Films semiotic analysis Essay

In every day life we are surrounded with imaginative constructs about gender: magazines, billboards, books, games, TV. They teach us what is natural every day. Which tells us how men and women differ in so many different ways. Creating myths like â€Å" You are not normal, if you won’t find anyone†, â€Å"You can’t be good without man†, many variations of â€Å"Beauty myths†. This essay will focus first on the film The Ugly Truth (Luketic, 2009) arguing about gender issues, furthermore the films The Princess Diaries (Marshall, 2001) and Legally Blond (Luketic, 2001) will be analyzed to support the argument in which the heroines portrayed as pathetic beings, not able to do anything without men, even they work on high positions in law, on television and being Princess. Essay will use Gender perspective and will answer questions like what is to be an woman and what is to be an man. The Ugly Truth film (Luketic, 2009) offers us whole range of different myth and stereotypes. The movie indicates huge difference between main hero-Mike and heroine-Abby. They are presented as a black and white. Abby – not confident, truly believe in love, excited about everything, naà ¯ve. Mike –very confident, doesn’t believe in relationship, very skeptic, and extremely arrogant, pretty straight forward. â€Å"Many aspects of masculinity myths are concerned with the assertion of toughness, stoicism, courage, and the distinguishing of this form a ‘soft’ feminity that belongs to woman†(Horrocks, 1995, p. 18) (Paraphrase) Mike is very successful, gets promoted and changes jobs few times through the movie. Whereas Abby stays at the same job at all the time. Even though she has a high position, her boss is a man. The entire film supports the idea of how important his role is and how Abby’s role is insignificant. Firstly He comments: â€Å"You are here to make sure I am ok†. Secondly at the senior management meeting, she tries to introduce her boyfriend. Meanwhile the men are completely oblivious to her and continue to talk about more important things like they support Mike for bringing two girlfriends at the dinner. Another example is there are two newscasters wife and husband, main hero claims that wife emasculating the husband by earning more money. â€Å"In relation to masculinity, it might lead us to expect that the pervasive images of men would be dominance, arrogance, and power.†( Dunlap & Johnson, 2013, p. 4)(Paraphrase) One of the popular myths is â€Å" You are not normal, if you won’t find anyone†.  These myth show the density of messages, many of them are inconsistent, that face women about work and relationships. Hersey claims that Females ambitions at work presented in films are just as important as relationships (2007). She exemplify: â€Å"In Legally Blond, sorority girl Elle Woods (Reese Witherspoon) enrolls in Harvard Law School to win back her boyfriend, only to discover that she would rather be a lawyer than a society wife. â€Å"(Hersey, 2007) But at the end of the film she is dating another lawyer and gets engaged to him. Lets parallel it to The Ugly Truth (Luketic, 2009). The heroine has a very important job, she is a producer, but there is a scene where she waits for her boyfriend to go on a date but then her boss shows up saying they have a very important meeting. Abby answers: †I can’t, I have a date with Collin†. She puts relationships as her priority. However Kosut says that women are portrayed as desperate for romance. (2012, p.111) Furthermore according to Kosut, women intend to do anything to be in a relationship, because love is represented as the greatest delineation of success. (2012, p.111). Going back to Legally Blond (Luketic, 2001), Elle Wood changes her whole life to get her boyfriend back. Mia chooses to go to the beach with a guy, leaving her friends when they need her help, because love is more important. These films reinforcing the ideology that women have to find a partner otherwise you are abnormal. † Implicit in third myth is that each woman should strive to become the chosen one; and if she does not achieve this, she is considered in some way inherently deficient.† (Worell, 2001, p.190) Romantic comedies genre pushes the ideology of finding someone, Fairytale myth of the couple ending up together and of course final kiss reapets again and again: The Ugly truth (Luketic, 2009), The Princess Diaries (Marshall, 2001), Brigit Jones’s Diary (Maguire, 2001), Pretty Woman (Marshall, 1990), Life As We Know It (Berlanti, 2010). This list can go on and on. There is no doubt that to find someone, you need to be good-looking. It is bringing up the Beauty myths, which tells us we are never perfect. Hersey has a different opinion; she thinks that the makeover moment in the films helps heroines to find their true identities rather than an effort to attract men. (2007). However Mia in The Princess Diaries (Marshall, 2001) wants to be attracted by Josh, in The Ugly Truth (Luketic, 2009) Abby agrees to make over just to get attracted by Collin. In the Pretty Women (Marshall, 1990), heroine gets makeover to be socially accepted. Signifiers of the Beauty myth: from the beginning of the films like Pretty Woman (Marshall, 1990), The Ugly Truth (Luketic, 2009), The Princess Diaries (Marshall, 2001), heroines are beautiful but social constructions tells us it would be never enough. Interesting fact is that all makeovers ruled by males. â€Å"Hollywood romantic dramas reinforce the ideology that woman entirely dependent on their male lovers.† (Gill, 2007, p. 79)(Leave quote as is) In the film The Ugly Truth (Luketic, 2009) Abby is shown as ‘a looser’, because she can’t find a boyfriend, she ruins everything on each date she goes. That’s why there is Mike fearless, confident male, who knows everything about relationships helps Abby to get her a boyfriend. But, it is also interesting to note that these women were also portrayed as dependent â€Å"submissive, less intelligent, and were usually cast in the role of homemakers† (Lovdal, 1989, p. 722) (Paraphrase) These women also managed to attend to the cooking, cleaning, house keeping, and other needs of their children and husbands†¦these tasks were perfomed while remaining immaculately attired, usually and most often in a dress, hells, and perfect make-up. (Toth & Aldoory, 2001, p. 224) (Paraphrase) For instance Abby is the main character in The Ugly truth (Luketic, 2009), waiting for her boyfriend in the most sexiest outfit, when boyfriend shows up, asking what was she doing, her answer is: â€Å"Doing the dishes† â€Å"All the beauty myths promote the idea that beauty is the most vital aspect of woman’s being. (Worell, 2001, p.190) Men will do important jobs, will help you with everything. All you have to do is to be beautiful. All gender myths are firmly connected to each other and one myth is the continuation of another one. A part of beauty myth is presentation of women as sexual objects. Again Hersey doesn’t agree with this â€Å"Yvonne Tasker argues that working women in the â€Å"New Hollywood† are often linked to sexual availability and prostitution, but these heroines’ work in journalism, international diplomacy, criminal justice and law does not make them more sexually  available to men†(2007) They are portrayed in the movies as sexual objects, for example the film The Ugly Truth (Luketic, 2009), the main hero Mike coaches the heroine Abby into thinking that if she wants to be attractive to man she has to be sexually available †show your breasts and say good bye†(at the end of her date with a guy she wants to be her boyfriend), at the make over moment the Mike says to Abby : â€Å"a man needs something to grab on other than your ass†, †you have to be two people a librarian and a stripper †, †what’s wrong with comfort and efficiency?- nothing, except no one wants to fuck it †, †we need a bra for my friend that they can stand up and say hello† In addition Hersey says â€Å"Elle is more obviously sexual, but her sexuality is always dignified even when Warner’s fiancà ©e tricks her into attending a party wearing a Playboy Bunny outfit†(2007). Legally Blond (Luketic, 2001) is filled with sexuality, the entire movie is banter over what is it to be a woman. Worell certifies there are â€Å"Media stereotypes that suggest there are expected roles for women including women as sexual objects, women as submissive and less knowledgeable.† (2001, p.703)(Paraphrase) The myth is that women are not able to do anything except be a sexy doll-Barbie. Moreover clothing and hair color are key signifiers, with Elle choosing the colour pink for her clothes and her hair is blonde. Elle is portrayed as ditzy and scatty and that her being selected for Harvard because she is hot and pretty. â€Å"Beauty myths give meaning to women’s beauty as they serve to upholds the importance of attractiveness in women’s lives.† (Worell, 2001, p.190)(Paraphrase) â€Å"Ultimately, this conflation of beauty and being fosters the social control of women.† (Worell, 2001, p.190) (Paraphrase) Many people in daily life watch TV or go to the Cinema to relax and escape from every day routines. Nevertheless the entertainment sends countless messages about gender. One could argue that use of myths create ideology that affect the people in certain ways. Why? Because we see these myths repeating again and again, most of the myths became a clichà ©. â€Å"Film makers consistently place women in secondary roles, or in positions that emphasize their sexuality, weaknesses, desperation. Men, on the other hand, typically assume roles of great importance and depict characters who are adventurous, charming, and strong. Although exceptions to these patterns exist, for the  most part Hollywood films continue to support traditional ideas of gender and cultivate similar ideologies.† (Kosut, 2012, p.113) (Paraphrase) Reference list: Berlanti, G. (2010). Life As We Know It [Film]. USA: Warner Bros. Pictures Dunlap, R. & Johnson, W.C. (2013). Consuming contradiction: Media, masculinity and (hetero) sexual identity. Leisure : Journal of the Canadian Association for Leisure, 37(1), 69. Gill, R. (2007). Gender and the media. Cambridge, UK: Polity. Hersey, E. (2007). Love and microphones: Romantic comedy heroines as public speakers. Journal of Popular Film & Television, 34(4), 149-158. Horrocks, R. (1995). Male myths and icons: Masculinity in popular culture. Basingstoke, Hants: St. Martins Press. Kosut, M. (2012). Encyclopedia of gender in media. Thousand Oaks, Calif: SAGE Publications. Lovdal, L. T. (1989). Sex role messages in television commercials: An update. Sex Roles, 21(11/12), 715-724. doi:10.1007/BF00289804 Luketic, R. (2009). The Ugly Truth [Film]. USA: Columbia Pictures. Luketic, R. (2001). Legally Bloned [Film]. USA: Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer. Maguire, S. (2001). Briget Jones’s Diary [Film]. UK: Miramax Films. Marshall, G. (2001). The Princess Diaries [Film]. USA: Buena Vista Pictures. Marshall, G. (1990). Pretty Woman [Film]. USA: Buena Vista Pictures. Toth, E. L., & Aldoory, L. (2001). The gender challenge to media: Diverse voices from the field. Cresskill, N.J: Hampton Press. Worell, J. (2001). Encyclopedia of women and gender: Sex similarities and differences and the impact of society on gender. San Diego, Calif: Academic Press.

