Birth Control in Schools Essay Example for Free

Birth Control in Schools Essay Schools are the one institution in our society regularly attended by most young people-nearly 95% of all youth aged 5 to 17 years are enrolled in elementary or secondary schools (National Center for Education Statistics, 1993). Large percentage of youth attend schools for years before they encounter sexual risk-taking behaviors and a majority is enrolled at the time they initiate intercourse. Just as youth in communities with high rates of poverty and social unawareness are more likely to become pregnant so youth in schools with high rates of poverty and social inadequacy are also more likely to become pregnant. In particular, when female teens attend schools with high percentages of dropout rates and with higher rates of school vandalism they are more likely to become pregnant. The lack of opportunity and greater disorganization in some minority communities in this country, teens in schools with higher percentages of minority students are also more likely to have higher pregnancy rates than teens in schools with lower percentages of minority(Manlove, 1998).. Students in these studies, it is often difficult to distinguish the impact of school character from the impact of the community characteristics in which they reside. Social scientists and educators have suggested a wide variety of explanations for how schools reduce sexual risk-taking behavior. Some of their explanations have observed research supporting them, while others are credible, but lack supporting research. For example, educators concerned with adolescent sexual behavior have suggested that: 1. Schools structure students time and limit the amount of time that students can be alone and engage in sex. 2. Schools increase interaction with and attachment to adults who discourage risk-taking behavior of any kind (e.g., substance use, sexual risk-taking, or accident-producing behavior). More generally, they create an environment which discourages risk-taking. 3. Schools affect selection of friends and larger peer groups that are important to them. Because peer norms about sex and contraception significantly influence teens behavior, this impact on schools may be substantial. However, just how schools affect selection of friends and peers is not clearly understood. 4. Schools can increase belief in the future and help youth plan for higher education and careers. Such planning may increase the motivation to avoid early childbearing. As noted above, multiple studies demonstrate that educational and career aspiration are related to use of contraception, pregnancy, and childbearing. 5. Schools can increase students self-esteem, sense of competence, and communication and refusal skills. These skills may help students avoid unprotected sex. Despite the growing strength of the abstinence movement across the country, large majorities of adults favor SEX and AIDS education that includes discussions of condoms and contraceptives. For example, a 1998 poll of American adults found that 87% thought birth control should be covered (Rose Gallup, 41-53), a 1998 poll found that 90% of adults thought condoms should be covered (Haffner Wagoner, 22-23)and another 1999 poll found that 82% of adults believed all aspects of sex education including birth control and safer sex should be taught . (Hoff, Greene, McIntosh, Rawlings, DAmico, 2000). Given both the need for effective educational programs and public support for such programs, schools have responded. According to a 1999 national survey of school teachers in grades 7 to 12, about 93% of their schools offered sexuality or HIV education (Darroch, Landry, Singh, 204-211, 265). Of those schools teaching any topics in sexuality education, between 85% and 100% included instruction on consequences of teenage parenthood, STD, HIV/AIDS, abstinence, and ways to resist peer pressure to have sex. Between 75% and 85% of the schools provided instruction about puberty, dating, sexual abuse, and birth control methods. Teachers reported that the most important messages they wanted to convey were about abstinence and responsibility. During the same year, survey results from a second survey of teachers and students in grades 7 to 12 were completed (Hoff et al., 2000). Their results were similar to the study above. They revealed that at least 75% of the students and similar percentages of the teachers indicated the following topics were covered in their instruction: basics of reproduction, STD and HIV/AIDS, abstinence, dealing with pressures to have sex, and birth control. Despite the fact that most adolescents receive at least a minimum amount of sexuality or HIV education, it is widely believed by professionals in the field that most programs are short, are not comprehensive, fail to cover some important topics, and are less effective than they could be (Britton, deMauro, Gambrell, 1-8; Darroch, Landry, Singh, 2000; Gambrell Haffner, 1993; Hoff, et al., 2000). For example, both surveys of teachers discussed above found that only half to two thirds of the teachers covered how to use condoms or how to get and use birth control. there is very little information about the extent to which sex- and HIV-education curriculum have been found to be effective and are implemented with fidelity in additional schools. However, considerable unreliable information indicates few schools implemented the lessons. There is a widely held belief that schools have established a foundation for programs, but that effective programs need to be implementing more broadly and with greater dedication throughout the country. I want to take you back to when I was a teenager and how I personally can relate to the same choices and decisions our teenagers is face with today, in my personal experience; My boyfriend and I had our sex talk we decide I should go to my mother and talk to her about some form of birth control, her response was no. there was no explanation, no reasoning, and no questions ask about why I want to go on it. It was simply no! The end result I have 21yrs old. Im not saying that we made the best choice because I still had an option to use a condom and contraceptives. Todays teenagers resources are plentiful, they can go to cook county hospital, they have Planned Parenthood and there local clinic in there neighborhood and now they have program that are being implemented in their high schools. Children, who do not have supported parents, can not talk to their parents. I want to bring in another aspect as to what can happen when you do not enforce communication about birth control, sex and consequences with your teenager, as you know Im a grandmother I wouldnt trade my granddaughter in for anything in the world. Not enforcing the use of contraceptive, I feel one of the reasons that I became a grandmother in my thirty. because I did not get as involved with my son as I should have after he inform me that he was sexually active. The high Schools offer them open lines of communication and provide a safe atmosphere in which allows them to express their thought as to why they are there in the first place. It’s possible it can lead to single parenthood and a high drop out rate. Pregnancy among teenagers is continuing to rise despite a 40 million Government campaign to reduce the problem, while sexually transmitted diseases are reaching epidemic levels. The Royal College of Nursing revealed that increasing numbers of teenagers are indulging in sex and even taking part in orgies called daisy chaining. The Department for Education and Skills has admitted that 66 out of 150 local education authorities have at least one school based health service in their area providing advice, access to or direct provision of contraception. You have statistics on birth control and personal experience wouldnt you rather your teenager be knowledgeable than not? Biliography Britton, P. O., DeMauro, D., Gambrell, A. E. HIV/AIDS education: SIECUS study on HIV/AIDS education for schools finds states make progress, but work remains. SIECUS Report, 21(1), 1-8 (1992) Chandy, J. M., Harris, L., Blum, R. W., Resnick, M. D. Female adolescents of alcohol misusers: Sexual behaviors. Journal of Youth and Adolescence, 23, 695-709 (1994) Darroch, J. E., Landry, D. J., Singh, S. Changing emphases in sexuality education in U.S. pubic secondary schools, 1988-1999. Family Planning Perspectives, 32, 204-211, 265 (2000) Gambrell, A. E., Haffner, D. Unfinished business: A SIECUS assessment of state sexuality education programs. New York: SIECUS (1993) Haffner, D., Wagoner, J. Vast majority of Americans support sexuality education. SIECUS Report, 27(6), 22-23 (1999) Hoff, T., Greene, L., McIntosh, M., Rawlings, N., DAmico, J. Sex education in America: A series of national surveys of students, parents, teachers, and Jones 8 principals. Menlo Park, CA: The Kaiser Family Foundation. (2000) Manlove, J. The influence of high school dropout and school disengagement on the risk of school-age pregnancy. Journal of Research on Adolescence, 8, 187-220 (1998) National Center for Education Statistics. Digest of Education Statistics, 1993. Washington, DC: US Department of Education, Office of Educational Research and Improvement. (1993) Rose, L. C., Gallup, A. M. The 30th annual Phi Delta Kappa/Gallup Poll of the publics attitudes toward the public schools. Phi Delta Kappan, Sept., 41-53 (1998, September) Singh S. Adolescent pregnancy in the United States: An interstate analysis. Family Planning Perspectives, 18, 210-220 (1986)

Industrialised Building System for Malaysia Public Housing

