Spies Essay Example for Free

Spies EssayMichael Frayn uses a unique style of writing in the novel Spies, twofold narration. So in this essay there will be an investigation into this distinctive style of writing that magnetises the auditory sense, as it makes the audience feel part of the story. Stephen and Stefan versions of accounts vary, this appeals to the audience as it leaves you guessing too many unanswered questions during the plot. Dual narration has many positives to contribute to the novel, for example numerous independent viewpoints. However during this novel non entirely independent view points, as the narrators remain the same indivi forked in two separate time periods. The older character Stefan has the benefit of hindsight whilst esteem the events of that summer in the 1940s. Whilst Stephen as the enthusiasm of a typical young lad. The two accounts vary as memories are forgotten or Stefan hasnt remembered the events in the correct chronological order. (Frayn, Spies, p. 32) So this essay wi ll look into the effect that twofold narration has upon on the lecturer throughout the novel.Michael Frayn is capable of using dual narration to such an impressive extent during Spies because he as an author is able to connect with the character Stephen and Stefan. The reason as to why these connections preserve be made is because Michael Frayn would extradite grown up as a child during the same time period as we see Stephen growing up in the novel, World War 2. (literature. britishcouncil. org/michael-frayn). This also indicates that Frayn would have same ability to remember certain events and recall the memories in the same manner as what Stefan does.The nature of the dual narration in this novel basin become frustrating for the reader. (Hudson, everything is as it was, but everything has changed) The slow progression through the story generates complacency, as the reader wants to go along to the significant events, before the story arrives at them. As you seem to progress q uicker than Stephen is able to, because of the hints and clues Stefan has informed you off prior to Stephens narrating. Even when Stephen ultimately describes the event, many of the questions you find yourself asking do not get answered.However the tension and anxiety that Frayn is capable of creating whilst leaving many questions opened and unanswered can entice the reader further into the depth of the novel. (Holtsberry, 2004). This effect gets the readers mind thinking about the possibilities and directions the story could precede and conclude in. Nevertheless you do find yourself helpless when the story continues in an opposite direction as to the one you had expected it to follow. During Spies dual narration is capable of portraying how an individuals outlook can change over a period time.The memories can be forgotten, they can be missed interpreted, or the memories Stefan possesses may not even be his memories, sort of they maybe what he wanted to happen instead. (Frayn, Sp ies, P. 233) This specific passage of the text indicates that Stefan is capable of remembering and realising how significant certain childhood memories are, even though he did not realise the importance or even consider the possible outcomes at the time as a childs memory is an necessitous one.Its only with hind sight that Stefan is capable of understand the importance of Stephens memories. (Lancaster, the New York Book Review). The reader is allowed to accept and believe in Stephenss memories and medical history of events only for Stefan to later on correct the series of events. This can also get extremely confusing for the reader, because Stefan and Stephen at various points with in the Novel have a conflict or memories. The way in which Michael Frayn has used the dual narration technique to write Spies has made the novel one of mystery and suspense.It engages the reader into the depth of the Novel. This leaves many readers having to restart certain chapters, or even rereading t he entire novel to obtain and figure out the answers to the questions Frayn has cleverly left opened. The way in which in the novel flows from past to present also engulfs the reader, as you are always trying to figure out Stephens next move through the write up of Stefan. As a reader this absorbs you into the novel as you feel as though youre a character in the novel alongside Stephen in his childhood.

How to Make a Mask Essay Example for Free

How to Make a Mask EssayWhen it comes to the world of prop building, cover making, or prosthetics their are specific steps to follow. Otherwise if one were to mess up they can end up on the hospital due to chemical mixing. Now its not as dangerous as it sounds but its never good to inhale any type of fumes, dont fate to end up in the hospital. The first approach to build a mask or any type of make-up build is be buttoned-down and aware. If you are not cautious and aware then as I said before you may end up in the hospital, with some divide of serious Illness.When working on a build always wear a mask, gloves, and an apron to protect your clothes. second step to mask making is the propose know what youre going to create. Come up with different thoughts of one idea, so that youll have more than just one concept to work cancelled of, as well as knowing or feeling which concept is the best. After the process of concepts, ideas and brainstorming work of the concept or in oth er words play with carcass. Youre going to need to sculpt your concept on clay. Now it is doable with cheap clay such as Amacos playn clay, air run dry modeling clay.Its not the best clay to use but it gets the job done. Although what I have heard from other sculptors and hobbiest that marblex or sculptey is better for sculpting. So when you have chosen what type of clay to use you then sculpt out your concept, taking out or rack uping in detail. After sculpting out your concept you will need you pierce to dry. Usually it takes about two to three days but its always best to at least wait for a week making sure that it is completely dry. Always check for cracks as well that is never good for your finally piece making sure that if you do see cracks fill them in with clay.After the piece has completely dried you will need to mold it. This is where a breathing mask definitely comes in handy. When it comes to molding their are many brands and ways to mold your clay piece, from liquid latex to silicone rubber. Personally I use Body Double silicone Rubber. It last long and is always reusable if you want to make more of the same mold or cast. The more traditional way of molding is employ Alginate but the thing about alginate is that it is only good for a one time use from then on it shrinks and deteriorates. All in all it is a matter of preference.With using eubstance double as your mold, it is a two part mix so taking part A and part B mix the two together until you have the well(p) consistency. Take a brush, dip it into the mix and dab/ brush the body double silicone onto your clay piece, until it is completely covered. After telling it dry for a while, not completely, you will need to make your mother mold. The mother mold is the mold that hold the out of doors of your first mold, it maintains the structure of the mold and sculpt. In order to do this you will need Plaster of Paris, power and goss based. Starting with the power based adhesive plaster. Put t he plaster in a disposable bucket or bowl.How much you use will depend on the size of your sculpt. When measuring how how you need always add water first then the plaster, fill the bowl with plaster until you have a island in the middle of the water. Make sure to mix thoroughly good luck up any and all clumps of plaster. Mix until you have a constancy of cookie dough or pancake batter. Once you are at the right consistency slowly pour the plaster over the rubberized mold. Then with the plaster stips dip them in warm water and place it on top of your plaster mold, have at most three to five layers of plaster stips ontop of the plast mold.Once that is complete it will take up to a week (maybe more depending on the amount of plaster used) for it to dry. After it is completely dry the next step is to take the mold out so the cast can be made. behind remove the mold from the clay piece, prying from each side loosening and pulling away. Once you have removed you mold, you can cast it wi th fiberglass resin, formative resin, epoxy, or silicone rubber etc. In other words you can filled it will whatever type of veridical you want to use. Whichever material you use you mature the right amount to put into your mold.Pour the liquid into the mold then using a sloshing technique you shlosh the liquid around in the mold covering all sides and details. You want to do this about three time depends on the type of material you are using, it can vary depending on the material. Once that is complete let it dry this process with take about two to three days. When it is completely dry remove the mask. First pry the body double rubber silicone off the plaster, then slowly peel the body double away until it is removed from the mask. Then it is complete you have your mask, where it to parties, halloween, or whatever the use maybe.

