The Relationship of Marijuana Accessibility & Substance Abuse Essay Example for Free

The Relationship of Marijuana Accessibility Substance Abuse Essay Abstract A growing concern in the medical and mental health field is the relationship between marijuana use and further illicit drug abuse. Due to the recent state laws passing in Washington and Colorado, there has been a need for a study to address the accessibility factor in relations to the â€Å"gateway hypothesis† to marijuana. The fear is that the increase in accessibility of marijuana will result in an increase of substance abuse and dependency. Therefore, this study is intended to address the following research question: Is the increased accessibility of marijuana correlated with the increase use of marijuana and other illicit drug use. Additionally, this proposal will address the gap in the literature, sample and instrument used, and the findings. The Relationship of Marijuana Accessibility Substance Abuse A growing concern in the medical and mental health field is the association of marijuana use and further illicit drug abuse as well as whether the increase accessibility of marijuana will result in the increase of substance abuse (Yacoubian, 2007). In the United Sates, researchers and professionals have observed the controversial gateway hypothesis of marijuana for the past 30 years (Hall Lynskey, 2005). Hall and Lynskey provide the following operational definition for the gateway hypothesis: â€Å"Drugs whose use in some unspecified way is a cause of the use of later drugs in the sequence† (p.1). During this time, a variety of studies have been conducted and have discovered empirical support to suggest that marijuana is commonly associated with the use of other illicit drugs (Lessem, 2006). A previous study found that 90% of cocaine users had used marijuana prior to cocaine (Fergusson, Boden, Horwood, 2006). In another study, researchers discovered that 33% of occasional and 84% of daily marijuana users reported using other illicit drugs (Fergusson, Boden, Horwood, 2006, p. 2). Currently, marijuana is a hot topic in the media due to the United States having the worlds largest single market for illicit drugs (Yacoubian, 2007).  In addition, research shows that marijuana has been discovered as the most prevalent illicit drug within the American households (Yacoubian). Out of the estimated 19 million people using illicit drugs in American households, the majority of patients admitted to treatment facilities are adolescents and young adults for marijuana abuse (Lessem, 2006). This research significantly affects the mental health field due to the high demand of professionals trained and qualified to work with and treat patients with substance abuse and dependency issues. In terms of policy, during the 2012 election the state of Washington and Colorado passed laws that legalized the recreational use of marijuana (Healy, 2012). To date an estimate of 12 states have decriminalized marijuana and 18 states as well as Washington, DC permit medical marijuana use (Healy). However, under the Federal law there is no such thing as â€Å"medical† marijuana (McCarthy, 2004). This is due to the Drug Enforcement Administration’s criteria and the Controlled Substance Act which classifies marijuana as a Schedule 1 drug based on the following three factors: (1) its high potential for abuse, (2) having no significant means for medical use, (3) lack of accepted safety for use of the drug (McCarthy). Additionally, the Department of Justice clearly states that marijuana is illegal under Federal Law despite state policies and acts (McCarthy). Yacoubian (2007) addresses the debate between criminalization versus decriminalization by comparing and contrasting drug regulation and policies within the United States and the Netherlands. Research found that de facto legalization, permitting coffee shops, in the Netherlands led to a significant increase of marijuana use among Dutch youth (Yacoubian). Yacoubian concluded that research suggests that an increase accessibility of marijuana will result in the increase of drug use. For the purpose of this study, the operational definition of accessibility will align with Yacoubians, which is based on state policies and regulation. For example, legalization policies suggest a high accessibility of marijuana (Yacoubian). Specifically, in regards to the present study the following three states define the level accessibility: Colorado’s legalization policies and recreational use (high accessibility), California’s decimalization policies and medical use (limited accessibility), and Virginia’s illegal policies and no permitted use (no accessibility) (Healy, 2012). Due to the conflict of recent state laws passing and Federal Laws not changing there has been a  necessity for further research regarding the illicit drug marijuana and its effects (Healy, 2012). Researchers have found a significant relationship between regular and early marijuana use and further drug use such as cocaine, heroin, pills, etc. (Hall Lynskey, 2005). However, previous studies concluded that there is a gap within the research because there may have been an overestimation of results suggesting the â€Å"gateway hypothesis† known as the frequency of marijuana use and later involvement in other illicit drug use (Fergusson, Boden Horwood, 2006). Lessem (2006) mentioned some of the limitations to research were the inability to measure drug dependency as well as the issues of causality. In addition, most current research studies are out dated and prior to the recent laws. This research study was designed to fill the specific gap portrayed