Industrialised Building System for Malaysia Public Housing The Malaysia construction industry plays an important role in generating wealth to the country and development of social and economic infrastructures and building. The industry provides job opportunities for 800,000 people which represented 8% of total workforce (CIMP, 2006). The construction industry is one of the productive sectors that constantly contribute to the economy. According to CIDB (2003), the IBS is a construction technique in which components are manufactured in a controlled environment (on or off site), transported, positioned and assembled into a structure with minimal additional site works. IBS is not new to the construction industry in Malaysia. Only it has now remerged worldwide into the 21st century as a reasonable solution to improve overall construction image and performance. The Malaysia government has spared no effort to bring IBS to the drawing tables of all professionals involved in the built environment. Based on the IBS Roadmap (2003), the IBS Roadmap 2003-2010 has been endorsed by the Cabinet of Ministers to be the blueprint document for the industrialisation of the Malaysia construction sector. This is because under the Seventh Malaysia Plan (1996-2000) the Government of Malaysia for the first time to introduced the Low Medium Cost Housing category (the previously it was classified together with medium cost housing category) due to the always increasing demand for housing in this category. In additional, it is to ensure that the middle low income group with salary ranging from RM1,501.00 to RM2,500.00 per month and able to own a house. However, the pricing of low medium cost housing are around RM42,001.00 to RM60,000.00 per unit only. Using IBS in this types of housing project are more suitable because high volume and stability of demand for buildings is the advantages of using IBS. Besides that, it will also reduce the selling price of low medium cost housing. The IBS is a manufactured the building components at factories (off site manufacture), will enable cost saving; safety and health; productivity and quality improvement through the reduction of labour intensity and construction standardisation. Apart from this method, it also offers minimal site wastage, less site materials, cleaner and neater environment, controlled quality, and lower total construction costs. Using higher percentage of IBS in the construction of public housing and other building projects will provide better productivity, quality, and safety, especially for the total construction time saving and cost saving. IBS will contribute towards a better construction industry, as well as improve the global competitiveness of Malaysian builders. Nowadays, IBS in Malaysia become more popularity in the construction industry especially for the Government project. An early effort by the Government of Malaysia to promote usage of IBS and develop an Open Building system (OBS) concept as an alternative to conventional and labour intensive construction method has yet to make headway. According to Works Minister Datuk Mohd Zin Mohamed, the prefabricated parts will be used in all Government projects in a proposal to reduce the dependence on foreign workers. Besides that, it wills also reducing inherent social problems involving these foreign workers. The use of prefabricated parts was part of the IBS which would be adopted for all Government projects. The Government of Malaysia has ordered all government agencies carrying out development and peoples housing projects to use at least 70% IBS content in those projects. Aim A study into using IBS in the public housing in Malaysia and the popularity apply in the construction. Objectives To study the history of IBS in public housing. To study the classification of various types of IBS and apply to public housing. To identify the benefits and barriers of the IBS in public housing. To identify as a potential method to improve overall construction performance. To identify as a popularity for public housing. Hypothesis Apply IBS into public housing will be one of the better construction methods to construct the building. For the future, the IBS will become more and more popularity for construction industry in Malaysia. For the construction cost, time and quality, IBS will be the better one to control all the construction cost, to speed up the construction times and to provide high quality of components. Background Since early 1960s, IBS has been introduced in Malaysia by the use of precast concrete beam-column element and panelized system (Thanoon, 2003). Nearly, 22.7 acres of land along Jalan Pekeliling was dedicated to the project comprising seven blocks of 17-storey flats (about 3,000 units of low-cost flat and 40 shop lots). These first pilot projects are using the Danish System of large panels in a prefabricated system. The second pilot project is a six block of 17-storey flats and three blocks of 18-storey flats at Jalan Rifle Range and using French Estoit System. Apply the IBS in the construction industry will improve overall construction performance such as standardization, total quality improvement, reduce defect, waste reduction, cost saving and etc. But nothing in this world is perfect, so some barriers of using IBS in the construction industry will be the poor knowledge of install IBS, lack of guidance, lack of professional trained in IBS and etc. Based on IBS Roadmap (2003), IBS Roadmap 2003-2010 was developed and published to steer the direction of IBS implementation and promotion activities and guide the practitioners and policy makers on IBS related issues. Scope and limitation of study This paper shall identify the common types of IBS in the construction industry and apply into public housing in order to determine their impact on construction projects and popularity for the public housing. This study is part of the ongoing research appraising and analyzing how we use the IBS in construction and how many percentage of IBS are using in the construction project. Therefore, this study will include the following areas: Definition of IBS in public housing. The history of the IBS for public housing in Malaysia. Classification of IBS in Malaysia. Various types of IBS in construction industry and which one is more useful for public housing. The advantages and disadvantages of using IBS for public housing. The selling price and the popularity using IBS for public housing to the contractor. Research Methodology Literature Review In the beginning, literature review was conducted to determine an overall idea regarding IBS for public housing. This refers to collecting the latest secondary data and information from different sources which including books, journals, magazines, dissertations, conference papers, and information from the internet. These materials were used for background reading to obtain full understanding and information needed for discussion and analysis in the research. Questionnaires A questionnaire is a research instrument consisting of a series of questions and other prompts for the purpose of gathering information from respondents. The questions will centre on the KL areas mentioned in the above objectives. A multi-option format will be designed and limited to about 30 questions, in order to obtain a high level of response. Project Plan and Schedule Chapter 1 : Introduction This chapter will include the project title, rationale of the study, scope and limitation of study, research goals and methodology. In addition, aims, objective and hypothesis of the study are included under the research goals. Chapter 2: Literature Review This chapter will display the definition of IBS, history of IBS for public housing, classification of IBS in Malaysia, and benefits and barriers of using IBS in construction project for public housing and this literature review will base on the dissertation objectives. Chapter 3: Research Methodology This chapter will discuss on the technique for data collection to achieve the dissertations aim and objective. Besides, it also includes the research sample and method of analysis for the feedback obtained from the respondents. Chapter 4: Data Analysis This chapter wills surveys and analysisÂÂ  the data collectionÂÂ  from the contractor, consultant and developer of people about their opinions, behaviour or knowledge. Chapter 5: Conclusion The conclusion will include summary on the dissertation from chapter 1 to chapter 4 together all the research result to present the overall findings and make appropriate recommendations. References CIDB, 2003. IBS Roadmap 2003-2010. Malaysia: CIDB. CIDB, 2003. National IBS Survey, 2003. Malaysia: CIDB. Kamar, K.A.M.,Alshawi,M. And Hamid,Z.,(2009). Barriers to Industrialised Building System (IBS): The Case of Malaysia. [pdf] United Kingdom: IPGRC. Available at: http://www.cream.com.my/publications/whitepapers/Abstract111.pdf. [Accessed 15 May2010] Mohd Rofdzi Abdullah, Kamarul Anuar Mohd Kamar, Mohd Nasrun Mohd Nawi, Ahmad Tarmizi Haron, Mohammed Arif, (2009). Industrialised Building System: A Definition and Concept. [pdf] United Kingdom: ARCOM. Available at: http://www.cream.com.my/publications/whitepapers/Arcom.pdf. [Accessed 05 May 2010] CHAPTER 2:Â  LITERATURE REVIEW 2.0 Introduction This chapter will explain in details and provide the literature review of Industrialised Building System (IBS). Besides that, it will also cover the literature review of building system. Usually, the contents of this chapter are including definitions of IBS, history of IBS in public housing, classification of IBS, types of IBS, characteristic of IBS, benefits and barriers of using IBS in public housing, IBS Roadmap 2003-2010 and IBS scoring system. 2.1 Definitions of IBS Until the present time there has been no single commonly-approved definition of IBS. IBS can be different industry players to define different things. However, there are difference resources to define the several definitions that reflected the concept of IBS and which widely accepted by the construction industry. According to CIDB Malaysia (2001) defines IBS as a construction technique in which components are manufactured in a controlled environment (on or off site), transported, positioned and assembled into a structure with minimal additional site works. As such, components that are being prefabricated in a controlled environment on site are also considered as IBS. While there are numerous descriptions of the IBS concept by local researchers, all of the definitions stressed on prefabrication and mass production. In other definition by Warswaski (1999), the IBS can be defined in which all building are mass produced such as walls, slabs, beams, columns and staircases either in factory or at site factory under strict quality control and minimal wet site activities. Industrialisation process is an investment in equipment, facilities and technology with the purpose of maximising production output, minimizing labour requirement and improving total quality while a building system is defined as a set of interconnected element that joint together to enable the designated performance of a building. Based on Lessing et al (2005) explained IBS as an integrated manufacturing and construction process with well planned organization for efficient management, preparation and control over resources used, activities and results supported by the used of highly developed components. Rahman Omar (2006) defined IBS as a construction system that is built using prefabricated components. The manufacturing of the components is systematically done using machine, formworks and other forms of mechanical equipment. The components are manufactured offsite and once completed will be delivered to construction sites for assembly and erection. Chung Kadir (2007) defined IBS as a mass production of building components either in factory or at site according to the specification with standard shape and dimensions and transport to the construction site to be re-arranged with certain standard to form a building. 