Do financial management decisions influence firm value Essay

Do financial management decisions influence firm value - Essay Example Investment Decisions The BP is a well-established company that diversified into business such as chemicals, coal, gas, minerals and nutrition that would improve the effectiveness of the company. This diversification strategy led to problems in allocating investment resources between the different division’s projects of the large conglomerate. According to Dayananda (2002), the investment has led to losses that demonstrate that the company could not successfully compete in the fiercely competitive international oil business while also trying to compete in other business. Owing to the volatile prices, BP shifted to the financial tool to help it to accomplish its strategies goals. According to Kent & Gerald (2011), the company began to concentrate primary on the investment business; problems of fitting corporate decisions into both the strategic and financial framework of the company are difficult to resolve. This led to a conclusion that the investment decisions were based upon dissimilar theories that sometimes contracted each other. BP investment growth focused on three areas of great interest; deep-water production, global gas including unconventional gas, and managing some of the major globe oilfields. In each field, BP has made significant advances. Financial Decisions Eugene & Michael (2010) demonstrate that finding useful financial tools to make informed investment decisions has traditionally been the point of interest of corporate financial officers. The most widely accepted financial decision focus mainly on a narrow range of internal variables, quantitative information, shorter-term results, control processes, and techniques to determine specific risks of the BP. McDonald (2001) indicate that BP outlined financial decisions to further enhance efficiency and condense costs within the company with the main purpose of improving its annual underlying pre-tax profitability. The company is expected to enhance capital efficiency and improve returns in t he coming years. Finally, BP's financial management decisio

Stakeholders Essay Example for Free

Stakeholders Essay Different stake-holders have different aims and objectives in which conflicts can arise. A small business has Primary stake-holders which are considered important. Those are the owners, managers, workers and customers. Where as, the large company have share-holders which are considered to be the primary stake-holders, they are enabled to vote out and in who they want when business is down in the falls. Those stake-holders who have less influence within this are known to be Secondary stakeholders. Owners have a more influential say in how the aims of the businesses are agreed upon and decided. However, other groups have more of an influential say in decision making,. Customers are also considered a key, their opinions and concerns are taken in to consideration allowing the business to acknowledge on how to improve. Published information help stake-holders judge the business’s performance, information such as company reports include the amount of profit earned and the losses, enabling community policies to be set. Owner’s  judge on how much profit is being made, improving so profit increases which may consider a re-election of directors. Rivals compare the profit and Pressure group research on the environmental policy. Primary stakeholders are those individuals or groups that are affected either positively or negatively by the actions of the business, institution or organization, the secondary stakeholder are those who are affected indirectly and key stakeholders who can have an affect either positively or negatively but are involved in the business or organization. The director is the key stakeholder alongside the line staff directly working with participants, there are many more, for example, funders, heads of businesses and government etc. An business takes in to account what all the stakeholders interests hold in, they all link up to become one. Stakeholders generally have an interest based on whether they are affected by decisions taken or not, they all tend to look for what they can benefit in as well as lose within it. In the two companies decides upon, we have a variety of stakeholders: Beginning with Subway, The customers want tasty food at reasonable pricing, Subways is expected of having delicious quality food worth spending on from them, not only do they expect but like to see improvements and new products, in this case sandwich’s and ingredients giving better value of money. There are also the employers, subways provide them with a livelihood, a set regular pay enabling them to live their life and provide for their family, alongside these they expect worthy promotions, good rates of reward and a safe secured job. We then have the owners of each franchisee, in a partner ship with the main owner of subway, they are seen to be the ‘principals’ taking risks, they play the main part of setting up the franchise and expect their business to grow earning high profit. Included in this are the suppliers, subways need fresh ingredients, food and drinks supplied to them on a regular basis, suppliers want them to keep purchasing from them and therefore would like the business to work out. The government also under come being a stakeholder as all taxes have to be paid even thought they would like the business to work out. Local communities are included within the stakeholder’s category too, the actions of subway have and effect on the community too, for example, if the franchises have an  un-cleared, low in hygiene environment then it will attract rats which will spread. BBC is paid by the government through our taxes making not only the government an essential stake holder but also us as we pay our taxes. They then have the employees, in which they provide a job for them to live off, they earn money through working for BBC enabling them to have a shelter and provide for their family, this can be the presenters, actors/ actresses, producers, directors, camera man etc. In addition to this are also the union groups, in search of higher pay and better working conditions, with this we have the employer associations, although this is equivalent to the trade unions this looks more in to representing the interest of the employer’s specific industry. They then have the suppliers, who rent out equipment such as the camera’s or even things to use in the act such as a car or even place’s for them to hire and residential. In all this there is the national community playing a big part to, not only do we run this through paying our tax’s but BBC have to take care of their actions as they can have an dramatic affect on ourselves, one of these ways could be through offending members of the community racial saying, cultural or maybe topics such as drugs, alcohol etc.