Impact of Social Injustice on Nigeria

Impact of Social In umpire on NigeriaThe question of social justice is a question of what is a proper social order, which can see to it human equitable and equally distribution of benefits and burdens in a confederation, which will lead to a flourishing state where individuals be treated equally by the state regardless of society status or creed. A just social order cannot allow for a society of slaves, where for somewhat people, resources external to them are been subjected entirely to communal control, much(prenominal) that they having no control or rattling little control of means of life, thus leading to their autonomy been undermined. With regards to the Nigerian short letter, the Nigerias socio-political conundrums stem from numerous complicated tides. Egharevba (2007) states that the nation-state of Nigeria emerged out of political amalgamations of extremely diverse cultural groups and class configurations brought together as a colonial necessity in 1914. In other wor ds, Nigerias problems are predicated on the partitioning of Africa by European at the Berlin conference. This conference left the continent with an illogical pattern of geographical distribution which also reflected on the amalgamation of Nigerian by the then colonial masters (Mentiki, 2002). Ammo (1997) sees the make-up of the Nigerian state as an embodying the merge of different people with different worldview that lacks a coherent and functional unity and is consequently fragile. As will be shown in the following analysis, this research seeks to psychoanalyze how the impact of social injustice in the Nigeria state has led to the bigger problem of ethnic cleavages which has nevertheless prevented the country from attaining any meaningful development.Balewa a antecedent Prime Minister of Nigeria, states that some problems facing the nation include the problems of indiscipline, tribalism, lack of patriotism and declining productivity. But one of the most obvious is the tribal prejudice inwrought in the nations polity as a result of the inequitable distribution of the ethnic groups across her landscape and the persistent attempt of the colossus ethnic groups to monopolize control over state resources thereby usurping and undermining the far lesser groups in the nations polity. This assertion has been arrived at having keenly analysed the views, lamentations, opinions and findings of some Nigerian socio-political thinkers on the problem of social injustice in the Nigerian state (Oyeshile, 2005). According to these authors, it is the repressing of the interests of some groups (disadvantaged in size, status, ethnicity, etc.) that has characterized the bane of attaining social justice and by extension, social development in the country (ibid). Anikpo identified the appropriation of available resources in Nigeria as characterized by the fundamental concept of Marxs hypothesis which defines the instability arising particularly from distorted production and r ewarded system as societal goods are distributed to individuals based on their social class or productivity ability. Hence, this situation of polarization of various ethnic groups, social groups and class lines, etc. has led to the formation of ethnic militias raising several questions about social justice in the society.According to Oyeshile (2005), social injustice in terms of unfair and inequitable distribution of social goods satisfactorily among the multi ethnic groups in Nigeria over the old age has resulted in the sharpening of the individuals allegiance to ethnic inclinations rather than to state authority.1 This reality, according to him, has led to the weakening of the federal government and state authorities in propagating agendas of bailiwick interest and development, since it has become the case that issues of national interest can no longer be considered in their own merits but on how they affect the ethnic groups2. In other words, the diversities in a contest compli cated differences in language, religion and level of economic attainment has further disintegrate the various ethnic tribes in the Nigerian state.In buttressing the above claim, Oguejiofor (2005) refers to the attitude of Nigerians towards the annulment of the June 12, 1993 election, an election which could demand consolidated democratic rule in the country years ago. According to him, the North did not want a revisit of the June 12 election simply because its annulment ensured that it (the North) remain in control of power. He states further that the other sections of Nigeria did not see their interest attacked by the cancellation of the election (and as such did not protest), while for most Yoruba who mounted serious protest, it was doubtful whether they would have done so if the candidate who won the election were not of Yoruba extraction (ibid). In a further analysis of the Nigerian socio-political situation, Oladipo observed another heighten effect of social injustice in the Nigeria polity. He observed that at the receiving end of the ethic pervasiveness, structural imbalance and poor distribution of social wealth, is the special K man. The common man in Nigeria has, for reasons quoted above, found life extremely burdensome and unbearable because of the inability to access the essential things of life. Oladipo further made a chit-chat for the restructuring of the body polity of the country from an ethical and ideological perspective4.Furthermore, Ograh (2014) avers that structural imbalance and social injustice in Nigeria is represented in two main forms. Firstly, in the exertion of control and appropriation of state resources by more advantaged ethnic groups over the disadvantaged ones even when the later seem to be the main producers of such resources. Secondly, structural imbalance and social injustice in the Nigeria polity consists in the overwhelming gulp between the living standards of the few elite citizens and the majority commoners.Having co nsidered the above analysis, it is clear therefore that measures must be taken towards restructuring the social order in Nigeria in order for meaningful progress and development can be achieved. Sadly, only few attempts have been made by the government towards achieving the aforementioned objective. Even those few attempts have ended in futility because as Oladipo () acknowledges that where the ideological underpinning is loaded and resilient the society survives and thrive but where it is weak, the societys capacity for social progress becomes impaired5. What this means is that there is need for strong ideological origination for the rectification of the social disorder and injustice which is on display in Nigeria. This is where I find the theoretical postulations of John Rawls on social justice very useful because Rawls conception of justice contains ideological guides for rectifying social injustices in multi-ethnic societies like the Nigerian federation. Rawls believes that th e major function of the basic structure of any society is to distribute the benefits and burdens of that society equitably. The benefits of social cooperation, are wealth and income, food and shelter, authority and power, right and benefits among others while the business of the social cooperation included, duties, obligations and liabilities. However, the most important value of this research is to reemphasize the critical role of the concept of social justice in the formation and sustenance of a stable, viable, humane and progressive society.