2.2 History of IBS in Public Housing IBS in Malaysia has began in early 1960s, according to Thanoon et al (2003) when Ministry of Housing and Local Government of Malaysia visited several European countries, at the same time evaluates their housing development program. In the year 1964 and after their successful visit, the Government had launched pilot project on using IBS to increase the delivery time and to construct better quality and affordable houses. The first pilot project was constructed at Jalan Pekeliling in Kuala Lumpur and about 22.7 acres of land was dedicated to the project comprising four blocks of 4-storey flats and seven blocks of 17-storey flats and comprising total about 3,000 units of low cost flats for the low and median income group and 40 units of shop lots. This housing project was undertaken by Gammon/ Larsen Nielsen and this project are using the Danish System of large panels in a industrialised prefabricated system. According to Thanoon et al (2003), the construction for housing project was complete from 1966 until 1968 (around total 27 months) speed up the time taken in the construction of the around RM 2.5 million casting yard at Jalan Damansara. In 1965, the Government of Malaysia launched a second project, is a three blocks of 18-storey flats and six blocks of 17-storey flats and comprising total about 3,699 units and 66 units of shop lots along at Jalan Rifle Range in Penang. The housing project was honoured by Hochtief/ Chee Seng and this project are using French Estoit System (Din, 1984). This housing project was complete within 27 months. If we are mention to the two pilot projects, a performance comparison between the IBS and the conventional system has been carried in terms of cost, productivity, quality, and time. According to the research, the first pilot project incurred 8.1% higher costs than a similar building such as using conventional construction method, while the second pilot project was lower. In term of total construction speed, both of the housing project required total 27 months to complete the whole project, inclusive of time required to set up the recasting factories. The total quality of building finishes was also found to be better than the using conventional construction method. Another earliest using IBS in public housing project was at Taman Tun Sardon in Penang. These using IBS in public housing project total all about 1,000 units of 5-storey walk up flat and this project are using IBS precast component and system. The IBS precast component and system in the housing project was designed to the low cost housing by British Research Establishment and especially for the low and median income group. According to the research of Construction Industry Development Board Malaysia (CIDB) 2006, almost at the same time at Edmonton in North London, there are using similar system was constructed and total amount about 20,000 BRECAST dwellings were constructed throughout UK from 1964 until 1974. Based on Rahman and Omar (2006), the total all building design was very basic and quite simple and not considering the feature of serviceability such as the local or user needs to have wet toilet and bathroom. According to the CIDB (2006), many constructions in the following years using precast wall panel system. Low cost high rise residential building is one of the processes to survey that IBS was connect at first place in the construction to overcome the increasing demand for housing needs. For all that, in the earlier stage was never sustained for the industrialisation of construction. Failure of early closed fabricated system made the industry afraid of changing their construction method. The information was based on the CIDB (2005), using IBS in construction were also found not be so suitable with Malaysia climate and social practices especially for the foreign systems that were introduced during the late 60s and 70s. Introduced than in the construction market were constantly being newer and better technologies. Based on CIDB (2005), identified to be suitable to be used in our tropical climate is the wet joint systems and it was also better to using in the bathroom types which were comparatively wetter than those in the Europe. Another about 1200 units of housing using prefabrication technology were is launched by the Penang State Government in 1978. After two years later, the Ministry of Defense to be build around 2800 units of living quarters and adopted large prefabricated panel construction system in Lumut Naval Base (Trikha and Ali, 2004). Enhance the using of precast concrete system in high rise residential building during the 90s; this is because total demand for the new township has seen to increase. According to the research, Perbadaan Kemajuan Negari Selangor (PKNS) as a state Government development agency acquired precast concrete technology from Praton Haus International based on Germany to build low cost housing and high cost bungalows between 1981 and 1993 for the new townships in Selangor (Hassim et al, 2009 and National IBS Survey, 2003). It was recorded then; total around 52,000 housing units was constructed and using Praton Haus system. In Malaysian construction industry, using IBS as a method of construction is evolving. Nowadays, more local manufacturers have established themselves in the market. Many had acquired enough knowledge through technology transfer to build up own capacity in IBS technologies and this research are base on PKNS Engineering, and Setia Precast and Global Globe. The current stage of IBS used in Malaysia housing projects can be classified into four categories. It was reported that at least 21 manufactures and suppliers of IBS are actively promoting their systems in Malaysia. IBS move to the next step of the development through the establishment of IBS Centre at Jalan Chan Sow Lin, Cheras in Kuala Lumpur. Using IBS in the construction will improve the total performance and quality of construction, as well as to minimize the unskilled foreign labour in the construction industry. 2.3 Classification of Building System There are four types of building system currently available in Malaysias building system classification and this are according to Badir Razali (1998). The building system can be namely as a Conventional Column-beam- slab frame system with timber and plywood; Cast in-situ system with steel or aluminium as formwork; the Composite building system and Prefabricated system and this four types of building system is shown as below. Each building system is represented by its respective construction method which is further characterised by its construction technology, functional and geometrical configuration. There from the four systems, are identified as IBS excluding conventional building system. Building System Conventional Column-beam- slab frame system with timber and plywood. Cast in-situ system with steel or aluminium as formwork. Composite building system Prefabricated system Table Form Tunnel Form Panel system Frame system Box system Flow Chart 1: Type of building system in Malaysia. 2.3.1 Conventional Construction Method Conventional construction method is defined as components of the building that are prefabricated on site through the processes of timber or plywood formwork installation, steel reinforcement, and cast in-situ. This construction method is mostly built of reinforced concrete frames for conventional building. Using the wooden formwork mainly is for the traditional construction method and need take some time to construct the formwork before concreting. This construction method is much more costly for construction which is need includes total labour requirement, raw material, transportation and very importance once is low speed of construction. 2.3.2 Cast In-Situ Construction Method This cast in-situ construction method is more suitable for a country where the unskilled labour is limited. There construction method is not a using heavy machinery or high technology involved. The system is technically and applicable to almost all types of building design. The formwork is used as a mould where wet concrete is poured into a temporary system and the temporary system also acts as a temporary support for the structures. The main objective of a cast in-situ construction method is to weed out and reduce the using traditional timber formwork, brickwork, and plastering. A carefully planned in-situ work can maximise the productivity, speed and accuracy of prefabricated construction. Cast in-situ method uses lightweight prefabricated formwork made of steel or fibreglass or aluminium that is easily erected and dismantled. The steel reinforcement is placed within the formwork after finishes construct the formwork. After placing the reinforcement they are being erected and concrete is poured into the mould. When the concrete is set and according to the required strength, the moulds are dismantled. The workers can be easily trained to erect the moulds and set the steel reinforcement. These construction methods are required limited labour and it will reduce the total labour need. Its advantages over the conventional construction method include, low skill workers requirement, speedy construction, low building m aintenance, durable structure and less construction cost. 2.3.3 Composite Construction Method The main objectives of composite construction method or call partially prefabricated are to improve quality of components, reduce construction cost, and shorten total all construction time. It is used to describe a manufacturing or production strategy that selectively uses some industrialising aspects, while avoiding or postponing the use of others. The concept of composite construction method is derived from the composite nature of full industrialisation. The prefabricated construction method is combined in such a manner that the features applied could be prominently demonstrated, especially composing various works such as temporary facilities, building frames, building finishes, and equipments. 