Reviewing Biological And Psychological Crime Theories Criminology Essay

Reviewing Biological And Psychological Crime Theories Criminology Essay Mans attempt to understand the causes of crime and deviance predates written history. Prehistoric skeletal remains show evidence of primitive cranial surgical procedures. This appears to indicate that, during these more primitive times, people thought spiritual evils in the mind caused crime and deviance. Cranial surgery was the effort to open the mind and allow the unwanted spiritual influences to escape. Since these early times, many theoretical perspectives concerning crime and deviance have emerged. Biological, psychological, and sociological theories are the most widely known. This paper will focus on Cesare Lombrosos biological theory of anthropological criminology (atavism) and Gabriel Tardes psychological modeling theory of imitation. Biological crime theories began in the 16th century with the ideas of J. Babtiste della Porte (1535 1615). He was the founder of human physiognomy. Human physiognomy is the study of physical features to determine an individuals characteristics. Early biological theorists studied physical features to make assessments about a persons criminal propensity (Kroeber, 2006). Fundamentally, if criminality is inherited, then an offender can be distinguished by physical atavistic stigmata. The physical appearance, they believed, distinguishes criminal types and the positivist method was the biological approach these scholars chose. These ideas differed from the ideas of contemporary scholars in that they also believed in lower forms of life, anecdotes, and folk wisdom as explanations of crime (Farrington, D., 1996). The biological explanations of crime available today include abnormalities of the brain, brain damage, head trauma, genetic predispositions, vitamin deficiencies, hormonal imbalances, hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS), lack of serotonin (neurotransmitters) in the brain, and blood abnormalities. Since many criminologists academically center on the social sciences, theories of deviant behavior based on biology are not widely accepted in the field of criminology. Society tends to reject biological explanations of crime because of the belief that biological equals hopelessness. Schmalleger (2006) states that some biological theories simply show abnormalities to be facilitators of crime, rather than determinants of criminal behavior. Biological crime theories involve various fundamental assumptions. These assumptions are the brain is the center of behavior and personalities, the manifestations of behaviors, to include criminal propensities, are in some form gene tically predisposed, differences in crime rates among races and gender are a result of biological differences but will only show in certain environments, biological crime facilitators and determinants may be passed to succeeding generations, and human behavior is instinctive and characteristic of all organisms (Schmalleger, 2006, p. 144). One of the most renowned scientific biological theorists was Cesare Lombroso (1836-1909). Lombroso coined the term atavism to suggest that criminal behaviors were the result of primitive impulses that successfully survived the evolutionary process. Lombroso and his students used the ideas of Charles Darwins theory of evolution and discredited the classical ideas of Cesare Beccaria and Jeremy Bentham. Lombroso believed in determinism rather than the ideas of free will. Free will is the idea that all individuals have an equal opportunity to make choices and to act criminal. Lombrosos class of thought is known as the Italian School. Lombroso theorized physical characteristics would represent primitive impulses. The characteristics that he found to be common among criminals, he labeled, atavistic (Ellwood, 2000). Atavism is a real or supposed evolutionary throwback. Atavists possess an unexpected appearance resembling the primitive traits of man or the reversion of such a trait that was present in the lineage of the past. This representative trait is not seen often in intervening generations after primitive creatures. Atavisms can occur when the previous genes for such phenotypical features are preserved in DNA and are dominantly shown. These genes may be present in organisms but not expressed in dominate features (Farrington, D. 1996). Social Darwinists frequently used the ideas of atavism. This class of thinkers claimed that inferior races would display atavistic traits and those individuals expressing atavistic characteristics are an inferior form of their primitive race. The notion of atavism is saturated with the ideas of evolution as a progress towards a greater complexity and superior ability of man (Farrington, D. 1996). Statistical evidence and the idea that physical traits indicate criminality has not been substantiated. However, the concept that physical traits can indicate the likelihood of criminal behavior is still popular in some circles. Lombrosos work was the result of studying postmortem bodies of executed offenders and deceased criminals. He measured the body in many different ways. He took measurements from 65 executed criminals and 832 living offenders and compared them with the measurements taken from 390 soldiers. Lombroso used this data to identify consistencies between traits and characterized his findings as criminal features. Among the traits he found to be predictive of criminal behavior, were index finger length, fleshy cheeks, close eyes, large teeth, lobe-less ears, high defined cheek bones, crooked nose, large lips, abnormal number of ribs, and different eye colors. Lombroso hypothesized that possession of certain combinations of traits could be used to identify a specific type of offender. For example, the classification for habitual homicide is cold, glassy eyes, a large nose, a strong jaw; large cheekbones, thin lips; and dark, curly hair (Schmalleger, 2006, p. 147). Psychological crime theories available today include Frustration-Aggression Theory, Modeling Theory, Behavior Theory, and Self-Control Theory. Gabriel  Tarde (1843-1904) first introduced the psychological modeling theory of imitation. This psychological perspective states that people learn how to behave by modeling themselves like others whom they have observed. The suppositions that provide the basis for his theory, as with most early theories, are analysis of the individual, personality is the major motivational element, criminal behavior is purposeful for the individual, normality is defined by social consensus, and crime results from inappropriate mental processes. Furthermore, inappropriate mental processes have many causes to include diseases of the mind, inappropriate learning or improper conditioning, and poor role models (Schmalleger, 2006, p. 183). Psychocriminologists generally focus on personality disorders that include psychopaths, sociopaths, and antisocial personalit ies to explain criminal behavior.   