Tuesday, October 15, 2019
Earnest Hemingway's "The Indian camp" Essay
Earnest Hemingway's "The Indian camp" - Essay Example Nick becomes his assistant in the operation. Not long after, the expectant womans husband is discovered dead having slit his throat during the operation. The Indian Camp story reveals the upcoming of Hemingways use of counterpoint and the understated style. He addresses several thematic concerns that affected the people at the time. These are the theme of racism, sexism, masculinity and life and death. The ‘Indian Camp’ remains an important story in the canon of Hemingway to date. Being an initiation camp, the Indian Camp is used in the story to explain the theme life and death. Dr Adams, Nick’s father, exposes his son at a young age to childbirth. In the process, he unintentionally exposes the boy to violent death. Having witnessed the birth and death at the same time, Nick equates birth to death (Dudley 17). Although Nick may not have wanted to watch his father perform the caesarean, his father insists that he should do. Symbolically, he wants to make his son tough and prepare him for initiation into the adult world that was not always smooth. The theme of life and death is a symbolic depiction of the conditions of the Native American camp. There are struggles for life in the camp in which death romped life from people. The coming to birth of a child signifies the continuity of life in the camp (Dudley 18). However, life is lost at the same time when the childs father kills himself by slitting his throat with a sharp blade during the operation. In his story, Hemingway explains the desperate state of a struggle for life and at the same time the irony in a persons depriving his life. It is ironical that an effort is made to make the baby live signifying the value attached to life at the camp while at the same time the father takes his life. Fear of death is implicated in Nick’s fear for the death when thoughts of death in the forest a night before the operation overwhelm him. The themes of racism and sexism in the story are depicted in the
Monday, October 14, 2019
How Egypt became a Secular Nationalist type state Essay Example for Free
How Egypt became a Secular Nationalist type state Essay Egypt and Iran are the two Middle Eastern states with different Ideologies. The two states have a long history in the past. Despite the fact that both are Muslim dominated states, both have a totally different international stature in terms of their ideologies. Egypt has a secular nationalist stature where as Iran has a radical Islamist stature. The major reasons behind this divergent stature are the social setups, various movements, the historical developments and the impact of important national leaders. Egypt Egypt is located in the northeastern corner of Africa. Egypt used to be the home of one of the principal civilizations of the ancient Middle East and one of the worlds earliest urban and literate societies. Pharaonic Egypt remained under rule of various dynasties for a period of about 3000 years which were interspersed with brief periods of foreign rule. It was conquered by Arab Muslim armies in AD 639–642. Since then, Egypt has been part of Islamic world. Though it was ruled by foreigners but the countrys culture remained Arab in its very nature. The most notable of Egypts rulers under the Muslim caliphate was Saladin (Salah ad-Din, 1138–93), sultan of Egypt and Syria and founder of the Ayyubid dynasty. In 1517 the Ottoman Empire defeated the Mamluks and established control over Egypt up to 1798, when Napoleon occupied the country. Due to its strategic location, Egypt always remained a hub for trade routes between Africa, Europe, and Asia, especially due to opening of the Suez Canal in 1869, connecting the Mediterranean Sea to the Red Sea. The concern of the European powers over the canal for strategic and commercial reasons became ruling factor in subsequent history of Egypt. The U. K occupied Egypt in 1882 and continued to exert a strong influence on the country until after World War II (1939–45). One of major elements in political history was Hasan al-Banna, the founder of (Ikhwan), The Muslim Brotherhood in 1928 which established more than fifty branches in Egypt by 1934. This organization opposed the secular policies and believed that Muslim nations should govern according to the principles of the Quran. The organization had a major impact on the people of Egypt. At the end of World War Two, the Ikhwan had over 5 Lac active workers and around twice as many supporters. The organization sent thousands of fighters in the war against Israel but it was banned by the government of Noqrashi Pasha. In 1952 a military coup installed a revolutionary regime under the leadership of Gamal Abdel Nasser that promoted a combination of socialism and Pan-Arab nationalism and hence converted the Egypt from Islamic to Secular nationalist state. His successor as president, Anwar al-Sadat continued Nassers policies with some modifications, especially in relation to Israel