Social Capital (Degree in Diploma in addiction studies-university Essay

Social Capital (Degree in Diploma in addiction studies-university level) - Essay Example Bourdieu came forward with his definition of social capital more than three decades back. Here, it needs to be conceded that his concept had lesser acceptability than his other works in the sphere of sociology. At a later point of time, James Coleman came out with his definition of social capital where, he endeavored to blend both economics and also sociology. As a matter of fact, he termed his elaboration as the rational action theory, which exerted tremendous influence on policy makers as well as sociologists. Putnam emphasized on both the key aspects of civic activity and association, and also the reasons for which they are pivotal for integration of society. (1) Definition of Pierre Bourdieu The explanation of social capital by Bourdieu is based on social hierarchy, and he strongly opined that economic capital is the basis for all forms of capital. He argues that it is but inevitable that social capital leads to inequality, and here it (social capital) is not fully reliant on cul tural and economic capital. He explains that the returns that different persons obtain for the same capital tends to be unequal. Bourdieu adds that the returns are directly linked to the extent to which individuals can utilize various social networks. To support his argument, he uses professionals such as doctors and lawyers as examples. Bourdieu states that the social capital of these professionals is inclusive of their goodwill in the society and the social connections. And they (professionals) make full use of their social capital in bringing about a rise in the number of clients seeking their services. In fact, apart from furthering their present professions, the professionals also stand a strong chance of making it big in the avenue of politics. While focusing on all that, he says that persons depending solely on their academic qualifications and not on any social networks are in a position of disadvantage. They cannot attain the success that is being achieved by the aforesaid professionals, and the key reason for this being inadequate connections. (2) The definition of bourdieu totally opposes the more humane approach towards social capital. For, he emphasizes just on the way in which some select persons and groups are in a position to craftily utilize their networks, for furthering their own interests. Bourdieu does not see social capital as something that can benefit all members of a society. Here, it would be ironical to be noting that, this particular definition of social capital is in stark contrast to the values of democracy that Bourdieu endorsed in his political and journalistic activities. (3) Overall, he views social capital as a concept that just enables the already strong in maintaining their strength. Bourdieu’s analysis (of social capital) almost considers coordinated and collective actions as being irrelevant. His interpretation of social capital emphasizes that there is no way in which the less-fortunate people of the society can u se it (social capital) to bring about an improvement in their circumstances. (3) Definition by James Coleman The definition of social capital given by James Coleman, a famous sociologist of the US, gained much more recognition than the one of Bourdieu. Backed by extensive studies that he carried out in the ghettos of USA, Coleman pointed out that social capital is not confined to just the elite sections of

The Principles of Delivering Remarkable Service in the Hospitality Essay

The Principles of Delivering Remarkable Service in the Hospitality Industry - Essay Example It is important to adopt positive attitude when dealing with customers because this is the key practice towards achieving remarkable service delivery in the hospitality industry. Therefore it can be argued that organizations in the hospitality industry need to embrace the culture of remarkable customer service delivery. Organizations need to empower itself to ensure that exceptional customer service delivery is made possible. Remarkable service delivery enhances the identification of customer needs and how to customize the service delivery approach. This will ensure that all members in the entire organization fully embrace and develop the culture of effective and efficient remarkable service delivery. To achieve this organization need to incorporate principles of remarkable service delivery in its operations, vision and the entire corporate culture. These principles basically provide guidelines and procedures on how organizations in hospitality industry can have remarkable service delivery (Kusluvan 2003). It notably helps teams and leaders in hospitality industry have an insight understanding on remarkable excellent customer service delivery. The principles of delivering remarkable service in the hospitality industry entail the following. There are various attributes in hospitality industry which significantly contribute to these organizations delivering remarkable service. These attributes compliment the remarkable service delivery skills which are very essential in the industry. These attributes ensure that the remarkable service delivery skills are focused on the satisfaction of customer needs. It establishes a core foundation in establishing strong relationship with the customers based on trust and loyalty. It is notable that all the attributes contributes collectively on the customer retention, loyalty and overall success in the hospitality industry (Kusluvan 2003). The

