an interesting point that goes to the heart of the issue of growth in the industry when he says, â€Å"There is an inflection point in the development of any restaurant concept. The cost to build the incremental restaurant escalates faster than the ability to raise prices. The consumer doesn’t care that the cost to open a restaurant in 2005 is 50 percent higher than the cost of the one five miles away that was built in 1995. They are not going to pay proportionately more to eat in the new unit. As a result, returns go down. At some point the incremental return doesn’t justify the incremental investment. † Finally Merritt points out, â€Å"Will they (management) do what they have historically done and continue to mindlessly expand these concepts well past this inflection point and destroy capital, or will they change and become more concerned about generating real shareholder value and how to grow it? A number of companies in this industry are destroying capital by continuing to grow even though incremental returns don’t exceed their risk-adjusted capital cost. † Was Merritt referring to Outback’s expansion strategy, given its relatively dismal performance during the past decade? It certainly sounds like it based on the review of share price appreciation of his former employer, Outback Steakhouse. Conclusions Outback’s plans as described in the Case and reviewed in this analysis seemed quite prudent at the time. However, if the objective of management is to maximize shareholder value, given Mr. Merritt’s commentary, is this best accomplished by expansion that might not fundamentally provide adequate financial returns? Judging by the results and Mr. Merritt’s thoughts, Outback’s expansion plans have not been successful. Outback’s results as compared to its competition fail to reflect a business that achieved what it had hoped to. While adding many units, it is clear that the incremental benefit from its expansion did not enhance value in a manner that compares to its competitors. Perhaps the results of the strategy had more to do with poor execution.

George Armstrong Custer essays

George Armstrong Custer essays George Armstrong Custer was born in New Rumley, Harrison County, Ohio, on 5th December, 1839. His father, Emanuel Henry Custer (born December 10, 1806-died November 17,1892), was a blacksmith and Georges mother was Maria Ward Kirkpatrick Custer (born May 31, 1807-died January 13, 1882). He spent much of his childhood with a half-sister in Monroe, Michigan. The family was poor and when he was ten Custer was forced to live with his aunt in Monroe. While at school he met his future wife, Elizabeth Bacon, the daughter of a judge. Custer did odd jobs for her family, but was never allowed into the house. Custer wanted to become a lawyer but his family could not afford the training so he decided to become a soldier instead. Immediately after high school he enrolled in the United States Military Academy at West Point, New York. He attended the Military Academy in July 1, 1857 but he was a poor student and he utterly failed to distinguish himself in any positive way. When he finally graduated in June 24, 1861 and was placed 34th out of a class of 34 (called "The Immortals") as the 1966th academy graduate. He had not adjusted well to the rigid discipline and was almost expelled for too many demerits. Several days after graduating last in his class, he failed in his duty as officer of the guard to stop a fight between two cadets. He was court-martialed and saved from punishment only by the huge need for officers with the outbreak of the Civil War. Three days after his graduation from West Point, he was assigned to the Union army as a second lieutenant in the old 2nd Cavalry and arrived at the front during the First Battle of Bull Run. Custer fought in almost every important battle of the Army of the Potomac from Bull Run to Appomattox. Promoted to 1st Lieutenant, 5th Cavalry, to rank from July 17, 1862. While he made many enemies by his contempt for army regulations and sometimes reckless actions, he was also admired for his ...

How to Identify Types of Trees in North America

How to Identify Types of Trees in North America The easiest way to identify North American trees is by looking at their branches. Do you see leaves or needles? Does the foliage last all year or is it shed annually? These clues will help you identify just about any hardwood or softwood tree you see in North America.  Think you know your North American trees? Hardwood Trees Hardwoods are  also known as angiosperms, broadleaf, or deciduous trees. They are  abundant in the eastern forests of North America, though they can be found throughout the continent. Broadleaf trees, as the name suggests, bear leaves that vary in size, shape, and thickness. Most hardwoods shed their leaves annually; American holly and evergreen magnolias are two exceptions. Deciduous trees reproduce by bearing fruit that contains a seed or seeds. Common types of hardwood fruit include  acorns, nuts, berries, pomes (fleshy fruit like apples), drupes (stone fruit like peaches), samaras (winged pods), and capsules (flowers).  Some deciduous trees, such as oak or hickory, are very hard indeed. Others, like birch, are fairly soft.   Hardwoods have either simple or compound leaves. Simple leaves are just that: a single leaf attached to a stem. Compound leaves have multiple leaves attached to a single stem. Simple leaves can be further divided into lobed and unlobed. Unlobed leaves may have a smooth edge like a magnolia or a serrated edge like an elm. Lobed leaves have complex shapes that radiate either from a single point along the midrib  like maple or from multiple points like white oak. When it comes to the  most common North American trees, the red alder is number one. Also known as Alnus rubra, its Latin name, this deciduous tree can be identified by oval-shaped leaves with serrated edges and a defined tip, as well as rust-red bark. Mature red alders range from about 65 feet to 100 feet in height, and they are generally found in the western U.S. and Canada. Softwood Trees Softwoods  are  also known as  gymnosperms, conifers or evergreen trees. They are  abundant throughout  North America. Evergreens retain their needle- or scale-like foliage year-round; two exceptions are the bald cypress and tamarack. Softwood trees bear their fruit in the form of cones. Common needle-bearing conifers include spruce, pine, larch, and fir. If the tree has scale-like leaves, then it is probably a cedar or juniper, which are also coniferous trees. If the tree has bunches or clusters of needles, it is pine or larch. If its needles are arrayed neatly along a branch, its  fir or spruce. The trees cone can provide clues, too. Firs have upright cones that are often cylindrical. Spruce cones, by contrast, point downward. Junipers dont have cones; they have small clusters of blue-black berries. The most common softwood tree in North America is the  bald cypress. This tree is atypical  in that it drops its needles annually, hence the bald in its name. Also known as  Taxodium distichum, the bald cypress is found along the coastal wetlands and low-lying areas of the Southeast and Gulf Coast region. Mature bald cypress grows to a height of 100 to 120 feet. It has flat-bladed leaves about 1 cm in length that fans out along twigs. Its bark is gray-brown to red-brown and fibrous.

Sickle Cell Trait Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Sickle Cell Trait - Research Paper Example Clark has been declared unfit for the game because of a blood disorder called sickle cell trait. Sickle cell trait is a sub-type of sickle cell anemia in which the person has one normal gene and the other abnormal sickle cell gene. Thus, although he does not manifest with the serious blood disorder symptoms but his previous medical history points out that he is at risk of developing serious organ complications. The coach Mike Tomlin explained that Clark had experienced spleen and gall bladder problems in the 2007 game and eventually had to end his game. He had suffered from a serious sickle cell crisis because of the hypoxic conditions caused by the demanding game. Thus they have decided in light of the data to limit him from the upcoming game (Moisse 2012). Dr. Jasmine Zain describing the condition stated that sickle cell trait individuals live a normal life and are sometimes not even aware of their hematological pathology. However, under circumstances of severe hypoxia like high-al titude or strenuous exercises, the hemoglobin forms crystals in the red blood cells and they lose their functional and structural capacity. This leads to sluggish blood flow and blockage of blood vessels. The final outcome is loss of function of organs, stroke, intense joint pain or even cardiac problems. For professional athletes oxygen demand is crucial during the exercise. On the other hand, people with full-blown sickle cell anemia, both the genes are abnormal and they do not have normal hemoglobin at all. This type is associated with serious symptoms and complications and is sometimes also fatal. With new advancements in therapeutic strategies, the life expectancy of sickle cell disease has increased up to 40, 50 and even 60. With these treatment methods, the concentrations of abnormal hemoglobin levels in the blood can be reduced to manage the blood disorder. The permanent cure for sickle cell disease is only bone marrow transplant from preferably a healthy sibling (Moisse 201 2). Clark has stated in the article that sitting back in the benches during the game is indeed discouraging and he hopes that things would get better so that he gets a chance to be a part of the team again (Moisse 2012). Sickle cell trait is a blood disorder which might be neglected or ignored because of its less obvious clinical presentation. But, sickle cell trait individuals have to take certain precautionary measures in order to avoid the associated complications as mentioned earlier. They have to avoid extreme exercise regimens or visiting high altitude areas as this would ultimately increase their blood’s oxygen demand. Although, they are safe from the major signs and symptoms which are associated with sickle cell disease, sickle cell trait individuals still have to face some restrictions and limitations in their everyday life. If we reflect in our everyday life and sickle cell trait implications, outdoor sports and exercise are significantly affected. Children, who are interested in sports which require strenuous physical activity like cricket, soccer, rugby, basketball, tennis and other such games, will have to restrict themselves because of their condition. Some children might show more severe symptoms in reaction to hypoxia as compared to others. However, every sickle cell trait individual is at risk of organ-failure complications and sickle cell crisis in response

