Monday, September 30, 2019

Beginning Bodybuilding and Tips on Staying Motivated

The sport of bodybuilding began in the late 1940’s, when Joe Weider began his noble endeavor for human physique revolution that would soon be a bodybuilding empire. He envisioned bodybuilding as the sport that will epitomize a man’s masculinity. Fitness, Nutrition, and Motivation were the foundation for the sport of bodybuilding.One must consider the sport of bodybuilding not as a mere habit but a chance to be the epitome of human physique. Every bodybuilder has a mindset that no ordinary man has. A bodybuilder doesn’t perceive every workout as a routine but as a part of his well-being.Every workout that a bodybuilder does is like breathing for him. It is crucial for him. For one to begin his bodybuilding aspiration, he should find a nearby gym which he can engage himself into various bodybuilding techniques. A neophyte bodybuilder has to be independent inside the gym. Everything should be self-learned yet it won’t hurt to ask an initial training program f rom a trainer. From there on, you should be on your own inside the gym. Being independent is one of your motivations to succeed in the sport of bodybuilding. Each body part you train is crucial because it complements all your other workouts.For instance, you must train your triceps in order to achieve a good lift on chest workouts. Always bear in mind that your program is integrated. One cannot always train for one body part most of the time. Train all body parts and you will achieve progress. Furthermore, bodybuilding supplements will enhance your performance and progress throughout your bodybuilding career. One must know what supplement to take to complement his desired physique. If your program is bulking up, you should have a Whey Protein, Creatine, and Nitric Oxide for you to achieve your goal of getting enormous muscles.Protein is a staple in bulking up, so your body should be getting enough protein than the usual. This is crucial for your body to be in an anabolic state. It m eans that even if you are not training, your muscles are spontaneously growing. Remember that your muscles are â€Å"eating† as well. On the other hand, Fat Burner supplements are only to be used whenever a bodybuilder intends to prepare for a bodybuilding competition. A bodybuilder is hell-bent on getting â€Å"ripped† for him to showcase his muscle definition. He does this by reducing water intake, as well as assuming a â€Å"low carbohydrate and high protein† diet..Most bodybuilders take a respite in taking supplements for them to detoxify. It is important to know when to use such supplements. Always remember that supplements are for the enhancement of your physique. Yet it must not be your source of motivation. Here are five methods on being consistent and motivated as well: 1. Always prioritize fitness among other endeavors. Bodybuilding should be the core of your well-being no matter what crisis you encounter. 2. Consider bodybuilding as a physiological ma tter. Just like breathing, It’s a matter that you do because you have to and not because you want to.3. Manage your time. Bodybuilding should be prioritized yet moderated. Consider other careers that will enhance your bodybuilding aspirations. 4. Nutrition should always matter. Eat like its your last meal. Enough is never enough. Eat six meals a day. A combination of light and heavy meals, in order to maintain your body in an anabolic state. 5. Be Aggressive. Unleash the warrior instinct in you. Always be independent inside the gym. Bear in mind that whenever you are going to workout, it’s always a war inside the gym and your ultimate adversary is yourself. Always outlast your previous performance.

Sunday, September 29, 2019

Human Trafficking Essay

Human trafficking is a very prevalent issue in today’s societies throughout the world. Human trafficking is the illegal trade of human beings for the purposes of commercial sexual exploitation or forced labor. The extremely high demand for sex and cheap labor are two of the leading factors in the expansion of human trafficking. Despite efforts from various individuals and organizations, millions and millions of men and women are illegally traded each year. Many agree that human trafficking is a horrific injustice but fail to acknowledge the underlying conditions that enable the growth of this industry. The various reasons most individuals fail to think deeper than the surface issues to address the underlying issues are discussed in depth in The Sociological Imagination by C.Wrighr Mills. Until the underlying issues are acknowledged and corrected, more and more humans will be illegally traded. According to The Sociological Imagination, many problems of society are overlooked because the issues do not directly impact the individual’s life. Many individuals do not make the connection between their own life and the big picture, in this case the relevance of human trafficking. They fail to see that although human trafficking may not directly impact one’s life, the illegal trade of humans may indirectly impact their life. The humans illegally traded, not only face sexual and labor exploitation but many are forced into marriage. Others are forced to become street beggars or child soldiers. In some of the worst cases the humans trafficked are killed and their organs are sold on the organ black market. Individuals not aware of these alternate forms of human trafficking usually fail to see how common it is and do not see the indirect impact human trafficking may have on their life. Another condition enabling the construction and expansion of human trafficking on the global scale are the efforts to stop human trafficking are being concentrated on the wrong principles. Organizations like SafeHorizon, Called to Rescue, Coalition Against Trafficking in Women and Deborah’s Gate all focus on rescuing individuals from trafficking or helping individuals assimilate back into society after being trafficked. I acknowledge these are very useful tactics but these organizations are only addressing the victims after they have been traumatized instead of addressing the underlying issues of why there is human trafficking and developing ways to prevent it. Some of their efforts should be transferred to implementing procedures or strategies that prevent individuals from becoming victims instead of for after they become victims. The corruption of government officials and police force in countries where human trafficking is most prominent, also play a large role in the growth and expansion of human trafficking in certain regions. Bribes are taken so certain businesses are not investigated or raided. These businesses are known to illegally trade human beings but they are allowed to continue their illegal actions. Authorities are aware certain individuals are partaking in human trafficking but merely look the other way. Until this changes or the corrupt government officials and police officers are removed from power, the number of humans illegally traded will continue to rapidly grow. But even honest government officials and police officers face difficultly in combating human trafficking. Human trafficking is such a lucrative business because of the high demand for sex that even when authorities are able to apprehend individuals who are trading humans illegally, new individuals pop up and pick up where they left off. Another obstacle authorities face is that many individuals who are involved in human trafficking operate at such a small scale, it is very difficult to know about their actions. Numerous individuals illegal trade humans in small rural homes or small businesses and keep their actions very discrete. Authorities trying to end human trafficking face almost insurmountable odds. The Sociological Imagination touched on the idea that individuals feel trapped by the problems of today. They are unable to look beyond the immediate troubles and issues. Humans are too consumed with the struggles off everyday life to invest time in correcting large-scale social injustices. Individuals feel as if their vision and powers are limited to the smaller scale of their jobs, family and neighborhood. This idea is another condition enabling the construction and expansion of human trafficking on a global scale. If one feels as if they are powerless and cannot change or do not have the time to change large scale issues, then change is not brought about. One individual can make change no matter how big or small the injustice they are trying to combat is. Until one internalizes and begins to believe they can make a difference, their efforts usually are consumed by irreverent problems of everyday life. Another condition enabling the construction and expansion of human trafficking is that many individuals are distracted from the larger social injustices. The media chooses which stories to shed light upon and in turn decide the importance of issues. If an individual is exposed to the same story numerous times, they are inclined to believe that story is more relevant and important than a story that receives less coverage. Some forms of media purposely give more coverage to celebrity drama or irreverent issues to distract individuals from the larger issues. The larger issues can more easily be swept under the rug if â€Å"the people† are not addressing them. If the horrors and alarming statistics of human trafficking where displayed in the media more often, people would be more inclined to correct the conditions that enable the construction and expansion of human trafficking. The Sociological Imagination opened my mind to the conditions that prevent individuals from dealing with the troubles and issues that matter. Individuals are seldom aware of the intricate connections between the patterns of their own lives and the course of the world. Because they do not make this connection most individuals cannot cope with their personal troubles in an efficient enough way to be aware of the structural transformations that lie beneath them. Sociological Imagination is having the ability to grasp reality by putting everything into perspective to make sense of the non-sense by thinking below the surface. Until more individuals possess this sociological imagination, things will not change.