2.3.4 Prefabricated Construction Method In this prefabricated construction method, all structural elements can be standardised are prefabricated in the factory. Usually, this construction method would absorb the assembly of precast elements such as floor slabs, in-filled walls, bathrooms, and staircases into place for incorporation into the main units, columns and beams. This construction method will increase the productivity of the industry and it will reduce the amount of site labour involved in building operations. Precast building systems can reduce the time of a project if certain conditions are met. The last three construction methods (from the flow chart 1) are considered as a non conventional construction methods. These three types of construction method are specifically aimed at increasing performance of construction. Through using the better construction machinery, equipment, technology and materials and it will increase the productivity and total quality of work. 2.4 Classification of IBS According to Badir et al. (1998), IBS can be classified according to several aspects:- Classification according to structural system. Classification according to material. Classification according to relative weight of components. 2.4.1 Classification According to Structural System According to Abraham Warszawski (1999), IBS can be classified according structural systematic aspects. The IBS can be classifies into three categories such as:- Frame System. Panel system. Boxes system. Figure 1, 2, and 3 below as shows the concept of the system as classified above. 2.4.1.1 Frame System According to Badir (1998), linear and frame system is system that use main structure such as column and beam where columns and beams support all the building weight. The walls need to be light and easy to install and concrete panels are introduces as flooring element. 2.4.1.2 Panel System According to Badir (1998), in the panel system, loads are distributed through large floor and wall panels where walls support the building weight. This system is applicable to buildings which functionally require a large number of walls such as apartment house, hotel and hospital. This system is not applicable to buildings with large spans or many stories. So, this panel system is more suitable to build the public housing in the certain high storey. 2.4.1.3 Box System According to Badir (1998), the rectangular or three dimensional systems or boxes system include those systems that employ three dimensional modules or boxes for fabrication of habitable units that is capable of withstanding load from various directions due to their internal stability. 2.4.2 Classification According to Material 2.4.2.1 Timber The timber have a two types of prefabrication which is ready-cut plus shop fabrication of joints this mostly for the columns and beams and another is structural panels where there are only for walls and floors without columns and beams. 2.4.2.2 Brick and Block work Laying of brick or block work are carried out in a mass at factory and transported to site or on site construction. Besides the, building are under construction in the form of panel and then erected. 2.4.2.3 Steel Steel construction essentially contains factors of prefabrication which is one of the criteria of IBS. Elements are jointed by welding, riveting or bolting on site. The large proportion of the strength to the weight allows a long-span or high-rise building. 2.4.2.4 Reinforced Concrete There are two basic directions in development of reinforced concrete IBS component which is panelised components such as walls and floors and precast frame members such as columns and beams. The characteristic of reinforced concrete has high degree of availability, low material cost, durability, and fire resistance. Jointing at site is the key issue of this system. 2.4.3 Classification According to Relative Weight of Component The IBS components can be classified according to their relative weight as show in Table 1 below. Relative to weight of components should be used as a basic for building classification due to the factor of weight has significant impact on the transportability of components and has influence on the production method of the components and their erection method on site. No General System System Production Material 1 Frame System Light weight frame Wood, light gage metals Medium light weight frame Metal, reinforced plastics, laminated wood Heavy weight frame Heavy steel, concrete 2 Panel system Light and medium weight panel Wood frame, metal frame and composite material Heavy weight panel (factory produced) Concrete Heavy weight panel (tilt up-produced on site) Concrete 3 Box system (modules) Medium weight box (mobile) Wood frame, light gage metal, composite Medium weight box (sectional) Wood frame, light gage metal, composite Heavy weight box (factory produced) Concrete Heavy box (tunnel produced on site) Concrete Table 1: Building system classification according to relative weight of component. (Majzub, 1977) 2.5 Types of IBS and Apply to Public Housing According to CIDB (2003), the IBS is a construction process that using techniques, products, components, or building system which involve prefabricated components and on-site installation. Base on the structure aspects of the system, IBS can be identified into five major groups such as:- Precast Concrete Framing, Panel and Box Systems Precast concrete elements are the most common type in this area. There are precast concrete for columns, beams, slabs, walls, lightweight precast concrete, and permanent concrete formwork. This all item are consider using precast method. Besides that, it is also consist of 3D components such as balconies, staircases, toilets, lift chamber, refuse chambers and etc. This precast method is more famous for the construction industry, especially for the public housing when construct using the IBS. Using this method can saving the total construction time if compare to the conventional method. Steel Formwork Systems This is the system formwork which designed by manufacturer to replace a conventional timber formwork. It can be described as a mould which the wet concrete can be poured into the mould and form the required shape. These steel formworks systems are subjected to structural quality control and generally involve site casting. So, this type of IBS method is considered as the low level or least prefabrication in the construction industry. However, this steel formwork systems does offer fast construction and construction time saving and at the same time will provide high quality of finishes with less site labour and material requirement. These steel formwork systems will include table forms, tunnel forms, tilt-up systems, beam and columns moulding forms and permanent steel formworks like metal decks and etc. This steel formwork system also one of the famous system used by the contractor during the construction. Steel Framing Systems These steel framing systems have always been the popular choice and used extensively in the fast track construction projects and this system commonly used with precast concrete slabs, steel columns and beams. Current stage of development in this type of IBS includes the increased usage of light steel trusses. It is consisting of cost-effective profiled cold-formed channels and steel portal frame systems as alternatives to the heavier traditional hot-rolled sections. Nowadays, this method is more useful for the housing project, especially for the steel roof trusses (show as below figure 6). This is because the timber roof trusses need the labour to take some time to construct it and lastly need the anti-termite for the timber roof trusses. Prefabricated Timber Framing Systems These prefabricated timber framing systems is using the timber in the construction industry for construct the building. Usually the timber framing system are consists of timber building frames and timber roof trusses (show as below figure 7). While the steel framing systems have been the more popular choice on construction industry, but the timber roof truss system also have its own market where it is offering interesting designs from simple dwelling units to buildings requiring high aesthetical values such as chalets for resorts. This prefabricated timber framing system we can see in the traditional building. Block Work Systems By using this effective alternative system, the tedious and time-consuming traditional brick laying tasks are greatly simplified. The construction method of using conventional bricks has been revolutionize

The Concept Of Ethical Consumption Marketing Essay