and was a key player in the Egypt-Israel Peace Treaty of 1979. Upon Sadats assassination in 1981, Muhammad Hosni Mubarak became president of Egypt who was elected for his fifth term in 2005. Mubarak is following a secular nationalist agenda. Iran The ancient Persian Empire consisted of Iran, Azerbaijan, Afghanistan, Turkmenistan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, the eastern part of Turkey, Iraq and the parts of Pakistan. The Muslims invaded Iran in the time of Caliph Umar (637) and conquered it after several great battles. The majority of Iranians gradually converted to Islam. This conversion to Islam was a long process which took almost two centuries. The Muslim population rose from approximately 40% in the mid 9th century to close to 100% by the end of 11th century. Iran was dominated by Sunni Muslims initially however, Ismail I initiated a religious policy to recognize Shia Islam as the official religion of the Safavid Empire, which still is recognized as Shiite state. During World War II, Iran was an important supplier of oil to the Soviet Union. After World War II, Iran kept following western policies and introduced some economical reforms, which did not greatly improve economic conditions and the liberal pro-Western policies alienated some Islamic religious and political groups. In mid-1960s the political situation became increasingly unstable. The Premier Hassan Ali Mansur was assassinated in 1965 and security service, SAVAK, became more active. The Islamic clergy, headed by the Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini (who had been exiled in 1964), were becoming increasingly violent. By late 1974 an alarming increase in inflation occurred resulted into a big gap between the rich and poor. This situation gave birth to Islamic Revolution which transformed Iran from a monarchy under Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, to an Islamic republic under Ayatollah Khomeini, the leader of the revolution and founder of the Islamic Republic in December 1979. Mohammad Reza Pahlavi left the country for exile in January 1979 and on 1 February, 1979 Ayatollah Khomeini returned to Tehran and declared an Islamic republic with a new Constitution reflecting his ideals of Islamic government. Ayatollah Khomeini became supreme spiritual leader of Iran. Same year , Iraq massively invaded Iran, feeling that Iran is too weak to fight back but Iran achieved surprising defensive success resulting a cease fire on 20 August 1988. Since then Iran in following radical Islamic beliefs and has denied to bow before any international pressure against its ideology. Conclusion Iran and Egypt despite being Muslim dominated countries underwent a different course of events which resulted into different ideologies of the countries. Due to policies of government, different neighborhood, different political interactions and active involvement of key leaders, Egypt became a secular nationalist state whereas Iran became a radical Islamic state. Works Cited Works have not been cited as per req of the client.
Sunday, October 13, 2019
Consumer Expectations Essay -- Businesses Papers
Consumer Expectations The summer following my junior year in high school I learned the harsh realities of business in the world of used cars. When I purchased my 1995 Honda Civic I was told the air conditioner needed a recharge after I asked about the malfunctioning unit; however, a mechanic soon informed me of the real problem-the absence of a full A/C unit. The dealership in fact replaced the A/C unit, but not until I signed a contract stating I could not file suit or request any other repairs for the car-that, of course, was to their benefit. Three months later, I found out that the engine had been improperly mounted and that the transmission needed $3,000 in work-all things they failed to tell me at the time of purchasing the car. After only four months of use, the car sat unusable for nine months. At first, I thought I had gotten a deal when they fixed my A/C; however, that deal-in the end-cost me about $5,000 in additional work. It bothered me that a company could manipulate people, especially me, into signing a contract-knowing of several other problems with the car. From this experience, my idea of business morphed into one of deception-a result of the untruthfulness of business practices I encountered. Behind deception rest secrecy and openness-two important but yet difficult to define ideas-where large conflicts arise. Sissela Bok's essay, "Secrecy and Moral Choices," seeks to explain these complexities of secrecy-how secrecy is both helpful and harmful to human existence. Bok scrutinizes not simply the idea of secrecy, but considers as well our ability to control secrecy. In discussing secrecy's inherent benefits to society, Bok presents its ability to grant "elements of human autonomy: identity, plan... ...s. Ed. Denice Martone and Pat C. Hoy II. Boston: Houghton Mifflin, 2002. 14-16. "Secrecy and Moral Choice." The Advanced College Essay: Business and Its Publics. Ed. Denice Martone and Pat C. Hoy II. Boston: Houghton Mifflin, 2002. 3-10. "The Perspective of the Liar." The Advanced College Essay: Business and Its Publics. Ed. Denice Martone and Pat C. Hoy II. Boston: Houghton Mifflin, 2002. 11-14. Carr, Albert Z.. "Is Business Bluffing Ethical?" The Advanced College Essay: Business and Its Publics. Ed. Denice Martone and Pat C. Hoy II. Boston: Houghton Mifflin, 2002. 17-21. Kim, Christopher Jr.. Personal interview. 6 Feb. 2002. Oppel, Richard A. Jr.. "Despite Warning, Enron Chief Urged Buying of Shares." The New York Times. 19 Jan. 2002. 26 Jan. 2002. Polonetsky, Jules. "Privacy in the Internet Age." Schimmel Auditorium, New York U. 4 Feb. 2002.