Curfews: Law and Certain Regulation Apply

Brittaney Weeams Mr. Dutro-Adkins 4TH Hour English November 27, 2012 Curfews Do they really work? â€Å"Yes† What is a Curfew Curfew is an order specifying a time after which certain regulation apply. In other words an order made by the government or your family to be home at a certain time. Many cities have imposed curfew over the past years and in most of those cities the curfews has reduced several crimes. Curfews are used to discipline and to keep young teens off the streets and out of trouble.Although people feel that there’s no point in curfews and it doesn’t keep our youth out of trouble, I on the other hand feel that curfew does keep our youth out of trouble and is very much needed all over the United States. Why? Because if we didn’t have curfews, there would be way more convicted crimes. There is currently 276 cites that enforced curfews so far. There’s 6 ways to put curfew into place, involve your teen, communicate clearly, except the con sequences, set limits, be reasonable, Negotiate, and communicate.For example In San Diego, California crimes have dropped by 20% and in Dallas Texas and New Orleans theirs have dropped by 40%. This is a prime example why curfews been a big help so far. I feel like curfews shouldn’t be the government’s job. Since they are the ones who enforced it, parents should respect that by taking on the responsibility for their own child and should know where their child is at every given time. Parents can also give their child open space to work and attend after school activities, If they’re willing to obey. And once they feel that their child is responsible then they could give them the freedom they deserve.I believe the interdiction of curfews will help control the importance of curfews all over America if it’s enforced right by parents. There are many penalties for breaking the law, not only children face penalties, parents do to. Parents can face up to a 500 doll ar fine and if they refuse to pay their fines they’ll be placed in jail for a limited time of 90 days. Their only able to get charged if their aware of their child lingering around after curfew hours. Teens caught after midnight is taken home by an officer. Every city has a different penalty.For example in Peoria IL my home town the child is fined 500 dollars and the part is sometime ordered by the court to do community service. Friends are sometime the blame for your child disobeying and breaking curfews. Some children hang around the wrong crowd. Being younger they just might be little followers and think it’s cool to break curfew and to do all the things that their bad friend do. Some friends could put your child under peer pressure and could force them to do the wrong thing. That’s why it’s best for parents to know who their child friends, their background and are and are they good leaders.Yes it may sound a little over protective but sometimes you ha ve to do what you have to do for your child’s own safety. I used to hate curfews when I was younger growing up. I thought it was cool too stay out super late and kick it I mean why not everyone else was doing it. As I grow older I made a promise to not only myself but my family as well to follow all the laws. And growing up seeing other people give the law and their parents hard times made me want to do better. After reaching Curfews I still believe that curfews will work if they are enforced right by not only the law but parents as well.As long as you stay aware of your child’s where abouts and stay on them about curfew and get a good understanding with your child about the law and what’s suppose to be and what’s not suppose to be done everything will be okay. It’s not only your child’s decision it’s yours as well. You make the decision for your child. SOURCES: http://dictionary. reference. com/browse/curfew http://debatepedia. ideba te. org/en/index. php/Debate:_Child_Curfews http://www. boston. com/community/moms/blogs/child_caring/2009/12/city-imposed_curfews_do_they_really_keep_kids_safe. html www. ncpa. org/sub/dpd/index. php? Article_ID=11240 Curfews: Law and Certain Regulation Apply Brittaney Weeams Mr. Dutro-Adkins 4TH Hour English November 27, 2012 Curfews Do they really work? â€Å"Yes† What is a Curfew Curfew is an order specifying a time after which certain regulation apply. In other words an order made by the government or your family to be home at a certain time. Many cities have imposed curfew over the past years and in most of those cities the curfews has reduced several crimes. Curfews are used to discipline and to keep young teens off the streets and out of trouble.Although people feel that there’s no point in curfews and it doesn’t keep our youth out of trouble, I on the other hand feel that curfew does keep our youth out of trouble and is very much needed all over the United States. Why? Because if we didn’t have curfews, there would be way more convicted crimes. There is currently 276 cites that enforced curfews so far. There’s 6 ways to put curfew into place, involve your teen, communicate clearly, except the con sequences, set limits, be reasonable, Negotiate, and communicate.For example In San Diego, California crimes have dropped by 20% and in Dallas Texas and New Orleans theirs have dropped by 40%. This is a prime example why curfews been a big help so far. I feel like curfews shouldn’t be the government’s job. Since they are the ones who enforced it, parents should respect that by taking on the responsibility for their own child and should know where their child is at every given time. Parents can also give their child open space to work and attend after school activities, If they’re willing to obey. And once they feel that their child is responsible then they could give them the freedom they deserve.I believe the interdiction of curfews will help control the importance of curfews all over America if it’s enforced right by parents. There are many penalties for breaking the law, not only children face penalties, parents do to. Parents can face up to a 500 doll ar fine and if they refuse to pay their fines they’ll be placed in jail for a limited time of 90 days. Their only able to get charged if their aware of their child lingering around after curfew hours. Teens caught after midnight is taken home by an officer. Every city has a different penalty.For example in Peoria IL my home town the child is fined 500 dollars and the part is sometime ordered by the court to do community service. Friends are sometime the blame for your child disobeying and breaking curfews. Some children hang around the wrong crowd. Being younger they just might be little followers and think it’s cool to break curfew and to do all the things that their bad friend do. Some friends could put your child under peer pressure and could force them to do the wrong thing. That’s why it’s best for parents to know who their child friends, their background and are and are they good leaders.Yes it may sound a little over protective but sometimes you ha ve to do what you have to do for your child’s own safety. I used to hate curfews when I was younger growing up. I thought it was cool too stay out super late and kick it I mean why not everyone else was doing it. As I grow older I made a promise to not only myself but my family as well to follow all the laws. And growing up seeing other people give the law and their parents hard times made me want to do better. After reaching Curfews I still believe that curfews will work if they are enforced right by not only the law but parents as well.As long as you stay aware of your child’s where abouts and stay on them about curfew and get a good understanding with your child about the law and what’s suppose to be and what’s not suppose to be done everything will be okay. It’s not only your child’s decision it’s yours as well. You make the decision for your child. SOURCES: http://dictionary. reference. com/browse/curfew http://debatepedia. ideba te. org/en/index. php/Debate:_Child_Curfews http://www. boston. com/community/moms/blogs/child_caring/2009/12/city-imposed_curfews_do_they_really_keep_kids_safe. html www. ncpa. org/sub/dpd/index. php? Article_ID=11240

