Analyze two poems Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Analyze two poems - Essay Example Poems have particular structures and require the appropriate utilization of language in order to depict the feelings of the poet but still maintain the basic poetic nature. Such features do not change and has not changed through time since the earliest poets such John Donne employed them in their poems and so are the modern day poets as discussed in the essay below. Poems tell stories by addressing specific features of the society. They do these by analyzing the social occurrences in the form of thematic issues, which the poets analyze poetically and represent in their works while maintaining the relativity of thought and feelings enjoyed by artists. John Donne did this in his two works in which he portrays several thematic issues. In The Legacy, the poet discussed the gravity of separation, relationships break, and families separate for different reasons. Such separations are always sad and emotion. The pot discusses this using several social factors which he feels best describe the feelings people have whoever separated by their loved ones (Donne 31). Among the social factors, he sues in discussing the importance and gravity of separation is death. Death is a social phenomenon that has been in the society since time immemorial. Humans feel pain whenever they lose their loved ones to death. John Donne thus compares the pain his separation creates to that of his death (Carey 54). He does the same with The Flea in which he discusses sexual sin. Sex just as death in the Legacy has been a part of humanity since time immemorial. People attach immense importance to sexual relations and so does John Donne in the poem. The persona in the poem tries to convince a woman to sleep with him and in doing so; the persona explains his belief in relation to sexual intercourse. He for example explains that during the intercourse their blood would mingle thus making them one. In composing the poem, the author discusses several social and physical phenomena that help describe the nature of his society. One of such is Christianity, religion. By personifying the flea, the poet represents the trinity a basis of the Christianity. He uses the flea and its blood sucking nature to portray the mingling of human blood during sexual intercourse. Poems have natural features that help them qualify as such. As a renowned poet, John Donne portrays immense understanding of the structure and features of poetry thus employ them effectively. Among the important features of poetry and poems is the need for rhythm. Rhythm refers to the specific sound patterns that poems have thus making their recital easier. The poet employs different poetic elements in establishing rhythm in his poems. Among the most evident elements, he uses are rhymes and the use of chorus among many others. Rhymes are an essential aspect of poems that help develop the rhythm thus making recital of poems easier. The poetic element refers to the use of words with similar sound patterns in the lines of a stan za. The words placed at the end of the lines should have similar sound patterns during pronunciation thus helping recite the poems as they lead the audience from a line to the next. Rhymes thus have patterns and The Flea has one definite rhyme patterns throughout the entire poem. The first two lines end in a similarly sounding word as so are the second two lines as the poem progresses. Such a pattern is known as the aa, bb, cc, dd, ee. The poet creates the

Fundamental of Marketing Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

Fundamental of Marketing - Case Study Example It expanded into the European market by acquiring Elkjop, a leading Nordic retailer, and this led to further growth of the business. Further acquisitions include UniEuro in Italy, and other acquisitions in Ukraine and Russia. In Russia, Dixons explored a joint venture with an existing ElDorado, but decided not to pursue the joint venture (Jobber & Ellis-Chadwick, 2012, p, 66). Dixons Retail Plc expanded into Ireland, Greece and the Czech Republic to become Europe’s largest specialist electrical retailer and services company (Jobber & Ellis-Chadwick, 2012, p, 66). All along, Dixons Retail Plc has developed a robust business model, in which the customer has not always been in the heart of the company’s business planning. Initially, the group’s competitive position was focused on the product-focused approach. The company used the ‘stack-em high—sell-em cheap’ positioning statement (Jobber & Ellis-Chadwick, 2012, p, 66). The company’s produ cts were sold in brightly coloured stores that attracted customers by being packed with new and exciting electrical goods. Customer satisfaction was not a central focus to this strategic approach; hence it was overlooked (Jobber & Ellis-Chadwick, 2012, p, 66). However competitors had not missed out in this aspect. Given the marketing environment, Dixons Retail Plc had to devise a marketing strategy to maintain its market share, and even perform better in the market. A formal marketing planning process outlines how the elements of a marketing mix will work together to ensure maximum effectiveness (Grensing, 2013, p 21). The marketing planning process defines marketing goals. It also outlines the strategies that will be used to meet the marketing goals and the tactics, which will be implemented to achieve the marketing strategies (Grensing, 2013, p, 21). Dixons Retail Plc, when devising its marketing strategy, applied a formal marketing planning process, as described next. First, Dixo ns Retail Plc formulated a mission statement by devising a meaningful statement of the purpose and direction of business. The company devised a transformation strategy which would include the customer at the heart f the business. This approach was to be guided by a new positioning statement ‘bringing life to technology’ (Jobber & Ellis-Chadwick, 2012, p, 67). According to McDonald and Mouncey (2011, p, 27), a strategic marketing plan should begin with a mission or a purpose statement. Therefore, Dixons had formulated a new mission or purpose statement to set objectives that its new marketing planning process had to achieve, in the form of a transformation strategy. Second, there were overall objectives that were meant to shape Dixons Retail Plc’s marketing plan or transformation strategy. In this case, Dixons Retail Plc had five, clear objectives for its strategic plan. The objectives include that of laying focus on the customer (Jobber & Ellis-Chadwick, 2012, p, 67). Therefore, Dixons retail Plc was to put the customer at the heart of the business, in devising its strategic marketing plan. Another objective that Dixons Retail Plc set to achieve was that of focusing the portfolio on winning positions (Jobber & Ellis-Chadwick, 2012, p, 67). Thus, the company’s strategic marketing plan would involve investing in areas or markets where it would be assured of obtaining and retaining many

Health Essays Binge Drinking Alcohol

Health Essays Binge Drinking Alcohol Binge Drinking Alcohol Question: With evidence for a new ‘culture of intoxication’, what are the current attitudes on binge drinking in UK society, and what are the possible causes for the current alcohol consumption patterns in contemporary society? Introduction The aim of this thesis is to answer the question: ‘With evidence for a new ‘culture of intoxication’, what are the current attitudes on binge drinking in UK society, and what are the possible causes for the current alcohol consumption patterns in contemporary society?’ This has been done by carrying out primary research in the form of a questionnaire in order to gain an insight into individuals’ drinking behaviours, and their attitudes towards binge drinking in western society. This piece of work primarily focuses on different drinking patterns and attitudes amongst different social groups in society, and reasons behind these differences. Although social policy is touched upon during the thesis, this is primarily to put the thoughts and behaviours of the sample group into context, and the primary focus is on sociological factors behind the participants’ reactions to alcohol and binge drinking. In recent years there has been an increasing public awareness and concern regarding binge drinking culture in the UK. Alcohol Concern (2003) stated that their research found that 40% of all male alcohol consumption takes the form of binge drinking sessions, while female binge drinking has increased significantly over the last decade. The 1995 Government report, ‘Sensible Drinking’ altered the recommended drinking allowance for males and females from a weekly amount to a daily amount, resulting from concern over the UK binge drinking culture and the worry that ‘weekly consumption can have little relation to single drinking episodes and may indeed mask short term episodes which†¦often correlate strongly with both medical and social harm’. (Sensible Drinking, 1995 cited in Alcohol Concern, 2003) Gofton (1990 cited in Measham Brain, 2005; 264) comments that socio economic restructuring during the 1980s has lead to changes in patterns of consumption, and the development of the British ‘lager lout’. Traditionally, drinking has been a male dominated, community based event but the decline in mixed age groups of male workers has meant that landlords cannot afford to rely on their traditional customer base and as a result drinking has developed into a pastime for both mixed and single sex groups; often age specific, participating in heavy sessional drinking during their free time at evenings and weekends. (Mintel, 1998 cited in Measham Brain, 2005; 265) Measham and Brain (2005) argue that there have been