Brand loyalty

Brand trueheartedtyINTRODUCTIONBrand truth is the resource of the consumer to buy a particular(prenominal) crack in a specific product category. Brand fast(a)ist reserve the following mindset I am committed to this imperfection, I am pull up stakesing to pay a higher price for this scar over other brands and I go away recommend this brand to other (Giddens, 2002). Greater loyalty leads to numerous benefits such as an improved merchandise sh atomic number 18, fall in marketing cost and improved opportunities for brand prolongation to prenomen a few (Martin evans). The Business Cycle Dating Committee of the National Bureau of Economic look into determined that in December 2007 the U.S. rescue reached its peak in economic activities. The peak marked the end of the expansion period that began in November 2001 and the start of the ceding back episode. Recession is a considerable decline in all economic activity which affects employment, production and real income spread over the economy.The recession has forced many consumers to prioritise and cut back spending. plainly how allow for consumers cut back and by how much, will vary immensely by brand and by category. The m wizy consumers spend on various brands in different product categories would vary person to person but angiotensin-converting enzyme thing that remains constant is that each one evokes a set of confirming feelings uniform powerful, confident, young, happy, stylish etc. Consequently, for a brand to do well in an economic downturn, it is vital for the brand to do more than just pay a need or service. It must create and maintain an emotional connection with its customers which would induce positive feelings in them and hence the consumer will keep cost back for more (Isakovich, 2008).In this regard, this query proposal of marri ripen would answer a few fountainheads regarding the effects of recession on brand loyalty of consumers in the U.S. Firstly, how origin brands kno w become more popular than name brands in supermarkets. Lastly, how sumptuosity brands give benefitted fifty-fifty through recession. The twist of the proposal would include methodology, its writings review, enquiry techniques, inquiry time-table and a conclusion.RESEARCH METHODOLOGY investigate methodology is a system of principles and methods of procedure followed by a researcher of any discipline. There be several paradigms of research methodology. The most quoted definition of paradigm is Thomas Kuhns (1962, 1970) concept in The Nature of Science Revolution, i.e. paradigm as the downstairslying assumptions and intellectual structure upon which research and development in a field of inquiry is based. The main components of a paradigm atomic number 18 ontology, epistemology and methodology. Under these comes the comparative orbit of different approaches wish positivism, interpretivism and critical theory.Ontology is reality and the solid ground of being. It is how thin gs exist in the world. It is how we view objects in studies (Lecture 2). Reality underside be subjective or objective. For example argon batch with free will wholly responsible for their actions or is life predetermined by situations. Subjectivists believe that something comes into existence only when one experiences it and gives it meaning. They believe that people nominate their own beliefs assumptions and perceptions so they experience realities in different ways. While objectivists consider that reality is independent of those who exist in it. From their point of view people pit to situations in a predictable way since their behaviour is a part of the material world these fecal matter be determined by causes (Hatch, 2006).There are a few assumptions which have to be explained in rear to carry turn out this researchStore brands also include private- score brandsLuxury brands are the companies which plow true highlife commodities.In this acquire hypermarkets are also tak en into account.Recession is still prevalent but the economy is improving so the study is of when it was at its worst.Brand loyalty will be re stash awayd to its original state once consumers have disposable income to spend.Epistemology is the theory of knowledge in which we study how we know the world (Lecture 2). It basically examines and answers questions like how do people generate knowledge? How do we discriminate knowledge (for example good from bad or legal from invalid)? How should reality be represented? Epistemology and ontology is interlinked since answers to these questions help to forge and depend on ontological assumptions (Hatch, 2006). Epistemology asshole be of both categories either plus or interpretivist. lordly Epistemology is the search of unblemished representation which is objective in nature (Lecture 2). It assumes one can learn about what actually happens in organizations by categorizing and scientifically touchstone the behaviour of individuals and systems. They generate knowledge by gathering data and analysing it, then develop hypotheses and propositions and finally test these against the external reality to see if they are accurate (Hatch, 2006).Positivists use more of the quantitative methods like questionnaires and surveys. Based on these methods they derive theoretical models for factual ex schemeations. Interpretivist believe that in that respect are multiple and subjective interpretations of the world. This office that there can be numerous accords and interpretations of reality. Interpretive epistemology helps us to apply methods designed to understand meanings made by others and how they come to make these meanings (Hatch, 2006). The third approach is critical theory which is governed by conflicting, underlying structures -political, social, economic, ethnic, gender. Individuals can reconstruct their world by way of action and critical reflection (Voce, 2004).methodological analysis is figuring out how can the re searcher go about finding out whatever she/he believes can be known (Guba, 1994). There are basically two ways or carrying out research Quantitative and Qualitative. According to ontology and epistemology the methodology is chosen. So if the ontology is objective then epistemology will be positivist and methodology will be quantitative. So in positivism quantitative methods are