Benchmarking Is A Competitive Business Strategy - 790 Words

Lastly, benchmarking is a competitive business strategy where organizations compare their business processes and practices with other organizations that may simply do it better. Through benchmarking, organizations can determine how other businesses achieve high performance levels and how they can experience competitive advantages pertaining to customer service and the quality of their processes (Meybodi, 2013). Organizations have several different options when it comes to benchmarking, as they can compare business processes with competitors in their industry, successful organizations in other industries, and their own internal departments. Typically, businesses will benchmark other organization’s performance metrics that pertain to quality, time and cost (Meybodi, 2013). Organizations want to study the moves and decisions from the businesses that set the highest standards in the world. For example, organizations in the tech industry and start-up businesses aspiring to build do minant empires should benchmark the practices of Apple or Microsoft. Both of these companies have dominated the tech industry for the last few decades and have set the standard for being the absolute best. In a practical setting, Nike has the luxury to participate in internal benchmarking and external benchmarking. There external benchmarking options are limited because they rule the sporting industry and are content with their own practices. However, they still keep a strong tab on competitors suchShow MoreRelatedAdvantages And Disadvantages Of Benchmarking1340 Words   |  6 PagesBenchmarking The advancements in business in the last several years have led to the necessity for providing the best possible products to consumers. Globalization has created the opportunities for customers to look outside the local market to quickly and easily purchase desired products and services. These events have made it increasingly vital for the use of benchmarking. â€Å"Benchmarking is defined by Camp (1989) as a process that allows an organization to increase its performance by comparingRead MoreBest Practices And Benchmarking Analysis1011 Words   |  5 Pages Albany State University Best Practices and Benchmarking Jonatan Galan Business Internship 1 3100.01 Ms. Tracy Williams September 03, 2016 Best Practices and Benchmarking Benchmarking is the process of analyzing and comparing one’s business processes and performance measurement by looking at industry ideal and best practices from other companies. This process of obtaining a measure is a way of examining and discovering what is the best production being achieved whether in aRead MoreStrategic Management : First Individual Assignment1045 Words   |  5 Pages Strategic Management First individual assignment Benchmarking AMNA AHMED ALMUTAWA 2140002218 SECTION 207 Introduction; After the industrial revolution, business world has flourished with new concepts of management functions strategies, goals setting and performance techniques, evaluation and assessments methods which strength the competition level not only locally, but either globally. Organizations allover world tries their best to be the superior one in their field andRead More Richer Sounds - Competition Essay510 Words   |  3 PagesCompetition Competitive forces are the pressures put on a Business by other organizations which are competing to increase their share of the same market. The main competitors for Richer Sounds are broken into 4 main groups: 1. Large chain stores. E.g. Curry’s, Dixon’s and Comet 2. Small specialist shops 3. Large online electronic suppliers. E.g. QED-UK 4. Large online general supplier. E.g. Amazon and Tesco. These Businesses’ compete in many ways. The 3 main ways are AdvertisingRead MoreMarketing Plan827 Words   |  4 Pagesï » ¿Marketing Business Environment Marketing Planning: An Overview of Marketing 6 main questions to ask in order to create your marketing plan: 1. Where are we now? (Business Mission, Marketing audit, SWOT analysis) 2. How did we get here? (Business Mission, Marketing audit, SWOT analysis) 3. Where are we heading? (Marketing audit, SWOT Analysis) 4. Where would we like to be? (Marketing objectives) 5. How do we get there? (Core Strategy, Marketing mix decisions, Organization, ImplementationRead MoreSwot Analysis : Marketing Planning1708 Words   |  7 Pagesorganize various business activities, through concerted mutual product strategy, pricing strategy, promotion strategy and placing strategy to provide customers with satisfactory goods and services, and then achieve business goals (Piercy Morgan, 1994). Some scholars think that adopting benchmarking in marketing planning is easier to lead imitation. Enterprises tend to set competitor s marketing activities as templates, and use similar product strategy, pricing strategy, promotion strategy and placingRead MoreStrategic Management Tools1707 Words   |  7 Pagesresources to create core competencies to develop a strategy that has sustainable competitive advantage (Marti, 2004, p1), so the definition of a strategy as an ‘integrated and coordinated set of commitments and actions designed to exploit core competencies and gain a competitive advantage’ fits this argument. The strategic management process follows the lines of strategy, while also earning above-average returns (Hanson et al, 2008, p4, 25). Strategy, strategic management, and strategic thinking areRead MoreAnalysis Of Palmers Concrete Limited Liability Company1205 Words   |  5 Pagesmore attractive than those without. Palmer’s concrete needs a contemporary management technique as a defensive strategy than reactive. Several contemporary management techniques are analytical to this project, Benchmarking, Enterprise Risk Management (ERM), and Business Process Improvement (BPI). Contemporary Management Technique: Rationale Benchmarking. At first observation, benchmarking seemly, looks clear, and identifiable rationale for a Contemporary Management Technique (CMT) that could aidRead MoreCase Study : Plaza Home Health Services Essay1207 Words   |  5 Pageshome-based health services, with very competitive patient care. In Plaza Home Health Services, even though customers easily identify with the type of the services offered, the brand identity and position requires more resources together with the rebranding to create a sustainable brand which clients will be able to identify and recognize easily. It is no doubt this is an area that Nancy and Jeniffer have decided to critically look into to foster future growth of the business. SWOT Analysis Strengths In aRead MoreThe Key Concepts Of Quality Improvement1614 Words   |  7 Pagesof committed a senior manager to transition the key change process such as aim, objective, training, communication, planning to make employees awareness. In 1938 to 1970s, Xerox was the strong company about printer, however, in 1980s the printer business had new competitors, from both the US and Japan. The Xerox s analysts found management failed in company strategic direction that lead to high cost operation and low quality in comparison with competitors. As Dragolea and Cotirles (2009) suggested