Supply chain management Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 1

Supply chain management - Essay Example Many companies have suffered huge losses and some of them have stopped the production for quite sometime. The disaster has caused a rise of imports and a decline in exports of the country, owing to many factors such as physical damage and loss of capital. This in turn has a great affect on the global supply chain management because until Japan completely recovers from this havoc and gets back to the production on a normal basis, all the firms globally that have depended on Japan for their supplies would have to search for other sources which may result in the compromise of quality. This would show the worst affects on firms that have adapted â€Å"Just in Time† strategy for inventory management as they plan to keep just enough sources with no excess inventory. â€Å"The coming days and weeks are going to be intense for supply management professionals†. ( â€Å"The Impact of the Japanese Tsunami on the Supply Chain† ). For my organization, I would make sure I main tain enough inventory and not completely rely on JIT strategy. I would make sure that my supplies come from different manufacturers (at least two) so that when one fails, the other can be of help. I would prepare my strategies for any unexpected disasters that can curb my production potential.

Reflection on the History & Systems of Psychology Essay Example for Free

Reflection on the History Systems of Psychology Essay Pre-modern, modern and postmodern frames of reference have all helped shape important, contemporary psychological theories and issues. In this paper I will attempt, in a reflective manner, to walk through and revisit the areas we covered in course, the end aim being to gain a measure of insight into where the field of psychology stands today, particularly with regard to oppressive forms of ethnocentric monoculturalism. In terms of pre-modern perspectives, in the course we first discussed historical issues concerning the mind-body problem. I stated the nature of the relationship between body and mind and whether they are one and the same or two distinct substances, which is the center of the debate between monists and dualist. Descartes, the most well known dualist, argued for a separation of mind from soul and body. Also an interactionist, Descartes held the mind influenced the body as much as the body impacted the mind (Goodwin, 2009). Plato, his predecessor from antiquity, was also a dualist and an interactionist arguably, and believed the body and soul/mind were temporarily at one during life; each came from a completely different place, the body from the material world and the soul from the world of ideas. At the moment of death, the body withered away in time and space, the soul or mind returning to the world of forms and there realizing universal truths (Wozniak, 1992). Delving deeper into pre-modern views of the mind-body problem I touched upon Spinoza. Spinoza, a contemporary of Descartes, dismissed Descartes two-substance view in favor of what is called double-aspect theory (Wozniak, 1992). Double-aspect theories hold the view that the mental and the physical realms are varying aspects of the same substance. For Spinoza, that single substance is God, perceived as the universal essence or nature of everything in existence. In Spinoza’s view, there is no partition of mind and body, therefore. Instead they are of a single substance, in a pre-established coordination, reflecting the divine essence. In reflection, I continue to side with Spinoza and double-aspect theory in terms of pre-modern perspectives. I do believe that there is a pre-established coordination between mind and body that is reflective of the divine creation. I am therefore I think is my continued response to Descartes. In terms of modern perspectives in the course we examined the origins of psychology as a subject discipline. During the course I stated that psychology first appeared as a subject discipline in 1879 when Wilhelm Wundt started a psychology lab in Germany at the University of Leipzig. The laboratory devoted itself to the analysis of conscious thought in its basic elements and structures, which was uncovered through a process of introspection (Gross, 1996). What differentiated this ‘new psychology’ at the time from philosophy was its use of measurement and control as well as its emphasis on the scientific method to study mental processes relevant to human consciousness. Due to his influence on Edward B. Titchener, Wundt’s frame of reference arguably helped give birth to structuralism. Indeed Wundt’s disciple, Titchener, is credited with developing and labeling structuralism in an 1898 paper called â€Å"The Postulates of a Structural Psychology (Goodwin, 2009). In the paper he compared and contrasted structuralism with functionalism, which he claimed infested most US universities, save Cornell where he was cultivating what would come to be  called the â€Å"the Cornell school of psychology.† Notwithstanding, Goodwin (2009) has stated that Titchener and the Cornell view of psychology was extremely narrow largely because of its insistence on introspection and due to Titchener’s attitude that his way was the only way, a position that often does not bode well in academia. In this vein and perhaps arrogantly so, Titchener, likened structuralism to anatomy, its purpose being analysis he surmised whereas functionalism he likened to physiology, stating that functionalists examine how the mind is able to adapt one to his or her said environment, wh ich to Titchener was a waste of time without a deep understanding of structure. As one needs to know the ins and outs of human anatomy before being able to fully delve into physiology, so thus was the  functionalist at a loss, in his view, without the ability to outline the structures of human consciousness via a highly difficult process of systematic, experimental introspection as stipulated by him in almost cult like exclusivity, which spawned criticism. Accordingly, his movement never gained the momentum it needed to win American hearts and minds, falling into the dustbin of history in favor of functionalism. Nevertheless, in spite of Titchener’s unpopularity in the US, his enduring contribution is that he helped create a place for the lab and experimental psychology in all colleges and universities with programs in psychology. While functionalists were also interested in looking at mental processes such as consciousness in so far as assessing human behavior in terms of how it aided people in adapting to ever-changing environments, they did not, unlike followers of Titchener, emphasize introspection (Goodwin, 2009). Psychologist James R. Angell, a follower of John Dewey, the founder of functionalism in America, became its most outspoken spokesperson, criticizing Titchener and drawing a sharp contrast to him in a 1907 popular paper called â€Å"The Province of Functional Psychology.† It was a damning response to Titchener’s 1898 paper. For Angell, the structuralist was  interested in the â€Å"what?† of conscious thought, whereas the functionalist psychologist wished to know the â€Å"how?† and â€Å"why?† of it, asking what is consciousness for? (Goodwin, 2009). This way of viewing psychology in terms of its practical applications, became an important influence in modern times, because it led to the study of topics such as developmental and abnormal psychology, in addition to examining the individual differences of mind, (which Titchener and the Cornell school remarkably had no interest in). When asking how psychology can be used to solve everyday problems in a practical way, we are taking from the functionalists and their movement. Perhaps the most prominent movement in the field of modern 20th century psychology was behaviorism. Behaviorism began essentially due to the work of Ivan Pavlov. Pavlov who did not consider himself a psychologist, but, rather a physiologist interested in the process of digestion in dogs, was awarded the Nobel Prize in 1904 (the year B. F. Skinner was born) in Physiology and Medicine. In the course of his research, Pavlov observed that the dogs would often start salivating before any food being given to them, when they would see the food or the food’s container, or when they heard the footsteps of the lab assistant who was on his way to feed them. His observations led to the study to what we now call classical conditioning (Gross, 1996). The first attempt to apply Pavlov’s findings on conditioning to humans was made by John B. Watson in a dubious and arguably unethical experiment on a small boy named Albert, showing that the fear of rats can be deliberately induced (Watson and Rayer, 1920). The experiment served to popularize a new behavioral approach to psychology that would within a decade become the dominant force in America, Watson its founder, propagator and publicist (Goodwin, 2008). To the modernist Watson (1913), psychology is an objective natural science,  its theoretical goal the prediction and control of behavior. Wundt and Titchener’s view on introspection has no place in its methods, nor is consciousness addressed or studied. There is no marked borderline between people and animals. Due to Watson’s input and influence cats, dogs, rats, and pigeons became the major source of psychological data. As ‘psychological’ now meant ‘behavior’ rather than ‘consciousness,’ animals that were easier to study and whose environments could be more readily controlled could replace people as experimental subjects (Gross, 1966). B. F. Skinner, also a behaviorist and modernist, went steps further than Pavlov and Watson, casting behavior in a more interactive light. He made a distinction between respondent and operant behavior and argued that most animal and human behavior is not brought about in the way Pavlov and Watson indicated and surmised. Skinner, like Edward Thorndike before him, was interested in how animals operate on their environment and how this operant behavior brings about particular consequences that can determine the likelihood of that behavior being repeated. In experiments he used a variation of Thordike’s puzzle-box, a Skinner box, which was made for a rat or a pigeon to do things in, rather than escape from. Fundamentally, Skinner saw the learner as much more actively involved than did Pavlov or Watson, for whom behavior was due to stimuli, unconditioned stimuli before learning and conditioned stimuli after learning. In addition to behaviorism, modern views of psychology took twists and turns. As a reaction to both Titchener’s structuralism and Watson’s behaviorism, the Gestalt psychologists of the 1920s and 1930s in Germany and Austria were primarily concerned with perception and held that perceptions could not be deconstructed in the way that Wundt and Titchener wanted to do with thought, and that behaviorists had sought for with behavior. Their belief could be  succinctly stated as follows: ‘the whole is greater than the sum of its parts’ (Gross, 1996, p.3). The whole is essentially destroyed when you break down perception and behavior into parts, the Gestalt psychologists held. There are organizing principles of perceptual organization which were voiced by Gestalt’s founder Max Wertheimer. These principles are frequently highlighted in units on perception in general psychology textbooks and are as follows: the principle of proximity, the principle of similarity, the principle of continuation. All of the organizing principles have in common what is called the law of simplicity or what Gestaltists term Prà ¤gnanz. This refers to the tendency for perceptions to mirror reality as closely as possible (Goodwin, 2009). In the course I gave an example of gestalt thinking, which in reflection I would like to return to as it clearly remains in mind. I used the example of a bus stopping at a bus stop in one’s neighborhood. On a given day the bus stops at the same corner the person is accustomed to, and is recognized to be that bus. The person gets on, but has made a mistake. She did not realize that there was a route change that morning and the bus she took was numbered differently. What gives? Is it only a matter of not paying attention? In Gestalt inspired, top-down conceptually driven processing, we begin with one’s prior knowledge, motivations, expectations and beliefs. In the bus example, the inability to see and decipher or register a different number on the bus and get on it, means it was recognized it to be the customary bus due to top-down processing (Danner, 2009). If one were to notice the different bus number, however, that would entail bottom-up processing, because