Interim Report IDBI Federal Essay

Problem statement: To study workmen compensation in IDBI and determine the satisfaction level of employees. Description of the Project: Reward system is a tool by which employee can attract, motivate, and retain employees. It involves everything the employee perceives to be of value resulting from the employment relationship successful. The reward system consists of many components out of which â€Å"Compensation† is one the most the important factor in employee satisfaction. Organization try to understand the type of compensation required for each of the employees and the one which has high impact on the system. Research Objective: Employee’s preference towards total rewards system depends on one’s perception and the motivation level he has achieved in life. Various theories have been incorporated to justify the preference. The theories are explained in Literature review. Based on the problem definition, we formulated our hypothesis. * Objectives of the Project: To study the workmen compensation in IDBI -Primary objectives: The main task of the project is to identify: * The various compensations offered to workmen in IDBI and policies used to evaluate various compensations. * The satisfaction level of employees with their compensation at IDBI. -Secondary objectives: * Is there any preference given to compensation by employees at any level of choosing job. * How compensation help organization to retain and attract employees. * Methodology: * Primary Data: the main data collection will be done by surveys on the present as well as past employees if possible. * Secondary Data: the secondary data will be as provided by the company guides through their records and manuals. Hypothesis 1: Employees are satisfied by the timely compensation provided to them under various circumstances by the IDBI. Hypothesis 2: Employees are not satisfied by the timely compensation provided to them under various circumstances by the IDBI. The research is restricted to IDBI employees only, the population size consist of all the employees present in the organization. We shall try to involve the response of every employee. The various theories which help us to understand the satisfaction and retention level of employees in the organization are: The motivational theories which were crucial for this kind of study were Maslow’s need Hierarchy and Herzberg’s two-factor theory * Maslow Need Hierarchy: People are motivated by inner needs. Needs form a hierarchy from most basic to higher order. The value of compensation will depend on the level of pyramid at which the person is residing. * Herzberg’s two factor theory: Employees are motivated by two ways of motivators: Hygiene factor and satisfiers. Hygiene factors in their absence prevent behaviors but their presence cannot motivate performance. Satisfiers such as recognition, promotion and achievement motivate performance. According to Maslow’s hierarchy of needs the person who has achieved the levels of physiological needs and safety would be motivated by other factors. For the people at level 3 may not consider monetary rewards as driving force. Therefore there are chances that employees will not take compensation into matter for changing their jobs. Reward system is a tool by which employee can attract, motivate, and retain employees. It involves everything the employee perceives to be of value resulting from the employment relationship successful. The reward system consists of many components out of which â€Å"Compensation† is one the most the important factor in employee satisfaction. Organization try to understand the type of compensation required for each of the employees and the one which has high impact on the system. Introduction * Insurance sector in India In India, insurance has a deep-rooted history. Insurance in various forms has been mentioned in the writings of Manu (Manusmrithi), Yagnavalkya (Dharmashastra) and Kautilya (Arthashastra). The fundamental basis of the historical reference to insurance in these ancient Indian texts is the same i.e. pooling of resources that could be re-distributed in times of calamities such as fire, floods, epidemics and famine. The early references to Insurance in these texts have reference to marine trade loans and carriers’ contracts. The insurance sector in India has grown at a fast rate post-liberalization in 1999. In the last decade, total premium grew at a CAGR of 25% and reached a total of $67 billion in 2010. Indian Life insurance industry (which contributes 88% of total Life and General insurance premium in India) has emerged as the 9th largest life insurance market in the world. Yet, Insurance penetration (measured as ratio of premium underwritten to GDP) was only at 5.2 % in 2010 – significantly lower than Asian peers like South Korea, Taiwan, Japan and Hong Kong which boast an insurance density greater than 10%. With low insurance penetration levels, growth potential remains promising. More importantly, the pace and nature of growth will likely see a change where new behaviors and dynamics of demand and supply will apply. On the demand side, growth is being fuelled by the growing population base, rising purchasing power, increased insurance awareness, increased domestic savings and rising financial literacy. The suppliers are correspondingly playing a market making role as competition heightens and differentiation become necessary for profitable growth. The major insurance companies in India and their market share is as follows– Initially there were only two insurance companies that operated the insurance sector in India, namely, Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) and the other General Insurance Corporation of India (GIC). On December 2000, the subsidiaries were declared independent and began to operate as independent as independent insurance companies. According to statistics the life insurance premiums and general insurance premiums accounts to 2.5% and 0.65% of India’s GDP respectively * Role of HR in Insurance Industry The Human Resources function in the insurance industry is of utmost important. The business of acquiring clients, providing proper awareness and converting them into customers thoroughly depends on the sales force. India being a developing nation, majority of households do not have disposable income. There is a shift in customer loyalty in no time owing to the digital revolution. The population that has enough disposable income at hand also requires proper financial advice. The sales person, hence, need not only be well versed with the art of selling but also needs to be sound with financial knowledge about the products and its implications. Thus acquiring talent and retaining it is a major concern in this industry. The reason being a multifaceted personality is required to work for the company. The major compensation provided to these employees is often variable which keeps them on the edge of performing better every day. * Introduction (Company) IDBI Federal Life Insurance Company Ltd is a joint venture of IDBI Bank, Federal Bank and Fortis (Ageas) Insurance International holding 48%, 26% and 26% stake respectively. With the Insurance Regulatory and Developmental Authority (IRDA) setting regulations to protect the interest of the customers, the insurer companies need to maintain a capital structure in the form of solvency ratio. A higher solvency ratio will lead to the company with a higher surplus. As per the Annual Report 2011-12 released by IRDA, IDBI Federal holds a high solvency rate of 6.61 in March 2012. With a very high solvency rate which is second among all the private and public life insurers of India IDBI Federal poses as a healthy and safe insurer. As on March 2013, there are 10 products in the rack of IDBI federal. They are Bondsurance, Group Microsurance, Childsurance, Healthsurance, Homesurance, Incomesurance, Lifesurance, Loansurance, Termsurance, and Wealthsurance.