Saturday, October 12, 2019
Strategic Management Essay -- Business essays research papers
Strategic Management Introduction To deal effectively with the wide array of factors affecting the ability of a business to grow and prosper, managers need advanced processes they feel will facilitate the optimal positioning of the business in its competitive environment. Such positioning is possible with strategic management because this process improves preparedness for unexpected internal or competitive demands. Therefore, strategic management is an all-encompassing approach for formulating, implementing and evaluating managerial decisions in a way that permits the business to reach its objectives. For a strategic management plan to be successful, however, every manager should: †¢Ã‚     Clearly see the need for change †¢Ã‚     Be firmly committed to the idea of changing the business planning process †¢Ã‚     Assure that the strategic management process has credibility with everyone involved †¢Ã‚     Make sure that final plans are realistic and reflect actual resources and capabilities †¢Ã‚     Train all participants in the procedures essential to the strategic management process †¢Ã‚     Develop concise and well-organized plans One of the world’s best performing natural resources companies created a unique organizational structure that combines the advantages of small business units with â€Å"virtual structures†- groupings of these business units - that can address different strategic issues and competitive environments. Overview The formality of the strategic management process varies widely. Formality refers to the degree to which membership, responsibilities, authority and discretion in decision making are specified. It is an important consideration in the study and application of strategic management because the degree of formality is usually positively correlated with the cost, comprehensiveness, accuracy and success of planning. The requirements for small business indicate the need for a moderate degree of formality. This is consistent with the ability to communicate face-to-face (size) and the need for flexibility (changing demands). The important issue is involvement with the process, not generating reams of paperwork (Camerer, 195-219). Resistance to change should be reduced. Businesses vary in the processes they use to formulate and direct their strategic management activities. Many using sophisticated planning techniques have developed more detai... ...heir management of their organizations, due to their important role in the culture formation and preservation process. They need to be continually aware of the cultural values espoused through their behavior and actions. References Astley, W.G., and C.J. Fombrun, 1983, Collective Strategy:     Social Ecology of Organizational Environments. Academy of     Management Review 8: pp. 576-587 Burgelman, R.A. 1996, A Process Model of Strategic Business     Exit: Implications for an Evolutionary Perspective on     Strategy. Strategic Management Journal 17: pp. 193-214 Camerer, Colin F. 1994, Does Strategy Research Need Game     Theory? In Fundamental Issues in Strategy: A Research     Agenda. Richard P. Rumelt, Dan E. Schendel, and David J.     Teece (eds.). Pp. 195-219. Boston: Harvard Business     School Press Galbraith, Jay R. 1995, Designing Organizations: An Executive     Briefing on Strategy, Structure and Process, San     Francisco: Jossey-Bass Publishers pp. 12-15 Harrison, Jeffrey S., and Caron H. St. John, 1998, Strategic     Management of Organizations and Stakeholders: Concepts.     2nd Edition. Cincinnati, OH: South-Western College     Publishing, pp. 44-59
Friday, October 11, 2019
Barker, Social Contract(Rousseau)
