Literature Review Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words - 1

Literature Review - Research Paper Example s to technological impact in determining social change, it is held that technology sometimes depends on social forces and at other times it functions in an independent manner in disregard to social objections. The idea of ‘technological determinism’ had its birth in the continent of Europe. However, with the advent of technological research in United States of America the concept of ‘technological determinism’ started gaining ground in that country. The spread of American Revolution emphasized on the growth of a liberal and prosperous society. However, it is found that the proponents of increased social prosperity and liberty through the spread of industrial revolution suffered from the fear of malpractices. They viewed that the process of steady industrialization to gain material prosperity if mishandled would lead to corruption. The effect of corruption in turn would tarnish moral fabric of the political and social sector of the economy. (Heilbroner, 1994) The implementation of advanced forms of technology creates a considerable impact in shaping social structures and organizational dynamics of both the historical and present society. In the modern context, it is found that the rapid spread of high combat technology to developing countries of the world is creating increased tensions in the social circles. It is widely viewed in this regard that such rapid spreading of war technologies to the hands of developing nations would turn into a factor difficult to be governed. Thus, it would become detrimental to the existence of the entire human race. In this regards, it is recommended to understand the effect of technology not in isolation to social systems but rather as a tool used by human beings to innovate newer process and systems. Further observation suggests that war technology used in both developed and developing countries have dual social implications. On one side, it is found that technological innovation in the war front is a product of human

The Strategic Management of Economy Hotel in China (Proposal) Essay

The Strategic Management of Economy Hotel in China (Proposal) - Essay Example In the hotel industry a similar approach should be used. This study focuses on a specific part of the hotel industry: the low budget hotels. The strategic management framework of the sector’s hotels is explored by referring to the case of a specific country: China. The above country has been chosen because of the following two reasons: a) because of its position as a major competitor in the global economy and b) because of its significant achievements in regard to the development of the hotel industry. This study aims to show that the strategic management practices used in the sector’s hotels in China have a key role in the industry’s development; the improvement of certain of these practices, as suggested in the study, could secure the sector’s growth, a fact that would highly benefit the country’s economy. Introduction Economy hotels, as businesses, have been highly expanded worldwide. The strong financial pressures developed in the international market especially from 2007 onwards had a key role in this phenomenon. In addition, the development of technology has led to the radical decrease of distance between regions; travelling for covering various needs, including business, education or health, has become highly popular at the level that the time involved can be quite short. The establishment of hotels of low budget has been considered as a necessity so that the housing needs of an area’s visitors are covered at low cost; such perspective has been proved to increase the area’s popularity, as a tourist destination but also as a business center. Under these terms, the growth of economy hotels sector can be considered as expected. Countries that aim to secure their economic growth have emphasized on the development of the particular sector; China is an example of this trend. As in other countries, in China also, the sector’s rate of growth is not standardized; for example, during the recent global recessi on the profits for the hospitality/ tourist industry in China were reduced (Chon et al. 2013). This study aims to help to identify these problems so that solutions are retrieved based on the low cost philosophy that characterizes the sector’s businesses. Research Background and Motivation China is considered as one of the most powerful economies worldwide. The flexibility of the Chinese economy seems to be its major advantage. Indeed, the growth of China is not based on strict and standardized economic rules; rather, emphasis is given on innovation and the continuous monitoring of market trends (Freed 2011). Economy hotels have become quite popular in markets worldwide. The growth of the sector is indicated in the figures/ data included in the table of Figure 1 below. Figure 1 – Growth of economy hotel sector in China, up to 2012 (Shen 2013, p.1) The willingness to identify the strategic management needs of the economy hotel industry in China has been the key motivatio n for the development of this study. According to a recent report the economy hotels sector represents just 30% of China’s hotel industry, a percentage though that it is expected to be significantly increased in the future (PR Newswire 2013). At the same time, the competition in the sectors seems to be limited, as about 47% of the sector’s hotels are owned by three brands: ‘Home Inns Group, Hanting Inns and Hotels and 7 Days Group Holdings’ (PR Newswire 2013). The strategic management characteristics of the sector should be identified and