four key transformations that have led to the recommodification of alcohol and the significant rise in sessional drinking. Firstly, a much wider range of alcoholic beverages have been produced in the last decade, to suit all tastes and budgets. There has also been an introduction of high strength alcoholic products, as well as increased strength of traditional alcoholic beverages such as beer and wine, by up to 50%. Thirdly, there has been an increase in marketing and advertising of alcohol products to promote a culture of consumption and the need to purchase alcohol as a lifestyle marker and status symbol. The recent image overhaul of drinking establishments as trendy places, with drinks promotions to encourage greater alcohol consumption has also aided the transition towards a binge drinking culture. The Government Licensing Act and other related policies have aimed to promote civilised drinking by addressing drunkenness and anti social behaviour related to drinking with harsher penalties against offenders and by introducing more liberal 24 hour licensing laws with the aim that having extended hours will encourage a more relaxed approach towards drinking as people will not rush to drink as much as they can before the 11 pm curfew. Further sanctions have been placed on drinking establishments in an attempt to combat drink related disorder at the source by placing responsibility on licensed establishments to maintain order on their premises, to check for underage drinkers and to refuse to serve those who are already highly intoxicated. (Measham Brain, 2005; 263) A recent review of the licensing laws saw that overall, alcohol related crime rates had reduced as a more relaxed drinking climate has resulted from the introduction of 24 hour licensing laws. Culture Secretary, Andy Burnham commented, ‘Our main conclusion is that people are using the freedoms but people are not sufficiently using the considerable powers granted by the Act to tackle problems’. (Burnham, 2008 cited in Donaldson Vina, 2008) It would therefore appear that although a more positive image of alcohol consumption is being created in the UK, problems associated with binge drinking still exist and have not necessarily been addressed effectively through the change in licensing laws. Alcohol Concern (2003) has noted that people in the UK have yet to understand fully the dangers of binge drinking. The majority view it as having a good time, a social norm and part of growing up. In the 1993 survey, findings showed that 42% of those who regularly binge drank recognised that it was harmful to their health but only 24% males and 31% females were motivated to change their drinking habits to improve their health. Further to this the recent GENACIS study of gender and drinking found that the majority of individuals were willing to accept the negative experiences that sometimes occurred as a result of binge drinking in order to enjoy the mainly positive experiences of drunkenness. To summarise, ‘drinking and drugs can be seen as indicators of socio economic and cultural change in the relationship between work, leisure and consumption. Not only do young people form their identities through consumption but the psychology of consumption is centred on the search for gratification, integration and identity formation’. (Measham Brain, 2005; 276) As such, it is understandable if binge drinking has developed as the latest moral panic based on established ideas about binge drinking and social disorder. It is therefore the aim of this study to uncover the attitudes and beliefs of those in current UK society regarding binge drinking and related drinking habits. This piece of research into the attitudes and beliefs of people in the UK takes on an interpretive social perspective whereby studying a subject from a sociological perspective, it is important to consider that people are ‘active conscious beings’ (McNeill Chapman, 2005; 19) and it is necessary to take into account how people’s thoughts and beliefs influence their decisions of how they act as autonomous individuals interpreting the social world around them. Weber believed that external causes on their own are not adequate explanations for people’s actions and that it is necessary to understand individual’s motivations and how they interpret the situation in order to fully understand social actions. (McNeill Chapman, 2005; 19) As noted by Carey (2001), using the term binge drinking can cause some confusion as there are a number of definitions, largely based around amounts of alcohol consumed, which can cause the connotation of binge drinking to vary. For use in this survey, ‘binge drinking’ refers to excessive sessional consumption, which can lead to feelings of intoxication and drunkenness, whether intentional or unintentional. A qualitative definition of binge drinking has been used for this research as the disadvantages of allocating a certain quantitative unit of alcohol to the definition means that binge drinking becomes associated with levels of drinking dangerous to health and negative consequences. It also fails to address that, although binge drinking frequently or over long periods of time can lead to a greater likelihood of problems or negative consequences as a result, that this is not always the case and that many people enjoy and have experienced positive effects from occasional binge drinking. (Weschler et al, 2000 cited in Carey, 2001; 285) By allocating quantitative measures it fails to address that binge drinking and drunkenness are subjective as different amounts of alcohol affect individuals at different levels, and perceived behavioural control is a primary influencing factor where alcohol consumption is concerned. Research Methods For this study, a combination of descriptive and explanatory primary research was carried out, in order to create an overview of people’s attitudes towards binge drinking, and individual drinking habits, as well as attempting to produce an explanation as to why people binge drink and why this is perceived as a social problem in society. (McNeill Chapman, 2005; 7) A self completion questionnaire was decided upon as the most appropriate method of research as it was the most time and labour effective method of data collection. It is possible to obtain relatively extensive data from a large sample over a short time span using a questionnaire, which can increase the representativeness of the results making them more generalisable. (McNeill Chapman, 2005; 10) After deciding on the issue of binge drinking, a limited literature review was carried out to ensure the subject to be studied was viable, and also in order to identify common themes and key questions to ask candidates. Literature included journal articles by Measham and Brain (2005), Ajzen and Madden (1986), and Johnston and White (2002). A hypothesis was not developed as the research aimed to look for any general patterns in binge drinking behaviour and underlying reasons for the behaviour, and it was therefore felt that to create any specific hypotheses would create too much of a reductionist viewpoint from which to start the investigation. As previously mentioned, a limited literature review was carried out in order to identify key issues that had occurred in previous research to develop an idea of significant areas to be covered in the questionnaire, but overall the aim was to maintain a broad perspective based around an interpretive reflection of findings and attempt at a causal analysis. The aim of the survey was to cover a variety of age groups with different socio economic circumstances, and different gender groups, to see if this affected attitudes towards binge drinking. Approaching people directly and e-mailing copies of the questionnaire out to individuals developed a snowball sample whereby the questionnaire was passed on to others by initial participants and so the sample ‘snowballed’. Due to the vast number of people who use e-mail in contemporary society, and the convenience of using this medium of communication, it meant that e-mail was an especially viable method of contacting potential participants. (Sheehan Hoy, 1999 in Seale, 2004; 107) An initial draft questionnaire was developed using a variety of open and closed questions, primarily using closed questions to establish simple answers such as age, gender, income, etc with open questions primarily used as follow up to the closed questions to find out more detail and reason behind the answers selected in the closed questions. Some Likert scales were used to enable participants to express strength of opinion, which could be compared with other participants’ answers. The advantage of closed questions is that they could easily be pre coded to enter directly onto the SPSS software programme to be analysed, while it can be difficult to organise answers of open questions into categories for post coding and comparing participants’ answers. (Moser Kalton, 1971 in Seale, 2004; 83) While closed questions can verify their meaning by giving participants a selection of answers to choose from, and makes the survey easier for respondents to complete, it also results in a loss of spontaneity and detail in answers, and subjects may find that there is not always a category suitable for the answer they wish to give. In contrast, although open questions are more time consuming to complete, they allow for more detailed and unusual answers to be given, as well as reducing demand characteristics enabling participants to give more open and less influenced answers. (Bryman, 2004; 147) For this reason, combinations of the two sorts of questions were used in order to enhance the effectiveness of the survey. After a pilot run of the questionnaire that identified any faults, improvements