In Social Contract, Jean-Jacques Rousseau draws some interesting conclusions and makes some very interesting points about the dynamic that human beings have to go through when dealing with each other. His main points in the book have to do with the fact that men are not meant to be held down, nor or they meant to be restrained in any way. Instead, men were meant to run free and be able to make their own decisions as much as they possibly can.I think that this book takes the completely complicated question of human nature and breaks it down in a way that is a little bit easier to understand. The first and most prevalent point in the book is about how people are not meant to be held down or restrained. According to the thoughts of Jean-Jacques Rousseau, freedom and liberty are things that help both people and societies thrive and survive. More than anything else, people desire this type of freedom because it makes them feel like they can do what they were meant to do.In my opinion, thi s is a driving force for societies. Because of human nature and how we are wired, people are not meant at all to be held down and they are not meant to have to conform to what society tells them to conform to. When a society feels like they are being held down or enslaved by another group of people, it is just a natural thing to want to break free of that oppression and spread their wings. This book also takes an interesting look at the role of government and how it impacts the way people treat each other.Like many of the prevalent thinkers of his time, Rousseau holds onto the opinion that big government is a limiting factor instead of being something that has a positive impact on the people it purports to help. With that in mind, government should be limited as much as possible, especially when there is a chance that some sort of corruption exists underneath the surface. I think this is a cynical way to look at life, but given the circumstances that were around for Rousseau and man y of his fellow thinkers, it is easy to see where one might be compelled to think this way.I don’t think that it is necessarily healthy to hold onto this opinion in terms of today’s government, but there are some very interesting lessons that can be gleaned. This book takes the opportunity to touch on a number of political topics and how they affect people and it does not miss. The author obviously has a healthy fear of big government, which was extremely important during his time. I think that the consideration of force among peoples is an extremely important consideration, as well.Individuals can either conform to force as it confronts them or they can take the forces in their way and direct them. I think that it is difficult for most people to grasp having unnecessary force being put on them. As the author wrote in the first part of the book, men were not made to be enslaved, so that is not a natural thing for them to have to put up with. This understanding is essen tial to getting to know human beings and further, understanding society at large.
Thursday, October 10, 2019
Heal hospital Essay
The healing hospital paradigm emphasizes the eradication of stress and other health risks in the healthcare environment for patients and visitors. The factors that influence these health risks are inherent to the setting of the hospital, not the illnesses being treated. For instance, patients become stressed because of painful therapeutic procedures, lack of social life, deterioration of financial status because of healthcare expenditures, etc. In order to guarantee that the patient’s well being is maintained, the amount of stress must be curtailed. Additionally, the all-inclusive care and attention components of the paradigm guarantees that the patient’s recovery process are utilized to the zenith without infringing upon their dignity and privacy. Instead of just simply curing the disease, the healing hospital paradigm incorporates the healing of the whole patient (Young & Koopsen, 2006). This is served from the paradigm’s focus on healing beyond the physical bo dy. It intends to improve the overall welfare of the individual by not only addressing the patient’s cognitive, emotional, and spiritual concerns, but also those of the family’s (Milstein, 2005). In order to develop a healing environment, certain barrier must be overcome within the context of the hospital setting. This paper will analyze the healing hospital paradigm, recognize its significance in care giving method, portray its aspects, and depict its connections to spirituality. Healing Hospital Aspects A healing hospital goes beyond windows, walls, and mortar. Its strong culture of love and caring is what sets it apart from traditional hospitals (Chapman, 2010). The healing hospital is composed of three essential aspects. Healing Environment Hospitals should be a healing physical environment. This denotes that hospitals should be free of any physical disturbances that could potentially cause stress. These outside factors consist of excessive noise, a morbid or dull environment, and panic-inducing disorganization. In order to diminish these external environmental factors, employees must meticulously construct an organized hospital setting that complies with the aspects of a physical healing environment. Employees are given the proper training to become successful caregivers who are cognizant in patient and family interaction. This method of interaction will help patients and families cope with their grief and deal with their concerns. By engaging all five senses, the environment is designed to establish a spiritual relationship. Stefanidakis states that by choosing the appropriate