From the decade of 1990s Nike Inc is facing criticisms from different Essay

From the decade of 1990s Nike Inc is facing criticisms from different human rights organizations and government bodies - Essay Example Nike management is using the sweatshops for manufacturing of the products where the labor law is violated. The manufacturing units of Nike are mainly in the Asian countries like China, Vietnam, Indonesia etc where they can get labor in a relatively lower cost, also they are getting free trade zones there. The minimum wages law is violated there as well as the working conditions are poor there. Some media have also proved that the working conditions are not standard in Nike factories. Also there were claims that Nike is using child labors. Nike is using forced labor as reported by different media. Recently in July, 2011 an article claimed that Nike the employees of Nike factory abused by the supervisors constantly. So the main problem is that Nike management has failed to ensure a standard human resource policy in the company. Problem Symptoms The problem symptoms are as follows: Certain reports are claiming that Nike is not sticking to a standard human resource policy from the 1990s. Some customers are avoiding Nike on morale ground as they are violating the labor law continuously. Problem Statement As in the manufacturing Factories Nike Inc is violated the labor laws, the human resource organizations and the government bodies are protesting this in different countries as well as some customer started to avoid the products in a morale ground. Part B The Problem Nike Inc, a major manufacturer of apparel and sports equipment is violating the labor laws in its manufacturing factories which are situated mainly in the Asian countries. As the labors are not treated well in the factories so the international media is continuously focusing on this matter. They have collected some proves which made clear the fact that Nike is violating the labor laws really. Several issues are against the company, because of which some consumers also avoid using the products of Nike on the moral ground. Fishbone Diagram Key Findings From the fishbone diagram it has been found that sever al factors are there and because of all these Nike was able to violate the labor laws from the 1990s. The main factor is the management. The human resource policy of the management is below standard, which causes the problem mainly. Moreover the long term strategy of the company is not good at all. If the company continues this type of labor policy then the company can’t make profit in the long term. The government of the respective countries is also responsible for this situation. Nike is continuing this practice from the 1990s, but the respective governments have not taken such hard step so that the company will think about the matter seriously. The government has made the trade free zones for the foreign companies, and it is attractable for the companies as they can do business in low cost. They can also get low cost

Mass Media, Culture, and Society Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Mass Media, Culture, and Society - Essay Example Mass media has traditionally been associated with the responsibility of imparting useful information to the wider masses. This role however has changed over the years. With the passage of time, popular culture has impacted the media. News channels are now focused on giving information, which will earn the channels and the programs higher TRP ratings as opposed to following the rules and regulations. Videos of terrorist attacks and bombings which have been aired on the national news channels are not only disturbing, but it is also against the rules of broadcasting. Similarly newspapers and tabloids print pages contain information about celebrities and their lives, where more pressing issues are often ignored (Berger, 10). A couple of decades back, even movies and TV shows had some morals in them which the producers and writers wanted to put across to the world. They were a source of entertainment but in addition to that they were also a source of beneficial lesson or information. This has changed today. Today the media is market driven. They show the masses what they want to see. The entertainment industry is taking over, to an extent that even news broadcasting has become a source of entertainment (Stevenson). Political talk shows, which have been providing a platform for politicians to discuss topics of interest on a neutral ground, have now become programs which just show how these politicians argue and insult each other. News broadcasting has turned very similar to live drama broadcasting. ... Instead of producing films which are creative and convey a certain message across to the audience, the films produced follow a certain formula that emphasizes on materialistic and superficial things. With shallow and unconvincing characters, these films are based on the basic concept of aggression and greed. The plots are simple to the point that it looks as if templates are used for film making (Berger, 111). One recent example of a news channel broadcasting visuals for higher ratings was from the incident that took place in Karachi on November 28, 2012. A man fell from an 8-storey high building and the Pakistani news channels were constantly telecasting a live video footage of the entire incident. This news piece is one of the many examples which are telecasted on the local news channels. In order to get higher ratings and stay ahead of the numerous competitors, news channels pride themselves to be the first ones to convey the latest new to the masses. However, in the process of be ing on the top and being the first ones at every incident, news channels have forgotten the basic ethics that should follow (Khan). Another example of the amalgamation of mass media and culture are the numerous talk shows, which are aired almost every night on the Pakistani news channels. These shows include Mere Mutabiq (According to Me), To the Point, Target Point and Islamabad tonight to name a few. All of these shows follow the same pattern – members of opposing parties sitting together and discussing recent issues. However, what actually takes place is not discussion, but a blame game. Each party member blames the other political party for misconduct and corruption and thus, results in an argument. Journalism ethics