Saturday, September 28, 2019

Application of Logic in Everyday Living

Many branches of science can be Involved and applied In our dally life, even the broad study of logic also are included to our everyday living, it is a reasoning of life circulation to improve and explore. Basically, human being is the most powerful creature on earth that controls deferent physical, mental physiological, psychological and intellectual preferences. A proven capability of a person to make his environment change according to what he/she plans, or we can say to Innovate and evolve feasible things to make work, to grow, to process and to develop.Considering that present events, evaluations, and information are connected to which everyday composure or situation to our environment gets affected. Living in a world full of challenges is a broad act of adapting and adjusting to various conditions of how to live, suffer survive and conquer preparation for death, start of a new beginning, hopes of those hopeless, being strong from weak, living and dying In many reasons, sharing life to others, counting blessings you have, and making advantage and achievements, are just examples of how we deal to keep us alive.As individual hanger, the world also gone changes from its form, structure and growth. It is Just a matter of becoming pessimistic or optimistic. There are different levels of understanding how people change or maybe how the world change. Some answer, that history repeats itself, a part of the new generation, acquisition of powerful mankind, making choices for a better living. Well†¦ Being able to ‘predict' how systems and people (which are much the same really) will act in certain conditions and situations is a very useful skill to have.In ancient times image you are finding your way through a landscape and you come to a did no way round (in sight) well from the logical standpoint you look at it like this 1 how deep Is the void 2 how far can I Jump 3 will I make the Jump based on that measurement/experience? If you didn't have logic then y ou would Just jump and hope for the best†¦ Welch Is the mentality an awful lot of people seem to employ when making decisions now†¦ Look at the supreme crisis! Of course having too much Logic is the flip side.Imagine not leaving your house because statistics tell you that % of people get run over, shot, stabbed, attacked, abducted, struck by lightning, killed by flying debris†¦ Etc†¦ , well logic would tell you Don't leave the house It safer in here! So logic Is Like theory and then there is in practice which is usually slightly different. In essence you don't want to be too logical, or too creative, which Is why most people have a proportion of both†¦ Nature intended it that way for a very good reason.ANSWER Logic: thought processes are clarified, the use of logic enables consideration of all available options for opinion and action, and decreases the persuasive power of popular opinion; Because available options have been fairly considered, the use of logi c increases the likelihood that subsequent opinions and actions will adhere most closely to the truth. Adherence to the truth, while sometimes painful, is the human condition more likely to lead to satisfactory outcomes in most situations. Therefore, logic's relevance to everyday life is that its use improves the likelihood of satisfactory outcomes in the day-to-day decisions each person makes. Russian's Logic is the ability of reasoning your choices, to examine the consequence of every available action and then choose the best one. It has been proven that a simple rat has basic logic, Scientists created a machine that would create two types of sounds: a long beep and a short beep.They also gave the rat three small levers to pull, Lever 1 and lever 2 and lever 3. When the scientists played a long sound or short sound, the rat would get fed a large amount of good food if it pulled the correct corresponding lever to the sound played, left lever for long beep, right lever for short bee p, if the rat pulled the middle lever, it would get fed some food, but not as much, no matter what sound was played. If the at pulled the incorrect lever, it would not get fed anything for a while.The rat eventually caught on that if it pulled the correct lever it would get much better food, so it started pulling the correct levers. One day, to test the rats logic abilities, the scientists decided to play many different sounds, long short short long long short, to see what the rat would do. The rat was able to think about his choices, he chose to pull the middle lever, and he took the small amount of food because he knew it was the best choice.The rat would rather not take a chance at missing out on his food. Without logic, everybody would act instantly on their emotions, thus making many many radical choices, without logic there would be more criminals, for example: you catch your girlfriend or boyfriend cheating on you, you have tons of choices you can make at this point A. Some p eople Just end the relationship and walk away B. Some people might try to talk about it C. Omen people might even do something bad like attack somebody Without logic, most people would probably Just attack somebody at this point because they didn't think about which choice was best, obviously either A or B is a deter choice than C, but because you were angry, you didn't use logic, and Just chose. Imagine if everybody chose option C for all of their choices? Life would be a lot worse than it is now.Without logic, life would be chaos, without logic, the rat would starve ANN. Answer Logic, is a deductive reasoning that results when the human brain calculates the most rational and acceptable outcome of any given situation and recognizes that answer as the most constructive, and consequently the most two groups; rational or irrational, instinctual or improve, emotional or logical. Emotional responses tend to be the strongest desire in the moment, when followed outcomes like crimes of pas sion or moments of extreme passion.I tend to think that acting on an emotional paradigm feels better, and tends to be more rewarding but it also tends to precede more danger. Logical responses happen when the individual looks at a situation from a third party and recognizes the moral obligation or larger demographic of opinion that would rationally decide the correct decision. Why logic is so relevant to everyday life is a difficult question. I believe it stems from a natural unman desire to help support a social group and thus keep everyone content.