colors, human behavior will be influenced to the desired effects and psychological systems will be established (2001). For example, the color green denotes a healing and nurturing environment–one symbolizing unconditional love and growth. This is due to the fact that color has the incredible ability to trigger emotional responses such as peacefulness, irritability, or cheerfulness. Furthermore, designing the hospital interior in a manner that resembles a church or temple promotes spirituality. This can be done by including religious artifacts such as rosary beads. However, the patient must feel in control of the environment in order for stress relief to occur. This control can be achieved with lighting, temperature, etc. Integrating Technology and Work Design Technology plays a large role in the healing hospital paradigm. Its interweaving into the healing hospital structure permits staff members to work with systematic efficiency, routing work in a way that amplified the patient’s and family’s comfort. In this more tranquil environment, patients receive much more sleep and, thus allow their bodies sufficient time to heal. Equipped with technological advancements such as cleaning machines with internal silencers and wireless phones for direct communication with the healthcare team, employees are competent in the effective use of this technology. Thus, they advocate a quiet and healing ambience. Developing a low stress environment, the staff is prone to fewer distractions. The lack of distraction leads to a decrease in common medical errors. The Culture of Loving Care Former executive of the Baptist Healing Hospital Trust Erie Chapman believes that the most important aspect of the healing hospital intertwined treatment with a significant component consisting of love, care, and empathy (Chapman, 2010). Constructing an intriguing culture in which the staff members are cognizant of their duties and are adept at unreservedly executing them through is a fundamental aspect of the healing hospital. All caregivers must advocate unconditional love for patients as well as visitors by incorporating it into their daily actions. Compassionate care through relationships in which the patient is the center is the basis on which the development of the healing hospital rests. Staff members inspire hope by exhibiting unconditional love through the utilization of compassionate care and the minimization of grief and stress levels of the patients and their families. Additionally, prayer strengthens hope and grounds the healing hospital in a spiritual relationship. Challenges of the Healing Hospital Environment As stated by Chapman (2010), there are five challenges that healing hospitals must conquer constantly. First, the growing amount of medical technology such as wires, tubes, and pharmaceuticals has monopolized healthcare to the point that healthcare professionals have forgotten the healing essentials such as the loving care method and the belief in the unification of body, mind, and spirit. Identifying the demand for, and providing balance between loving care and technology results in a raise in patient satisfaction. Next, the progression of technology has resulted in a tremendous focus on profits and market share rather than care. Although much ignored and neglected, the â€Å"Servants’ Heart†are faithful to their duty to provide Radical Loving Care; this is where leaders play an important role in â€Å"taking care of the people who take care of people†(Chapman, 2010). Thirdly, intimacy between patients and employees are often stripped as traditional hospitals and prisons partake in a type of institutionalism that destroys identity. By substituting patients’ clothes with hospital garments, names with identification numbers, and privacy with sharing rooms with strangers, a common institutionalism is set. Moreover, visiting hours restrictions have the tendency to make a patient feel as though he or she is a hostage. In contrast, caregivers are often required to perform repetitive tasks with unparalleled precision. This is referred to as a â€Å"bureaucracy†or an organization that resembles a difficult-to-work-with machine (Chapman, 2010). In addition, cynicism is deleterious when it comes to caring for the patient. Believer or not, love should not be seen as a â€Å"nice thing†but as a â€Å"vital part†of patient’s recovery (Chapman, 2010). Healing is multi-faceted and and embodies the physical, emotional, and spiritual concerns of the patients. Lastly, leadership is a dig munificent component in patient healing. Given the opportunity and responsibility to prioritize loving care, leaders are encouraged to make sure their caregivers provide it. Biblical Passage Supporting the Concept of a Healing Hospital James 5:14-15 illustrates Jesus’ healing of the ill. In particular, Jesus asks if there are any ill people in the crowd. If there are, they should call for the elders of the church for an anointing with the sacred oil. This type if anointment will heal the sick because of their faith through the power of