were made and the final complete questionnaire was distributed amongst individuals with a range of ages. The disadvantage of snowball sampling is that it is much less systematic than other forms of sampling as it is based on the presumption that by selecting key individuals, other similar individuals will come forward who would make the sample representative, but this may not necessarily be the case. On this occasion, gathering a sample based on this premise proved successful as no one age category had a significantly higher number of participants than any other. The overall constituency of the sample consisted of 14.3% Under 18s, 24.7% 18-30s, 19.5% 31-45s, 22.1% 46-60s, and 19.5% 61 and over. In order to analyse the data the closed questions were pre coded and the open questions divided into common themes and post coded, then entered onto the SPSS software system in the form of figures and symbols which could be counted and added up, in order for the data to be analysed using a variety of statistical analysis techniques; primarily cross tabulation tables. (McNeill Chapman, 2005; 52) After producing cross tabulation tables from the data collected, it was found that many of the supporting Chi Square Test results produced values bigger than 0.05, suggesting no significant relationships between the variables. This could have occurred for a number of reasons; the sample may not have been big enough, or large tables with many cells may not have had enough cases in each cell to generalise from even where the differences in percentages on the table appear to have quite a large difference. In these cases, patterns could often be identified visually from looking at the tables based on the premise that a significant relationship could have been found if a larger sample had been used. However, caution in generalising these findings had to be taken based on the Chi Square results. Secondary data in the form of literature reviews and statistics collected by others were also used to develop ideas, and also to verify findings from the primary research; more than one source of data is used to cross check findings and verify their validity. (Bryman, 2004; 545) The reliability of the research is considerably higher than other methods that could have been used as questionnaires can be replicated with the exact questions and phrasing as many times as needed. However, with regard to the nature of some of the questions asked for this particular questionnaire about drinking habits which involve memory, reliability may be affected as people’s memories may not be accurate or may base their answers on their most recent drinking activity, so if asked another time may produce different answers. (Moser Kalton, 1971 in Seale, 2004; 81) The validity of this research could be considered to build a relatively realistic picture of what is being studied as the validity of people’s answers could be checked by comparing what they say their attitudes towards alcohol consumption is, with their actual reported drinking behaviours. A person is more likely to be open about their opinions and behaviours in writing than if asked to talk about them due to dissociation with the response. However, questionnaires can be affected by demand characteristics, particularly with closed questions, and people may pick what they believe to be the most socially acceptable rather than what they actually believe. (Moser Kalton, 1971 in Seale, 2004; 75) A further problem experienced with this questionnaire was that a number of questions were not completed on some questionnaires. It is not possible to know whether this is because participants accidentally missed the questions, or did not wish to disclose particular information. Further to this, some answers for questions such as asking people to select socially acceptable places to consume alcohol, it is possible that they selected those which reflected their own drinking habits, rather than what they thought the majority of society would view as socially acceptable. This may affect the validity of the final results. This appears to be an ethically sound piece of research as all the participants were informed of the purpose of the research and what the disclosed information would be used for. It was made clear that their participation was voluntary, and they were therefore giving informed consent. In an attempt to safeguard the privacy of research subjects, especially as the questionnaire required some personal information to be disclosed, all participants remained anonymous so that the information they disclosed remained confidential and could not be traced back to the individual. (McNeill Chapman, 2005; 13) It could be viewed as a concern that Under 18s were not asked to provide parental consent before completing the questionnaire, but due to the anonymity of the survey it was felt that it was unnecessary providing the participant themselves gave informed consent. One way the overall research process could have been improved would have been to carry out more in depth preparatory investigations such as focus groups to discuss the issue with individuals and gain a deeper understanding of their perspective on the situation, and what they thought the key issues related to binge drinking were. A focus group could have helped create clearer guidelines for research and possibly aided the development of a hypothesis to create a more focused piece of research. (McNeill Chapman, 2005; 32) Alternative or additional methods of research could have been used to investigate the binge drinking culture in the UK. One option could have been to carry out an ethnography. This would allow the researcher to witness participant behaviour in their natural setting, without demand characteristics affecting the situation. However, for the purposes of this investigation it would have affected the representativeness of the population as certain places attract certain types of people. Also, people will act differently in different situations and may be less likely to binge drink when at home than when out, but it would not be possible to observe this using an ethnography based in a single social setting. A further problem with ethnographies is that they can be the subjects of experimenter bias, as the experimenter must interpret the situation they are observing which is based on a subjective understanding of the situation. (Hammersley, 1991 in Seale, 2004; 243) A further alternative method could have been to interview participants rather than using a questionnaire. This method could have collected factual and attitudinal data in greater depth than a questionnaire. However, interviewing is more time consuming as it involves recording and transcribing the conversations before it can be coded and analysed. There is also the problem of interview bias, whereby the interviewee attempts to interpret what the interviewer wants from the situation based on their response to certain answers and the leading questions they ask. As mentioned before, the reduced anonymity of interviewing as a result of having to speak to someone face to face may affect the openness of the answers that participants give, and they may be less truthful or disclose less accurate information. (Bryman, 2004; 338) Overall, it was felt that a questionnaire was the most appropriate method of data collection for this piece of research, providing the most effective means of collecting relevant data. Culture of Consumption ‘Culture’ in this context is referring to the workings of society, from policy relating to the selling and consumption of alcohol, through to market influences and post traditional lifestyles and relationships which are leading to shared beliefs and values regarding binge drinking in contemporary society. Culture is important as it is through exposure to it within specific societal contexts that people develop their own thoughts and values regarding certain behaviours and what is socially acceptable. According to the relevant Chi Square Test results, none of the Charts 1-4 in Appendix A showed a significant or reliable relationship between the variables. However, observations can be made from all the charts produced. Chart 1 which demonstrates the frequency of alcohol consumption of women with different levels of disposable income, shows that regardless of disposable income levels, the majority of women for each income category reported consuming alcohol more than once a week; 80% of those with a disposable income of less than  £100 reported doing so, 100% of the  £101- £400 per week doing so, and 66.7% of the over  £400 per week. This could suggest that although disposable income may restrict the frequency of alcohol consumption to some extent, overall a culture has developed whereby alcohol consumption is viewed as an important aspect of socialising, relaxation and leisure time. Chart 3 showing frequency of alcohol consumption for the total sample with different levels of disposable income, also supports these findings. Interestingly, the  £101- £400 per week disposable income group appears to consume alcohol the most frequently. This could be as a result of having a higher disposable income to spend on alcohol, yet more leisure time than those who earn more – who possibly work longer hours in which to drink it. From observing Chart 2 which shows the frequency of alcohol consumption of women with different sources of income, it can be seen that although the Chi Square has not shown a significant relationship between the two variables it would appear that whether income is earned – suggesting employment participation – seems to influence the frequency of alcohol consumption in women. 