Friday, September 27, 2019

Cable TV as Going Obsolete Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Cable TV as Going Obsolete - Assignment Example 2). The range is more of a generalization rather than a fact since different shows and different networks cater to different people. Taking those into account, television has a possible target demographic ranging from toddlers to octogenarians with little regard for race, level of education or occupation. Over the years, technology has advanced to the point wherein information is accessible through more than one channel. Of late, the internet has become the same kind of competitor to television as television once was to radio. In their 2012 Accenture Consumer Electronics Products and Services Usage Report, Accenture (2012) found out that â€Å"the percentage of consumers watching broadcast or cable TV shows, movies or videos on TV, in a typical week, plummeted from 71 percent in 2009 to 48 percent in 2011† (p. 8). There are many reasons why people are shifting from television’s scheduled programming to internet. One of the more common reasons is convenience. In a high-s peed world, people find less and less time at home to watch the shows they want to watch on TV. Another recent survey by Nielsen (2012) showed that users of Netflix, an on-demand streaming media provider, have chosen to watch more TV programs on it than ever before totaling 19% of their subscribers which makes an 8% increase from the previous year. Subscribers can watch and rewatch their favorite shows whenever they want with services like these. Another factor that makes online viewing more appealing is the mobility. In a study conducted by Blip.tv (2011), one of the Internet's largest independently owned and operated video properties, people have been spending 9% less time watching television, 26% more time watching web series on the PC, while spending 19% more time watching video content on a mobile device. With the wide range of tablet PCs and smartphones in the market today, people will have little reason to stay at home and watch TV when they can view their favorite videos onl ine wherever they go. On a related note, age and society can also be factors. In the Hollywood Reporter, Georg Szalai (2011) wrote about how baby boomers (47-65 year old citizens) spend more time watching TV than the average person, averaging 5-6 hours a day compared to the 4 hours and 49 minutes of people within the 18-49 year old demographic. Many television networks are making changes to appeal to these people by revamping old shows and featuring familiar faces on their networks. This could be brought about by the older audience’s unfamiliarity with the newer technology. Conversely, the younger crowd is opting for more internet-based or â€Å"cloud services.† Accenture (2012) found that â€Å"Thirty-eight percent of younger consumers have stopped or almost stopped renting or buying DVDs, and 16 percent said they had terminated or were considering terminating TV subscription services† (p. 9). Economically speaking, the increase in the number of consumers willi ng to terminate their TV subscriptions is a practical one. Why would people continue to pay for services they would use for only 3-4 hours a day when they can get the same service anytime they want, anywhere they want along with their internet subscription? All these shifts toward cloud services are dependent on the availability of the hardware and the reliability of an internet connection. Computers are getting smaller, more sophisticated

Thursday, September 26, 2019

Annotated bibliography Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Annotated bibliography - Essay Example Their hypothesis is that closer peer groups directly influence marijuana consumption. They used the results of the Spanish Survey on Drug Use in the School Population in 2004 that included 24,561 informants. They created a probit model, where two alternative peer variables are used in their formula. They discovered that when factors of peer pressure are controlled, peer group effects on marijuana consumption are significant, and that closer peers can affect marijuana usage more than other peer variables. Education Economics is a valid source, because it aims to study educational issues using economics as a framework. Duarte, Escario, and Molina are credible authors, because they instruct in the field of economics. The article is a secondary source that uses information from a comprehensive survey. The findings can be applied to students 12 to 18 years old, although cultural and contextual factors have to be considered. This article is linked to my research question, because the intro duction part provides the negative effects of marijuana in the health and academic conditions of students. It suggests that legalizing marijuana will be bad for students in general, because of negative impacts on mental health and academic achievement. ... â€Å"Prevalence and Intensity of Basic Symptoms among Cannabis Users: An Observational Study.† American Journal of Drug & Alcohol Abuse 37.2 (2011): 111-116. Martinotti et al. wanted to know if cannabis use results to psychosis, or if psychosis draws people to cannabis consumption. They also studied the relationship between family history of psychosis and experience of subjective experiences. They examined a sample of 502 healthy university students by studying the presence and level of subjective experiences (SEs) and their connection to cannabis use. Subjective experiences pertain to psychotic-like experiences, such as changes in perceptions and having magical skills or seeing magic. Findings showed that 114 subjects smoked cannabis, and that 20.5 percent smoked one joint every week, while 71.9 percent used it sporadically for a year. The authors learned that cannabis use did not result to greater SEs, whether it is smoked daily or protracted within one year. Furthermore, t hey discovered that SEs are higher for users with a history of psychiatric problems in the family. American Journal of Drug & Alcohol Abuse is a valid source, because it is a peer-reviewed journal, and it uses clinical and other empirical methods in studying drug and alcohol abuse issues. The authors are also reliable, because they are part of different public and educational institutions and they have knowledge in studying and teaching this topic. The article is related to my research question, since it provides evidence that marijuana does not always lead to psychosis, although it can increase psychotic risks for people who come from families that have psychiatric illnesses. Like Duarte, Escario, and Molina, this article suggests that legalizing marijuana