within the current research. According to Fergusson, Boden, and Horwood (2006) their study resulted in overestimation of date; therefore, this specific study was formatted to ensure the data is precisely and accurately analyzed to prevent complications of overestimations. Additionally, this study uses a valid and reliable assessment to measure drug abuse and dependency, which satisfies the limitations previously mentioned in Lessem’s (2006) research study. It is a concern that as marijuana becomes more accessible, there will be an increase in substance abuse and dependency across the nation (Hall Lynckey, 2005). This study is intended to address the following research question: Is the increase accessibility of marijuana correlated with the increase of marijuana use and substance abuse and dependency. Therefore, the research hypothesis for this study is that with the increase of accessibility there will an increase in substance abuse and dependency. The overall purpose of this research study is to cover several presenting factors. First, it is to increase awareness of the epidemic of marijuana use and further drug abuse within our nation. Second, it is to educate the public on the significance of the relationship between marijuana and drug abuse. Lastly, this research proposal is designed to gather and analyze data from states in which recent laws were passed permitting increase in accessibility and use of marijuana. Method Participants The sample for this study consisted of 450 subjects from the states of  California, Colorado, and Virginia. A sample size of 150 was used from each of these states, 75 participants were students from state universities and another 75 participants were patients at rehabilitation and drug treatment centers. The mean average age of participants within in the sample was 22.23. Among the total sample size, 64% (n=288) were male subjects and 36% (n=162) were female subjects. In terms of ethnicity, 42% (n=189) of participants identified as white, 22% (n=99) as African American, 20% (n=90) as Hispanic, 16% (n=72) as Asian, and 4% (n=18) as other. The sample was first divided into the following three pre-existing groups according to state accessibility of marijuana: California participants (decriminalized marijuana/limited accessibility), Colorado participants (legalized marijuana/high accessibility), and Virginia participants (illegal marijuana/no permitted accessibility). Participants were then separated into one of the three subgroups based on their drug use and abuse. The participant’s score on the Drug Abuse Screening Test assessment determined their placement in one of the following three subgroups: non-existing/mild, moderate, and severe. Instrument The Drug Abuse Screening Test (DAST) was the instrument used to assess the sample in this specific study. The DAST is a 20-item psychometric instrument that is purposed to measure an individual’s drug use and abuse (Corcoran, Fischer, 2007). The manual indicates that a higher total score suggests an index of problem severity (Corcoran, Fischer). The DAST is scored by the total sum of all 20 items with range of scores being from 0 to 28 (Corcoran, Fischer). For the purpose of this study, participants scores are estimated by mild (scores: 0-6), moderate (scores: 7-13), severe (scores: 14-20). Refer to Appendix A for a sample of the full instrument presenting all 20 items. The DAST indicates that psychometric instrument has both excellent reliability and validity (Corcoran, Fischer, 2007). The estimated internal consistency reliability was calculated with an alpha of .92; however, the manual does not provide any data of test-retest reliability (Corcoran, Fischer). The DAST manual shows both a good discriminant and concurrent validity for the instrument. In terms of discriminant validity, the instrument’s total score accurately and significantly distinguished between the groups with mainly alcohol-related problems from the groups with drug  problems (Corcoran, Fischer). The DAST concurrent validity was examined by its significant correlation of the DAST’s background variables, frequency of drug use within a 12-month time frame, and indices psychopathology (Corcoran, Fischer). Procedure The participants of this study were recruited by two different approaches based on their institutional setting. At state universities, the psychology departments recruited participants through a research database that required all students in a PSYC 101 course to participate in at least 3 studies in which this study was an option. Additionally, faculty and staff at state university counseling centers recruited students whom were receiving counseling services. At the substance abuse rehabilitation and treatment centers, staff recruited current and new patients to participate in the study at their consent. After participants were recruited through their institutional setting and consent, they received two separate emails from the researcher of the present study. The first email was a confirmation email for the individual’s participation. The second email contained a testing packet for the research studying which included the following three components: study consent form, personal questionnaire (age, race, gender, and institutional setting), and the Drug Abuse Screening Test (DAST). Participants were asked to complete the entire testing packet and return by email to the research of the study within a week time frame. Once the researcher received the completed testing packets from participants via email, the packets were examined and separated by pre-existing groups based on state accessibility. For example, all