Author: admin

Counseling Reflections

Counseling Reflections

Author

Institution

Introduction

The importance of counseling cannot be gainsaid as far as the psychological health of individuals is concerned. Indeed, this may be tied to the economic wellbeing of individual and the country at large, especially considering that only healthy individuals have the capacity to create wealth. Counseling sessions may be individually held or in group sessions, both of which I have attended (Nelson-Jones, 2008). Group counseling revolves around a therapy format that approaches issues pertaining to personal growth using interpersonal interaction. In this case, individuals would interact with each other in an effort to identify, as well as comprehend their maladaptive patterns, as well as how they can modify them (Nelson-Jones, 2008). These interactions come with a chance to build relationships, as well as receive interpersonal feedback pertaining to the manner in which individuals experience one another. Individual counseling, on the other hand, would involve individual interaction with the counselor on an individual basis.

Feeling about the individual versus group counseling process

I feel extremely happy about both the individual and the group counseling sessions. Both of them allowed for immense interactions between the individuals, sharing the thoughts and issues that are deep-seated in the heart of an individual. Individual counseling sessions triggered feelings of security and trust especially in instances where the counselor would encourage me to talk about issues that I considered as relatively embarrassing. This, was undoubtedly, bound to increase feelings of trust and prompted me to explore feelings that I have always been afraid of exploring, as well as realizing and feelings issues that I have never thought existed in me.

However, I felt more excited about the group counseling sessions as they allowed for more openness and increased interactions than the individual counseling processes. Indeed, the individual counseling sessions brought out feelings of burn out, which may have emanated from the hectic nature of my life, as I have to juggle from terrific work to studies. Individual counseling sessions brought out feelings of burn out as it is often difficult to get a rapport with the counselor. Strong feelings especially emanated from the openness that the group sessions came with, as well as the fact that individuals could always discuss issues even when they did not particularly concern them.

As much as group sessions made me feel more relaxed, I would feel happy to attend individual sessions more than the group sessions in the future. This is especially considering the intricacies surrounding future life, especially with regard to family, spouses, marriage life and others. These issues would be better discussed in private with individual counselors rather than I group sessions.

What I have learnt about myself

As much as the sessions may have been extremely different, they brought out incredible lessons about my own nature. First, I learnt that I am incredibly impatient with other people especially in instances where I hold a relatively higher position than them. This can always trigger feelings of exasperation and frustration especially in instances where the people do not seem to catch up with me or get in line with my thinking as fast as I would want them to.

In addition, I learnt that that I cannot afford to be alone. Indeed, I like it when I am surrounded by people. Somehow, having people around me triggers feelings of happiness. From this, I learnt that I am always willing to listen to the feelings and opinions of other people and may, in fact, feel inclined to strive to meet the expectations of other people. As much as this may seem to conflict with or contradict the aspect of being impatient with people, it could explain why I never give up on people easily despite my frustrations with them. Indeed, I seem to derive immense happiness striving to meet the expectations of others and following their likes and preferences.

While all this may be true, I learnt that I usually question myself as to whether I derive as much happiness from doing things that please other people, or rather doing things for other people. However, this does not negate the fact that I never reject other people and I usually go an extra mile in an effort to assist people or save them from their problems. Unfortunately, this often leads people to take advantage of my kindness, facts that I realize much too late into helping them.

Theses lessons would come in handy in my interpersonal interactions. It is evident that being impatient almost always makes other people less comfortable with me, which may affects their capacity to open up to me. On the other hand, being always willing to do things for other people even when I am not comfortable with them is likely to hurt me as it makes me vulnerable to having my generosity exploited. To salvage my sociability, it would be imperative that I take my time to evaluate my reaction to issues and determine the best way to assist individuals without giving people a leeway to exploit my generosity.

