Literature Review Essays - Drinking Culture, Health, Neuroscience

Literature Review Kerrice Lawrence St. Mary's University College Most philosophers believe that behaviors are not inborn, but rather, developed by means of habits. Teaching imparts virtue , and it is believed that every child who is taught, including the bad ones, would be better than those that have never been taught. Bad behavior is associated with lack of education and low social status , while c ollege attendance is mos tly associated with self-improvement and upward mobility ( Parker-Pope, 2008) . However, f indings from different research studies tell a different story . Surprisingly, university/ college students are more likely to behave badly than their non-college-attending peers ( Parker-Pope, 2008) . P aper will give a critical review of research studies on the bad behaviors such as suicide, drugs, alcohol, health risks, and cannabis use of university/college students . Research by A r ria, O'Gr ady, Caldeira, Vincent, Wilcox and Wish (2009) states that s uicide is the second leading killer of college students and the third leading killer of youths aged 1 5 to 24 years. It accounts for approximately 1,100 student deaths annually (Arria et al., 2009). Suicide ideation is believed to be an important precursor to completed suicide and attempted suicide cases . The research was aimed at estimating the predictive ability of various suspected risk factors, their interactions on suicide ideation among college students , and the intervention . Specifically, the study's goals were to estimate the prevalence of suicide ideation among college students, and to develop a multi-dimensional explanatory model that explains college suicide ideati on. The study employed a face-to-face interview method. The results showed that depression is a clear risk factor for suicide ideation. Lack of social support was also a prominent risk factor for suicide ideation among college students. The study also found that parent-student relationships were very significant in suicide ideation among college students. The likelihood of suicide ideation increased with h igher levels of conflict with parents. Preventive factors identified included parental supervision, spending time together as a family, and family cohesion . The risk factors identified by most students included poor communication between students and parents, low parental approval, low perceived support, and family dysfunction. Besides family conflict, suicide ideation among college students is linked to lower family cohesion , higher emotional unavailab ility of the parents, and lower security in the students' current attachments to parents (Arria et al., 2009) . The study also linked suicide ideation among college students to social support , affective dysregulation, and other fac tors such as alcohol use disorders (AUD). This study, however, was limited to a single public university , thus the results may not be generalized to all students in other areas or i n small private universities or colleges. Besides, the study did not consider several factors that contribute to suicide ideation among college students. Such factors include stressful life events like troubled relationships and other personal, p rofessional, and academic problems , financial struggles, and family problems . Psychological disorders like anxiety have also been linked to suicide ideation among college students, though not included in this study. For most students, transition between adolescence and adulthood occurs during the university or college life. This life is characterized by high levels of stress as the students try to adjust to increased academic demands and new social environments. The social support networks also undergo drastic changes during this per iod, such as the separation from home and parents. P revious study by Arria et al. (2 009) used the interview method while Neighbors, Lee, Lewis, Fossos and Larimer (2007) use the survey approach to talk about bad behaviors . Neighbors et al. (2007) illustrated that h eavy alcohol consumption is a prevalent and problematic behavior among college students . About 40%-45% of college students in U.S. engage in heavy episodic drinking. The effects of heavy drinking among college students include academic problems, criminal behavior, injuries, unwanted sexual experiences, and deaths. This study was aimed at evaluating the relati ve contribution of social norms, drinking motives, demographics, and alcohol expectancies in predicting the alcohol consumption and the related problems among the heavy-drinking college students (Neighbors et al., 2007). The study employed a screening