The European Union Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

The European Union - Research Paper Example In these trade affairs, the six nations involved were not exposed to tariffs and quotas and hence this encouraged the trade. As time passed, the six countries involved in the trade formed an economic union. This treaty of Paris encouraged the formation of an executive council, a common assembly and a court of justice. This group of administrative bodies was limited in terms of the powers it wielded but it promoted the organization and of the European industry (Smith 26). The treaty of Paris hence laid the foundation for the formation of a stable and prosperous unified Europe. More treaties were later signed and this promoted the trade between the six countries involved as the treaties increased cooperation. The treaties that came after the formation of the treaty of Paris were called the Rome treaties and paved the way for the creation of the European Economic Community and the EURATOM. The reason for the creation of EURATOM was to allow for the usage of atomic energy in a manner tha t promoted peace. In the year 1968 after the ratification of the Merger Treaty, the European Economic Community was transformed into the European community. Development of the Union As time passed, the European community continued to assert it authority throughout Europe. At a time around 1970, the European Community had already strengthened its authority in the economies of the nations who were already in European community. Growth in the European community is evident whereby the European court of auditors was formed at a place called Luxemburg in the year 1977. The establishment of the European monetary system two years later in the year 1977 later followed this change. The two newly established organizations as part of the European community were responsible for the regulating the currencies within the member countries. They also controlled and regulated the budgets of these member countries (Merino 46). In the year 1986, the member countries in the European community had increas ed to twelve in number. Thereafter, there was the formation of the single European act. The creation of this act ensured the total and ultimate integration of the economies and that all the policies among all member nations were standardized especially on issues concerning the environment, employment and health. Among the greatest breakthroughs of the European community was the breaking down of the Berlin wall in the year 1989. This event took place in the beginning of the termination of communism in what was known as the Warsaw pact of nations (Jackson, Keller and Flood 870). The European community provided financial support to member countries that had been new acquisitions in community. This economic aid motivated nations to put effort towards creating a more stable and unified Europe by promoting international cooperation. In the year 1990, legislations and discussions led to the creation of the new European Union. The adoption of a new name also carried along some changes. Euro pean Coal and Steel Community In Europe, the European Coal and Steel Community were established under a six-nation alliance as an international organization. The ECSC Treaty was signd in 1951, in Paris and the founding members were France, the Benelux countries, Italy and Germany that came together as one community. The main purpose of the formation of this organization was the fact that it served the purpose of unifying

Walt Disney Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Walt Disney - Essay Example Combining all these aspects will create better perspectives that can be used for future decision-making. First, the marketing capabilities of Walt Disney are a critical asset that translates short-term and long-term benefits. In particular, the brand name Walt Disney is considered as one of the most recognisable names in the market. It has been observed that the company has successfully attracted the market composed of consumers aged 12 years old and below. Indeed, the strategy of enticing children is an effective instrument in expanding the market. For instance, parents are likely to go with their children in acquiring the services offered by Walt Disney theme parks. Second, the decision to expand the operations of Disneyland to Hong Kong has some perceived weaknesses. As mentioned previously, Walt Disney has suffered consecutive setbacks in its overall operations. Despite the growth in the theme park sector, the company is still burdened by the lack of financial flexibility caused by the decline in revenues. Third, the market in Hong Kong provides several potentials including the possibility of encompassing the market in Mainland China. With its sheer population, China has the capacity to improve the attendance in Disneyland. In addition, the clients based from other Southeast Asian countries make the proposition more lucrative. The projected annual increase in attendance will assure growth revenues. Apart from the ticket sales, Walt Disney merchandises including the other products will be easily sold. The strength of the market of China and the improving economy will eventually boost the spending power of Chinese and will result to increase in visitors. Finally, establishing... After discussing the salient points that were assumed, it is important to provide a solution to the main problem. As stated, the concern of Walt Disney before pursuing the investment is on risk minimization and benefit maximization. The analysis of the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats sums up the suggested methods. In maximizing the benefits of the project, it is important to consider the strengths and opportunities of the company. The brand name that Walt Disney has nurtured will be conspicuous once the investment is manifested. Identification is the first step towards recognition and experimentation. Similarly, the potentials of the forecasted increase in attendance have to inspire Walt Disney to expand its services and embrace the other needs of the customers in theme parks. In minimizing the risk, Walt Disney has to be adept in translating the weaknesses and threats to positive drivers. First, the lack of financial flexibility has to drive the company towards securing better financial loans and advantageous partnerships. Without the needed resources, the company can still make the investment possible through the efficient allocation of resources. Second, the impending threat caused by the government can be neutralized by forging win-win deals with the government. This has to be done without curtailing the function of the government to protect the consumers. With some positive forecasts and government intervention, Disneyland Hong Kong is only a few years away. Contrary to the popular notion, the presence of potentials provides no guarantees to success. In fact, the situation becomes more complicated and thorough and critical analysis of the situation is required.

Palomar Hotel's overall property and operation description Research Paper

Palomar Hotel's overall property and operation description - Research Paper Example The hotel offers free Yoga mats in all the rooms. The organization has onsite fitness centre which remains open 24*7 for the customers of the hotel. In their in-room spa services the hotel offers message treatments, body treatments and facial treatments. It shows the focus of the hotel towards the wellness of the customers. Unique services related with the pets of the customers are also unprecedented that Palomar offers. The hotel takes special care of the pets of the visiting customers (Bing and John 112-117). The hotel provides sophisticated luxury experiences to customers and also provides simple elegant services to them. The business purpose of this hotel is to provide an elegant, sophisticated experience to the customers and to offer unique services to them. With its large scale operation the organization manages large number of employees. The hotel has rich history and it was founded in 1981. State of the art facilities, different modern services and the geographic location of the hotel are the significant competitive advantages of Palomar. ADR of the hotel is $ 4.7 million. All the information given in the above section is significantly important for the customers because all those information will help them to identify the scale of operation of the hotel. It will make them aware about the different services that the hotel offers to its customers. The information related with different signature items of the hotel will inform the guests about the level of special offering to customers. Special offerings showcase the uniqueness of the hotel. The history of the hotel will create a brand image in the minds of the guests. It will create a sense of trust in among of the customers and they will be able to know the rich culture and back ground of the hotel. ADR is a metric which will indicate average realized room rental of the hotel to the customers. The full form of ADR is average daily rate.

