Marketing Management Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 3

Marketing Management - Assignment Example The element of self-image is encompassed among many personal attributes like perceptions and attitudes, as well as many others that influence an individual’s decision making process. The element of self-image can be termed as a highly reliable predictor of consumer choices. Many consumers make choices based on their personal desires despite having other social factors influencing their buying decisions (Aghdaie and Khatami 134). A consumer will purchase products that they feel provide them with value for money based on their perceptions of self, making self-image a predictor of consumer purchasing behaviour. The consumer market for briefcases would be mainly focused on considering the reasons why the market is involved in purchasing briefcases. This would involve the consideration of the persons involved in conducting the direct purchase of briefcases. It would be essential for the marketers to understand the times when the products are bought the most in order to use this period for maximising sales. After determining these critical factors the marketers can focus on delivering the briefcases to outlets that have prospects of selling briefcases. Aghdaie, Seyed Fathollah Amiri, and Farhad Khatami. â€Å"Investigating the Role of Self Confidence and Self-Image Proportion in Consumer Behavior.† International Journal of Marketing Studies 6.4 (2014): 133–143.

The Relationship Between Homelessness And Schizophrenia Essay

The Relationship Between Homelessness And Schizophrenia Essay Psychiatric disorders can lead to many types of problems. These problems can range from housing instability to disease, and even death. Having a disorder and lack of stable living conditions most often further complicates the overall health and the care this is a bit confusing for a homeless adult. Without the proper health care, the mind will become even more unstable. This does not automatically follow logically. Individuals with severe mental illness soften most times with homelessness because of their inability to accomplish daily tasks and earn money. Mental illness is serious and severe and can have a domino effect on ones life and those surrounding the individual. The hand in hand relationship that homelessness shares with mental illnesses are disturbing. One of the many mental disorders that can lead to homelessness is Schizophrenia. Stating that an individual has a mental illness can be interpreted many ways, however, it is usually defined and understood as a psychological disease or disorder. The severity of the illness determines how much of an individuals daily functioning will be affected. The ability to care for ones self, a home or household and the ability to maintain an intimate relationship are lost. Homeless people with mental disorders remain homeless for longer periods of time and begin to have less contact with family and friends. Mental illnesses, such as schizophrenia or severe depression, can cause a strain on family and other social relationships (Hawkins and Abrams 2007). Studies have examined what the quality of life is like after discovering that one has a mental illness, those who become homeless and other studies focus mainly on treatment options. Suffering from a mental illness makes it more difficult to gain employment. Having poor health also cripples the individuals desire to seek help, and whether they can receive help or not is another issue. Studies that take a deeper look into the rates of homelessness could lead to better treatment and help. It is especially important to study mentally ill homeless individuals that have substance abuse since these individuals are one of the most disadvantaged groups among homeless persons (Levine and Huebner 1991). There is no one explanation as to why an individual who is mentally ill will begin abusing their bodies with drugs, it is known though that when substance abuse and mental illness are combined contact with law enforcement is inevitable. All people with mental disorders, including those who are homeless, require ongoing access to a full range of treatment and rehabilitation services to lessen the impairment and disruption produced by their condition (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2003). Most people with the mental disorder do not need hospitalisation, what they do need is better housing options and more treatment options and but can live in the community with the appropriate supportive housing options. Further studies do show however that these community-based services are far and few in between and there is not enough housing to accommodate the growing number of patients affected by a mental illness. The hardest challenge to face with helping mentally ill patients is that the illness causes other cognitive problems. Dr Yuodelis Flores states that the most serious barrier to treatment is lack of insight, persons with serious mental illness may not understand that they are ill and need care. Severe and persistent mental illnesses (SPMI) including schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, major depression and dementia impair judgment, conceptual understanding and the capacity to make appropriate behaviour decisions (HCH Clinicians Network, 2000). A patient, who is now learning of their illness, reacts irrationally and with anger and then instead of trying to understand the illness they just shut out those closest to them. Schizophrenia is a serious disorder of the mind and brain but it is also highly treatable. There is a constant flow of improvement on the medications for this illness. In addition to that, there are many new and improving psychosocial treatments and cognitive therapies for schizophrenia that are being tested and approved for use. One of the theories of what causes schizophrenia is that it is a result of a genetic predisposition combined with environmental exposures and or stress (The Internet Mental Health Initiative, 1996-2010). Stress can trigger a preexisting illness into existence, which in the case of Schizophrenia makes sense in terms of one having a genetic predisposition to the disease. Schizophrenia-like most other illnesses do not develop until after the age of 18, however, an age range is given due to the fact that illnesses have developed earlier in some. Men tend to develop schizophrenia slightly earlier than women; whereas most males become ill between 16 and 25 years o ld, most females develop symptoms several years later, and the incidence in women is noticeably higher in women after age 30 (The Internet Mental Health Initiative, 1996-2010). Taking a closer look at an individuals support system