Mcdonalds in China Essays

Mcdonalds in China Essays Mcdonalds in China Essay Mcdonalds in China Essay Introduction: McDonald’s in China McDonald’s is considered as the most successful and largest restaurant chain in the world. In 1990 McDonald’s opened its first store in Shenzhen China. In 1992, McDonald’s Beijing outlet was opened. There are more than 800 McDonald’s outlets in China today. This paper aims to analyze the importance and the extent to which culture affects the operations of McDonald’s in China. The impacts of the Chinese culture on the operations, policies and decisions of McDonald’s are studied as well as the changes brought about by McDonalds, a symbol of American culture, to the Chinese society. Two areas will be analyzed –employee relations (human resources management processes and policies) and restaurant operations. Part I: The Chinese Culture Kluckohn and Strodtbeck’s Cultural Orientations According to Kluckhohn and Strodtbeck (1961) there are five basic value orientations underlying cultures. These orientations are human nature (good versus mixed versus evil crossed with the mutability of the goodness), man nature (subjugation to nature, harmony with nature, mastery over nature), time (past, present, future), activity (being, being-in-becoming, doing), and relational (lineality, collaterality, individualism). Human nature refers to the innate goodness of people. A counterexample of this comes from the idea that people are evil, as evidenced in traditional Puritan thought. Emphasis was placed on controlling and regulating behavior to prevent evil from spreading. The man-nature aspect involves the relation of the individual to nature. For instance, many Asia n cultures stress the view that man must be seen as a harmonious part of nature, whereas the orientation of most Anglo Westerners is that of man over nature that is, dominance of nature through technological means. The time orientation refers to the time frame salient to a group. For example, Chinese culture places a great deal of emphasis on ancestral obligations and rites (related to the Confucian principles of relationships and the five moral principles. Such a past orientation is contrasted with the future orientation of Westerners, who are often discontent with their current setting and seek change for the better. An activity orientation concerns self-expression in activity. In a being society, emphasis is placed on immediate gratification and spontaneous action, much like Morriss Dionysian dimension. A being-in-becoming society focuses on action and accomplishment measurable achievements. Finally, the relational orientation involves an individuals relation to his or her collective (Earley 1997). Culture and Its Importance Culture as a meaning system is materialized in patterns of human behavior and social interaction as well as in artifacts and observable rituals. Culture means more than physical materials or observed patterning of human interactions. It is also found in the evolution of distinct systems of ideas, beliefs, values, and their manifestations through symbols, forms of presentation, and patterns of social relationships. Culture is not static but dynamic, a constantly flowing current (Chaffee et al 1994). Each culture has its distinct value systems and orientations (Kluckhohn Strodtbeck 1961). Values are often revealed in the behavioral patterns, community relationships, rituals, and cultural artifacts that make it possible for us to recognize and experience each culture. A conceptual definition must differentiate values from other closely related concepts such as beliefs, attitudes, and norms. Values are a type of belief, but are not identical with beliefs, which are cognitive elements that have existential referents. In Kluckhohn and Strodtbecks terms, a value system is a set of principles that are patterned in a distinct configuration. This patterning of value elements distinguishes one value system from another. For example, both Chinese and Americans value family stability. But in traditional Chinese culture, family stability was built upon the supreme importance of ones obligations to ancestors, clan, and parents. The Chinese value of family stability is closely associated with many other values, such as prohibiting free male-female courtship and reliance on parental arrangement for marriages. This means that forces beyond the marriage itself, primarily those from clan and family elders, are involved in enforcing family stability (Chaffee et al 1994). Study of Chinese Relationships One area in which values differ across cultures is that of social relationships. Social relationships are those that are stabilized institutionally through culturally understood roles and responsibilities. For example, male and female relationships involve culturally accepted behavioral expectations in work situations, in families, and in social interactions. In each of these settings, there are socially accepted definitions of roles, through expected behavioral patterns and responsibilities associated with being a male or female. The same can be said about relationships involving authority hierarchies, seniority, or kinship (Chaffee et al 1994). Traditional Chinese culture is widely considered to be built upon value system crystallized in Confucianism. This traditional value system is revealed through elaborate definitions, regulations, and moral and ethical principles regarding individuals’ roles and relationships. These principles are not just ideas; they are materialized in social practices, including rituals, rites, ceremonies, and cultural artifacts. At the heart of the Confucian system lies linear hierarchy governing family structure, political structure, and the supernatural world. Study of the Chinese Language The Chinese language is one of the oldest living languages, and it is spoken by more people in the world than any other. Its script is used not only in China but in Japan and Korea as well. Nobody knows exactly how old the language is in its spoken form, but its system of writing was in existence nearly four thousand years ago. It probably originated by drawing pictures of word meanings into loess or sand. Like other ancient tongues, Chinese is a pictographic not an alphabetical language. The stylized, simplified pictures called characters or ideographs appeal with some exceptions more to the eye than to the ear. Each Chinese character symbolizes a meaning, an idea; it is not comparable with Western-type words which consist of a limited number of letters. English has twenty-six letters in its alphabet; Chinese is composed of thousands of characters that must be individually memorized by anyone who learns to read and write. The great dictionary compiled during the Manchu dynasty gives some 40,000 characters; however, knowledge of 3,000 to 4,000 characters constitutes a rather adequate reading vocabulary. The modern character often shows little similarity to its original pictorial counterpart because usage as well as changes in writing instruments and materials caused changes in form (Callis 1959). Chinese characters reveal thought processes of the Chinese mind; they have universal appeal to everyone endowed with intelligence and artistic feeling. Written with a pen, characters may look ordinary; but the same characters written with the Chinese brush can reflect the personality of the writer to an extraordinary degree. They will show the flow and rhythm of life movement in which the old Chinese calligraphers took great pride. Classical written Chinese differs so much from the written language of today that intensive training is needed to master both (Defrancis 1986). Study of Chinese Nature Chinas oldest religion, influential among the people until the doorstep of our times, was a nature religion. Spirits of river and mountain, of soil and grain, of wind and water, of field and kitchen, and especially the ancestral spirits of the dead were worshipped. It was believed that they played an active part in human affairs. Lord on High (Shang Ti) was the heavenly ruler of natural forces while the Son of Heaven, emperor of all China, was the mediator between these forces and all men. At the winter solstice when the sun, the great yang, symbol of warmth, health, and righteousness, would give more light again, the emperor would make sacrifices on the Altar of Heaven. In the home of every Chinese family ceremonial honors were brought to the spirits of the ancestors who were regarded as very much alive in the spirit world and revengefully powerful on earth unless properly remembered and revered. Geomancers, knowing about feng-shui, wind and water, saw to it that buildings fitted into their natural surroundings without disturbing the spirits. Work followed the rhythm of the sun, of the seasons, and of crops. Life followed the natural cycle of birth, marriage, and death. The calendar followed the phases of the moon. Festivals were celebrated to remember the ancestors, to venerate the spirits of great men, or simply