utilize like surveys, questionnaires and quantitative analysis. Positivists need more data and large samples to prove their study. exactly if the ontology is subjective then epistemology will be interpretivist and methodology will be qualitative. Interpretivists use qualitative methods like case studies, interviews and ethnographic style of investigation. Here researchers can lose context with large samples. Many researchers combine both quantitative and qualitative methods in one study this is known as the triangulation approach.This research proposal would be positivistic. The objects here would be indepe ndent from the external environment. Brand loyalty in customers is based on consumer behaviour which is predictable. In recession, since the disposable income of consumers have decreased it is very obvious that consumers will shift to cheaper brands in the short term. This brings brand loyalty down for the commodity or service. The research questions specifically are how blood line brands have become more popular than name brands and how luxury brands have benefitted through recession also.Addressing the first question it is based on consumer preferences which can be studied using quantitative methods. For example does Mr.Simon prefer brand A over brand B in toothpastes? These results are quantifiable and are objective. Since we are addressing the issue of recession in the U.S., we have to keep in mind and study the product type as well since luxury brands did well in these times. Since luxury brands are bought by the wealthy, these brands did well. Not that the rich were not aff ected by recession but there are several reasons (discussed in the literature review) that the rich could not keep away from these brands. The behaviour of the affluent is predictable and one of the major causes luxury brands are flourishing.LITERATURE REVIEWA study released by Boston Consulting Group on 30th April, 2008 indicated that 73% of Americans utter that they intended to cut down on spending in the next xii months. In reality, spending has been on a steady drop each month since July 2008 (Bureau of Economics Analysis, 2008).The significance of brands for consumers in the U.S. has been continuously declining. Only 27% of Americans said they were ready to trade up for a superior brand (McGregor, 2008). Research denotes that the less personal the commodity, the lower the need to stay loyal to a particular brand (Isakovich, 2008). This research will cover two broad product categories which are household items and luxury goods.Due to the recession, one way consumers are tart back on spending is by substituting more expensive name brands with less expensive store or private label alternatives (Isakovich, 2008). This is broadly speaking seen in supermarkets since consumer have a wide variety of name and store products to choose from. Retailers are also sensing shopper experimentation. Supermarkets like Safeway Inc. and Kroger Co. recorded that sales of their store brands were on the rise. In this economy, customers are much more unforced to try a private-label item, and were seeing signs that this is happening more and more as the year progresses, Kroger chief operating officer David Dillon said on a conference call (Brown, 2008). Thomas Falk (CEO) of Kimberly -Clark Corp noted that the companys once famous potty training which used to be one of the biggest sales growth products in the baby aisle has reduced in it sales and consumers now prefer diapers since the diaper is less expensive (Brown, 2008).Mintel International, a market research company by in terviewing 3000 customers found out that 40% of primary household shoppers said they would buy store brand study because it is cheaper than national brands. This is one product category where consumer strictly trade for budgetary reasons. Paper napkin, facial tissue and paper towels suffered the sharpest declines in the past year though toilet paper did well (Brown, 2008). Laundry habits were another sector in which change in consumption patterns was seen. Consumers shifted to cheaper detergents and softeners this is a rare shift since it is one of the most brand loyal among product categories (Brown, 2008).According to Nielson Co. private label soaps and other bath products did very well and were up by 23% and skin care products was up by 16%.It is obvious that lower incomes consumers were hit the most and reacted to changes quickly by changing to store brands. Upper income consumers have also started reacting to prices. According to a survey conducted by IRI consumers with househ old incomes of $100,000 are making considerable changes. A report Shopper in crisis found that upper -income consumers had reduced spending on nonessential groceries by 41%. In another IRI survey of 1000 respondents of all income levels, 52% of consumers said they try to make personal -care items last extended and a quarter of them consider these products with household members (Brown, 2008).Nielson reported from late November 2008 that private label brands grew in the U.S. to $81 jillion that would a 10% growth from 2007 (Wong, 2008). This study also reported that 72% of respondents viewed private label brands while 62% viewed store brands as good alternatives to name brands (Wong, 2008).There is empirical evidence that consumers have shifted to private label or store brands and have become more loyal to name brands. In numerous of product categories people often buy the same products or brands echoedly either as several purchases or on the same purchase, For example groceries, we buy them week after week but that does not show our loyalty towards the brands. Consumers are brand loyal when even if a cheaper option is available the consumer would still be committed to a brand due to trust (Martin evans). Riechheld (1988) argued that repeat purchasing pattern of a consumer cannot be called loyalty. Since here consumers are forgoing trust and accepting a lower quality product and are willing to change to a less expensive alternate. This aspect of research should be analysed as well. This one of the drawback of this research whether repeat purchasing behaviour can be called brand loyalty or not.The marketing and branding are very different for luxury commodities compare to household commodities. As