Policy Development Paper Research Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Policy Development - Research Paper Example This should require sufficient level and amount of control. This eventually paves the way for another substantial policy under the existing PREA. In this paper, the proponent considers two policy options: intense work knowledge with experts and enhancement policy; and standardization of operating procedure policy. Under the policy ensuring intense work knowledge enhancement with experts, the correctional staffs are expected to become more experts in doing their respective role in the custodial setting with LGBT youth. Instead of becoming a potential source of verbal and physical harassments, they would become primarily source of eventual change in the juvenile system primarily in dealing with LGBT youth, their safety and sexual orientations. However, this would basically incur remarkable amount of cost on the side of the government or state. This would also lessen maximum actual work activity at the custodial setting as the correctional staffs must undertake field exposure together w ith experts. Thus, additional manpower must be provided to compensate their absence in the actual custodial setting activity. ... ed to consider the level of up to what extent some changes can be reasonably made, knowing the fact there are various circumstances and situations that need careful considerations from various states. Among these two policies, the best rationale used in order to choose which is appropriate is the consideration of less political domination upon its actual implementation. It seems policy next to the status quo seems to less complicate the future political associations within the juvenile justice system, for it primarily deals with actual performance and output. Ensuring actual performance and output may less complicate political control or domination within the justice system as the actual service involved could be directly be imposed to providing the best safety and equality LGBT youths deserve within the juvenile justice system. 1. Introduction According to the ‘The National Transgender Discrimination Survey’ around 15 percent of Trans people experienced sexual assaults while in prison.1 This is quite alarming because to be sexually assaulted is not supposed to be part of the sentence and according to the authority it should not be part of the sentence. The emancipated Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) has been viewed to help the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) especially those youth in custodial settings to be protected from sexual assaults while incarcenerated. After all, even though they might have different sexual orientation compared to normal heterosexual individuals, they are still humans who have the basic right generally covered by the state. Part of this is their right to protect themselves from being sexually exploited and to only deserve the sentence associated with whatever crimes they would be found guilty. The PREA seems to be at the

Wednesday, September 25, 2019

Coursework for global market Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Coursework for global market - Assignment Example Interest rates were pushed down through conventional and non-conventional measures. Conventional measure is a state where the central bank of a given state is not directly involved in lending funds to the government or other financial institutions; neither does it directly buy any type of debt instruments in the market. They are able to manage the level of interest rates, thus managing liquidity and in long run; prices are stabilized in the market. Unconventional measures refer to policies that aim at the cost and accessibility of outside finance to other stakeholders like households and non-financial companies. With rates significantly brought down, investors had sufficient funds and they had to look for elsewhere to invest. These trends later occurred to cause problems as this was supposed to happen when inflation is at lowest level possible under a depressed economy. Economic shock was strong such that it affected the economy and further cutting down of interest was not possible leading to firms resulting in unconventional policy which even when transmission process of monetary is impaired, it may be warranted In 1997-1998, investors lost confidence in the Asian market since the resulting returns were very low and had brought them server loss. This caused financial crisis in potential market, investors could no longer join the market as it was initially which it later affected the world economy. Secondly, in Asian countries and other new markets, many firms had huge debts in dollars, when their currency failed; it became a major problem as debts rose significantly. It has been an on-going challenge in international business though currently is not serious like it was during that time. Yes, this is because for business to go on smoothly there is need to understand the market you are entering. Potential crisis is therefore of paramount importance for any firm to understand before venturing to the

Tuesday, September 24, 2019

Ideology in Branding Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Ideology in Branding - Essay Example Good ideologies make a business enterprise to prosper despite the strong wave of competition in the world of business today. Thos paper highlights how ideology helps in branding in Apple and Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC). Ideology in Apple Apple Company is among the best performing companies in the world. Its brands such as computers, tablets, and mobile phones continue to dominate the market. There is an increase in usage of the Apple’s products in the world. The Company enjoys a continued flow of loyal customers from all over the globe. Mobile phones such as iphone, ipad, and ipod touch users have a wide range of applications. The secret behind the big leaps of success in Apple lies in its branding strategy (O’Grady, 2008:5). The sound ideology in branding has propelled the Apple Company to enjoy enduring success in the competitive business environment. Apple business strategies and practices adapts to the ever-changing world. The branding ideologies in Apple Company p reserve the core values while stimulating its progress to achieve superior long-term performance. To keep them strong in the market, Apple manufactures products that suits customer demands and preferences. The branding ideologies constantly changes to fit the people’s lifestyles. The branding ideologists have developed a glossy product with a simple advertisement that captures the attention across all ages (O’Grady, 2008:23). ... This has helped the company to monitor and respond to the customers’ demands. Apple Company considers and cares its consumers. The company demonstrates this through taking the product beyond the basic function. It has transformed its products into a status symbol that accommodates the requirement of the customers (O’Grady, 2008:35). Ideology in Understanding Brand and Methods The branding ideology helps the Apple Company to compete in very competitive and vibrant markets. The participants in the electronic markets include personal computer industries and software, the consumer electronic industry that sells ipod. Other players comprise of digital music distribution through the iTunes, smart phone market with the Apple iphone, and ipad tablet-computing device. Apple Company is in the process of establishing an advertising tool in the presence to its competitor Google in the advertising markets through its Appications business and iAd network. Apple has concentrated in cr eating innovative products and services that are in line with technological advancement for a long time. The Apple Macintosh computer products functions as digital for hub for digital services. These include the Apple ipod, cellular phones, digital video, and cameras. The company has advanced and has incorporate customer experience in their strategies. The company offers harmonised, synchronised, and integrated user experience across all its principal products. It uses iCloud as the hub. This is in line with their competence to deliver exceptional experience through quality user interfaces. The company bases its strategy around this goal with the iTunes, the iPhone with touch screen re-used on iPad. The Apple Apps