Gabriel Tarde believed that the laws of imitation were the basis of any society. He rejected the biological theories of crime proposed by Cesare Lombroso and other criminologists of his time, stating that certain inferences of law or regularities govern the social world. Tarde developed a behavior theory based on three laws of imitation. Tardes first law of imitation states that individuals that regularly and closely interact with each other behave similarly. The application of this law can be seen in groups such as white supremacists. These individuals focus most of their time and attention on ideas of white superiority and actively promote these ideas. Due to their close interaction with one another, they tend to exhibit the same behavior. The second law rests on the premise that imitation follows a hierarchical pattern. In the United States Marine Corps, Marines of junior rank often emulate their leaders. This idea of hierarchical imitation is positively reinforced through educati on and training. Tardes third law is that of insertion. This law conveys the notion that new ideas, modus operandi, or methods reinforce prior successful patterns or replace failed or less efficient methods. In the Marine Corps, leadership ideas that have been used for over 230 years are reinforced everyday because they are successful. At the same time, new methods for implementing those ideas are replacing outdated, less efficient methods (Schmalleger, 2006, p. 194). There are presumed advantages and disadvantages to both biological and psychological crime theories. In the criminology field, biological theories are advantageous because they provide a basis for the hypothesis that criminal behavior can be predicted by physical traits, chemical make-up, and genetic factors. In theory, once identified, criminal behavior can be treated through various medical therapies to include behavior modification, hormonal therapy, and gene therapy. The disadvantages of biological crime causation theories generally lie with methodological problems and the types of analysis employed to gather statistical data. Schmalleger (2006) states that biological studies often fail to include proper testing groups resulting in flawed forms of analysis. Glenn D. Walters and Thomas W. White, critics of biological perspectives, note the shortcomings of biological crime theories. They assert that the degree of criminality is improperly established, often based on one arrest, sam ple groups are not varied or realistically selected, results are left open for interpretation thus detracting from the integrity of the research, and findings from outside of the United States may not be applicable (Schmalleger, 2006, p. 172). Another disadvantageous aspect of biological crime theories is the potential impact on public policy. If biological studies are conducted that show credible information to the public regarding a certain biological trait for criminality, the outcry for legislation would be great. For example, if all criminals have gene-x, the people would demand laws be put in place that protected society from gene-x carriers. However, data obtained from biological crime studies is not consistent but can be interpreted. Furthering the x-gene example, while all criminals have the x-gene not all carriers of the x-gene are criminals. This could result in unfair practices against some innocent carriers. Psychological crime theories are beneficial to investigations today because they provide the framework used in developing typologies of psychological profiles utilized to identify personality characteristics of criminal individuals. Psychological explanations assist the investigator in understanding the criminal mind thereby increasing the chances of apprehension. Additionally, if crime causation factors are identified, offenders may be treated more efficiently, possibly reducing recidivism. Psychological crime causation theories also pose disadvantages to the field of criminology. D.A. Andrews and James Bonta (1994) discredit contemporary psychological theories stating that psychological and sociological criminology findings are not obtained through objective and empirical means therefore representing weak psychology in mainstream society. Another disadvantage of psychological theories is that they are more often applicable to sexual and violent crimes, include untestable postulations, and fail to account for situational factors (OConnor, T. 2004). In conclusion, it can be inferred that no one theory definitively explains crime. Biological and psychological crime theories address crime and deviance explanations from different, but equally feasible perspectives. The early biological ideas of Cesare Lombroso stimulated the emergence of more contemporary theories. Although his crime explanations are not widely used today, they provided a foundation for further thought in the criminology field. Similarly, Gabriel Tarde proposed an alternate crime explanation with his theory of imitation. Tardes thoughts encouraged social thinkers to expound on his ideas and develop more contemporary crime theories that are in practice today. Both biological and psychological explanations for criminality and deviance present advantages and disadvantages but it must be noted that each provide practical value to criminologists today.