The Concept Of Ethical Consumption Marketing Essay To present the concept of Ethical Consumption it needs to be acknowledging what is ethics and consumption. Ethic is a set of norms, principles or values that guide peoples behaviour (Sherwin 1993), and what is ethical or unethical is based on individual perception of right and wrong in other side consumption can be define as the process of buying or using goods that materialises when the consumer processes the product or service information, as a logical thinker (Holbrook et al. 1982: 132). Ethical consumption takes place when individuals purchasing goods are considering values of caring for other people, concerns for fairness and/or for the environment. The phenomenon of Ethical Consumption started to rise in the last fifteen to twenty years. This concept is directly related to the conscious and deliberate choice to make certain consumption options due to personal and moral beliefs (Carrigan et al., 2004:401). The ethical consumer strives to enhance their wellbeing through purchasing behaviour that avoids harming or exploiting humans, animals and the environment (Harrison et al. 2005: 4), and these represents the positive choices; additionally in this ample concept it can be included actions as recycling behaviour and philanthropy  [1]  . Consumption can be perceived as an instrument to achieve satisfaction on the material level; this consumer pattern is also moulded by groups and societal values: consideration for others and also for our eco system, leading to the concept of Ethical consumption, that can be identify as a tool to social change. Citizens and consumers are social actors that are recognizing more sustainable forms of consumption by optimising environmental, social and economic consequences in order to reduce ecological damage and demand labour rights to be respected. All consumers are forced to consider the increasing consequences of their habits, and existence (Harrison et al., 2005:3). We are now living in the world of disposability, of instant convenience where everything is disposable, however society is waking up and starting to reject these ways. There is a reform to the basic, to old values (Arnold 2009:4). Ethical consumption can be seen as an integration process, between producers and consumers, ethically minded consumers feel accountable towards the environment and the society, and they strive to express their values through their shopping habits. Ethical branding strategies are designed to support ethical business and ethical claims, these strategies are accomplished through all phases of a brand products lifecycle  [2]  ; leading to consumers perceptions and attitudes towards ethical purchasing (Tustin et al., 2008:24). Brands that are perceived as good citizenship  [3]   hold a good reputation on the consumer eyes, accentuating the responsibility of companies and consumers, producing/ purchasing products and services that pursue to minimise the social and environmental damage. It is quite clear exactly what is feeding this concept to grow, and Rob Harrison (2005) proposed seven factors inciting the growth of ethical behaviour: the globalisation of markets leading to the debilitation of national governments; this action drives to a rise of transnational corporations and brands; the growth of campaigning pressure groups which occurs as a result of the previous processes; the social and environmental consequence of technology; a shift in market power towards consumers; the effectiveness of market campaigning and also the enlargement of corporate social responsibility  [4]  (Harrison et al., 2005:3). However the main sources of the rapid progress of ethical awareness in the consumer shopping behaviour are the communication channels driven by the easy access of information, from websites as Ethical consumer guide and Keep it ethical; increasingly ethical awareness of issues related to products and brands leaded by the most effective channel the internet. 1.2 Study focus Although Ethical consumption seems like an ideal conception of consuming habits, there are issues stopping this idea to fully succeed. One of the strongest issue is price sensitivity, consumers are willing to pay extra pennies for ethical products, not small fortunes; another point is personal experience considering that some consumers cannot identify ethical products from non-ethical; ethical obligations as another issue where people feel difficult to consume certain products only based on the ethical claims; one critical point is the lack of information, where consumers feel that they are not fully informed in order to make the right purchasing choices; quality perception as other concept, sometimes people perceived that ethical products do not hold quality or flavour for example, as mainstream  [5]  products; cynicism considering that a high number of companies exploit for example the concept of environmental friendly, without any care for the environment which is named as gre en wash, leading to the lack of confidence to ethical products and finally the sense of guilt to support these exploited groups (Bray et al., 2010:5). Although other authors like Show et al., (2004) and Carrigan et al. (2001) defend, that ethical consumers are confused by: the lack of information, or too much information, restrict product choices and their availability, they also add that the lack of commitment plays an important role, additionally these authors go further believing that ethical consumers trust that their purchase choice does not make a significant difference amongst the others. Different authors point different issues as critical for this concept to flourished has it should. However all authors agree that communication, consumers education and the lack of trust is a significant concept for the shortcoming of ethical consumption. 1.3 Dissertation structure What is proposed in this study is to analyse in depth one successful ethical corporation Unicorn Manchester Cooperative Groceries, to understand how they show, educate and encourage consumers to follow their brand message through their ethical products; additionally how Unicorn procedures leads customers to trust them, finally it will be investigated their internal communication strategy. At this investigation it will be analysed trust, brand loyalty, brand message and internal branding, furthermore it will be acknowledge what their customers feel about their communication strategies and if they fully understand the meaning behind their purchases, what the company stands for and if the strategies used, drive customers to trust and became loyal to this business . To access this knowledge and to understand the communication strategy it will be made an interview to one of the cooperative members, which is accountable for the marketing and communication, education and advertisement of th is business, with the purpose to gain an insight of strategies adopted by this company. As a following step is needed to be acknowledge if customers are actually receptive to all these techniques adopted by the company by doing a small survey that only mention the communication strategies placed on the shop floor; to hundred and thirty customers. 1.4 Aims and objectives The outcome of this case study is to acknowledge and understands the ethical communication strategies adopted by this specific company and understand their effectiveness. Understand the Ethical Communication strategies used by Unicorn Cooperative Appreciate the channels used in order to build trust guiding to brand loyalty Acknowledge if customers fully understand the meaning behind their purchases Recognize the importance of Internal branding in ethical businesses How is possible to transfer this knowledge to other cases, business, institutions and so on. Research question: How does Unicorn- Cooperative develop consumer trust into their ethical brand? Hypotheses: 1. Trust is a key concept for the development of Brand loyalty 2. When brand message is communicated effectively, consumer tend to develop trust 3. Internal Branding high levelled the trust Literature review 2. Literature Review 2.1 Ethical Consumption Nowadays consumption can be perceived as a way to achieve social equality and a better environment. Ethical Consumption can include the purchasing behaviour that respects workers treatment, fair trade food, non-genetically modified food, environmental concerns, human rights, racial or gender prejudice, (Szimigin et al. 2006: 608). An increasing number of consumers are conducting changes in social conditions and business practices and they are progressively committed on these changes, this factor is what distinguish political consumer from ordinary consumer (Sandicki et al. 2008: 3). People are encountering more sustainable forms of consumption, and acknowledging individual and collective level of benefits, in order to meet the needs of current and future generations (Lunchs et al. 2011:2), affecting business and retailers to respond to this growing demand. At the same time individuals acquire a relation with ethical consumption that tend to be driven by a larger context, enforcing some kind of reflection which can be influenced by social groups (Barr et al. 2011: 715). Ethical consumption embraces two major groups positive buying is what was mention previously and in the opposite spectrum is the negative buying which can include boycotts and avoidance of certain brands on a permanent basis, considering their association with some political issue that the consumer opposes (Sandicki et al. 2008: 2). Furthermore these movements in great majority accomplish their objective, by changing business conventions to a more eco and social friendly practices. Consumption as an increasingly important purpose in contemporary society, these movements materialise ideologies of consumption  [6]  (Kozinets et al. 2004:692). Consequently, businesses are trying to blend ethical consumerism into their practices, as a result of pressure from consumers, considering that their perception is also linked to their consumerism (Tustin et al. 2008:25). Characteristics that run through all these consumption manifestations: Organisation, consumers envisage to organise a coherent set of activities informed by the actions of different organisations, including consumer bodies A desire for change, consumption as a tool of its own transformation Rights, consumers have rights that have to be fought Collectively, by working in groups, individuals hold a strengthen power for change Values, consumption as an exchange of moral messages, consuming can be good or bad Implications, consuming has effects, on other people and society or on the environment. (Harrison et al., 2004:40) Thankfully to the growing number and easily accessible information enhanced by the media interest of political issues (Harrison et al. 2004:69), consumers are more aware of ways to minimise environmental damage and change social issues. Some authors defend that there are more hidden reasons to purchase ethically, other dimension that evocates the individuality of each of us, they see ethical consumption as a integrative process, where the consumer tries to achieve: distinction, by distinguishing themselves in a proactively way through their actions; hedonism action that produces pleasure, the