Pentagon Museum of Art Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3250 words

Pentagon Museum of Art - Essay Example Place and time are both texts. So my personal Pentagon Museum of Art is both a place and a long sequence in time. My hiding place is located on the roof of a Midtown Manhattan building. It is a light blue pentagon-shaped construction with a yellow little door as its only entrance. I retreat in that small space of paradise during my off hours. After work in an ad agency as a copywriter, I come over here to relax, to take a nap, to resume writing my first novel, or to take a look at its surrounding white-painted walls each one holding in its surface a masterpiece work of art by Salvador Dal and Pablo Picasso. They are my favorite painters so I placed 5 of their paintings on the five walls of my private Pentagon Museum of Art right on top of a metropolitan apartment building in New York. My Pentagon is an arts Pentagon, not a military one. I find myself at peace with my own self here. It's a metalinguistic feeling that I enjoy to the max. I can lye on the bed. I can write my novel. I can watch closely at the paintings. I can read a book. I can listen to music. My favorite music. My favorite books. Intertextuality. Intratextuality. Extratextuality. All of them merge within my own self. Intertextuality among the paintings. Intratextuality inside my novel. Extratextuality with the surrounding environment that feeds my urgings for creating a different and distinct world of my own. The text becomes a sign, and according to C. S. Peirce the sign can be an icon, a symbol, or an index. Intertextuality can be an icon, intratextuality an index, and extratextuality a symbol. I have decided to make everything in all out of my hiding place. My Pentagon Museum of Art. My little piece of paradise on Earth. Here there is no place for luxury. Everything is common and simple. There is a fridge by the door. Five windows on each side of the pentagon. There is a computer table in the middle of the room with its corresponding PC on top. Five paintings of two master artists of all time: Salvador Dal and Pablo Picasso. There is a small bed by the top vortex, between the two top sides of the pentagon. A nice sound equipment with the Sony trademark right by the side of the computer table. There is an executive rotating chair in front of the computer table. Here everything is interconnected. That's part of the hyperlinking of the objects. One leads to the other. I can go in a matter of seconds from the radio to the computer, from the chair right onto the bed. And I can jump from my bed in order to take a fresh look at one of the Dal's Christs. Texts are interwoven in my mind as well as in this little retreat of comfort and peace. Every text has its rhythm, and I find meaning in the rhythm of this small building with five walls and a quiet sound of the music in my ears. That is Bob Dylan playing with The Traveling Wilburys. At the End of the Line. Yes. At the very end of the line I find a melody filled with harmony in the creativeness of my life. I find meaning in each and every white wall with the paintings hanging like sovereign pieces of wonderful signs. Picasso and Dal share with me their meaningful creatures of their minds. Dylan does his part beautifully singing "Blowing in the Wind". "Like a Rolling Stone" is coming up after that tune. I keep writing on my clone PC. My first novel is taking

Asia Pacific Business Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Asia Pacific Business - Assignment Example Rationalization involves the adoption of techniques that can lead to efficient production of the capital goods. Japan has a tradition of a high savings rate, and a low consumption rate. During the periods of growth, the Japanese government used these savings for purposes of constructing roads, and infrastructures (Lye, 2010). In 1990s, this surplus savings became a structural impediment to the growth of Japan (Asher, Newman and Snyder, 2002). There was a severe slump in its demand, causing the Japanese economy to stagnate. The support of various interest groups by LDP made it fail to implement various measures aimed at improving the economy. This includes, failing to implement reforms that could tackle non-performing loans (Lye, 2010). Lack of good leadership led to development of ineffective policies such as the consumption tax of 1997. These taxes led to an increase in prices of commodities, leading to stagnation in growth (Menkhoff, 2010). The Japanese complex economic structure led to its economic stagnation. The symbiotic relationships between the ministry of finance and other cooperation’s between its jurisdictions have contributed to the stagnation of its economy (Lye, 2010). There is also little transparency in the economic affairs of the state. It is possible to use technology in agricultural development (Rowley, 2007). It will enable farmers improve their produce, hence feeding the nation. For example, the use of green houses to produce fruits, and vegetables. Technology helps in the creation of jobs. This is mainly because the government will employ new people in the vacancies brought forth by these technologies. For example, technological innovations in the mobile phone industry will create jobs in the