What my individual and group counselors do that was helpful or not so helpful for me

While there may be some reservations about the techniques that the counselors used, I deemed a lot of the things that they did as helpful. The individual counselors clearly went out of the way to ensure that they allowed me to express myself and delve into my feelings as much as possible. They went out of the way to listen to every issue and probe it as much as they could irrespective of how minute an issue seemed to be. While the group counselors were applying their listening skills as well, they excelled more in allowing for the exploration of every issue and trying to apply it in the life of every person irrespective of the individual that raised the issue (Nelson-Jones, 2008). Nevertheless, group counseling allowed for easier flow as other people could always chip in when I had no comment to make. Indeed, other people could always bring out issues and incorporate another dimension of looking at issues, which allowed for comprehensiveness in the discussions.

In addition, the discussions and interactions allowed by the group counselors enhanced interpersonal skills and shored up the confidence of individuals thereby allowing them to open up even on issues that may have tagged at their deepest points. In fact, individuals realized that they did not have to go to the counselors themselves, rather they could open up to other people who they trusted or who were willing to listen. Indeed, counselors in both types of sessions underlined the therapeutic nature of talking or opening up to a friend as soon as one can to avert the possibility of deterioration of psychological and emotional states. Group counseling, therefore, came as more of a discussion rather than self exploration. In addition, group counselors gave every person an opportunity to make a contribution. It is often understood that people have different character traits, with some being more confident than others. In most cases, the more confident and talkative individuals can drive a discussion to a particular direction, sometimes ignoring their less talkative and more reserved counterparts. Indeed, they may tend to bulldoze their counterparts to agree with their points or their opinions. However, the moderating efforts of the counselors came in handy as they underlined the importance of the opinion of each member, as well as the importance of engaging constructively with each other. Indeed, this seemed to allow me to gain specific skills and strategies that would allow me to meet personal goals, gain encouragement and support from other people, as well as explore areas that may present an immense personal challenge to me.

Influence of my PDS sessions on my counseling style in the in-class role plays

The PDS counseling sessions came as extremely helpful to me. Indeed, they instigated immense changes in the ways in which I would approach counseling sessions whether as a counselor or as a subject. Indeed, the PDS counselor identified the weaknesses that I had with regard to relating with other people and assisted me to become more firm and speaking my mind in simply, respectful but firm manner. In addition, the PDS sessions enhanced my time management skills and emphasized on the importance of undertaking a critical analysis of every course of action that I took. This would allow me to make decisions not to please other people or to meet their expectations or according to their likes and preferences rather because I felt they were right. As much as she did not make an express statement on what I am supposed to do, she took me through a step-by-step process that allowed me to sort out my thoughts and feelings pertaining to the issues that troubled me, the things or course of action that I wanted, as well as the things that I should expect from the issue, thereby coming to a conclusion on the most appropriate course of action. In addition, the PDS counseling sessions enhanced my listening skills, which essentially involved enhancing my patience with people even in instances where they seemed to lag behind in their comprehension of issues or in agreeing to my line of thinking. Indeed, I could as well examine the positive aspects pertaining to their line of thinking and take them up. In fact, I am more willing to reach a compromise by incorporating the best of their ideas and combining them with mine, thereby coming with a mix that would satisfy all individuals.

References

Nelson-Jones, R. (2008). Basic counselling skills: A helper’s manual. Los Angeles, CA: Sage Publications.

Counseling Theories Outline

Counseling Theories Outline

Author

Institution

Introduction

The understanding of dynamics pertaining to resolution of varied problems pertaining to families has been extremely crucial. It has necessitated the devising of theories and models of therapies that would be employed in this endeavor, including the ones discussed below.

Bowen family systems

Key Concepts

The Nuclear Family- this underlines 4 patterns of relationship that manage marital conflict, emotional distance and dysfunction, as well as impairment in one or more children, governing the development of problems in the family.

Multigenerational transmission process- the concept outlines the manner in which minute variations in the differentiation levels between offspring and their parents result in marked variations in differentiation among individuals from multigenerational families. The relationship between people results in differences that are transmitted across generations (American Psychological Association, 2006).

Levels of variation of self- this concepts underlines the fact that as much as social groups and families affect the manner in which individuals act, feel and act, there are variations in the susceptibility of individuals to group-think. On the same note, there are variations in the amount of pressure that groups exert on an individual for conformity. The magnitude of impact that groupthink has on an individual is determined by the level of development (American Psychological Association, 2006).