to mark the seasons and to admire nature. Typical were the Lantern Festival, the Moon Festival, or Ascending High. Chinese were masters in observing nature and using natural products. Silk, medicinal herbs, and vegetable colors are outstanding examples. Tools, toys, and art objects were made of natural materials that the soil or plants provided (Callis 1959). Study of Chinese Human Nature There are traits, combinations of traits, and behavioristic peculiarities characteristic of native Chinese. These may be explained as results of race, geography, society, and a common culture to which all nurtured and raised in China are exposed. Chinese are, in general, hard working, practical, and thrifty. They are used to working much and to thriving on and enjoying little. A trace of optimism, even of humor, seems always present in the Chinese personality. Even under the most trying circumstances a spark of hope for better times is present. Chinese peasants and workmen are rarely demoralized. They keep their chins up, take what comes, help each other out, and are amazingly content in their unending struggle for the bare necessities of life. You can rob an army of its general, but you cannot rob a common man of his will, they will say. If fate turns and things are going very well for them, they readily become easygoing, even complacent, and opulent. They may yield to temptations: gambling, women, and opium. Aroused and angered, a Chinese who has convinced himself of the evil intentions and enmity of his foe can be cruel, determined, and revengeful in the extreme. He may wait long for his opportunity, but he will not forget. On the other hand, the Chinese can be a reliable and sacrificing friend when he is bound by cordial sentiments. As a highly emotional person who thinks with his heart, he is likely to go unjustifiably far in both his animosity and his friendship. Yet to a real or imagined change of heart in his opponent, he himself will respond quickly and warmly. Though accustomed to hide his own emotions under smiles or an impersonal mask, the Chinese is an expert in the psychological observation of others. Nothing escapes him, which is advantageous to know. He can be an unobtrusive, talented spy. Deeds alone, not words, will impress him though he himself is good at playing with words to cover up his true intentions or to mislead his enemy (Callis 1959). The Chinese culture is very different from the Western culture. The discussion above presents a clear picture of the Chinese culture that will aid us in the study of how the Chinese view McDonald’s and how the company used these views, which are culturally driven, to its success. Part II: Importance of Culture to the Operations of McDonald’s in China McDonald’s Culture McDonald’s is the epitome of an American Company. For most Chinese it symbolizes the American Culture. There is a great difference between the American culture and the Chinese culture. McDonald’s as an American company have American values. McDonald’s in China, like elsewhere in the world virtually follows the corporation’s basic American operating system. The majority of employees are called the ‘crew’. In China, and in every country where there is McDonald’s, crew jobs are fragmented into different stations such as working on the till, cleaning tables and emptying bins, garnishing burgers and monitoring fries, bread machines or the grill. Virtually all aspects of the business are highly standardized and rigorously monitored. Assembly line techniques are used to produce and serve identical products; standardization and higher productivity are ensured through new technology and the systematic planning of each job, broken down into the smallest of steps. he corporations industrial engineers measure and plan the equipment layout and scheduling in terms of seconds of working time using computerized time study methods. The workers skills are eliminated and the work is labor intensive with the machinery making the cooking decisions. Lights and buzzers tell workers when to turn burgers or take fries out of the fat. Computerized cash registers do most of the thinking for till and window workers, separating the hand and the brain in classic scientific management style. According to Royle (2000), the basic principles of the McDonald’s business model are: oHigh degree of standardization in all process oVarious standardizes layouts and concepts for the restaurants oAlmost identical products all around the world with only few adaptations oVery strong quality management oHigh levels of control in collaborations McDonalds Corporation believes that standardization is the most rational means of maximizing cost efficiencies. In addition, standardization has cultural functions, where the company maintains a global corporate image for marketing and advertising purposes (Ritzer, 1996 cited in Pereira 2002). McDonalds rationalization could be seen in its optimization of work processes, particularly through the use of technology. This is more than simply referring to the use of equipment and machinery, for McDonalds technology includes all processes from the preparation, cooking and serving of the food right up to the systems of financial accounting, ordering of stocks, staff planning and training. All these processes have been fine-tuned towards achieving cost and labour efficiency, and minimizing wastages (Leidner 1993 cited in Pereira 2002). Cultural Views of the Chinese about McDonald’s In the eyes of many Chinese, McDonald’s represent the American culture and the promise of modernization. McDonald’s highly efficient service and management, its spotless dining environment, and fresh ingredients have been featured repeatedly by the Chinese media as exemplars of modernity (Yan 1997). According to Li (1999) people in China are drawn to McDonald’s because of its novelty, status and symbol. Yan (2000) argues that McDonald’s attraction fro Chinese customers does not come from its food but from the sociality of the space it provides to consumers. The space is sociable, because it gives customers a sense of public accessibility, a sense of equality between customers and restaurant employees, and, among women customers, even a sense of gender equality. For these reasons, while McDonald’s in the United States is a place for grabbing some fast food, in Beijing it is a place for friends and colleagues to hang out and communicate (cited in Yang 2002). Most international fast food chains in China, particularly McDonald’s are targeting children. The policy of one child per family has had the effect of turning single children into fussy little emperors, the center of attention of parents and relatives. High-quality food and beverage products provided by companies such as McDonald’s are targeted at children, where they find a ready market. While McDonald’s remains essentially American in terms of menu, services, and management, the company has made serious efforts to adapt to the Chinese cultural setting. To present itself as a local company, all the restaurant sin Beijing actively participate in community projects with local schools and neighborhoods (Luo 2001). McDonald’s, American Culture and Chinese Culture As McDonald’s becomes a global phenomenon, it teaches non-Western and non-US audiences new forms of producing and consuming food, while initiating some cultures into modernization and modernity itself. Studies of the introduction of McDonald’s into Asia, for instance, stress how McDonald’s teaches consumers to queue up and wait in line and enter rationalized processes of food consumption. It provides an experience of cultural otherness that enables non-Westerners to participate in the culture of Western modernity. It teaches non-Western workers speed and efficiency, as well as food hygiene and customer service (Watson 1997 cited in Kellner 2003)). It is thus part and parcel of the process of globalization that is producing new forms of culture, social practices, and ways of life. For global citizens, McDonalds represents the charisma of the golden arches, Ronald McDonald and McDonaldland, the tie-ins and promotions, and the ubiquitous advertising, aimed at a variety of genders, races, classes, and national subject-positions, which attempt to incorporate more and more cultures and sets of consumers into its McWorld. In China, McDonald’s signifies Western modernity and presents itself as an alternative to their traditional culture in terms of cuisine and social experience. However, the Chinese culture also affects McDonald’s. One example is how McDonald’s adapts to the culture and cuisine of the Chinese. McDonald’s in China redesigned its menu, serving noodle dishes along with Big Macs and allows regional owners to vary the menu according to local tastes. In its global attempts to articulate McDonalds with local forms of various cultures, the corporation calls Ronald McDonald Uncle in China and also has an Aunt figure, drawing on Chinese respect for elders and relatives (Kellner 2003). The cultural background of