92.3% of those women who received income from employment consumed alcohol more than once a week, compared with 61.1% of those with an unearned income. Reasons for this could be that women who work tend to drink more to reduce stress levels and as a method of relaxation, or it could be that those with an unearned income may have a lower disposable income to spend on alcohol, or that they feel the money is not theirs to spend on such luxuries so freely. Alcohol related attitudes and behaviours which have been discussed so far in this study highlight changes which have occurred over time, not in isolation, but against a backdrop of economic, social and cultural change in transition from an industrial to a post industrial consumer society, and a ‘culture of consumption’. (Measham Brain, 2005; 275) In relation to alcohol Measham and Brain (2005) argue that the economy in the UK relies on the exploitation of hedonism. The UK nighttime economy, which has developed extensively over the last decade, thrives on the promotion of consumer excess and intoxication. Daniel Bell (1975, cited in Measham Brain, 2005; 275) argues that in contemporary society individuals have lost the influence of the traditional sources of structuring such as occupation and family, and as a result new sources of collective identity have been formed, based around the market and in terms of alcohol, around the night time hedonistic culture of consumption; individuals seek to construct their identity through consumer products. This transition has facilitated greater opportunities for individuals to engage in hedonistic consumption, along with the decline in traditional norms and values that limited excessive consumption of alcohol. Cofield and Gofton (1994, cited in Measham Brain, 2005; 275) argue that amongst this hedonistic economy, drinking is no longer viewed only as a form of social integration, but more emphasis is placed on relaxation through the purchase of consumer products such as alcohol. This idea is supported by James (Cited in Wessely, 1998) who views contemporary society as a ‘low serotonin society’ and claims that individuals in society are more depressed than ever before, and that the increased pace and competition of life has led to family breakdown and higher stress levels. James concludes that people in contemporary society are self obsessed and overly concerned with their emotional well being; as a result of this people are looking for methods of relaxation and escapism, alcohol of which is one, which in turn has lead to social changes and a culture of consumption in the pursuit of happiness. (Wessely, 1998) This could be seen to support observations in chart 2 as those whose incomes come from paid employment drink more frequently, which is likely to be as a result of the stresses and strains of everyday life. Further to this it could be argued that the reason there is only a marginal difference between income and frequency of consumption is that it relates more to individual life circumstances and the stress levels in individuals’ lives rather than money available to spend on alcoholic products. Chart 4, which shows differences in preferred alcohol beverage by different disposable income groups shows that no significant relationship exists between disposable income and preferred alcoholic beverage. However, it can be noted that overall the most popular alcohol beverage was wine/champagne, with 52.8% of the total sample selecting this as their preferred beverage. A reason for this may be that there are such a wide range of wines available to suit all tastes and budgets. 100% of those who had a disposable income of more than  £400 per week chose wine/champagne as their preferred beverage. This may be because expensive wine/champagne can be bought as a symbol of status in society, particularly if consuming in public places such as restaurants or high status bars. It can also be noted that 100% of those who selected alcopops as their preferred beverage were in the  £100 per week or less disposable income category. This may be because generally alcopops are popular with younger drinkers, who are also likely to be those with a lower disposable income available to spend on alcohol. The popular demand for wine as an alcoholic beverage is supported by Duffy’s research (1981; 200) which found that the consumption of alcohol products almost doubled between 1963 1979, particularly wine and spirits. He also comments that a reason for this is that the relative price of drink has declined which has enabled consumers to purchase alcohol in larger quantities. The British Medical Association has argued that raising the price of alcohol beyond inflation levels would aid the control of the problem of binge drinking, and that this could be achieved by introducing minimum prices for each type of alcoholic drink. (Louth, 2008) However, it has been argued that increasing prices will not deter those who feel a ‘need’ for alcohol, just as increasing the prices of cigarettes has not stopped smokers buying them. It is an issue of personal demand over anything else. (Louth, 2008) Further to this, there are so many alcoholic drinks marketed by different producers that it would require an entirely new governmental system to control restrictions on the price and marketing of alcoholic beverages. Duffy (1981; 202) investigated whether advertising and/or taxation contribute in any way to official alcohol control policy. The income elasticities were found to be 0.8 for beer, 1.7 for spirits and 2.2 for wine – these figures show the elasticity of demand in relation to income. These estimates of elasticity appear to correspond with the findings of chart 4, which suggests that wine is one of the luxury products which people tend to consume more of, especially in the privacy of their own homes, particularly as their disposable income increases. The findings of Duffy’s research also suggest market demand for wine has increased at a greater rate than other alcoholic beverages, with consumption of wine increasing at a faster rate than the consumers’ relative income. (Duffy, 1981; 204) In 1970, on average individuals drank approximately seven litres a year of pure alcohol compared with an average of nine litres a year in contemporary society. Whereas the consumption of beer and spirits has remained relatively stable over a long period of time, the consumption of wine increased dramatically, representing over 80% of total alcohol consumption. This would also suggest that increases in alcohol consumption cannot be directly related to anti social behaviour as many of those middle class individuals, reflected in the findings relating to income and preferred alcoholic beverage, will not be seen creating disturbances and expressing anti social behaviour in public spaces. Many prefer to consume alcohol within the privacy of their own homes. (Louth, 2008) Yet Government statistics for middle class individuals who participate in habitual wine drinking show that they are consuming enough alcohol to cause considerable damage to their health, and government research has suggested this hidden drinking culture is also problematic in terms of putting pressure on the NHS through alcohol related hospital admissions, but largely ignored as it occurs behind closed doors. The Public Health Minister, Dawn Primarolo commented ‘Most of these (admissions) are not young people; they are ‘everyday’ drinkers who have drunk too much for too long.’ (Primarolo, 2007 cited in Boseley, 2007) Duffy also found that the estimated elasticities for advertising of all alcoholic beverages were low, especially for wine. The assumption here is that there are so many adverts for other alcohol products competing against each other and against other products in general, that they cancel each other out and have relatively little impact upon the consumer. However, their continuous presence is likely to contribute to the popular cultural belief of alcohol consumption as an integral part of social life in western society. (Duffy, 1981; 205) It can also be noted that the shots category was not selected by anyone as a preferred beverage and as such is not shown on the chart. However, this may be because shots are not drunk as a primary beverage on a night out but as a supplement, or as a chaser, in order to catalyse the development into a state of drunkenness. Measham and Brain’s research (2005) found that although shots and shooters were not considered a primary product to consume on a night out drinking, they were becoming an established part of a night out binge drinking. They were mainly drunk as a cheap addition to a night’s alcohol consumption with 40-60% of participants in the study reporting consuming at least one shot on a night out. (Measham Brain, 2005; 270) The main reasons found for consumers purchasing shots were to quicken the process of achieving drunkenness, and as a cheap way of making an inexpensive gesture towards friends by buying them shots too – they are cheaper than a typical round of drinks for those who cannot afford to pay out more. The increasing popularity of ‘doing’ shots has created concerns regarding issues of responsible drinking patterns. By consuming shots alongside long drinks it increases the speed and quantity of alcohol consumed as shots tend to be ‘downed in one’ as well as encouraging people to mix their drinks, which can heighten the state of intoxication. Drinking patterns such as these can be seen to hav

Chemistry of LSD and Route of Access Essay -- Chemistry Chemical Scien