for luxury goods their business plan places trust designer and his artistic vision and anticipates that it will lure customers. There are several reasons why consumers purchase luxurious brands. Some of which is uniqueness of the brand /product, materialistic attit ude of the consumer, quality associated with the brand, functional advantages and financial associations with luxury product (Shukla, 2009). The rich tend to fly towards quality this is reason that luxury brands will snuff it the recession specially the ones with heritage and a strong identity (Fellowes, 2008). The rich continue to spend on private jets, boats, cars, art, jewellery and beautiful garments. This is because they are used to it but now during recession they will buy carefully and ensure prise for their money.Prince and associates, a consulting company conducted a recent survey which saw that consumers price more than $10million including assets intended to increase their expenditure this year on luxury goods but those with less than that will cut back (Sullivan, 2007). In these times of recession it is important that we differentiate between affordable luxury and true luxury. The affordable luxury sector especially cars, travel, perfumes and clothing which have been h it by recession. Since the broader market is subdued, as middle-income consumers have deserted luxury brands which they used to buy during the good times. This is why profits of the affordable luxury companies have significantly dropped (Clark, 2009). The Companies which come under true luxuries have actually flourished even during recession. Since only a few individuals have cash to spare they look for genuine luxury and not something everyone can own (Clark, 2009). These brands have to have an image of exclusivity and quality but at the same time they should achieve enough scale to be profitable. Brand like these have very glamorous stores and boutiques, their goods are never crammed into sales racks or sold at discount stores. Louis Vuitton, Hermes and Rolls-Royce are a few of the companies which did well even in the face of recession.According to the Top 100 Most Powerful Brands, Louis Vuitton tops the luxury category with a enormous brand value of $19.4 billion and following be hind is Hermes at $7.86 billion (Sherman, 2009). Despite the Automotive industry not doing well in recession but the luxurious car producer Rolls-Royce accounted a 20% increase in sales for the year 2008. According to the company it sold 1010 cars in 2007 compared to 1212 cars in 2008 (Clark, 2009).Providing Empirical evidence and conceptual understanding it now clear that all luxury commodities did not flourish during the economic downturn. It was only the very exclusive and unique brands that were successful. Other mid-market retailers of luxury brands did not reside by this and reduced their prices. For example Saks Fifth Avenue went on a price cut rampage last fall, offering 70% discount on several high-end brands. But stores like Louis Vuitton remained at full price. Strategies should be implemented but in such a way that the exclusivity of the brand should not be lost whether in good or bad times.RESEARCH METHODSResearch methodology and research methods are interlinked becau se methodology determines which methods to use quantitative or qualitative. In reference with this research proposal, ontology is objective which makes epistemology positivism therefore the methodology used here would be Quantitative. Research questions under consideration are firstly, how store brands have become more popular than name brands in supermarkets and lastly, how luxury brands have benefitted even through recession. Both have a positivistic approach, so to investigate this topic, more of quantitative methods will be used. Usually both quantitative and qualitative methods are combined in order to get the fuller picture. Methodology can be only one but methods can vary.In this study of how brand loyalty was affected in the U.S. due to recession, several research methods can be used. Some of which are interviews, questionnaires, surveys, focus groups, case studies, observation, laboratory experiments and mathematical modelling. Interviews can be structured, semi-structured or unstructured. In structured the question are preset, in semi-structured the some questions are preset the rest are spontaneous and in unstructured there are no preset questions only a framework of the research questions. Structured Interviews are more quantitative in nature. Questionnaires and survey are also quantitative method of research. These have open or close ended questions which individuals answer. There are various mediums to do a survey via mail or telephone or face to face. Written questionnaires and surveys have a coding system to analyse their results. Laboratory experiments and mathematical modelling are also quantitative methods. Case-studies and observations are qualitative methods. Being a positivist study, the research methods which will be employed will be structured interviews and Questionnaires. Structured interviews will be used to answer the first research question on store brands and Questionnaires will be utilized for the second research question on luxu ry brands.To test whether store or private label brands did better than name brands in supermarkets structured interviews would be planned with supermarket giants in the U.S. A representative of the market research team would be interviewed in order to gain insights and facts into this topic. Using questionnaires for this topic would be difficult because there is a very huge market to cover since lower, middle and upper income consumers reacted during recession. These interviews will be structured and through the telephone (convenient and less time consuming). There will be five supermarkets involved Aldi, Costco, Kroger, Safeway and Wal-mart supercenters. Interviewers will be informed that where their information will be used and all the necessary background information will be given beforehand. The length of the interview will be merely 20 minutes. There will be four questions asked. For example has the market share of their store brand increased? According to them the cause of t his increased popularity? Which products were doing very well as store