the Chinese people shapes their views and attitude toward McDonald’s. As a country that has been secluded from the rest of the world, the entrance of McDonald’s in China has fueled curiosity and the Chinese people’s desire for modernity and to be included in the global village. The discussion above stresses the importance of culture to the operation of McDonald’s in China because culture shapes attitudes and affects behavior and attitude. In order to be successful in China, McDonald’s need to study the Chinese culture and to be able to adapt to the norms and expectations of the Chinese society. Part III: The Impact of Culture on Employee Relations of McDonald’s in China Hofstede’s Cultural Dimensions: China and The United States One of the most popular works in the study of culture is that of Geert Hosfstede (1984). Through his research and surveys he theorized that cultural and sociological differences between nations can be categorized and quantified, thereby allowing comparison of national cultures to take place. Hofstede identified five cultural dimensions. These are: 1. Power Distance The dimension of power distance is about the extent to which power structures are hierarchical and reflect significant inequalities in power. Countries with large power distances exhibit wide inequalities in power, power that is often concentrated in relatively few hands in heavily centralized and hierarchical organizations. Individuals within such cultures view themselves as inherently unequal: subordinates are dependent on those higher up the hierarchy and accept the power of their superiors by virtue of their position in the hierarchy. All participants in the hierarchy expect their position within it to be clearly demarcated. China is considered as a large power distance country. In small power distance countries, individuals are more inclined to regard themselves as equals: rather than expecting to be told what to do, subordinates expect to be consulted and will argue a case with those higher up the organization. Respect for individuals within the organization comes from their proven capacity to perform a role rather than from the possession of a particular job title or their place in an organization. Shorter small power distances coincide with flatter organization structures. The United States is considered a country with small power distance. 2. Uncertainty Avoidance Uncertainty avoidance measures the lack of tolerance for uncertainty and ambiguity. This manifests itself in high levels of anxiety and emotion. This in turn translates into a preference for highly structured formal rules and limited tolerance for groups and individuals demonstrating deviant ideas or behaviors. 3. Individualism vs. Collectivism The individualist-collectivist dimension measures the degree to which the interests of individuals or of the group take priority. The social framework in an individualistic society is looser than that of a more collectivist society and individuals take responsibility for themselves and their immediate as opposed to extended families. Individualist societies demonstrate a greater regard for individual rights and freedoms and tend to be characterized by assertiveness and competitiveness rather than by teamwork and cooperation. China is considered a country that is collectivist. In China, it is the group (which could be the extended family, the employer or the society as a whole) that looks after the interest of individuals and gives them their sense of identity. In return fro this protection, individuals offer the group loyalty and work towards the attainment of goals determined by and for the good of the group, organization or society. The United States on the other hand is a highly individualistic society. 4. Masculinity – Femininity Societies that place a high premium on assertiveness, achievement and the acquisition of material possessions are exhibiting aggressive or masculine goal behaviour. Masculine environments also favour conflict and competition in the workplace. Cultures that place a high value on social relationships, quality of life and sensitivity demonstrate passive or feminine goal behaviour. Cultures and workplaces scoring high on the femininity dimension exhibit high degrees of cooperation, negotiation and compromise. The United States can be considered as a masculine culture while China is leaning toward femininity. 5. Short- vs. Long-Term Orientation This cultural dimension was not included in Hofstedes original analysis but added at a later stage. In countries with a short-term orientation, which is more characteristic of Western societies (particularly the United States) and of some Asian countries such as Pakistan and the Philippines, the emphasis is on the immediate gratification of needs, a focus on the present and the attainment of short-term goals. In cultures with a more long-term orientation, which include the cultures of Japan, China, South Korea and Taiwan, the satisfaction of needs is deferred for the sake of long-term benefits and growth. Associated characteristics include persistence and thrift. International Human Resource Management International Human Resource Management is the process of procuring, allocating and affectively utilizing human resources in a multinational corporation (Sims 2002). IHRM according to Briscoe and Schuler (2004) is about understanding, researching, applying and revising all human resource activities in their internal and external contexts as they impact the process of managing human resources in enterprises throughout the global environment to enhance the experience of multiple stakeholders, including investors, customers, employees, partners, suppliers, environment and society. In the case of McDonald’s culture has little effect on the company’s operations. Although the company has invested so much on making it’s restaurants appear as local as possible, the company system remains intact. McDonald’s conduct crew-level training at 25 workstations in addition to using step by step manuals and videotapes. Due to its international scope, translators and electronic equipment are provided, which enables professors to teach and communicate in 14 languages at one time. In addition to training, its Hamburger Universities provide a variety of advanced business management course, which allows aspiring managers to earn college credit. McDonalds Corporations organizational structure and its use of technologies appear to influence its employment policy. McDonalds is structured into three main groups: the headquarters team, the restaurant managers and the crewmembers. The headquarters team refers to a small group of senior executives and managers in charge of public (community) relations, finance, personnel, human resources, training, property management and several other tasks. As the restaurant managers task involves day-to-day management of the restaurant, McDonalds usually hires secondary school leavers to fill the post as the majority of the jobs training is conducted within the restaurant itself. Restaurant managers began their careers in McDonalds as trainee managers, before rising to become second assistant manager, first assistant manager, and finally restaurant manager. The higher the managerial position, the greater the number and the complexity of tasks, including staffing, training and recruitment of crew members (and junior managers), budgeting, accounting, and maintaining discipline. Numerically, crewmembers are the largest group in the organization, but are remunerated with the lowest wages. The crews main tasks are preparing and serving the food, and cleaning the restaurant. As these tasks are relatively simplified due to the heavy rationalization of the technology, the McDonalds Corporation does not need to hire a person with a lot of education or skills. The crew face the least favorable employment conditions in comparison to the other two groups. For its employment policies, McDonalds Corporation has its own espoused philosophy, which believes that issues of efficiency and equity can be dealt with without the need for unions (Love 1995; Royle 2000). The company has its own Human Resource Management programme, one which is similar to many other corporate HRM programmes, where the main objectives are to foster employee loyalty and to keep its employees satisfied through individualizing employee relations (Beaumont 1995). McDonald’s is the largest food service operation in the world in terms of system wide sales. McDonald’s is a franchised based multinational company that establishes franchises and company-owned operations to export its products. McDonald’s has developed highly standardized and uniformed products with minor alterations depending on the local market. McDonald’s also developed a highly standardized operating system and procedure. The HRM procedures in the host country are virtually the same as the host countries. However, there are different issues that affect the IHRM practices in McDonald’s, particularly in Europe.