prayer (King James Version). This advocates the healing hospital paradigm since it recognizes a clear relationship between healing and prayer. This passage enforces the same belief, whereby the importance of the spiritual aspect of the healing process is brought to light. Since it is rooted in spirituality, prayer can effectively instill hope in patients and families. Though a relatively new turn in the medical profession, the healing hospital is increasingly gaining in popularity. Not only affecting the body but also the patient’s and family’s overall well being, the patient-centric attention and care facilities provided by the hospital adds to the healing hospital paradigm in a member that highlights radical love and compassionate care. Through spirituality, the healing hospital paradigm draws on hope and coping strategies, and thus forged support for its practices from both secular and religious communities. As in scriptures, a body frees itself of sin through piety and community, and with that community comes hope and solace. References Chapman, E. (2010). Radical loving care: building the healing hospital in America. Nashville, TN: Vaughn Printing. Milstein, J. (2005). A paradigm of integrative care: healing with curing throughout life, â€Å"being with†and â€Å"doing to†. Journal of Perinatology, 25, 563-568. doi: 10.1038/sj.jp.7211358 Stefanidakis, S. (2001). Healing with color and the human aura. Retrieved February 11, 2011 from www.fst.org/aura2.htm Young, C., & Koopsen, C. (2006). Spirituality, health, and healing (1 ed.). Sudbury, MA: Jones and Bartlett Publishers.
Qualitative Research
Introduction/Background In this section of the study, the researcher should explain the rationale for undertaking the work reported on, including what he/she has chosen to do, the reasons for doing it and the background to the study. It should be written in an explanatory style. Thus, the researcher should state what the report is about, the relevant themes and issues, a brief outline of the method of enquiry and also the limits of the research and reasons for them. For instance, in the article titled â€Å"Making Corporate Social Responsibility Work: Do Rural and Community Banks (RCBs) in Ghana Care at All?†by Dr. Henry Kofi Mensah, Dr. Ahmed Agyapong and Dr. Eric Fosu Oteng-Abayie, the background information was perfectly done. The researchers made their intentions clear and known and by this, their concentration was on Rural and Community Banks in Ghana. Also, what other researchers have debated on concerning this topic was made clear by the researchers.Literature ReviewThis part of the research report should focus on a survey of publications (e.g. books, journals, authoritative websites, conference papers, etc.), reporting work that has already been done on the topic of the report. It should only include studies that have direct relevance to the research. A literature review should be written like an essay in a discursive style, with an introduction, main discussion grouped in themes and a conclusion. Then, the researcher should conclude with how the review has informed his/her research, thus things the researcher will be building on and also the gaps he/ she will be filling. For instance, in the article titled â€Å"Making Corporate Social Responsibility Work: Do Rural and Community Banks (RCBs) in Ghana Care at All?†by Dr. Henry Kofi Mensah, Dr. Ahmed Agyapong and Dr. Eric Fosu Oteng-Abayie, the literature review was perfectly done. The researchers of this article grouped their literature review in thematic areas, which include; CSR and Business Operations, The CSR Agenda and the Operations of RCBs and also concluded with the aim to provide justification or otherwise for the investment in CSR and contribute to the growing discourse of CSR and its strategic value for SMEs in emerging economies. Qualitative research Qualitative research refers to â€Å"investigating the features of a market through in-depth research that explores the background and context for decision making†[1]. In another words, this type of research prefers other methods rather than the statistical analysis of data to obtain certain conclusion about the market and aims to research on the behaviour of the customers. There are two types of qualitative research methods. The first one is depth interviewing. Depth interviewing refers to one – on – one interviewing as the main tool of finding the customer’s preferences and opinions about a product, a service or a marketing campaign, for example. The second method is group discussions, in which the focus moves from the individual consumer to the group of potential customers[2]. The customers are brought together and discuss a certain product or service, analyzing the strength and weaknesses of that product and proposing ways by which its sales can be increased. In general, qualitative research is used â€Å"when more in depth or perceptual data is required†[3]. This means that, as a marketing tool, qualitative research will be used when attempting to obtain very focused