GEs Imagination Breakthroughs The Evo Project - 3036 Words

GE’s Imagination Breakthroughs: The Evo Project Case 3-3 ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Problem: Primary The Transportation management team must make a difficult and very important decision to determine the Hybrid’s future because its opportunity cost is currently high and is under limited financing. ! Alternatives: 1. Continued Commitment with the Hybrid Concept 2. Place the Hybrid IB on Hold and Invest in Batter Technology 3. Discontinue the Hybrid ! Facts Considered: 1. Immelt is committed to the Hybrid project and its potential. 2. Organic growth and risk-taking are an important part of GE culture. 3. IB’s will play an important part in future revenues for GE. ! Recommendation: GE must continue with the Hybrid project as it†¦show more content†¦! IMPLICATIONS ON THE PERSONNEL †¢ An inability by Compte to make a decision ahead of the meeting with Immelt and to properly inform him of the actions needed to be taken with the Hybrid project could put Compte’s job on the line. †¢ GE seems to have turned a corner as of 2006. Any poor decision on future IB’s and the Hybrid project could lead to low a morale for the managers and employees if any managers have to be let go. †¢ A decision to drop the Hybrid as an IB could be displeasing to Immelt and put more pressure on Dineen and his team to come up with a new IB alternative. This could also lead to a low morale for the employees who had been working on the Hybrid because they may fear that they will be let go. †¢ The traditions managers of GE were seen by Immelt to lack certain skills to succeed in the current business culture that Immelt was trying to change and create. Any difficulties to properly adapt as Immelt wants could see these managers lose confidence in themselves, but also from Immelt. ! IMPLICATIONS ON THE ENVIRONMENT †¢ If GE were to move forward with the Hybrid and continue to improve it, it would mean a complete change in the locomotive industry and a benefit to the environment because of reduced fuel emissions. †¢ As of 2006, GE has been able to either maintain or increase its 70% market share of the locomotive industry. Therefore they have significant influence overShow MoreRelatedGe Imagination Breakthrough1042 Words   |  5 PagesGE Imagination Breakthrough Q : 1 What is your evaluation of Immelt’s new organic growth strategy? Why change GE’s existing successful strategy? Is it reasonable to expect that a $125 billion global giant can significantly and consistently outperform the underlying economic growth rate? What is your evaluation of Immelt’s new organic growth strategy? Answer: Immet’s new organic growth strategy is made up of following elements: * Technical Leadership – Immelt identified technology as a key driverRead MoreGe Imagination Breakthrough1036 Words   |  5 PagesGE Imagination Breakthrough Q : 1 What is your evaluation of Immelt’s new organic growth strategy? Why change GE’s existing successful strategy? Is it reasonable to expect that a $125 billion global giant can significantly and consistently outperform the underlying economic growth rate? What is your evaluation of Immelt’s new organic growth strategy? Answer: Immet’s new organic growth strategy is made up of following elements: * Technical Leadership – Immelt identified technology asRead MoreGe ´S Ib: the Evo Project1400 Words   |  6 Pages------------------------------------------------- GE‘s Imagination Breakthrougs: The Evo Project The case GE ´s Imagination Breakthroughs: The Evo Project is a really interesting case, it talks about the dramatic change that the company General Electric had to face in order to grow, and the process that the CEO had to pass in his first years in charge of the company. It also takes us in the quest of understanding and analyzing one of the main bets of the new CEO Jeff Immelt, which were the Imagination Breakthroughs, best knownRead MoreGe- Evo Project9203 Words   |  37 PagesNICOLE S. BENNETT GE’s Imagination Breakthroughs: The Evo Project As he prepared for the December 2006 meeting with GE’s CEO Jeff Immelt, Pierre Comte faced some difficult decisions. Only eight months into his job as chief marketing officer (CMO) of GE’s Transportation business, Comte would be presenting Transportation’s recommendations on some of the most visible growth initiatives in its locomotive business—projects that had been designated â€Å"Imagination Breakthroughs.† IBs, as they wereRead MoreEli Lilly3325 Words   |  14 PagesGlobalization of CEMEX (Ch 2) Case Presentation and discussion: ï‚ · Case 3: A Speed Race: Benelli QJ (Ch 2) ï‚ · Case 4: GE’s imagination breakthroughs: The Evo project (Ch 3) Case Presentation and discussion: ï‚ · Case 5: McKinsey Company (Ch 5) Case Presentation and discussion: ï‚ · Case 6: Eli Lily in India (Ch 6) ï‚ · Case 7: ECCO A/S Global value chain management (Ch 4) 8 Group Case Projects Each group will develop and deliver a presentation that critically examines one of the cases scheduled from session