Monday, September 23, 2019

Czech Political Parties Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Czech Political Parties - Essay Example The upper house, or Senate, elects members every two years for six-year terms (81 total); the lower house, or Chamber of Deputies, has 200 members who are elected for four-year terms. The political parties often join together in coalitions to form a majority or other bloc of votes in the government. Five parties have 10 or more representatives in the Chamber of Deputies; one deputy is an independent (Czechcentrum.cz). More parties hold seats in the Senate, but only two hold more than 10 seats, the Civic Democratic Party (ODS) and the Coalition of Four (tykoalice), a coalition of four smaller political parties. The country's oldest political party is the Czech Social Democratic Party (CSSD), formed in 1878 under the old Austro-Hungarian Empire. According to the official Czech government website, the CSSD helped in the formation of Czechoslovakia after WWI and merged with the Communist Party in 1948. It favors a "social market" economy but has also led the drive to privatize former state-owned industries, including the country's large telecommunications system. It is considered left-of-center. The CSSD is most popular with working-class voters in industrial centers, trade union members and public service employees. It is similar to the Social Democratic Party in Germany and the British Labour Party and strongly in favor of the European Union, which the country joined in 2004.

Sunday, September 22, 2019

From marketing to image, to branding Essay Example for Free

From marketing to image, to branding Essay Introduction My presentation is based on branding as a business tool for marketing. The presentation will provide the concept of brand based on the strategies, importance, and influence of branding and to the consumers and towards the end provide a case study of McDonald’s Company for the case study of branding. Firstly, Hill (2002, p. 79) defined brand as a symbol or a name that businesses use in order to identify their products and use them to separate from the competitors. He further argues that brand development forms a foundational piece of the business marketing communication industries cannot do without. Reasonably, speaking, there are numerous brand types that may either represent a corporate or personal brand. We must note that in the current globalization and technology driven world, branding has become increasingly significant than over the previous decades. My research on business branding features the collection of science and psychology to form a premise mark as opposed to a trademark. The brands of the business convey the information of credibility, uniform quality, and experience of the business. Brands have life cycles, valuable and outlive the products. Today, numerous companies invest the value of the business in their brand and it has appeared in their balance sheet. The world has become online and numerous markets are growing across nations that have seen the consumers use brands in their purchases. The importance of brands is, therefore; Assisting in the identification of the business. The business that uses branding can clearly be seen, quickly identify and sought after-products. Branding allows time and energy saving through practicality through loyalty and identical purchasing. The customer is guaranteed of finding the same quality irrespective of time and place of buying the product Branding provides common self-image that is presentable to others It allows for satisfaction brought through intimacy and familiarity with the brand that the consumers have using for years. Branding provides ethical standards in business due to satisfaction linked to the responsible brand behavior in its societal relationships. Branding Strategy This refers that firms mix and match the name of their brand and the products they offer. The degree of synergy between the product brand and the corporate brand depends on the architecture of the brand (Hill 2002, p. 124). I found the following brand strategies as identified by scholars; Corporate and individual branding House of brand and brand house, including sub-brands and endorsed brands Weak endorsement, no endorsement, strong endorsement, and medium endorsement. Delineated three types of brand strategy, continuum monolithic strategy, branded strategy, and endorsed brand strategy. Endorsement brand strategy, token endorsement, and weak endorsement. Influence of Branding to Consumers and Business The legally protected brands are significantly important in the modern marketing. Branding has several influences on the business and the customers. Firstly, branding brings psychological effect that affect the consumers by urging them to choose a specific product over the other based on perception rather than hard facts. I read from the work of Hill (2002, p. 143) that indicated that brands can automatically activate the goals of purchase in individuals without conscious or awareness intent. Likewise, Hill (2002, p. 143) further writes that brands offer promise of performance by the business by assuring the customers of the quality, safety, and other ethical obligations of the product. Further, it is indicated that the socio-culturally based brands present the role of brands through research. Brand satisfaction is a good reason for a customer to choose a specific product over the other. Case Study of McDonald’s Branding Success The case study I used was a well-known industry across the globe. With the globalization era, currently; it is easier for brands to show their presence globally in various cultures. Reading from Hill (2002), business operation in a foreign cultural atmosphere comes with changes in the strategies of the business, advertising, functioning and branding campaign. A case study of the McDonald’s different marketing strategies can best exemplify the global marketing strategy. The company originated in the U.S. in 1940 as a street restaurant and currently serves in 199 countries across the globe. According to Kulkarni, Lassar, Sridhar and Venkitachalam (2009, p. 12) the company’s brand is supported by a highly successful brand campaigns.   In each of all the branding campaigns of the McDonald’s Company, it has prioritized on social values of the target audience that has made functioning as a resilient possible. The comparison of the branding campaign in two completely economically and culturally diverse countries, India and Australia, shows the company’s effective resilience. My investigations reveal that the company ventured in India in 1996 and in Australia in 1971, but there exists a considerable gap in chronology. It is understood that the company adopted the dissimilar marketing strategies using similar brand values that were quality, service, cleanliness and value (QSC V). Using this strategy, the company excelled in both the markets in a way that the societies never thought that it was an American brand. The reasons for brand success of the case study company were, perhaps, numerous (Encyclopedia of global brands 2013, p. 677). However, excellent market research tops the list. The ever-growing process of market research has assisted the marketers to analyze the environment of marketing and define the marketing strategies and product-market fit. Through market research, Light, Kiddon, Till, Heckler, Mathews, Wacker, Brunner, Emery and Hall, (2012, p. 67), writes the company realized the obligation to involve in the local culture. Social marketing, according to McDonald’s (2013, p. 221) assisted the company develop the socially accepted product and satisfies the customer needs better than that of the competitors. Currently, the company runs 780 outlets in Australia and 300 outlets in India. Therefore, the best achievement of the company is through its branding that successfully transformed itself into the local image and fulfilled the brand promises. The people believed in QSC V that was fulfilled and the TV campaigns often focused on customer relationships. References Encyclopedia of Global Brands. (2013). vol. 2, K-Z,  Ã‚   2nd edn, St. James Press, pp. 675-680 Hill, C. W. L. (2002). International business competing in the global marketplace. New York, McGraw-Hill Irwin. KonecÃŒÅ'Nik Ruzzier, M., Ruzzier, M. (2007). From marketing to image, to branding. IV Seminari Internacional DInnovacioÃŒ  I Turisme Turisme Branding: La Clau Per Al Desenvolupament TuriÃŒ stic, Palma De Mallorca, 26, 27 I 28 Setembre 2007. Kulkarni, S, Lassar W, Sridhar C Venkitachalam A. (2009). McDonald‟s OngoingMarketing Challenges and Social Perception in India‟, Online Journal of International  Case Analysis, vol. 1, Issue 2, last viewed 23 Sept 2013,  http://ojica.fiu.edu/index.php/ojica_journal/article/view/19/18  11. Light, L., Kiddon, J., Till, B., Heckler, D., Mathews, R., Wacker, W., Brunner, R., Emery, S., Hall, R. (2012). Branding strategies for success. [Upper Saddle River, NJ], FT Press. http://proquest.safaribooksonline.com/?fpi=9780133039030.