Mountain Dew S Bad Cheetah Commercial Media Essay

Mountain Dew S Bad Cheetah Commercial Media Essay This is a campaign that has confined itself to barely three commercials. The common thing in all these commercials is the group of boys out on a safari. They are generally roaming about shouting   Do the Dew! The commercial shows a cheetah running in all its gusto, and one of our models following it on a bicycle. Finally, the lad jumps on the cheetah and traps him. Then he puts his hand inside the cheetahs mouthstraight down to his stomach, and pulls out a can of Mountain Dew. Bad Cheetah   he says. The other guys watching him say to each other Cheetah bhi peeta hain!  Then they show the cheetah with all the spots gone except for a few spots which spell out   Do the Dew. The commercial fails to follow some vital rules of advertising. There is absolutely no brand positioning. Which bracket of people is it targeting? What benefit is it giving  you? Secondly, their models seem possessed, running around jungles with colourful clothes, jumping on cheetahs and shouting at the top of their voices. The viewer shave no point of reference to identify themselves with either the product or the advertising tone. Thirdly, there is no advertising message at least nothing that makes any sense. Why would anyone want to drink something that a Cheetah allegedly drinks? How did the Cheetah get hold of the can of Mountain Dew in the first place? In fact, this advertisement has more environmental and wildlife ramifications than any connection with the product. Fourthly, it is a very paltry hand at humour. If the intention of the advertisers was to excite the audience and make them laugh, they have failed miserably. This advertisement has induced to people only to switch channels because of its senseless advertising message, theme and conception. Fifthly and most importantly, the advertisement says nothing at all about the drink, except, of course, to extol its endearing quality it to Cheetahs. What is the taste? Does it quench your thirst? Does it make you feel cool? Is it refreshing? If this advertisement is remembered at all, it is remembered for all the wrong reasons. From the very beginning of the Mountain Dews ad campaign, it has come under some very serious firing. When they launched their first ad featuring the infamous slogan Do the Dew, other aerated drink manufacturers immediately saw its potential by piggybacking on the fame and releasing a parody. The parody achieved what the original never did. Today, viewers instantly relate this slogan to No do here, go do  jhaadi ke peeche. The Mountain Dew advertisement failed at the ad mantra AIDA. Although it did catch the attention of the viewer the first time it was aired. It did not generate any interest or desire. It crashed so bad that not only was the ad campaign scrapped, sowas the product. Even if bottles of Mountain Dew line the shelves of stores today, itssales barely make a dent in the profits of the company. Advertisement 2 Kinetic Blaze Introductory Advertisement The Blaze is part of Kinetics Italiano series of scooters, comprises seven bestselling true-blue European scooter designs that Kinetic bought from Italian manufacturer Italjet. With its aggressive and glamorous Italian design, generous proportions and majestic presence, the very special Blaze makes an instant celebrity of its rider. The high-spec Blaze also has ample go to match the show with a powerful 165cc, 4valve engine that pumps out 11.6 bhp, coupled with automatic transmission. Kinetic Blaze was launched in 2006. The following is an analysis of the introductory advertisement. In this advertisement, a group of girls are seen going crazy in front of a house. A guy seeing the crowd of girls asks a nearby shopkeeper if Abhishek or John were around. The shopkeeper says it is Rohit Verma. He has Kinetics latest scooter and this is the source of all the commotion. This advertisement is clearly targeted towards the youth. Not only are the models used in the age group of 20-30, the entire look and feel of the advertisement is young and hep. This commercial scores on some points while it fails at others. First of all, the advertisement develops attention and generates interest. Viewers are kept in the dark as to the source of the commotion. Interest is heightened when the shopkeeper answers in the negative to the names of celebrities. When the name Rohit Verma is mentioned, viewers are all ears (and eyes) to find out more about  him. The presentation of the product, in this case the scooter, is also well done. It looks glamorous, and the difference in size and shape are also highlighted without words, heightening the impact. The product and the brand are not lost in the advertisement, and viewers not only identify the product, but also remember it. Its market targeting and brand positioning are clearly defined. The target is the middle income male youth. It is positioned as a scooter for men and the first in ushering in a new market segment for scooters with its innovative design and target  market. However, the advertisement itself fails to generate a desire for more information or for purchase. This desire is evoked by the fact that the scooter is new and innovative. If the same advertisement was broadcast for a scooter that had already been launched in the market, it would not have done well. So, in a way, this advertisement works for the product since it is new, but considered solely