Global Warning essays

Global Warning essays GLOBAL WARMING IS A GRAB FOR POWER Although Sowells article was interesting reading and had some good points in it, for me, it did not support its conclusion. That is that Washington wants to scare the population about Global Warming, so it can expand its power in answer to societys demand to fix the problem. First, let us examine his reasons. He uses the analogy of Paulovs dog to suggest we have been conditioned to respond in a fearful way to the phrase Global Warming. It is true that we have heard this phrase from time to time but, 1) It does not seem to generate any more emotion than did the Global Cooling in the 1970s, that Sowell make mention of in his essay, and 2) Sowell doesnt support with evidence the government as the source for the repeated exposure of the Global Warming phrase to the public. In fact, Sowell's essay generally attributes the proponents of this phrase to scientists. Although scientist may be utilized by government to address various bio-phycho-social problems they are not necessarily the government per se. They can be independent researchers employed by special interest or private, for profit or non-profit, businesses. Sowell also refers to computer models as being the tool orchestrating the hysteria about Global Warming. Again, I ask what hysteria? Also the word orchestrating is very ambiguous. In this case, it most probably means conducting or leading, but computers are not objects you play like instruments, they are tools for compiling and communicating information. He even makes reference to garbage in, garbage out. However, the fallacy is assuming the information that is going in is put there by the government and that it is garbage. A just as reasonable assertion can be that the information used to create the computer models was done by objective researchers and that the information is v ...

Primary and secondary Data Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Primary and secondary Data - Essay Example With the transformation of the globe, various trends of globalization are paving the way for new business opportunities. The ease of getting access to information has significantly beefed up the level of competition that exists in the global markets. In order to gain advantage in this competition, it has become very necessary for the companies to undertake significant amount of research before the process of launching a new product or service in the market. The conduction of research helps in the process of estimating the needs as well as the demands of the market. About the company The company that has been considered in this case is California based Monster Energy Corporation. Talking about the company, it can be said that it is one of the leading marketer and distributor of various energy drinks and beverages. Some of the most popular brands under the product portfolio of the company are Monster Energy, Hansen’s, Peace Tea, Worx Energy, Blue Sky etc (Monster Energy Company, 2012). Talking about the market segmentation for the company’s products, the focus for the US markets mainly depends on the young audience. Also, the company’s products are segmented and targeted towards the masses of some of the foreign markets which are spread in the developing as well as the developed regions. In this case, it has been assumed that the company is trying to launch a new energy based drink for the US market. The speciality of the new product is that this energy drink is exclusively for the female audience. Hence, the audience that needs to be segmented in this case is mostly the young female population residing in the US. Different types of data and research methodology Market research is a very vast domain, which comprises different kinds of approaches, tools and techniques. While trying to conduct a market research, it needs to be highlighted that the data can be of two types. There can be primary or secondary data. Primary data are gathered by the researcher for the purpose of finding more relevant information for the project at hand (Burns and Bush, 2006, p. 146). On the contrary, secondary data are already available as some other researcher has actually collected or compiled the data for relevant usage in their respective project (Zikmund and Babin, 2007, p. 160). Now, while discussing the types of research methodology, it can be said that it can be either descriptive, exploratory or causal in nature. Descriptive research is conducted when the main objective is to describe market related characteristics. Exploratory research is done when the focus is to discover new insights in regards to the main research question. Causal research is done when the researcher wants to explore a particular cause and effect kind of a relationship (Malhotra and Dash, 2008, p. 81). 5 different types of secondary research The five different types of secondary research that are available to the researcher are: government publications, online dat abases, data from previous research available in various research papers and research magazines, published magazines, secondary data from syndicate organizations. Nature of Research required for the new product Taking into consideration the nature of the product, it can be appropriate to do a secondary research followed by a primary research to gauge the reaction of the consumers in regards to the

The good and bad of standards based on innovations Essay

The good and bad of standards based on innovations - Essay Example First, standards refer to the documented agreements, which comprise of technical guidelines that make sure processes, products, materials, and services are produced up to par or are fit for presentation. On the other hand, innovation can be described as an introduction to a new method, approach or concept to a product/enterprise to bring about exclusivity in function, behavior or form. It should be understood that innovation and standards are somehow interrelated, whereby a standardized model, will ensure innovation is quickly achieved. By introducing standards on innovations, an organization or a firm will have formed a basis for the introduction of new innovations, and also move a notch higher to ensure the components of the new innovation are mutually compatible. Moreover, standards are critical on innovation, because it is an avenue of having a mutual understanding in an organization, and can be used as a tool to facilitate measurement, communication, manufacturing and commerce. The good aspect of standards is what has made it to be everywhere and also play an important role in the economy. For instance, allowing firms to comply with relevant laws and regulations, offering interoperability between new and existing processes, services, and product. However, while standards are critical to the success of innovation, it also has its shortcomings if enough care is not put in place. For instance, when standards are used in isolation, it cannot be the best tool to provide evidence for performance, hence providing a leeway for discrepancies. (Gann, & Salter, 2000, pp. 955-972) As observed from the aforementioned ideas, standards based on innovation can be very beneficial to an organization, through providing a framework for new innovations. Although, for quite some time now, some organizations have always got it wrong when it comes to thinking about innovation and standards. Some organizations