Saturday, September 21, 2019

Impact of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)

Impact of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) ABSTRACT Extensive researches carried out have pointed to the fact that impact prediction in the EIA process has been problematic and it lacked transparency, scientific rigour or both (Badr et al 2004, Glasson et al 2005). Therefore the aim of this research paper is to evaluate impact prediction in the EIA process by comparing impact prediction practices in three environmental impact statements for one environmental component: Air quality. Methods to identify, access and evaluate impacts were analyzed and how extensively they were used in predicting impacts. A checklist was developed for to comparative analysis and descriptor for symbols awarded to various stages of impact prediction outlined. The result shows that important prediction methods were either omitted or not extensively used in some of the cases. This research paper is therefore in agreement that impact prediction is not practiced in a transparent and scientifically rigorous manner. INTRODUCTION Recent environmental issues that has emerged due to large industrial developments with effects on the environment has led to the birth of the process called Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) which can be defined as â€Å"the need to identify and predict impacts on the environment and on mans wellbeing of legislative proposals, policies, programmes, projects and procedures and to interpreter and communicate information about the impacts† (Munn 1979). EIA can also be defined as â€Å"a process by which information about the environment is collected both by the developer and from other sources and taken into account by the relevant decision making body before a decision is given on whether the development should go ahead†(DOE 1995). It can also be defined more simply as â€Å"an assessment of the impacts of a planned activity on the environment† (UNECE 1991). Since the introduction of EIA over 30 years ago, the potential benefits has been widely recognized and it has been adopted and implemented in more than 100 countries by numerous aid and funding agencies (Petts 1999).In essence, EIA is a process that assesses the impact of developments on the environment in a systematic, holistic and multidisciplinary way taking into consideration all environmental components (Glasson et al 2005). EIA as a process involves a number of steps which are as follows Description of project Screening Scoping/consideration of alternatives Baseline studies public consultationparticipation Impact prediction Preparation of Environmental Impact Statement(EIS) Decision making Post decision making and monitoring The EIA process is a cyclical process with feedbacks and interaction between all the steps and public consultation (stakeholder engagement) involved in all the steps. Aggregated studies have shown that EIA practices in some regions of the world have been and remain problematic, but there is evidence that the quality is improving over time (Lee and Brown 1992, DOE 1996, Cashmore et al 2002). However, disaggregated studies indicate that the quality with which certain components of the environment are addressed is significantly more problematic than suggested by the aggregated studies (Glasson and Heanley 1993, Chadwick 2002, Badr and et al 2004). Impact prediction in the EIA process has been a problematic despite being the key and heart of the EIA process (Badr and et al 2004). Despite its centrality in the process, many studies have underemphasized prediction and it is not often treated as an explicit stage in the process, models are not detailed and there are little discussions of limitations (Glasson et al 2005). Therefore, the research for the effectiveness of impact prediction in the EIA process will focus on the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) which is the document that holds the pre consented states of EIA, and is often readily assessable component of the process (Badr et al 2004). This research paper aims at contributing to the development of grounded initiatives for enhancing EIA effectiveness by looking at impact prediction practices in three different EISs looking into one environmental component which is AIR QUALITY. The following EISs will be used for this research paper CASE 1-A350 Westbury Bypass EIS CASE 2-River Tud Residential Development EIS CASE 3- Kingshill Recycling Centre Biomass Energy Plant EIS The objective of this research is to analyze how extensively impact prediction practices have been carried out in each of these case studies. The following is the structure of the paper: methodology, results, discussion and conclusion. METHODOLOGY The objective of impact prediction is to identify the magnitude and other dimensions of identified change in the environment with the project or action in comparison with the situation without the project or action. It also provides the basis for the assessment of significance (Glasson et al 2005). According to the EIS legislation (S1.4) impact prediction should include assessment of direct and indirect, primary and secondary, cumulative, short, medium and long-term, permanent and temporary, reversible and irreversible, positive and negative effects of a project (Walker and Dalton 2001 in Morris and Therivel 2009). A variety of models are used to estimate air quality impact of sources on receptors to prepare and review new industrial and other sources application and to develop air quality management plans for an area or region and they are the Gaussian, numerical, statistical and physical methods (Jacko and Breche 2003 in salvato et al 2003). There are four stages in impact prediction and they are Impact identification-this brings together the project characteristics and baseline environmental characteristics with the aim of ensuring that all potentially significant environmental impacts are identified and taken into account in the EIA process.