from the advertising point of view, it does not make a big impact. The advertisement also fails to answer some of the basic questions that consumer shave while watching the commercial. What sets this scooter apart from the other scooters in the market? It is obvious that the look and feel of the scooter is definitely innovative. However, all new products sport a new appearance, in fact, it is imperative that they do so. So in terms of performance, how does it differ? What is its USP? Why should the consumer choose to buy this product, when he can be sure of the performance of tried-and-tested scooters? From the advertising point of view, the commercial lacks originality and creativity. Showing a crowd of screaming girls to enhance the psychological value of a product is not new. Many advertisements for motorbikes, furniture, cars etc., showcase models to give the product an oomph factor and increase its appeal. Also, from a logical standpoint, why would the girls favour a guy based only on the fact that he has this scooter? How does it award him star status? The advertising message is vague and unappealing. It is understood that the product is being positioned as your Shortcut To Fame. But, how? Most motorbike advertisements try to project their product as one that will give the owner an edge with the ladies. The advertisement says much, but tells little. Advertisement 6 Surf Excels Advertisement (Brother Sister Duo) Hindustan Unilever Limited introduced Surf in 1959, introducing the first detergent powder into the country. At the time, housewives used laundry soap bars to wash clothes. Surf offered them significantly better clean, with much less effort. The promise of superlative whiteness the articulation of a great clean at the time, connected with consumers and helped to establish the brand. Surf was the first national detergent brand on TV; the brand used TV to effectively educate their consumers on how to use detergent powders in a bucket for a better  wash. Surf Excel made a big splash with their Daag Achhe Hain advertising campaign. The following is an analysis of the first such commercial. The advertisement features a brother and sister duo walking home from school, when the little girl falls into a puddle of mud. Crying, she looks to her brother for help. Her brother gets an idea and starts beating up the puddle of mud, demanding an apology. After a time and a lot of mud on his uniform, he stands up and says, Sorry bola. The narrator then removes all apprehensions of dirt and stains and says,Daag Acche Hain. This advertisement is universally well-loved. This is so because it does a lot of things right. It makes use of childrens appeal to get the advertising message across. The advertisement does what seldom others do cater to the emotions and sentiments of the viewers and succeeds with it. Not only do the children lower your guard to the advertisement, but the story, too, warms the heart of the viewers. The advertisement generates a sense of bonding. Viewers without siblings, too, can relate to the advertisement and the actions of the little boy. The advertisement also exudes certain warmth that reflects itself in the viewers. The advertising mantra, AIDA, is strictly adhered to. This is one of the reasons for its success. By showing a little boy and girl, the advertisement draws the attention of the viewers. When the little girl falls into the puddle and starts to cry, it creates interest in the minds of the viewers. When the tagline is spouted, it builds, in the viewers, a desire to know more. This desire often leads to action. Although there is no obvious targeting, it is done so through indirect means. Most mothers are concerned when their children come home in dirty and messy clothes. This advertisement, not only sends out the message that Surf Excel will help you was them out, but that also there is no need to fear stains. Although the advertisement does not centre on the product or brand, both are remembered. The product and brand are subtly introduced to the viewers such that it sub-consciously enters their minds without any jarring highlights on the product or  brand. This advertisement also does what the majority do not. It focuses on the people rather than the product. The sentiments, actions and emotions of the people are highlighted and showcased throughout the advertisement in one form or another. The product is kept discreetly tucked away and does not overpower the commercial. Although Surf Excel is a premium brand, this advertisement caters to all the income grades and all classes of people, across age groups. The brand and product are positioned as accessible to all people, whoever and however they may be. The brand image created through this advertisement is phenomenal. The advertisement leaves people with a warm feeling. This feeling also transfers to the product and brand. Thus, this advertisement can definitely be called and advertising success. Advertisement 4 Orbit White Chewing Gum Cow Advertisement Orbit is one of the worlds largest selling chewing gum brand. In India, the brand shares the market leadership with Center Fresh brand. Orbit was launched in India in2004. This was Indias first Sugarfree chewing gum and together with Perfettis Happydent, this brand has rejuvenated the chewing gum segment in India. Orbit can be termed as a functional chewing gum. The brand when launched differentiated itself from the existing chewing gums with its sugar free