The Perils of Slinging Slang

The Perils of Slinging Slang The Perils of Slinging Slang The Perils of Slinging Slang By Mark Nichol To slang, or not to slang? First, it’s important to make a distinction between slang and genre dialect. If you’re writing crime noir set during the Depression, your readers are going to expect some gaudy patter about gats and dames and gin joints. And if your novel is set in the Old West, there’s going to be a lot of shootin’ and ridin’ and â€Å"pardner† this and â€Å"stranger† that. But you have to strike a balance an excess of slang within dialect will easily tip homage into parody. And, prithee, don’t clutter your medieval romance or high fantasy with feverishly filigreed language that would require subtitles if it were to be adapted to film. A more immediate danger, however, is in incorporating contemporary lingo or catchphrases into fiction that takes place in the present or in nonfiction about a current topic. Ten years on, â€Å"Not that there’s anything wrong with that† or â€Å"Not so much† still work, but they’re getting stale. Soon, they’ll likely be as irrelevant as those everything-but-the-kitchen-sink parody movies like Scary Movie and Epic Movie, where look-alike cameos of pop-culture 15-minute wonders pop up randomly, with hilarity presumably ensuing. Some years back, I read a detective novel featuring a black private eye in which the narrative and the dialogue alike were laced with â€Å"Aaaiiiiight† and other African American elocution. It was less annoying than you might think (the authenticity was actually refreshing), but the novelty was just that in retrospect, an ephemeral affectation. The medium for which you write will determine the shelf life of slang. Online publication can be almost instantaneous, but it lives on forever, and the slang therein soon loses its luster. Newspaper readers are more forgiving, because they’re consuming the paper’s news and feature articles in the moment, but a magazine article sees print up to several months after submission (and people are likely to hold on to periodicals than papers), and books and film scripts are written a year or more before they hit the shelves and screens. Some slang lives forever booze and â€Å"beat it† are each hundreds of years old and occasionally a slang term (mob, for example, or lousy) becomes part of standard speech, but be prudent about incorporating slang into your writing; individual writers who nominate rad or groovy for posterity when something with the staying power of cool is available risk distracting their readers with an unintentional verbal equivalent of a speed bump. Slang can also be misinterpreted, or may at least interfere with comprehension, as language shifts. The context will probably help your readers understand what you mean by tranny, but as the diminutive of transvestite overtakes that for transmission in terms of frequency of use, any employment of it for the latter meaning outside of a car magazine may elicit an interruption of concentration. The ubiquity of slang in spoken discourse inures us to it, but when it is sealed in print or online like a pressed flower, it may lose its bloom, so chill, aaaiiiiight? Want to improve your English in five minutes a day? Get a subscription and start receiving our writing tips and exercises daily! Keep learning! Browse the Style category, check our popular posts, or choose a related post below:How to Format a US Business LetterYay, Hooray, Woo-hoo and Other Acclamations3 Types of Essays Are Models for Professional Writing Forms