such processing is data driven. The different number is perceived in terms of information in the sensory input, in conjunction with top-down processing, revealing to the person that it is not the customary bus. Perhaps after realizing her mistake, the person in  the example will be more careful next time, thereby exercising more bottom-up processing. If Austria was home to some of Gestalt’s most prominent members and adherents, it was also home to Sigmund Freud, the father of psychoanalysis. Freudian psychoanalytic theory was the first to state the significance of innate drives and define abnormal and normal behavior in relationship to the role of the unconscious mind. Its importance is that the theory of personality popularized contextualizing human behavior in terms of the id, ego, and superego, notating development in five psychosexual stages. Each stage was marked by shifts in what Freud believed were the underlying modes of gratification: oral, anal, phallic, latency and genital (Glassman, 2000). In reflection, I continue to find merit in Freuds concept of stages for sure. I would still prefer to call them development stages, however, and not necessarily put a sexual meaning on them, as Freud and his supporters have done and continue to do. There is no need to detail the well-known limitations and criticisms of Freudian theory, which according to Glassman (2000) are its falsifiability, the great deal of emphasis put on case studies, and its cultural bias towards women. Regardless of such naysaying, his supporters would passionately argue for and be adamant about such a sexual narrative of the human person, which if not fodder, certainly has entertainment value. In fact, Freudian theory is fascinating to me largely due to the dramatic (almost cinematic) conflicts and challenges that mark each psychosexual stage. Perhaps the most well-known of these is the Oedipal conflict (which occurs in the so-called phallic stage). It was interesting to read that some analysts called the fe male variant, the Electra conflict, but Freud himself did not use the term (see Freud 1924). Perhaps the most attractive modern theory of personality, in my view, would belong to Carl Rogers. In Carl Roger’s theory, a person is the source of his  or her basic needs such as food and water. He or she is also the source of a growth motive which he called an actualizing tendency, which is an innate drive that is reflective of the desire to grow, to develop and to develop one’s capabilities (Glassman, 2000). It is the actualizing tendency that stimulates creativity, causing a person to seek out new challenges and skills that motivate healthy growth in one’s lifetime (Gross, 1996). According to Rogers (1961, but originally proposed in 1947): Whether one calls it a growth tendency, a drive towards self-actualization, or a forward moving direction tendency, it is the mainspring in life†¦ It is the urge which is evident in all organic and human life – to expand, extend, become autonomous, mature and develop. In reflection, I continue to feel that Roger’s influence and continuing popularity in the psychotherapeutic community give his theories merit. APA members have been asked which psychotherapist they believe to me the most influential figure in the field (Smith, 1982). In 2006, this survey repeated in the Psychotherapy Networker. In both surveys, Carl Rogers was the â€Å"landslide† choice. While this does not prove Rogers to be correct, certainly it gives his theory of motivation more credence than not, increasing its believability. Certainly, I feel influenced by Rogers as I move forward in my career. While Rogers theory of an actualizing tendency and the overall nature of the client-centered approach may be controversial due to its allowance to let the client call the shots and as stated by Goodwin (2009) for its overemphasis on the the self at the expense of the importance of the community, in addition to being clearer what it was against than what it was for, it is nevertheless, a credible postulation in terms of its application in therapy and remains my preference over Freud. Accordingly, I continue to feel that all clients  innately wish to be successful in life and to be praised as contributors to their own selfactualization. They wish to expand their knowledge and achieve  higher levels of success beneath all the guises that seem otherwise. When clients are not performing to their fullest potential, praise and support can help ignite the actualizing tendency in a manner that would otherwise have remained dormant. When exploring postmodern views of psychology we have to inherently speak about cultural narratives and meta-narratives. What is psychology today and who defines it? What is psychology’s story, who told that story historically, and who gets to tell it today? When we look at psychology as a practice, historically and today, is important to bring to the fore the ethnocentric monocultural aspects that were oppressive to women and continue to be to minority groups in reinforcing white male Euro-American culture as the normative and desirable culture. Indeed, therapists and helping professionals should try to help deconstruct and unveil monoculturalism whenever it rears its despicable head. When oppressive forms such as heterosexism, ageism, gender and sexism come to the fore in therapy, for example, therapists should not reinforce them but try to encourage reflection on such prejudices with the aim being for the client to indentify for what it is – and to grow accordingly. The field of psychology itself is not immune but remains at risk to the debacle of monoculturalism. According to Yutrzenka, Todd-Bazemore and Caraway (1999) even though the data forecast that by 2050, ethnic minorities will make up over 50% of the US population, this quickly changing demographic has minimal effect on the number of ethnic minority psychologists. This is particularly true for Native Americans, who are far more underrepresented than any other ethnic body. Though the APA as stated by Goodwin (2009), is vigorously addressing this entire issue at present, with such efforts to be praised, still the legacy of ethnocentric monoculturalism is a stain on the profession, and will remain so until  significant numbers of minority psychologists abound. In spite of the barriers confronting them, women and minorities have made many notable, valuable and vital contributions to the field of psychology. During the course I discussed Eleanor Gibson who received the National Medal of Science in 1992 for a lifetime of research on topics dealing with the development of depth perception to the fundamentals involved in reading, faced discrimination while at Yale from psychologist Robert Yerkes who wanted no females in his lab (Goodwin, 2009). While she was able to get her PhD there under the guidance of the neobehaviorist Clark Hull, she unfortunately went on to experience difficulties at Cornell (where her husband had gained a position) forced into an unpaid research associate position in spite of winning competitive and prestigious research grants. As a result of these grants, however, she was able to carry out pioneering studies on depth perception with Richard Walk. When Cornell, home to Titchener’s legacy, removed its nepotism rules in 1966, only then did she become a full professor. Furthermore, as discussed in the course, African-Americans have also made outstanding contributions to psychology. Kenneth and Mamie Phipps Clark again come to mind in terms of their best known research titled Racial identification and preference in Negro children (Goodwin, 2009). In this research it was shown that black children showed a preference for white dolls over black ones when asked which they would like to play with and looked more like. The Clarks concluded, according to Goodwin (2009) that one insidious effect of racial segregation was its negative influence on African-American self-esteem. As a result of this research, in part, the Supreme Court was compelled to do the right thing and reverse the racist separate but equal doctrine in Brown v. Board of Education. The Clarks’ contribution to psychology and the contributions of other AfricanAmericans preceding them were not without struggle. Their mentor at Howard University, Francis Sumner faced huge obstacles when attempting to get a graduate degree and gain employment in academia. African-Americans have often had their basic intellectual abilities questioned (Goodwin, 2009). The legacy of white racism and of the field of psychology’s complicity by not taking a firmer stand until only recently is without question a significant reason why African-Americans remain heavily underrepresented in the profession, in spite of the gains made for women. 60 percent of doctorates in psychology are awarded to women today, while Native Americans as we discussed and African-Americans continue to be awarded a paltry percentage in turn. Such dismal figures have nothing to do with intelligence. We know that early intelligence tests were normed on just Caucasian, middle-class populations and only recently has such bias been addressed and perhaps abated. This also was the case for the MMPI personality tests as well. In the case of the MMPI, many of the original items became dated and according to Kassin (2008), to bring the test up to the 21st century and more postmodern views, new items were written in, and a more diverse cross-section of the US was sampled. The result of that updating is the newer 567-item version called the MMPI-2. In reflection, my guess is that similar advances have been made or are being considered in IQ testing as well; otherwise we would have to call into question whether biased IQ tests are valid for minority groups. Accordingly, great care should be taken when formulating test questions as well as interpreting the results of test-takers from different cultural groups and urban tribes. Fundamentally, it is crucial that test makers be made aware of cultural differences when putting together IQ test questions, as recommended for the MMPI (Church 2001). Exercising caution does not mean  minority groups are treated with kid gloves, but rather that a lens of understanding is in place and that can come about as a result of the test makers and assessors informing themselves. Otherwise an IQ tests validity for minority groups is at issue. Pre-modern, modern and postmodern frames of reference have all helped shape important, contemporary psychological theories and issues. Accordingly, I have attempted in a reflective manner to revisit the areas of psychology’s history we covered in course. If psychology as a profession is to continue to grow and develop, it will occur through a similar process of reflection, followed by action. It is important for psychology to know its origins, its history and respective story. However, in realization of the depth of ethnocentric monoculturalism, its leadership, particularly in the APA, must act on the call to bring about the inclusion of more minorities. Otherwise, the oppressive stain of monoculturalism shall abound and continue to blemish the profession we hold dear. References Angell, J.R. (1904). Psychology. New York: Holt. Church, A.T. (2001). Personality measurement in cross-cultural perspective. Journal of Personality, 69, 979-1006. Danner, N. (2011). Psychology: ORG5001 survey of psychology I. Boston: Pearson Learning Solutions. Freud, S. (1924) A General Introduction to Psychoanalysis. New York: Washington Square Press (reprinted 1952). Glassman, W (Ed.). (2000) Approaches to psychology. Philadelphia: Open University Press. Goodwin, C.J. (2009) A history of modern psychology (3rd ed.). Hoboken, NJ: Wiley. Gross, R. (Ed.). (1996) Psychology, the study of mind and behavior. London: Hodder Stoughton. Kassin, S., (2008). Psychology in Modules: ORG 5002 Survey of psychology II. New York: Pearson Custom Publishing. Rogers, C.R. (1961) On becoming a person. Boston: Houghton Mifflin. Smith, D. (1982) Trends in counseling and psychology. American Psychologist, 37, 802–809. Watson, J.B. (1913) Psychology as the behaviorist views it. Psychological Review, 20, 15877. Watson, J.B. Rayneer, R. (1920) Conditioned emotional reactions. Journal of Experimental Psychology, 3, 1-14. Wozniak,R. (1992) Mind and body: Renà © Descartes to William James. Retrieved from http://www.qcc.cuny.edu/socialsciences/ppecorino/INTRO_TEXT/Chapter%206%20MindBody/DUALISM.htm. Yutrzenka, B.A., Todd-Bazemore, E., Caraway, S.J. (1999). Four winds: The evolution of culturally inclusive clinical psychology training for Native Americans. International Review of Psychiatry, 11, 129- 135. ProQuest: 43479524.