Marketing Management - Today's business environment Essay

Marketing Management - Today's business environment - Essay Example This is so because success is based on an organisation's ability to create, rather than predict the future by developing those products that will literally transform the way the world thinks and view it self and the needs (Kanter 1995:71). Within the context of today's global competition, businesses and firms no-longer compete as individual companies but try to corporate with other businesses in their activities (Wu & Chien 2007:2). These researchers went further to argue that, this strategy has become quite common in many businesses including the retail clothing chain stores. The conventional vertical integrated company based business model is gradually being replaced by collaborative relationship between many fragmented, but complementary and specialized value stars and constellation (Wu & Chien:1). This paper argues for the importation of a new technological home entertainment product Nintendo into the Australian market. The paper seeks to asses the product, the market positioning and competitor's analysis of the new products. According to Johnson et al (2007), the SWOT Analysis, or sometimes known as the TOWS Matrix, is a strategic planning tool used to evaluate the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats involved in a project or in a business venture or in other situation of an organization or individual requiring a decision (Johnson et al 2007). Market analysis of competitors, suppliers, customers and potential opportunities has long been a competitive preparation of the staple firm (Johnson & Scholes 2007). Strengths High Growth Industry Few direct competitors Beautiful location Stores will be located on short drive from populated areas Distribution channels and resources already in place with hotel A must have household products My personal background in home entertainment and household name of the distributive channels in Australia Wise environmental practices and community citizenship Sustainable supply 5% of the products profit will be used to support community organization Self directed teams self responsibilities Haven entertainment for families Unique service and product offerings Weaknesses Seasonal Fluctuations Refurbishment costs Insurance Safety concerns Others competitors such as Sony and Microsoft improving on their product chain everyday. Opportunities Expansion within grounds Franchise possibilities Strategic alliances Technology Extensive customer base It is a must have household entertainment product that has made a name in Europe and the United States Threats Criticism Poor public relations development Rising interest rates on

The Hear Fails without Warning Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

The Hear Fails without Warning - Essay Example It is against this background that this paper provides a textual analysis of Hilary Mantels excerpt of The Heart Fails Without Warning. From the outlook, the author seeks to inform the reader about anorexia, an illness that one of the teenage girls suffer from and from the topic, which later has fatal implications on the wellbeing of the teenage girl. To ensure objectivity, the paper employs Nord’s text analysis model to underscore the text’s communicative function. In order to effectively explore this, it will examine both the extra textual as well as intra textual factors. The translation brief provides useful information about the author of the source text. In this respect, Hillary Mantel is an author of ‘The Hear fails Without Warning’, a story that is published in the Guardian Review Magazine of October, 2009. The aim of the author is to inform the audience about the environmental and social problems that this society is grappling with. Also worth ment ioning is the need by the author to highlight the health implications that the demeaning conditions have on the wellbeing of the inhabitants. From an individual point of view, the sender of the information is the editor of the Guardian Review magazine. This is suggestive in the topic of the magazine as well as in the information contained in the source takes. It can be presumed that the editor of the Guardian Review Magazine simply wants the important message to reach the target audience- parents and guardians. Notably, they are the most directly in contact with teenage girls and hence, knowledge about the challenges that teenagers face would probably be helpful. The relative information is directed at a diverse client base. To begin with, Mantel seeks to inform the local inhabitants about the deteriorating social conditions and what they can do to protect the vulnerable children from the resultant negative implications. Another group that the author wishes to reach to pertains to t he relevant policy and decision makers as well as law enforcement agencies. These are wide and varied including the government, the police and stakeholders in the health ministry. His main intention is to inform the abovementioned individuals about the situation on the ground. This is implied in the source text and specifically in the Journal type that the article is published in. In most cases, it can be agreed that the preceding audiences are the ones who mostly read the magazine. Undoubtedly, knowledge about this would enable them to take necessary action towards protecting the welfare of the affected individuals. Since it is published in The Guardian Review magazine, the author specifically wishes to reach out to all adults who are charged with the responsibility of taking care of the young children. Relative information would enable them understand the challenges that especially face the youth. The text was published in 2009 for the purpose of informing the audience about the c hallenges that this segment of the populations was grappling with at that particular period of time. However, the facts presented herein had lasting implications on both the intended target as well as the general audience. This is particularly so because the author addresses social and environmental concerns whose implications are pervasive. This is apparent when the author cites that the family shares a small house and a bedroom and school girls are raped

