Stereotypes and Stereotyping of Teenagers :: Argumentative Persuasive Essays

Stereotyping of Teen geezerhoodrsOne might signify we live in an age where discriminations have beencut to a bare minimum, as far as ad causeing them goes.  Genderdiscrimination, racism, and discrimination towards the disabled and lessfortunate have been acknowledged, dealt with, and handled.  Our childrenare taught to consume care of the elderly, help the poor, and to stare atpeople with disabilities.  The mentally handicapped, homeless people, andforeign men and women are given jobs. Yes, one might definitely find welive in a time where peaceful equality is at its best.  Then why cant I anormal, average intelligence, respectful teenage girl, be accepted?  Onewould think that if we can accept the poor, disabled, foreign, andhomeless people regardless of race, religion, or gender accepting a personwho on the nose chooses to dress and look differently would be easy.  As I havefound, such is not the case. Discrimination towards teenagers, especiallythe ones who chose to dress differently, is a problem.  It is a problemthat goes truly often un-addressed.         There are plenty of stereotypes, but I believe the one that isbelieved the most is what the stereotypical teenage freak is.Constantly people assume, just by looking at me, a lot of different things. I was surprised to find the number of people who just figured I was intodrugs.  I couldnt believe it.  Apparently, because I choose to dressdifferently, I must be trashed all the time.  However, such is not thecase.  Police assume we are trouble makers.  I have been stopped countlesstimes, sworn at, and threatened by arrest, for simply standing on a streetcorner or holding a skateboard. Meanwhile, a handful of preppy teensstand by, doing the same thing, yet not getting a word towards them.  Weare assumed to be on drugs and trouble makers, as well as Satanists, magnetisees, and that were depressed.  I speak from experien ce.  Judgingbased merely on an assumption wasnt just back in the days of the Salemwitch hunts.         Not only do people form these opinions, they also act upon them.Getting a job is horrible.  I can be the most respectful, creditworthyperson in the world, but unfortunately my eyebrow ring is offensive.Its pathetic  Businesses exit hire Mexicans and Asians who can hardlyspeak English, just so they are politically correct.  But apparently Idont count.  Ill be walking behind a girl with a handicap, and  a motherwill scold her child for staring, but when I am passed, Mother stares alongwith Child.  Am I somehow less than human?  Do people think I dont notice?

The Unhealthy Diet of College Students Essay -- Expository Research Es

The Unhealthy Diet of College StudentsPeople eat nutrient every day without seeing twice about it, because it is a necessity for us to live. How often do you think about what is in the foods that you eat? How many calories does it have? Are there any vitamins and minerals in it? Is it high in fatten out? For most of us and especially college students who live a busy life on the go, the answer to that question is probably no. Since becoming a late(a) graduate of Indiana University of Pennsylvania Academy of Culinary Arts, I have been more than interested in food and what people are consume. Also since more young Americans are becoming obese I want to find out what they are eating and where. Going to college and believeing how students have poor eating habits I want to find out why they are eating this way. Is it because they are away from home for the first time? Or is it because that is the notwithstanding food that is available for them? I also want to find out if students would eat healthier if it was provided for them? My hypothesis is that students eat unhealthy because it is more convenient for them. There is normally no time to cook a homemade meal and most college students are ceaselessly in a hurry so it is easier to pick up takeout. Also most college students dont know how to cook. I also believe that most college students dont care if the food is unhealthy for them, as long as it tastes good. Hopefully, in the following pages I will uncover the wide world of college eating. The research methods that I used for this paper were surveys, interviews and observations. I performed a survey on ten college students in which I asked various yes and no questions and ones with various multiple-choice answers. Do you have a meal ... ...omething to go. I undercoat out that college students want foods that are quick, taste good, and cheap. The limitation to my research was that I only passed out ten surveys all at the cafet eria. perchance if I did more or passed them out at a different location I might have gotten different results. I also only interviewed two people, and a larger sample might have changed my results. Also only observing my roommates shopping might have limited me to what I always eat, other college students might buy healthier foods when they shop. Take a minute now and think about what you eat in an average day and see if you fall into the categories of eating unhealthy with the majority of college students. Next time you buy something to eat take a second and look whats in it and think to yourself. Should I be eating this? Or is there something healthier that I could be eating?

Analysis: The American Perspective On Hackers Essay -- social issues

Analysis The American Perspective On HackersThe issue of public information has always been a contention in our world. One of our countrys founding arguments was based on the necessity of free speech and free information. Many presently believe that our organisation is being overly restrictive on information, blocking and controlling some aspects of free speech that first amendment advocates feel are necessary to maintain our American troupe. These advocates of free information have been using the nickname hackers for over twenty years, but improper use by the media has stretched the word to slanderous levels. Hackers are now stereotyped as mindless vandals and miscreants, although the word hacker has been used as a term for electronic computer programmers and technicians since the late 1970s. Modern-day hackers refer to themselves as quick socio-political activists who want to raise social awareness of threatening problems. Governments worldwide are trying to persecute hackers when vandals, not hackers, are most often the ones breaking laws and causing damage. The conflict between hackers and the American public is a deeply rooted standoff, caused by misinformation and sensationalism from the media and the government. To evaluate and analyze this conflict objectively, both points of view mustiness be put into proper perspective. This was a simple task for me, because I am a very technically oriented person who does not educate lost in the computer jargon used by both the hackers and the political forces. I have worked as a security engineer for tercet Internet Service Providers. I am presently a security programmer at the second-largest private Internet Service Provider in Tampa. To do my job, I must to understand the thoughts and methods of the cyber-delinquents often misnamed as hackers. This experience has given me a strong perspective of both the intruder and victims side. Firstly, prevail the view of the American people. This includes people who do and do not have computers at home, and do not understand their core functions. This group also makes up the majority of the users on the Internet. Most of them are home users with no intentions of understanding the machine they own. They see hackers as being electronic vandals and information thieves, breaking computer networks and ending data. They fear anyone with cyber-power, because they do not un... ... This part of our society has proven that it is unable to accept other individuals and groups who are more intelligent and still believe in our Nations first amendment, out of fear that the rest of the world might evolve around them, without them. Rather than persecute and attack the hackers in our society and in our world, we need to embrace them. They are the people trying their hardest to make a difference in our government and society. They are the ones speaking out as we all should about atrocities, such as the East Timor Massacre in Indonesia seven years ago (http//ww w.2600.com/hacked/). True hackers are not out to destroy things. They want to learn and make a difference in our world. Our society should barricade limiting their potential as human beings and citizens by slandering them. Our society should stop blindly believing stories about them without hearing both sides, as our Government, which is run by We, the People must become educated before creating and enforcing laws. Otherwise, we, as a society, are burying ourselves in ignorant beliefs, disrupting learning and the growth of knowledge. After all, no one can honestly say that they want to live in an ignorant society.

SUV’s - Harmful to the Environment and Hazardous to their Owners Healt

SUVs - Harmful to the Environment and Hazardous to their Owners Health childs play utility vehicles, better known as SUVs, propose a hazard to other drivers on the road as well as their occupants. In addition to being unsafe they are in like manner harmful to the environment. In the past six years SUVs have become the most popular vehicle on the roads in the States and today they account for nearly fifty percent of all new vehicle sales. The annual sales of SUVs are currently on the parent as lower gas prices sweep across the nation. The combination of the SUVs hazardous nature and their rising sales makes for a very dangerous situation. Sport Utility Vehicles are harmful to the environment, hazardous to those occupying them, and take in a hazard to other drivers on the road.SUVs are engineered from the same platforms that are used to create trucks and most of the time they share the same engine and components. Instead of having a bed like a truck, which is very light, they have a n enclosed area for much seats or a cargo compartment, which is very heavy. The added weight forces the engine to combust more gas in order to be able to turn in adequate power to move the added weight. This is the reason that SUVs get worse gas mileage than their truck counterparts. Even an SUV that comes with a small engine result get bad gas mileage because it has to struggle and keep the RPMs high in order to move the vehicle. Higher RPMs equals more gas consumption. The emissions that SUVs put...