( Glasson et al 2005). Ensuring compliance with regulations is an important factor when choosing impact identification methods for assessment. The pathway and receptors are also identified. The methods include checklists, matrices, and quantitative methods and overlay maps. Impact assessment-this involves the detailed analysis of impact to determine their magnitude, significance and expert judgement. There are different methods of impact assessment: professional judgement (qualitative), mathematical methods (quantitative), physical methods, laboratory methods and case to case methods. When choosing prediction methods, the assessor should be concerned about the appropriateness for the task involved, will the method produce what is wanted?, can the method be applied to different projects and allow predictions to be compared? (Lee 1987, Glasson et al 2004). Significance of evaluation- when impact have been predicted, the impacts are then evaluated for acceptability. Criteria for significance include the magnitude and likelihood of impacts, the geographical level. The most formal evaluation method is the comparison of predicted changes in the area to air quality standards, objectives or guideline values, and determining whether they are likely to be exceeded at any location, after taking into account the existing and predicted baseline conditions (Walker and Dalton 2001 in Morris and Therivel 2009). Dispersion models such as DBRM screening method is used to evaluate significance, and the Gaussian model. Other methods are the cost and benefit analysis, multi criteria method, empirical data analysis and simple criteria. Impact mitigation- This is the measure envisaged in order to avoid, reduce and if possible, remedy significant adverse effects (CEQ 1997). Mitigation measures such as change of technology or modification of industrial processes can be implemented. Monitoring should be continued after completion since numerical prediction models contain uncertainties. Continued monitoring is necessary to access the effectiveness of any mitigation measure proposed in an EIA and to ensure that any potential air and climate problems identified have been minimized or mitigated (Walker and Dalton 2001 in Morris and Therivel 2009). A checklist has been developed for the purpose of evaluating impact prediction practices looking at air quality component in three EIS case studies. DISCUSSION Impact identification Case 1 The relevant legislation and policy context was the first method used to identify impacts of the development in air quality. The EU legislation was also looked at, the National Legislative and future legislative measures were also used in impact identification. Relevant policy measures like National planning policy, regional policy and local development framework was used to identify impacts. The limit value of AQS objectives were measured and if it was likely to exceed the objectives declared in the AQMA, then an action plan is to be prepared and implemented. The baseline information was acquired from the local authority and national air quality information archive (NAQIA). Therefore, because of the baseline studies, analysis of the background of air quality data available for the study area showed that the concentration of NO2 and PM10 are generally low in comparison to the relevant AQS objectives and limit value (Wiltshire county council 2007). Future predictions of air quality also carried out. Although qualitative method was used in this exercise, it was not clearly used to identify impacts. Checklists, matrices and overlay maps were not used. Source- pathway-receptor clearly identified. Case 2 Although legislative standards were mentioned, it was not mentioned extensively like in case 1. Baseline data of the environment was obtained from the national environmental technology centre (NETEN) and department of environment. Baseline studies were not used extensively for impact prediction in case 2. Knowledge of baseline conditions is essential because, even when a development is likely to add small amounts of pollution to the area, it could lead to air quality standard of the area being exceeded if air quality in the area is already poor or may become poor in the future(Morris and Therivel 2009). No future predictions of impacts carried out. There was no mention of the use of matrix or checklist for impact identification in this case. The source, pathway and receptor not clearly identified for air quality. Case 3 Most of the legislative standards considered. The UK air quality standards 1989 limits value for pollutants, the air regulations and air quality objectives clearly listed. Baseline studies of the area without the project was mentioned but not considered extensively. Checklists or matrices not used in prediction. Source-pathway and receptors identified. Overall, the main problem of impact identification is the failure to use systematic methods such as checklists, matrices or networks for impact predictions which agrees with Badr et al 2004 â€Å"Most WIA studied failed to provide any information on methods used to identify impacts†. Impact assessment Case 1 Constituent impact stages equally divided and assessed Quantitative assessment method was used for the operational phase of the development for the assessment of local air quality. Impacts on sensitive receptors in the area as a result of the operation of the bypass in the future were analysed using detailed dispersion modelling. DDM was used for the analysis of traffic emissions. Atmospheric dispersion modelling system (ADMS-Roads) was also used and it analysed dispersion of pollutants from industrial and road traffic sources. Qualitative assessment was used in the construction phase of the project. This assessment concluded that emissions will be greater in the operational stage, since the construction was short term, then impact will not be significant. Meteorological data was used for the input into the dispersion model. Case 2 Impacts talked about in construction and operation stages although not extensively. There was no mention of quantitative or computer model to assess air quality impact. The lack of quantitative analysis means that practitioners could not compare predictions with air quality and legislative standards and this is why evaluation of significance is poorly evaluated. (Badr et al 2004) Although qualitative judgement used, but not transparently and scientifically used Metrological data not mentioned at all in impact assessment. Case 3 Construction phase impact omitted and operational phase focused on. Quantitative model used. ADMS model used to assess atmospheric impacts of emission from the project, future predictions considered. Qualitative method