Business Proposal for a Retail Shop Selling Sports Clothing and Equipme

Business Proposal for a Retail Shop Selling Sports Clothing and Equipment - Introduction - In this coursework I have chosen to plan a proposal for a new business. The type of business I have chosen is a retail shop selling sports clothing and equipment. The shop will be called "Sporting Glory" and will be situated in the High Street of Sutton in Surrey. The aim of the business is to provide quality sports clothing and equipment to it's customers at affordable prices. Through this coursework I will decide how the business will be set up, what stock the business will have to sell (i.e. How much and over what range), how the business will advertise itself, how the business will overcome it's competition (if possible at all) and how the business' cash will be managed (who invests into the business, how much staff get paid etc.). The location of the business will also be decided as Sutton High Street has the capacity of many shops and a shopping mall/centre therefore it has to be decided exactly where the business will ...

Still Alice

Still Alice, October 15,2012, #14159336 Life is a precious gift. It is not about the gifts we are given in our lives, but how we use those gifts. Do we take for granted our lives and just how precious they are or does it take a tragedy to really find out? Still Alice is a moving novel describing the inevitable downward spiral Alzheimer’s disease causes and how we must appreciate all we have because at any age, our lives could change drastically.It is unimaginable how Alzheimer’s disease changes a person’s entire life, but with the support of family, friends, and colleagues, it is possible for Alice to stay true to herself, live with the disease, and remember she is not the disease, but rather still Alice (Genova). Dr. Alice Howland, a fifty-one year old woman, is a fantastic mother, wife, and professor at Harvard University. After struggling with simple everyday tasks involving her memory, Alice decided to see a doctor to get evaluated to see if there was anythin g to be concerned about.Ruling out it was not menopausal symptoms or the stress of everyday life, she was sent home and told to continue to evaluate herself at home. About a month later, she was diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer’s disease (Genova). This diagnosis changed her life forever. John, Alice’s husband, was closest to her and they had an incredible relationship and marriage. Unfortunately for Alice, John never fully understood what she was going through. When Alice first breaks the news to him, he went into immediate denial. He took her to another doctor and had more tests run.It was somehow impossible to believe the love of his life, the perfect, intelligent woman he married would have to struggle and lose herself for the rest of their lives. After awhile of denial, he became aware of how much she really needed him to be there for her. He set aside his true feelings and began doing more things to help her feel happy and not trudge on through life. The best thing he did for her was go running every single night with her. Not only was it great alone time for them, but he Still Alice, October 15,2012, #14159336 as helping her feel youthful and like herself again each time they took a jog. Sometimes his undying love for his wife would take over and he would be there for her, especially the night she got lost in their own home and she broke down. He held her while she sobbed (Genova 150). Overtime it was if the disease became too hard for John to handle and he missed who is wife used to be rather than loving her unconditionally. He lost his patience quickly which showed one night when Alice went to change, but could not figure out how to get her bra on, but she did not realize she was holding underwear instead.She quickly laughed it off while John yelled at her telling her how it was not funny she was losing her mind (Genova 199). In the end, Alzheimer’s was overtaking John’s life and rather than living with it, he pretended as if Alice would just tag along with him to a new job promotion in New York. Alice and her children knew this would make her memory and mindset go downhill quickly, but John did not seem to care. Leaving her behind with a caretaker and their children in Cambridge, John went on to New York (Genova). Alice’s colleagues were a different story.Alice finished the semester and was hoping to teach another year at Harvard, but her student evaluations made her decision for her. It was evident she was not the same great professor she used to be and her ability to conduct class was declining fast to the point where she would repeat the same lecture or show up on some days for a few minutes then just leave (Genova 180). She told her boss about her disease and together they decided it would be best for her to take the year off and then take a sabbatical. Her boss felt horrible, but Alice knew it was best and she never wanted to be known has a bad professor so this was best.Besides having to end her professional career, Alice’s role as a mother and wife were deeply impacted. At times she would not know who her children were, especially Lydia, â€Å"the actress†. She tried her best to be loving and caring for all three of her children and her husband, Still Alice, October 15,2012, #14159336 but sometimes it became overwhelming and she just needed alone time. One night Lydia, her daughter, was there to stay the night while John was out of town and Alice did her best to force her out and claim she didn’t need her help. Lydia knew better and out of the love for her mother, she stayed with her all night.Alice continued loving John unconditionally even when it was hard and she felt a little depressed. With all of her heart, she never wanted to let her husband go. She constantly reminded her family she loved them even when eventually she wouldn’t remember them (Genova). Alzheimer’s is never good, but it can give secret blessing. The bigge st blessing she received as a result of her disease was the relationship with her daughter Lydia. All along Alice had a hard time supporting Lydia because she wanted her to go to college instead of aspiring to be an actress.Realizing it is more important to be a supportive mother, Alice went to Lydia’s performances and discussed acting with her daughter. They became closer than they ever and Alice was so proud at the end of the book hen Lydia was accepted and planned to attended Brandeis University in their hometown (Genova 258). After reading this novel, I thought very carefully on whether or not I would want to know if I will have Alzheimer’s or not like Alice’s children found out in the novel. I came to the conclusion; I would not want to know. Living life to its absolute fullest is what I am all about.Knowing down the road in my later life I will be diagnosed with Alzheimer’s would scare me. I think I would stray away from the carefree, fun-loving per son I am and just become stressed for my own future and what was to come. I love living in the moment, and if the moment arrives where I am diagnosed with this disease, I will face the challenge, but until then, I am going to enjoy every minute of my life. Still Alice, October 15,2012, #14159336 I admire Alice for the person she was throughout the entire book and her daughter Lydia’s attitude.There is little time for being sad right when someone is diagnosed, but after that you have to be supportive and caring. It’s not the disease caretakers live with, but the person and I feel that is very crucial to remember. As the presenter said in class, â€Å"There are rules of engagement we must recognize. They live in their own reality, have their own logic, and cannot reason, therefore we need to enter their reality† (Ms. Byergo). Accepting them for who they are and who they will become with the disease is the best thing I can think I would do.It would be an honor to w ork with elderly and individuals with Alzheimer’s or a form of dementia. With the typical person being older than I am now, they would have so much wisdom and things to teach me. I think telling stories and sharing memories is a great way to relive the great days before the disease really takes over. I am a great listener and love hearing stories from older, wiser people because they have more fully experienced life and shared in the beauty of it. They can relive their youth through me and I could learn how to become a fantastic adult through them.It would be a great experience. Still Alice surprised me by how well written and real life it was. I felt like I was part of the Howland family and as if I was going through everything with them. It captured my attention and stole my heart. I can’t imagine going through such an experience, but if I ever do, I will be glad I read this novel. Still Alice, October 15,2012, #14159336 Works Cited Byergo, Ms. â€Å"Aging and Alzhe imer’s. † University of Missouri. Arts & Science Building, Columbia, MO. 9 October 2012. Lecture. Genova, Lisa. Still Alice: A Novel. New York: Gallery, 2009. Print.

In what way is American TV culture satirised in The Simpsons TV Violence?