information on consumer behavior an consumer reaction to a certain product or service. The first important advantage of such a marketing tool is the fact that it is very applied and that it is most likely to provide very accurate information in the area it is used. If you conduct an individual, one-on-one interview with a potential or active client, you will be posing questions so that you will obtain feedback as to the customer’s preference in terms of that product’s characteristics. In this way, the product that will be launched on the market will be more fit for the potential clients, it will bear many of characteristics they need or require. If the product has already been launched, then this will most likely be corrected following the new evaluations. Because it will reflect more of the requirements the clients want, the product’s sales are likely to grow as well. Among the disadvantages, we can mention, first of all, the fact that the market is formed of an almost incalculable number of clients and customers, while these methodologies target only a very small number of them. We may assume that the targeted individuals are not necessarily representative for the entire population and that they will be only be referring to their own preferences rather than those of the entire potential group of consumers. Additionally, we can point towards the very large costs qualitative research implies. Indeed, being able to perform individual interviews is definitely a task that will mean additional costs for each of the interviews. The group interview methodology is also costly, as all the participants will need to be paid, while this type of session is likely to take up some time. Quantitative research refers to â€Å"measuring a market and quantifying that measurement with data†[4]. Obviously, compared to qualitative research, this is a much larger perspective, a perspective where the entire market needs to be analyzed. Additionally, quantitative research will aim to discover and statistically analyze information and data on the market size, market growth rates etc. On the other hand, quantitative research can also be used to evaluate customer preference and decide on customer attitudes and awareness for certain products. The quantitative analysis is based on two essential vectors: data collection and data analysis. In terms of data collection, this activity will be aimed at gathering data that will help the marketing – related decisions of the company. Data can be collected in any circumstances, on the street in interviews, through the Internet, on the phone or over the mail etc. On the other hand, this data needs to be interpreted and analyzed so as to provide the necessary reaction from the decision makers. By interpretation, we will mean that the data will be statistically analyzed, trends and current tendencies will be estimated, all this with the use of different statistical measure and calculations. Obviously, the main advantage of quantitative research is that it give such an ample perspective over the whole market rather than isolated opinions of certain individuals. On the other hand, the problem is that it often does not incorporate personal opinions, things like customer preference and specific customer behaviour, which would be covered by the qualitative research. In general, it is often recommended that the two different types of analyses are combined so as to reflect best both the market in general and the individual preferences. This way we can ensure that the marketing decision is entirely sustained and supported by relevant data. Bibliography 1. Market research – qualitative research. On the Internet at http://www.tutor2u.net/business/marketing/research_qualitative.asp. Last retrieved on November 15, 2006. 2. Qualitative Market Research. Last retrieved on November 15, 2006 3. Market research – quantitative research. Last retrieved on November 15, 2006.   [1] Market research – qualitative research. On the Internet at http://www.tutor2u.net/business/marketing/research_qualitative.asp. Last retrieved on November 15, 2006. [2] Ibid. [3] Qualitative Market Research. On the Internet at http://www.apmforum.com/emerald/qualitative-market-research.htm. Last retrieved on November 15, 2006 [4] Market research – quantitative research. On the Internet at http://www.tutor2u.net/business/marketing/research_quantiative.asp. Last retrieved on November 15, 2006. Qualitative research Qualitative research refers to â€Å"investigating the features of a market through in-depth research that explores the background and context for decision making†[1]. In another words, this type of research prefers other methods rather than the statistical analysis of data to obtain certain conclusion about the market and aims to research on the behaviour of the customers. There are two types of qualitative research methods. The first one is depth interviewing. Depth interviewing refers to one – on – one interviewing as the main tool of finding the customer’s preferences and opinions about a product, a