not mentioned in impact assessment. Expert opinion provided it is backed up with reason and justification which supports that opinion, such as comparison with similar existing development is a very good method for predicting impacts (Morris and Therivel 2009). Metrological data was used in calculating annual mean of NO2 and SO2 Overall, the problem of impact assessment was the use of quantitative methods. In case 2, for construction emission, it was said that â€Å"it is for the most part not practical to quantify the emissions arising during construction of the dwelling† (South Norfolk County2001).Qualitative assessment only extensively used in case 1 and omitted in case 2 and 3. Future climate baseline levels are usually predicted for the purposes of an EIA, given the major limitations for current models in predicting regional changes, let alone local changes attributed to global warming due to the atmospheric concentrations of green house gases (Walker and Dalton 2001 in Morris and Therivel 2009) Significance evaluation Case 1 Short term mean concentrations of pollutants NO2 and PPM10 were calculated and compared against the relevant AQS objectives. Significance of impacts communicated both numerically and descriptively. Significance also calculated using the comparative method looking at the standard of air quality without the project. Descriptors clearly provided for the significance of air quality based on the magnitude of change in the context of existing conditions. The level of effects of project clearly identified as local effects. Case 2 Although long term mean concentrations mentioned, how numeric values arrived at is not transparent. Comparative method not clearly stated. Level of impact local, national or regional not analyzed. Case 3 Comparative method was used to compare quantitative dispersion ADMS model results with relevant AQS/AQOs. Geographical level of the impact not mentioned although, it was stated in the summary that â€Å"the process design has included mitigation measures to reduce impacts on local and national air quality† (North Wiltshire county). Overall, the significance of impact was well explained in case 1. It was transparent and scientifically rigorous (Badr et al 2004). Methods for significance of impact in case 2 and 3 not transparent although, Comparative measures were used in case 3, the level of impact was not clearly stated. Therefore the main problem of significance of impact was the transparency of the procedure. Impact mitigation Case 1 Mitigation measures were clearly put in place for significant impacts. Construction and operation mitigation plan well listed. CEMP prepared for the project. Alternative technology option also adopted for some impacts. Monitoring not mentioned in mitigation measures. Case 2 Mitigation measures not clearly outlined in this case. Although some preventive measures were outlined, it was not done satisfactorily. No alternative technology options adopted. Monitoring not mentioned in mitigation measures. Case 3 Mitigation measures outlined for construction and operations stages but not decommissioning stage. Alternative technology included in process design to reduce local and national air quality impacts Monitoring of NOx, SO2, PM10, CO outlined. (Annually). The overall problem of mitigation measures is the lack of emphasis on monitoring of air quality during construction and operation phases. A continuous air quality monitoring system for the measurement of selected gaseous air pollutants, particles and metrological conditions over a large geographical area, can make possible immediate intelligence and reaction when ambient air quality levels or emissions increase beyond established standards (Jacko and Breche 2003in Salvato et al 2003). Numerical prediction models contain uncertainties so monitoring should be continued after completion of the development to compare predictions with those that actually occur and continued monitoring is also necessary to access the effectiveness of any mitigation measures proposed in an EIA to ensure that any potential and climate problems identified have been minimized or eliminated (Walker and Dalton in Morris and Therivel 2009) CONCLUSION The aim of this research paper was to evaluate impact prediction in the EIA process by comparing impact prediction practices in three environmental stated for air quality. The research looked at different stages of impact prediction and how the methods for the stages were used and how extensively impact prediction was carried out. Results showed that although impact prediction practices were carried out, it was problematic in the impact identification methods in all cases, methods such as checklists, matrices and networks were not used at all while qualitative method which is used for impact assessment was omitted in a case (case 2). This automatically takes its toll on significance evaluation which uses expert opinion for evaluating significance. Uncertainties associated with the accuracy of a prediction due to the use of inaccurate or partial information on the project or baseline environmental conditions, unanticipated changes in the project during one or more of the changes of the life cycle and oversimplification and errors in the application of methods and models (Glasson et al 2004) was not given consideration at all in any of the cases. Monitoring changes in air quality standard was also a problem. While mitigation measures were proposed, there was no mitigation monitoring plan. Numerical prediction models contain uncertainties so monitoring should be continued after the completion of the development to compare predictions with those that actually occur (Walker and Dalton in Morris and Therivel 2009). Monitoring should be strengthened to enhance impact prediction. It is therefore logical to conclude that different developments or projects determine how extensively impact prediction is practiced. Emphasis is given to air quality predictions for developments like power stations, power plants and road constructions. Emphasis on impact prediction declines for developments such as residential buildings and shopping malls. REFERENCES Badr E,-L, Cashmore,M and Cobb, D (2004) ‘The considerations of impact upon the aquatic environment in environmental impact statements in England and Wales. 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