The change in women's position in society Term Paper

The change in women's position in society - Term Paper Example It is still the situation in some parts of the world especially in Muslim communities. The culture was mainly based on the community’s religious beliefs. It was the case in most parts of Europe. Comparing the position of women in the current society and their position before the late 18th century, it is clear that there has been a significant evolution in this matter. France was at the center of this development when it began in the 1780s. From part 8 of the documentary Marie Antoinette, The economic troubles due to wars and poor harvest results in a revolution. It marks the start of a change in the position of women in society, in France and Europe as a whole (6:23). Before the French revolution, the women in France like most parts of Europe were not considered of equal status as men. Women were considered second-class citizens and so were not allowed to take part in certain activities such as leadership and governance, voting and some professions that were considered men’s work. Some activities were marked out as men’s activities and women were meant to stay at home, bear children and raise them. In the documentary Marie Antoinette, after the marriage of the princess Marie Antoinette of Austria to Prince Louise of France, it was the duty of the princes to produce children for her husband. From the movie of The Return of Martin Guerre Mr. Martin Guerre narrates about a community in Brazil where women went to war and made all the major decisions in their society. Mr. Pierre Guerre, an uncle to Martin Guerre replies by saying, â€Å"On the day when women go to war and become rulers of France that would be considered the end of the w orld." It gives a picture of the position of women in the French society in the 17th century (42:56). In the middle ages, the situation of women in society was dictated by the Christian doctrine. Most parts of Europe were dominated by the Catholic Church, and the Christian culture was meant to uphold morality.