property. Globally the Orbit brand adopts the tagline For a good clean feeling no matter what in India, Orbit uses for healthy teeth and prevents tooth decay as its main message. Orbit White launched their most popular advertising campaign with the Cow series. The following is an analysis of the first advertisement in this series. The advertisement showcases a mad animal specialist, Dr. Bhatawdekar, who speaks in Butler-English. He expounds the special quality of Orbit White Chewing Gum that whitens the teeth of a cow that previously had yellow teeth. His conclusion is that if it works for the cow, itll work for you too. This commercial tries its hand at humour in drawing attention and generating interest. It succeeds to quite an extent in this intention, but also fails at few places. The caricature of the doctor succeeds exceedingly well. Viewers immediately recall the product, the brand and the entire advertisement on any reference to Dr.  Bhatawdekar. The product and brand are duly highlighted. They are not lost during the telecast of the advertisement. The commercials message is wound around the product, making the product and brand as much a part of the advertisement as the rest of the characters and the concept. The advertisement also successfully plays to the sense of humour of the viewers. Any reference to the product results in immediate association to the doctor and his cow volunteer.  This gives viewers a light-hearted view of the product. Nonetheless, there have been instances where the sentiments of viewers have been hurt. In such cases, it seems that the concept that starts out as funny, turns out to be a gross miscalculation of the sense of humour of the viewers. The characterization of the doctor and the way he speaks in English can be construed as offensive by many viewers. Since the doctor is a deliberate attempt at making fun of bad grammar, viewers who are insecure of their oral abilities may find the advertisement offensive. Overall, the advertisement has no class. Viewers can be put off by the commercial on grounds that it displays no sophistication. The attempt at humour can be seen as tending towards slapstick comedy and a very poor attempt at that. However, the advertisement does not fail completely. The product and brand are imprinted in the minds of the consumer. Any reference to the product brings remembrance of the humorous advertisement. And consumers purchase the product, even if only out of a sense of absurdity. Advertisement 5 VISAs Pierce Brosnan Advertisement Visa Inc. operates the worlds largest retail electronic payments network and is one of the most recognized global financial services brands. Visa facilitates global commerce through the transfer of value and information among financial institutions, merchants, consumers, businesses and government entities. Visa gained the attention of television viewers in 2003 with a Tuk Tuk, featuring Pierce Brosnan in Bangkok. The following is an analysis of the advertisement. A limousine drives through the streets of Bangkok, only to be thwarted by a trafficjam. Pierce Brosnan winds down his window and catches the eye of a tuk tuk driver.The driver, delighted to have James Bond in the back seat, revs the engine and pullsa wheelie, beginning a stunt-filled and effects-laden ride through the alleyways, restaurants and shops of Bangkok. The tuk tuk arrives at the hotel just as Brosnans dining partner pulls up in a limousine. Zhang Ziyi steps out and apologise for being late. The tuk tuk collapses, totally exhausted by the trip across town. Brosnan reaches for his jacket pocket and throws his VISA card to the driver.  Later in the evening, the tuk tuk driver pulls up with a brand new tuk tuk, revving his engine and beckoning for Brosnan and Zhang Ziyi to join him. The tagline: Visa: All it takes. This advertisement can be considered a success. It does a lot of things right and gains not only the attention and interest of the viewers, but also builds a strong brand image and remembrance. The product is clear and highlighted. The brand, too, is not lost during the course of the advertisement. The product and brand is the core of the advertising message. Any attempt to analyze the commercial otherwise would prove fruitless. The advertisement retains a dashing air, quite literally. The commercial successfully draws on the sophisticated action of James Bond and highlights it exceedingly well in the tuk tuk mad-dash through the city. The advertisement stays true to the image of James Bond. The commercial maintains the charm of James Bond. It also includes a lot of stunts that can be immediately associated to James Bond. This succeeds in drawing the attention and generating interest among the viewers. The brand, VISA, is associated with sophistication and quality. With this advertisement, they reinforce this image and add to it a certain panache and active participation. If the advertisement comes under any criticism at all, it is from a purely logical standpoint. When Brosnan hands over his VISA card to the tuk tuk driver, the driver returns with a new and better powered tuk tuk. However, there are those who argue that anyone would have disappeared with the card and spent all the money. Nevertheless, for those who appreciate honesty, this advertisement succeeds. The commercial generates good feelings in the minds of the viewers. The product and brand are remembered. Additionally, the brand image is improved and remembered.