Satire is an extensive form of mockery. The Simpsons uses exaggeration and comedy to mock the TV culture of America. In America, at the moment most children tend to go home from school and spend the rest of the night watching TV. This episode is trying to show that TV is killing children's imagination and influencing them negatively. When the children stop liking the cartoons they start going out and playing traditional games like hopscotch, marbles and fishing. In this episode Maggie is influenced negatively by the Itchy and Scratchy cartoons, Marge realises and starts protesting to get them banned. The children then find the new style of the cartoons boring and they go out to play rubbing their eyes, as they are not use to playing outside. The producers use parody, as a form of satire by copying the Psycho scene when Janet Leigh is killed. In the episode, Maggie is watching violent cartoons that influence her. The cartoon shows a mouse and a cat that are endlessly beating each other up. The opening song is catchy, â€Å"We fight, we bite, we fight, we bite, we fight†. In the episode of Itchy and Scratchy, the characters are hitting each other over the heads with mallets. Immediately after she goes down to the basement were Homer is doing some DIY, picks up a mallet and hits Homer with it. This proves that the Itchy and Scratchy Show is influencing the children. The producers of The Simpsons use parody as a technique to satirise the TV culture of America by including the Psycho scene. When Maggie attacks Homer for the first time the directors include the same music and camera angles. This is because Psycho is a well-known horror film, which is easily recognised. From then on, every time Maggie goes to attack Homer they include the same music as if to say she's about to do something evil. This is satire as you just laugh at the thought of a little baby beating her over weight father up and trying to kill him. The Simpsons copies many techniques to parody the Psycho scene but the two most noticeable are the music and camera angles. It uses the same kind of camera angles during the attack to try and make it more dramatic. There is a close up of Homer's mouth just as he realises that Maggie is about to hit him, this is the same as when Janet Leigh is just about to be killed. Also the directors copy the overhead shot of the plug which is faded out to become the eye once the victim had been hit. The music is easily recognisable, as most of the audience have seen the film or would recognise that it is out of a horror film. The audience will hear the music and think that something bad is about to happen. This is because the music is quite slow and quiet, and when there is a quick sudden movement it makes you jump. These techniques combine to make the scene recognisable and easy to relate to. Although it does this, it manages to put its point across in a humorous way. This means that if you were just watching you probably wouldn't think about the meaning behind it, as you know what kind of programme The Simpsons is so would just laugh which is the designed effect. In the second episode of Itchy and Scratchy, the cat and mouse are still trying to beat each other up and so are still influencing in a negative way. Itchy is trying to stab Scratchy and kill him. Immediately afterwards Maggie picks up a pencil and walks over to Homer, Marge spots this and stops her. She looks over at the TV and realises that the cartoon is what is influencing her and wants to do something about it. Marge writes a letter to the producers of Itchy and Scratchy telling them she wants the cartoons changed. In return she receives a letter calling her a â€Å"screwball† and that â€Å"one person cannot make a difference†. This is ironic as America is meant to be a democracy where everyone has freedom of speech and expression. She starts protesting and is invited onto a chat show. The title of the show was â€Å"Are cartoons to violent for children?† which the host replied to by saying, â€Å"of course not, what sort of stupid question is that†. Her they are using parody to satirise talk shows. The host is meant to be neutral but this host is obviously more one sided in the argument. She is given nine seconds to put her point across. So she is not aloud substantial time in order to put her point across. She ends up winning though and the cartoons are changed. The cartoon now begins with the song, â€Å"We love, we share, we love, we share, we care†. The Itchy and Scratchy cartoons are now about happy things and in the one Maggie is watching they are sharing the lemonade. Maggie is once again influenced and she goes over to Homer to give him a glass of lemonade. At first he doesn't know what she is doing and backs off and then he realises that her intentions are good and only wants to give her dad a drink. This shows that she is still being influenced but this time for the better. Once the cartoons have changed the kids do not like them and start going out to play. The music slows down and changes into a piece of happy classical music by Beethoven. The children started playing traditional games such as hopscotch, dancing round the maypoles and used their imagination and spirits to make them fun. Homer referred to this time as â€Å"the golden age† and told Marge that she had â€Å"changed the world for the better†. The children ate their dinner with manners and were polite to their parents. This shows that when children don't spend as much time watching TV they spend their time doing positive, worthwhile thing and are more obedient as TV is no longer poisoning their minds. At the end of the episode Marge lost the argument and the TV went back to having lots of violence. This was because the people did not understand how she could be â€Å"for one form of expression, but not for another†. She didn't feel that anything was wrong with Michel Anglos David, where as the other women in the town felt nudity was evil. The cartoons went back to being more violent than ever and all the children went back inside leaving the playground empty and the music becomes slower and less cheerful. Maggie was again influenced by the cartoons and picked up a toy gun and shoot it at a picture of Homer. In conclusion The Simpsons uses many ways to satirise the TV culture. They use music, parody, and exaggeration. They try to do it in a comic way and get their point across well. It could be argued that the September 11th attack could also have been caused by violence on TV. It may be that the attackers would never have got the ideas if it wasn't for films such as Independence Day. Although The Simpsons is only a cartoon it highlights the influence TV has on the actions of people.

Plant Germination and Propagation essays

Plant Germination and Propagation essays Sexual propagation involves the union of the pollen (male) with the egg (female) to produce a seed. The seed is made up of three parts: the outer seed coat, which protects the seed; the endosperm, which is a food reserve; and the embryo, which is the young plant itself. When a seed is mature and put in a favorable environment, it will germinate, or begin active growth. Germination is a biochemical process that involves the activation of many chemical reactions. This happens in three stages. The first stage of seed germination involves the uptake of water. This is called imbibition. During imbibition the protein synthesizing systems are activated and various enzymes are synthesized. These enzymes catalyze reactions used in the second stage of germination. The second stage of germination involves the breakdown of the stored energy rich compounds of the cotyledons and endosperm. The second stage is a period of readying the embryo for rapid growth during the third stage. This is the Lag sphere. During the third stage of germination, cell division begins and the embryo grows into a seedling. The first growth occurs in the radicle and the root system is established. There are environmental factors which affect germination. The first step in the germination process is the imbibition or absorption of water. Even though seeds have great absorbing power due to the nature of the seed coat, the amount of available water in the germination medium affects the uptake of water. An adequate, continuous supply of water is important to ensure germination. Once the germination process has begun, a dry period will cause the death of the embryo. Light is known to stimulate or to inhibit germination of some seed. The light reaction involved here is a complex process. In all viable seed, respiration takes place. The respiration in dormant seed is low, but some oxygen is required. The respiration rate increases ...