Leadership Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Leadership - Case Study Example This theory encourages leaders to make sure that there are no roadblocks that might hinder their subordinates from realizing both their goals and those of the organization. It also dictates that leaders should incorporate rewards as their employees continue to reach the organizations goal. Finally, leaders should clarify what path subordinates are expected to pursue in order for them to know what is required of them. Approach of this theory hugely depends on the situation the leadership faces. For example, giving rewards greatly depends on whether the organization is in a financial situation to give such gifts and prizes. As a result, this theory categorizes leadership into four styles which are, Achievement oriented, Directive, supportive and participative leadership. Supportive leadership involves the leader concentrating on his followers’ or subordinate’s needs by being concerned on their welfare. This creates a working environment which is friendly by making their s ubordinates to feel that their work is interesting. This should be often applied in situations where work is extremely dangerous, boring or stressful. Directive leadership entails leaders instructing their subordinates on what is expected of them giving them guidance often. The leader should schedule work for their subordinates allocating time for each activity. ... As a principle the path goal theory can be very instrumental in ensuring the academic success of the students. I will hold weekly staff meetings to encourage teachers to formulate goals on which they will ensure that by the time the weekends, a specific section of the curriculum will have been met. I will also encourage teachers to ensure that they should consider teaching a service the community and not just a means of earning a live. By teaching their students well they will ensure that the students have a great future as a result of the education they get from their teachers. I expect this application of the theory to work because it stipulates other employee motivation concepts that do not involve the use of money. This will help a lot because the school is in no financial position to motivate teachers using methods that require extra money. Question two In order to ensure that the school is succeeding academically as a principle, I must ensure that the teachers are motivated in other ways since the school cannot afford to motivate teachers using the normal motivation techniques such bonuses, gifts and prizes. To do so I should incorporate the goal setting theory of motivation. This is a theory stipulates that setting of goals is majorly associated with task performance. In the theory, goals which are challenging and specific greatly result in task performance that is higher and better. When combined with feedback from subordinates, it ensures that organizations meet their goals. The theory simply implies that goals usually direct and indicate to an employee the direction which an organization wants to allow in order to ensure that the

Investigation of Human Disease Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Investigation of Human Disease - Essay Example Without vitamin K, the levels of these clotting factors will be significantly decreased leading to bleeding tendencies. Liver diseases such as cirrhosis, hepatitis, and atrophy all lead to failure of liver to secrete bile which is necessary for fat metabolism and its absorption together with vitamin K therefore, decreasing absorption of vitamin K as well. Laboratory results are prolonged bleeding time, PT and prolonged to normal PTT, normal platelet count, decreased levels of coagulation factors except VIII, decreased thrombin time and fibrinogen levels (Guyton & Hall, 2008). Warfarin (Coumadin), an oral anticoagulant functions by antagonizing vitamin K through the enzyme epoxide reductase which blocks vitamin K to be reduced in its active form. Thus the Vitamin K-dependent clotting factors as well as the anticoagulant proteins C and S which are produced in the liver are rendered inactive. About 97% of warfarin is tightly bound to plasma protein primarily albumin. Toxicity of the dru g is dose dependent in which single intake of 10-20 mg only leads to mild intoxication. Meanwhile, chronic intake of small quantities of even 2-5 mg daily can result to considerable anticoagulation effects particularly with ingestion of interacting drugs. Likewise, superwarfarins are long acting and are utilized primarily as rodenticides can be highly potent resulting to extended adverse effects with dose as little as 1 mg. Laboratory findings are prolonged bleeding time and PT and decreased coagulation factors II, VII, IX, and X. The main consequence of warfarin or superwarfarin poisoning is bleeding (Olson, n.d.). VKOR (Vitamin K epoxide reductuse) can indicate dosages of warfarin and is encoded by the gene VKORC1. Vitamin K is fat-soluble and is needed as cofactor for the carboxylation of ?-carbon of the glutamic acid residues of the vitamin K-dependent clotting factors namely II, VII, IX, and X. The process is a vital stage for calcium and phospholipid to bind with these protein s. Epoxide reductase and ?-glutamylcarboxylase are important enzymes for metabolism and renewal of vitamin K. Genetic mutations involving these enzymes lead to their defective functioning eventually decreasing also the function of the vitamin-K dependent clotting factors. Laboratory findings are prolonged PT aPTT, and bleeding time, and decreased factors II, VII, IX, and X. Clinical manifestations of the disorder are characterized by hemorrhages ranging from mild to severe that may be apparent at birth. Medical interventions include replacement therapy with fresh frozen plasma or PCCs (Fauci, A., et al., 2008). Patient 2: Laboratory results: Marginal low thrombin time Diagnosis: Factor V Leiden Factor V Leiden mutation is present in about up to 15% of Caucasians. Genetic mutation of glutamine to arginine substitution at 506 position results to a factor V that is resistant to cleavage by protein C. Consequently, a significant antithrombotic counter-regulatory mechanism is lost result ing to a hypercoagulable state which may predispose a patient to develop thrombus formation (Kumar, et al., 2010). APC acts to inactivate factors Va and VIIIa via activation of thrombomodulin by thrombin. Protein C attaches with thrombomodulin producing then APC. Activated protein C also attaches with protein S on surface membranes of platelets. With this, APC can now lyse activated factors V and VIII. But with factor V Leiden, factor V

Murder Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Murder - Essay Example However, it is a fact in criminal law, that the â€Å"criminal intent† or the â€Å"mens rea† of the offender to be convicted for the commission of any of the crimes under the Code requires a different degree of culpability which is dependent on the nature of the crime. Hence, the elements of these two crimes are to be treated differently. The issue that presented before us now that needs to be resolved is: The Mens rea for murder is too narrow in certain respects and too wide in others. The fault element for involuntary manslaughter is simply too wide. To differentiate these two crimes, first thing that needs to be done is to identify the elements for the commission of each of the crimes. We start with the crime of Murder. Alan W. Norrie has reported that for the crime of murder, the case of R. V. Woolin 1 should be highlighted as the basis of defining the intention of the accused. â€Å"In this case, the House has rejected the conclusion of the Court of Appeal that f oresight of a substantial risk of death or serious bodily harm could in certain circumstances be an â€Å"alternative mens rea† that can quality to intention of the accused†. While in the case of R. V. ... However, there exists a conflict in the Woolin case which leaves the test for the criminal intention too specific. In the event that in the future a crime of murder is committed, the victim or his family shall be prejudiced by the conviction of the criminal to a lesser offence, carrying with it a lesser penalty because of non-compliance with the attendant circumstances as stated in the Woolin case, to make him liable for murder. Thus, it gives the criminal the privilege to demand for a lesser penalty and escape a portion of the imprisonment. Moreover, there are two issues which are left unanswered by the Woolin case, which concern the moral basis for convicting a criminal for murder. In one, the foresight of virtual certainty may be regarded as morally under-inclusive, while in the other, it is over-inclusive. These problems, relating to issues of good and bad motive, originated from the unstable moral core at the heart of mens rea, which the dominant subjectivist approach ignores at its peril.5 The principle laid down by Woolin case caused quite a stir because foreseeability and intention are the elements used to prove the degree of culpability of the offender. The terms â€Å"direct† and â€Å"indirect intention† are given their conservative meanings of â€Å"purpose, aim or object† and â€Å"necessary means to an end or side-effect foreseen as virtually certain to occur whether desired or not†. The argument of Norrie is that in the â€Å"process of legal and moral judgment in the criminal law, these terms cannot be fully separated from broader issues of â€Å"motive† or â€Å"ulterior intention†, understood as the moral backdrop to the intentions that are formed, and generally seen as irrelevant to culpability†6. Therefore, if the