The Odyssey as a Hero Journey Essays -- Odyssey Hero Heroes Essays

tot bothy of us take up similar experiences. We sh atomic number 18 in the life journey ofgrowth, development, and transformation. We live the selfsame(prenominal) storiesthetrappings capacity be different, the twists and turns that createsuspense might be different from culture to culture, the particularcharacters may take different forms, but underneath it all(a), its thesame story, drawn from the same experiences(Linda Seger, CreatingMyth, 1).All people bet trials and tribulations throughout their life. Thus,what defines one from ones fellow human beings is not the trialsthemselves, but how one overcomes the challenges along the journey, aswell as the mental and physical littleons one learns from theactions engaged. poor boyes, as depicted in literature, often face thesame trials the commonality man must face, and learn the same lessons, buttheir actions, reactions, and events argon magnified to mythicproportions. Thus, the common man and the mythic hero both follow whatJ oseph Campbell calls The Heros Journey, which is used as a tool todescribe the framework for numerous of the most famous myths of all time.While the story of the Journey first manifested itself in the ancientmyths and legends, it is still relevant to contemporary society, thebasis for almost all of the books and plays we read. For example,J.R.R. Tolkiens, The Hobbit, an epic fantasy risk in which BilboBaggins, the connection for the reader to the fantastical world thebook takes place in, is called to action and set in motion on his HeroJourney by Gandalf, a wizard. Another example of a famous mythfollowing this archetypal framework is The Odyssey. Homers epicstory, The Odyssey, of the hero Odysseus and his son Telemakhosfollows closely the cycle of Joseph Campbells Hero Journey, assummarized by Linda Seger, both as a physical and psychologicalundertaking.The hero journey begins with a catalyst get into the heros life, thatcalls him to adventure. The hero must be summoned on his j ourney bysome force, either external (the will of another person) or internal,(the need for self-growth). The call is followed by the heros refusalto leave a off the hook(predicate) place, such as his home. He must be convinced that theundertaking is worthwhile, and must then, and only then, after he hasagree to take the journey, embark on it.Odysseus journey begins twenty years prior to... ...hysical prowess,but learns the psychological lessons of survival. Using these lessonshe can climb above the rest, a more mature and undefendable man, able touse all of his abilities together to lift himself and those around himcloser to impressiveness. Thus is Odysseus truly a hero, as are all thosewho would strive for greatness in themselves and peace and justice fortheir homeland and family. The cosmogonic cycle is now to be carriedforward not by the gods, who have become invisible, but by the heroes,more or less human in character, through whom the world destiny isrealized. The archetyp al heroes become less and less fabulous, untilat last, in the concluding stages of the various local traditions, legendopens into the common daylight of recorded time(Joseph Campbell).Works CitedCampbell, Joseph. The Hero with a Thousand Faces. second ed. Princeton Bollingen, 1968.Homer. The Odyssey. Trans. Robert Fagles Intro. Bernard Knox. New York Penguin Books, 1996.Seger, Linda. Creating the Myth. Signs of Life in the U.S.A. Readings on Popular Culture for Writers. 4th ed. Ed. Sonia Maasik and Jack Solomon. Boston Bedford/St. Martins, 2003. 316-325. The Odyssey as a Hero Journey Essays -- Odyssey Hero Heroes EssaysAll of us have similar experiences. We share in the life journey ofgrowth, development, and transformation. We live the same storiesthetrappings might be different, the twists and turns that createsuspense might be different from culture to culture, the particularcharacters may take different forms, but underneath it all, its thesame story, drawn from the same experiences(Linda Seger, CreatingMyth, 1).All people face trials and tribulations throughout their life. Thus,what defines one from ones fellow human beings is not the trialsthemselves, but how one overcomes the challenges along the journey, aswell as the psychological and physical lessons one learns from theactions engaged. Heroes, as depicted in literature, often face thesame trials the common man must face, and learn the same lessons, buttheir actions, reactions, and events are magnified to mythicproportions. Thus, the common man and the mythic hero both follow whatJoseph Campbell calls The Heros Journey, which is used as a tool todescribe the framework for many of the most famous myths of all time.While the story of the Journey first manifested itself in the ancientmyths and legends, it is still relevant to contemporary society, thebasis for almost all of the books and plays we read. For example,J.R.R. Tolkiens, The Hobbit, an epic fantasy adventure in which BilboBaggins, the connection for the reader to the fantastical world thebook takes place in, is called to action and set in motion on his HeroJourney by Gandalf, a wizard. Another example of a famous mythfollowing this archetypal framework is The Odyssey. Homers epicstory, The Odyssey, of the hero Odysseus and his son Telemakhosfollows closely the cycle of Joseph Campbells Hero Journey, assummarized by Linda Seger, both as a physical and psychologicalundertaking.The hero journey begins with a catalyst entering the heros life, thatcalls him to adventure. The hero must be summoned on his journey bysome force, either external (the will of another person) or internal,(the need for self-growth). The call is followed by the heros refusalto leave a safe place, such as his home. He must be convinced that theundertaking is worthwhile, and must then, and only then, after he hasagreed to take the journey, embark on it.Odysseus journey begins twenty years prior to... ...hysical prowess,but lea rns the psychological lessons of survival. Using these lessonshe can climb above the rest, a more mature and capable man, able touse all of his abilities together to lift himself and those around himcloser to greatness. Thus is Odysseus truly a hero, as are all thosewho would strive for greatness in themselves and peace and justice fortheir homeland and family. The cosmogonic cycle is now to be carriedforward not by the gods, who have become invisible, but by the heroes,more or less human in character, through whom the world destiny isrealized. The archetypal heroes become less and less fabulous, untilat last, in the final stages of the various local traditions, legendopens into the common daylight of recorded time(Joseph Campbell).Works CitedCampbell, Joseph. The Hero with a Thousand Faces. 2nd ed. Princeton Bollingen, 1968.Homer. The Odyssey. Trans. Robert Fagles Intro. Bernard Knox. New York Penguin Books, 1996.Seger, Linda. Creating the Myth. Signs of Life in the U.S.A. Read ings on Popular Culture for Writers. 4th ed. Ed. Sonia Maasik and Jack Solomon. Boston Bedford/St. Martins, 2003. 316-325.

The Odyssey as a Hero Journey Essays -- Odyssey Hero Heroes Essays

All of us let similar experiences. We sh ar in the life voyage ofgrowth, development, and transformation. We live the identical storiesthetrappings might be different, the twists and turns that createsuspense might be different from culture to culture, the particularcharacters may take different forms, but underneath it each, its the same story, drawn from the same experiences(Linda Seger, CreatingMyth, 1).All people face trials and tribulations throughout their life. Thus,what defines one from ones fellow human beings is not the trialsthemselves, but how one overcomes the challenges along the journey, aswell as the psychological and physical les male childs one unwraps from theactions engaged. submarinees, as depicted in literature, often face thesame trials the common man must face, and learn the same slightons, buttheir actions, reactions, and events argon magnified to mythicproportions. Thus, the common man and the mythic hero both follow whatJoseph Campbell calls The sub marines Journey, which is used as a dig todescribe the example for numerous of the most famous myths of all time.While the story of the Journey first manifested itself in the ancientmyths and legends, it is still relevant to contemporaneous society, thebasis for almost all of the books and plays we read. For example,J.R.R. Tolkiens, The Hobbit, an epic fantasy adventure in which BilboBaggins, the connection for the reader to the fantastical world thebook takes place in, is called to action and plenty in motion on his HeroJourney by Gandalf, a wizard. Another example of a famous mythfollowing this first framework is The Odyssey. Homers epicstory, The Odyssey, of the hero Odysseus and his son Telemakhosfollows closely the cycle of Joseph Campbells Hero Journey, assummarized by Linda Seger, both as a physical and psychologicalundertaking.The hero journey begins with a catalyst incoming the heros life, thatcalls him to adventure. The hero must be summoned on his journey bysome fo rce, either external (the will of another person) or internal,(the need for self-growth). The call is followed by the heros refusalto leave a safe place, such as his home. He must be convinced that theundertaking is worthwhile, and must then, and sole(prenominal) then, after he has hold to take the journey, embark on it.Odysseus journey begins twenty years prior to... ...hysical prowess,but learns the psychological lessons of survival. Using these lessonshe hindquarters climb above the rest, a more mature and capable man, able touse all of his abilities together to lift himself and those around himcloser to greatness. Thus is Odysseus really a hero, as are all thosewho would strive for greatness in themselves and peace and justice fortheir homeland and family. The cosmogonic cycle is now to be carried earlier not by the gods, who have become invisible, but by the heroes,more or less human in character, through whom the world destiny isrealized. The archetypal heroes become less a nd less fabulous, untilat last, in the final stages of the various local traditions, legendopens into the common daylight of recorded time(Joseph Campbell).Works CitedCampbell, Joseph. The Hero with a Thousand Faces. second ed. Princeton Bollingen, 1968.Homer. The Odyssey. Trans. Robert Fagles Intro. Bernard Knox. New York Penguin Books, 1996.Seger, Linda. Creating the Myth. Signs of Life in the U.S.A. Readings on Popular Culture for Writers. 4th ed. Ed. Sonia Maasik and Jack Solomon. Boston Bedford/St. Martins, 2003. 316-325. The Odyssey as a Hero Journey Essays -- Odyssey Hero Heroes EssaysAll of us have similar experiences. We share in the life journey ofgrowth, development, and transformation. We live the same storiesthetrappings might be different, the twists and turns that createsuspense might be different from culture to culture, the particularcharacters may take different forms, but underneath it all, its thesame story, drawn from the same experienc es(Linda Seger, CreatingMyth, 1).All people face trials and tribulations throughout their life. Thus,what defines one from ones fellow human beings is not the trialsthemselves, but how one overcomes the challenges along the journey, aswell as the psychological and physical lessons one learns from theactions engaged. Heroes, as depicted in literature, often face thesame trials the common man must face, and learn the same lessons, buttheir actions, reactions, and events are magnified to mythicproportions. Thus, the common man and the mythic hero both follow whatJoseph Campbell calls The Heros Journey, which is used as a tool todescribe the framework for many of the most famous myths of all time.While the story of the Journey first manifested itself in the ancientmyths and legends, it is still relevant to contemporary society, thebasis for almost all of the books and plays we read. For example,J.R.R. Tolkiens, The Hobbit, an epic fantasy adventure in which BilboBaggins, the connection for the reader to the fantastical world thebook takes place in, is called to action and set in motion on his HeroJourney by Gandalf, a wizard. Another example of a famous mythfollowing this archetypal framework is The Odyssey. Homers epicstory, The Odyssey, of the hero Odysseus and his son Telemakhosfollows closely the cycle of Joseph Campbells Hero Journey, assummarized by Linda Seger, both as a physical and psychologicalundertaking.The hero journey begins with a catalyst entering the heros life, thatcalls him to adventure. The hero must be summoned on his journey bysome force, either external (the will of another person) or internal,(the need for self-growth). The call is followed by the heros refusalto leave a safe place, such as his home. He must be convinced that theundertaking is worthwhile, and must then, and only then, after he hasagreed to take the journey, embark on it.Odysseus journey begins twenty years prior to... ...hysical prowess,but learns the psychological lessons of survival. Using these lessonshe can climb above the rest, a more mature and capable man, able touse all of his abilities together to lift himself and those around himcloser to greatness. Thus is Odysseus truly a hero, as are all thosewho would strive for greatness in themselves and peace and justice fortheir homeland and family. The cosmogonic cycle is now to be carriedforward not by the gods, who have become invisible, but by the heroes,more or less human in character, through whom the world destiny isrealized. The archetypal heroes become less and less fabulous, untilat last, in the final stages of the various local traditions, legendopens into the common daylight of recorded time(Joseph Campbell).Works CitedCampbell, Joseph. The Hero with a Thousand Faces. 2nd ed. Princeton Bollingen, 1968.Homer. The Odyssey. Trans. Robert Fagles Intro. Bernard Knox. New York Penguin Books, 1996.Seger, Linda. Creating the Myth. Signs of Life in the U.S.A. Readings on Popular Culture for W riters. 4th ed. Ed. Sonia Maasik and Jack Solomon. Boston Bedford/St. Martins, 2003. 316-325.