Triangles- this refers to a three person syetem of relationship, which is considered to be part of a larger emotional system. These triangles may put social control via incorporating a third part when tension increases between two individuals or put an individual out.

Societal emotional process- the concept outlines the manner in which behavior on the societal level is governed by the emotional system just like in a family, which encourages regressive, as well as progressive periods within the society.

Key Theorists

Murray Bowen (1913- 1990)

Appropriate Populations

This theory is appropriate for populations there is a progressive reduction in the multi-generational differentiation and transmission among members of the family.

Inappropriate Populations for the Theory

The theory would be inappropriate for individuals who are undergoing extreme distress as they would be having problems expressing themselves or even their family dynamics in relation to the problems they face (American Psychological Association, 2006).

Therapist’s Role

The therapist has the role of examining the changes that have occurred in family dynamics and relationships, as well as identify the differentiation.

The therapist must relate the behavior and expectations of the client to the overall behavior of the family, as well as the forces that have altered family behavior (American Psychological Association, 2006).

Client’s Role

It is imperative that the client is open to examining his or her family dynamics, especially with regard to the changing or differentiated behaviors of generations (American Psychological Association, 2006).

Theory Strengths

The techniques come off as practical and straightforward, with families being encouraged to examine their families of origin, as well as comprehend the origin of the family patterns so as to enable forgiveness and change.

Theory Limitations

The theory has been criticized for its emphasis on differentiation, which may not apply to cultures that place a high value on interdependence.

The theory has attracted criticism from feminists who opine that healthy functioning is defined using male standards without placing any value on the manner in which women relate to others (American Psychological Association, 2006).

In addition, there exist no system or structure for developing relational capabilities, a factor that falsely creates the impression that the differentiation process develops the abilities (American Psychological Association, 2006).

Key Terms

Sibling position- individuals who have similar sibling position incorporate crucial common traits. For instance, first born kids, are apt at taking leadership positions while lastborns tend to be followers.

Emotional cut-off – individuals, in some instances, manage any unresolved emotional issues with their siblings, parents and other members of their family through a reduction or complete elimination of emotional contact with them (American Psychological Association, 2006). Bowel notes that such strategies do not resolve anything, and there is the risk of elevating new relationships to a level where they are too crucial.

Family projection process- this concept outlines the manner in which parents transmit or broadcast their emotional issues to their kids. This may result from their unrealistic appraisal of their kids, which may result in inability dealing with expectations (American Psychological Association, 2006).

Is this Theory Research-based?

The theory was research based as Bowel tested it using his family as subjects.

Narrative therapies- this is a technique of therapy that tries to separate an individual from the problems. It is based on the belief that the identity of an individual is formed through his or her narratives or experiences.

Key Concepts

Dominant story- this is the problem that is assessed for its influences and effects on an individual’s life.

Externalizing emphasis- involves the naming of an issue so as to allow an individual to evaluate the impact it has on his life.

Unique outcomes- exceptions of the problem that would be unlikely to be predicted by the story or problem’s narrative.

Key Theorists

The theory was developed by David Epston (from New Zealand) and Michael White (from Australia)

Appropriate Populations for the Theory

This theory is applicable to individuals who have had opportunities to visualize better futures or lives for themselves or who lived such lives in the past. This is because it depends on the ability of the client to make preferred narratives that are rich, as well as meaningful.

Inappropriate Populations for the Theory

Mentally handicapped or challenged individuals would be inappropriate as they cannot conceptualize their present lives nor can they create narratives or visualize a better life than they already have.

Therapist’s Role

The narrative therapist assists the client to examine, assess, as well as modify his or her relationship to a problem. In this regard, the therapist takes the position of an investigative reporter who poses questions to the client ant assists them to externalize the underlying problem, as well as investigate it.

Client’s Role

As much as the therapist directs the conversation, it is imperative that the client is willing to prop himself up in devising a solution to the issues that he is facing. He must be willing to open up to the therapist so that the therapist can assist him in getting another dimension to the problems, as well as solutions to the same.