Rcsc214 Exam 1 Free Essays

Chapter 1 Retailing-consists of the final activities and steps needed to place merchandise made elsewhere into the hands of the consumer or to provide services to the consumer. Last step in supply chain. Trends that affect Retailing today: * E-tailing- ie. We will write a custom essay sample on Rcsc214 Exam 1 or any similar topic only for you Order Now The Internet accounts for less than 5% of retail sales but has changed consumer behavior. (speed, convenience, control, vast info, lowest prices) hasn’t destroyed †¦ *Bricks-and-Mortar retailers – Retailers that operate out of a physical building. ’ but B M retailers must give customers more control to combat E-tailing. Outshopping-when customers get needed info (such as proper size or how to assemble a product) in the store and then orders it online for a lower price and to avoid paying sales tax. * Price Competition Loss Leader-selling a product at or below its cost Bottom Line-net profit on an income statement *Same-Store sales-compares an individual store’s sales to its sales for the same month in the previous year. *Market Share-the retailer’s total sales divided by total market sales *Scrambled Merchandising- exists when a retailer handles many different and unrelated items. The result of the pressure being placed on many retailers to increase profits by carrying additional merchandise or services (with higher profit margins) that will also increase store traffic ex. Convenience store that sells low margin gasoline but high margin bread, milk, beer, ciggs ETC. Supercenters, gift cards in grocery stores but causes cost increases in RENT, INVENTORY COSTS, LABOR COSTs *Category Killer-a retailer that carries such a large amount of merchandise in a single category at such good prices that it makes it impossible for customers to walk out without purchasing that they need, thus KILLING the competition Categorizing Retailers Census Bureau- NAICS code Number of outlets- Chain? Or not? *Standard Stock list-a merchandising method in which all stores in a retail chain stock the same merchandise *Optional Stock List approach-merchandising method in which each store in a retail chain is given the flexibility to adjust its merchandise mix to local tastes and demands. *Channel Advisor or Captain-the institution (manufacturer, wholesaler, broker, or retailer) in the marketing channel that is able to plan for and get other channel institutions to engage in activities they might not otherwise engage in. Large store retailers are often able to perform the role of channel captain. *Private Label Branding- May be store branding, when a retailer develops its own brand name and contracts with a manufacturer to produce the product with the retailer’s brand, or designer lines, where a known designer develops a line exclusively for the retailer. Margin/Turnover Gross margin percentage- measure of profitability GROSS MARGIN/NETSALES Gross Margin-NET SALES – COST OF GOODS SOLD Operating Expenses-expenses that a retailer incurs in running the business other than the cost of merchandise Inventory Turnover- refers to the number of times per year, on average, that a retailer sells its inventory. High Performance retailers-retailers that produce financial results substantially superior to the industry average. Low margin/low turnover-operates on a low gross margin percentage and a low rate of inventory turnover†¦ will not be able to generate sufficient profits to remain competitive and survive. High Margin/Low turnover-(bricks and mortar) high gross margin percentage and low ate of inventory turnover ( high end stores, mom and pop) Clicks and Mortar-instore and online Low margin High turnover- low gmp, high rate of inventory turnover (wal mart, amazon. com) High, High- convenience stores, 7 eleven, circle k, Location- new non traditional places. Size *Store management- the retailing career path that involves responsibility for selecting, training, and eval uating personnel, as well as instore promotions, displays, customer service, building maintenance, and security *Buying-retailing career path whereby one uses quantitative tools to develop appropriate buying plans for the store’s merchandise lines. Analytical method –finder and investigator of facts Creative Method- Idea person Two pronged approach- both analytical and creative CHAPTER 2 Strategic planning- involves adapting the resources of the firm to the opportunities and threats of an ever changing retail environment * Development of mission statement * Definition of specific goals and objectives for the firm * Identification and analysis of the retailers strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats –SWOT ANALYIS * Development of basic strategies that will enable the firm to reach its objectives and fulfill its mission Mission statement- a basic description of the fundamental nature, rationale, and direction of the firm. Market Share- retailer’s TOTAL SALES/ TOTAL MARKET SALES Profit-based Objectives-deal directly with the monetary return a retailer desires from its business ROI/RONW- Return on investment/ Return on Net Worth STRATIEGIC PROFIT MODEL (MEMORIZE) Net ProfitMargin| Net Profit /Total Sales| Return on Assets| Net Profit* /Total Assets| Financial Leverage| Total Assets/Net Worth| Return on Net Worth| Net Profit*/Net Worth| X = Asset Turnover| Total Sales/Total Assets| Stockouts- products that are out of stock and therefore unavailable to customers when they want them Productivity objectives- state how much output the retailer desires for each unit of resource input: Floor space, labor, and inventory investment. * Sales prod: net sales/ total square feet of retail floor space * Labor prod: net sales/#of full time equivalent employees * Merchandise prod: net sales/average dollar investment in inventory Societal Objectives- those that reflect the retailer’s desire to help society fulfill some of it’s needs. * Employment objectives * Payment of Taxes * Consumer Choice * Equity * Being a benefactor RASM- (revenue per available seat mile) calculation used by airlines. Yield Management- the understanding, anticipating and reacting to changing customer needs in order to maximize the revenue from a fixed capacity of available services. (1)low marginal costs (2)fixed capacity (3) perishable product (4)fluctuation demand (5)different market segments Personal Objectives-reflect the retailer’s desire to help individuals employed in retailing fulfill some of their needs. * Self Gratification * Status and respect * Power and authority Strategy- a carefully designed plan for achieving the retailers goals and objectives. 3 strategies Get shoppers into your store/ traffic strategy Convert these shoppers into customers by having them purchase merchandise (retailers conversion Do this at the lowest operating cost possible that is consistent with the level of service that your customers expect Target market-the group of customers that the retailer is seeking to serve Location-geographic or cyber space where the retailer conducts business Retail mix- the combination of merchandise, price, advertising and promotion, locations, customer service and selling, and store layout and design Value proposition- clear statement of the tangible and/or intangible results a customer receives from shopping at and using the retailer’s products or services Operations Management- deals with activities directed at maximizing the efficiency of the retailer’s use of resources. It is frequently referred to as day to day management. CHAPTER 6 Horizontal Price Fixing- occurs when a group of competing retailers (or other channel members operating at a given level of distribution) establishes a fixed price at which to sell certain brands of products ILLEGAL violates Sherman Antitrust Sec 1 Vertical Price Fixing-occurs when a retailer collaborates with the manufacturer or wholesaler to resell an item at an agreed upon price Price discrimination- occurs when 2 retailers buy an identical amount of â€Å"like grade and quality† merchandise from the same supplier but pay different prices. Clayton act makes only certain forms illegal DEFENSES Cost justification- differential in price could be accounted for on the basis of differences in cost to the seller in the manufactur, sale, or delivery. Due to differences in quantity or method. Changing market differences-justifies based on the danger of imminent deterioration of perishable goods or on the obsolescence of seasonal goods. Meeting Competition in good faith -lower price was made in good faith in order to meet an equally low price of a competitor Deceptive Pricing-occurs when an misleading price is used to lure customers into the store and then hidden charges are added; or the item advertised may be unavailable. Predatory Pricing-exists when a retail chain charges different prices in different geographic areas to eliminate competition in selected geographic areas. Palming off-occurs when a retailer represents that merchandise is made by a firm other than the true manufacturer Deceptive advertising-when a retailer makes false of misleading advertising claims about the physical makeup of a product, the benefits to be gained by its use, or the appropriate uses for the product. Bait and switch- advertising or promoting a product at an unrealistically low rice to serve as â€Å"bait† and then trying to â€Å"switch† the customer to a higher priced product. Product liability laws-deal with the seller’s responsibility to market safe products. These laws invoke the forseeability doctrine, which states that a seller of a product must attempt to foresee how a product may be misused and warn the consumer against hazards of misuse. Expressed warranties- are either written or verbali zed agreements about the performance of a product and can cover all attributes of the merchandise or only one attribute Implied warranty of merchantability- made by every retailer when the retailer sells goods and implies that the merchandise sold is fit for the ordinary purpose for which such goods are typically used Implied warranty of fitness- a warranty that implies that the merchandise is fit for a particular purpose and arises when the customer relies on the retailer to assist or make the selection of goods to serve a particular purpose Territorial restrictions-are attempts by the supplier, usually a manufacturer, to limit the geographic area in which a retailer may resell its merchandise Dual distribution- occurs when a manufacturer sells to independent retailers and also through its own retail outlets One way exclusive dealing arrangement-occurs when the supplier agrees to give the retailer the exclusive right to sell the suppliers product in a particular trade area Two way exclusive dealing arrangement- occurs when the supplier offers the retailer the exclusive distribution of a merchandise line or product in a particular trade area if in return the retailer will agree to do something or the manufacturer, such as heavily promote the suppliers products or not handle competing brands. ILLEGAL. Tying agreement-exists when a seller with a strong product or service requires a buyer to purchase a weak product or service as a condition for buying the strong product or service Ethics-set of rules for human moral behavior Explicit code of ethics-consists of a written policy that states what is ethical and unethical behavior Implicit code of ethics- an unwritten but well und erstood set of rules or standards of moral responsibility Chapter 14 Empowerment- occurs when employees are given the power in their jobs to do the things necessary to satisfy and make things right for customers. Servant leadership-an employees recognition that their primary responsibility is to be of service to others. 20% of customers generate 80% of sales value proposition-the promised benefits a retailer offers in relation to the cost the consumer incurs customer relationship management CRM-comprised of an integrated information system where the fundamental unit of data collection is the customer, supplemented by relevant information about the customer erformance appraisal and review- is the formal, systematic assessment of how well employees are performing their jobs in relation to established standards and the communication of that assessment to employees Motivation-is the drive that a person has to excel at activities, such as a job, that he or she undertakes Esprit de corps- occurs when a group of workers feel a common mission and a passion fo r that mission and a pride in being part of the group Fixed component- typically is composed of some base wage per hour, week, month, or year Variable component-is often composed if some bonus that is received if performance warrants Fringe benefit package-is a part of the total compensation package offered to many retail employees and may include health insurance, disability benefits, life insurance, retirement plans, child care, use of an auto, and financial counseling Job enrichment- the process of enhancing the core job characteristics to improve the motivation, productivity, and job satisfaction of employees. How to cite Rcsc214 Exam 1, Essay examples