Best Buy Co., Inc. Customer-Centricity Essay

The consumer electronics giant, better taint, was first established in 1966 with a single location and a staff of third in St. Paul, Minnesota, selling audio equipment targeted at 18-25 year old males. Initially Sound of Music/ slip away hat purchase grew through accomplishment, expanding to nine locations in the Twin Cities neighborhood by 1978. The name, take up purchase, and expand product line, ranging from audio and video equipment to large appliances, were a result of a best buy sale of damaged memorial at bargain prices in 1981. In the mid-1980s, Best steal launched superstores similar to those of their main competitor, Circuit City and expanded by 15 stores between 1985-86. In 1989, Best vitiate launched itself as a self-service, quantify-store staffed with a salaried sales force to provide a no-pressure shop experience. This approach resulted in Best Buy comme il faut the second largest electronics retailer. By 1995, Best Buy was opening an average of 35 sen sitive stores annually and in 2000, the retailer responded to the market by initiation BestBuy.com.Best Buy attri only ifes some of their conquest to their SOP, standard operating platform, which is a 200 page how to manual for nearly every feasible store point ranging from product sales and service to inventory management. The purpose of the SOP was to train the sales force and promote uniformity across the arranging. In addition to the SOP, Best Buys skillful merchandising and marketing, a big with their sales force (Blue Shirts) atomic number 18 credited with the mastery of the retailer. Blue Shirts received extensive cookery and enjoyed a unique and rewarding corporate culture, with subroutine-time associates making $8.00 per hour and full-time employees earning $20.00.Sales associates a lot received public recognition for strong consummation in addition to immediate rewards such as restaurant vouchers. Supervisors were also incentivized base on annual department and store performance. Starting store managers in mid-size stores were compensated with salaries between $50,000 and $150,000. The success resulting from these practices did non go unnoticed by competitors such as Wal-Mart and Dell, who imitated m each of Best Buys strategies and stole come up trained Blue Shirts.Best Buy continued their growth by opening new stores and through the acquisition of various competitors through the U.S. and reaching into Canada, with the acquisition of Future Shop Ltd. in 2002. By November 1995, Best Buy operated 796 Best Buy stores plus 20 Magnolia Audio Video stores in the U.S. and 162 Best Buy owned stores in Canada (978 stores, not including case Squad outlets). In contrast, Circuit City operated over 600 stores in the U.S. and Canada around the same time, however, Best Buy managed to doubling the sales per squ atomic number 18 foot of their main competitor. With nearly 1600 stores between the two main players in the electronics market, the market is nearing color and growth will study to be achieved by a means other than new store openings.Best Buys pre-centricity modelling was easy for competitors to imitate and encroach on Best Buys market share. Best buy borrowed the superstore concept from Circuit City and Circuit City mirrored Best Buys staffing model and merchandising decisions. Low prices and a wide selection are hardly inimitable characteristics. While wide selection and expansive product offerings at bank discount prices (due to volume purchases) may be difficult for new entrants to copy, it is a minor/temporary barrier to entry with the introduction of the internet.Best Buys CEO, fasten Anderson, joined the family in 1973 when he joined the staff of common chord at the then single, Sound of Music, location. A music buff addicted to sales, with his long tenure with company and in the industry seems like the logical choice to lead the company to even giganticer success as CEO. Prior to becoming CEO in 2002, Anderson had spent 11 years as President and COO of Best Buy. Like most industries, it seems electronics consumers were pr one to change as products evolved, so did the end-users and their buying habits. Best Buy had a history of universe able to adapt to the changing markets and their ability to do so contributed to their success (i.e. the vastly expanded product line, evolution to superstores, expansion, acquisition, converting from commission to salaried sales force.).The perception that clients were focusing less on the technical aspect of products and re localizeing their attention to service and support, led to Andersons custom-centricity initiative. This transition and the rollout of 144 new centricity Best Buy stores was be blamed for the company missing third quarter earnings in 2005, resulting in a 12% decline in stock value and a loss of nearly $2B in market capitalization. Did Anderson perform the proper strategic market planning analysis before selecting and impleme nting the centricity initiative?Assess the need for a change in Best Buys outline when Brand Anderson became CEO.If the centricity concept is world blamed for not meeting earnings and the decline in Best Buys stock price and market capitalization, the question becomes was there a need for this change to the companys outline, was the strategy poorly implemented, was there a s funky down market response to the change, or was the launch an overly rough action of a newly appointed CEO? The Best Buy leadership team first needed to evaluate whether there truly was a need for a (drastic) change and if so, was centricity the appropriate response to the market.The electronics industry and retail in general is cyclical and while Best Buy needs to be proactive and receptive to market changes, it is not uncommon for the industry to experience temporary contractions that would not require (costly and risky) restructuring of the companys value proposition. Granted, Best Buys one style fits a ll approach may have been too broad and unrealistic for the long-term. Ignoring the signs that the market was changing or a delayed chemical reaction to those changes could be much costly or even mordant than centricity and the alleged result on earnings and stock price.There are several(prenominal) approaches for Best Buy to evaluate this situation, the most desirable of which might be the Structure-Conduct-Performance-Paradigm. I will provide somewhat of a Re acknowledgment Based think (listing a few marketing resources) and mention some of their Dynamic Capabilities, as provided in the case. Best Buy should fist need their resources and the strengths that have made them prosperous in the past. While the past is not always indicative of the future, a historical perspective will provide some insight as to not only what has worked in the past, but how the company was able to implement various strategies to learn from their successes and failures.Historically, Best Buy has util ized their knowledge resources well. Their rapid growth and success would imply a strong customer and competitor knowledge. Overall, the Best Buy reputation, as the place to get brand name electronics at discount prices with dear the business amount of customer service, has proven to be a positive reputational resource. Blue Shirts are a (human) resource that should not be overlooked retentiveness is crucial, as training is costly. Blue Shirts are a valuable (informational) resource to gain insight into what customers really want, as sales associates have the most direct customer interaction.Extracting this information from sales associates is a cost feelingive approach to assess the market before implementing major changes, such as centricity. Best Buys unique culture and structure are organizational resources that distinguish the company from the competition and support (non-managerial) employee retention. While supplier relationships are clearly a solid relational resource, customer relationships are somewhat of a gray area for Best Buy, as many customers are not loyal and often buy through various channels. Best Buy has responded to trend by launching their Reward Zone program to incentivize return customers and as a source to gain customer knowledge.An obvious physical resource of Best Buy is its number of stores, which results in volume purchases, allowing the company to sell brand name product to customers at discount prices. In contrast, an operation of this size with nearly 1000 stores and 120,000 employees incurs significant overhead costs (a potential weakness and often the first resources to be cut in an effort to reduce expenses). Many of the aforementioned resources are imitable in some way or another. For example, employees can be trained or Blue Shirts poached or the competition could open more stores and purchase more inventory, strengthening their relationships with suppliers and pass along the resulting volume discounts to customers. A resource base view would indicate that while these are valuable resources to Best Buy, they (along with many of the companys resources and capabilities) are substitutable (i.e. suppliers can be interchanged) and imitable by the competition.In response, Best Buy strives to not only offer the customer similar products and attributes as the competition, but to find a way to do so that provides a sustainable advantage. What identifys Best Buy superior to its rivals? This requires a constant assessment of Best Buys marketing capabilities and this need to diverseiate might pardon Andersons drastic centricity approach. Pricing management is a alter marketing capability at Best Buy with new technology products being evermore introduced, while others are becoming obsolete. It seems Best Buy excels in the selling and channel management marketing capabilities, with their ability to attract and retain knowledgeable sales associates and to prevail ongoing relationships with key suppliers .The likely and often mis utilize approach would be for the organization to perform a current SWOT analysis to contend their strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. I have already listed a few of Best Buys strengths (size, supplier relationships, Blue Shirts). Additionally, Best Buy has a history of evolving in response to the changing market and applying various innovative concepts in response. The ability to foresee or quickly assess and respond to market change seems to be a strength of the retailer. While extensive product offerings are a strength of Best Buy, having a significant inventory of products that apace become noncurrent is a necessary weakness of being an electronics retailer finding a way to manage this would be a significant opportunity.Accordingly, keeping up with rapidly changing products and customer interests are a threat of Best Buy any technology retailer. Anderson is exploring the opportunities component of the analysis when he and his team iden tified and act the following initiatives customer centricity, efficient enterprise, win with service, and win in entertainment, ultimately selecting on customer centricity. A few obvious threats to be considered are competitors such as Wal-Mart, Circuit City, and Amazon, as well as the ever changing electronics market. Not keeping up with the latest trend, product, or channel could be fatal and explains wherefore Anderson and his team concluded the need to focus on customer centricity, which he felt was a proactive response to the shopping experience that customers were want going forward.What does the Customer-Centricity strategy imply and how is it variant from a strategy of simply providing wide service?The Customer-Centricity strategy implies that Best Buy knows their customers well and that only a few sub-segments are useful enough to merit an increased level of service and attention. This increased focus on these target segments or fewer/more profitable clients and the a ssumption that catering to these customers will result in solution purchases is the foundation of Andersons initiative. The concept seems to do very little to increase sales to the radicals outside of the target segment(s) and seemingly does not consider the untapped potential of these customers. This approach is in contrast to the concept of trying to be everything to everyone or one style fits all. Centricity was an effort to meet customer individual needs while take over maintaining the chains broad focus.The idea of centricity was based on enquiry that had found many of Best Buys customers were leaving dissatisfied and that roughly 20% of customer visits were unavailing. It was an effort to revamp the stores value proposition, which was a deviation from their previous winning formula and questionably a step a in a different direction from a perfume competency. Instead of the one style fits all approach which admittedly would leave some customers dissatisfied, while attempting to cater to the masses, Best Buys approach to centricity compound focusing on only one or two distinct customer segments at each store, which also required a new draw of segment leaders. This approach was also a focus on Best Buys most profitable segments in an effort to deter their unprofitable shoppers.Best Buy could have expanded their customer service efforts, while still maintaining the one style fits all concept through a far-off less radical change than centricity required. This would seem to be the logical choice and would have relied more on the strengths that made Best Buy great. With the market nearing saturation due to the number of stores, the focus became to sell more to existing customers (versus adding stores to acquire new ones) based on a better understanding of customers requirements and lavishing them with attention, service, and know how. This would have been attainable by tweaking Best Buys current strategy. Both approaches would involve collecting and anal yzing customer data and creating an appropriate action plan based on the findings.One aspect of the change was to encourage employees to think and behave as owners and engage with customers to meet their unique needs. This is one way to provide great service and obtainable outside of the centricity strategy. The objectives of building loyalty with profitable segments and leveraging the companys existing assets, is not unique to centricity and could have been achieved by providing great customer service to all customers, while focusing on those that are more profitable. Both options involve customer research and superfluous training of sales associates it would seem not implementing centricity, which required revamping the store format, new processes, and risked isolating some segments would be the more cost effective method to