participants from the state of Virginia were separated into the no accessibility group. Participants were then additionally divided in to one of the 3 subgroups based on their score on the DAST. The three subgroups were determined based of the following range of scores on the DAST and the individual’s degree of drug use and abuse: mild (scores: 0-7), moderate (scores: 7-14), and serve (scores: 14-20). For the purpose of this study the data was converted to nominal with mild=1, moderate=2, and severe= 3. Once the data was collected  and converted, it was inputted into the IBM SPSS ® 20.0 software to analyze the statistical relationship between marijuana accessibility and drug use/dependency. Results The statistical analysis conducted was a coefficient of contingency in order to analyze the correlation and statistical significance of marijuana accessibility and drug use/dependency. The coefficient of contingency was conducted two separate times examining the statistical significance between no marijuana accessibility (Virginia) to limited marijuana accessibility (California) and then again no accessibility (Virginia) to high accessibility (Colorado). Additionally, analyzing the relationship between each accessibility level and drug use/dependency. Before running the statistical analysis, a frequency table was made to organize the data. The table portrayed how many participants scored in one of the three subgroups (mild, moderate, severe) under each state. Therefore, it was discovered that in the state of Virginia 47 participants fell in the mild, 61 in moderate, and 32 in the severe subgroups. The state of California had 37 participants were in the mild, 66 in the moderate, and 47 in the severe subgroups. Lastly, in the state of Colorado 29 participants were in the mild, 62 in the moderate, and 56 in the severe subgroups. The coefficient of contingency was calculated after the frequency table was formed. The first statistical analysis of Virginia and Colorado computed a contingency coefficient of .716 and statistical significance of .00. The second analysis of Virginia and California computed a contingency coefficient of .775 and a statistical significance of .00. Discussion In conclusion, the results of this study can be interpreted as supporting the researchers purpose and design for this specific study. The frequency table demonstrates that in the state of Virginia which has no permitted accessibility to marijuana that there were more participants who fell in the mild subgroup and fewer participants within the moderate and severe subgroup compare to the two other states. In the state of California, limited accessibility, there were more participants in the moderate subgroup and fewer participants in the mild and severe subgroups. Lastly, in the state of Colorado, high accessibility, there were more participants in the severe  subgroup and fewer participants in the mild and moderate. The two statistical analyses results conveyed additional statistical support for the hypothesis of this study. It was hypothesize that there this a relationship between marijuana accessibility and drug use and dependency, which translates that with an increase in accessibility there will be an increase in use or dependency. Therefore, the statistical analysis of Virginia and Colorado portrayed that there was a .716 correlation that was statistically significant by .00. The analysis of Virginia and California found that there was a .775 correlation that was also statistically significant by .00. Concluding that the null hypothesis was rejected and the research hypothesis was statistically significantly supported. Several suggestions can be made for future research due to the limitations of the present study. First, future studies should attempt to acquire interval data to run a more robust statistical analysis of the collected data. Second, it is suggested that future research studies use multiple assessments to measure both accessibility and drug use. Specially, the researchers recommend the Adult Substance Abuse Subtle Screening Test-3 (SASSI-3) that measures an individual’s probability to abuse or depend on substances. Lastly, a significant gap in the research conveys that there is a need for longitudinal case studies with individuals from states where policies permit recreational use of marijuana in order to accurately discovered whether these individuals are likely to use and/or abuse substances. Appendix A References Corcoran, K., Fischer, J. (2007). Measures for clinical practice: A sourcebook (4th ed., Vol. 2). Oxford University Press. ISBN: 0195314905 or 9780195314908. Fergusson, D. M., Boden, J. M., Horwood, L. (2006). Cannabis use and other illicit drug use: testing the cannabis gateway hypothesis. Addiction, 101(4), 556-569. Hall, W., Lynskey, M. (2005). Is cannabis a gateway drug? Testing hypotheses about the relationship between cannabis use and the use of other illicit drugs. Drug Alcohol Review, 24(1), 39-48. Healy, J. (2012, November 6). Voters Ease Marijuana Laws in 2 States, but Legal Questions Remain. The New York Times. Retrieved from  http://www,nytimes.com Lessem, J. K. (2006). Relationship between Adolescent Marijuana Use and Young Adult Illicit Drug Use. Behavior Genetics, 36(4), 498-506. McCarthy, K. I. (2004). Conversations about Medical Marijuana between Physicians and Their Patients. Journal Of Legal Medicine, 25(3), 333-349. Yacoubian, G. S. (2007). Assessing the Relationship between Marijuana Availability and Marijuana Use: A Legal and Sociological Comparison between the United States and the Netherlands. Journal Of Alcohol Drug Education, 51(4), 17-34.