Manipulative Media Essay Example for Free

Manipulative Media Essay Far beyond providing leisure and entertainment, mass media’s value and importance can be observed on its ability to deliver or disseminate highly relevant and socially-significant information. Other than books and scholarly works, mass media perform the role of an overtly accessible library that is carefully designed to meet the public’s information needs and demands. Various forms of mass media such as newspapers, magazines, radio and television enabled mankind to gain insights within the comfort of their homes. But with the emergence of the World Wide Web, accessing and spreading information have never been this easy. A simple click can generate tons and tons of data and statistics. Indeed, mass media have readily conquered the world. Nowadays, it seemed that media outfits and institutions have transformed into what Habermas referred to as the so-called â€Å"public sphere (qtd in Davies 3). † However, a closer examination of the matter clearly shows that mass media’s functions extend beyond providing information. It cannot be denied that media outfits are one of the most influential and powerful institutions in any given society. It is highly capable of shaping the public’s views and opinions. Likewise, media channels can instigate or prompt mass actions. For so many years, exposes and published investigative reports have been very instrumental in raising the public’s awareness which eventually lead to different types of social movements. Indeed, constant exposure to different media content can alter one’s behaviors and attitudes. But then again, the seemingly invincible influence of mass media has been overtly abused and exploited. To a certain extent, media has transformed into a manipulative machine that no less than promote the capitalistic aims of the ruling class. Media channels deliberately and systematically distort messages and news stories that leave the public as mere passive consumers. The fabrication of facts and exaggeration of events are intentionally performed to garner high ratings and the intention to inform is blatantly ignored and taken for granted. Manipulation and deceit: Mass media as Ideological State Apparatuses Mass media, together with the church, family and educational system are concretely identified by Althusser as forms of Ideological State Apparatuses (ISA) (Gabbard Ross 185). ISAs are readily employed to promote the interests of the state. Given the capitalistic nature of many societies, it can be argued that ISAs reflect the affairs and concerns of the ruling class. ISAs utilize a subtle attack wherein the individual’s ideological and political consciousness are molded and shaped. This is primarily performed to secure the ruling class’ positions in the economic, social and cultural hierarchy. The attack is described as subtle since the suppression and repression are not directly felt. The use of force and violence are hardly felt. Thus, whenever there is suppression, manipulation occurs regardless of whether it is directly or indirectly manifested. In as far as mass media is concerned, these institutions have been operating as lucrative business endeavors that places heavy emphasis on profit accumulation. This scenario readily displaces mass media’s role as â€Å"watchdogs† that secure the government’s accountability and responsibility to the public. Media, in recent years have long been obsessed in commoditizing media contents that range from news, music, film, variety shows and television programs. Profiteering dictates the name of the game and this can be only achieved if the public is lured into consuming different media products that are nonetheless insignificant. The public is made to believe that the things they see in television; the ones that they see in the television; the numerous advertisements that they encounter would satisfy their needs for knowledge and information. As a result, unethical practices in journalism, broadcasting and even advertising for that matter, became ordinary phenomena. A classic example of media manipulation can be observed in the overt sensationalism of crime and rape stories. These situations are highly experienced in print media and television. More often than not, many editors utilize catchy headlines to garner the public’s attention. Acts of murder and violence are blown out of proportion and are presented vividly in news stories. Featured articles turn red since much focus is given on the event’s gory and bloody details. Horrific photos of the crime scene are readily shown to catch the audience’s attention. Likewise, television news programs are bombarded with an avalanche of bloody video clips and footages. As Anderson and Although it is true that crime and violence are concrete social realities, the exaggeration of these events generally takes the public away from the real issue—that criminal acts are social ills that must be confronted and readily resolved. However, what happens in the newsroom is that crime stories are treated as a spectacle of the victim’s death or suffering. Anderson and Looney explained that many journalists and