address the expected raise in the market.Best Buy assumed that their customers were comprised of 5 major segments, who combined accounted for 50%-90% of tot al revenue. These 5 segments were identified by shoppers demographics, behaviors, and attitudes, then assigned a name (Barry, Buzz, Jill, Ray, or BB4B (small businesses with less than 20 employees)) and assigned a segment leader focused on deeply understanding their segments shopping behavior and attitude. The case states the idea behind customer-centricity was to become the customers languish friend and provide a complete solution. While being a trusted advisor to customers and working to sell bundles of products is a logical response to the changing customer orientation, this could have been achieved by less drastic means than those used to implement Andersons centricity. This concept seems to center around Best Buys market orientation, specifically the increasing customer benefits component, as Best Buy already cannot take much action to further decrease the buyers costs.The introduction of Reward Zone was a step in the right direction for the centricity initiative. The benefits of the reward program were multifaceted providing additional customer data as well as incentivizing current customers to be repeat customers and to make additional purchases. This is one means by which to athletic supporter Best Buy achieve a SCA, however, many competitors offered similar programs. It is unclear whether Best Buy directed much, if any attention on their competitor orientation.In addition to gathering and analyzing customer data, it is advisable for the company to consider the strengths, weaknesses, strategies, and capabilities of their competitors. Andersons centricity plan does not appear to consider competitor orientation and focuses solely on a few select target segments. Keeping with the market orientation research, Best Buy already uses low costs as a source of competitive advantage and they are hoping that centricity will be a source of specialism, however, competitor orientation is critical to the success of such an initiative.Customer-Centricity has many s imilarities to simply providing an increased level of customer service. The most significant difference is the focus on the chains most profitable segments, specific to each store and complicated testing and implementation process that was chosen for the launch. Both concepts could be used to move toward solution selling and the smart friend concept. Centricity and improved customer service could involve empowering managers and encouraging employees to think and behave as owners. Centricity was a drastic way to improve customer service, which resulted in some pilot stores reporting prongy the performance gains of other U.S. locations.There were many benefits that resulted from Andersons strategy such as reward zone and Geek Squad, which complimented the goal of providing a solution by adding a service component that Best Buy did not previously provide. Geek Squad was also a means by which to suggest a solution sale as well as it placed the retailer in the customers legal residence or business, further strengthening the relationship with customer and providing the opportunity for addition recommendations and referrals when the Geek was onsite. The scientific approach that was used in the implementation of centricity was unique to the strategy, but in many ways could have been applied to multiple approaches to improve the customer experience. Centricity was ultimately a differentiation strategy used in hopes of being difficult for competitors to imitate. When Anderson launched centricity, he clearly realized that long term survival is more important than short-term profits. If nothing else the strategy is rare and difficult to imitate.How was the new Customer-Centricity strategy implemented? What do you see as the strengths and weaknesses of the strategys implementation as described in the case?The Customer-Centricity strategy was first introduced in 12 laboratory stores, then 32 pilot stores (most of which were in California), then introduced to 110 addition stores after some pilot stores reported performance gains double some comparable U.S. stores. Deviating from the clearly defined SOP, associates were now trained to approach problems using a scientific method involving the creating of a system regarding the customer, testing it, and analyzing the results. If the hypothesis was substantiated, it could be tested in other stores, and ultimately become a general recommendation throughout the organization.This was concept of centricity that empowered associates and increased innovation from within, which is a strength of the new strategy. In contrast, the SOP was haved to promote uniformity across the organization this scientific component of centricity is a deviation from the uniform concept(s) that had been attributed to the companys success. The resulting confusion in practices and procedures, while they may ultimately lead to a positive outcome and greater innovation, could be viewed as a weakness of the strategy (at least during t he transition period).The additional responsibilities placed on managers and staff, were a struggle and weakness. Employees who had previously been prone guidelines for most any issue were now being given the freedom to develop and test their own responses, however, they were held accountable for the resulting outcomes. It was now up to the store manager to execute the value proposition. GMs were expected to lead by example, in light of the increased responsibility. The new processes were stated to take five times more time and while the resulting innovation is good, the extra effort required resulting in a turnover rate of two-thirds among GMs and an expectation among associates to be compensated for their extra effort.However the ability for associates to tailor responses to individual customer situations, should ultimately improve customer rejoicing and loyalty, leading to increased profits. The entire focus of centricity is to increase customer satisfaction and improve retenti on, as acquisition is becoming increasingly difficult. This realization and reaction is itself if a response to the changing market, which is a strength of the organization. The empowerment of employees will result in exceeding customers initial expectations, as they are not accustomed to individualized solutions. This is another strength of centricity and how it was implemented.I question why the majority of the initial 32 pilot stores were in California and why only top performing stores were selected for centricity conversion. It would seem focusing on a single geographic region would generate findings based on an isolated group of similar customers. Marketing studies suggest that in order to increase confidence, research must be replicated in diverse environments over time. This does not appear to be the approach with the testing of centricity at Best Buy and could be viewed as a weakness. I further question the decision to launch the concept in only top performing stores. It ma kes sense to test the strategy in some top performing stores to see if their performance improves further it does not make sense to risk a large number of top performing locations with an unproven theory that could negatively impact their performance.It seems logical to use the profits from top performing sites to offset some of the potential losses that are typical with the ramp up period of any significant launch or change. If a store is a top performer, I would first analyze what contributing factors make those stores top performers, be it location, management, or customer interactions, etc. to see if these points of differentiation could be applied to other locations to improve the performance of lesser stores, before revamping how the most successful locations achieve their success. There are many strengths and weakness of centricity and how Best Buy chose to implement it, the reality is that it is a long-term approach, which typically result in short term struggles and reduced profits.How would you resolve the tension between the three split of the organization (merchandizing, stores, and segments)? Is the notion of a three-legged stool viable? Can Best Buy sustain its competitiveness with P&L responsibilities residing with three different organizations?The new strategy forced collaboration among groups that had not previously collaborated. It increased responsibility and accountability, while taking away control from groups that were accustomed to being in power. Shifting focus from a wide segment to a particular customers needs was a new concept requiring different resources. Segment organizations were now held accountable to deliver incremental growth. As a result of all these changes, the various parts of the organization felt completely handcuffed. As the previous sections indicate, higher gross profit margins could not compensate for the conversion costs of the changes being implemented.While the goal may have been to have everybody musical note like theyre part of the same story, making three parts of the organization responsible for their individualize P&L only added to the tension. I do not dispute that the organizations should monitory P&L and be held accountable, but when the success of the organization is the common goal, they should be working together to improve the boilers suit P&L of the organization. This approach made it unclear which part owned customer insight and who should report to whom and how they should work together. Clarifying these gray areas of ownership and responsibility are the first step in resolving the tension among the groups. The current practices promote confusion and tension. A uniformed approach would be optimal.In a retail organization, such as Best Buy, merchandizing, stores, and segments, are all critical to success. In varying situations, one leg of the stool may receive greater attention or responsibility, but that is typically for the advancement of the organization as a wholly or to offset some of the focus of another part of the organization. All three legs are necessary for Best Buy to properly deliver their value proposition and all three are necessary to help management implement the marketing strategy. Merchandizing, stores, and segments are all part of Best Buys marketing mix. Merchandising and segments contribute to stores, but all are intertwined. The individualized P&L structure and scorecard assessment add to the tension and switch the weight placed on each leg, but without a leg or if one leg gets too weak (not enough focus), the stool (entire organization) could collapse.As new products are suggested and tested, this changes the (buying and selling) processes, causing merchandising to be more reactionary than they were accustomed to being in the past, shifting the weight from one leg to another, but not reducing the importance of that organization. The absence of any one particular group or attribute could be detrimental to the organization as a whole. While each piece is interdependent and critical to the whole and policies should be designed accordingly. The realization that each piece contains and shapes the other will result in policies that help to reduce the tension between varying parts of the organization. While Best Buy is focusing on the customer and tailoring products and services to meet their needs a reflection on internal practices and satisfaction would be helpful and achieving those goals and should be considered, tested, and adjusted as well.It will difficult for Best Buy to sustain its competitiveness with P&L responsibilities residing with three different organizations. As mentioned in the prior to sections, this practices ad tension to the organization, which is not good toward long-term success, and causes undue competition among the various organizations. Merchandizing is encouraged to improve their P&L, this may come at the price of a negative impact on the stores P&L. This is the result of collaborat ion and reduces the competitive advantage of the overall organization. Centricity involves significant and complex changes, which both help and hinder the marketing strategy implementation. The success of the change will require the cooperation of all groups within the organization, especially merchandizing, stores, and segments.Having policies and practices in place that discourage cooperation within the organization by holding complimentary groups accountable for separate measurements does not help Best Buy (or any organization) create synergies leading to a sustainable competitive advantage. The degree of connective in itself is an implementation driver and contrasting accountability measures do not lead to alignment of goals. Best Buy experiences enough competitive rivalry in the marketplace without encouraging it internally among organizations. Best Buy is clearly a marketing organization and contributing factors of success are all the components of marketing organization fit together in a way that simultaneously fits with the requirements of the firms strategy while also matching the needs of the marketplace.Centricity is Andersons strategy to match the needs of the marketplace the changing strategy requires some changes in various aspects of the company (including merchandizing, stores, and segments), however, it is still a requirement that they fit together, like the legs of a stool. I question if the continuation of separate P&Ls are the optimal way to maintain the fit and cooperation that is necessary for the success of a marketing organization. This seems contradictory to fit and is obviously a source of tension. How long before this becomes apparent and reveals itself to the marketplace what effect with this have on stock price and market capitalization?In order for centricity to be successful, Best Buy must alter their resource deployments to line up to their strategy changes to achieve the intended goal(s) vs. creating practices that foster tension without any long-term benefit. Granted, it is a tradeoff to fit the strategy to the structure or the structure to the strategy, which is complicated by the complexity of the organization. It is a requirement that they match their resources to their capabilities to their strategy and to market conditions. I hope that I have provided a few suggestions on how they could go about achieving this goal. While I have questioned many aspects of centricity and its implementation, it was obviously a success as unlike Circuit City Best Buy still exists today (although they continue to struggle due to short product life cycle and the ever changing technology market).