The Fight for and Evolution of Same Sex Marriage in America Essay

The Fight for and Evolution of Same Sex Marriage in America - Essay Example The validity of the volume is incontestable because of its thorough application of qualitative methodologies, specifically in-depth interviews and observations. The volume also considers other important legal issues such as inheritance rights and health privileges. All over the discussion, arguments from all parties of the debate come out, thus creating a balanced discourse. (2) Alderson, K. & Lahey, K. (2004) Same-Sex Marriage: The Personal and the Political. New York: Insomniac Press. This volume summarizes the historic court decisions in Canada to recognize the marriage of homosexuals; the statutes in Belgium and Netherlands which have granted the permission to homosexual couples to marry; and the legal issues of same-sex marriage in the courts of California, Massachusetts, Hawaii, and other states (Alderson & Lahey, 2004). The volume is relevant to the thesis because of its elaboration discussion on the evolution of same-sex marriage typified by heightened personal happiness on t he one hand and by landmark legal interpretation and traditional social movement on the other. Although the volume is largely exploratory and descriptive, the authors’ thorough analysis of earlier literature and current empirical findings on the legal status of same-sex marriage builds it credibility. (3) Attorney, F.H. & Attorney, E.D. (2011) Making it Legal: A Guide to Same-Sex Marriage, Domestic Partnership & Civil Unions. Berkeley, CA: NOLO. The volume sums up the past, current, and potential status of same-sex marriage statutes in the United States. The volume is relevant to the thesis because the authors present a thorough evaluation of the factors that affect the choice to marry, explains the complicated and constantly changing directives of statutes on same-sex relationship, and offers realistic recommendations on the institution of marriage (Attorney & Attorney, 2011). The trustworthiness of the volume is unquestionable since the authors have personal experience with and professional knowledge of the past, present, and future legal status of same-sex marriage. Aside from their own perspectives, the authors involved other legal scholars and practitioners to contribute to the same-sex marriage discourse. (4) Barclay, S. & Fisher, S. (2003) â€Å"The States and the Differing Impetus for Divergent Paths on Same-Sex Marriage, 1990-2001,† Policy Studies Journal, 31(3), 331+ This article is related to the thesis because it puts emphasis on the motivations for the implementation of state legislations that prohibit the recognition of same-sex marriages. The article is adequate in terms of validity and reliability due to its use of a ‘regression model of pooled time series data from the 50 states in the period 1990 to 2001’ (Barclay & Fisher, 2003, 331). The authors take into account the validity of current social, demographic, and political movement variables (p. 331) that have been connected in the past to the passing of statutes re garding sexual perception of the local and central government. (5) Cahill, S. (2004) Same Sex Marriage in the United States: Focus on the Facts. Oxford, UK: The Rowman & Littlefield Publishing Group, Inc. The book systematically compares between civil marriage, domestic partnership, and civil union prior to discussing the empirical findings concerning both the anti- and pro-same-sex marriage campaigns (Cahill, 2004). The author also discloses findings

Creating A Social Program Coursework Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Creating A Social Program - Coursework Example The causes of Fibromyalgia are not clear, but it is clear that it is a disorder with a number of possible causes. It seems sufferers have all experienced stressful or traumatic events, such as car accidents, repetitive injuries, illness, and certain diseases that can accompany the discomfort. These may include rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, and ankylosing spondylitus (spinal arthritis) (National Institute of Health 2007). Scientists believe there maybe a genetic factor involved in the disorder and women who have a family member with the disorder are more likely to have it themselves. Researchers once believed the debilitating pain reported by Fibromyalgia sufferers was the result of the accompanying depression they experience, however, recent brain scan research has shown an increase in blood flow to the areas of the brain that detect pain intensity (Anderson 2008). Common limitations of patients suffering from Fibromyalgia include exertion and mobility limitatio ns (pushing, pulling, lifting, etc.), extremely reduced energy and stamina levels, cognitive deficits, and the need for a restricted environment due to sensitivities to cold, light, noise and changes in air pressure (Contreras 2003). Fibromyalgia can be very difficult to diagnose and presently there are no specific tests that can be used to determine a clear diagnosis. For this reason, some patients may require several doctor visits and tests to be performed prior to receiving a correct diagnosis. The American College of Rheumatology currently presents the standards for diagnosing Fibromyalgia after other factors have been ruled out. This diagnostic standard includes checking for a certain number (11-18) of tender points on the patients body. Because the complaints and symptoms of Fibromyalgia can be vague and vary between patients, physicians tend to put patients through repeated evaluations prior to diagnosis (Elrod 1997). This extensive diagnostic

Diversity of human potential Essay Example for Free

Diversity of human potential Essay Gardner meanwhile developed the concept of multiple intelligences to reflect diversity of what human beings can do. He argued that there aptitudes or different propensities including linguistics, logical-mathematical, musical, bodily-kinesthetic, spatial, interpersonal and intrapersonal intelligences. Learning as a social behavior Bandura’s social learning theory extends the concept of the human potential and noted the role of obtaining competencies through the process of response consequences or observational learning which is essentially imitation or modeling. Modeling according to this theory has four components. Attention, the first component is perception of the significant attributes of a particular behavior. Retention is the next component or coding or committing the behavior to memory. Motor reproduction is the ability to reproduce the modeled behavior. The fourth component is motivational or reinforcements – the necessary push to do set of actions associated with the particular behavior (Bandura, 1975). The three basic psychological concepts outlined above just about cover the domain of psychology and points us to the direction that although there are individual competencies or potentials what happened if these individuals co-exists at particular setting. Bandura posited learning would be impossibility without a social setting even assuming the individual has the potential to learn (Bandura, 1962, , 1975). Accounting for variations. Levels of permanence and variability defines features of the individual like body shape which is relatively permanent than mental recognition or perception which could change quickly which may be internal or influenced by external factors. If modeling is a way of learning accounting for changes through time would be the next step, which is progression. In the case of suicide which has very strong negative association Kolb’s experiential learning cycle model would be helpful and may provide an expanded understanding on how groups or social networks form. This is very important as it has been shown modeling or experiencing losing someone because of suicide is a difficult phase which has proven significant as shown by Bearman and Moody, in terms of suicidal ideation or making the person who committed suicide a model figure (Bearman Moody, 2004). Kolb identified four phases which has interesting interrelationships if taken not as phases but states of mind which is simultaneously being processed. Psychological diversity would be immense because of possibilities of dominance of each of the state of minds. Concrete experience (CE) and abstract conceptualization (AC), for example could be taken as off tangent to each other as experience could be taken as activity which is cyclical in itself but abstraction and conceptualization (AC) is progressive. Human potential may have been the same in the past 300 years but the explosion of knowledge because of science and technology what Bruner may call as powerful amplifiers. Reflective observation (RO) and active experimentation (AE) meanwhile in context of CE and AC could explain possible changes or how situations develop. To tie these all up is talking about the process cognition. As applied to understanding of the complex act of committing suicide, we see that actual experience or feeling the pressure from the environment as continuing until the final act. It is easy to understand what clinical psychologist would point out that suicidal tendencies should be seen as a form of mental illness an irrational behavior wherein the mind or the will has ceased to function. Kolb’s model is posited on the positive or rational thinking and development towards a higher plane of competence and learning as the rule or trend of human behavior. But still we could use Kolb’s and others thinking on human development as operative albeit the outcome is generally considered unacceptable. A lot of cases tends to point out there are risky social situations which may push some people into progressive stages until the act of committing suicide. For this we explore the sociological perspectives.