broadcasters have been operating under the principle that â€Å"when it bleeds, it leads (271). † This basically explains the high importance given to crime stories. Yet, this scenario leads to yet another problem. The (high demand) for crime stories due to sensationalism, tends to topple other important events that are worthy of media attention. The public is programmed to see crime stories as far more important compared to stories that tackle health or technologically-related subjects. Under this context, media is not necessarily performing its role as a reliable source of information. Rather, this institution is simply treating these stories as commodities that should be sold and consumed by the public. If sensationalism occurs, accuracy and integrity are highly compromised. Evidently, the above-mentioned scenario showcases mass media’s agenda-setting function. According to O’Hair et al agenda-setting is the process in which the public is made to believe that certain topics are highly important and thus requires utmost attention (68). Agenda-setting initially occurs in the selection of news stories that are delivered to the public (O’Hair et al 68). News desks and editors choose topics and articles that they perceive as something that would elicit a big impact to their target audience. Afterwards, these topics are constantly shown into the public. O’Hair et al mentioned that the priority given to these stories readily affect the viewer’s perception (68). As a result, stories that are often seen in the newspapers’ front pages of given long airtimes in television are immediately perceived by the audience as something relevant and significant. When certain issues are constantly placed in the limelight, they immediately become important even though in reality, there are other events that deserve the attention. Aside from crime stories, media’s agenda-setting role is also seen during the 9/11 attacks. Much of the television news programs and newspapers devoted much of their time in covering such incident. Even though the attacks are worthy of the attention, this does not discount the fact that there are other aspects of society that also needs to be tackled. There are also other situations that demand public attention. Unfortunately, the event’s massive appeal is something that media owners cannot possibly ignore for this would also mean an increase in their ratings, which in turn, would attract many advertisers. Speaking of advertisers, it can be observed that advertising, more than anything else has mastered the art of agenda-setting. Advertising agencies exploit various media channels in order to sell and market their respective products. As much as possible, advertisers would utilize each and every medium to catch the viewer’s attention and thus persuade them to patronize the goods that are marketed towards them. Take for example the case of the fast-food giant, McDonalds. By the time an individual opens his or her television, a McDonalds commercial is shown. The same thing happens when one reads a newspaper and turns on the radio. Similarly, McDonald billboards are scattered in the streets. Now, with the rise of emerging technologies, McDonalds has also made its presence felt in the World Wide Web. Advertising is mainly focused on product promotion and marketing. Therefore, aside from utilizing media channels, advertisements also rely on the use of flowery language and visually-appealing materials to convince their target audiences. Some would even utilize celebrities and high-profiled individuals to endorse their products. But then again, the problem with this kind of set-up is that commercials do not divulge the truth to their consumers. For example, fast food are being marketed as goods that can satisfy the gastronomical needs of consumers, without really rendering o devoting too much time for food preparation. However, fast-food in reality, are known for having high-calorie content and is considered as the primary cause of obesity that could also lead to other chronic diseases such as diabetes, for example. Theses hidden truths are kept from the public via the use of mouth-watering images of food. With celebrity endorsements, the product’s credibility and importance are further highlighted. Although media channels are fully aware of the flaws and negative effects of a particular product, these advertisements are continuously delivered to the public. This basically stems from the fact that media outfits rely on advertisements for financial support. A two-minute airtime and a small space in newspapers are pretty expensive. Thus, such situations are readily permitted and tolerated. In the meantime, mass media also employ stereotyping to manipulate the audience. Certain groups or individuals are presented negatively. This scenario can be seen in many films and television programs. For example, Asian actors and actresses are constantly stereotyped as villains in many Hollywood films (Larson 20). A critical observation shows that Asian artists often take the bad guy’s role in many featured films. In a recently released film, The Mummy, Jet Li performed the antagonist’s character. Although