Prison Writings: My Life Is My Sun Dance Essay

Leonard Peltiers Prison Writings My Life Is My Sun Dance takes into account the disgusting of right in the American justice system and the longings of the Native Americans for evenhandedness, equality and fairplay. Peltier postulate in the story that American socio-cultural life still suffers from the dilemma of racial variation against many claims that the long tradition of racism in the United States ended with the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s.This phenomenon still haunts the American society at various levels. scarce its prevalence in the criminal justice system is more troubling as it harms the cherished ideals off equality, fraternity and freedom of American democracy. So he opines that oppression of American Indians is not unconscious but institutional.The gross foulness in the Justice System is skillfully described in a ace line This is the twenty-third year of my imprisonment for a crime I didnt commit. On the surface level, it describe the story of killing of two C IAs agent but on a deeper level Peltiers has described certain preplanned events that undermine the unalienable human rights clause of the American Constitution. For example he said that Government had been gathering in the area for a preplanned paramilitary assault on the Pine Ridge reservation, (p.129) in 1975. His views are neither a subjective description of personal pathos and miseries, nor it is distortion of the facts but he takes into consideration the national dilemma of treatment of Native Indians and provides verified and verifiable document proof in favor of his arguments.Another Theme of these personal memoirs is the sun dance that implies the spiritual attainment he had from unbearable agonizing experience in prison. From a warrior to a spiritual leader, the journey is wonderful but is littered with horrible memories of sufferings.

Racism and Non-Western Discrimination Essay

Slavery dates a thousand years back and now comes to be one of the sources of let down for people who argon relatively concerned with their neighbors. Africans are the main victim of this atrocious treatment, having a different color and being considered to be the most developing human being compared to their European and white counterparts. This classification of people, through their skin color and place of birth, accompanied by extreme feeling of hatred and curse is widely known as racism. It attracts otherwise people to look at a persons natural characteristics, their nose, hair, complexion, etc., as basis of their capacities. Thus came much superior races beca mathematical function of being more desirable and developed than the others. Racism has been evident in the past decades and has been the basis of bloody wars and genocide. Hitlers hatred oer the Jews killed thousands of these phantasmal descendants because of his belief that his bloodline is supreme than that of Davi d. Until now, the holocaust denial movement insists that in that location are no mass murder committed against the Jews. This anti-Semetic treatment over Jews continue until now, evident mostly in their war in the Middle East (Anti-Semitism, 2001, n.p).The concept of Deicide, or the killing of a God, has intensified this hatred in the rise of Christianity. Radical racism has encouraged separatism, a tradition where the inferior race is removed of the benefits enjoyed by their superior counterparts (Racism, 2001, n.p). In the U.S., white supremacist groups continue to hit racism against the blacks, spreading the word of inequality all over the coun sieve with their skin-head members. hotshot upstart issue that needs appropriate concern is the interne-hate. It is an online propaganda, primarily victimization profit websites, to conjure and express hatred and discriminate people of perceived inferior race ( cyberspace Hate, 2001, n.p). Because of internets free environment, almost short allowing every person with access to express their thoughts, it became the battle ground and sanctuary for many racist activities all over the public. Publication of hate inciting materials in the world wide web has been greatly tolerated because of the lack of internet related laws prohibiting or limiting the freedom it offers to its users. Furthermore, the growth of this technology helped in proliferating violent messages to millions of users around the world, including children. new(prenominal) means of racist behavior before drive included pamphlets, brochures, posters, and magazines. Racism also manifested through radio and TV shows, theater plays, and movies. Taking advantage of recent technological advances, racists elevated their campaign against other races through the internet, where information is sent in a split second to millions of users. They can send electronic mails to orphic users and fellow racists, comment on internet contents, join discussion groups, upload hateful videos and music, and incite violence through blogs without being identified. They can literally confuse their identities, use multiple profiles, and present pictures not their own. Racism can also be widely encouraged through this system. Racists can easily find other racists who can strengthen their claims and remove them of any dissonance. They can also insist that they are backed up by thousands of other racists, to scare their targets and attract supporters. One particular website is the BlackMonitor. It contains articles and discussion posts from unknown sources.Articles are primarily against blacks black athletes, celebrities, families, criminals, perverts, politicians, and terrorist. There are criticisms against even talented blacks, like Fifty Cent (Nigger 50 Cent Hates Alicia Keys, 2008, n.p) and Wesley Snipes (Nigger Wesley Snipes off to Nigger College, 2008, n.p). Most particularly, presidential candidate Barrack Obama has been targeted with so much crit icism, a comment even asked for an assassination (Lies, 2008). The internet phenomenon is deemed to be the most influential source of information being easily accessed by millions of users. Also, the lack of rules because of its international coverage is primarily the reason for its wide use for racist activities. Local and federal laws may exist, other countries may have implemented strict censorship, and some websites may have breaked their own guidelines for publication. However, these may not be enough to stop this hateful attitude toward people perceieved to have inferior race. Racism itself is hard to vanish. No matter how hard we try in alleviating discrimination, some people who will always think that they are better than the other and will resolve to violent attacks against them. However, there are primary solutions we can employ to help the abused people.Counter superior-inferior racial notionsImplement equal opportunities, blacks and Asians remain less developed becaus e their white counterparts are being diverted well in many companies.Incorporate anti-racism in childhood education and enforce it well in the preceeding years.Encourage international and intercultural education.Specify racial crimes and establish punishments for it.Dissolve racist groups and give its members appropriate measures and education. Racism basically becomes violent because of misinformation. By removing the wrong notions about racial classifications and implementing effective education on children and little adults, and enforcing laws against racism we can minimize this long criticized issue. Internet Hate in particular can be limited through censorship and establishment of necessary laws to stream its contents. This may limit freedom of expression and thought, but freedom is never absolute. There are details that should be removed because of their harmful contents. States have a great responsibility in prohibiting malicious contents in their areas since international laws may be hard to enforce in local cities. registration of websites can also be an effective solution. Through this we can identify who owns and manages a website and have people to blame in cases of discrminatory contents.Censors may also be established to have constant checks, though this may be very exhausting due to the thousands of websites that are active in the world wide web. However, users report malicious contents can help in determining websites that should be sanctioned and ordered for closure. Again, this may bar certain rights and privacy policies, but if we are really serious in removing inequalities and minimizing those discriminatory eyes against our unfortunate friends, we can take this step in alleviating racism. Many of us may think that unloosen this world of racism is impossible. Lawmakers, who are secretly racist themselves may oppose such acts. Nationalist movements and groups may also prevent us from reaching our intent of equality and non-racial clas sification.However, many people have suffered enough because of this kind of treatment, of constantly giving them a hateful stare, beating them on their way home, treating them like dogs, low paying them, and lastly trafficking these innocent people. These actions may force them to be aggressive towards us, and that gives us new reasons for discriminating them. It just wont stop this way. Indeed, there will always be inequality, but at least, let us, more developed individuals, be more compassionate and understanding of their situation.ReferencesAnti-Defamation League. 2001. Anti-Semitism. Retrieved 29 April 2008. http//www.adl.org/hate- patrol/antisemitism.aspAnti-Defamation League. 2001. Internet Hate. Retrieved 29 April 2008. http//www.adl.org/hate- patrol/internet_hate.aspAnti-Defamation League. 2001. Racism. Retrieved 29 April 2008. http//www.adl.org/hate- patrol/racism.aspBlackpubwatch. Nigger 50 Cent Hates Alicia Keys. Black Monitor. Retrieved 29 April 2008. http//blackmoni tor.wordpress.com/2008/04/20/nigger-50-cent-hates-alicia-keyes/Blackpubwatch. Nigger Wesley Snipes off to Nigger College. Black Monitor. Retrieved 29 April 2008. http//blackmonitor.wordpress.com/2008/04/20/nigger-wesley-snipes-off-to-nigger- college/Black Monitor. Lies. Comment on Barack Obama Pathological Liar Extraordinaire by blackpubwatch. Retrieved 29 April 2008. http//blackmonitor.wordpress.com/2008/04/26/barack- obama-pathological-liar-extraordinaire/

Wow Black Eye

Ebonie Quick March 6, 2012 MKTG 4103 Case Black-eyed Marketing 1. The Black eyed Peas are a stage set that appeals the global fans base. Their wide variety fan makes them an ideal candidate to serve as a spokesperson for a product. The type of product they gage would vary, but also be limited. For example their feel good pop music wouldnt be used to represent a new medicine to treat diabetes. On the other hand their music could be used to endorse entertainment, events, advancement in technology, and other social aspect of our society. . The Blacked Eyed Peas baffle done very well when it comes to socially engaging a consumer and a product. They bring high energy performances to excite people about a original brand or product. Brands and product that what to appeal to consumers emotions by cause excitement, interest, or curiosity benefit the most from bands like The Blacked Eyed Peas, and other rock bands. democracy artists tend to be about to trigger sadness or happy emotions, those types or artists can be used to endorse more sentimental or serious products. . My target for the concert would be teens and young adults that are energized and like to have fun. The concept of the television would be would a rave in which the Blacked Eyed Peas where rocking out behind a graffiti stage. The audience would be full of live and energy, jumping around while singing the lyrics. The purpose of this ad would be to show young adults that you can be sober and still have fun while listen to your favorite band live. 4. Homecoming 2012 Rock the valley Blacked Eyed Peas edition They message I would be sending to the students is that the Black Eyed Peas will be in Fort Valley live in concert for homecoming. A pop band will be coming to rock out with us, as well as shake things up from the customary R&B performances. 5. Brands and product that want to take a serious approach in there advertisement wouldnt use a band such as the Blacked Eyed peas. For example hospitals, fu neral, homes, and religious groups that take their brands, services, and products very seriously wouldnt use a rock band to endorse the.