Gender: Feminism and Masculinity Essay -- essays research papers fc

In a recent meta-analysis by Kite and Whitley in 1996, it was confirmed that men hold more negative attitudes toward homosexuality than do women. They also determined that men's attitudes toward homosexuality are particularly negative when the person being rated is a gay man rather than a lesbian. Their review of the literature also highlighted the complex nature of attitudes toward homosexuality noted by others. In order to understand the constructive attitudes of homosexuality, there are several factors that include beliefs that gay people are threatening or dangerous, etc. I reviewed Millham, San Miguel, & Kellogg, 1976; Plasek & Allard, 1984. These complexities, and how they influence sex differences in attitudes toward homosexuality, remain largely unexplored. The present research examines two issues: (1) whether sex differences in attitudes toward homosexuality vary by attitude component and (2) whether, within each component, the sex of the person being rated influences these attitudes. Kite and Whitley's (1996) have reviewed data that heterosexuals' evaluations of gay men and lesbians are influenced by a generalized gender belief system. According to this model, we as humans have already have characterized gender reflect the belief that gender-associated attributes are bipolar: What is masculine is not feminine and vice versa. We also tend to possess stereotypically masculine physical characteristics and to adopt stereotypically masculine roles. Similarly, the knowledge that a person is stereotypically feminine on one dimension leads to the inference that the person is stereotypically feminine on other dimensions I think that as a society, our beliefs about homosexuality are influenced by a gender belief system. Men are in stereotypically feminine terms are more likely to be judged homosexual than are men described in stereotypically masculine terms. At a lesser note, women are described too as sterotypes in masculine terms and are judged lesbian than women describ ed in stereotypically feminine terms In some gender-based judgments of gay people reflect the belief that male homosexuals are similar to female heterosexuals and that female homosexuals are similar to male heterosexuals (e.g., Kite & Deaux, 1987; Storms, Stivers, Lambers, & Hill, 1981). As Kite (1994) has argued, separating gender-role beliefs from attitudes toward homose... ...not want their tough side invaded they way I see it. This was a tought subject to write about, but I felt that the issue of gender with being Gay and Lesbian needed to be written. Works Cited Batson & Burris, 1994; Herek, 1988 Esses, Haddock, & Zanna, 1993   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  http://www.cpa.ca/cjbsnew/1996/ful_esses.html Herek, 1986b   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  http://en.web-blaster.org/www.lds-mormon.com/hldsss.shtml Kite & Deaux, 1987; Storms, Stivers, Lambers, & Hill, 1981   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  http://www.mtholyoke.edu/courses/lablouin/psych200/project_fall01/stereotyping.htm   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  http://www.womenandsociety.buffalo.edu/bibliog/articles/bib/sj-sz.htm   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Louderback & Whitley, 1997   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  http://www.highbeam.com/library/doc0.asp?docid=1G1:112247853&refid=ink_puballmags&skeyword=&teaser= Kite and Whitley   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  psychology.ucdavis.edu/Rainbow/ html/poq_2002.pdf Millham, San Miguel, & Kellogg, 1976; Plasek & Allard, 1984   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  http://www.lesbianinformationservice.org/attrl.htm Whitley, 1987

Essay --

Modernization is define as the positive connotation used to changing society through bringing technologies, productions, and better standard of living for the process of development. Modernization theory was first emerged in Europe in the seventeenth century and has more or less influence Most of the countries became modernized through using appropriate and suitable form of modernization theories in their country. An example of countries that have applied well modernization theory and have succeed in achieving modernization is Turkey, however Afghanistan the country that have failed in processing modernization during reign of King Amanullah khan. This paper will intend to provide comparative analysis of state building and modernization in Afghanistan during King Amanullah Khan Regime and Turkey during Mustafa Kamal Ataturk. It will focus on cause and effect relation between different features of both countries such as, societal structure, geo-political position, and socio-economic as cause and political development as an effect that led to failure of modernization in Afghanistan and prosperity and success in turkey. Historical Background of Afghanistan: Afghanistan is a multi-ethnic society within an olden history started from 3000 B.C. It is a landlocked country which has been considered as an entryway or coli door for most of the invaders through history. Afghanistan as a country come to an existence in 1747 by Ahmad Shah Durani who led the foundation of first Durani Empire. Ahmad Shah was able to bring together different people from different ethnic groups to work as a one nation. Afghanistan