Accounting Theory and Current Issue Samples for Students

The assignment intends to provide an extensive analysis of the article named Half a Deface of Positive Accounting Research†. The emphasis of this has been given with positive accounting in a broader aspect of the research where the main focus has been given in forming a casual description of the human behavior stated in the accounting framework rather than on PAT in accounting perspective. Moreover, the present segments has included by their positivist research program which has been identified with various deficiencies in practical scenario. The present segmentation has been able to bring out the inherent intricacies which are mainly constituted in the speculative models where the dependence is seen to takes place in hypothesis and that attention is given on the computation of numerical data [1]. The research has been further able to involve the intellectual projects after taking into consideration various types of positive accounting research along with advantages and disadvantages. The project has been aligned with ontology as well as epistemology. With emphasis to the present context the conduction of critical review related to positive accounting has been identified with various loopholes and this has restricted making contributions to the overall research project[2]. The study has been further conducted to give a brief overview of the article and critical analysis of each aspect which needs to be covered in the final section. Furthermore, the study will give an augmented focus to the different aspects of identifying research hypothesis, the description of the value and ensure smooth flow of data in the literature review. Hence, the theoretical framework has been seen to give proper insights of the information with different significance and limitations of the articles an d proper justification for the same[3]. With relevance to the particular article associated to Half a Defense of Positive Accounting Research†, the main investigations of the research with respect to accounting research has been put on positive approach. In the accounting research associated with a positive approach has a connection with broader intellectual projects related to scientific research as it aims to analyze the various relationships associated to cause and effects. It has been further seen that the deficiencies in the positive accounting research has been mainly identified in form of selection of various papers which has taken into consideration auditing literature. Based on the analysis it has been understood that the positive research is used in accounting when there exists certain loopholes for the accomplishment of the scientific goal and it has been for the seen to be applicable after selecting the illustrative papers fit for conducting the research. In addition to this, the description given by Kuhn shows those normal sciences are seen to actually suit with the positive research of the accounting activities. It has been thereby noted that the various prospects associated to this revolution and the crisis has been properly mentioned along with the several types of potentials and accomplishment of positive accounting. The summary of the article has been further able to signify the importance for the identification of the loopholes in order to make proper recommendations during the conclusion of the study[4]. The study is in for the described with the researcher on the criterion given by Popper, this has been able to prove the point that the induction is not the sole measurement for the accuracy of any given theory. In other terms the article has been able to provide a brief review of falsification associated to positive accounting theories. There has been identified a total of four classes associated to the description that are used for error measurement, external effects, internal effect and the various types of inefficiencies of the relativity theory. It has been further noted that a specific theory cannot be anecdotal with the various observations and hence it is imperative to select between two or more theories. It needs to be further understood that the decisive observations has actually falsified the inaccuracies in the theories which are inherent in the case and seem to be supporting and opposing theory[5].  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   This particular article has been further aim to provide an extensive dissection of the various types of limitations and the logic which are related to the statistical hypothesis testing. In this particular case, it has been discussed that it is a very dilutive version of the acquisition logic of Popper. This reason for this has been shown with every single test out of 20 may be wrongly rejected with 5% significance level. In this particular way there have been several technical issues present which are related to hypothesis testing and statistical distribution which is considered under null hypothesis and relies upon the supplementary assumptions. It has been further view that in case the technical issue has been resolved then there is a high chance that the hypothesis testing would fail. Therefore, it can be seen to be inherent only in case single alternative hypothesis has been taken into consideration without adequate focus in careful specification. This specification has been fur ther seen to be consistent with several types of accounting theories when it is seen to provide the association with the strength. Hence, the researchers seem to rely on the need for developing improved measurement procedure in order to test the theoretical models rigorously which prevails in the accounting practices[6]. The various types of hypothesis further research in the examination of the very day of positive accounting research has been listed below are as follows: H0: It has been seen that there has been an existence of the universe which is beyond the imagination of an individual H1: The events taking place in the world have sufficient reasons and form a part of the universe as well H2: the individuals are seen to octane high level of reliable source of the information associated to the global events with the assistance of vigilant observation H3: the various intention of intellectual property for observation has been utilized for gaining global understanding of the universe in case of causation The first hypothesis of the study has been able to test with different types of instances of positive research in accounting. It has been also seen with several operation of rational self-interest and interacting within the other parties who has been seeing to express opinion and the result of analysis of positive theories of accounting[7]. The significance of testing of the second hypothesis has been seen with understanding of scientific epistemology along with ontology which has been able to explain that the research of positive accounting is not ideal for the accounting research. Hence, it doesn’t seem to be essential to advocate the various events which are not seen to be taking place as a result of random or output of the interventions associated to outside universe[8]. The third hypothesis test of the researchers and seen to be discussing the falsifications and the hypothesis testing as a regular determination of validity of their actions. In addition to this, the theory has been able to require the proper examination of the facts you are preliminary idea has been developed. It is seen as a formal theory which can be actually developed with testable anticipations and is consistent with the various types of relevant dependable empirical evidences. Therefore, it has been seen to be necessary for the anticipants for testing of the new theory based on several types of new observations in a particular situation where the new theories make certain anticipations with the old ones[9]. The final hypothesis test has been seen as significant impact on the various models which focuses on the measurement. This is the same with mental models which can be used for the mapping of casual procedures in the universe. It is therefore important for the researcher to formulate the hypothesis which can be properly related to the review section of the literature. It has been identified that there are various theoretical frameworks which can be used to meet the objectives of the research. The operation of the balanced self-interest is seen to be taking place between the parties they are the outcome of the several accounting phenomena has been seen to be implied through the express contract in the various types of business enterprises. In addition to this these have been seen to cover the various accounting choices where the managers reports as well as takes charge of pricing decisions on behalf of the auditors. In this case, the auditors identified as the decision-makers by the use of various regulations based on standard setting and other professional advice to the academic practitioners. It has been further seen to be imperative to consider the fact which has been seen to be useful for determining the information assisting the investors in making investment decisions. This action has been actually seen to be reduced from the behavior of the human beings who are seen as rational in nature and does not include the theory of positive accounting. There has been for the seen a proper instance associated with article which helps in identification of the loopholes after a proper evaluation of the research[10]. On the other hand, that proper investigation of the accounting research is noted with various types of accounting settings which can take place in absence of: behavior. Such method is seen to be used by professional auditors in making judgments’. This particular method has been further seen to be used by the managers, who use this information to utilize discretion during the performance evaluation. There have been several instances which are seen to be helpful for demonstrating the positive research program and it is actually seen to be much wider in comparison with the positive accounting theory. It can be related to any specific field of research which intends to gain proper insight associated to the causes of accounting phenomena as well as nature after following a relevant scientific research of accounting. And it has been seen to be significant to have a better measurement tool so as to enhance the overall quality of the decision-making process in the future years[11]. The epistemological in the field of scientific research majorly ends in the explanation of various approaches which are available for gaining useful insight of the whole world. On the other hand, ontology relates to the activities as well as the relations for answering the questions. In the first place, the agency in theory has been seen to be socially developed through the rules as there is a close association with social art that does not have an object is subsistence which is seen to be devoid