Prayer in School Essay -- Religion Argumentative Argument Papers

Prayer in School As the bell rings you walk through the lunchroom doors. It seems just like any ordinary day. You smelled the mystery lunch as soon as you walked in, you fought your way into the lunch line, and you saw the principal escorting some troublemaking kids from their tables. But wait, those kids weren't the usual trouble makers. They were the kids that always follow the rules and even pray before lunch. Was this some kind of alternate universe? No, they were actually in trouble. No one ever paid it much attention but praying in school was against the rules. Why is it that our school system is so concerned with students that pray when there are students with problems that deserve much more attention? Students should not be punished for exercising the religious beliefs. Religion is a part of life, it always has been and it always will be. I believe that prayer should be allowed in school because it is a constitutional right, it encourages morals and values and students showing dev otion to their religious practices doesn't hurt anyone. The Downfall of a Nation There were times in this country where religion was mandatory in the public school curriculum. However, as early as the 1850?s the Superintendent of Schools in New York stated that prayers could no longer be required as part of public school curriculum. The Cincinnati Board of Education decided in 1869 that "religious instruction and the reading of religious books, including the Holy Bible, were prohibited in the common schools of Cincinnati.? By 1962/1963 the United States Supreme Court had prohibited bible reading and school organized prayers. In the past the Supreme Court had consistently ruled against religious practices in the public... ...nity Today. July (2003). 03 Oct. 2003 2. Annie Laurie Gaylor. ?The Case Against School Prayer?. 1995. Freedom From Religion Foundation. 03 Nov. 2003. 3. Unknown Author(s). School Prayer Case History. 2003. School-Prayer.net 03 Nov. 2003 . 4. Unknown Author(s). School Prayer. 26 Sept. 2003. Internet Infidels. 03 Nov. 2003 http://infidels.org/library/modern/church-state/prayer.html 5.Unknown Author(s). The Constitution. 10 Nov. 2003 http://www.law.cornell.edu/constitution/constitution.billofrights.html

Principles of marketing Essay

1. Introduction   1.a What is marketing? Elements of marketing: Marketing is a business philosophy that seeks to address customers wants and needs by either determining what a customer wants or anticipating customer demands and then producing goods and services that meet these requirements. The marketing concept therefore differs significantly from the selling and the production concept, where it was what the firm produced that was sold. The production concept believed that all production sells and what is needed is a selling effort. In marked contrast, the marketing concept works first at determining what the customer needs and then producing the same so that the customer is satisfied. The elements of marketing include the customer, the product, the value of the product and the want it addresses. 1.b Advantages of marketing and criticism: The marketing approach ensures that the seller does not make mistakes in determining what the market demands. There is thus that much efficiency in the marketplace as production capacities are built depending on market feedback and what customers want. Also, as the marketing department knows what the customer wants, it is able to provide an efficient answer and design, at a cost that the customer is willing to pay. The marketing approach has also been criticized for its attempt at forecasting and determining personal choices. It is also criticized for influencing customers towards goods and services that they may actually not need, but are driven to these products through clever strategies that convert simple desires into burning needs. Marketing also has been criticized for using external influences through advertising and promotions to make people demand goods that they would otherwise not have found useful. Leveraging customer psychology to get people influenced by imaginary reference groups that they aspire to belong to, also is another tool used by marketing that is often criticized for its ability to attract customers. Modern marketing, with all available technology and databases that track customer behaviour, is a weapon that can be used by firms wanting to grab large market shares. It therefore tends to be unethical at times and needs string regulatory mechanisms. 1.c The marketing function The marketing function is a function that includes all activities that contribute to the marketing strategy and the marketing process. This function therefore covers all aspects of identifying customers, determining their needs, estimating wants, calculating total demand, building supply chains and constructing marketing promotion strategies through all available marketing channels. This also includes marketing controls and control systems that ensure that all activities undertaken by marketing departments are consistent with and in line with the objectives of the firm. The marketing planning and control mechanism tracks the various activities undertaken by the firm, and determines if the process is going as per plan. 1.d Marketing management: Monitoring and evaluating its marketing processes regularly, a firm is able to take corrective action. The monitoring of marketing activities is a specialized task that ensures the entire chain of activities is checked regularly, constant feedback taken and corrective measures instituted that bring the plan back to the path desired so the firm’s overall objectives are met and are not deviated from. The marketing function starts with a marketing plan that is a written statement of objectives and processes that the firm would undertake to meet its goals. This plan is constantly recalled to ensure the control system and the action plan sticks to the strategy that has been drafted. The plan takes into account the economic environment the firm exists in, the regulatory framework, and the demographic characteristics of the