Diabetes Explained Essay example -- Medical Conditions

Special cells in the pancreas produce a hormone called insulin to regulate metabolism. When this hormone is not present glucose cannot enter body cells and blood glucose levels rise. Hyperglycemia may result from this situation. This process is the development of diabetes mellitus. Type 1 diabetes, formerly called juvenile diabetes or insulin dependent diabetes mellitus, has two forms; immune-mediated and idiopathic. Type 1 diabetes accounts for 5-10% of cases in the United States. Research has shown that there is an inherited tendency for developing the disease; it may be triggered by environmental factors (Rosdahl & Kowalski, 2008). It also has an autoimmune component since antibodies to insulin and islet cells are present at the time of diagnosis (p. 1187). Because type 1 diabetes needs to be managed very carefully, are [Delete] carbohydrate counting and a low fat diet [â€Å"are†] the best way [Plural] to make sure that glucose and insulin are available in the right propor tions. When diagnosed the goal is to achieve metabolic stabilization, restore body weight, and relieve symptoms of hyperglycemia. Type 1 diabetics rely heavily on their diet to control their condition. It is just as important as accurately checking their glucose on a regular basis. A person with type 1 diabetes needs to find the right balance of foods [Should not be plural] choices to regulate their diet and control their glucose levels. If this is not achieved [Insert comma] long term complications for diabetes can arise which include; damage to the heart, blood vessels, kidneys, eyes, and nerves. Carbohydrate intake must be carefully coordinated with an exercise program and medication, this is imperative so that glucose and insulin are available in the right a... ...i, G. (2011). Short Report: Treatment effects of meals with different glycaemic index on postprandial blood glucose response in patients with type 1 diabetes treated with continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion. Diabetic Medicine, 227-229. doi:10.1111/.1464-5491.2010.03176.x Rosdahl, C.B., & Kowalski, M.T., (2008). Textbook of Basic Nursing (9th Ed.) Philadelphia, PA: Lippincott, Williams and Wilkins Scavone, G., Manto, A., Gagliardi, L., Caputo, S., Mancini, L., Zaccardi, F., & Ghirlanda, G. (2010). Effect of carbohydrate counting and medical nutritional therapy on glycaemic control Type 1 diabetic subjects: a pilot study. Diabetic Medicine, Vol. 27, (477-479). doi:10.1111/.1464-5491.2010.02963.x Thornton, H. (2009, June). Type 1 diabetes, part 1: An Introduction. British Journal of School Nursing, Vol. 4, (No 5), 223-227. Retrieved from EBSCOhost database.

My Feeling as a Filipino Essay

I am very proud to be a Filipino! From the centuries that passed, a lot of nations have admired the Filipino people, for being industrious, brave, talented, resourceful, these are only a few of the traits that a lot of other people and nations admired the Filipinos for. But although we have been complimented in many fields, none of us or only a handful of us are well known for it. We as a people never stop and think â€Å"what can I do for this country†. There have been notable personalities that have done this but a lot of us have always taken it for granted. One other notable Filipino trait is ingenuity; we have had a lot of inventors that have blossomed in the Philippines, one such inventor that is well known around the world is Agapito Flores, the inventor of the fluorescent light. This invention, should it have been recognized by the government would have been one of the best ways that we could have paid our national debt and would have increased the status of the Philippines as a nation, if it was manufactured here in the Philippines, but the government took it for granted. Another field that we really should have exceeded in is agriculture. A lot of the Asian countries have learned their agricultural knowledge from the Philippines, yet we keep importing these goods from them, one such country is Thailand; they are very proud to say that they learned their agricultural knowledge from the Philippines, one notable goods is the Thai Rice, that specific breed of rice was made in the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) in Los Baà ±os, Laguna, yet we are the one importing that specific rice crop from that country to ours. So my question is †¦ Why is it that our government seems to be a reactive kind of government and not a proactive one? Why is it that the Filipino, as a people, seems to practice, what I call the â€Å"I† syndrome? Why is it that we put ourselves on top of everything else rather than a part of a nation? Why is it that other nations and or people recognize what we have and we don’t? Why is it that we turn a blind eye to the problems of our society? Why is it that we are so caught up with what â€Å"I† want and what â€Å"I† need that we fail to see what’s really happening to us as a nation? I AM  PROUD TO BE A FILIPINO and I still believe that we can make it as a nation, but I’m afraid that if we don’t change our outlook of ourselves as a people, we will succeed as an individual but fail miserably as a nation.