Chemistry of LSD and Route of Access Classification Pharmacologically, the commonly abused hallucinogenic substances may be divided into two major groups. The indolealkylamines, including d-lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), psilocybin, and dimethyltryptamine (DMT) bear a structural resemblance to the neurotransmitter 5-hydroxytryptamine (serotonin). The phenylethylamines, including mescaline and the phenylisopropylamines such as 2, 5-dimethoxy-4-methylamphetamine (DOM, "STP"), are structurally related to dopamine, norepinephrine, and the amphetamines (Gelenberg, Bassuk, Schoonover 1991). Doses Usual doses range from about 25 micrograms to more than 300 micrograms. LSD is known to posses a low level of toxicity; the effective dose is about 50 micrograms while the lethal dose is about 14,000 micrograms. These figures provide a therapeutic ratio of 280, making the drug a remarkably nonlethal compound (Julien 2001). Pharmacology d-Lysergic acid diethylamide is a synthetic hallucinogen derived from an extract of the ergot fungus. The drug is colorless, odorless, and tasteless. It is usually ingested as part of a pill or dissolved on a piece of paper (Gelenberg, Bassuk, Schoonover 1991). LSD is often added to other substances, such as the back of stamps, or sugar cubes, which can be handled more easily (Julien 2001). Following oral administration, the drug is well absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract and distributed to body tissues. Only small amounts are detected in the brain, however (Gelenberg, Bassuk, Schoonover 1991). It also crosses the placenta. The largest amounts of LSD in the body are found in the liver, where the drug is metabolized be... ...emoved from the reaction mixture and can be re-employed in other conversions (Making LSD in the Laboratory, 2005). References Gelenberg, A.J., & Bassuk, E.L., & Schoonover, S.C. (1991). The Practitioner's Guide to Psychoactive Drugs. 3rd. Ed. (pp. 288, 290). New York: Plenum Publishing Corporation. Julien, R. M. (2001). A Primer of Drug Action. (p. 234). New York: Worth Publishers. Stockley. (2002). Stockley's Drug Interactions. (pp. 906-907). Great Britain: The Bath Press. Strang, M. (2004). LSD and Psilocybin- Serotonergic Hallucinogens: Route of access, brain metabolism, and neurochemical effects. February 24 2005, from The Shroomery. http://www.shroomery.org/index/par/25277. (2005). Making LSD in the Laboratory. February 28 2005, from Temple of the Screaming Electron. http://www.totse.com/en/drugs/psychedelics/lablsd.html

Teenage Struggle

Chapter 1 Problem and its Setting The emergence of new technologies and the fast-paced technological advancements marked the beginning of the 21st century. Different gadgets and tools to suffice the wants and to help ease the difficulties encountered by man in his daily existence have been invented and are constantly developed. Unlike in the past, these changes are not confined to a certain nation or country only, but rather, to the whole human population. Effects of these technologies in the fields of medicine, education, transportation, communication, economics, and warfare, to name a few, are globally observable.Information superhighway is undoubtedly one of the most developed fields. Extensive researches have been done to improve this indispensable field. Social Networking communities are here to stay. Facebook has over 500 million users, while twitter has over 200 million. That’s not even counting blogs or Youtube video blogs. There’s no doubt that the students are actively engaged in online communities. Some of the social networking sites have a negative & discernable effect on us as human beings. How much do these selected social networking sites affect out our actions, our thoughts, our decisions & in general our lives?Social networking sites offer people new and varied ways to communicate via internet, whether through their PC or their mobile phone. They allow people to easily and simply create their own online page or profile and to construct and display an online network of contacts, often called ‘friends’. Users of these sites can communicate via their profile both with their friends and with people outside their list of contacts. This can be on a one-to one basis (much like an email), or in a more public way such as a comment posted for all to see.We live in a society which praises individuality & freedom, & therefore to most people it is a scary thought that an outside source, such as some of social networking sites has a large effect in our lives, & therefore it is no surprise that most people do not believe that these selected social-networking sites have a strong effects on them. But when it comes to students it becomes more personal. The effects of our modern media on the students are something that we do not really know for many years. If ever, history might give us a clue – the parallels between the advent of today’s new social networking sites amp; the advent of books show that we could be in paradigm societal change. But no other media absorbed one’s life in such a passive, complacent way as the internet do to thousands of students. More research are need to be done in this field, but we believe that it is self apparent to everyone that some of the social networking sites have a large impact on our lives. We determine our identity in relation to – Facebook, Twitter, Google, Youtube; are all determined by some social networking sites to some extent.Ideally, as res earchers we would learn the skills to discern the effect of some social networking sites in our lives & learn to control & to resist its temptations. Thesis Statement This study identifies how social networking sites, particularly Facebook and Twitter, influence students in doing good and bad things, on how social media affects the mental & physical behavior of students in school or at home. This study also wants to identify how students adapt to the exposure of many people that they do not know on the internet.The researchers want to study how some of the social networking sites influence students because the researchers want to know how they adapt to different people & how they adapt to new social trends in our time. Objectives 1. To determine how Facebook and Twitter influence the academic performance of the selected grade 8 students. 2. How Facebook and Twitter affects the physical, mental and social health of the selected grade 8 students. 3. To enumerate their motivations why they are using these some social networking sites. Hypothesis A. Null HypothesisMany students rely on the accessibility of information on the social networking sites specifically and the web in general to provide answers. That means a reduced focus on learning and retaining information such as the features of the web wherein sites can be bookmarked or downloaded, thus, making it available for students anytime. B. Alternative Hypothesis Social Networking sites have increased the rate & quality of collaboration for students. They are able to communicate meeting times or share information quickly, which can increase productivity and help them learn how to work well in groups.Social networking sites teach students skills that they will need to survive in the business world. Being able to create and maintain connections to many industries is an integral part of developing a career or building a business. Statement of the Problem Generally, this research paper is giving information about the effects of social networking sites, particularly Facebook and Twitter, to the studies of selected grade 8 students of St. Mary’s Academy of Caloocan City. Specifically, it seeks to answer the following: 1. What are the profiles of the respondents in terms of their: a.Age b. Gender c. Time allotted for using social networking site/s d. Time allotted for studying 2. Why do they need to register to these social networking sites? 3. Are there any changes in your everyday activities when you started using social networking sites? 4. Are they aware in any harm that the social networking sites might do to them? 5. What are their motivations why are they using these some social networking sites? Scope and Limitations Because of many Social Networking sites in the Philippines, this research focuses on the two mostly used by the youth, Facebook and Twitter.The study was conducted at St. Mary’s Academy of Caloocan City. It will focus on the positive & negative effects of the social networking sites, particularly Facebook and Twitter on studies of the selected grade 8 students. Thus, it will be limited to the output that the selected respondents, every 20 students from grade 8 students coming from the sections Diligence, Justice, Patience, Prudence and Purity will provide such as data and information that will come from the questionnaires that were distributed as well as the information that will be gathered and criticized.Significance of the Study The result of the study will benefit the following: To the Students of St. Mary’s Academy of Caloocan City This study will give information on how to use it in a proper manner and to be aware of how these social networking sites could affect their studies. To the Faculty This study will give the teachers sufficient knowledge about how the students utterly affect their studies because of the social networking sites nowadays. How this new technology affects the youth nowadays. To the CommunityThis study i ntends to make the community aware on the effects of social networking sites. To give information on how they can use it in a more advantageous way. To the Future Researchers The researchers can have a basis for future study regarding on the effects of Facebook and Twitter in the studies of grade 8 students. To the Parents Parents must know this social networking sites and how it affect on their child’s study habits. Also, to guide them in their academics. To the User This study would also help the user to control the usage of Facebook and Twitter and to focus more on his/her studies.DEFINITION OF TERMS * Abuse – The improper usage or treatment for a bad purpose, often to unfairly or improper gain benefit. * Dependent – Relying on someone or something else for aid, support. * Descriptive Study – A statistical study to identify patterns or trends in a situation, but not the casual linkages among its different elements. * Facebook – Is a popular free social networking website that allows registered users to create profiles, upload photos and video, send messages and keep in touch with friends, family and colleagues. Mental Health – Describes a level of psychological well-being, or an absence of a mental disorder. * Paradigm – One that serves as a pattern model. * Questionnaire – A research instrument consisting of a series of questions & other prompts for the purpose gathering information from respondents. * Social Networking Sites – A social networking site is website where individuals can set up an online profile, describing his/her interests, and add links to other profiles. Generally, users are able to post personal information, including photographs, videos, and blog entries. Temptation – The act of tempting or the condition of being tempted. * Twitter – is an online social networking service and micro blogging service that enable its users to send and read text-based messages of u p to 140 characters, known as â€Å"tweets†. Chapter 2 Related Literature and Studies 2. 