population, competitive forces and product characteristics. The marketing mix   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Product: The marketing mix is central to any marketing plan that a marketing strategy evolves. The marketing mix primarily looks at the four components that have defined marketing strategy. These four major components of a marketing plan are the Product, Place, Price and Promotion. The first – product, focuses on making the firm’s product something that is of value for the customer, is constantly redefined to meet changing tastes and is what is actually something that meets market demand. The product that is marketed is defined by its quality, its functionality, the appearance, the service that comes with the product and the support provided to the customer. It is important for the firm to produce a product that is of high quality. In a competitive market, it is no longer possible to sell a product that is not of high quality as there are several substitutes available and competitors are always ready to improve quality. Hence the product is defined by it functionality and the brand that is built around the product. The brand defines product quality and provides customers with information about the product even before the product is bought and used. Additionally, the product is defined by what the firm provides by way of after sales support and service. Modern brands provide products with warranties that cover the risk of failure after the product is sold to the customer. Brands are built around the various facets of the product sold. A brand carries an inbuilt guarantee of the usefulness of the product. Brand building is essential to marketing management and defines the product part of the marketing mix. Products are also made so as to acquire certain niches in the market and this can be either done through specific functionalities or through product differentiation. Place: The second component is place and this focuses on the fact that the product would be made available to the customer at the right time and at the right place. It also includes the aspect that the product should also be available in the right quantities. Non-availability will move customers away to another substitute while too large a stick will increase inventory costs. So the correct balance needs to be struck. The place component of the marketing mix depends on the logistics that go into supplying the product to the customer at the right place and at the right time. The logistics department must identify appropriate locations, the appropriate channels of distribution, the channel partners that take the product to the customer and ensure maximum coverage. The place also defines the point of contact with the customer, the point of purchase advertising and the support locations. Modern technology has added a new dimension to place by way of providing Internet and mobile access to marketers. Using mobile phones and online marketing, customers are able to access distant locations at the click of a mouse and check out the product in a virtual environment. Delivery is quick because of the developments in transportation and travel. Support and service can now be provided through distant, centralized locations that are accessible through support centers and call centers. Successful marketing in today’s environment is a function of how well the marketer leverages modern technology by way of online brochures, online advertising and payment gateways.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Price: The price of course is a critical component of the marketing mix. In a competitive market where goods are homogenous and perfectly substitutable, it is price that would ensure some buyers for a new product. On the other hand, in similar situations, a product that is priced high could occupy the position of a superior good and guarantees a premium only because it attracts prestige and value to the product. In goods and services that are price elastic, price can e used as a strategic tool to increase margins, whereas in price inelastic markets, prices need to be kept stable. A large number of marketing strategies focus on the price range a product offers and the income levels and consumption characteristics of the customer in the neighborhood.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Pricing is also a strategy that incorporates list prices and how they are estimated. The list price takes into account the competition and the channel margins. Where the marketer is using a push strategy, pricing must include incentives to retailers and wholesalers that enable them to push the product among the customers. Pricing also includes the strategy that involves using discounting and discounting sales to increase volumes periodically. Today pricing strategies also have to keep in mind leasing options and installment based payments. They must therefore allow for various financing options.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Promotion: The other important component of the marketing mix is the promotion package that is used by the marketer. Especially in a new market, where a product is being launched and introduced, it is critical for the market to accept the new product. Here is where the promotional aspect acquires a new dimension compared to the promotional strategy of a product that is entering a competitive market. Promotional strategies need to be carefully defined depending on the nature of the product and the market characteristics. The most important promotional tool used worldwide is advertising and this in the modern world is a strategic decision that must take into account the advertising mix that calculates what amounts of money and effort be spent on television, print media, internet advertising, bill boards, radio stations and mail brochures.