The Supreme Court System Essay Example For Students

The Supreme Court System Essay The Supreme Court SystemThe justices determine which cases to take. They never explain the reason for their choices. Whether or not a case is accepted strikes me as a rather subjective decision, made up in part of intuition and in part of legal judgment, Rehnquist wrote in The Supreme Court: How It Was, How It Is, his 1987 book about the court. Important factors, he said, are whether the legal question has been decided differently by two lower courts and needs resolution by the high court, whether a lower-court decision conflicts with an existing Supreme Court ruling and whether the issue could have significance beyond the two parties in the case. For example, the justices likely accepted the sexual-harassment case brought by Paula Jones, a former Arkansas state employee, against President Clinton because it will test the important question of whether a president should have to defend himself against a lawsuit while in office. They also agreed for the term that began Monday to review a case challenging the constitutionality of a federal handgun-registration law, no doubt in part because lower courts are divided about whether the law, which requires sheriffs to check a purchasers background, unconstitutionally burdens local officials. But the justices do not automatically take on all cases posing significant societal dilemmas. Last June, for example, they refused to hear one on the legality of college affirmative action programs. The case did not garner the four votes needed to accept a petition for review and to schedule oral arguments on it. Before those votes are cast in the closed-door session, however, a case must pass muster with several of the youngest, least experienced lawyers in America the 36 law clerks who serve the nine individual justices and who, in effect, are their staff for a term. These clerks, most often four to a justice, usually are recent law school graduates and typically the cream of their Ivy League schools. It is the clerks who first winnow the 7,000 or so annual petitions, settling on the select few that they believe the justices themselves should consider. There is no set number or quota for each weeks conference. With the clerks memos in hand and in the closed conference room, the justices summarily reject most of the appeals. They discuss petitions flagged by one or more of the justices. Then, according to justices public accounts over the years, they vote aloud, one at a time by seniority but starting with the chief justice. While the chief justice leads the meeting, the most junior justice, now Stephen G. Breyer makes handwritten notes that will be passed to a clerk for public announcement of disposition of petitions. Rehnquist is known for running a brisk session. Bam! Bam! Bam! one associate justice said in describing the groups swift disposition of cases. Among the richest sources of inside information about the court are the papers of the late Justice Thurgood Marshall (1967-1991). They describe negoti ations as cases moved through the process. They show, for example, that only by the bare minimum of four votes did the justices accept a case that eventually yielded an important 1990 ruling on religious freedom. As is his responsibility by tradition, Chief Justice Rehnquist laid out the facts of the case and lower court rulings on it: Two Native Americans had been fired from their jobs at a private drug rehabilitation center after ingesting peyote, a cactus that contains the hallucinogen mescaline, as part of an ancient Indian religious ceremony. The men were denied unemployment compensation by the state of Oregon because officials said they were fired for illegal conduct. State drug law prohibited use of peyote. The men were never charged with a crime, and they sued the state, contending that denial of unemployment compensation violated their right to religious freedom. The Oregon Supreme Court sided with them, ruling that the anti-drug statute should not outlaw religious use of p eyote. The state appealed to the Supreme Court. When the case first arrived here in 1987, Rehnquist voted to hear it. Next in seniority and entitled to the second vote was William J. Brennan Jr., who apparently was concerned that the high court might overturn the Oregon Supreme Court ruling and voted no. Next came Byron R. White, who voted yes, the second of four votes needed to accept. Marshall voted no. Harry A. Blackmun said he would vote yes if three other solid votes were committed to hearing it. This vote to join-3, as it is called, means that a justice is ambivalent but willing to vote yes if three colleagues want the case. Lewis F. Powell Jr., John Paul Stevens and Sandra Day OConnor voted no. Then it was time for the last and then-newest justice. Antonin Scalia voted to take the case, ensuring that with Blackmuns join-3 vote, the states appeal of an order that it must pay the men unemployment compensation would be reviewed. The case eventually would result in a decision aga inst the men. The justices overturned the state supreme court decision saying there is no violation of the First Amendment right of free exercise when a general state law incidentally infringes on religious practices. The majority opinion, written by Scalia, upset religious groups across the spectrum and prompted Congress in 1993 to pass legislation to reverse the rulings legal effects and enhance protection for minority religious practices. That effort marked one of the rare times that Congress successfully negated the effects of a court ruling by saying laws infringing on religious practices must meet a very strict compelling interest test. A few years earlier, Congress had failed to outlaw flag burning, which the Supreme Court had ruled was a form of free speech protected by the First Amendment. When Congress first responded, in 1989, by passing a law prohibiting flag desecration, the court ruled it unconstitutional. Then when Congress tried in 1990 to amend the Constitution, the effort never garnered the necessary two-thirds vote in the House and Senate. Cask Of Amontillado (1151 words) EssayGovernment Essays

Racial Profiling Essays (476 words) - Offender Profiling

Racial Profiling The United States is not a healthy democracy The United States is not a healthy democracy. A basic requirement for any healthy democracy is its founding on the basic principle that all men are created equal. This means that man is judged on the fact that he is man, and only that. There are no other means or factors brought into account. This is not the way men are judged in the United States. In the United States, ethnic and racial generalizations often influence judicial execution. The attorney general's office of New Jersey itself released a 112 page preliminary report concluding that many officers may be inadvertently discriminating against minorities in their fervor to stop drug traffickers. This report was based on the findings of an investigation on the tactics of New Jersey highway patrols and what criteria they use in identifying suspicious motorists. Among their findings were that over a four year period, eight out of every ten cars pulled over on a southern stretch of the new jersey turnpike were minorities and forty percent of all traffic stops over a twenty month period involved minorities. In addition, the police themselves admit that race is a factor in how they decide whom to stop and search. But the problem is not limited to police officers and their behavior; it escalates into a federal judicial issue in which the profiling is deemed constitutional. In the case u.s. v. Weaver, the u.s. court of appeals for the Eighth Circuit upheld the constitutionality of the officer's actions in using race as a factor (among others) in his decision to stop a potential drug-smuggler. Other courts have agreed with the Eighth Circuit that the constitution does not prohibit using race as a factor when they decide who is a suspect, if this is done for purposes of law enforcement and crime prevention. Furthermore, there is no visible end to this injustice in the near future since state police leadership has encouraged this racial profiling by giving trooper of the year awards to those who make big drug arrests and then failing to monitor whether troopers are disproportionately arresting minorities. To the credit of the police, it must be said that their actions, however questionable, were done with only the intentions to uphold the law, as was also found in the attorney general's report, that generally, the officers were not racist and the arrests were not racially motivated, nor were their any claims of racial harassment filed against these same officers. Taking into account all these facts, listing time and time again how those who are responsible for the upholding of the constitution look at citizens, it is impossible to conclude that the u.s. abides by the principle of equality. And if this fundamental criterion is not met, there can be no healthy democracy. Legal Issues

Scopes Trial essays

Scopes Trial essays In 1859, Charles Darwin published his book the Origin of Species, which would forever change the way people thought about the creation of man. In his book, Darwin made two main points. First, he claimed that man evolved into his current physical state over a time period of millions of years. Secondly, he discussed a method for how this evolution worked. For this he gave the term natural selection. Darwin asserted that natural selection was a process through which organisms adapted over time to the climate in which they were situated. The individuals with the stronger traits thus had more surviving offspring. Through this filter of evolution, the strongest individuals survived. So, Darwins evolution worked in that each generation of beings became progressively stronger, and so this continuous process is the source of the evolution of species. As we all know though, the idea of creationism had been written in the Bible long before Darwin had ever been born. Thus creationism was the known and accepted method for the creation of man for several hundreds of years. Shortly after Darwins Origin of Species was published, it seemed as if creationism and evolution could peacefully coexist as alternate theories regarding the creation of man. It was not until after World War I that evolution saw its first opponents. After the war many people believed that German aggression during the war reflected the same survival of the fittest mentality discussed in Darwins Origin of Species. As a result of American Christian Fundamentalist complaints, in the 1920s, 37 anti-evolution bills were passed. The Legislatures of 20 states had now incorporated laws attempting to ban the teaching of Darwins evolution in public schools. Crusades to eliminate Darwinism from American public education began as early as 1917 and were quite successful in the South, where Fundamentalists controlled the b...