1 Related Literature (Awake, 2011. ) Social networking site can be addictive â€Å"After just a few days of having an account, I couldn’t stop looking. Students can just spend their hours through pictures and post instead of studying. It consumes your time, privacy, reputation, friendship and time. (Boyd, 2006. In educational institutions, success is measured by study habits, or how well a student meets standards set out by local government and the institution itself. As career competition grows ever fiercer in the working world, the importance of students doing well in school has caught the attention of parents, legislators and government education departments alike. Therefore, when the term â€Å"low† is integrated with the term â€Å"study habits†, it is the inability to acquire particular grades on examinations that indicated the individual’s mastery of th e content, and skills in applying learned knowledge to specific circumstances. Wiseman, 1961. ) on the point of study habits or excellence, (Tuckman, 1975. ) posted that, performance is used to label the observable manifestation of knowledge, skills, concepts, and understanding and ideas. Thereby, performance is the application of learning product that at the end of the process provides mastery. It is the acquisition of particular grades on examinations indicated a candidates’ ’ ability, mastery of the content, skills in applying learned knowledge to particular situations. A student’s success is generally judged on examination performance.Success in examinations is a crucial indicator that a student has benefited from a course of study. Source: http://www. irma-international. org/viewtitle/43067/ 2. 1. 1 Local Articles Facebook had over 500 million users who go online with active profiles. Because of its great influence, Facebook has a lot of critics, and for go od reason. No matter how you look at it, whether it is consensual or not, Facebook is intrusive. Not too many Filipinos are aware that Facebook has received so much criticism. It is not that they are not aware of what is going on in other countries.It is more a case of not being able to relate rather than not knowing or caring enough to learn about other countries. Facebook makes it easy for us to connect and share things we like and to read about and know our friends. It has made complex human interaction simpler; it made things that were already there easier. It has simplified how we live our lives. Source: http://opinion. inquirer. net/inquireropinion/columns/view/20110304-323534/The-Facebook-effect 2. 1. 1. 1 The Facebook Effect This article is related to the research because it explains the facts and effects about Facebook.This article will help us to understand why the youth continuously patronizing Facebook and other social networking sites. What are the things/reasons why th ey choose it instead of studying. 2. 1 Related Studies How do Social Networking Sites Affect Students? Most of the time, students spend their time hanging around the web with the popular social networking sites. Every day, more and more people are getting more attached to  Social Networking sites  Ã‚  as it is now moving in as one of the primary means of communication of people. Facebook, Twitter, and Google+ ere only a few of the tons of the sites out there that caters the need of people. Through Social Media, people have the chance to combine work and relaxation. However, did you ever encounter the question? How do Facebook affect your life? And what is your answer? What are the benefits a student can get by using Social Networking Sites? Here are some points: * Get in touch with your loved ones, relatives, and   friends * Get to know the latest   news and issues * Participate in online discussions * Communicate with your classmates * Be reminded   of assignments, projec ts, and   quizzes Conduct group meetings for group projects and announcements * Get the latest status and messages of your friends through the News   Feed Obviously, social sites have a lot of uses for people with their exceptional functionalities. Even without meeting in person, people can now interact with each other and make a productive gathering. However, despite the fact that Social Media are extremely helpful, it is still not perfect because there are still some negative points we can encounter while using it. Some of the bad effects are: * It invades your privacy * It distracts you in everything you do Too much attachment to it may lead to spending too much time in it without doing your tasks * There are some wrong information released by unauthorized people that  causes fear The mentioned good and bad effects were only partial and it also varies depending on the person involved. Though some people still makes the best out of  Social Media, we can’t still forg et the negative side of it. Maybe, we should just ask ourselves on what is our current position in the Social Networking World. The ever-growing technology helps us make our life easier and better but we must be sure that we should treat it with moderation.Source: http://www. noypigeeks. com/featured/how-do-social-networking-sites-affect-students/ 2. 2. 1 Local Studies It is true that an interactive world can help the students to do their assignments efficiently and accurately. The young members of population have started the marketers to start experimenting with alternative forms of communication. The birth of social networking sites and its growth is enormously fast and the members are unlimited ( 2009). The only purpose of the social networking is to follow the success of Google in which they also adopted the advertising-based model.But the social networking sites did not realize that their adaptation of the advertising-based model is not sustainable since the students are only a ccessing their site just to interact of communicate with their friends and not to purchase their products online. There is so much promise in advertising online, especially when there are large marketers, but if the target of the online site is the middle aged people – the success is seemingly blurred. Source: http://opinion. inquirer. net/inquireropinion/columns/view/20110304-323534/The-Facebook-effect 2. 2. 1. Effect of social networking to students' study habit However, it is logical to think that the students who used to view their network account more than necessary in a day is highly risky in failing grades, than the one who can manage her or his time and maintaining the routine to finish all his assignments before clicking the icons on his homepage. 2. 1. 2 International Articles Social networking websites are causing alarming changes in the brains of young users. Sites such as Facebook, Twitter and Bebo are said to shorten attention spans, encourage instant gratificat ion and make young people more self-centered.More than 150 million use Facebook to keep in touch with friends, share photographs and videos and post regular updates of their movements and thoughts. A further six million have signed up to Twitter, the ‘micro-blogging' service that lets users circulate text messages about themselves. but while the sites are popular – and extremely profitable – a growing number of psychologists and neuroscientists believe they may be doing more harm than good. Lady Greenfield told the Lords a teacher of 30 years had told her she had noticed a sharp decline in the ability of her pupils to understand others.Psychologists have also argued that digital technology is changing the way we think. They point out that students no longer need to plan essays before starting to write – thanks to word processors they can edit as they go along. The author said that he’s not against technology and computers. But before they start soci al networking, they need to learn to make real relationships with people. Source: http://www. dailymail. co. uk/news/article-1153583/Social-websites-harm-childrens-brains-Chilling-warning-parents-neuroscientist. html 2. 1. 2. 1 Social Websites Harm Children's BrainsThis article is related to the research because it explains how the physical and mental abilities of the children affected because of Twitter and Facebook. Also, it explains why Facebook strongly patronizes by the youth. 2. 2. 1. 