of human beings. Here the participants as well as the activities are not seen to pose any rational activities. It can be further understood that the art cannot be observed as a devoid of experience especially with the human beings explanation given by the participants. The intricacies taking place in the ontological and the epistemological measures has been seen with their agenda to gain proper insight of the data associated to accounting phenomena and its futile exercise of flogging of a de ad horse[12]. It has been further seen to be associated with various problems with the positive research as it is seen to explode the experience and the knowledge of the underlying reasons. There have been several research streams which has diverse range of the object is which are seen to actually exist in the given period of time. There are several other issues which are related to the agency and due to this reason is human beings are seen to pose their own veil and the actions are further seem to cause that are not acquiescent to scientific theory[13]. The need for effective research program has been seen with issues prevailing in the accounting. The need for the analytical model is seen to be helpful for testing as well as the formation of various types of theoretical models. In addition to this it has been seen to be helpful for implementing of analytical models in the positive accounting research program. The need for the measurement rather than only testing the Presidio is seen to be important procedure by the researchers. With particular relevance to accounting, the biasness has been noted with strong publication in and against the parameters, which is seen to exclude the same which has been associated with a given theory. This is due to the reason that there is a shortage of resource of accounting and adequate availability of the resource at the same time[14].  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The main significance of the article has been associated to identify the broad which exist with the current practices and the positive accounting. It is further seem to be important for making relevant contributions and said it to broader intellectual program. Due to this reason there has been seen to be in absence of system optimization which modifies the same after rectification of a mistake. This is particularly aimed to provide rational insight of the scientific research where it is validated after participation of accounting groups. The research has helped in identification of improved theoretical models which are more reliable in nature[15]. The main limitation has been identified in form of not contributing to the awareness of human behavior in the present accounting context. The main reason for this has been identified in form of lack of collection of information associated to real life from the potential sources. The limitations have been further associated to primary and secondary data which are seen to hinder the quality of research. This particular research has been seen to be made with influences from the authors who had their opinions based on positive research accounting hands that quantitative aspect has not seen to be properly addressed[16].  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The study can be concluded by providing an article which aims to evaluate the various concept of epistemological villas ontology of the positive accounting theory which has been identified with certain loopholes. It has been further recommended by the researcher that some of the theoretical models used in the articles needs to be formulated based on the detailed test of the accounting variables. Hence it is necessary for conduct in the findings of proxies which relates to the present reliable data. It has been further noted that the behavior of human beings are seen to be rational where everything does not seem to take place from the positive theory of accounting. Hence it has been seen to be significant to consider quantitative aspects of the accounting which needs to be prioritized in this case for improving the future performance of the business organization. Apostolou, Barbara, et al. "Accounting education literature review (2013–2014)."  Journal of Accounting Education  33.2 (2015): 69-127. Apostolou, Barbara, et al. "Accounting education literature review (2010–2012)."  Journal of Accounting Education  31.2 (2013): 107-161. Bampton, Roberta, and Christopher J. Cowton. "Taking stock of accounting ethics scholarship: A review of the journal literature."  Journal of Business Ethics  114.3 (2013): 549-563. Blanthorne, Cynthia, and Stu Westin. "VITA: A Comprehensive Review of the Literature and an Analysis of the Program in Accounting Education in the US."  Issues in Accounting Education  31.1 (2015): 51-69. Chen, Theodore TY. "Is reform in accounting education needed in China and Russia: A literature review."  Australasian Accounting Business & Finance Journal  9.3 (2015): 72. Deegan, Craig. "So, who really is a â€Å"noted author† within the accounting literature? A reflection on Benson et al.(2015)."  Accounting, Auditing & Accountability Journal  29.3 (2016): 483-490. Doxey, Marcus M., et al. "Comments by the Auditing Standards Committee of the Auditing Section of the American Accounting Association on PCAOB Release No. 2015-004, Supplemental Request for Comment: Rules to Require Disclosure of Certain Audit Participants on a New PCAOB Form: Participating Committee Members."  Current Issues in Auditing  10.1 (2015): C1-C10. Fakharzadeh, Tala. "Budgeting and Accounting in OECD Education Systems: A Literature Review."  OECD Education Working Papers  128 (2016): 0_1. Howieson, Bryan, et al. "Who should teach what? Australian perceptions of the roles of universities and practice in the education of professional accountants."  Journal of Accounting Education  32.3 (2014): 259-275. Lafond, C. Andrew, Anna C. McAleer, and Kristin Wentzel. "Enhancing the Link between Technology and Accounting in Introductory Courses: Evidence From Students."  Journal of the Academy of Business Education  17 (2016). Lawson, Raef A., et al. "Focusing accounting curricula on students' long-run careers: Recommendations for an integrated competency-based framework for accounting education."  Issues in Accounting Education  29.2 (2013): 295-317. Schmidt, Ulrike, and Thomas Gà ¼nther. "Public sector accounting research in the higher education sector: a systematic literature review."  Management Review Quarterly  (2016): 1-31. Siepel, Josh, and Paul Nightingale. "The increasing pervasiveness of financial markets across the global economy has been identified in the literature with the spread of ‘Anglo-Saxon capitalism’, reflecting the notion that a common US–UK model of governance and managerial attitudes is becoming increasingly common worldwide. This paper questions the existence of a common US–UK model by exploring how the concept of ‘Anglo-Saxon capitalism’..."  Critical Perspectives on Accounting  25.1 (2014): 27-35. Tucker, Basil P. "Figuratively speaking: analogies in the accounting classroom."  Accounting Education  26.2 (2017): 166-190. Webb, Jill, and Caroline Chaffer. "The expectation performance gap in accounting education: a review of generic skills development in UK accounting degrees."  Accounting Education  25.4 (2016): 349-367. Webb, Jill, and Caroline Chaffer. "The expectation performance gap in accounting education: a review of generic skills development in UK accounting degrees."  Accounting Education  25.4 (2016): 349-367 [1] Apostolou, Barbara, et al. "Accounting education literature review (2010–2012)."  Journal of Accounting Education  31.2 (2013): 107-161. [2] Schmidt, Ulrike, and Thomas Gà ¼nther. "Public sector accounting research in the higher education sector: a systematic literature review."  Management Review Quarterly  (2016): 1-31 [3] Apostolou, Barbara, et al. "Accounting education literature review (2013–2014)."  Journal of Accounting Education  33.2 (2015): 69-127. [4] Lafond, C. Andrew, Anna C. McAleer, and Kristin Wentzel. "Enhancing the Link between Technology and Accounting in Introductory Courses: Evidence From Students."  Journal of the Academy of Business Education  17 (2016) [5] Siepel, Josh, and Paul Nightingale. "The increasing pervasiveness of financial markets across the global economy has been identified in the literature with the spread of ‘Anglo-Saxon capitalism’, reflecting the notion that a common US–UK model of governance and managerial attitudes is becoming increasingly common worldwide. This paper questions the existence of a common US–UK model by exploring how the concept of ‘Anglo-Saxon capitalism’..."  Critical Perspectives on Accounting  25.1 (2014): 27-35. [6] Chen, Theodore TY. "Is reform in accounting education needed in China and Russia: A literature review."  Australasian Accounting Business & Finance Journal  9.3 (2015): 72. [7] Howieson, Bryan, et al. "Who should teach what? Australian perceptions of the roles of universities and practice in the education of professional accountants."  Journal of Accounting Education  32.3 (2014): 259-275. [8] Fakharzadeh, Tala. "Budgeting and Accounting in OECD Education Systems: A Literature Review."  OECD Education Working Papers  128 (2016): 0_1. [9] Deegan, Craig. "So, who really is a â€Å"noted author† within the accounting literature? A reflection on Benson et al.(2015)."  Accounting, Auditing & Accountability Journal  29.3 (2016): 483-490. [10] Blanthorne, Cynthia, and Stu Westin. "VITA: A Comprehensive Review of the Literature and an Analysis of the Program in Accounting Education in the US."  Issues in Accounting Education  31.1 (2015): 51-69. [11] Webb, Jill, and Caroline Chaffer. "The expectation performance gap in accounting education: a review of generic skills development in UK accounting degrees."  Accounting Education  25.4 (2016): 349-367. [12] Doxey, Marcus M., et al. "Comments by the Auditing Standards Committee of the Auditing Section of the American Accounting Association on PCAOB Release No. 2015-004, Supplemental Request for Comment: Rules to Require Disclosure of Certain Audit Participants on a New PCAOB Form: Participating Committee Members."  Current Issues in Auditing  10.1 (2015): C1-C10. [13] Tucker, Basil P. "Figuratively speaking: analogies in the accounting classroom."  Accounting Education  26.2 (2017): 166-190. [14] Bampton, Roberta, and Christopher J. Cowton. "Taking stock of accounting ethics scholarship: A review of the journal literature."  Journal of Business Ethics  114.3 (2013): 549-563. [15] Lawson, Raef A., et al. "Focusing accounting curricula on students' long-run careers: Recommendations for an integrated competency-based framework for accounting education."  Issues in Accounting Education  29.2 (2013): 295-317. [16] Webb, Jill, and Caroline Chaffer. "The expectation performance gap in accounting education: a review of generic skills development in UK accounting degrees."  Accounting Education  25.4 (2016): 349-367.