Is the War on Terrorism a War Essay Example for Free

Is the War on Terrorism a War Essay The Global War on Terrorism is a military campaign that began shortly after the terrorist attacks of September 11th 2001. First used by George W. Bush, the phrase ‘war on terror’ has become to be conceptualized as a term used to signify ‘global military, political, lawful, and conceptual struggle targeting both organizations designated as terrorists and regimes accused of supporting them. † The war on terror main focus has been with Islamist militants and Al-Qaeda. The war in Afghanistan and Iraq are both considered to be part of the war on terrorism. There is much speculation on whether the war on terror is actually a war. This essay will argue that both points of view are valid. There are reasons which validate the war on terrorism as being considered an actual war such as the fact that an actual decelaration of war was waged by both the US and Al-Qaeda, it can be considered a new way of war, and that ultimately like war, terrorism is a mean to a political end. On the other side of the spectrum, it may not be considered a war because it does not have a clear end or possible victory, it does not have a confined battle space as regular wars, and it is a ‘war’ against an immaterial concept such as the wars on poverty, drugs, and crime. There is an extensive amount of literature on the subject of terrorism and especially the war on terror. Mia Bloom in ‘Dying to Kill: The Allure of Suicide Terror’ examines the use strategies, successes, and failures of suicide bombing in Asia, the Middle East, and Europe. She claims that in many instances the effort of Israel, Russia, and the United States have failed to deter terrorism and suicide bombings. Bloom also contemplates how terrorist groups learn from one another, and thus how they react and retaliate to counterterror tactics the financing of terrorism, and the role of suicide attacks against the backdrop of larger ethnic and political conflicts. Another current scholar writing on terrorism is Mark Juergensmeyer. Juergensmeyer studies religious terrorism more specifically. Bruce Hoffman gives a brilliant insight to terrorism and all its aspects. Hoffman describes its historical evolution and the mindset of the terrorist. He examines this invisible enemy and his tactics and motivation in a globalized world. Hoffman argues that the 9/11 attacks on the Twin Towers radically altered the USA’s and the Wests view on terrorism. When attempting to answer the above question it is important to clarify and define the terms. Terrorism has a vast number of definitions and varies greatly depending on who is trying to define it and from what perspective it is being defined and at which scope. For example one definition of terrorism is the FBI’s definition of it as ‘the unlawful use of force or violence against persons or property to intimidate or coerce a Government, the civilian population, or any segment thereof, in further political or social objectives’. Another definition is from the Department of Defense which states it to be as ‘the calculated use of unlawful violence or threat of unlawful violence to inculcate fear; intended to coerce or to intimidate governments or societies in the pursuit of goals that are generally political, religious, or ideological objectives. A final example of one of the many definitions of terrorism is that of the Department of homeland Security which states it as ‘any activity that involves an act that is dangerous to human life or potentially destructive of critic infrastructure or key resources; and†¦must also appear to be intended (i) to intimidate or coerce a civilian population; (ii) to influence the policy of a government by intimidation or coercion; (iii) to affect the conduct of a government by mass destruction, assassination, or kidnapping. ’ These definitions vary quite greatly from one to another. Any definition of terrorism suits a particular agency and how they look at the act of violence, whereas very few look at the causes for it and what its essence is. Notice the selected vocabulary for each definition will suit the type of agency’s profile. The problem with defining terrorism is one that it is a subjective thing, and two that the parties trying to define it try to include everything and nothing in it. They try to put and various different events that happened and situations as well to help define it so as to make sure that terrorism encompasses a large number of things. For example the discotheque bombing of Bali. It seems that the definitions need to include anything that attacks the west. With regards to the war on terror, is it the war on terror or terrorism? Is there really a war on terrorism and if so according to whom? The USA? Al-Qaeda? And in which theatres and locations are we talking about? The war on terror might be a war on terror in Afghanistan but not in other places. Also the title of the question is quite ambiguous because is terrorism is an act of war, or is war is an act of terrorism? Each one can be unfolded onto the other easily. It is also important to consider who is included in the war on terror, is it all terrorists groups including terrorist groups like the IRA? Or is it just limited to Islamist militant terrorist groups such as Al-Qaeda? It is not always clear who are the terrorists and who are the terrorized†¦ â€Å"All politics is a struggle for power, and the ultimate kind of power is violence. † Hoffman writes that terrorism is where politics and violence intersect in the hope of delivering power. And that all terrorism involves a quest for power. Power to do many things such as to dominate, coerce, control but ultimately to ‘effect fundamental political change. Clausewitz’s definition of war was ‘war is the continuation of Politick by other means’. In this context terrorism fits in accordance to his definition as terrorism too can be considered part of war. Terrorism can be considered a tactic or act of war, or war a tactic or act of terrorism. For example the French used torture during the Battle of Algiers, the US uses terror tactics itself such as Abu Ghraib. It is very difficult to separate war from terrorism neatly. Being a terrorist is a stepping-stone to becoming a politician. Thus because of the very ambiguous relationship and line between war and terrorism, terrorism can be considered as a new way, or military tactic of fighting war. Thus anything that tries to counter attack it can also be considered a war. Thus rending the war on terrorism a war. Terrorism is ‘a complex phenomena in which violence is used to obtain political power to readdress grievances ’ In order for one to consider the war on terrorism as an actual war, an actual statement of waging war has had to been made. This is the case with the war on terrorism. Al-Qaeda did declare war on the USA in 1998. The bush administration created the term of the ‘axis of evil’ and the USA did fight a conventional war in Iraq in 2003. The war on terrorism might not be a war in itself but it could be made up and composed by several on going wars such as Chechnya, the government of Sri Lanka versus the Tumult Tigers (which was actually the first country to successfully defeat terrorism), and Mali. There have been clear objectives set out and enemies to defeat. Although this enemy is invisible, and the way of fighting the battles are different (due to the asymmetrical aspect of the war on terror) it does not mean this is not a war. The rules have changed, the battle space as well, the way of thinking of the enemy and war has changed drastically. But it is still war. It is just a new face of war. However, the war on terrorism is hard to define as an actual ‘war’ for several reasons. One, because it seems the US and the West are just policing and engaging in nation building to promote liberal democracy. Hoffman mentions the second factor, which is vastly important in discrediting the war on terrorism as a war stating that ‘unlike traditional wars, the war on terror does not have a clear end’. This is because the victory seems unattainable. Terrorism won’t die along with the terrorist leaders. Not even when the most wanted terrorist has been killed. DCIA Leon E. Panetta stated that I dont think theres any question that when you get the number one terrorist in the world, that were a little safer today than we were when he was alive. But I also dont think we ought to kid ourselves that killing Usama Bin Ladin kills al-Qaida. Al-Qaida still remains a threat, theyre still going to try to attack our country, and I think we have to continue to be vigilant and continue the effort to ultimately defeat these guys. We damaged them, but we still have to defeat them. In order for a war to be a war, shouldn’t it have a clear end? Or at least a possible one? The war on terrorism also is discredited as being an actual war because it does not take place on a clear battle space. The director of public prosecutions, Sir Ken Macdonald quoted London is not a battlefield. Those innocents who were murdered on July 7 2005 were not victims of war. And the men who killed them were not, as in their vanity they claimed on their ludicrous videos, soldiers. They were deluded, narcissistic inadequates. They were criminals. They were fantasists. We need to be very clear about this. On the streets of London, there is no such thing as a war on terror, just as there can be no such thing as a war on drugs He continues by stating that ‘the fight against terrorism on the streets of Britain is not a war. It is the prevention of crime, the enforcement of our laws and the winning of justice for those damaged by their infringement. The war on terror could simply be a war against a ‘thing’ such as the war on poverty, drugs, crime tc†¦ There is no real way to defeat, destroy and rid the planet of such immaterial concepts. The war on terrorism looked under these aspects becomes more difficult to truly accept as a war. It is difficult to answer the question if whether the war on terrorism is an actual war. It appears that there is a struggle between Al-Qaeda fighting secularism, consumerism, and immorality and the US and the We st is fighting against backwardness and against groups of people who reject western values and globalization. Is this what the real war being fought is about? Is this the actual war that is going on? There are both aspects crediting the war on terrorism as a war and others discrediting it. This question however is highly relevant and intertwines to other aspects of IR305 such as the changing nature of war (is the war on terror the new type of war? ), the different types of warfare (is the war on terror the new western way of warfare and terrorism the Arab way of warfare? ), and the topic of risk societies (are we breeding more terrorism by fighting the war on terror, thus creating more risk). All of these various aspects of IR305 are relevant to the topic of the war on terrorism.