as a modern state come to existence in the 19th century whereas this was the time when other countries in Asia, Africa, and Middle East w... ...started modernization process he faced opposition from a large number of uneducated people. Since he could not built schools or education institutions due to lack of luxury, people did not have the ability to understand and analyze his processes and became against him. Harrison has mentioned four stages of Barrington Moore’s theory of modernization the book of â€Å"the sociology of modernization and Development†. According to Barrington the first theory is â€Å"Organic Evolutionary mode†, the second is â€Å"conservative modernization†. Third one is â€Å"evolutionary modernization, and the last theory is â€Å"industrialization by formal and informal colonization†. If we apply the mentioned theories inAmanullah’s reforms the second one can be perfectly applicable, since Amanullah khan used led state modernization from top to down which can likely cause the society to upraise against it Essay -- Modernization is define as the positive connotation used to changing society through bringing technologies, productions, and better standard of living for the process of development. Modernization theory was first emerged in Europe in the seventeenth century and has more or less influence Most of the countries became modernized through using appropriate and suitable form of modernization theories in their country. An example of countries that have applied well modernization theory and have succeed in achieving modernization is Turkey, however Afghanistan the country that have failed in processing modernization during reign of King Amanullah khan. This paper will intend to provide comparative analysis of state building and modernization in Afghanistan during King Amanullah Khan Regime and Turkey during Mustafa Kamal Ataturk. It will focus on cause and effect relation between different features of both countries such as, societal structure, geo-political position, and socio-economic as cause and political development as an effect that led to failure of modernization in Afghanistan and prosperity and success in turkey. Historical Background of Afghanistan: Afghanistan is a multi-ethnic society within an olden history started from 3000 B.C. It is a landlocked country which has been considered as an entryway or coli door for most of the invaders through history. Afghanistan as a country come to an existence in 1747 by Ahmad Shah Durani who led the foundation of first Durani Empire. Ahmad Shah was able to bring together different people from different ethnic groups to work as a one nation. Afghanistan as a modern state come to existence in the 19th century whereas this was the time when other countries in Asia, Africa, and Middle East w... ...started modernization process he faced opposition from a large number of uneducated people. Since he could not built schools or education institutions due to lack of luxury, people did not have the ability to understand and analyze his processes and became against him. Harrison has mentioned four stages of Barrington Moore’s theory of modernization the book of â€Å"the sociology of modernization and Development†. According to Barrington the first theory is â€Å"Organic Evolutionary mode†, the second is â€Å"conservative modernization†. Third one is â€Å"evolutionary modernization, and the last theory is â€Å"industrialization by formal and informal colonization†. If we apply the mentioned theories inAmanullah’s reforms the second one can be perfectly applicable, since Amanullah khan used led state modernization from top to down which can likely cause the society to upraise against it

Nutrition Workout Log Essay

Did you meet your nutritional goal? Explain why you did or why you did not meet your goal. Yes I met my goal because I only drank one can of soda for dinner in a whole day. Usually I drink about 3 a day, so I’m trying to lower my soda intake everyday. Explain why your nutritional goal is important to maintain health. My nutritional goal is important to maintain good health because the acid is high in soda. I realized that soda eats the inner layer of your stomach and also eats the enamel off your teeth. Did you encounter any challenges as you strived to meet your goal? Yes, It was hard for me to reach my goal because im used to drinking soda multiple times a day. I started drinking more water so it got my mind off of drinking soda. Did pursuing your nutritional goal enhance your physical activity in any way? Why or why not? Yes, when I drank less soda I realized that I wasn’t as tired, and also wasn’t as hungry. When I worked out I had more energy and felt better about myself. Fitness Test Comparison: (worth 20 points) Repeat the body composition fitness test from the Getting Started lesson. Compare your original body composition result (body mass index or BMI) with your current body composition result(body mass index or BMI). Write out your original score and status, along with your current score and status. Original score ___26. 2_______ Current score ___24. 7________ Did your results improve? Why or why not? Yes my results improved since the beginning. I’ve been working out more and eating healthier food to try and make myself better off in the long run. Date Warm-Up Physical Activity Intensity (Light, Medium, or High) Cool-Down Mins 10/17/12 Body stretches Running Medium- High