Fall of the Roman Empire and How it relates to America today Research Paper

Fall of the Roman Empire and How it relates to America today - Research Paper Example To fight this imminent fall, the Americans ought to swing into action and defy the ill-governing principles and take their economy back to normal. The fall of the Roman Empire is its gradual societal breakdown. Many scholars have come up with numerous theories, aiming to describe the causality of its gradual collapse. Most of these theories base their focus on the military, political, social and economic disintegrations, in tandem with foreign intrusions and usurpers from amongst the empire occupants (Murphy, 2007). The gradual decline has culminated through a period of 4 centuries. Numerous vile events, which had happened in the entire Roman Empire history, have worsened its decline process. These gradual changes can better be termed as complex transformations. Rome went through detrimental transformations in the administration, which profoundly implicated the entire regime negatively. A critical stage arrived where Rome was no longer a suitable or effective administrative centre for the Emperor to administer fro. Consequently, Rome had several emperors administered rule effectively. The eastern emperor launched a gothic war, which was extremely perilous. It affected the eastern domain militarily and caused considerable harm to Italy. Due to these wars during the seventh century, Rome and other Italian municipalities collapsed to their detriment to an extent that Roman citizens completely vacated it. The Persian intrusion of the eastern empire, during the seventh century, further weakened the Roman Empire perilously. Progressively after the Persian invasion, Egyptian Muslim warlords waged heavy wars on the eastern empire (Bury & Gibbon, 2004). This major blow detrimentally hampered and curtailed much Mediterranean trade, in which Europe participated, Following thereafter was an epoch of dominance by the eastern empire, which were periods of cultural

ORGANIZATIONAL BEHAVIOR Term Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

ORGANIZATIONAL BEHAVIOR - Term Paper Example The company through its wide variety of mobile and web applications makes it easy for the customers to carry out their day to day business operations. Through its mobile operated App it allows the customers to share, connect and communicate with others living far away. The customers can even share photos and videos with their friends and followers. Another important App that the company has newly launched is that of the money transaction App which allows the customer pay bills, transfers money to their close ones within a fraction of seconds. Organizational citizen behavior is considered to be a component of job performance. It deals with the fact that how well an employee connected to an organization performs, and the performance of an employee will in turn have an impact on the company’s success. Organizational behavior refers to employee commitment as the employees stand out to be a backbone of the particular organization. Researchers have stated that job satisfaction is very important for an employee. If the employees are satisfied with their job, they are bound to perform well as per the company’s protocol. EZ-Chat Inc. a social networking giant has been performing very well since the last five years as it has around ten million customers and the list is still growing. However, a recent study has indicated that often the employees of EZ-Chat Inc. wish for a job change due to too much work load. Hence, they become victims to sleeplessness and nervous disorders. Interpersonal communication between the employees and the organization is very important for maintaining a positive work atmosphere. A friendly work atmosphere with no politics gives a lot of job satisfaction to the employees and the employees eventually perform well. Easy Chat Inc. provides a big opportunity to its customers to maintain an interpersonal relationship with their

Greek and Roman Civilizations Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Greek and Roman Civilizations - Essay Example Socially, Greece in the archaic period of civilization was constituted by various independent states by the name polis or in other words city states. The Athens polis was the biggest and it covered approximately 2,500 km squared while other polis were smaller and would only cover about 250 km squared. The society of Greece was formed up by slaves and free people. Slaves were owned by the group of free people. They usually worked as laborers and servants and had no rights legally. These slaves would sometimes be war prisoners or would originate from foreign traders of slaves. Slaves usually lived very closely to their owners, but just a few of them were skilled as craftsmen or even paid. As the society of Greece continued to develop, the free men became divided into two Metics and Citizens. Citizens would be born of parents from Athens and these formed the most powerful group of people. They would perform roles in the Government of polis. They would undergo a compulsory service in the army of Greece and later become government officials as well as play part in the service of jury. Metics, on the other hand, would be of foreign birth but migrate to Athens. These would either practice craft or take part in trade. Metics would pay taxes and at given times would be called up to take part in army service. They would never achieve full rights as those accorded to the citizens. They would also not own land or houses and even worse would not speak in courts of law on any given matter. Note that the social classes would only apply to men while women would be part of the class that their partners formed. (Rips, 2008 pp957, 958) A major defining as well as long-term Greek char acteristics was the political system. Democracy as a form of rule was a bit a complex issue in Greece and the system of politics of Greece was highly linked to the rationalism belief of Greeks. The basis of the political sys

What Do Ethics Have To Do With Research?