consumer feel good about himself purchasing ethically; love which demonstrates compassion to others and personal values and aesthetic appreciation, considering that ethical products tend to be classified as premium  [7]  brands, meaning more expensive which some individuals identify with them for their classification (Szimigin et al. 2006:610), and these are some of the extra aspects that the marketer needs to acknowledge when suggesting these products. However the most persuasive reason for people to consume more ethically is the power of social change, by forcing brands and companies to adopt more ethical strategies for t heir business practices. This seems the ideal consumption concept, however as many concepts in business has their faults to fully succeed, as mention previously the: personal experience; ethical obligation; lack of information; quality perception, cynicism and sense of guilt. The deprivation of effective information is a major barrier for this concept to accomplish their objectives. If consumers are not informed or even educated of these practices and strategies in some respects ethical consumption is failing in delivering a proficient communication. There is a high number of literature and case studies where consumers for example are willing to purchase eco-friendly brands, however they witness a very difficult task to identify these products, proving that these consumers are not very aware of ethical communication strategies (Picket- Baker et al. 2008: 290). Adequate communication prevail a disregard link between some companies to the mass consumer. This matter deviates the idea of ethical consumption; sin ce all consumers are possible ethical consumers (Harrison et al. 2005: 69). 2.2 Marketing Communications/ Communication Strategies Communication strategies is a core concept for this investigation, as it will be study the ethical communication strategies of one particular company and acknowledge how these support the business reaching trust amongst the customer. However to reach that picture it needs to comprehend in general the notion of marketing communication. All organisations to survive needs to exchange information to their stakeholders, Marketing Communications is the design, implementation and control to reach organisational objectives, through the consumer market point of view, marketing strategies is a method that will increase consumers positive thoughts and attitudes towards a brand or product, (Peter et al. 2010:25) basically is a management process through which an organisation engages with its various audience (Fill 2005:7), only strategically distributed can help organisations to lead a competitive position (Holm 2003: 23), by understanding the audiences, organisations explore actual messages that would be appropriate for their stakeholders. Following the previous sentence, marketing communication is a concept that bridges information between customers and potential customers to the business foundations, remind the stakeholders about the business essence, also reassure the distinctive aspects for other competitors additionally provide information about products and brands values, persuade the target audience to change attitude (Dahlen 2010:43). The Marketing Communication mix embraces every type of messages such in advertising, public relations, promotions and personal selling simultaneously direct response advertising, personal communication, public relations exhibitions and online exhibitions. All these different methods can work independently or ideally blended to accomplished communication goals. Promotional Objectives Target Audience Context Analyses Direct Marketing Sales Promotion Research and Evaluation Personal Selling Resources Positioning Public Relations Figure 1_ the system of Marketing Communications (Fill 2005:28) This concept promotes and maintain a dialogue with their audiences to create a Brand Equity, brand associations, brand dominance and brand prospects (Dahlen 2010:14), this it will influence conception of value in comparison with the benefits and costs, being the ideal situation to raise the benefits and decrease the costs (Holm 2006:23). Marketing communication can be perceived as: management and control of all communication strategies; also ensures brand personality, positioning and messages that should be distributed consistently throughout all components of communication and additional strategic analyses, implementation and control of the choices of marketing strategy (Smith et al. 1999:4). Communication is the act of sending a message to others in a way that these can interpret and decode the message, communications is essential to build trust on others(Anderson 2005: 169).Communication strategies can be defined as a constant pursuit to verbalize and decode the messages, in situation where these messages have not been decipher (Toronoe 1981: 287). A favourable communication is based around a committed, articulated brand idea as a foundation to sustain and build relations with customers (Dahlen 2010:2). The main target of Marketing Communication is to influence the judgment of value through communication, this process materialises when individuals share meaning, by developing a dialogue, where participants are capable to decipher the meaning of the messages and simultaneously being able to respond, and this exchange is possible through knowledge and understanding of the communication process. In overall process for organisations to be successful in their communications strategies, it is fundamental for them to understand their customers, the way they absorbs information, how they develop attitudes and how they react to marketing communications stimuli . However it necessary to identify, select and develop which communication tool it will be used to apply the most suitable brand communication to reach their target audience (Schultz et al. 1999: 309). The cognitive position perceives the consumer as the problem solver, using the various process to reasoning, forming ideas and gaining knowledge in their own individual way of decoding information (Fill 2005: 117). The previous judgment makes essential for organisations to build a strong Brand Narrative, based on a story that frames cultural codes, cultural expectations and stereotypes, essentially needs to create a story that reflects our times (Dahlen 2010: 13). The brand narrative is intrinsically consistent dialogue, which connects people, events and experiences which can lead to Brand Equity  [8]  . Brand attitude is an imperative characteristic of brand equity, which is intended to influence consumers to purchase the brand, through consumers attitude is possible to measure the brand success (Peter et al. 2010:232). Brand and customer equity Relationships Advocacy Advocacy Marketing communications Marketing communication mix Traditional and non-traditional media Channel partners Positioning Branding Image and Brand management Outcomes Marketing Communications Media Scape Narrative Brand Ongoing Figure 2_ Brand Narrative components (Dahlen 2010:6) Until certain extend brand equity, brand narrative develop a marketing stimuli directed to their target choice, guiding them in the way they behave, think and how they feel (Peter et al. 2010:25) and individuals express themselves, or aspire to be through brands, somehow consumers employ marketing communications to chase personal meaning through their consumption (Dahlen 2010:07). Meaning that by elaborating a brand narrative business is essential to have a deep knowledge about their target market. Customers are seem as problem solvers, through communication strategy perspective, their capability to message decode is affected by their level of elaboration and advertising is the conducive way of channel information to consumers, who then has the opportunity to appreciate the message according to their experiences (Fill 2005:197). 2.2.1Brand message- Communication Effectiveness Brand message is essential for this study, taking in consideration that it needs to be apprehended the communication effectiveness of Unicorn strategy, not measuring but understanding the effectiveness of their brand message, how this business is being so successful in communicating their values, when others in ethical trade are failing, essentially understand how Unicorn engage customers through their brand. Communication is an important means for organisations to reach their customers and potential customers (Bendixen 1993: 19), and this can be achieved through advertisement. Many advertisement models were tailored with foundation on Lavidge and Steiner hierarchy of effects model, this model defends that the customer purchasing process starts from awareness, to knowledge, then liking, moving to preference than conviction and finally purchase. The next model has foundation on Lavidge and Steiner effects structure, where Bendixen applied some changes: Forces of Communication Impact Specificness Credibility Relevance Conviction Comprehension Action Unawareness Awareness Forgetfulness Incompreheension Hotility Aphaty Barriers of Communication Figure 3 _ Brand loyalty the 5 stages of Communication (Bendixen 1993: 21) All components of the promotion mix hold diverse magnitudes to communicate. The effectiveness of each communication channel can be chased from the state of unawareness to all the other stages until purchase (Fill 2002: 18). 