service or a marketing campaign, for example. The second method is group discussions, in which the focus moves from the individual consumer to the group of potential customers[2]. The customers are brought together and discuss a certain product or service, analyzing the strength and weaknesses of that product and proposing ways by which its sales can be increased. In general, qualitative research is used â€Å"when more in depth or perceptual data is required†[3]. This means that, as a marketing tool, qualitative research will be used when attempting to obtain very focused information on consumer behavior an consumer reaction to a certain product or service. The first important advantage of such a marketing tool is the fact that it is very applied and that it is most likely to provide very accurate information in the area it is used. If you conduct an individual, one-on-one interview with a potential or active client, you will be posing questions so that you will obtain feedback as to the customer’s preference in terms of that product’s characteristics. In this way, the product that will be launched on the market will be more fit for the potential clients, it will bear many of characteristics they need or require. If the product has already been launched, then this will most likely be corrected following the new evaluations. Because it will reflect more of the requirements the clients want, the product’s sales are likely to grow as well. Among the disadvantages, we can mention, first of all, the fact that the market is formed of an almost incalculable number of clients and customers, while these methodologies target only a very small number of them. We may assume that the targeted individuals are not necessarily representative for the entire population and that they will be only be referring to their own preferences rather than those of the entire potential group of consumers. Additionally, we can point towards the very large costs qualitative research implies. Indeed, being able to perform individual interviews is definitely a task that will mean additional costs for each of the interviews. The group interview methodology is also costly, as all the participants will need to be paid, while this type of session is likely to take up some time. Quantitative research refers to â€Å"measuring a market and quantifying that measurement with data†[4]. Obviously, compared to qualitative research, this is a much larger perspective, a perspective where the entire market needs to be analyzed. Additionally, quantitative research will aim to discover and statistically analyze information and data on the market size, market growth rates etc. On the other hand, quantitative research can also be used to evaluate customer preference and decide on customer attitudes and awareness for certain products. The quantitative analysis is based on two essential vectors: data collection and data analysis. In terms of data collection, this activity will be aimed at gathering data that will help the marketing – related decisions of the company. Data can be collected in any circumstances, on the street in interviews, through the Internet, on the phone or over the mail etc. On the other hand, this data needs to be interpreted and analyzed so as to provide the necessary reaction from the decision makers. By interpretation, we will mean that the data will be statistically analyzed, trends and current tendencies will be estimated, all this with the use of different statistical measure and calculations. Obviously, the main advantage of quantitative research is that it give such an ample perspective over the whole market rather than isolated opinions of certain individuals. On the other hand, the problem is that it often does not incorporate personal opinions, things like customer preference and specific customer behaviour, which would be covered by the qualitative research. In general, it is often recommended that the two different types of analyses are combined so as to reflect best both the market in general and the individual preferences. This way we can ensure that the marketing decision is entirely sustained and supported by relevant data. Bibliography 1. Market research – qualitative research. On the Internet at http://www.tutor2u.net/business/marketing/research_qualitative.asp. Last retrieved on November 15, 2006. 2. Qualitative Market Research. Last retrieved on November 15, 2006 3. Market research – quantitative research. Last retrieved on November 15, 2006.   [1] Market research – qualitative research. On the Internet at http://www.tutor2u.net/business/marketing/research_qualitative.asp. Last retrieved on November 15, 2006. [2] Ibid. [3] Qualitative Market Research. On the Internet at http://www.apmforum.com/emerald/qualitative-market-research.htm. Last retrieved on November 15, 2006 [4] Market research – quantitative research. On the Internet at http://www.tutor2u.net/business/marketing/research_quantiative.asp. Last retrieved on November 15, 2006.
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