What Do Ethics Have To Do With Research? Ethical behavior is defined as a set if moral principles, rules or standards governing a person or profession. Most importantly, principles of ethical conduct includes that the researcher should do no harm, that privacy of and anonymity of participants must be protected, that confidentiality of information must be maintained, that informed consent of participants needs to be obtained including assurance that participation is voluntary, with the chance to withdraw from the proposed research, that inappropriate behavior must be avoided, and that, data must be interpreted honestly without distortion. Lastly, the extent to which participants are to share in data ownership and any benefits from the research must be considered. Although the principles seem straightforward, a series of example were provided that exemplified the difficulty in adhering to the principles, often because situations may have a complex array of conflicting interests. The report presents and identifies range of ethical issues on possible divergence that researchers have to deal with when undertaking or participating in research. Following on, ethical considerations in quantitative and qualitative research the investigator must scrutinize; among others are relevant examples of cases that revolve around unethical issues and the penalty of violation. The role of IRB was discussed, which precedes discussion on how ethical issues in research can be solved the conclusions and final remarks. Chapter 1 Introduction What do ethics have to do with research? Ethical code or moralities are expression of how we should behave as individuals and as a society. They are moral judgments that can be applied to particular situations to help us make decisions and guide our behaviors. Without doubt, they are linked to cultural values at a precise time in our history and are subject to change as attitudes and values evolve. What is well thought out to be insensitive today can be normative, just a half century ago. In doing research there may be a conflict between the speedy conduct of a study and the trouble of doing what is deferential to humans or even animals. While, researchers are focused on knowledge expansion and on the methodology of their projects like personnel and equipment, statistical analysis, selection of subject, research protocols and sample size. At the same time, as essentially accountable persons, they try as much as possible to respect the research environment, which requires attention to the suitable exercise not only of physical resources including funds, but also to animal and human subject matter. Merely whilst the research is of adequate quality to potentially contribute to knowledge can we justify involving participants and making use of other resources? Ethical considerations may help to decide whether the research should be done, and if so, how it should be pursued. Thus, it is vital to be capable, transparent, sincere, and adhere to ethical guidelines in regard to research subjects. Definition of Terms: Research Pearson: (1995-2010 prentice Hall) Research is the systematic process of collecting and analyzing information to increase our understanding of the phenomenon under study. It is the function of the researcher to contribute to the understanding of the phenomenon and to communicate that understanding to others. Ethics: Consider the problem of definition of ethical. Ethics, as a term, is commonly used to refer both to morals beliefs beliefs about what are right and wrong to do and ethical theory (justifications for moral beliefs) (Beauchamp and Bowie, 1997). Obviously, ethical issues can be raised throughout all phases of research, notably problem definition, stating research objectives/ hypotheses, literature review, choice of research design, questionnaire design, data collection procedures, data editing and cleaning, choice of statistical methods, data analysis, conclusions and recommendations, and even referencing. Writers vary widely on ethical issues in research. Often, they oppose on what is and is not morally satisfactory in social research. Debates about research ethics highlights certain tremendous cases of supposed ethical wrongdoing, although in fact the latent for unethical research is much larger. Some cases of unethical research are often associated with particular research methods, s uch as disguised observation and deception in experiments. In as much as ethics apply at every stage of the research, it is very imperative as a researcher to uphold ethics in research as this is what the industry mostly needs: Trust- Decision makers trust researchers to make provision for precise information Confidentiality and professionalism Goodwill- This is applicable to the respondent for their willingness to volunteer their personal information on their awareness, manner and deeds. This paper discusses the significance of ethics in research, considerations the researchers must scrutinize and the penalty of violation. Research must be carried out in a safe and ethical approach. The paper will look into range of ethical issues (procedural ethics, practices and cases of ethical violation) in the next session. Chapter 2 Ethical issues in research Ethics is an essential part of any research project. One may assume ethics is just another stage of research, one that is tackled with filing out a standardized set of forms submitted to an ethics committee. (e.g. IRB) may not lend itself to effectively assessing ethical issues. Ethics has become a cornerstone for conducting effective and meaningful research. As such, the ethical behavior of individual researchers is under unprecedented scrutiny (Best Kahn, 2006; Field Behrman, 2004; Trimble Fisher, 2006). In todays society, any concerns regarding ethical practices will negatively influence attitudes about science, and the abuses committed by a few are often the ones that receive widespread publicity (Mauthner, Birch, Jessop, Miller, 2003). Clearly, researchers have liabilities to their line of work, patrons, and respondent and are obliged to high ethical standards to make certain that both the purpose and the information are not brought into ill repute. As a branch of philosophy it deals with the dynamic of decision making concerning what is right and wrong. Scientific research works, as all human activities, is overseen by individual, community and social values. Research ethics engage requirements on daily work, the protection of dignity of subjects and information in the research that is being made known. In recent years ethical thoughtfulness have come to forefront, however, as a Doctoral candidate embarking on a research project, participating in research, we must cope with value systems that are very fundamental in the course of the study. The societal value, which is about the human rights, and the values about the scientific query. (Clarke, 1991) points out that the values may clash with value subjects, communities, and societies and create tensions and dilemmas. Ethics as a discipline deals with the broader value system of our society that encompasses the consensual agreement on what is right and wrong. This set of values is much broader than that which is legislatively defined as legal and illegal. These principles are the essential underpinning that helps to maintain civil and tranquil acceptance and agreement within society. The scientific community needs to address and resolve ethical problems not only because of their natural un-acceptableness to scientific research, but also to avoid the corrosive effect these problems eventually will have, if not resolved, on our society mores. We need to be deeply involved in the ethical dialogue to at least maintain, and if possible, raise the barrier of unethical behavior in science. A climate of silence with regard to these problems will undoubtedly result in lowering ethical barriers, to the determinant of our society. In this paper, the most significant ethical issues will be addressed. This stu dy will also attempt to highlight the possible divergence that researchers have to deal with when undertaking or participating in research. Ethical issues that affect research conduct Whether a researcher is a psychologist, education or anthropologist, the primary responsibilities is to help protect participants and aim should be clear: to consent ought to be obtain, protecting the participants from harm, and privacy should be ensured. Though, there is one area of responsibilities that is often less clear for both the researcher and the participant, which is intentional deception. These areas are covered in more detail below. Informed Consent: This involves the procedure by which an individual may opt whether or not to be involved in the proposed study by the investigator. The task of the researcher is to make certain that participants have a complete of the purpose and methods to be used in the study, the risk involved, and the demands placed upon them as a participants (Best Khan,2006; Jones Kottler, 2006).) The participant must also understand that he or she has the right to withdraw from the study at any time. The two forms of consent are direct and substitute. Direct consent is the most preferred because agreement is obtained directly from the person to be involved in the study. Substitute consent, or third-party consent, is given by someone other than the person to be involved in the study. Substitute consent may be obtained when it is determined that the person does not have the capacity to make the decision or is dependent on others for his or her welfare, such as children under the age of 18 or people with cognitive or emotional disabilities (Nagy, 2005a; Roberts, Geppert, Coverdale, Louie, Edenharder, 2005). Both direct and substitute consent must meet the requirements for informed consent. Harm: Psychologists must take reasonable steps to avoid harming their clients/ patients, students, supervisees, research participants, organizational clients, and others with whom they work, and to minimize harm where it is foreseeable and unavoidable. (American Psychological Association, 2002, p. 6) When psychologists become aware that research procedures have harmed a participant, they take reasonable steps to minimize the harm. (American Psychological Association, 2002, p. 12) The most basic concern in all research is that no individual is harmed by serving as a participant, as suggested above by the APA and AERA codes of ethics. In the context of research ethics, harm may be broadly defined to include extreme physical pain or death, but also involves such factors as psychological stress, personal embarrassment or humiliation, or myriad influences that may adversely affect the participants in a significant way. Certain types of investigations present potential harm to participants . Research that involves physically dangerous treatment may present real possibilities for harm if the treatment is inflicted on the participants. Unfortunately, there are examples of investigations in which ethical principles were violated in an extreme fashion (see Young, 2005). Other areas of research are specifically intended to examine the effects of psychological or emotional stress. Such research represents tremendously difficult circumstances, especially when the procedures involve actual infliction of stress. There is always the possibility that a subject may become seriously ill (e.g., have a stroke or heart attack) as a result of the stress. In addition, the possibility exists that the stress itself may be harmful to participants from a psychological standpoint. People who are institutionalized or incarcerated, such as prisoners, person with severe disabilities, or people with serious mental illness, may agree to participate in a study either because they should to be abl e to show evidence of good behavior or to gain approval of supervisors. Unfortunately, some troubling examples of ethical violations have occurred with the studies involving these individuals (Field Behrman, 2004; Moser et al., 2004). Highly vulnerable populations should not be taken advantage of in the name of science. Researchers investigating topics involving these individuals must exercise extreme care. Very young children, the elderly, or people with disabilities may be easily convinced that most activities are important, are of little harm, and should be engaged in for the benefit of society (Drew Hardman, 2007; Quadagno, 2005). Privacy: Researchers should know that this is the point at which the objective of study and the right to privacy may come into conflict. Frequently, research of this nature is aimed at obtaining information concerning attitudes, beliefs, opinion and behavior. Thus, pursuing the goals of science, while guarding against unnecessary invasion of participants privacy, present complex issues. As with other ethical thoughtfulness, privacy has become more and more valued right. Seeking privacy is an act of isolation or confidentiality removed from public view or knowledge. According to Hill (2005) identifies three imperative elements to confidentiality in research with participants. These are Public confidentiality- not identifying research participants in study reports, presentations and so forth: Social network confidentiality- not passing on information to family members, friends or other known to the participants, and lastly, third party breach of privacy- where a group or household members reveals something personal about another. (Hill, 2005, p. 75). Privacy considerations in research include both the need to have a safe, private physical location in which the research is conducted, and making sure that participants privacy through anonymity and confidentiality. For example, both these privacy aspects are high lightened in a UK study with lesbian and gay participations that were vulnerable, due to stigmatized identities (Valentine et al., 2001). However, this study, it is vital to have a safe research space in which participants could speak in pr ivate and liberally, and to protect their anonymity and confidentiality so that they were not identifiable. Deception: This occurs when the researcher provides misleading or withholding information from participants about the project. Deception is permissible when the benefits outweigh the costs. This happens when the investigators present their research as something other than what it is. Dishonesty should be minimized and when necessary, the degree and effects must be mitigated as much as possible. However to highlight more on this issue, deception refers to either an omission or a commission on the part of the researcher in terms of interactions with participants. An omission deception could mean that investigator does not fully inform participants about important aspect of the study. Other information or part of it is usually withheld. Commission is a situation in which the researcher lets out false information about the investigation, either to some extent or entirely. More so, the participants may not be aware of the ongoing study, but only to be informed about a section of it. Secondly, they are aware of their involvement in the study, which is out of the ordinary, giving them misleading information regarding the proposed study or activity. Apparently, in this situation the researcher is misrepresenting the study. Regardless of the precise nature of deception, it has become a very prominent issue for investigators concerned with the ethics of conducting research.As we move through the first decade of the 21st century, deception is receiving widespread attention in educational and social science research with increasing concerns regarding its use on the Internet (Keller Lee, 2003; Lichtenberg, Heresco-Levy, Nitzan, 2004; Mishara Weisstub, 2005; Nagy, 2005c; Pittenger, 2003). The next chapter will discuss ethic al considerations