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Also, in the days of consumer movements and regulatory mechanisms, it is important for promotion to concentrate on public relations. Most brands today spend a lot of effort in maintaining public relations through regular contact with the consumers and the media. Also promotion in specific goods and services is carried out through a direct sales network that requires a great amount of coordination and networking. It is also important to remember that, given its scope and coverage, promotion is an activity that requires scientific budgeting and monitoring. Promotion as an activity needs to cover the target audience, the end customer, the opinion makers and the potential buyers and channel members that could be part of the future supply chain.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The 4 P marketing mix model has been the one most used by various marketers all over the world and ensures that each of the marketing function gets covered and focused on. There have been those who have argued for a 5 P and even a 7 P marketing mix, especially to cover service products. The one extra P that is most often talked about is People, the human resource component that actually makes the efforts in tackling the 4 Ps. In any marketing firm, where customers need to be convinced and must trust the product, it is the people handling the product, the promotion and the supply chain that need to be extremely well trained, motivated and understanding of customer demands. Therefore it is often argued that the marketing mix must give an equal emphasis on its people and their training and incentives. However the 4 Ps discussed above are the most critical and need to be focused on to be able to successfully compete at the market place. Buyer behaviour   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   3.a Purchase decision: Purchase decision is a complex mechanism that involves a .large number of steps. The buyer behaves differently for high involvement and low involvement products. Products that are expensive and are in the nature of assets are high involvement products where the consumer takes time and makes efforts to look at various possible substitutes and competitors before making the purchase decision. The purchase decision is therefore sees to go through the various steps. There is a need recognition phase where the marketing begins. Here the buyer defines what his needs are the starts exploring possibilities that would solve the need. High involvement products there fore need great amounts of research before the buyer is able to decide. On daily consumables like soaps and toothpaste the buyer may not be as highly involved and easily makes decisions. Therefore after the need recognition process, the buyer then goes of ran information search through which a set of alternatives emerge. These are then weighed against various constraints and then the actual purchase decision is made. What follows is the post purchase behaviour and in this the buyer may actually regret making the decision or may go away satisfied. Marketers need to understand what is referred to as post purchase dissonance to be able to ensure good word of mouth promotion from existing customers.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   3b. Reference groups, culture: Of course buyer behaviour depends a great deal on the cultural background where the market exists. In savings oriented societies buyer behaviour is quite different form societies marked by conspicuous consumption. Also buyers in certain societies are bound to make far more careful decisions than in certain other cultural frameworks. Also groups tend to alter behaviour is different settings. The reference group is a major decision maker for most customers who would like to reach a group that they aspire to belong to through similar buyer behaviour. This is why a large number of celebrities are used to sell products and promote them. To influence buyers who consider these celebrities as these reference groups and inspirational groups. 4. New product development   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Market plans and market strategies therefore are complex mechanism that must look at various aspects of buyer behaviour, product characteristics and promotional strategies. Very often in such mechanisms, it becomes critical for firms to make decisions regarding innovation and new product development,. It could sometimes to easy for a firm to simply provide a market with existing demand and give the same product that exists at a better price and better place. However this might not work as the first mover ahs an advantage. Also the demand levels keep changing as culture changes and incomes change.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Therefore new products must be offered and innovations required both in developing new products, in new segmentation strategies, in product differentiation, in defining new niche markets and in being able to design both push and pull promotional strategies. Innovation is the name of the game as markets become more competitive and the customer more demanding. Market strategy demands that innovative strategies and products be designed keeping the basics in mind – that of the need to study and satisfy customer demand. Marketing is a science that attempts at assessing demand and developing products and promotions that meet this demand at appropriate prices and places. Innovation in marketing must keep this design in mind and develop new processes and products that work at the market place. References Moorman C. and Rust T. R., (1999) The Role of Marketing, Journal of Marketing, Fundamental Issues and Directions for Marketing Webster F. E., (1992) The Changing Role of Marketing in the Corporation, Journal of Marketing Borden, N. H., (1964) The concept of the marketing mix, Journal of Advertising Research Howard, J and Sheth N. R. (1969), The theory off buyer behavior, John Wiley and Sons. Peter P. J. and Olson J. C., (2004) Consumer behavior and marketing strategy. Irwin/McGraw-Hill Grà ¶nroos C, (1991)The Marketing Strategy Continuum: Towards a Marketing Concept for the 1990s,   Journal: Management Decision Hooley G, Saunders J and Nigel Piercy N., (2004), Marketing Strategy and Competitive Positioning FT Prentice Hall Wind Y, Robertson TS., (1983) Marketing Strategy: New Directions for Theory and Research,   Journal of Marketing Fill C, (1995) Marketing communications: frameworks, theories and applications, Prentice Hall Mela CF, Gupta S, Lehmann DR, (1997) The Long-Term Impact of Promotion and Advertising on Consumer Brand Choice, Journal of Marketing Research