2.2.2 Brand message and trust The effect of the brand message also has an impact on trust and relationship commitment (Sharma 1999: 152), some studies suggest the critical role of effective communication plays an impact on the perceptions of quality, trust and relationship commitment, it involves the formal and informal channels between customers and the organisations, is meant to give real expectations and educate customers (Sharma 1999: 163). The effectiveness of cause related marketing may have an imperative influence in customer choice (Pracejus et al. 2004: 639). Communication effectiveness/ Brand message Functional quality Technical quality Trust Relationship commitment Figure 4_ Conceptual model of determinants of relationship commitment (Sharma 1999: 156) Effectiveness is an important derivative of communication strategy taking in consideration that for these to have a positive outcome into the target audience, it needs to achieve what was meant to achieve, the audience must decode in the way that the marketer thought that they would decode and if the audience can acknowledge the full meaning and understand the overall brand message, this process was successful, also has impact in which different communication channels to adopt and how it will affect particular consumer responses (Grace et al. 2005: 114), this might be through advertising or any other avenue. If customers acknowledge the brand message and this is something that they aspire or goes according to their values, consumer will tend develop trust with the brand through their messages. Consumer brand knowledge could relate all descriptive and evaluative brand information. In this spectrum, different levels of knowledge as attributes, benefits, thoughts, feelings, that are linked between them (Ghodeswar 2008: 4) would form a reaction to the brand message, and this reaction should be as expected by the brand in this way they accomplish their communication goals. Understanding brand message has an effect to future purchases, through brand relationship that also involve brand satisfaction, brand trust and brand attachment (Esch et al. 2006: 103), brand message need to be clear and adopt the most appropriate channels in order to achieve their target audience. By using their communication strategies effectively will lead to consumer relationship, trust that eventually will turn into brand loyalty. 2.3 Brand Trust Trust develops when one actor has positive assurance with a trading partner (Zboja 2006: 382), as a process that meets their customer expectations and probably overcome these ones. Brand trust is built over the acceptance that brand value can be design and improved in order to overcome consumer satisfaction concerning the product attributes. Brand qualities might also add value to an existing relationship between customers and brands, being trust one of the most critical elements of this relation. Trust is a feeling based on security and in this context trust has foundation in brand reliability and brand intentions; brand reliability is the capacity of brand to correspond to customers needs, in this dimension is necessary to accomplished what the customer is expecting from the brand; and brand intention has emotional roots, which accredits that customers are in an vulnerability situation when making purchasing decisions (Delgado- Ballester 2001: 1242). Consumer trust and satisfaction about a specific brand and the retailer will drive to repurchasing behaviour; trust is a significant element that bridges satisfaction, individual connection towards a brand as shown on figure five. Trust in the Brand Trust in the Retailer Reseller Repurchase Intentions Satisfaction with the Brand Satisfaction with the retailer Figure 5_ Conceptual model of the relationship between consumer perceptions of brands and retailers ( Zboja et al. 2006: 382) Relationship formation is balanced by customer, product and brand attitude. A brand with very distinctive attributes that adjust to customers values and behaviour tend to develop relationship based on the products categories (Hess et al. 2005:316). Trust is involved in brand credibility, and this creates brand loyalty as an element of brand equity and a key concept in customer relationship, and this might be the strongest connection in the marketing tools (Reast 2005:5). Credibility- based Credibility based trust correlates (Conative)Brand trust Performance- satisfaction based Trust Correlates (Cognitive) Truthful Fair minded Sincere Shows concern Similar values Gives confidence Competence Expert Status Reputation Personal Experience Usage History Fulfil expectations Quality consistency People experience Quality level Dependability Figure 6_ Two component model of brand trust correlates (Reast 2005: 5) The left column represents what a brand should provide and the right column is what customers will perceive if content. Credibility demonstrates the honesty and values of the brand where it can be delivered through advertising, packaging to personal interaction (Reast 2005: 9). Brand trust is establish through personal experience with the specific brand, consequently this experience it will guide consumers evaluation of any direct and indirect contact, being the consumption experience the most important as a foundation of trust. Brand trust offers some kind of security, considering that the brand will meet consumption expectations that will have an influence on commitment. (Delgado- Ballister 2001: 1254). Brand properties are vital to ultimate if customer decides to trust it or not. Consumers tend to judge a brand before forming a relationship with it, Lau believes that individuals develop brand trust according to reputation, predictability and proficiency (Lau et al 2009: 344);furthermore trust can be perceived as an ingredient that contrast relationships from transactions. Trust and satisfaction are crucial elements in building personal relationships that eventually will lead to brand loyalty; which has been conceptualised as a repetitive purchasing behaviour of a brand (Lau et al. 2001: 351). 2.3.1 Trust and Brand Loyalty Within the marketing discipline concepts as trust and brand loyalty are linked together, considering that is through trust that brands achieve loyalty from their customers. The consideration of trust in brand is supported by: the relationship between brand and consumer, that implies that the brand hold some characteristics that goes further than a simple product or service; in other spectrum brand trust is also associated to brand value, which is much more than consumer satisfaction, other characteristics can add value to the existing relationship between a brand and a consumer, being trust the most significant property of this relation. (Delgado- Ballester 2001: 1241). Trust in a brand is positively associated to brand loyalty which brings many benefits to the organisation. The brand properties are crucial to determine if the consumer will trust or not this business if the reaction is positive and the customers is repurchasing over again it will be achieved brand loyalty. Brand Predictability Additional Information Job Specifications are in Word format, to download a viewer for Windows click Here or for Mac users click Here all other documents are in PDF format you can get Acrobat Here Recruitment Policy: Click Here Candidate Guidelines: Click Here Job Share Scheme: Click Here About MMU: Click Here Disabled Candidate Support: Click Here Job Details   Job Reference: G2/2245 Job Title: Marketing Assistant Location: All Saints Closing Date: 16 October 2012 Salary Range:  £ 18340.00 to  £ 19972.00 Benefits Holiday Entitlement: 25 Pension:   Yes Job Details Division: Marketing, Communications Development Department: Marketing Communications Office Work Pattern: Temporary Application Form: Click here for Application Form Job Description: The University only accepts applications on a valid application form which can be downloaded by clicking here. You can then upload your completed application in the My Documents section once you have logged in. Please note that a curriculum vitae (CV) will not be accepted for this vacancy. Manchester Metropolitan University MARKETING, COMMUNICATIONS AND DEVELOPMENT MARKETING ASSISTANT (Full-time / Fixed 2 year contract/) Grade 4:  £18,340-  £19,972 per annum We are seeking a Marketing Assistant who is looking for an exciting, challenging role and has excellent marketing and administrative skills. This hands-on post will be part of a new marketing team in the Faculty of Business and Law. This new faculty brings together the Business School a

The Game Epidemic :: essays research papers

Andrew, Chuck, and Kevin played all night and skipped class the next day. They, along with thousands of others across the country, purchased Halo 2 at midnight the day the much-anticipated game was released in stores. Students and company employees called in sick that next day claiming the Halo 2 flu as their reasoning. Halo 2 is only one of a multitude of games distributed for use on Microsoft’s Xbox, Sony’s Playstation 2, and Nintendo’s Gamecube. American society is experiencing an epidemic as a result of many young people spending hours upon hours playing video games. The National Institute on Media and the Family is one organization founded â€Å"to build healthy families and communities through the wise use of media.† This institute wants to raise awareness of the harmful effects of playing too much. These effects include violence, lack of independent thought, and a false sense of reality.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Founded in 1996 by David Walsh, Ph D, NIMF works to maximize the benefits and minimize the harms of the media. The organization does this through research, education, and advocacy, even though they are a non-partisan, non-profit organization. Its website provides information for parents to use when selecting games for their children and raises awareness about the effects that come with video games. One of these deals with the environment of the games. According to NIMF, â€Å"Game environments are often based on plots of violence, aggression, and gender bias.† Additionally, women are often portrayed as helpless or sexually provocative. The number of hours played under these false settings can often give a false sense of reality. Gamers then have trouble distinguishing between what is real and what is not.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Negative effects exist as a result of the environment and storyline of a video game. According to a study referenced on the NIMF web site, violent video games may translate into aggressive behavior. The child’s imagination is capture, and oftentimes he imagines that he is the character he plays on the game, which is another mesh of fantasy and reality. Questions have also been brought up in regard to children at a very young age being exposed to violent video games. It is true that violent behavior is also linked to abusive parents and siblings. However, video games are set apart from this influence because they are easier to regulate.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Another cause for concern comes from the storyline many video games create.