Christianity as Mediated by America's Entertainment Culture & Justin Essay

Christianity as Mediated by America's Entertainment Culture & Justin Bieber - Essay Example Consequently, it is why celebrities are marketed and angled to entice a larger devotion, exploring more possible target consumers. A prime example of this scenario is Justin Bieber and how he projects his image as a devote Christian. He even inked a portrait of Jesus on his calf. In an article entitled â€Å"Are young, religious stars like Justin Bieber and Tim Tebow making Christianity cool?† (Foxnews.com, January 10, 2012), Jo Pizza also mentioned other stars such as Demi Lovatto and NFL player Tim Tebow credit and praise their religion for their success in . Whether it is a packaging and publicity stunt to showcase Bieber as a devoted Christian in order to further his career, it is important to scrutinize the effects that in entails to society, to popular culture and its followings, and also the impact towards the Christian religion or simply just to religion. It is also critical to note that while Bieber’s influence does not generally include the adult population, h e rather has a strong hold of fan base on the youth who calls themselves as â€Å"Beliebers†, wherein the influence and impression is more potent and lasting to society, notwithstanding the support that it garners from the religious sector. Thus, there is also a need to explore the link between how pop culture transcends from an idolizing and cult-like following into a significant religious influence. To understand better the American society and how religion is practiced, the media and its proponents must also be discussed. It is also important to delve and examine how religion evolved in the United States and outline how the secular theory has adopted through time through the aid of mass media and technology. Understanding how religion is now availed by the community through means of cable televisions and especially the internet will give better grasps as to how pop culture has found a way and rooted itself through the religious diversities of America. Celebrities are Sales men and Religion is a Product When someone is propelled into the spotlight, directly or indirectly, they sell something. Whether it is in the form of movies, appearances, albums, advertisements, and the like, celebrities are vessels to sell something. In fact, in today’s culture, the celebrities are even the product themselves.1 Compared to the previous decades, the consumers demand to know everything about their lives. Noteworthy is the emerging unprecedented growth of paparazzi and gossip chasers who literally stalk celebrities in chase of the latest piece of conversation or controversy that can be made. In this age of technology and media, the interesting is defined by what is visible. Following on that premise; the invisible is uninteresting, thus unpopular, and ultimately unsellable. Therefore, celebrities must constantly reinvent and find ways to be more and more noticeable to the public eye in order to be successful salesmen of their products. Religion is no different than any commodity. It is also a product that is like any other where it needs to be marketed and sold to the consumer.2 After all, one needs to be convinced of a product before one purchases it or (in this case) adheres to it. It is worth highlighting that in this modern age, forms of religion are being marketed and advertised through the media. Evidence of these are the television channels