also determines if a homeless result is possible. Mental illnesses, such as schizophrenia or severe depression, can cause a strain on family and other social relationships (Hawkins and Abrams 2007). Society is well aware of homeless people, but many are unaware of the reasons why and then many do not care to know the reason. When a homeless individual is seen many shy away especially if that homeless individual is acting out. This passive attitude towards the homeless does not help them nor does it help society. In 2002 the cost of schizophrenia was estimated to be $62.7 billion, with $22.7 billion excess direct health care cost $7.0 billion outpatient, $5.0 billion drugs, $2.8 billion inpatients, and $8.0 billion long-term care (The Internet Mental Health Initiative, 1996-2010). Being out of sight and out of mind, these numbers do not reflect the homeless. About 1% of the population is affected by Schizophrenia (The Merck Manuals, 2008). Schizophrenia affects men and women equally having no racial or socioeconomic preference. In the United States, schizophrenia accounts for about 1 of every 5 Social Security disability days and 2.5% of all health care expenditures (The Merck Ma nuals, 2008). Brandt (1995) studied how actively working with homeless who are suffering from schizophrenia can better their lives. He focused on the bag ladies as they are deemed social outcast as they have a tendency to act out when help is offered. Quite outspoken about his distaste on societies role in helping those in need, he began to roam the streets gathering individuals to be a part of his study. 35 homeless individuals were chosen between the ages of 22 and 70 and consisted of 17 women and 18 men. The results were significant enough to show that being proactive with these individuals is helpful no matter the age or gender. The only remaining issue however with treating homeless individuals just like with any other patient, is the need to want treatment. When someone is in need of help in whatever form of therapy needed, it is the patient that makes the initiative and this is unable to be the case with homeless individuals. Brandt (1995) acknowledged that Many different groups must be inv olved in the work. [This includes], psychiatrists, hospitals, general practitioners and the entire social welfare system. And the best possible contact must be maintained with the patient (p. 1). Antipsychotic drugs, rehabilitation, and psychotherapy are the major parts of treatment. Community support activities, such as job coaching, teach the skills needed to survive in the community. These skills enable people with schizophrenia to work, shop, care for themselves, manage a household, and it also rehabilitates their social abilities. Hospitalisation is seen more when patients relapse. Forced hospitalisation is also rare and is only seen when the individual is a threat to themselves or others (National Coalition for the Homeless, 2006). The death rate for homeless people is about four times greater than the rate for the general population and among young homeless men, the rate is even higher (National Coalition for the Homeless, 2006). According to the National Coalition for the Homeless (2006), average homeless adults die twenty years earlier than their non-homeless counterparts. Over half of homeless adults die violently and one-quarter of those is murdered (p.2). The appr opriate housing can provide the framework necessary to end homelessness for many individuals (National Coalition for the Homeless, 2006). A study done in 2002 by Folsom, McCahill, Bartels, Lindamer, Ganiats and Jeste not only examined the death rate in schizophrenic homeless individuals, but they then compared the preventative and primary care to those with severe depression. While depression is a mental illness, it does not cripple ones abilities the way that schizophrenia does. The stages of withdrawal from friends and family are the same, however an individual with depression is more likely able to describe their feelings to a doctor, and there is no stigma placed on this illness like those with schizophrenia. Schizophrenic patients can go undiagnosed for years and then when they are, many providers are uncomfortable with treating them and some do not even see a point. Folsom et al state that (2002) serious mental illnesses, including schizophrenia, are much more common among homeless people than in the general population. Investigations have consistently found higher rates of substance abuse, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and major depression among homeless people than in the general population (p.1). This is why preventive treatment is very important along with better housing. The growing number of homeless people is unknown, implementing better shelters that can provide the mental treatment needed will be a big step in helping these people. Folsom et al also noted that there is a direct correlation with schizophrenia and homelessness with death, the age-adjusted mortality rate for people with schizophrenia is about two times that of the general population; cardiovascular disease is the most common cause of death among people with schizophrenia. Homeless people have been reported to have a mortality rate [that is] 3.5 times as high as that of the general population (p.1). With this study and with all studies, the best care depends on the patient to supply the proper medical history along with any medical symptoms. Middle-aged and older homeless people with schizophrenia received less primary and preventive health care and were treated for fewer chronic medical problems than a comparison group with depression (Folsom, McCahill, Bartels, Lindamer, Ganiats, Jeste, 2002). Going forward with other research, monitoring the health care of schizophrenics should be compared to all the different types of mental illnesses as well as comparing them to those who have no mental illness at all. Any one of the homeless people that you see on a daily basis can be suffering from a mental illness, that fact is quite disturbing. It is something that should not be taken lightly for it comes in many forms and can affect anybody. Being able to identify the symptoms and seeking help is a key fundamental towards regaining your health back. There still is great difficulty in caring for schizophrenics and the only way for it to get better is to continue the research and find ways for all the branches in the healthcare system to work together so that the patient can have the best treatment available. In the next 20 years hopefully, there will be a cure for all types of mental illness that we see today until being able to understand what it means for those who are suffering is just as important.