2 International Studies Social networking websites like Orkut, Facebook, Myspace and Youtube are becoming more and more popular and has become part of daily life for an increasing number of people. Because of their features, young people are attracted to social networking sites. In this paper, the authors explore the impact of social networking sites on the education of youth.The study argues that these social networking websites distract students from their studies, but these websites can be use ful for education based on sound pedagogical principles and proper supervision by the teachers. Moreover, the research concludes that social networking websites have both positive as well as negative impact on the education of youth, depending on one’s interest to use it in a positive manner for his or her education and vice versa. Source: http://www. irma-international. org/viewtitle/43067/ 2. 2. 1. 2. 1 The Impact of Social Networking Websites on the Education of YouthThis study is related to the research because it has the same problem that the researchers want to distinguish. It explains how useful are the social networking sites are. Chapter 3 Methodology The purpose of this study is to determine the effects of Facebook and Twitter to the studies of the selected Grade 8 students of St. Mary’s Academy of Caloocan City. This chapter discusses the research method, the respondents, the research instrument, the procedure and the statistical treatment of data. Research Design: Descriptive Method was used to achieve the object of this study.This method is the gathering, analyzing and making accurate statistical method reference books and articles in the internet. It seeks to describe how do Facebook and Twitter affect the studies of Grade 8 students of St. Mary’s Academy of Caloocan City. Respondents: The respondents of this research involved the selected Grade 8 students of St. Mary’s Academy of Caloocan City. Survey forms from each 5 section namely Diligence, Justice, Patience, Prudence and Purity were distributed. Due to the large number of students, only 50% of the total number of respondents will be included to avoid discrepancy.Research Instrument: The researchers distributed questionnaires to each student; it includes simple yet conceptual questions. The researchers strategically apprehend of questions that would accurately reflect the desired data and result. The questions are as follows: Statistical Treatment: For the statist ical treatment of data gathered, the researchers utilized theerfectage inorder to quantify the data gathered. For all the actors, the formula is P = F * 100 N Where P = Percentage F = Frequency N = Total number of respondents Conceptual Framework STAGE 1 Choosing a subject for a study and its potential problems. Suggesting ideas on what topic will benefit administrators, students and to the future researchers. STAGE 2 Looking for and using reliable sources for the background of the study. * Gathering information through books that was made by the previous researchers. STAGE 3 Planning and preparing the survey tools to be used in the study. -The group planned to have a multiple choice question type by Ebel in 1992 STAGE 4 Distribution and collection of the survey tools from the respondents. * Researchers will distribute a total of 100 copies of survey forms to the sophomore students. Every top 20 of each class will answer the given questionnaire. STAGE 5 Tabulating, Analyzing and Int erpreting the data gathered. * Once answered and returned, the researchers will tabulate and analyze the results based on the respondents' answers. STAGE 6 Analyzed data, drawing conclusion, and giving recommendation. – Devise findings from the results. – Formulate own conclusions on the results to the survey. – Propose recommendations Theoretical Framework * The researchers conduct survey test about the effects of Twitter and Facebook to the strudies of grade 8 students. The researchers will tabulate the results in the survey that the researcher made to figure the common mistakes of the respondents. * The Researches want to identify what are effects of Twitter and Facebook to the strudies of grade 8 students. * Social Networking sites have increased the rate ; quality of collaboration for students. They are able to communicate meeting times or share information quickly. * Many students rely on the accessibility of information on the social networking sites spec ifically and the web in general to provide answers. Chapter 4 Presentation, Analysis and Interpretation of DataThis chapter reviewed the analysis of the survey that was used by the proponents, the analysis table that shows the result of the survey and the interpretation of each table. TABLE 1: Exhibits the results of the survey questions 1 – 4 are concerned with the information when students are using Facebook and Twitter. | No. of Respondents answered| Percentage(%)| 1. What is your time allotted for using social networking site/s per day? | | | a. More than 3 hours| 39| 39| b. More than 6 hours| 19| 19| c. Less than 3 hours| 36| 36| d. Less than 6 hours| 6| 6| TOTAL| 100| 100| 2.What is your time allotted for studying per day? | | | a. More than 3 hours| 32| 32| b. More than 6 hours| 8| 8| c. Less than 3 hours| 50| 50| d. Less than 6 hours| 10| 10| TOTAL| 100| 100| 3. Why do you need to register to these social networking sites? (Multiple answers allowed)| | | a. To keep in touch with friends and family. | 70| 46. 05| b. To meet new people. | 39| 25. 66| c. For school purposes such as research| 43| 28. 29| d. Others: ______________| 0| 0| TOTAL| 152| 100| 4. Do you find Facebook and Twitter addicting? | | | a. YES. (please rate your addiction from 1-10. No. is the lowest) _______| 80| 80| b. NO. | 20| 20| TOTAL| 100| 100| 4. a. Addiction Level| | | 1| 0| 0| 2| 0| 0| 3| 0| 0| 4| 3| 4. 69| 5| 8| 10| 6| 7| 8. 75| 7| 11| 13. 75| 8| 29| 33. 75| 9| 11| 13. 75| 10| 11| 13. 75| TOTAL| 80| 100| From question number 1 and 2, the leading time allotted for students in using Facebook and Twitter and for studying is more than 6 hours followed by less than 6 hours. From the third question, we can see that the reason why students registers to Facebook and Twitter is that they want to keep in touch with friends and families. It is followed by for school purposes.Seeing the fourth question, the majority of the sophomore students said that it is addicting to use Faceboo k and Twitter. We asked them to rate their addiction form 1 – 10 and the most number is 8 followed by 7, 9 and 10. TABLE 2: Presents the physical, mental and social attitude of the students when they are using Twitter and Facebook. | ALWAYS| SOMETIMES| SELDOM| NEVER| Do you often get dizzy when you browse the internet? | 3| 48| 29| 20| Do you prefer to just stay at home and open your Facebook or Twitter account than to go with your friends? | 11| 44| 30| 15| Do you prefer to use Twitter of Facebook rather than studying? 13| 44| 33| 10| How often Facebook do helps you in studying? | 17| 54| 24| 5| How often does Facebook help you to overcome your mental illness? | 14| 34| 40| 12| TOTAL| 100| 100| 100| 100| The study shows that sometimes, the students get dizzy when they are browsing the net, they just prefer to stay at home rather than to go with their friends. Also, they said that sometimes, Facebook and Twitter were useful/helpful in their studying. To the last question, the y answered seldom on how does Facebook help them to overcome their mental illness. Chapter 5 Summary of FindingsThe study utilized the survey approach of research precisely the descriptive method. The said approach is used as much as the principal rationale of the study was to figure out the problems and/or situations under such factors that mostly affect their academic performance. Students from grade 8 of St. Mary’s Academy of Caloocan City were asked to fill up a survey questionnaire. In order to determine the factors that affect student's academic performance, the qualitative research techniques were used particularly the multiple choice questions by Ebel in 1992 and scale type by Kerlington in 1992.A survey questionnaire was prepared for students. This instrument was used to determine the problems and/or situations under such factors that mostly affect student's academic performance. The questionnaire consists of 10 items as indicators. 39% of the sophomore students answ ered that they allotted more than 3 hours per day spending for Facebook and Twitter. 82% of them answered that they spent more than 3 hours in studying per day. 80% of the respondents believed that they find Twitter and Facebook addicting for them. As we asked them to rate their addiction from 1 (lowest) to 10 (highest), we got number 8 as the highest vote.As you can see the table 2 figure, numbers 1-4 got the most answer of sometimes. It means that Facebook and Twitter has a great impact on the sophomore students. Question number 5 has 40% of students who answered. Conclusions Based on the findings, the following conclusions were drawn: 1. The majority of the student respondents spend more than 3 hours in using social networking sites. 2. Most of the student respondents spend more than 3 hours in studying. 3. The main reason of the students why they are using social networking sites is because they want to keep in touch with their friends and families. . We found out that social ne tworking sites are very addicting. 5. Sometimes, students do experience dizziness when staying long hours using the computer 6. Only a few students choose to stay at home to open their Facebook and Twitter accounts rather than to go out with their friends. 7. Almost half of our respondents said that Facebook sometimes helps them in their studies. 8. Facebook and Twitter seldom help the students to overcome their mental illness. Recommendations On the basis of findings and conclusions taken from the study, the following recommendations are given for consideration. 