Theory Strengths

The key strength of the theory lays on its remarkable outcomes on the consulting individual. It creates the impression on the client that he or she is not one with the issues or problems that he is facing, in which case they acquire new knowledge and images pertaining to the problem, as well as the selected alternate life direction.

It has been seen as allowing the empowerment of the client as he or she is placed as an expert where he understands his story and tries to make predictions about it.

Theory Limitations

Narrative theory has attracted widespread criticism based on the fact that it tends to hold onto constructionist beliefs to the effect that there exists no absolute truths, rather there are only socially-sanctioned perspectives or points of view. In this case, the narrative therapists are seen as giving privilege to the concerns of the clients above the dominant cultural narratives.

In addition, it deficiency of empirical or clinical studies to make valid its claims has brought it criticism. Critics note that the concentration of the therapy on qualitative outcomes negates or is not harmonious with qualitative research and findings that have been employed in most respected empirical studies. In essence, there exists no research material that can validate the theory’s claim to efficacy.

In addition, critics note that the narrative therapist may incorporate personal biases and opinions in the therapy sessions, which distorts the results. This is in addition to the fact that narrative therapists are seen as overly harsh about a large number of other therapies.

Key Terms

Outsider witness- this refers to an invited listener to the consultation and may be the client’s friend or even the therapist’s past clients who incorporate their own experience and knowledge pertaining to the problem at hand.

Externalization- this refers to a technique where the roles of a person’s ideals, beliefs, values and behaviors are explored with regard to their effect on the narrative of the client. The therapist would then assist the client in writing the negative areas that are outlined in the narrative.

Objectification- this is a technique where clients are allowed to see their problems via a new perspective, where they change the character dynamics thereby allowing for manipulation and modification of the story to give the narrative a new ending.

Is this Theory Research-based? Evidence-based?

The theory is not evidence based. The concentration of the therapy tends to be on qualitative outcomes that are not in line with the quantitative research findings that have been employed by a wide range of respected empirical studies. This has resulted in deficiency of research materials that can validate claims pertaining to its efficacy.

Solution-focused therapies

Key Concepts

Scaling questions- these refer to tools used in identifying crucial variations for clients and may be helpful in establishing goals.

Coping questions- these questions have been crafted in such a manner that they give information pertaining to the resources of the client that would not have been noticed.

Exception seeking questions- these are questions through which the counselor encourages the client to outline the varied circumstances pertaining to a certain case.

Key Theorists

Steve de Shazer

Insoo Kim Berg

These two theorists were influenced by Milton Erickson’s works.

Appropriate Populations for the Theory

Schizophrenic individuals, alcoholics, suicidal individuals, gamblers, individuals experiencing parent-child conflicts

Inappropriate Populations for the Theory (Explain why.)

Mentally handicapped individuals cannot benefit from this therapy as they would be incapable of examining their problems, leave along participating in the devising of solutions.

Therapist’s Role

The therapist examines the aspects of the patient’s life that he wants to modify, as well as those that he would want to remain unchanged.

The therapist collaborates with the client to come up with a vision pertaining to the manner in which a likely future would look. In this case, it is imperative that they undertake comprehensive definition of the possible future so as to give the client a clear mental picture of the same.

The therapist would then lead the client to finding certain moments in their lives when they had similar feelings to what they experience in their likely future image.

Client’s Role

The client must be willing to open up to his or her past experiences.

As much as the therapist leads the client in creating a mental picture pertaining to the likely future, the client has to correlate the picture with the vision that he or she had in the past pertaining to the same. This would allow them to identify the actions that they made in the past in an effort to attain the same the same outcome as the one he wanted in the future.

Theory Strengths

The therapy is flexible and collaborative, in which case it is effective in resolving complicated family problems, especially those that involve issues pertaining to children protection.

Theory Limitations

The theory does not use valid or reliable outcome measures.

In addition, there is little information pertaining to the manner in which the varied elements of the therapy may be used and blended with varied client types, problem areas or complementary interventions.

Key Terms

Problem-free talk- this technique is useful in identifying the resources that would help an individual to relax or enhance his assertiveness. The talk draws from leisure activities, beliefs and values of the client, as well as the meetings that the client may have had with friends.