Role Of Stakeholders In Projects Construction Essay

Role Of Stakeholders In Projects Construction Essay The management of competing stakeholders has emerged has as an important weapon in the successful implementation of projects. According to Olander and Landin 2007, there is a growing and natural tendency for external stakeholder groups to try to influence the implementation of construction project in line with their individual concerns and needs. This presents a challenge for project managers to assessing and managing these various concerns and needs in order to ensure that the execution of the project is not hindered. Yang et al, 2009 pointed out that the construction industry has a poor record of stakeholder management over the past decades owing to the complexity and uncertainty of projects. Many problems can arise in the implementation of construction projects such as project managers having unclear objectives as regards stakeholder management and underestimation of the power of key stakeholders. In order to solve these problems, project managers needs to develop effective strategies for managing stakeholders. Proper management of stakeholders will lead to stakeholder cooperation and enhances the achievement of project objective while neglect of stakeholders can hinder it. This report seeks to analyse and establish the important role that stakeholders play in the implementation of construction projects with focus on the UK construction industry. Documentary analysis and discussion of findings are presented in this research report. Chapter 1 1.0 Introduction In the execution of any project, and especially in construction projects, there are so many different interests that need to be taken into consideration. The representatives of these interests are those that are referred to as project stakeholders (Olander and Landin, 2005). In order to effectively manage project stakeholders, there is the need for an understanding of the term stakeholders. Rodney, 2007 describes project stakeholder as a person or group of people who have a vested interest in the success of project and the environment within which the project operates. The management of stakeholders is very important in the execution of any construction project. For instance, in large infrastructure and engineering projects, several studies have revealed how stakeholders significantly influence the project outcome. Hence, there is the need to develop appropriate strategies by which stakeholders will be managed from the inception of the project up till the final closing out stages. Understanding the stakeholder theory provides a solid framework for identifying, analysing and categorizing stakeholders as well as recognizing their behaviour in order to manage them effectively ( Aaltonen, Jaakko and Tuomas, 2008). The purpose of stakeholder identification and analysis is to facilitate an understanding of how to successful manage project stakeholders in todayà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s rapidly evolving environment. Olander and Landin, 2005 higlighted that the requirements of the community apply pressure on organisations to modify or change their working methods and the means of communicating with stakeholders. They further reiterated that any stakeholder with a negative perception can severely hinder a construction project from achieving its objectives. The concerns and interests of stakeholders if not properly managed often lead to serious conflicts and disagreements. Stakeholders are very important to the success of a project. It is vital to identify them as they affect or are affected by the project. Pan (2005) believes that the identification of stakeholders involves knowing those with high or potential interest in the project and its outcome and involves the grouping of stakeholders with shared objectives together. Winch, 2010 describes project stakeholders as those actors which will incur or perceive they will incur a direct benefit or loss as a result of the project. The execution of construction projects usually brings about new product or value, but they can also have damaging effects creating such problems as noise, dust, environmental pollution and other obstruction within the project area. These often lead to public outcry and resistance from local residents and other interest groups whom could be affected by the construction project. Winch, 2010 categorized the different types of stakeholders for a construction project in order to aid analysis and management of their problems. He classified them into two categories, which are internal stakeholders and external stakeholders. Internal stakeholders are those persons and organizations that are directly involved and affected by the project while the external stakeholders are those that are not directly involved but may be affected by the project. The internal stakeholders were broken down around the client as those on the demand side and those on the supply side while the external stakeholders were broken down into public and private actors as shown in table 1 below. This research is designed to provide essential background and recommendations for managing project stakeholders and the impact of their behavior and on project success. 1.2 Overview of the Research. According to Newcombe, 2003 the role and nature of the construction client in the United Kingdom have changed dramatically over the last 50 years. He further assert that different stakeholders have varying levels and types of investment and interest in construction projects and can be viewed as multiple clients or customers for the project in which they are involved. Stakeholders with different levels and types of power and interest in construction projects have expectations that the project manager must manage. In order to achieve these, the project manager must adequately identify who the project stakeholders are, recognise what these stakeholders expect from a construction project and then develop strategies to manage the stakeholders. It is important to state that conflicts and controversies can arise in the implementation of construction projects if the concerns and interests of the stakeholders are not properly managed. To prevent this, project managers need to take into consideration the concerns of all stakeholders and devise a means of discourse to reconcile conflicting interests. Construction projects affect stakeholders in both positive and negative ways (Olander and Landin, 2005). For instance, a construction project can be of relevant use to one stakeholder group and have negative consequences on another. Getting to understand each stakeholderà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s point of view and providing a room for dialogue will help foster good relationships and avoid potential disruption to project plans. This research will therefore examine the role in which stakeholders play in the implementation of construction projects and their impact, establish the relationship between theory and practise in relation to stakeholder participation in construction projects and propose strategies for managing external stakeholders through out the project life cycle. 1.3 Rationale The rationale for this research will be divided into three parts, namely: Academic, Business and Personal. 1.3.1 Academic The has been a wide range of literature and studies on project stakeholders and how to manage them, however this research will focus on the assessment of the impact of stakeholders in influencing project objectives and how they can be managed. The importance of managing stakeholders in a construction project to ensure its success will be analysed in this research. 1.3.2 Business Large construction projects are usually a subject of varying controversies from the turbulent environmental forces. The complexity of these projects generates a lot of interested parties who either have something to gain or loose from the development of the project (Walker). These stakeholders exert all power within reach as they seek to influence the outcome of the project. Managing the project effectively requires that stakeholders are properly managed as a function of the project management process. 1.3.2 Personal Successful project managers recognise the relevance and importance of stakeholder management to project success, and as a potential project manager, it is a necessity to have an in-depth understanding of the management of stakeholders in todayà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s volatile environment, most especially with construction project which has generated so many tensions in the past. My previous degree in Civil Engineering has also necessitated my desired to have the construction industry as a case study. 1.4 Aims and Objectives The aim of this project is to identify and evaluate the influence and role of stakeholders in the execution of construction projects: a case study of the UK construction industry. This research will examine the role in which stakeholders play in the implementation of construction projects with particular emphasis on external stakeholders and their impact in influencing the project outcome. Below are the objectives of this research project: To evaluate the influence of stakeholders in the implementation of construction projects (using stakeholder mapping together with the power/interest matrix). To establish the critical success factors associated with stakeholder management in the construction projects. To examine the level of stakeholder involvement in the construction project life cycle. To propose strategies for managing external stakeholders in construction. 1.5 Scope The scope of this project includes: Documentary review on the subject area of à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‹Å"Managing project stakeholders in construction and project success. Preparing a primary research plan and proposing a primary method for managing stakeholders in construction projects. The scope exclusions include; This study will be restricted to the primary research plan only and will not include any secondary research. 1.6 Deliverables The deliverables for this research plan will be divided into two; internal and external. Internal Deliverables: A project research plan that contains the study background, aims and objectives, overview of the research study, rationale, scope and exclusion, assumptions and considerations, and structure of the report. A documentary review on the topic area. A primary research proposal Conclusion and recommendation, and highlights for further research areas. External Deliverable: A compiled Management report submitted to enhance further research. 1.7 Assumptions and Considerations. The demands of different stakeholder groups are diverse, thus project managers must be able to evaluate the variety of demands presented by stakeholders so as to enhance communication between them. However, consideration is given to the fact that the stakeholders analysed in this research will be applicable to a wide range of construction projects as well as the strategies to be proposed. 1.8 Methodology The research will employ the use of a case study to investigate the role and impact of project stakeholders in influencing their needs and expectations. The research methodology to be adopted for the research will be predominantly qualitative. The preference of the qualitative approach is driven by the objectives of the research which is descriptive and explanatory in nature. Documentation analysis will be used to analyse any relevant documents gathered that relates to the research. 1.9 Project schedule The research plan for this work which outlines the steps to fulfil the objectives as well as the timescale for the research is presented in Appendix 1 which is attached to this project research plan. 1.10 Research Structure This research will consist of an introductory part made up of the project research plan, and will further be divided into four chapters with; Chapter 2 reviews relevant literatures by other experts and documents on the research topic, and then presenting a critical analysis of facts and ideas which are significant to the topic. Chapter 3 will focus on the methodology for the research which is mainly documentary analysis and will present a proposal for the primary research plan. Chapter 4 will present a findings and discussion of the key element of the research. Chapter 5 will be a summary of the project to provide a conclusion and recommendation and also areas for further research.