Sir Gawain and the Green Knight Analysis :: Literature Knighthood Essays

Sir Gawain and the Green Knight Analysis Sir Gawain and the Green Knight was written by an unknown author, a contemporary of Geoffrey Chaucer, between 1375 and 1400. This story tells us about the adventures of King Arthur's most noble, honest, and courageous knight in Camelot, Sir Gawain. The main action of the story focuses on a challenge given to Sir Gawain by the Green Knight. The knight challenges Gawain to the Christmas game where Gawain hits him with an axe now, and twelve months and a day later, the knight will return the favor at the Green Chapel. This section of the story deals with the second meeting of Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, and now it's the Green Knight's turn to return the favor. Gawain has traveled long and far to find the knight and uphold his end of the challenge and meet his fate. The Knight is very impressed by Gawain because a lesser man would have not kept his end of the bargain. All of this has led to the climax of the story with Gawain facing the knight, preparing to take the return blow from him and end the challenge. The knight raises the ax to hit Gawain, but Gawain flinches before it hits him. The knight calls Gawain a coward. This infuriates Gawain, and he swears that he will take the blow standing and not flinch again. He states, "But go on, man, in God's name, and get to the point! Deliver me my destiny, and do it out of hand, for I shall stand to the stroke and stir not an inch till your ax has hit home--on my honor, I swear it!" (Norton, 249). Gawain reacts this way because he wants to show honor and live up to his promise made earlier. Also, he feels embarrassment and anger. The knight then acts as if he is going to use the ax again, wanting to see if Gawain will flinch first. But Gawain doesn't flinch at all and stands there, "still as a stone, or else a stout stump" (Norton, 249). The knight mocks him, saying that his nerve is back, and now he must strike because the timing is right. He then builds up the mood, and to create suspense, tells Gawain, "Keep your neck-bone clear, if this cut allows!" (Norton, 249). This further infuriates Gawain, and he tells the knight that he is making too much of a scene.

Guy de Maupassant’s “The Necklace”

This story is not only extremely ironic but it also has so much depth and symbolism involved. â€Å"The Necklace† begins by focusing on a woman that has no ability to accept her situation. She is overly materialistic to a point that is almost annoying. â€Å"She suffered constantly, feeling herself destined for all delicacies and luxuries†. At first she even seems like a spoiled women who is downright unrealistic. Guy De’ Maupassant is very clear in expressing how dissatisfied she is with her existing life, and how she believes that she is practically royalty yet unfortunately dealt the wrong hand. She was one of those pretty and charming women, born, as if by an error of destiny into a family of clerks and copyists†. At first, the opinion of her is casted in a negative light. However, it is not until reading the entire story that we realize that Mathilde Loisel is in fact just like any other woman today. By the end of the story we realize that not only the moral of her character increases but so does her strength. In the beginning of the story, Maupaussant focuses tremendously on painting a perfect picture of exactly how upset Mathilde is with her life. He also focuses on the fact that Mathilde is not content with her husband at all. The way she speaks to him comes off very distasteful and leaves a sour feeling. Yet, not until we analyze further do we realize that her husband is as just as weak a character as herself. When he brings home the invitation to the ball her reaction is heart wrenching; â€Å"She looked at him angrily and stated impatiently, what do you want me to wear to go there? † Here we see what’s important to her. Not the kind thought and invitation to the ball, but how she’s going to appear to the others there and what she’s going to wear. This, in my opinion is the first clue to how selfish this character truly initially is. Eventually we see the story unfold as we learn after her husband gives her all of his savings for a dress, she is still not satisfied and wants to borrow a diamond necklace to add to the outfit. Once at the ball, she’s able to finally even if only temporary, she is able to live in her fantasy world she’s imagined so much. She bathes in the high life while her husband falls asleep. Eventually we see him bring her back to her painful reality when he says its time to leave. But what we realize is even more painful is when Mathilde realizes the necklace is gone. Panic and chaos ensue, and her husband runs out in the middle of the night to retrace their steps. After searching all night, the necklace has vanished and Mathilde and her husband are left with no choice but to use everything they have to buy a replacement. Ironic that this necklace was of that much importance to her that she had to have it along with a dress she couldn’t even afford, and after she lived in her fantasy world for some time, she loses the necklace along with anything else they had. Because of her need for the necklace and insistence on the piece, they now have nothing. This is where we see Mathilde’s character begin to grow and gain so much strength as she is forced to become a tough woman and live the truly hard life. Now her original life doesn’t seem so bad. Then the story’s classic twist is revealed and we realize that the necklace was none other than costume jewelry and the Loisel’s pain was all in vain. Then this is where we begin to ask ourselves if it really all was done in vain in fact or if this adverse experience actually improved her character and was meant to happen for that purpose alone. And personally I believe this experience in fact totally improved her character for the good.