Is this Theory Research-based?

This theory is not research based as it does not incorporate valid outcome measures.

Structural family therapy

Key Concepts

Joining- this refers to the process that a therapist uses t enter the family system so as to diagnose the dysfunction source, comprehend the manner in which the family sees or perceives reality, as well as develop therapeutic goals (Sharf, 2004).

Accommodation- this refers to the process that the therapist adapts so as to enter into the family system, as well as the process through which the family underwent in order to make some modifications.

Boundaries- these refer to family rules that determine the responsibilities and membership in the system.

Key Theorists

Salvador Minuchin

Appropriate Populations for the Theory

The theory is applicable in well articulated family functioning model.

Inappropriate Populations for the Theory (Explain why.)

This therapy has been found inapplicable in dysfunctional families as they have mixed subsystems, as well as improper hierarchies of power.

Therapist’s Role

The therapist must have the appropriate attitude that will allow him or her to adapt to the style of the family, as well as design interventions that are a reflection of the distinctive aspects of the family.

Client’s Role

The client has to be capable of identifying the family structures, hierarchies and levels, as well as the roles pertaining to them. They must identify the rules of interaction, how they influence their communication, as well as the consequent implications (Sharf, 2004).

Theory Strengths

The theory has been found to be extremely effective in effecting change as it is an action-oriented therapy.

Theory Limitations

Critics note that the theory does not incorporate clear oprationalization of its constructs as to allow for research to be carried out.

In addition, feminists criticize the theory stating that it ignored variations n gender, political and social-cultural contexts pertaining to family life, and that it did not consider issues pertaining to differential vulnerability and power of women and men to exploitation (Sharf, 2004).

The theory has also been criticized as inadequate as a family theory, as it did not sufficiently involve or incorporate biopsychosocial perspectives.

Key Terms

Coalitions- these refer to negative alliances formed between two or more members of the family.

Triangles- this is a term that underlines the triadic interactional configurations that are the fundamental block building any emotional system. They are deemed stable as the third person eliminates the anxiety existing between two individuals.

Family belief systems- this concept is used to underline the fact that problems are maintained by the construction of the family about the problem (Sharf, 2004).

Is this Theory Evidence-based?

The model is evidence-based as it allows for the conceptualization of the problem so as come up with the appropriate strategy that enables comprehension of the issue or problem with clarity.

Feminist Therapy

Key Concepts

In feminist therapy, problems are seen through cultural and sociopolitical context.

It is assumed that clients are experts and are privy to what is best for their lives.

Conventional concepts pertaining to assessment of psychological health can be challenged.

The therapist encourages the client to take action.

The therapy is built on the concept that individual modification takes place best via social change.

Key Theorists

Judith Worrell

Laura Brown, Carolyn Enns

Jean Baker Miller

Bonnie Burstow

Sandra Bem

Ellyn Kaschak

Pam Remer

Judith Jordan

Appropriate Populations for the Theory

Women who have been oppressed and living in patriarchal societies.

Inappropriate Populations for the Theory (Explain why.)

Women in the modern world with equal rights with their male counterparts as they cannot relate to the notion of having been ignored or demeaned on the basis of their sex or gender.

Therapist’s Role

The therapist has a duty to create an environment that promotes a certain level of intimacy so as to allow for openness. This can only be attained through openness and genuineness on the side of the therapist (Sharf, 2004).

The therapist must encourage the client to recognize and acknowledge her own strengths, especially considering that most victims are deficient of faith in their own strengths and abilities. He must strive to enhance the strengths rather than seeking to remedy the inadequacies.

The therapist is required to honor the healing process of the client so that it can occur at the client’s pace. He would, therefore, be merely acting as a guide with the client controlling the pace, destination and the stops.

Client’s Role

The client is required to open up to the therapist about any underlying factors pertaining to her problems. This will allow for proper evaluation of the problems that she faces.

In addition, the client should be open to acknowledging her strengths and exercising them at her own pace (Sharf, 2004). She must acknowledge the demeaning aspects of the environment within which she lives and be willing to tackle them.