Gia and Her Life

Gia Marie Carangi is a gorgeous Philadelphia native who arrives in New York City to become a model and immediately makes an impression on a very high profiled agent by the name of Wilhelmina Cooper. In the movie Gia’s sexual identity is not identified by her. She never comes out directly and states I’m a lesbian or bisexual. Even though she never had sex with a man, she never said that she wasn’t attractive to men. Gia was very open minded and was always willing to explore her sexuality. Throughout the movie growing up she was finding herself while meeting a woman by the name of Linda who at the time they met was involved with a man. Gia really loved Linda but in the beginning Linda would always push her away which fueled her drug addiction. Linda was bisexual and in the beginning had issues with it because Gia was the first woman she ever been with but Linda also fell in love with her in time. Gia was feminine but at times could be very aggressive and had some boyish qualities about her to me that stood out. Her looks which made her one of the top female models back in the 70’s had male and females in awe of her beauty. Gia had a uniqueness about her that made her different from everybody else which elevated her into the star she was destined to become. Her beauty was like a gift and a curse because it got her to places she never dreamed of going, yet the curse for some could be that people only looked at the outer beauty and cared less what was on the inside. Gia finally realized that Linda was the only one that was there for her and she thanked her for that while photographers and other people surrounding her just saw her as a face that could make money and could care less if she couldn’t speak because they didn’t want her to open her mouth just look beautiful. Gia was very erotic and adventourous which did capture the interests of others to her and she portrayed that well on camera which the photographer loved! The movie takes place in the late 1970’s and around that time was the term â€Å"sexual liberation† or â€Å"free love† with millions of young people embracing the hippie ethos and preaching the power of love and the beauty of sex as a natural part of life. Sex was experimented openly in and outside of marriage and around the 80’s is when free love ended abruptly because that’s when the public became aware of AIDS. Sex and drugs was one of the main components that surrounded her and by being in the entertainment industry that always came with the territory some did it more than others but in Gias case the drugs took over her life at one point sharing needles which later on is found out how she contracted AIDS.

Free Essays on Indian Concert

â€Å"The Heartthrobs† I love listening to music but, I don’t really know how to make music since, I don’t know how to play any type of musical instrument. Most of all, I love concerts because of the live musical performances and a chance to experience music in general. I have been to a couple of concerts in my life but, there was one that has been the best experience thus far and that was the most recent. â€Å"The Heartthrobs† is not a music group but, it is a name given to different kinds of musicians and instrument players from India. The names of these musicians are as follows: Hrithik Roshan, Kareina Kapoor, Karishma Kapoor, Arjun Rampal, Rajeshwari, and Aftab Shivdasani. These Indian celebrities take a performance tour every year to many countries such as United States, Canada, United Kingdom, and Australia. â€Å"The Heartthrobs† perform in almost every state in the United States if someone is willing to sponsor them and accommodate them well. This year on September 1 st they performed in the auditorium of Pike High School because one of the people in Pike Township was willing to sponsor them. My classmate Kashyap Patel and I took the initiative to go to this concert because both of us are fond of these celebrities and their music. I had a feeling, many people were going to come but, the crowd was immensely bigger than I had expected it to be. I felt as if I had extremely underestimated the popularity of these celebrities overseas. It was really crowded and really a hassle to get inside the auditorium. However, all in but all was worth the concert because the concert itself was marvelous and it was one of the most exhilarating things that I had done in my life. The musical performance was jaw dropping. Of course, I had heard all the songs before but there were two songs I hadn’t heard. I can listed to the songs of a compact disc but, anyone who has experienced live music at a concert will be able to tell you the ex... Free Essays on Indian Concert Free Essays on Indian Concert â€Å"The Heartthrobs† I love listening to music but, I don’t really know how to make music since, I don’t know how to play any type of musical instrument. Most of all, I love concerts because of the live musical performances and a chance to experience music in general. I have been to a couple of concerts in my life but, there was one that has been the best experience thus far and that was the most recent. â€Å"The Heartthrobs† is not a music group but, it is a name given to different kinds of musicians and instrument players from India. The names of these musicians are as follows: Hrithik Roshan, Kareina Kapoor, Karishma Kapoor, Arjun Rampal, Rajeshwari, and Aftab Shivdasani. These Indian celebrities take a performance tour every year to many countries such as United States, Canada, United Kingdom, and Australia. â€Å"The Heartthrobs† perform in almost every state in the United States if someone is willing to sponsor them and accommodate them well. This year on September 1 st they performed in the auditorium of Pike High School because one of the people in Pike Township was willing to sponsor them. My classmate Kashyap Patel and I took the initiative to go to this concert because both of us are fond of these celebrities and their music. I had a feeling, many people were going to come but, the crowd was immensely bigger than I had expected it to be. I felt as if I had extremely underestimated the popularity of these celebrities overseas. It was really crowded and really a hassle to get inside the auditorium. However, all in but all was worth the concert because the concert itself was marvelous and it was one of the most exhilarating things that I had done in my life. The musical performance was jaw dropping. Of course, I had heard all the songs before but there were two songs I hadn’t heard. I can listed to the songs of a compact disc but, anyone who has experienced live music at a concert will be able to tell you the ex...