Effective Environmental Impact Management through Ecotourism

The world has seen the growth of tourism increase dramatically in the past fifty years and with this growth comes a concern for the cultural and environmental intrusions associated with it. Ecotourism is the sweet breed of tourism based around the concept of record and cultural appreciation, espoused by many to bring authoritative economic benefits to the host countries as well as being a sustainable motleynative to mass tourism. The aim of this paper is to review the publications that focussinges on the environmental impacts of ecotourism. This forget be reach outd through the discussion of five secern beas.First, the multitude of comments surrounding ecotourism will be examined with a view to identifying the core concepts. Second, the key players involved in the ecotourism diligence will be identified. Third, the positive and negative impacts associated with ecotourism will be discussed. Fourth, the contributing accompanimentors that determine the level of environmen tal impact. Fifth, the future of ecotourism and how it push aside be managed. Finally, conclusions and recommendations for future research.World tourism is growing in terms of derive of travellers as well as in economic expansion (World touristry Organisation (W. T. O), 1997) and as the worlds largest industry (Nelson, 1993) it earns approximately $US 2. 5 trillion annually (Dearden, 1993). Tourism bourgeons on many different guises and nature-tourism is one of these, which, in its around sustainable form has been labelled ecotourism. Within the worldwide tourism industry ecotourism is one of the fastest growing sectors (Eagles, 1995) and according to a 2001 W. T. O and United Nations surroundings Programme study ecotourism may represent between two and four percent of spheric tourism (W. T. O, 1997).Although this is a relatively small percentage appropriate it is non the volume that is significant but the fact that it is a type of tourism that blasts to minimise the nega tive effect of traditional mass tourism, be these economic, well-disposed or environmental (Doan, 2000). There has been a proliferation of ecotourism-related articles in professional journals since the late 1980s (Sirakaya, 1999) and receivable to the expansive nature of ecotourism the literature covers a multitude of topics. It is for this causality that for the declare oneself of this paper I cede focused on the journals that are concerned detailly with the environmental impacts of ecotourism.These journals take the form of translation articles (Edwards, 1998 Sirakaya, 1999 Fennel, 2000), articles on particular case studies (Burton, 1998 Doan, 2000 Thomlinson, 1996 Obua, 1997 Nianyong, 2001 chin up, 2000), and articles on impact related aspects from more of a resource point of view (Beaumont, 2001 Tyler, 1999 Acott, 1998). Section 1 Defining the Concept of Ecotourism Before horizontal beginning to identify what environmental impacts ecotourism is having on the environmen t it is important to clarify the concept of what it is.The capers of defining ecotourism give birth been debated at length (Blamey, 1997), and there is a horrible amount of literature exploring the interpretations of ecotourism. It can be observed that Ceballos-Lascurain (1983) was one of the first people to go forth a working definition (Sirakaya, 1999 Thomlinson, 1996 Edwards, 1998 Fennel, 2001). His definition was normative and he suggested that ecotourism incorporates the notions of travelling to relatively untouched natural areas with the objective of enjoying and admiring the areas natural and cultural manifestations.From that period on the definitions came to include the notion of ecological sustainability and that ecotourism should provide economic benefits for local anesthetic people, as well as provide capital for conservation of the visited areas (Boo, 1990 Lindberg and Hawkins, 1993 Tyler, 1996). Researchers from the field of biological research tend to focus in t he first place on the environmental aspects of the definition (Tyler, 1999 Nianyong, 2001 Acott et al. , 1998) when using the term ecotourism in their research papers.While another(prenominal)s have not included a definition of what they consider ecotourism to stand for (Obua, 1997 Burton, 1998), suggesting that people reading articles in the tourism journals are assumed to have a comprehensive understanding of what the term ecotourism means. In the recent years research focusing on the definitions of ecotourism have been performed through content analysis of pre-existing definitions, one such being by Sirakaya (1999) who looked at it from a supply side view and identified whether tour-operators in the Americas viewed themselves in fit with their own ecotourism definitions and policies.These definitions took a normative and positive viewpoint that can also be seen in Fennels (2001) article. He also used a content analysis method and incorporated the concept of definition alteratio ns over time as well as differentiating between definitions provided by establishment and individuals (researchers) chiefly in the Americas. Perhaps the most exhaustive study of definitions was undertaken by Edwards et al (1998), who conducted a content analysis of the ecotourism policies employed by the government agencies of all the countries in the Americas.All these content analyses provide a fresh insight into the definition of ecotourism although they are biased ascribable to the fact that they use very few definitions provided by researchers and governments outside of the Americas. A commonly cited definition that I think encapsulates the main findings of the three content analysis studies previously described (Sirakaya, 1999 Fennels, 2001 Edwards et al. , 1998) is one that originated from the Ecotourism Society (1993), and for the purpose of this review is the definition I shall be using. It is-Purposeful travel to natural areas to understand the cultural and natural hist ory of the environment, taking care not to alter the integrity of the ecosystem, while producing opportunities that make the conservation of natural resources beneficial to local citizens. Section 2 Identification of the Key Players in the Ecotourism Industry In this theatrical role I will identify four different groups who have key roles to play in the ecotourism industry the communities residing in the host ecotourism country/area, the tourists, the tour operators, and the government agencies.All of the above groups are interconnected and affect from each one other and in turn effect the environmental impact on ecotourism polishs, this will be discussed push in section four. The literature only provides very fleeting references into the nature of the communities that are affected by ecotourism. The main way that local communities would see to get involved in the ecotourism industry is through being employed in the local tourist activities.Be it through puddleing accommodatio n (Obua, 1997), manoeuvre (Chin et al. , 2000), or by being involved in local conservation projects (Nianyong, 2001). heretofore even descriptions of these activities are very minimum and so will not be addressed further in this review. On a general level of description about the tourist group the authors tend to refer to them as eco-tourists (Beumont, 2001 Acott, 1998), and they are observed to be mainly westerners (Chin et al. , 2000).It is agreed that all eco-tourists have the underlying wish to travel to natural areas with a view to appreciating the unspoilt environment (Tyler, 1999 Beumont, 2001 Acott, 1998) and within this concept is the discussion in the literature concerning the spectrum of nature based tourists (Burton, 1998). Beumont (2001) identified a range of different types of nature based travellers by suggesting that each eco-tourist is unique in terms of their knowledge of the nature and attitude towards it.This idea can be seen in a slightly different guise in A cotts (1998) research which takes a much more phenomenological approach and segments eco-tourists into shallow and deep groups. Shallow eco-tourists are of an anthropocentric frame of mind in that they view human beings as discipline from nature and that nature is an instrument that serves human ends. Deep eco-tourists adopt a much more holistic view of the world and view humans to be intrinsically linked with the environment.Burton (1998) identifies these differing types as casual and dedicated eco-tourists with dedicated ones having higher expectations in terms of the quality of the ecotourism experience. Eco-tourism as a product is delivered by the ecotour operators and companies (Thomlinson, 1996). They characteristically have the parent business determined in the base country (predominantly western) who prepare nature tour packages and then co-ordinate with the other half of their business in the destination country (Higgins, 1996). The majority are small-scale operations (Blamey, 1995 McArthur, 1994).This enables the operators to practice environmentally responsible practices and to ensure high quality experiences for the tourists (Burton 1998 Thomlinson, 1996). In compliance with the definition of ecotourism ecotour operators ideally should act in an environmentally responsible manner yet many researchers suggest that they are masquerading as ecotour companies and use the term ecotourism as a marketing stopcock (Nianyong, 2001 Thomlinson, 1996 Beaumont, 2001 Burton, 1998).With discover to government agencies involvement and attitudes towards ecotourism the content analysis study conducted by Edwards et al. 1998) provides the most comprehensive insight into their agendas. As well as this empirical study the literature identifies them as playing an important role in the management of the ecotourism industry with them being the creators of the policies which control the exploitation of natural areas (Nianyong, 2001 Chin et al. , 2000 Beaumont, 2001 Burton, 1998). This is especially true when the ecotourism activities take place in home(a) parks as designated by governments (Obua, 1997 Nianyong, 2001 Woodward, 1996).The influence they have on environmental impact management will be discussed further in section 4. Section 3 The Positive and Negative Environmental Impacts. The positive environmental impacts are essentially indirect benefits that are derived from educating tourists on environmental issues, and providing economic benefits for the destination country/area to aid in conservation of their natural resources. With respect to issue of education Beumont (1998) cites the writings of Boo (1991) and Goudberg et al. 1991) who argue that ecotourism provides environmental education or interpretation for participants which in turn creates awareness and understanding of the natural environment therefore creating support for conservation.This idea is supported by Chin et al. (2000 31) whose qualitative study based around a questi onnaire completed by 210 eco-tourists who visited Bako content park in Borneo. It showed that 90% of respondents omend the importance of learning about nature as part of their experience, suggesting that visitors to Bako would be highly receptive to educational strategies. It is the ecotour operators who are essentially the main providers of the environmental education and Blamey (1995) notes that ecotour operators in Australia primarily set up their businesses because of their individualised interest in the environment. Economic benefits derived from ecotourism and that positively impact the environment take a number of forms. Boo (1990) argues that ecotourism can stimulate the economy and in turn generate direct funding for conservation.An example of this is where Doan (2000) cites Wells (1993) who talks about mountaineering fees that are being used for the cleanup of Sagmarth National putting green in Nepal, and has led to increased ecological quality. An indirect environment al benefit derived from ecotourism is that it provides an alternative to more damaging types of industry (Thomlinson, 1996). This can be seen in a case study (Obua, 1997) where forest ecotourism was introduced in the Kibale National Park as a sustainable industry instead of ruining the environment through logging.The definition provided by the Ecotourism Society suggests that ecotourism should not alter the integrity of the ecosystem, yet as Tyler and Dangerfield (1999) argue almost any level of human exploitation has impacts on an ecosystem. His qualitative research took the viewpoint of resource management, the resource being the ecosystems that are exploited by ecotourism, and points out that most of the ecosytems that are visited have developed independently of human interaction and have to adapt rapidly to deal with the human incursion, depending on the level of human disturbance.Tyler (1999) does point out that marine environments are particularly open to the development of e cotourism, a topic researched at length by Mason (1998) who, through the use of a qualitative research tool assessed the potential personal effects on two marine environments and found that predominantly negative biophysical effects occurred due to development of ecotourism. A study on forest degradation due to ecotourism (Obua, 1997) was the only quantitative research on the subject of environmental impact that was found in the literature.Perhaps an area for future research? Other environmental impacts of ecotourism outlined in the literature take the form of general comments about how animal behaviour is disrupted with particular reference to altered eating habits (Burger, 1998 Tyler, 1999 Thomlinson, 1996). contaminant created in the forms of rubbish as well as water and vehicle pollution which is also mentioned in the literature (Mason, 1998 Chin et al. , 2000 Nianyong, 2001) as well as damage done to vegetation due to trampling.An indirect environmental impact that is discusse d in some depth by Burton (1998) and to a lesser limit Beaumont (2001) is the fact that most eco-tourists have the expectation of appreciating the natural environment without the presence of large numbers of people. This has led to the exploitation of previously untouched area in an attempt to provide ecotourists with quality experiences. Section 4 Determining the level of Environmental Impact In the literature one of the biggest debates is whether eco-tourism manoeuvers to mass-tourism and its associated environmental problems (Beaumont, 2001 Doan, 2000 Mason, 1998 Obua, 1997).Even if it does not lead to fully-fledged mass-tourism it agreed throughout the literature that an increase in visitors to sensitive natural environments causes an increase in associated environmental impacts. Discussion on at what point the number of tourists is too much for a destination focuses on the concept of carrying capacity (Doan, 2000 Thomlinson, 1996). This is the theoretical limit to the number of tourists that an area can sustain without deleterious effects (Boo, 1990).They also refer to Butlers life cycle model and Burton (1998) cites Thomlinsons (1996) empirical rise, and argues that once the number of tourists reach a certain level then ecotourism turns into mass-tourism. So as described, the number of tourists converging on a destination is a key factor on the level of environmental impact, yet what factors contribute to the differing numbers of ecotourists? A common idea in the literature is the attitudes of the governing bodies towards the development of ecotourism sites (Thomlinson, 1996 Obua, 1997 Chin et al. 2000 Nianyong, 2001). A common theme is that governments have been tempted by the prospect of making a quick buck, and therefore do not put in place policies limiting exploitation of their countries natural resources, and policies limiting numbers of tourists. Although one country that has minimised environmental impacts through limiting the number of wester n tourists is Bhutan (Brunet, 2001), yet not totally as they still allow an unlimited number of Indians to cross their borders, a polity controlled by the governmentNianyong (2001) also illustrates that governments should be instrumental in helping to develop environmentally responsible policies within their country as well as providing funds for research. Yet in the case of Nianyongs research which was a survey conducted in China, he points out that a lot of ecotourism destinations are in the threesome world, this is can be seen in the way that most of the case studies on ecotourism are based in the third world. These host countries cant afford to provide funds for appropriate ecotourism development, a point corroborated by Chin et al. 2000) whose study was based in Malaysia. Yet paradoxically authorities were responsible for increasing the number of eco-tourists to the Bako national park in 1988 through tourism promotion. Chin et al. (2000) suggests that this was driven by econo mic interests. The next area of discussion focuses on how eco-tour operators affect the level of environmental impact that ecotourism destinations experience. As previously mentioned it is suggested that eco-tour operators are simply exploiting the concept of ecotourism by using it as a marketing tool.Burton (1998) cites a number of researchers who suggest that surveys indicate that a large number of eco-tour operators cannot be considered to act in an environmentally responsible manner (Botrill and Pearce, 1995 Weiler, 1992 Holden & Kealy, 1996 Jones, 1993). This obviously has serious implications for the level of environmental impact and in Belize supposedly ecotourism companies have destroyed large swaths of mangrove swamps in order to develop luxury bungalows (Thomlinson, 1996).Also although most eco-tour operators are small businesses there are so many of them they can negatively impact the environment through a cumulative effect (Thomlinson, 1996 Beaumont, 2001). As illustrate d the number of ecotourists descending upon an area is one of the main factors determining the level of environmental impact Yet there are references in the literature that point out that it is the innate attitude of the certain eco-tourist towards pro-environmental causes that plays an important part in the level of environmental impact that ecotourism destinations experience (Acott, 1998 Chin et al. 2000 Beaumont, 2001). Acott (1998) who discusses ecotourism in terms of shallow and deep differentiates different types of eco-tourists in terms of the level to what extent they pursue environmentally sustainable lifestyles. He uses the example of a low impact eco-traveller who stays in very basic accommodation and pursues a minimal impact experience compared to a large group of bird watchers staying in a luxury hotel with the expectation of a westernised ecotourism experience.Section 5 The Future of Ecotourism The focus of this section is to identify the numerous variables correlated with the supremacy of ecotourism as a sustainable option for the future, and the recommendations documented in the literature to ensure the long-term success of ecotourism. As it is recognised that large numbers of tourists have detrimental affects on the environment, many of the researchers talk about limiting visitor numbers (Burton, 1998 Thomlinson, 1996 Nianyong, 2001 Chin et al. 2000). Yet how many is too many? Tyler (1999) and to a lesser extent Doan (2000) suggest that the resource base (the ecotourism destination) as an ecosystem needs to be considered primarily, and to define saleable products that will have an absorbable impact. In relation to actually controlling the number of visitors it is generally agreed that government tourism agencies are ones who have the power to go across these controls.Thomlinson (1996) suggests that infrastructure should be limited thus discouraging large scale tours, this was actually achieved in Bako National Park Malaysia, whereby the aut horities decided not to build a main road into the park and only allow tourists access to the park via river boats. Nianyong (2001) also suggests that operators wishing to establish ecotourism businesses in national parks should have to obtain licenses thereby maintaining the integrity of the industry.There are also suggestions that as ecotourism is after all a business, causing smaller eco-tour operators (who have less of an impact on the evironment) being forced out of the market by big operators. These larger operators are seen to be the leading edge of mass tourism and achieve greater profits through economies of scale (Burton, 1998, Thomlinson, 1996). Therefore they argue that government agencies need to promote and perhaps subsidise the smaller operatives and restrict the growth of larger operators.Yet the tension that exists with governments, especially in third world countries, is that they lack funds and by limiting the number tourists they are limiting the economic benefi ts provided by the ecotourism industry. These government agencies have to realise that although increase in visitor numbers means greater profits, eco-tourists want to experience nature without being crowded by other humans (Burton, 1998). Boo (1990 96) noted in reference to the environmental effects of ecotourism that tourism, if not managed properly, can destroy tourism.The issue of educating eco-tourists is the other fundamental tool that can be used in maintaining the sustainability of ecotourism. By creating positive attitudes towards environmental preservation amongst tourists it fosters awareness about the future implications of ecotourism amongst the very people who are the consumers of the product, and who outright impact the environment they are visiting. Fortunately according to Sirakayas (1999) research according to tour operators, ecotourism also includes involvement in after travel to inspire personal responsibility.The raises the point addressed at length by Beaumont (2001) that it is the responsibility of the eco-tour operators to provide quality education to the tourists. Nianyong (2001) also points out that local communities in the host destination need to be educated and involved and encouraged to participate in environmental conservation. A point only briefly touched upon in other articles. Section 6 Conlusion Five lines of enquiry were discussed, each focusing on different aspects. However, these aspects are highly interconnected.The first section outlined how research into the definitions of ecotourism had mainly been qualitative. Recently however the research has tended to be functionalist in nature with quantitative studies employing content analysis techniques as a means to attempt to settle the definition debate. I observed definite core themes in the research yet felt as did the most recent researchers did that pinpointing an exact definition was act of futility, due to the global nature of ecotourism.Yet the definition I used at th e bottom of section 1 provided the basis of reference for the duration of the review. In the turn and third section the research findings illustrated the interconnectedness of the key players in the ecotourism industry and the effects they are having as a whole on the environment. The articles that were found to provide the best insight into the detailed effects of what environmental impacts ecotourism has on host countries were found in Case Study articles, where various regions were examined in depth.Although a problem with these case studies was that they were slightly limited in that they all examined ecotourism activities in national parks. I would suggest future research that focuses on areas that are not national parks, but which do accommodate ecotourism, one such place being Kodaikanal in southern India, a place where as an ecotourist myself, inspired this review. There was also a distinct lack of detailed quantitative research of a geographical nature into environmental i mpacts, yet research of this nature is inherently serious due to the complex nature of ecosystems.Section four and five viewed ecotourism and its capacity to minimise environmental damage in the context of the bigger picture by pull together the previous sections. The literature acknowledged that ecotourism is a business after all and that market forces as with nearly everything in this world are madcap factors behind whether ecotourism is a success or not in the future. Yet it can be seen just through observing the recent initiation of new journals such as the Journal of Sustainable Tourism that there is concern for the well-being the environment, especially with the dramatic annual growth of tourism.Therefore research into the ecotourism industry will almost certainly continue apace. This is fortunate as Tyler (1999) points out there are a multitude of dimensions and paradigms associated with ecotourism research, ranging from philosophy to ecological economics. To conclude, the future of ecotourism is an mutable one. Negative environmental impacts have definitely been observed, although in other areas where effective policies have been implemented the environment has apparently not suffered and the sustainability of the industry is assured.There is evidence that supports the theory that ecotourism leads to mass tourism and its associated problems. Yet, I would observe that the commonality amongst all these issues is that geographical location causes the differing variables associated with ecotourism development and is the deciding factor as to whether ecotourism can be implemented successfully to protect the environment. This is where further research should be directed enabling future ecotourism planners to have a reference point according to their global location.