Theory Strengths

The key strength of the theory rests on its capacity to underline the capabilities of an individual and enhance personal growth in women. It has been noted as essential in enhancing the self-esteem and confidence of women.

Theory Limitations

Critics note that the family therapy tends to promote and embrace varied discredited and inaccurate priori assumptions, especially the notion that men are to blame for starting, perpetuating and perpetrating a large percentage of interpersonal violence.

On the same note, the theory is seen as encouraging a one-size-fits-all technique that assumes that a large percentage of problems from patients emanate from their living in zexist, patriarchal or oppressive cultures. As much as living in such conditions may be a precursor, the therapy tends to ignore other likely sources of problems such as substance abuse, family dynamics, mental illnesses, cognitive distortions and others.

On the same note, the presumption by the therapy that women are always under oppression may worsen their feelings of helplessness as they place their locus of control outside themselves.

Key Terms

Conscious raising- these are sessions where small groups of women discuss their shared and individual experiences.

Analysis of social and gender role- this analysis involves the assessment of the psychological distress of the client, as well as her coping techniques.

Resocialization involves reorganization of the belief system of the patient to have a different perspective, as well as have new strategies and skills of coping (Sharf, 2004).

Is this Theory Research-based? Evidence-based?

This theory was not evidence based nor was it research based as it did not involve any scientific or empirical research, rather it grew out of a social movement, where women wanted to assert their rightful position in the society (Sharf, 2004). In fact, the key criticism of the theory is that goes against the goals and techniques of psychotherapy.

Strategic models

Key Concepts- key concepts in Strategic model mainly revolve around the stages.

Brief therapy stage- this stage aims at observing the interactions of the family and creating an open an calm mood for the therapy session and tries to enhance the participation of all family members (Sharf, 2004).

Problem stage- phase where the therapist seeks to determine the problem through posing questions.

Interactional stage-where the therapy urges family members to discuss the problem to allow for enhanced understanding of the underlying dynamics in the family.

Goal-setting stage- where the therapist and family members highlight the issue that must be addressed.

Final stage- marks the phase where tasks are set, with the therapist coming up with comprehensive directives or homework assignments that enhance modification of the problem in the family (Sharf, 2004).

Key Theorists

Jay Haley

Cloe Madanes

The two theorists were inspired by the works of Milton Erickson, as well as Don Jackson

Appropriate Populations for the Theory

Individuals experiencing domestic conflicts, parent-child conflicts,

Inappropriate Populations for the Theory (Explain why.)

Schizophrenic and mentally challenged individuals would be inappropriate for this therapy as they may not be able to explore the deep intricacies pertaining to their conditions or situations.

Therapist’s Role

The therapist undertakes the identification of symptoms within families that may be resulting in the current problems of the family and comes up with strategies that will fix them.

The therapist chooses between the varied interventions including prescribing the symptom, paradoxical intervention and relabeling intervention.

Client’s Role

The client must be willing to explore the deep intricacies that exist in the family and expose his or her response to them in a genuine manner.

Theory Strengths

The technique mainly involves modification of the communication styles within the family. Communication has been found as fundamental in any form of human relations, in which case the theory strengthens family bonds and enhances the empathy they have for each other (Sharf, 2004).

The therapy also has a hands-on approach to fixing the problems that a family experiences, with the therapy trying to inset themselves to the problem as a way of solving the family problems.

Theory Limitations

It tends to place the control on the hands of the therapist, which may limits its validity and applicability, especially in instances where the patients feel threatened or want to maintain control.

Scholars also state that the theory breeds dependence as the client may be unable to tackle the problems by themselves in the future.

Key Terms

Paradox-this refers to puzzle or contradiction arising in the course of the therapy. Interventions that involve the utilization of paradox are founded on the notion that families that experience problems or difficulties are more likely to be resistant to the initiation or introduction of change. In essence, it would be more useful to ask them to modify in a manner that seems to contradict the desired goals or to forbid them to change (Sharf, 2004). Their rebellion would result in the achievement of the desired results.