1.The students should avoid spending long hours in using social networking sites and talk with their parents. 2. The parents should set their own house Internet rules and take good part on their role in their children's school performance. 3. The teachers should maintain their good relationship with their students and guide their students in using social networking sites. 4. The school administrators should be aware of the health hazards of using social networking sites so they can well educate the students. 5. The future researchers should also use other types of survey that will make the study more comprehensive.They should also gather other information about their respondents, e. g. , gender, age, school level, and apply more questions that will make the survey more convincing and realiable. Appendices NAME (optional): AGE: SECTION: GENDER: I. DIRECTIONS: Read each question and encircle the letter of your choice. Please answer honestly. Thank You. 5. What is your time allotted for using social networking site/s per day? e. More than 3 hours f. More than 6 hours g. Less than 3 hours . Less than 6 hours 6. What is your time allotted for studying per day? e. More than 3 hours f. More than 6 hours g. Less than 3 hours h. Less than 6 hours 7. Why do you need to register to these social networking sites? (You may choose more than one. ) e. To keep in touch with friends and family. f. To meet new people . g. For school purposes such as research h. Others: ______________ 8. Do you find Facebook and Twitter addicting? c. YES. (please rate your addiction from 1-10. No. 1 is the lowest) _______ d. NO. 9. Are there any changes in your everyday activities when you started using social networking sites? . YES. b. NO. II. Please answer based on your opinion. | ALWAYS| SOMETIMES| SELDOM| NEVER| Do you often get dizzy when you browse the internet? | | | | | Do you prefer to just stay at home and open your Facebook or Twitter account than to go with your friends? | | | | | Do you prefer to use Twitter of Facebook rather than studying? | | | | | How often Facebook do helps you in studying? | | | | | How often does Facebook helplp you to overcome your mental illness? | | | | | SIGNATURE: ________________ SOURCE: http://www. quibblo. com/quiz/aWuYw2c/20-Questions-for-Social-Media-Users

Coke vs. Pepsi: An Economic Analysis Essay

Executive Summary In this case study we will do an economic analysis of two major competitors; Coke ® and Pepsi ®. We will look at the history of these to competitive giants and discuss how they have evolved over the years to become rivals in the 21st Century. In this case study we will also look at the supply and demand of each company’s products. Coke and Pepsi are not only in the beverage business they have branched out into other arenas to continue being the leaders in their market. Both companies do business all over the world; we will also look at how they size up internationally as well as nationally. We will look at production and cost in the short run and long run by analyzing each company economically. Each company has forecasted where they will be financially in the 21st Century and in this analysis we will calculate if they have forecasted close to where they are today. Management is a big part of the success of large firms such as Coke and Pepsi so we will look at the management styles of each one. By looking at management will analyze the strategic decision making of each firm and note any issues they have had in the past or present with upper management. Finally strategic decisions in oligopoly markets with regards to profit maximization is vital to the firm and the shareholders alike, we will analyze those strategies as well. After reading both of these competitive giants’ histories it is clear to see they are both trend setters in their own rights. Coca-Cola ® was being formulated in Atlanta in a pharmacy and selling about 9 drinks a day to now selling over 1 billion servings of Coke products a day. With Coke the product has always been an advertisement junkie from its beginnings when the founder put the Coca-Cola name on everything to now having global ad campaigns. Pepsi has also been a media giant and has soared in the market because of its huge ad campaigns. Pepsi has been known to use mega stars like Michael Jackson and Brittney Spears to be spokesmen for the brand which has been a big success over the years. Both Coke and Pepsi have evolved and changes in look at take over the years. Coke in the early 90’s tries to change the formula to New Coke and was soon back to what is known now as Coca-Cola Classic ®. Pepsi has also tweaked its formula only to revert back to the original. Both of these companies have many many brands and brand extensions. The competitive nature is apparent in each of these companies and will continue on. Coca-Cola seems to have a slight lead in the market and has always been a leader but not by a landslide Pepsi is always running close behind. There is both loyal Coke and Pepsi customers and some who enjoy both products and go back and forth. Coke has many brands like Minute Maid, Vitamin Water, Aquafina, Sprite, and many more. Pepsi also has many of the same or similar brands like Tropicana, Sobe Life Water, and more to coincide with Coke. Brand extensions are very important in the success of these companies. Pepsi Cola and Coca-Cola were both started in the late 1800s by pharmacists in the south Pepsi in N.C. and Coke in GA. Pepsi Co was formulated in a merger with the Frito Company which became Frito Lay. Brands like Frito Corn Chips and Lays Potato Chips and Pepsi together were formed in 1965. Though apart Frito was started in 1932 and Pepsi in 1895. This 1965 merger began a lifelong relationship and successful partnership. Doritos emerged in 1965 adding to the success and Pepsi enters Japan and Eastern Europe as well. In the 70s Pepsi acquires things like Pizza Hut and Taco Bell, which adds to the brands solidity and its market value. Looking at these companies financially is where you can see how they stack up against each other. Coke has a good positive outlook on the future. Pepsi also has a good outlook on future endeavors in the US and abroad. Coke being a huge international company brought in $27.8 billion of net operating revenues from operations outside the United States. (United States Securities and Exchange Commision, 2011) Coca-Cola also created 4,700 jobs in 2011 in the opening of the Great Plains Bottling Company in the US. These leaps and bounds made by Coke are nothing abnormal it is a huge marketer. One big issue for both Pepsi and Coke is water scarcity and that most likely will have an effect on the companies’ productions costs which are in turn passed on to its consumers eventually. Coca- Cola is concerned with the water scarcity issue and reports I its 10-K filings that the water sustainability problem will more than likely have an effect on the company and reposts this, †from overexploitation, increasing pollution, poor management and climate change as the demand for water continues to increase around the world, and as water becomes scarcer and the quality of available water deteriorates, our system may incur increasing production costs or face capacity constraints which could adversely affect our profitability or net operating revenues in the long run† (United States Securities and Exchange Commision, 2011) The PepsiCo Company faces the same type of troubles when it comes to externalities. The negative effects of these externalities will take a toll on t he profits of all bottling companies since they will have to begin to develop ways to be productive without corrupting its external environment. In India drought has made water a scarcity and some of the blame is being put on Coca-Cola Bottling Plants in the area. In a village in India protest caused a $25 million a year plant to shut down. Some protestors say â€Å"drinking Coke is like drinking a farmer’s blood† Groundwater is not the only problem reported high levels of pollution have been reported as well and sludge fertilizer offered to farmers as a peace treaty high in levels of cadmium-laden in the sludge fertilizer. Protestors say why they would do that and nothing about depleting water, Coke responds that those accusations have no merit. (Ehl, 2011) PepsiCo has had the same bad reputation for depleting water resources around the globe. Coalitions like Council of Canadians and Food and Water Watch work to ensure the food, water, and fish we consume is assessable and sustainable. They also make sure the government does its job at protecting those resources as well. In conclusion Coke and Pepsi are both equally competitive and equally challenged with today’s problems. Seeing the value in both of the companies is easy they have both been models for the beverage market and for the world market alike. By looking at the history of the companies it is clear to see they run neck and neck with on another. I think going forward with the companies that there has to be greater concern for the world economics and water depletion is part of that economical problem. Learning new ways to safely produce the products in areas that have an abundant supply of resources is the key to success here. Investing in the research and development of safe ways to bottle is on the forefront of both of the bottlers’ agendas. These are two extremely successful companies that have been around for over 100 years they are not going anywhere anytime soon. Works Cited Ehl, D. (2011). Coca-Cola Charged with Groundwater Depletion and Pollution in India. Centerville: Earth Talk. United States Securities and Exchange Commision. (2011). ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES. 10-K Filings , 12-13.