Current problems with harm reduction and future direction

Current problems with harm reduction and future direction Any individual hoping to investigate what the problems and limitations of harm reduction are as it stands now and the direction it should go in, must be aware of the development of harm reduction as a solution to drug use. The individual will also need to further investigate the benefits and advantages of harm reduction. Five areas are particularly important when examining what the problems and limitations of harm reduction are. How harm reduction is defined and how it has developed over the past twenty-five years, the importance of harm reduction in relation to drugs and addiction, what the problems and limitations associated with harm reduction are, what the benefits and advantages associated with harm reduction are and what future direction harm reduction should go in. Each of these areas all need to be understood, with the awareness that the advantages of harm reduction far outweigh the disadvantages, allowing it to remain the one of the most important solutions for dealing with drug use and drug users. Of critical importance when examining what the problems and limitations of harm reduction are as it stands now and the direction it should go in, is to have some understanding of how harm reduction is defined and how it has developed over the past twenty-five years. Although very similar to one another, harm reduction and harm minimisation must be separated, with harm minimisation referring to Australias National Drug Strategy which includes supply reduction, demand reduction and harm reduction and harm reduction referring to programs designed to reduce harm (Australian National Council on Drugs 2004: 2). The term harm reduction itself can be defined as those policies and programs which seek to reduce or minimise the adverse health and social consequences of drug use without requiring an individual to discontinue drug use (Inciardi Harrison 1999: 3). By defining harm reduction in this way, it is able to recognise that many drug users are unwilling or unable to refrain from drug use and that there is a need to provide them with options which reduce the harms of continued use including overdose and the spread of disease (Inciardi Harrison 1999: 6). Not only does harm reduction aim at reducing the risks and harms associated with drug use it is also formulated around three central principles which have been proposed and developed by drug expert, Robert Westermeyer (Hanson et al. 2006: 534). The first is that excessive behaviours occur along a continuum of risk, in which moderate drug use has a lower risk of harm than that of extreme drug use (Hanson et al. 2006: 534). The second principal is that changing addictive behaviour is a stepwise process, complete abstinence being the final step, where in any move away from harms of drug use is a positive one (Hanson et al. 2006: 534). The final principal is that of sobriety simply isnt for everybody, which relates to the fact that some individuals are unable to cope with whatever circumstances they are in without drug use and that unfortunately drug use is a fact of life for some (Hanson et al. 2006: 534). Over the past twenty-five years, harm reduction has risen in prominence to become one of the central aspects of many drug policies and programs not only in Australia but around the world (Moore Fraser 2006: 3036). In the case of Australia harm reduction has been incorporated into the principles of harm minimisation which have been the framework for Australias National Drug Strategy since 1985 (Waller Rumball 2004: 40). Further adding to the rise in harm reductions popularity is acknowledgement that drug use and abuse is and has become a public health issue rather than a legal issue which can be solved with sanctions and prison (Inciardi Harrison 1999: 9). Not only has harm minimisation changed the way in which Australia deals with drug use and users but it has also changed many of societys attitudes and stereotypes about drug users (The Drug Prevention Network 2010). Rather society now thinks about the drug user in relationship to both the environment and circumstances in which they are using drugs and how best to reduce the harms of this drug use (The Drug Prevention Network 2010). Having gained an understanding of how harm reduction is defined and how it has developed over the past twenty- five years, the importance of harm reduction in relation to drugs and addiction can now be examined. It is also of crucial importance when examining what the problems and limitations of harm reduction are as it stands now and the direction it should go in, is to have some understanding of the importance of harm reduction in relation to drugs and addiction. The term drug itself has been best defined as being any substance which when entered or absorbed into the body may modify, alter and change one or more of its normal physical or mental functions (Cornwell Cornwell 1993: 7). The benefits of employing such a broad definition in relation to harm reduction, is that it incorporates any substances which are considered to be drugs but it also includes those which are not normally thought of as being drugs, such as food or sex as drugs, which are often perceived and understood differently within society but may also cause harm to the individual (Cornwell Cornwell 1993: 7). As the term addiction itself is rather ambiguous and difficult to define, alternate terms have often been adopted in place of or associated with addiction particularly that of drug or substance dependence which often serves to be most useful, especially in relation to harm reduction, as harm reduction may not completely eliminate the dependence (Marlatt 2002: 200). The term drug dependence has been defined as, the continual or persistent use of alcohol or other such drugs regardless of the problems related to the use of the drug, the uncontrollable and repetitive use of the drug may also result in a build up of tolerance to its effect as well as withdrawal symptoms when its use is reduced or stopped (American Psychiatric Association 2000: 192). Drug dependence can also be further expanded to incorporate the persistent desire that an individual may have to use a drug in large amounts or over extended periods, irrespective of its harmful effects (American Psychiatric Association 2000: 194). The importance of harm reduction in relation to drugs and addiction is further highlighted by the use of harm reduction methods and strategies on individuals who have become addicted to a drug (DiClemente 2006: 231). Harm reduction aims at reducing and preventing the harms of addictive drug use rather than stopping the addiction itself, although efforts to help the addict practise safer or decreased drug use may often lead to a complete abstinence from the drug (DiClemente 2006: 232). Although harm reduction methods can be controversial, they are often very effective, particularly in decreasing the spread several diseases often associated with drug use and addiction including HIV and hepatitis C (DiClemente 2006: 232). With a deeper understanding of the importance of harm reduction in relation to drugs and addiction, it can now be understood what the problems and limitations associated with harm reduction are. Furthermore it is of crucial importance when examining what the problems and limitations of harm reduction are as it stands now and the direction it should go in, is to have some understanding of what the problems and limitations associated with harm reduction are. There are several problems and limitations that are often associated with harm reduction, with the first of these being that harms are identified according to dominant middle class values (Miller 2001: 175). As harms are established according to these dominant values, they often do not take into account the values of those at greatest risk from harm, choosing rather to construct harm reduction strategies based upon the dominant values of society (Miller 2001: 176). Furthermore these same strategies are also based on cost efficiency, with economically beneficial strategies often being favoured over health or community beneficial ones (Miller 2001: 175). The next problem which will be examined is that, harm reduction often condones or encourages drug use even though it is attempting to reduce the risks (Abadinsky 2008: 417). As the main aim of harm reduction is to reduce the risks and not the use of drugs, messages may often be conveyed which condone the use of harmful drugs (Dale 2005). This criticism is particularly prevalent within school education as excessive education about the risks associated with drug use may instead create an aura of intrigue around the subject, which often