other Asian artist such as Maggie Cheung was presented as one of the protagonists, this did not erase the fact that in multicultural movies, Asians would always play the evil character. The Mummy is no different from other films such as Kill Bill. Indeed, it is true that Uma Thurman’s mentor, Pai-Mei possess great marshal arts skills. However, it cannot be denied that Pai Mei trains individuals that are involved in criminal acts. Apparently, the dual characterization of Asian actors and actresses is simply a futile attempt to abolish stereotyping and to a certain extent—discrimination. On the other hand, as for the case of television programs, it can be seen that many shows have influenced the body perception of many teenagers. More often than not, mass media constantly redefines the meaning of true beauty. In many television shows, a woman becomes beautiful if she has a slender figure. There are many instances in which television programs have blatantly shown how over-weight individuals are bullied and verbally-abused. Consequently, the effects of media manipulation are very alarming. This is most especially true as for the case of young audiences. Teenagers are easily persuaded by what the see in the television, newspapers and the internet. Compared to adults, these individuals are less critical when it comes to various media content that they encounter. For example, over exposure to violence have led many children and teenagers to mimic the behaviors and attitudes that they see (Kirsh 30). Oftentimes, children tend to identify with television personalities. Because of the degree of admiration that they give to these celebrities, some youngsters go to the extent of copying the actions and gestures that they see on screen without ever thinking the possible consequences that their actions might generate. s But then again, it is important that this situation is not experienced by children alone. The increasing rate of rape cases are directly linked to the rapists’ massive exposure to pornographic materials. Individuals that mimic or copy violent behaviors perceive criminal acts as no less than ordinary occurrences. Thus, the possible damages that it may inflict or produce are no longer taken into consideration. Deviant acts are reenacted primarily because desensitization (Allison Cross 125) has already occurred. Relatively, media manipulation has also created a highly consumerist culture. The massive influx of advertising and its use of compelling taglines and attractive images have resulted to the creation of false needs. The public are unconsciously forced to consume goods or commodities that they do not really need. Fast foods, for example are pretty low when it comes to its nutritional content. Yet, more and more consumers are patronizing such products. This readily prevents society from building healthy and productive communities. As more and more individuals suffer from obesity and other chronic diseases, the expenses rendered for health services tend to increase. The money that could have been use for other purposes are now utilized in treating obesity-related ailments. Likewise, media’s stereotypical nature is responsible for creating more societal divisions and fragmentations. It loosens the social fabric that binds each and every individual, regardless of their race and ethnic origins. Discrimination now becomes a difficult challenge to overcome and minority groups are constantly pushed into the periphery. In as far as media stereotyping is concerned, such is also instrumental in the proliferation of negative body perceptions. More often than not, media has been pointed out as one of the leading causes of eating disorders that are experienced by many teenagers Conclusion Stereotyping, agenda-setting and the creation of false needs are some of the tactics employed by media organizations to manipulate the viewers. These activities are performed primarily because media outfits are now more focused on its capitalistic agendas that readily neglect their purpose as information providers. The public are no less than treated and seen as mere customers and not a vital part of society that must be constantly informed and educated. Under these circumstances, critical thinking must be readily practiced and exercised. The public must fully examine the media contents that are presented unto them. Works Cited Allison, Annie and Gary Cross. Millennial Monsters. California: University of California Press, 2006 Anderson, C. Leigh and Janet Looney. Making Progress. Lexington Books: Maryland, 2002 Davies, Maire. ‘Dear BBC’ Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2001 Gabbard, David and Wayne Ross. Defending Public Schools: Education Under The Security State Westport, CT: Greenwood Publishing Inc. , 2004 Kirsh, Steven. Children, Adolescents and Media Violence. London: Sage Publications Inc. , 2006 Larson, Stephanie. Media and Minorities. Maryland: Rowman Littlefield Publishers Inc, 2006 O’Hair, H. Dan; Robert Heath, Gerald s Ledlow and Mark Cwiek . Community Preparedness and Response to Terrorism: Communication and the Media. Westport, CT: Greenwood Publishing Inc. , 2005