Double Bind- underlines a contradictory message but is commonly used in this therapy to underline complex interactions that are characterized by communication between two individuals, repeated communication, and communication with a command forbidding an individual from carrying out a certain act under the threat of punishment. The complex interactions also incorporate a secondary abstract injunction where a threat of punishment contradicts the previous one, as well as a third negative injunction that necessitates a response while preventing escape, thereby binding the recipient (Sharf, 2004). The sixth component or characteristic is that the recipient is conditioned or obligated to respond, in which case the sequence becomes unnecessary in maintaining the symptom.

Is this Theory Research-based?

This theory is research based considering that it emanated from the works of Milton Erickson who had come up with revolutionary paradoxical interventions capitalizing on the natural reluctance of individuals to modifying so as to have rapid change in psychiatric symptoms (Sharf, 2004). The strategies involved the application of the science of cybernetics to patterns of communication in the family.

References

Sharf, R. (2004). Theories of Psychotherapy & Counselling. (3rd Ed.). Pacific Grove, CA: Thomson Learning.

American Psychological Association (APA) (2006). Evidence Based Practice in Psychology, American Psychologist, May-June, 271-285.

Count Basie

Count Basie

His mother taught him playing the piano and he started performing when he was a teen. After he dropped out of school, he learned how to operate lights for vaudeville and to invent complement for silent films at his local home theater in Red Bank, New Jersey. By the time he was 16 he had increasingly played Jazz Piano at resorts, parties and their prestigious occasions. He went to Harlem where he expanded his career before forming his own Jazz orchestra ad taking them to Chicago. He led the group for over half a century and created innovations like the use of the two “split” tenor saxophones, riffing with a big band, emphasizing a rhythm section, broadening their sounds using arrangers. He led many musicians to prominence. One of the most common features of the classic jazz of April in Paris is the sterling solos with trumpet solo at 00:50.

Duke Ellington

He embraced the phrase “beyond category” for those who embraced him and called his music “America Music”. He was one of the most influential Africa American personalities in the twentieth century. He melded his members of orchestra musicians into one of the best unit the Jazz history. He was prudent in writing miniatures for three minutes 78 rmp records format. He composed specifically for the skills and styles of his personal musicians. He extensive oeuvre was the largest recorded legacy o personal Jazz and he innovated over a thousand compositions while most of his existent work became standard. He had eloquence and extraordinary charisma that help in elevation of the jazz perception to an art form on par with other genres of music of traditions. His song “Take the A Train” gives fascinatingly all different sound. The most outstanding feature is the trumpet solo at 04:25.

Glenn Miller

He was a big band musician in America, a band leader and composer in the era of swing. He was the bestselling recording artist from 1939-1943. He also played football and won the Colorado Football Conference in 1920 with his school team. He was very interested in a new music style called “dance band music”. This carried him away and formed his own band together with his classmates. After attending college he stayed away from school most of the time attending auditions and playing any gigs he could get more so Boyd Senter’s Band. He failed three out of five classes in one of the semester and dropped out of school. He latter recorded his signature tunes called “Moonlight Serenade”. He was as well notably known for playing for the Victor Young thus getting mentored by other professional musicians. He worked as trombonist and composer. He did not do well so he moved to New York and made the unique clarinet play melodic line with tenor saxophone holding identical note while the three other saxophones harmonized with a single octave. His song “In the Mood” has used very many riffs. There is a trumpet solo at 01:17.

Joe ‘King’ Olive

He was famous for his playing style and pioneering the use of mutes in Jazz. He had such an influence that Armstrong claimed “if it had not been for Joe Oliver, jazz would not be what it is today.” Hot jazz is his doing due to his collective improvisation style. He mentored and taught Louis Armstrong who idolized and called him Papa Joe. He was blinded in one eye and often played when sitting o a chair or leaning against the wall with a derby eye that would hide is eye. He was famous for using derbies, bottles, cups and mutes to modify the sound of his cornet. In his song he has used collective improvisation. For instance he used bottles at 01:27 to alter the tune.