in the context of quantitative and qualitative research, how the rationale is to inform researchers as to the ethical issues that possibly will be specific to a given research approach. Ethical considerations in Quantitative and Qualitative research Conceptually, the ethical considerations for both quantitative and qualitative research are the same safety and protection of human rights These are mainly achieved by using the process of informed consent The utilization of informed consent is problematic in quantitative research, but practically impossible in qualitative methodologies in which the direction that the research takes is largely unknown (Ramos 1989) Munhall (1988) argues that informed consent can be achieved in qualitative research by re-negotiation when in expected events occur, but one can argue in turn that this places greater responsibility on the researchers, as well as requiring them to possess a high level of skill, especially in negotiation. Ethics and quantitative research This involves studies of which data that are analyzed are in form of numbers. In this kind of approach, behaviors are counted, accurate answers or miscalculations are counted, and other kinds of measures are documented in terms of quantity. This type of research involves experimental and non experimental research. Ethical issues in experimental research focus on individual protection that receives an intervention. For example, an intervention may involve training participants in group communication where a great deal of self disclosure is required. This is a technique where people are instigated to talk about their feelings, attitudes, and experiences, of which this may be quite personal. In addition to the problems related to participants who receive an experimental treatment, there are also difficult ethical issues involving those who are in a placebo or control group. Such would be the case where one group of students in a high school receives a newly developed science program (ex perimental treatment) that appears to be very effective, and a second group receives the science program that was used for many years with limited effectiveness (control group). One ethical perspective is that the researcher has the responsibility to provide the new treatment to all participants. However, some researchers may have a very different view. This opposing perspective is often called the natural state argument. This argument contends that the untreated participants are not being denied a benefit they already have; they are merely being left in their natural state. In the example above, the high school students in the control group continued to receive the science program that had been used in the school for many years. Clearly, neither of the above positions is acceptable for all research (Field Behrman, 2004; Gross, 2005; Roberts et al., 2005). Ethical issues also exist in conducting no experimental research where an investigator does not impose or manipulate conditions. Although ethics in no experimental designs (e.g., survey research) are often less complex or harmful than experimental studies, it is important for investigators to be aware of basic principles for protecting the participants, including full disclosure and consent. For example, in survey research, each respondent should be fully informed as to the purpose of the study, participant demographics (e.g., teachers, college students, and the general public), confidentiality of responses, how the results are intended to be used, and who will have access to the data. Bacon and Olsen (2005) also indicate that survey researchers have the ethical responsibility of not wasting a respondents time and to only collect data that has utility (real use). Schenk and Williamson (2005), in discussing the ethical responsibilities involved in conducting no experimental research on children, suggest if the information gathering activity will not directly benefit the children involved or their community, do not proceed (p. 17). Ethics and qualitative research This kind of approach involves recorded data in narrative descriptions, not numbers. A researcher makes use of qualitative methods to observe and describe conditions rather than control them. An essential ethical principle for qualitative researchers is this: Do not interfere with the natural setting under the study. More to the point is the fact that participant and non participant observations are vital components of qualitative research and are used extensively in the fields of education, sociology and anthropology. However, each presents unique ethical issues in regards to consent, privacy and deception (Brinkmann Kvale, 2005; Haverkamp, 2005). Informed consent is necessary but can be problematic when relying on observations in a qualitative research study. Although potential harm from treatment is not generally a threat, there are other ethical concerns. Clearly, there is a substantial threat to privacy. A revelation of observed conversations and behaviors could cause harm to p articipants in their families, communities, or place of employment. In addition, the actual research participants, who have given consent, may not be the only people observed. In natural settings, people move in and out of interactions and settings for many reasons (Creswell, 2005; Denzin Lincoln, 2005). To conclude, from the discussion quantitative and qualitative methods are dissimilar; one approach is not superior to the other, both have recognized strengths and weaknesses and are used preferably in combination. Recognizing the tension between researchers about quantitative and qualitative research, and attempting to comprehend it, may serve to create relevant and distinctive modes of enquiries. Cases that revolves around unethical issues As more and more organizations, industries realize the importance of ethics in research; they take initiatives to apply them at every stage of their investigation. Some examples of cases are been looked into below: Case 1: Two infamous studies of obedience to authority The ethical principle of beneficence refers to the Hippocratic be of benefit, do not harm. Beauchamp and Childress, puts forward that the principle of beneficence includes the professional mandate to do effective and significant research so as to better serve and promote the welfare of our constituents. According to the studies Milgrams (1963) electric shock experiments and Haney, Banks, and Zimbardos (1973) prison studies were perceived as villainous, and to further investigate the issues, the experiment conduction was not in accordance with the principles as expected, and more to the point is the fact that, provision for precise intention was not known by the participants. The complex ethical issues raised in this studies relates to the potential harm that was incurred by partakers. Ford and Reutter, (1990) points out that beneficence relates to the benefit of the study, while non malificence relates to the potential risk of participation. Non malificence requires a high level of s ensitivity from the researcher about what constitutes harm. While Burns and Grove (2001) discomfort and harm can be physiological, emotional, social and economic in nature. As a researcher you do not want to do anything that would cause physical or emotional harm to your subjects this could be something as uncomplicated as being cautious how responsive or tricky questions are worded during the experimentation. As stated in the studies, there was no consideration of all possible consequences of test and or balance of the risk with proportionate benefit. Conversely, to justify these benefits there is need for a precise safeguard and guidelines to protect the interest of the subject involved in the experiment conduction. Case 2: A covert study of unofficial rewards Researchers involved in research have to consider many ethical problems relating to the issues of informed consent. In addition, they must ascertain that the participants have comprehended fully their right to withdraw at any time. According to the study, Daltons (1959), one of the key ethical issues is the concerns of lack of informed consent, as participants were in no position to be able to judge whether or not to become involved in the research, as they were only vaguely aware of the nature of researchers interest. Consent, can however, be a major ethical issue for researchers, they need to provide full explanation at the end of their data collection, even if they cant disclose to the participants, the true research objectives. Although the strategy of the researcher was to help protect their anonymity. Apparently, the respondent had volunteer to give out there personal information since they trusted the researcher in other words he should protect their dignity and privacy as wel l. Researchers are expected to obtain informed consent from all those who are directly involved in research or in the vicinity of research. This principle adheres to a larger issue of respect to the participants so that they are not coerced into participation and have access to relevant information prior to the consent. Case 3: Studying health-seeking behavior When embarking on a research, one should be sure that they are not taking advantage of easy to access of individuals. Sound ethical suggests that it is the duty of researchers to preserve, protect privacy, dignity, well being and freedom of the participants. Meaning to say potential participants are entitled to know the purpose of and nature of the proposed research so as to choose whether or not to be involved. According to the case, a team of social scientist are concerned about the improvement of womens health, of which they wants to learn why women do not return to hospital for the results of Papanicolaou (Pap) tests. The aim of the research is to find out how to improve services to these women. As pointed out in the case, social scientists were granted permission to conduct their investigation, and were also provided with records of patience in the hospital with names and addresses so as to enable them visit the patients in their homes. The ethical issues been violated, is the c oncerns of lack of informed voluntary consent, invasion of privacy and confidentiality. This principle adheres to a larger issue of respect to the respondents assuring that confidentiality of information shared and anonymity wont be revealed. The subjects were to be informed of the proposed research involving them; thereby they can express their views and opinion, knowing that the information is going to be utilized in a confidential manner. It is not justifiable to grant permission to the investigator to use the records of the potential patients without their consent as a matter of fact I will say confidentiality was breached in this situation, of which it wasnt inappropriate that the they paid the patients visit at their residence without their permission.(Adapted from material developed by the UNDP/ UNFPA/WHO/World Bank Special Programme of Research, Development and Research Training in Human Reproduction, Bangkok Thailand, 2004.) Case 4: Invasion of privacy in visual research Whether a researcher is a psychologist, educator, or anthropologist, the primary responsibilities to participants are clear: obtain consent, protect from harm, and ensure privacy. However, there is one area of responsibility that is often less clear for both the researcher and the participants: intentional deception. They may have a combination of these and other characteristics that render them unable to exercise free will and make decisions. For such individuals, the question then becomes one of who can give consent on their behalf and what should be considered in the process. There is a need to constantly be vigilant in these situations. Gall 1996, states that all researchers have good intentions, but if they are not careful, their studies can place individuals in situation that involves risk. The issue in the case revolves around anonymity and confidentially of which this is potentially more problematic due to the recognizability of what is involved in the proposed research. Part icipant feel positively about been involved in any test or experiment, it is because of the fact that it will serve as a useful purpose. Some actually enjoy been the subject and are quick at giving their opinion, while others strongly resent or even mistrust aim of the research. This is as a result of the fact that most participant fear if sophisticated techniques to probe their deepest feeling and utilizing this knowledge might be used against them. In as much as legal issue is more complex, specifically the one pertaining to copyright ownership, researchers are supposed to take measures to protect dignity and privacy for their employment not to be in jeopardy. Researcher should carefully weigh the gains achieved against the cost in human dignity. There should be a provision of full and accurate explanation to participants at the conclusion of study, including counseling, if appropriate. An example is when a researcher pretends to be who they are not in order to carry out their intention. On the other hand, this method can result into a severe invasion of privacy and the researchers obtain information they would prob ably never have known. Case 5: An example of an ethical fieldwork dilemma Robbins and Trabichet (2009) defined a dilemma as a situation where one has to choose between two options but does not know which side to take because both seem legitimate (p.52). Complexity and uncertainty are other distinguishing characteristics of an ethical dilemma, Ethical dilemmas are dilemmas because the right course of action is not always clearly visible (Liddell, Cooper, Healy, Stewart., 2010, p14). Kitchener (1984) described an ethical dilemma as a situation where there are good, but contradictory ethical reasons to take conflicting and incompatible courses of actions (p. 43). In the case of Holliday (1995: 17-18) the issues of ethical dilemma faced was that the participant was technically coerced in committing industrial espionage. This involves such unethical and or illegal behavior so as to help disclose operational secrets or even production formulas. This is not intentional but due to the crisis pressuring the company owner, he was looking for a means of helping his business succeed. Each companys culture is different, but some stress profits and results above all else. In the ongoing situation within the company setting, the company owner has turned a blind eye to ethical breaches since the participant has no choice other than to execute the proposed intent offered, giving the firms mentality of the end justifies the means. Conclusively for the cases, ethical issues, conflicting values and ambiguity in making of decision, are persistently emerging from literature review on research. Due to lack of simplicity in ethical standards researchers must endeavor to develop an awareness of this issues and an effectual framework to deal with these problem involving human rights. This is very obligatory in order to come into terms with the issues of the researchers value relative to the rights of individual versus the interest society. As long as there are professional codes, laws, regulations, and ethics committees can make provisions for guidance but the final determinant of how research is conducted, rest with the researchers value system and moral code. Chapter 3 Discussion on how ethical issues in research can be solved As researchers or students, you are bounded by the code of conducts and ethical standards imposed by college or university. In as much as there is an establishment with Institutional Review boards (IRBs), their job is to make certain that, research involving human subjects must be reviewed, approved and monitored. This is a design made for critical oversight. As pointed out by Bi