Energy Sources Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Energy Sources - Essay Example Surprisingly enough, the number of supporters of this source of energy was still high among the American participants of the McRumours forum that discussed the pros/cons of the nuclear energy use a few days after the Fukushima disaster.Apart from financial benefits, it is often said that nuclear power is environmentally friendly. For example, Steven Kerekesfrom the U.S. Nuclear Energy Institute believes that nuclear power generation plays a prominent role in the reduction of carbon emissions around the world. However, the arguments in favor of the nuclear energy use seem lame if one considers the arguments against it.The financial benefits are evidently outweighed by health risks associated with dealing with nuclear power waste and meltdown. While a generation of power seems relatively clean if compared to fossil fuels, the by-products need to be stored for hundreds of years in secluded facilities, some of which are situated â€Å"deep inside the mountains†. Given the fact tha t high-level radioactive waste has to be kept for hundreds of thousands of years till it is recognized safe to be released into the environment, opponents of nuclear waste rightfully contend that in reality there does not exist a place in the world which is truly safe. Indeed, as Jim Riccio, Nuclear Energy Campaign Director for Greenpeace, says â€Å"nothing you put the waste in will last longer than the waste itself, so burying it basically acquiesces to the fact that it will eventually leak†¦.just like every other radioactive dump site.†... participants of the McRumours forum that discussed the pros/cons of the nuclear energy use a few days after the Fukushima disaster (â€Å"McRumors Forum†, 2011, [online]).Apart from financial benefits, it is often said that nuclear power is environmentally friendly. For example, Steven Kerekesfrom the U.S. Nuclear Energy Institute believes that nuclear power generation plays a prominent role in reduction of carbon emissions around the world. It does not affect the climate, therefore it is quite clean and safe, Kerekes said in his interview to Earth Techling back in 2010 (DeFreitas, 2010, [online]). However, the arguments in favor of the nuclear energy use seem lame if one considers the arguments against it.The financial benefits are evidently outweighed by health risks associated with dealing with nuclear power waste and meltdown. While generation of power seems relatively clean if compared to fossil fuels, the byproducts need to be stored for hundreds of years in secluded fac ilities, some of which are situated â€Å"deep inside the mountains† (â€Å"Nuclear Power: Risks and Rewards†, 2012, [online]). Given the fact that high-level radioactive waste has to be kept for hundreds of thousands of years till it is recognized safe to be released into the environment, opponents of nuclear waste rightfully contend that in reality there does not exist a place in the world which is truly safe. Indeed, as Jim Riccio, Nuclear Energy Campaign Director for Greenpeace, says â€Å"nothing you put the waste in will last longer than the waste itself, so burying it basically acquiesces to the fact that it will eventually leak†¦.just like every other radioactive dump site.† (DeFreitas, 2010, [online]). Apart from this, the aftermaths of nuclear accidents that occasionally happen throughout