brands? What does the future hold for name brands endorsed in their respective supermarkets? There will be one open ended question at the end of the interview. If possible within the level of confidentiality secondary data supporting the information just given will be requested for. This would help since there will be a back up of empirical evidence.Questionnaires will be utilized to prove that the brand loyalty of luxury brands in U.S. consumers was whole during recession. These questionnaires will be sent out to consumers and their families worth more than ten million dollars including assets. Since the range is so restrictive in money matters there will be no age barrier. This Questionnaire will let us know that whether the ultra wealthy are ready to spend on true luxury brands or not. These Questionnaires will be emailed to suitable candidates. Assuming the response rate of questionnaires is only 20%, 5000 q uestionnaires will have to be sent out in order to get 1000 respondents. There will be very little cost associated with these questionnaires.The Questionnaire will provide clear instructions for respondents and will state the purpose and aims of the study. Respondents will not have to disclose their names but they will have to disclose their age and income. There will be an income and age bracket which they will have to place themselves in at the end of the questionnaire. There would be a code to analyse results since there will be there will be all multiple choice questions. There will be one question in the end which will not be a multiple choice and the respondents will have to express their views. Examples of questions would be Do you feel brand loyal towards any luxurious brand? Do you still purchase these brands? What is the average price range you would spend annually on these brands? How often do you purchase products from these brands? Why are you loyal to these brands? Oth er than the last question all other questions are multiple choice questions.There are several problems which one can face with these research methods. Structured interviews may be expensive and time consuming. It is open to manipulation in answers by the interviewer. It might be also difficult to summarise findings. Interviewing giants can be a problem because they might not want to disclose information regarding their brand because of several reasons. A questionnaire has its own set of problems. They have a very low response rate and responses can be biased. Many of the respondents may not understand the questions. Its not certain that the intended individual modify in the questionnaire. Lastly, we cannot check responses with the respondent (Nef, 2008).Data Protection and ethics have also become an integral part of a research topic. In this research data will be held fairly, lawfully, accurately and relevantly. It will not be used for any future purposes and will not be held any l onger than necessary. Ethics will also be taken care of while dealing with individuals. Confidentiality and anonymity of respondents will be respected. The research design will be reviewed to further ensure integrity and quality. There is no forms of compulsion to take part in the research it is purely voluntary. There is no sexism or racial discrimination involved in this study.CONCLUSIONImpulsive buying used to be one of the most distinct features of American Consumers. According to Abrahams (1997) 62% of supermarket and 80% of luxury -goods sales in the U.S. were impulsive (Zhang, 2009). But these are the two product categories in which due to recession either people are moving to name brands in supermarkets or are buying luxury goods very carefully to ensure value for money. The basic aim of this research is to show how the popularity of store brands have increased and how the luxury brand still make profits during recession. The recession has created great opportunities for st ore brands to advance their market position. As for the luxury brands, true luxury will always sell at its highest price so it remains exclusive and unique. Both product categories one of household items and the other of luxury commodities are very different but it shows a contrast in the market which is affected by the recession.BibliographyBrown, E. (2008). At the Supermarket Checkout, Frugality Trumps Brand Loyalty . Wall avenue Journal , D1.Bureau of Economics Analysis. (2008, November 25th). National Incone and product accounts. Retrieved from Hhttp//www.bea.gov/nationalHClark, N. (2009, February 24th). Luxury brands ditch mass-market strategy as credit crunch deepens. Marketing magzine.Fellowes, J. (2008, October 17th). Financial crisis Luxury brands savage as rich fly to quality. Telegraph.Giddens, N. (2002, August). Brand Loyalty.Guba, L. a. (1994). Handbook of Qualitative Research. In Competing paradigms in qualitative research (p. Chapter 6). U.S.A Sage Publishers.Hatch, M. a. (2006). Organisation surmiseModern,Symbolic and Postmodern Perspectives. What is Organisational Theory Handout . Oxford Oxford University Press.Isakovich, H. (2008). How brands can capitalize on an economic downturn. Consumer spending in a recession. New York Interbrand.Martin evans, A. J. (3rd edition). Consumer Behaviour. John Willey and Sons.McGregor, J. (2008, April 30th). Consumer Spending in a Recession. Retrieved from Businessweek http//www.businessweek.com/careers/managementiq/archives/2009/04/consumer_spendi.htmlMclean, C. (n.d.). Research Methodology. Lecture 2.Nef. (2008). Comparison chart. Retrieved from http//www.proveandimprove.org/new/meaim/documents/CompareChart.pdf.Sherman, L. (2009, May 10th). Powerful luxury brands that say, what recession?. Forbes.Shukla, D. P. (2009, May 1st). Luxury brands in recession Developing a better value proposition and luxury brand strategy . Retrieved from Perspectives http//pauravshukla.blogspot.com/2009/05/luxury-brands-in-re cession-developing.htmlSullivan, A. (2007, March 7th). Luxury brands covet the recession-proof. 1. New York Times.Voce, A. (2004, November). Introduction to research paradigms. Handout for Qualitative Research Module.Wong, E. (2008, November 17th). Nielson Private nock Deemed Equal to Name Brands. BrandWeek .Zhang, Y. (2009). Power-Distance Belief and Impulsive Buying. Journal of Marketing Research, 4.