Essay --

INTRODUCTION In California, 2013 marked the direst year on record. Rainfall precipitation statewide was 7 inches, while the previously recorded driest year dates back to 1898, with 11.6 inches. So it was no surprise that on January 27th 2014, Governor Brown declared California in a drought state of emergency and directed state officials to take action (DWR). The Department of Water Resources has reduced water allocations from the State Water Project to zero percent, affecting 29 public water agencies. Not only has the current drought impacted California on a political level, it has evoked panic in the public, especially farmers, who rely on a steady water supply to make their living. There is an urgent need for a solution, but little agreement on an action. Conservation approaches have always been in play, however another proposed solution involves the production of potable water through the process of desalination. Desalination involves the removal of salt and other minerals from saline water to produce pure water. Specialized facilities, referred to as desalination plants, utilize this process to generate fresh water from seawater and brackish ground water. The water produced by these plants can then be used for human consumption and agricultural purposes. Therefore, the construction of desalination plants is being considered as an answer to the state’s current water crisis. Although desalination offers the significant benefit of an increased water supply, there are negative environmental impacts. The problem is its extreme energy demands resulting in high emission of greenhouse gases. Background Desalination is a not a new idea; President Kennedy opened the first desalination plant in 1961. Although interest began in 1952 ... ...lifornia’s water future. Desalination offers a benefit like no other, especially during situations of drought such as the one California is currently experiencing. With a constant supply of fresh water through desalination, farmers will not be subjected to water cuts and thus a reduction in agricultural production. The output of 3 to 4 desalination plants will be large enough to provide water to both the agriculture and the people of California. Conclusions Like any political policy, limiting the number desalination plants in California has its benefits and its costs. The potential water supply produced by these plants will be cut in half. However this is an acceptable cost when you consider the lowered potential of environmental harm. Both sides of the debate will never be in harmony, although the proposed policy offers a compromise that should be considered.