From Jack Kevorkian to Terry Schiavo

From Jack Kevorkian to Terry Schiavo, much media attention has been given in recent years to the question of the right to die. Most American states have laws against taking one’s own life and many also have specific laws against assisted suicide. Many others charge those who would assist with suicide with manslaughter or attempted murder. Opponents of euthanasia say that there is no provision in American law for the right to die. Many specific rights are spelled out in the Bill of Rights and others have been granted through the Constitution and its amendments, but nowhere has the law granted a person the right to die.Proponents claim the right is inherent, God-given and a matter of free will. The truth lies somewhere in between. Americans should have the right to determine when their lives should end. That right is granted them by the Declaration of Independence. Americans have the right to die, as it is included in the right to life, the right of self-determination and the pu rsuit of happiness. The first legal standard allowing Americans to choose to die should be the words of founding father Thomas Jefferson.In writing the Declaration of Independence, Jefferson said that people should have the right to â€Å"life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. † By simple logic, death is an inherent part of life and therefore should be protected by Jefferson’s words. As death is the ending of life and the right to life is guaranteed by the Declaration, it is clear that citizens should be afford the right to die as they choose. By guaranteeing people the right to life and liberty, Jefferson may have been simply spouting the philosophies of John Locke and others, but he inadvertently guaranteed people the liberty to choose their own death.Clearly, in 1776, the concept of keeping people alive through the use of machines was not a consideration. However, Jefferson makes it clear that self-determination is a right of the people. It is that very self-de termination that gave the American colonies the right to revolt against England and form their own country. That same right of self-determination should also apply to the average citizen. Nothing is more a matter of personal freedom than the right to die. Other cultures have long practiced this form of self-determination.In many cultures, the sick, infirmed or elderly would leave their society to die when they decided it was time. The concept that society has become more civilized should not prevent people from making this choice if they desire. The reality is that modern medicine has allowed many people to live beyond what would once have been a normal life expectancy. Many of those people regret their longevity as they feel isolated, due to the deaths of contemporaries, and feel the guilt of being a financial or emotional burden on their families.Others do not want to face the pain of chronic disease. These people have earned the right to do as they please and by the theory of sel f-determination, they should be granted that right. Finally, the Declaration grants people the right to â€Å"the pursuit of happiness. † Again, despite the advances of modern medicine, there is no guarantee that simply lengthening a person’s life grants them additional happiness. In fact, some elderly persons are simply lonely and in pain. The pursuit of happiness for them might include an end to their suffering and as such, the right to die.The simple matter is that by guaranteeing people the right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness and by predicating our society on the right of self-determination, America has already made it clear that the right to die is inherent in our beliefs. It should be as clear as the right to freedom of the press or the right to bear arms. Unfortunately, though we preach a separation of church and state, America is also a religious country and the right to die will not be acknowledged until the fear of the moral repercussions is o vercome.

Closing Year Of The Civil War essays

Closing Year Of The Civil War essays The American Civil War was one of the largest in world history. The number of American lives lost in this war had never been heard of, nor has it been. The fighting that took place tore our nation apart and we still feel the effects 135 years later. This war is so widely written about, that it is nearly impossible to write about everything that happened. That is why I will be writing about the closing days of the Civil War. This is an interesting time, because it is all winding down and you see exactly how it ends. The end of the American Civil War was probably one of the most interesting times. The final year in the war started towards the middle of 1864. On March 9, 1864 Abraham Lincoln promoted Ulysses S. Grant to lieutenant general. This left him in charge of the entire Northern army. This is a key point, because Grant was a good general and was able to do a lot with all the men he possessed. This was one of the major transitions into the end. After he was appointed there was a brief period of time where not much happened. On May 5, 1864, the intense fighting started right back up at the Battle of the Wilderness. Although this battle only lasted until May 6 it was meaningful. It started the fighting again and showed that the two sides had not yet given in. The battle was continuing steadily for the next month and a half. Three battles occurred in this time frame. A very important event occurred on November 8, 1864. Abraham Lincoln was reelected to the presidency. This was very important because he was so influential as a president it scared the South. He possessed great leadership qualities and was determined to handle the situation. The end of the war was a little over a year away, but you could almost sense how it was getting ready to end. The first major event of 1865 was definitely on February 6, 1865, when Robert E. Lee was appointed general in chief of the South. It was important because it co ...