Comparing Sexuality in Alls Well That Ends Well, Measure for Measure,

Female Sexuality in All's Well That Ends Well, Measure for Measure, and Troilus and Cressida      Ã‚   Although strict chronology is a problematic proposition, most scholars believe that the problem plays - All's Well That Ends Well, Measure for Measure, and Troilus and Cressida - were composed in the period between Hamlet and Othello (Mabillard), a period in which Shakespeare was focusing his energies on his great tragedies.   This fact, some believe, may help to account for the darker mood of these ostensible comedies.   In fact, Boas, the critic who coined the term "problem play," originally included Hamlet in this grouping, since he found a similarity of theme and irresolution between that play and Troilus and Cressida (Thomas 2-3).   Thankfully for modern students, critics have escaped that preconception and recognized Hamlet as a tragedy, plain and simple.    Any generalization of these three plays - even a necessarily broad category like "problem plays" - is inherently . . . well, problematic.   The three plays are very dissimilar in tone, plot, and characterization.   It is possible, however, to identify a few key commonalities between the three plays, and, more generally, in the cycle of work that includes Hamlet and Othello.   The sheer carnality of each of these plays is difficult to ignore.   Taken as a whole, whether or not one accepts the canonical chronology, these plays represent the evolution of a coherent view of female sexuality that contributes not only to the dramatic action of each play, but to a larger underlying thematic concern.   Thus book-ended by two great tragedies, with which they share some common ideology, the problem plays offer an unparalleled opportunity to explore the concept of female sexualit... ...speare Online. 1999-2001.   <http://www.shakespeare-online.com/keydates/playchron.asp>. Neely, Carol Thomas.   "Shakespeare's Women: Historical Facts and Dramatic Representations."   In Holland, Norman N., Sidney Homan, and Bernard J. Paris, eds.   Shakespeare's Personality.   Berkeley: University of California Press, 1989. Shakespeare, William.   All's Well That Ends Well.   Bevington 362-403. ---.   Hamlet, Prince of Denmark.   Bevington 1060-1116. ---.   Measure for Measure.   Bevington 404-443. ---.   Othello, the Moor of Venice.   Bevington 1117-1166. ---.   Troilus and Cressida.   Bevington 444-493. Thomas, Vivian.   The Moral Universe of Shakespeare's Problem Plays.   London: Croom Helm, 1987. Wilders, John.   "The Problem Comedies."   In Wells, Stanley, ed.   Shakespeare: Select Bibliographical Guides.   London: Oxford UP, 1973.   

Copper Metal

Copper is an element with the symbol Cu and atomic number 29. Copper is classified in periodic table: Its element category is transition metal; Its group is 11; Its period is 4; Its atomic weight is 63. 546. Copper metal and alloys have been used for thousands of years. Physical properties:- Copper has a characteristic reddish brown color. Its density is 8. 93 g cm. Its melting point is 1083`C. It is highly malleable and ductile at ordinary temperature. It is a very good conductor of heat and electricity. It is the best conductor among all the metals.Chemical properties:- Copper does not react with water, but it reacts with oxygen slowly forming the brown-black copper oxide. Occurrence:- Copper can be found as native copper and a part of minerals. Native copper is a polycrystal. There are many kinds of copper-containing minerals: chalcopyrite and chalcocite are copper sulfides, azurite and malachite are copper carbonates and cuprite is a copper oxide. Recycling:- Copper can be recycl ed without lose of quality. Copper are world's mostly recycled. Uses of copper:-Copper is mostly used as a metal, but when a higher hardness is required it is combined with other elements to make an al alloy such as brass and bronze. Copper is used in refrigerators and air conditioning systems. Computer heat sinks are made out of copper because it is able to absorb a high amount of heat. Magnetrons, found in microwave ovens, contain copper. As a good conductor of electricity, copper is used in Copper wire, electromagnets and electrical relays and switches. Copper is a great water-proof roofing material.It has been used for this purpose since ancient times. Some structures, such as the Statue of Liberty, are made with copper. Copper is sometimes combined with nickel to make a corrosion resistant material that is used in shipbuilding. Copper is used in lightning rods. These attract lightning and cause the electrical current to be dispersed rather than striking, and possibly destroying , a more important structure. Copper is often used to color glass. It is also one component of ceramic glaze. Many musical instruments, are made out of copper.

Case Study on Launch of Water Park Essay

The International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA) announced Asian Attractions Expo (AAE) 2014 will take place at the China National Convention Center (CNCC) in Beijing 17-20 June 2014. Since 1997, Asian Attractions Expo has been the premier international trade show and conference for the multibillion-dollar leisure and attractions industry in Asia. â€Å"IAAPA is looking forward to bringing Asian Attractions Expo to China,† IAAPA Vice President, Asia Pacific Operations Andrew Lee said. â€Å"The attractions industry within China is growing at a rapid pace with several attractions recently completed and a number of other major amusement parks in development, making its capital city, Beijing, a logical choice to host AAE 2014. † â€Å"Beijing’s experience as host to the 2008 Olympic Games, its area tourist attractions, and its history and diverse culture make it a perfect backdrop for Asian Attractions Expo, the attractions industry’s fastest growing trade show and conference in the region,† said IAAPA President and CEO Paul Noland. Owners, operators, manufacturers, and suppliers will conduct business, learn, and network More than 5,000 attractions industry professionals from more than 60 nations are expected to participate in the event. The trade show floor will showcase products from more than 250 companies from around the world in more than 100 categories, including amusement and theme park rides; architectural and design services; and coin-operated games, skill games, and redemption prizes. The trade show floor is the place for CEOs, directors, general managers and senior managers of amusement and theme parks, water parks, zoos, aquariums, museums, family entertainment centers, casinos and resorts to experience what’s new in the attractions industry and purchase attractions and services to enhance the guest experience and increase revenue at their facilities. The event will include education sessions related to safety, operations, and management presented by worldwide industry leaders in each discipline. Session discussions will center on industry trends and best practices, and throughout the week participants will network with colleagues to strengthen longtime business relationships and establish new partnerships. WWA offers webinar on Affordable Care Act BY AMUSEMENT TODAY | FEBRUARY 25, 2013 The World Waterpark Association will broadcast a live webinar on March 6, 2013, at 2 p. m. ET with a session on the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, brought to you by the WWA’s Government Relations Committee and the WWA Insurance Program and its partner agency, Haas & Wilkerson Insurance. The Affordable Care Act: What It Means For Waterpark Operators Healthcare expert Dennis Maggart will deliver a presentation on the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) that was signed into law in 2010. Many of the major changes are scheduled to be enacted on January 1 of 2014. Maggart will speak to World Waterpark Association members on how these new laws may affect your company. The seasonal nature of the waterpark business and the amount of part-time and temporary labor the industry hires makes compliance with many of these new requirements very challenging. This webinar will be very useful in helping you with your compliance and in developing a strategy to deal with these new rules and regulations. Dennis Maggert is President of McInnes Maggart Consulting Group, located in Fairway, Kan. , McInnes Maggart Consulting Group is a strategic partner of Haas & Wilkerson Insurance. There is no cost to attend this webinar. However, space is limited for the live event and turnout is expected to be strong, so register today and sign-in at least 5 minutes before the event begins. To register visit the webinar registraton web page.