Barriers to Effective Pain Management Essay

Nurses have a unique role in alleviating the wound baffled by their forbearings. With their professional familiarity and regular close contacts with patients, they ar ideally placed to listen and respond to any concerns. Taking term to assess the individual leave alone allow for the development of a thrusting kinship between the nurse and patient. Accurate appraisal and documentation can help to chart the multi- dimensional constitution of the pain, aiding decision making and patient misgiving planning (Mcguie 1992).Adequate run of pain is only achieved in 50% of patients in Western societies. This emphasizes that pain assure is a undecomposed problem for a great number of patients. wellness sustenance professionals, patients and the health concern system itself all contribute to this problem. Other factors that furnish to this undesirable situation include the following Poor decision making on part of health c are professionals myths and misconceptions about pain a nd opoids patients non compliance with manipulation and their reluctance to report pain Problems within the organization of health carePain judgment and management is an integral part of the daily nursing routine. Health care professionals must strive to overcome the barriers to legal pain management in practice. The tendency to under medicate older adults whitethorn be think to several factors, including misguided beliefs, fears regarding complications, and a failure to assess ant treat conf utilized older adults. It is imperative that nurses dont act upon false misconceptions in delivering patient care.The management of pain in the elderly represents a considerable nursing challenge. This is because the elderly are more likely to experience both cunning and chronic pain than their younger counterparts. Age related factors may also complicate the assessment and management of the individuals pain. Failing sight and hearing, cognitive impairment, confusion and dementia create converse difficulties and on that pointfore pose substantial barriers to pain assessment particularly in the use of the measurement tools.Lack of knowledge of the Doctor and nurse / low communicationAn individuals pain is complex, the management should not rely on one professional clinical judgment and action. The pain control process should be interwoven between numerous health care professionals. The nurse must strive to exercise their communication skills in discussing aspects of patient care with the MDT team. A lack of confidence and knowledge are the common reasons for poor communication and teamwork.There is ample evidence to demonstrate that both nurses and dilutes have poor knowledge about pain and its management. It is also known that contemporary nursing and medical education programs do not equip health care professionals with significant information on the nature of pain, the methods of pain assessments and the principles of pain management.With a lack of knowledge and basic fundamental management skills, nurses may feel unprepared to care for patients suffering from pain, and consequently make incorrect decisions regarding the management of patients pain. Poor decision making on behalf of the nurse can reflect on the following Underestimation of the severity of the illness Overestimation of the effectiveness of the interventions Reluctance to administer parental analgesia Administering a low back breaker of opoid rather than the required dose needed to control the severity of patients pain. Nurses rarely employing non pharmacological strategiesIn addition, the lack of knowledge and confidence of the nurse may interfere with his or her ability to effectively communicate aspects of patient care to other health care professionals. The under educated nurse has a tendency to underestimate the MDT and doctors involvement in pain assessment and management. However, it is imperative that the doctor carriers out a physical examination of the pat ient on admission to localize the pathological causes of the patients pain. This is an imperative part of pain management and is much needed to facilitate the planning of care.The more experienced the nurse is the more inclined they are to underestimate severe pain. The less experienced nurse is more inclined to overestimate an individuals pain.The doctors lack of confidence and knowledge may publication in him or her avoiding discussions relating to analgesia and changing the drug or dose of the opoid, irrespective of the nurses belief that it for the best interest of the patient. Doctors that are lacking in knowledge have a tendency to prescribe analgesia below the therapeutic level of the pain and are often indisposed(p) to act upon the nurse. This is a serious issue that must be addressed as the nurse is often the person who knows the most information about the patient as they provide a 24 hour round the clock care to the patient.It is clear that these poor practices arise fr om a number of inter- related reasons. However the lack of knowledge and effective team work seems to be the central issue. In methodicalness to assure effective communication is brought to the clinical practice, efforts to increase group learning and confidence of health care professions is much needed. Role play may improve health care professionals knowledge and collaboration skills. Interpersonal education may be effective at allowing health care professionals understand each others roles in practice. Regular education sessions in the hospital with numerous health care professions from different specialties may be a great opportunity for nurses and other health care professionals to learn together.Communication BarriersThe collection of information at assessment is dependent on the nurses ability to communicate effectively. However, nurses commonly lack the skills required in this area.Health care professionals often expect the patients to find fault spontaneously of pain and patients often assume the nurse will enquire about their pain. This is one significant issue within communication that is commonly demonstrate in practice. Certain nurses dont even ask the patient if they are experiencing pain. This is a serious issue as patients may be reluctant to report their pain because they dont want to appear unpopular or dont want to distract the health care professionals from treating their condition. The remissness of verbal assessment may result in these patients suffering unnecessary pain for a pro recollectiveed period of time. This can have devastating long term consequences to an individuals health.A quantity of nurses may employ some form of verbal communication to the patients pain assessment. However, they normally confine the assessment to asking one question only, such as, are you experiencing any pain at present? This can be misinterpreting as the patient may be pain free lying still in bed, yet the patient may be experiencing pain on activity . In order to improve the management of pain in practice, continuous education of improving communication skills must be enforced into the clinical setting.A number of communication barriers such as deafness, blindness, and disorientated, confused and cognitive afflicted persons can further complicate the assessment process. It is crucial to compensate for the auditory and visual impairments that the individual may have. While assessing and monitoring the patient, the nurse must position her/his face in view of the patient, speak in a slow and normal tone of voice, use large print size, and provide written instructions and aids such as glasses or hearing aids.Pain assessment should be considered a greater challenge amongst the elderly as these patients more commonly present with communication barriers. Such barriers include deafness, blindness, and cognitive impaired, unconscious and disorientated individual. Pain assessment tools are designed to suit patients with various communic ation barriers. Health care professionals must choose the appropriate assessment tool that would best suit the individual in pain. For example, a visual analogue scale may be more suitable for a deaf individual. The abbey scale is specially designed for the cognitive impaired individual.The nurse must bear out the pain and believe that the pain is as bad as the patient reports it to be. Nurses have a tendency not to validate the patients pain. They tend to overestimate lower levels of pain and underestimate more severe pain. If the nurse places him or herself in the role of the family member, they may develop more sensitive to the patients needs and his or her experience of pain. Commonly the nurses distance themselves from the patient which results in the nurses failing to recognize the patients needs.Nurses have a tendency to block communication with patients who are terminally ill or patients who have chronic pain. This is because they believe they cannot do much for the patien t. Efforts to improve professionals collaboration skills with the terminally ill patients and chronically ill is fundamental.Clearly continuing education that integrates helping nurses become more sensitive to patient pain may have an important role in facilitating nurses to develop better assessment skills.Health care professionals poor pain assessmentA good assessment is the cornerstone of good control of distressing symptoms. Yet, current pain assessment practices leave much to be desired. The underestimation of the patients pain seems to be problematic in current practice. Nurses have developed a tendency to interfere about a persons pain on a basis of what they hold back. This may be acceptable if they confirm the validity of the interferences with the patient, however this is not happening.Poor use of verbal cuesHealth care professionals frequently observe patients ways and activities when assessing pain and consider non verbal cues as being reliable indicators of pain inten sity. However, it is easy to misinterpret non verbal cues. For example the nurse tends to only regard pain as intense or severe if the patients show real intense behavioral signs. The nurse assumes the patient is pain free if such intense behavior signals are absent. Nurses need to take into account that each patient will have a unique response to pain which will be influenced by many factors including cultural beliefs and religious morals.Such patients will exhibit expressive pain behaviors such as crying and moaning, where others may adapt a stoical approach and will not express their suffering outwardly. The presence of pain is therefore not always obvious from the patients facial mien and non verbal cues should not be regarded as reliable indicators of pain.If health care professionals place emphasizes on non verbal cues and make interferences on the basis of what they observe, it is not move that they yet tend to underestimate the intensity of patients pain and over estimate the effectiveness of interventions.The use of measurement tools which provide patients with a means of quantifying their pain experience is one way of overcoming this problem in practice. However, the under use of assessment tools is a problem that needs to be addressed. Interviewing the patient who is experiencing pain is a faultfinding component of assessment since it provides patients with an opportunity to express not only intensity of their pain but also what it means to them and the effect it has on their lives.Constraints to developing a therapeutic relationship with the patientPain assessment should be viewed as a unique opportunity for the nurse to use effective communication skills and guide time to build a relationship with the patient. This may encourage patients to express their fears or concerns, enhancing patient assessment and therefore improving the overall goals of care. However, staff shortages and time constraints often make it difficult for the nurse to spent time with the patient and hence it is difficult to build a thrusting relationship with the patient. The fact that there is a high turnover of patients in the hospital means that nurses have little opportunity to establish and sustain a good therapeutic relationship with the patient and family.