History Of The Dna And Forensics Criminology Essay

History Of The Dna And Forensics Criminology EssayWyman established the foundation for the belief with the hallmark observation and White (1980) of a polymorphic desoxyribonucleic acid locus characterized by a number of vari competent-length restriction fragments called restriction fragment length polymorphisms (RFLPs). The memorial of deoxyribonucleic acid fingerprinting, is even more recent, dating from 1985 with the paper Hypervariable Minisatellite Regions in man desoxyribonucleic acid by Alex Jeffreys et-al (Kirby, 1998 p.19)In 1985, a routine investigation into the structure of a human gene led to a breakthrough discovery that portions of the desoxyribonucleic acid structure of certain genes are as unique to each individual as fingerprints. Alec Jeffrey and his colleagues at Leicester University, England, responsible for these revelations, named the process for isolating and reading these DNA markers DNA fingerprinting. As exploreers uncovered bracing approaches and varia tions to the original Jeffreys technique, the terms DNA profiling and DNA typing became applied to describe this relatively new technology (Saferstein, 2011p.226). The theory that a barbarous perpetrator leaves a part of himself at the scene of a crime and takes a piece of the crime site with him was postulated by Edmund Locard Lyon,of France, who established the worlds first crime lab. Referred to as the Locard exchange principle, this idea, along with the need to reconstruct what took fructify at the site of a sinful act, is the basic rationale behind crime-scene investigation (Fisher, p 4). The term associative evidence describes traces of things that, pursuant to the Locard principle, connect a suspect to or associate him with the scene of an offense (Fisher, 2008 p. 4)Benefits of DNA in societyThrough the discovery of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), the deciphering of its structure and the decoding of its contagious information our understanding of the underlying concepts of i nheritance changed and expanded. Molecular biologists are unraveling the basic structure of genes at an incredible pace we are right off able to create new products through genetic engineering and develop diagnostic tools and treatments for genetic disorders (Saferstein, 2011 p. 266).How DNA affects investigations?The legal system, in both the criminal and civil arenas, may well be revolutionized by the advent of forensic DNA typing. One state trial judge has written that DNA typing plenty constitute the individual sterling(prenominal) advance in the search for truth, and the goal of convicting the conscience-smitten and acquitting the innocent, since the advent of cross-examination. People v. Wesley, 140 Misc.2d 306, 533 N.Y.S.2d 643 (Co. Ct. 1988) (Kirby, 1993 p. 206).DNA identification analysis, identity testing, profiling, fingerprinting, typing, or genotyping refers to the characterization of one or more relatively rare features of an individuals genome or contagious make up. Every human, has a characteristic pheno graphic symbol or physical appearance beca workout each possesses a unique hereditary composition. An exception to this rule is akin twins, because they possess the same unique genotype but, because of the consequences of developmental events, generate faintly polar phenotypes. The DNA of any individual is identical whether extracted from hair bulbs, white blood cells, or a semen specimen. The uniqueness and identical DNA structure within all tissues of the same body raise the basis for DNA profiling (Kirby, 1993 p.18). The forensic applications of DNA typing are limited tho by precaution and alertness of the criminal mind. Regardless of the type of crime committed, whatever trace evidence is appropriate for DNA analysis, left behind by the perpetrator, is later recovered by the police. Forensic test results elicit prove to be important investigative tools. Most frequently, such evidence will be found because of violent crimes (Kirb y, 1993 p.207).What Controversies are there in the use of DNA evidence in criminal cases?The inventor of DNA fingerprinting Professor Sir Alec Jeffreys, recently launched a candid attack on the instruction the genetic profiles of suspects in the UK who have been cleared of any crime are still stored by the authorities. He believes that the practice of storing the genetic profiles of suspects who have not been found guilty of a crime is a step too far. Professor Jeffreys said, The practice was discriminatory and measures should be taken to safeguard against particular individuals or groups being targeted. In addition, he called for the creation of a national database, storing the profiles of the entire UK population, managed by an independent body. He said, If were all on the database, were all in exactly the same boat the issue of discrimination disappears. Another potential problem according to a number of scientists is that as the database grows the probability of two very simi lar profiles from two different people emerging increases (Anonymous, 2002). These arguments are echoed in the United States as well.For police and prosecutors, DNA science has been a double-edged sword Thousands of rapists and killers have been identified by DNA and sent to prison. On the other hand, DNA technology also reveals flaws in other forensic sciences such as bite-mark and hair follicle identification. It has also overt weaknesses and corruption in the way crimes are investigated (Fisher, J. 2008 p 231).What Benefits are there in the use of DNA Evidence?The forensic science community finds DNA of great value because forensic scientists now have the ability to link biological evidence such as blood, semen, hair, or tissue to a single individual with confidence (Saferstein, 2011 p. 266).What improvements can be made in the use of DNA in Criminalistics?In an effort to improve the crime-fighting potential of DNA profiling, the FBI initiated a pilot project called Combined DNA Index System (CODIS). The program would link data banks across the country housing computerized collections of DNA profiles of arrested felons. Investigators would be able to submit an unknown DNA profile for identification by activating one computer instead of running the evidence through dozens of comprehensive systems. An evidence submission that matches a DNA profile in one of the databases is called a hit, when such a computer match is made it is tantamount to solving the crime and proving who committed it. CODIS promised a crime-fighting potential equal to the FBIs Integrated Automatic Fingerprint Identification System. Even better, the criminals caught by CODIS would be the worst of the worst- rapists, child molesters, and sexually motivated killers serial offenders all (Fisher, 2008 pp. 231-2).The National DNA Index (NDIS) contains over 9,535,059 offender profiles and 366,762 forensic profiles as of March 2011. Ultimately, the success of the CODIS program will be measured by the crimes it helps to solve. CODISs primary metric, the Investigation Aided, tracks the number of criminal investigations where CODIS has added value to the investigative process. As of March 2011, CODIS has produced over 141,000 hits assisting in more than 135,500 investigations (FBI)The United States is having a backlog handling all of the data being submitted to the forensic laboratories. There are two types (1) casework backlogs and (2) convicted offender and arrestee DNA backlogs (DNA.gov , n.d.).The demand for DNA testing is travel primarily because of increased awareness of the potential for DNA evidence to help solve cases. The demand is coming from two primary sources (1) the increased amount of DNA evidence collected in criminal cases and (2) the expanded effort to collect DNA samples from convicted felons and arrested persons. According to a 2010 report from the National Instituted of Justice Until laboratories can resonate the rising demand for DNA serve and until their capacity to process samples is greater than the demand, backlogs will