FDI Report: the Case of Nissan in the UK

Direct investment among the richest countries has been one of the eminent features of the world economy since the mid-1980s. Within this broad trend, Europe features prominently as both a home and host to multinational enterprises (MNEs). Not only did many Japanese and American firms invest massively, but even the most somnolent European firms appeared to awake to the need to look beyond their own national borders. (Thomsen and Woolcock, 1993) In narrow terms, FDI is simply all capital transferred between a firm and its new or established foreign affiliates. In its broadest sense, FDI represents competition: among workers, governments, firms, markets and even economic systems. (ibid) The main objective of this report is to illustrate the motives in relation to firm`s desire to locate some production or other activities in a foreign country. In order to do so, several theories that seek to explain why FDI takes place will be discussed, such as Dunning`s Eclectic Paradigm, Vernon`s Life Cycle model, the Knickerbocker Model and others. Moreover, to evaluate the rationale for FDI, references will be made to the case study of Nissan`s automotive investment in North-East England. Theoretical background The most commonly seen forms of FDI can be determined as: †¢ Merges and Acqusitions; †¢ Privatisation-related investment; †¢ New forms of investment (joint ventures, strategic alliances, licensing and other partnership agreements); †¢ Greenfield investment (a new operation); †¢ Brownfield investment (expansions or re-investment in existing foreign affiliates). (Hill, 2007) One of the first theories explaining multinational firms was created by Hymer (1959). He develops a specific – advantages theory which states that firms need to have internal – specific advantages over domestic rivals, in particular economies of scale and superior product technology, in order to invest in that country. Thereafter, Knickerbocker (1973) emphasise oligopolistic rivalry as an explanation for FDI, with firms investing in each other`s home markets to gain first mover advantages, leading to a follow-the-leader pattern of international investment to reduce risks in an uncertain oligopolistic environment. Furthermore, Vernon`s (1966; 1979) product life-cycle theory explains the shift from export to direct investment in developed and developing countries. Rivalistic firm behaviour drives firms in developed countries to locate lower value added or mature activities in low cost developing countries so that the firm can move up the product cycle and focuse on developing new products therefore sustaining the competibility. Thereafter, the internalisation theory was developed in order to understand why firms invest abroad instead of exporting or licensing to domestic firms. It argues that high transaction cost, such as enforcing contracts, maintaining quality, and keeping proprietary rights over technical and marketing knowledge, may justify direct ovnership (internalisation) of overseas activities. This theory has been expanded to include the transaction costs of political intervention and trade barriers. (Loewendahl, 2001) However, several theoretical studies have started to incorporate the insight from different perspectives into their own disciplines and are acknowledging the important contributions that different approaches can make to each other. (ibid) Dunning has brought together the main principles of there theories and developed Eclectic, also knows as Ownership-Location-Internalisation, paradigm, that clearly identifies these three areas of possible advantage for FDI to take place. (Dunning and Lundan, 2008) Although academically it is still under discussion, most countries seem convinced that inward FDI is benefical for their local economies. (Oxelheim and Ghauri, 2004) The study of Nissan`s automotive investment is a case in point, which will be explained in the following section. Nissan case study A company of Nissan`s automotive investment in North-East England is examined in more detail as: †¢ Nissan succeeded in its demands for a single union plant, which was highly controversial, unprecedented in the UK motor industry, and set the stage for the further investment of Honda and Toyota. †¢ It was the single lagrest investment in the UK at the time of severe industrial decline and the investment represented a turning point for the North-East region development. †¢ The investment signalled the revival of the UK car industry and the emergence of Japan as a major new investor in the UK. The success of Japanese auto manufacturers was compouned by the oil crises in the 1970s, which led to demand for small cars, of which Japan was the lowest cost and most efficient producer (Moore, 1994). Japan`s share of world car production increased from just 1% in 1960 to 27% in 1985. Furthermore, in 1996 Nissan`s share of the world passenger car production, at 5.8%, was the sixth highest in the world and exceeded that of Renault, Rover and Alfa Romeo combined. (Sadler, 1992) With rapid growth at home and abroad, Nissan began overseas production as early as 1962, setting-up in Thailand – the first overseas investment by a Japanese