Professional Application Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

Professional Application - Essay Example Some of the best practice and ideas are looked into and the essential settlement of ideas is brought to the fore. A variety of communication objectives are provided. The research also analyzes the targeted market audience. In a nutshell the research paper in depth talks about the marketing strategies that could be employed by the Steve Marden footwear company that aims to break the barriers in its line of business and enjoy a more market base unlike its rivals. Introduction Marketing communication involves bringing the products of a firm to the market and creating awareness that the product exists. It also involves other relevant information by the suppliers to the consumers that could be improvements on quality or branding. Marketing communication consists of the place, price promotion and the product. Methods and techniques of promotion differ with the product and the number of people targeted. It considers the types or groups of people the advertisement is reaching out to, their a ge gap, the kind of media they are most likely to come into contact with most of the time. Steve Marden limited which is a recognized footwear brand aims to make use of the integrated marketing campaign technique so as to rise above their competitors and to also maximize their sales and realize better revenue. One of the most common issues that affect product marketing is the message relay technique. This is an Achilles heel in the Steve Marden limited company. Once a technical team is tasked with the aim of marketing a product, they have to give it an appealing marketing message that will bring out the curiosity effect amongst the targeted market. Here are a number of the technical techniques employed by the marketing team. Steve Marden Limited is aiming to break the barriers in terms of marketing its footwear products. It first needs to re-strategize the marketing department of the company so as to bring in the people who will drive the sales of the company upwards. The marketing team will need to come up with a theme or logo that defines Steve Marden Limited and defines the company amongst its competitors. These is a major step in allowing Steve Marden Limited to be the major footwear brand it aims to be. Brochures hold a lot of information that needs to be passed onto the targeted audience, and also they are easy to fold and pass around. Many can be created at the same time and provide for large coverage without being bulky. Direct mailing gives promotion a sense of personal touch. Mail can also be customized for different people accordingly so as to meet their needs and motivate them. Newsletters contain useful organizational information that needs to be communicated appropriately. Posters and bulletins as well provide a means to reach consumers. However they are often not paid attention and are effective when you place them strategically where the customers are likely to see and notice them. Posters should also be kept neat and made attractive to be noti ced. Social networks that involve discussion groups are effective methods of promoting and advertising products. The social network is cheap to operate with and very fast media. It would involve sites like Facebook alongside company blogs and websites. (Belch & Belch, 2012) Television can sometimes be quite expensive; however, it is a very effective medium as it reaches a very extensive population and grows in popularity with time. Radio on the other hand is also an effective tool of advertisement as it reaches a good population. Even so,

Understanding of the Relevant Literature on the Skills Managers Dissertation

Understanding of the Relevant Literature on the Skills Managers Require in the 21st Century - Dissertation Example Understanding of the Relevant Literature on the Skills Managers Require in the 21st Century However, it is important to remember that the present age has new facets that are critical for the company’s success. Businesses nowadays are strongly influenced by globalisation and technological innovation. Hence, in order for managers to be effective, they must be capable of managing the forces that has characterized the new century. Moreover, since the new business age is very dynamic, it is therefore important for the managers of today to be more nimble and agile in order to anticipate and act quickly on the changes before they are pushed into obsolescence. That way, they can capture opportunities as they are realized or defend against threats as they emerge. Moreover, globalisation has demanded that managers become able to manage a diverse workforce as more and more companies are expanding overseas (Khatri and Ong, 1999). Hence there has been an increase in the demands of managers to go beyond their talents and skills to ensure that they are able to innovate themselves s ince this is basically the game that companies and managers have to play in the 21st century. The new century has offered new and exciting challenges for businesses all over the world. The massive improvements in technology have greatly helped in the advancement of communications and information capabilities of countries, companies and individuals worldwide. Basically, this has put an end to the industrial age and heralded the information age which has even brought to fore a new breed of employees, the knowledge workers. These people have radically changed the manner of doing things wherein the office hours as well as office spaces have been practically taken out of the equation (Serrat, 2008). This is all the more demanding if the company is trying to get and maintain a global presence since there is the inescapable need to source out manpower from the different countries from which they operate in as well as to be able to maintain this global workforce. Moreover, there has been a general shift from solely focusing on the financial indicators as the sole measure of the strat egic success of a company. Kaplan and Norton (2005) have shed light on the lack of capability of measuring the success of a company’s strategy by basing on the financials alone. According to these Harvard business thinkers, it is important to have a balanced view of the lagging as well as the leading indicators in order to properly gauge the company’s overall situation. Hence, they have brought forward the Balanced Scorecard (BSC) in order to properly capture these indicators in their four perspectives which are the Learning & Growth, Internal Business Process, Customer and of course the Financial Perspective. All these provide a confluence of indicators for the company to properly analyze their situation and make changes, if necessary, in order to ensure that they remain on track with their targets. However, all these goes to show the increasing demands to the managers of the 21st century wherein there seems to be a shift towards the capability to multi-task and be ab le to adapt to the fast-paced and multicultural business environment of today. Aim The purpose of this paper is to