continue to exist and increase in proportion to the demand for services (Nelson, 2010). Crime laboratories are processing more cases than ever before, however expanded capacity to meet the increased demand (Nelson, 2010).What is in the future of DNA in society and what benefits will they bring to the criminalistics and forensic investigations?In the future, we will be able to determine the dis colorize of a persons hair and eyes though a sample of DNA taken from blood, sperm, spitting or other biological materials relevant in forensic case work. Criminals can run, but they might be leaving some incriminating evidence behind. Scientists have figured out how to use DNA information to predict a persons hair color. In the expert future, DNA from blood, sperm or saliva samples being used to help track down an unknown perpetrator.Dutch researchers from Erasmus Medical Center and their collaborators in Poland h ave discovered 13 genetic markers in 11 genes that can be used to predict hair color. The research was published in the journal Human Genetics, where scientists, claim they can predict if a person has red hair or black hair with 90% accuracy. When it comes to predicting if a person has blond or brown hair, the scientists claim to be 80% accurate. The scientists can also predict different shades of hair color, so people with dirty blond hair or other unusual colors can be tracked down too (Dickinson, B. 2011).The necessary DNA can be taken from blood, sperm, saliva or other biological materials relevant in forensic casework. Prof. Manfred Kayser, Chair of the Department of Forensic Molecular Biology at Erasmus MC, who led the study, stated, That we are now making it possible to predict different hair colors from DNA represents a major breakthrough as, so far, only red hair color (which is rare) could be estimated from DNA. For our research, we made use of the DNA and hair color infor mation of hundreds of Europeans and investigated genes previously known to influence the differences in hair color. We identified 13 DNA markers from 11 genes that are informative to predict a persons hair color.Predictability Prof. Ate Kloosterman, of the Department of Human Biological Traces at the Netherlands Forensic Institute (NFI) said This research lays the scientific basis for the development of a DNA test for hair color prediction. A validated DNA test system for hair color shall become available for forensic research in the not too distant future (Erasmus Medical Center 2011).This study might pave the way for yet another DNA test that would give forensic scientists more tools to crack unsolved mysteries. Predicting human phenotypes like a persons hair color would surely give crime fighters an edge Dickinson, B. 2011).DNA and its application to Criminalistics are changing the way evidence is pursued. The past decade has seen enormous advances in this powerful criminal just ice tool deoxyribonucleic acid, or DNA. DNA can be used to identify criminals with incredible accuracy when biological evidence exists. Similarly, DNA evidence can be implemented to clear suspects and exonerate persons mistakenly accused or convicted of crimes. DNA technology is increasingly vital to ensuring accuracy and fairness in the criminal justice system.We take for granted all the progress that has been made in the last few decades due to new breakthroughs in science. DNA has not only affected science and medicine in our society but it also has affected the judicial system, and the way we conduct our criminal cases in the courts of the United States.

Gender Roles :: Informative

As boys grow into men, many struggle with what makes real men. This struggle often dramatically changes the young person. This struggle is greatly exacerbated by the medias portrayal of men. Gretel Ehrlichs About Men deals with the stereotypical image of men and what real men are like. Richard Wrights The Man Who Was Almost a Man shows a young man who feels so derided by everyone thinking of him as a boy that he buys a gun to make himself much powerful. Tim OBriens The Things They Carried is about a group of soldiers who all have different methods of coping with their own emotions at the death of a comrade. The media, Hollywood universe one of the main culprits, often depicts true men as being tall, dark, and physically strong. They dont feel pain and are able to fight, each with their hands or weapons. They are often emotionally hardened, not showing tenderness. The media presents men as macho, and trigger happy. (Ehrlich 127). This presents serious problems for young boys who ar e starting to full-blown into men. Young men are often told to be tough and to man up. Many boys are taught that crying is for girls and are called cry-babies if they do cry. This is incredibly hard on young guys who compare themselves to men like Sylvester Stallone or Arnold Schwarzenegger and see absolutely no resemblance. These boys are often troubled by a growing danger from contrasting themselves to the unrealistic image of men. The insecurity spawned by this idolatry of the machismo can lead young guys to resort to drastic measures in order to be recognize as men. In The Man Who was Almost a Man, Dave Sunders, a seventeen-year-old African-American in the years after the Civil War, says that he was going to get a gun and practice shooting, then they couldnt talk to him as though he were a little boy (Wright 144). He later reasons that He could polish a man with a gun like this And if he were holding his gun in his hand, nobody could run over him they would have to respect h im.(Wright 148). Dave at last shoots a donkey that will take him two years to pay for, so he runs away from his home and his responsibility (Wright 154). For him, as for many offspring today, the desire to be deemed manly leads to many poor choices.

Tattoos and Mainstream Culture :: Argumentative Persuasive Topics

Tattoos and Mainstream Culture   Many people have been getting tattoos lately. People of all ages have been getting them and from all different backgrounds. On a nice day in just nearly any public place one can spot a tattoo about every five minutes, from the business man who had a portrait of his daughter put on him to a young girl with a butterfly on her ankle and even people with extensive tattoo coverage. What is even more interesting is the rise in the number of people who are heavily tattooed and that they come up from all different backgrounds. Not too long ago tattooing did not experience the popularity in mainstream culture that it does now. The question that must be asked in site to under hurt this fascination that popular culture has had with tattoos is why people get tattoos.   there still is a lot of intolerance towards people who have tattoos oddly towards people who have a lot of them but these years a tattoo here and there is not looked down as it once was. There was a time when only low lives, were thought of as having tattoos and people who had them were dirty criminals and should not be associated with. Due to the mainstream of the world not accepting the practicing of tattoos many another(prenominal) tattooists and their clients went into an underground state. It was not always easy for people to even find a tattoo artist even if they were brave enough to be label a low life by the majority of culture. A lot of places even banned tattooing due to the fact that they thought tattooing was morally wrong and a health risk. Tattooing was still illegal in New York City until 1993. The mystery that surrounds the art of tattooing has always created ignorant ideas from people who are misinformed.   Looking back at how people perceived tattoos then and how many normal people have them today shows a lot about how the world has changed, specifically in mainstream society. These days one can thrown a rock and h it a tattoo shop, but why the change of heart? Why are tattoos so popular now? Holly Tuesday, a writer for Skin & Ink tattoo magazine and heavily tattooed person said We all, myself included, like to think that we stand out from the crowd.