automobile company. By 1990, Nissan had 11 overseas production bases and Nissan UK was established in 1984. (Loewendahl, 2001) In spite of Nissan`s global consolidation in the automotive industry, its financial crisis lead to a strategic partnership between Nissan and Renault in March 1999. This partnership was beneficial for both parties due to the strategic fit between the two companies: †¢ Geogrphic fit: Nissan has a strong presence in Asia-Pacific and North America while Renault is strong in Europe and ahs plants in Latin America. †¢ Business strengths: Nissan is strong in manufacturing capability, product technology, and its supplier technology base, while Renault is strong in management, product planning and product design capabilities. †¢ Product range: Nissan is strong in light trucks and sport utility vehicles (although Nissan`s product portfolio covers nearly all segments), while Renault is strong in passenger cars. Nissan`s major FDI strategy for setting-up production in the European economic community (EEC) was market-seeking, and the UK was Nissan`s largest market in Europe, accounting for one third of Nissan`s sales in Europe in 1982. (Loewendahl, 2001) The economic conditions in several UK regions provided an environment suited to Nissan. While industrial relations in the UK in the early 1980s were not perfect (as far as Nissan was concerned), the Thatcher government promised radical changes. Nissan considered conditions in the North-East to be particulary favourable for establishing a single union and introducing new work practices, because Sunderland would provide an acquiescent workforce that has no tradition of automobile production, in region of high unemployment. (McRae, 1997) The domestic environment in the UK was considered less hostile than in the other major EEC countries and Nissan`s productivity advantage would be most apparent in the British market. In addition, the English language, competitive production cost and availability of government grants were also important. Also factors like Japanese financial services in London, similar commercial and legal systems, low taxes and cultural proximity (Morris, 1988), with a shared interest in gardens, rugby, golf and tea, playing a role in the decision-making of Nissan and other Japanese MNCs (Loewendahl, 2001). With reference to the terminology of Dunning`s eclectic paradigm, there was a high correspondence between the ownership advantages of Nissan and the location advantages of the UK. The UK was also able to meet the requriments of Nissan`s market seeking FDI strategy and project specific needs, as well as Nissan would satisfy the requirements of the UK`s inward investment-led industrial and regional policy. (ibid) Therefore, it can be said that Nissan and the follow-on investment of Honda and Toyota have prevented the collapse of the British car industry and Nissan is propping-up the North-East manufacturing economy. For instance, between 1986 and the end of 1999 the FDI coming from Nissan, Toyota and Honda reached  £4 billion in the UK. In other words, these three MNCs accounted for 80% of the increase in the UK car manufacturing output from 1991 to 1999. Nissan Motor Manufacturing UK is responsible for supplying the European market and managing its supply-chain, nevertheless, it does not have control over strategic activities including research and development, planning or co-ordinating the global network of operations. These activities remain in Japan, with Nissan`s European operations co-ordinated from Brussels. It can be outlined that Nissan (also mentioning Toyota and Honda) have made a positive contribution to the economy of the UK in terms of export, suppliers and job creation. It also applies to Japanese inward investment in other sectors of the economy. However, according to theoretical and empirical research, this particular picture of Japanese investment is shadowed when, for instance, the emphasis is put on the type of jobs being created. While Nissan has been at the centre of new training initiatives in the North-East, the jobs are not high skilled and are characterised by highly intensive work organisation. (Loewendahl, 2001) Conclusion To sum up, the most commonly seen motives for companies to become MNCs and invest in other countries are related to the business perspectives of merges and acquisitions, therefore accessing a foreign market, as well as the benefits of lower wages or more favourable government policies. In long term perspective of attracting FDI, especially from Japanese investors in the UK, a potential threat can be identified in relation to joining the Euro-zone. Japanese companies have invested in the UK in order to serve the European market, and what matters most are currency fluctuations within Europe, not with the dollar and the Yen. With Japanese companies like Nissan concentraiting production in one location and exporting to the rest of the European market, the importance of currency stability is increased. (Loewendahl, 2001) However, a pre-condition for further investment in the UK by Nissan and other Japanese companies may, therefore, be that the UK remains at the heart of economic and political integration in Europe.