Assimilation into Society :: essays research papers

Because of the concept of the word race, wars have been started and millions of people have been discriminated against. To me, it appears to be simply another evil in the world that we, as humans, must deal with and potentially overcome. Since the beginning of time, race has done nothing but give people a reason to argue, fight, and discriminate. It gives people reason to not associate with their fellow man. It causes a fear of the out-of-the-ordinary. Without education, race can be a barrier separating us. It takes an intelligent, genuine person to see past this nonsense. Education helps one realize the fallacy race creates. There is no such thing as a superior race. Unfortunately, many people have difficulty seeing past portrayed stereotypes. It may take a person years or decades to come to terms with the fact that their skin color means about as much as their eye color. Eric Liu, an Asian-American, and Malcolm X, an African-American, take us on their journey through the difficult process of accepting their individual races. Both authors have periods of confusion and disorientation about their races which causes them to change their appearance in order to feel accepted. Ultimately, they overcome their misconceptions and learn to appreciate themselves. During his childhood, Eric Liu had difficulty coping with the fact that he was an Asian-American living in a predominantly white community. His appearance and his home life, among other things, made him feel out of place. Living in a middle-class suburb that was dominated by â€Å"whiteness,† Liu was disoriented by his role in school and society. And so in three adjoining arenas- my looks, my loves, my manners- I suffered a bruising adolescent education†¦ In each of these realms, I came to feel I was not normal. And obtusely, I ascribed the difficulties of that age not to my age but to my color. I came to suspect that there was an order to things, an order that I, as someone Chinese, could perceive but not quite crack. (415) His confusion only grew with his age. He began blaming his race for his own inability to find a girlfriend. Complimented on being sweet, smart, and nice, he could find no other reason for the void he felt in terms of relationships (Liu 416). As a teenage boy, he needed to find a reason to explain his shortcomings. He needed something to blame for his disappointments and setbacks.