Peruse and Some Alternatives

Peruse and Some Alternatives Peruse and Some Alternatives Peruse and Some Alternatives By Maeve Maddox A reader asked me about the use of the transitive verb peruse: I have a question please. On the National Geographic Facebook page, they wrote Today marks the third Earth-year since NASAs Curiosity rover made its nail-biting descent through Mars thin atmosphere, successfully landing on its dusty surface- and plans for the next mission are in the works. Peruse through this gallery to see stellar snapshots of Curiositys journey to the red planet. Is it supposed to have the through  or should it be peruse only? I promptly answered: â€Å"You are correct. The verb peruse is transitive. It takes an object. The through is redundant.† When I checked the Ngram Viewer to satisfy myself that â€Å"peruse through† would not come up, I was surprised to see that it does register, although barely. I stand by my initial response, that peruse takes an object and is not followed by a preposition. One might â€Å"pore over a book† but one â€Å"peruses a book.† Some controversy exists regarding the meaning of peruse. I’d always understood it to mean, read carefully,† but in researching this post I’ve discovered that it can also mean look over briefly or superficially.† The latter sense is present in the example from the National Geographic website, in which peruse means â€Å"to browse.† Peruse in the sense of â€Å"to examine† entered English from Anglo-Norman French, peruser, in the sense of examining a witness. Peruser does not survive in modern French. English peruse translates into French as â€Å"lire attentivement,† literally, â€Å"to read attentively.† Although still in general use, peruse tends to sound old-fashioned, pompous, or jocular. I dont agree with language critics who insist that peruse must be used only in the sense of â€Å"read carefully† and never to mean â€Å"to read superficially,† but I do suggest that English has plenty of options for either meaning. If you are looking for a word or expression that conveys the idea of careful reading or examination, you may choose from these: read carefully study scrutinize inspect examine pore over wade through On the other hand, if you want to express the idea of superficial reading, you may choose from these options: look through browse leaf through scan run one’s eye over glance through skim thumb through As for peruse, apparently you may use it to convey either idea. Whichever meaning you attach to it, however, don’t follow it with a prepositional phrase. Want to improve your English in five minutes a day? Get a subscription and start receiving our writing tips and exercises daily! Keep learning! Browse the Vocabulary category, check our popular posts, or choose a related post below:Congratulations on or for?Peace of Mind and A Piece of One's MindDealing With A Character's Internal Thoughts

Why do people bullying Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Why do people bullying - Research Paper Example Some of his classmates revealed that he was a victim of bullying for years. Some said that they saw it coming but did not expect it to be that far. Another victim, another life was lost because of bullying. Bullying has been a social issue that concerns all people from different walks of life. It has a number of reasons as well as effects. Various experts have conducted studies and wrote manuscripts about it. Over the years, more and more people have become aware about the matter. Indeed, bullying is a serious social concern that needs to be appropriately addressed by each sector and individual. There is no single definition of bullying. Several authors have explained it in various ways. Nonetheless, the definitions boil down to similar factors such as physical, verbal, and psychological behaviors (De Voe, and Chandler 1). It is the employment of force, abuse, or intimidation. Bullying can take in different forms like hitting, sarcastic comments, and insulting gestures. Few countries have policies regarding it. Nonetheless, there are already passed bills in the United States. This kind of violence is quite common than what people usually think (Romain 90). Evidences have shown that more than a few children have been targets of bullies. From childhood, this continues to affect teenagers, and even adults in the workplace. According to the Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System, 20% of students in grade school suffered from bullying. Furthermore, the National Youth Violence Prevention Resources Center stated that around 25% of American students get bullied. The students having immoderate attributes such as homosexuality and obesity have higher risks of being victims. There are many factors attributing to the occurrence of bullying. These can be social issues, family factors, personal history, or provocative targets. For example, much of social recognition comes from having power or authority. In order for others to sense one’s supremacy, abuse is sometimes being utilized. Homes that do not foster respect and acceptance are likely to produce children who are not empathetic. This leads to selfish and insensitive behaviors. Researches have also revealed that people who have personally suffered from bullying are likely to bully others as well. Furthermore, there are certain people who can be really annoying for some. This kind of characteristic makes others goaded to abuse or intimidate. There are certain motives why some people become violent and demean others. Mostly, children bully because they want to ascertain their social status. They want to be perceived as â€Å"cool† or popular. This is affected by the social constructs that afflict the community. Those who appear bossy and insensitive are regarded positively by many. Another probable factor is the presence of role models. Some become bullies because of social learning. They want the recognition or reinforcements that other bullies have had. Moreover, violence in mass med ia has greatly affected young mind sets. More and more characters are being portrayed to be terrorized. Also, the mere show of violence in the contents of the films influences viewers to be likewise aggressive in their dealings with the people around them. Bullying affects an individual’s physical, social and mental, and emotional aspects. Due to the pressures involved, victims experience depression and angst (Coloroso 53). Related are emotions of sadness and seclusion. If not intervened, these negative feelings may persist until adulthood. Furthermore, a person’s sense of self lessens due to a negative concept brought about by the oppression that he has