Spanish Adverbs of Quantity

Spanish Adverbs of Quantity Adverbs of quantity are those that explain how many or how much. They include many of the intensifiers (adverbs of intensity) and also include a few moderators (adverbs that diminish intensity). Like other adverbs, the adverbs of quantity can affect the meanings of verbs, adjectives, other adverbs and occasionally entire sentences. As noted below, many of the adverbs of quantity can also serve as adjectives. When theyre adjectives, they can vary with gender and number, while the adverb is always the same as the singular masculine form of the adjective. (This rule is sometimes violated in casual speech, and you may occasionally hear an adverb change to match a nearby noun. This grammatical tendency is considered substandard and is best not imitated.) For example, while poco is an adverb, the adjective can be poco, poca, pocos or pocas. Adverbs of Quantity Here are some of the common adverbs of quantity along with sample sentences and possible translations: Adems (additionally, besides): This word typically refers to a verb or an entire sentence and is often used in the phrase adems de Y adems es imposible. And furthermore its impossible.La comisià ³n estudia adems la creacià ³n de una junta consultiva. The commission is additionally studying the creation of an advisory board.Adems de casino, Santa Fe ahora tiene shopping. In addition to having a casino, Sante Fe now has shopping.Adems  ¿quà © es lo que podemos hacer allà ­? Besides, what can we do there?Adems, Raà ºl duerme en una habitacià ³n hipobrica para aumentar su rendimiento. In addition, Raul sleeps in a hyperbaric chamber to improve his performance. Algo (somewhat, slightly): Dont confuse the adverbial meaning with its use as a pronoun meaning something. Me siento algo vieja. Im feeling somewhat old.El 23% dice que est algo preocupado o muy preocupado de que pueda perder su trabajo en los prà ³ximos 12 meses. Twenty-three percent say they are somewhat worried or very worried that they could lose their job in the next 12 months. Apenas (barely, hardly): Toco la guitarra desde hace apenas un aà ±o. I have played the guitar for barely a year.Mi hijo apenas habla. My son barely speaks. Bastante (enough, quite a bit): This word can also be used as an adjective or pronoun to mean enough. As an adverb, it can have the meaning of sufficiency or to mean considerably, depending on the context. Me parece que no estudia bastante. It seems to me he doesnt study enough.Es bastante inteligente y siempre tiene una respuesta para todo. He is quite intelligent and always has an answer for everything.La verdad es que cantas bastante bien. The truth is you sing quite well.Necesito saber de algà ºn hotel bastante barato en Cdiz. I need to know of a sufficiently cheap hotel in Cadiz. Casi (almost): Comenzà ³ hace casi tres aà ±os. It began almost three years ago.Casi me rompà ­ la mano. I almost broke my hand.Su objetivo se habà ­a cumplido: ya era mucho ms que casi famosa. Her goal had been accomplished: She was now more than almost famous. Demasiado (too much): This word can also function as an adjective. ngela habla demasiado de su vida privada. Angela speaks too much about her private life.Creo que soy demasiado guapa. Muchà ­sima gente me lo dicen constantemente. I think I am much too pretty. Many people tell me that constantly. Ms (more, most): This word can also be used as adjective, pronoun or preposition. As an adverb, it is commonly used in making comparisons, although the comparison doesnt have to be explicitly stated. Es el libro ms poderoso del mundo. Its the most powerful book in the world.En Italia funcionan ms de 150 emisoras privadas. More than 150 private broadcasters operate in Italy.Nadie te quiere ms que yo. Nobody loves you more than I do.Tienes que escoger cul te gusta ms de los dos. You have to pick which of the two you like more.La palabra hablada ms importante es no. The most important spoken word is no.Soy el que ms sabe de fà ºtbol. Im the one who knows most about soccer.Tenemos que ser ms competitivos. We have to be more competitive. Medio (half): This word can also be used as an adjective. La pila est medio muerta. The battery is half-dead.Si la puerta est medio abierta, entonces la abre completamente. If the door is half-open, then open it completely. Menos (less, least): This word is used much the same way as ms except with the opposite meaning. El Superman actual es menos poderoso que sus predecesores. The current Superman is less powerful than his predecessors.Yo pienso que la gente inteligente es menos feliz. I think intelligent people are less happy. Mucho (much, very, a lot): This word can also be used as an adjective or pronoun. Mi novio habla mucho con su ex. My boyfriend talks a lot with his ex.La nueva es mucho mejor. The new one is much better. Muy (very): Ha sido un partido muy difà ­cil. It has been a very difficult game.La iguana cambiar su color de piel a uno muy amarillo para reflejar el calor. The iguana will change its skin color to one very yellow in order to reflect the heat. Poco (a little, not much, not): This word can also be used as an adjective or pronoun. As a plural adjective, it typically means few. Estudia poco pero aprende mucho. She studies a little but learns a lot.La mitad de los espaà ±oles come poco pan creyendo que engorda. Half of Spaniards each little bread because they believe it makes them fat.Mi primo es una persona poco complicada. My cousin is an uncomplicated person. Sà ³lo (only): Traditionally, this word has been spelled with an accent when it functions as an adverb, although the accent isnt strictly necessary if there is no chance of confusing it with solo the adjective. Sà ³lo como carne producida orgnicamente. I only eat organically produced meat.Yo sà ³lo querà ­a hacer mi trabajo. I only wanted to do my work. Tan, tanto (so, as, so much): Tanto as an adverb is shortened to tan when it comes before an adjective, adverb or a phrase functioning as an adverb or adjective. Such is the case most of the time. Es tan fcil como el uno, dos, tres. Its as easy as one, two, three. ¿Por quà © hablan tan rpido el espaà ±ol? Why do they speak Spanish so fast?Era tan flaca que la gente la confundà ­a con un palillo de dientes. She was so skinny people confused her for a toothpick.Estudiaba tanto que me dolà ­a. I studied so much it hurt.

Best Pratices for OS, FW and SELinux Coursework

Best Pratices for OS, FW and SELinux - Coursework Example Similarly, â€Å"yum update† command will be appropriate in case of a need to update an entire system (Membrey, Verhoeven & Angenendt, 2009). The yum package that comes with CentOS entails scripts for performing system-wide updates on daily basis. Users would need to enter the command su -c /sbin/chkconfig --level 345 yum on; /sbin/service yum start. This command should be followed by the root password in case a need arises to activate the daily automatic update. It is necessary that users create copies of computer files for use in cases where the original files diminish through ways like computer crash or theft (IBM, 2013). Accidents are inevitable. Therefore, it is crucial that users regularly store work documents within a backed up network server. Safety of the operating system will be easier to attain if certain password protection mechanisms are put in place. Examples of such mechanisms include regular change of passwords, users stopping the habit of sharing passwords or login ID (s) and the administrator of the operating system under use ensuring that the systems are accessed only after users have supplied matching combinations of the login credentials, automatic disabling of user accounts in case of login attempts that go past six. In case of the highly vulnerable environments, it would be appropriate using Kerberos. Kerberos will employ strong encryption coupled with complex ticket granting algorithm in authenticating users on a network and to permit streams of data over IP networks. This approach will fit environments like colleges where the implementation of other security mechanisms has remained to be a challenge. Organizations will often need firewalls to protect the confidential information from unauthorized and malicious users. Even as organizations use different access control features embedded in firewall systems to attain system