appeals to a childs curiosity (Abadinsky 2008: 417). The third problem associated with harm reduction which will be examined is that, needle exchange schemes facilitate and make the transition to intravenous drug use easier and more appealing (Ghodse 2008: 264). These schemes actively provide drug users with easy access to injecting equipment, which makes the transition to injecting easier, which gives users less incentive to give up injecting and may al so persuade younger drug users to start injecting (Ghodse 2008: 265). The establishment of needle exchange facilities also create safe meeting spots for intravenous drug users, which strengthens both the social networks of users as well as the prevalence of intravenous drug use (Ghodse 2008: 265). The last problem associated with harm reduction which will be examined is that, harm minimisation fails to address the underlying reasons for drugs current legal status (Miller 2001: 173). As harm minimisation focuses on supply reduction, demand reduction and harm reduction it fails to examine the status of different drugs, choosing to rather label distinctions between them as irrelevant and unnecessary (Miller 2001: 173). Furthermore harm minimisation also fails to address the reasoning behind the massive profits which drug companies reap through the sale of drug substitutes particularly that of methadone, which indicates that the government also benefits financially from the sale of these substitutes (Miller 2001: 173). With a deeper understanding of what the problems and limitations associated with harm reduction are, it can now be understood what the benefits and advantages associated with harm reduction are. Equally, it is crucial when examining what the problems and limitations of harm reduction are as it stands now and the direction it should go in, is to have some understanding of what the benefits and advantages associated with harm reduction are. Just as there are several problems associated with harm reduction, there are also many benefits and advantages which are associated with it too, with the first of these being that harm reduction maintains a value-neutral standpoint (Keane 2003: 228). As harm reduction acknowledges that there is no ultimate solution to drug problems, pragmatic and rational strategies and solutions can be constructed and assessed through the objective calculation of consequences (Keane 2003: 228). Further adding to the value-neutrality of harm reduction is its refusal to support or oppose any view about drug use and drug users, except to the extent that its aims are based around reducing the harms of drug use (Keane 2003: 228). The next benefit which will be examined is that, needle exchange schemes are becoming more and more successful and widespread within society (Ghodse 2010: 264). Following the establishment of needle exchange schemes, their main aim is at keeping injecting drug users from sharing needles and transmitting blood bore diseases particularly that of HIV and hepatitis C (AVERT 2010). By providing injecting drug users with access to sterile equipment, they are also given access to drug treatment services (AVERT 2010). Since the implementation of needle exchange schemes within Australia, studies have found that needle sharing has decreased dramatically, with 32,000 HIV and around 100,000 hepatitis C infections being prevented in the last decade (AVERT 2010). The third benefit which will be examined is that, harm reduction is extremely cost beneficial (Petersen McBride 2002: 126). These cost benefits are particularly evidenced in relation to needle exchange schemes, as it is much cheaper and easier to implement these schemes than it is to treat people who have contracted HIV and hepatitis C (Petersen McBride 2002: 126). Harm reduction strategies also demonstrate their cost benefits through the ease in which these strategies have been adopted and implemented into the National Drug Strategy since 1985 (Inciardi Harrison 1999: 181). The last benefit associated with harm reduction which will be examined is that, education about the risks of drug use has profound and long term benefits particularly amongst children (Abadinsky 2008: 270). Education often occurs in several forms with many of these having no effect or harmful effects in the uptake of drugs, it is often education which teaches about the risks associated with drug use that have the greatest and most beneficial effect (Abadinsky 2008: 270). By educating and providing information to children about the risks of drug use, particularly those of potential health consequences, negative attitudes often develop towards drug use which deter them from using drugs (Abadinsky 2008: 270). With a deeper understanding of what the benefits and advantages associated with harm reduction are, it can now be understood what future direction harm reduction should go in. It is also of crucial importance when examining what the problems and limitations of harm reduction are as it stands now and the direction it should go in, is to have some understanding of what future direction harm reduction should go in. Although harm reduction has its problems and limitations, they are far outweighed by its benefits and advantages. In order for harm reduction to gain further strength and support it must continue in the same direction as it has been over the past twenty-five years, with an emphasis being placed upon retaining its value-neutrality where in does not support or oppose any one particular belief about drug use (Keane 2003: 228). Furthermore, in order for harm reduction remain as effective as it is, its main aim and priority must remain that of reducing the risks and consequences associated with drug use and the effect it may have on the individual and others within society (DiClemente 2006: 232). Although harm reduction must continue in the same direction, it must also gain improvement in several key areas particularly that of education about risks as well as the greater promotion of needle exchange schemes. Current education policies which aim at providing children with information and knowledge about the risks associated with drug use, often carry with them certain aspects of intrigue which appeal to a childs curiosity (Abadinsky 2008: 274). In order to improve and place a greater emphasis on education, campaigns such as just say no must be eliminated with an enhanced focus being placed upon imagery and documentaries which highlight the risks of drug use (Abadinsky 2008: 274). It is only by using imagery and presenting stories about these risks which have been experienced firsthand by many individuals, that education about the risks of drug use will improve and remove drug curiosity (Abadinsky 2008: 417). As effective as needle exchange schemes are, there is still much room for improvement, particularly in relation to the number and accessibility of these locations. The greatest downfall which faces needle exchange schemes is that they are not widely accessible throughout Australia, either because they have yet to be constructed or are unable to provide a suitable health services to injecting drug users (Hagan 2010). Government studies are also contributing to the need to increase and improve needle exchange locations, as almost 60,000 HIV and over 120,000 hepatitis C infections have been prevented over the past twenty years, which has also led to healthcare cost savings of over $1 billion (AVERT 2010). It is only by increasing and improving these facilities that the future spread of blood bore diseases will be reduced even further, as a direct result of implementing harm reduction strategies (AVERT 2010). With an understanding of what future direction harm reduction should go in, ind ividuals must remain aware that harm reduction must remain at the forefront of combating drug problems and issues, particularly in conjunction and alignment with harm minimisation. In conclusion, there are five particular areas that an individual should examine when investigating what the problems and limitations of harm reduction are as it stands now and the direction it should go in. They should gain an understanding of how harm reduction is defined and how it has developed over the past twenty-five years, along with the importance of harm reduction in relation to drugs and addiction as well as what the problems and limitations associated with harm reduction are and what the benefits and advantages associated with harm reduction are, which will allow them to understand what future direction harm reduction should go in. It is only by gaining an understanding into these areas that an individual can hope to be successful in examining what the problems and limitations of harm reduction are as it stands now and the direction it should go in.