Counter-argument Essay

Name:

Tutor:

Course:

Date

Counter-argument Essay

The University of Georgetown owns a newspaper known as thehoya.com that primarily targets the students as the main audience. Issues involving the students, sports, opinion, academics as well as other topics addressed through this newspaper with an aim of creating awareness to the students and members of staff. Students can write articles and present them to the editor who then decides if the article can be published in the newspaper or not. Therefore, the newspaper is not only owned by the journalist students, but it is open to all talented students and those who desire to convey a message to a large number of university students and the staff. The other audience that is targeted by thehoya.com is the residents of Georgetown whom have access to the newspaper through their children or friends who are either students or members of staff of Georgetown University.

The essay written by Kerry McIntosh has diverse implications and repercussions considering the fact that it was published in thehoya.com a university newspaper. Generally, the author underscores the fact that the Egyptians’ mode of conduct is faulty and undermines progressive growth and development of the country. This perception can be considered to be rooted in various cultural values and beliefs. Numerous studies indicate that while the Americans value hard work, Africans equally value the need for relaxation. In this respect, studies posit that the author needs to try testing the culture in order appreciate the inherent benefits.

The claims presented by McIntosh had some truth in them, but the facts and logic presented to back up these claims are substantial. Generalization of all Egyptians as “lazy” is a logical error (Georgetown University 1). All the people in that country are not lazy and some sectors like the tourism sector have thrived tremendously. The pyramids are a major tourist attraction site that has earned the country millions of dollars in foreign exchange. The Egyptians view nepotism as a positive thing where wealth is passed down the family as explored in the article “Egypt- Language, Culture, Customs and Etiquette.” It was imperative that McIntosh have her facts beforehand before making nepotism look like a vice which is making the Egyptian economy take on a downward trend. In the article “Curing Egyptian Idleness,” all the students are generalized as rich and lacking a motivation to perform better in school. This is a logical error because not all students in the university are rich. When McIntosh, went to class late, some students were already in class so it not logical to generalize all students as lazy.

Much as the author conceives the Egyptians to be slow in their activities such as walking, she would also have put in consideration that social and economic implications that influence the state of affairs. Cultural studies indicate that the economic conditions of a society play an integral role in determining the culture that they assume. The socio-economic structure of Egypt can not be likened to that of the United States because of the different environments that characterize the two countries. The comparison between the work ethic of the two countries works against the argument that the people in Egypt are lazy. It needs to be appreciated that people living in the two countries have a diverse culture and customs as described in the article “Egypt- Language, Culture, Customs and Etiquette” and so their work ethic can not be identical.

McIntosh’s tone is very critical throughout the essay and she can not help herself but compare Egypt to the west. She blames the people of Egypt for their socio-economic gap and the poor economic structure due to their laziness. Throughout the essay, it is evident that she only portrays the negative side of Egypt and not the positive side. The biased perception could have clouded the author’s ability to appreciate the underlying reasons that influence the Egyptians to behave as they do. At this point, it is worth noting that the value system of the west differs significantly from that in the South. Societal values influence the mode of conduct of individuals in the society as they tend to align their perceptions to these values. Moreover, values define the morals of the society and are therefore imperative in determining the activities that respective individuals would presume.

Unlike intellectual capacities that can be assumed within a short period of time, social values are intrinsic of an individual’s culture and tend to be developed through time. Put differently, such attributes are complex and are learnt throughout an individual’s life. In this respect therefore, the presumptions of the author regarding the Egyptian culture is justified. The main difference according to The Hoya lies in the interpretation of the underlying reasons that influence such behavior (The Hoya 1). Equally important are the environmental factors that also reportedly influence the work ethic in the North Africa region.

McIntosh is a hardworking well educated university student. She obviously prefers the United States as compared to Egypt. She is not interested in the positive side of the Egyptian culture which is undoubtedly very rich. McIntosh definitely takes sides when comparing Egypt to the west; she prefers the west which obviously has problems of its own. The West is clearly portrayed as perfect as compared to Egypt. The writer of the article “Curing Egyptian Idleness” suggests that the government should formulate policies that will work to change the social structures of the nation in a way that provides opportunities for a wider segment of the population to succeed. However, she does not provide definite solutions to the problem because she sees herself as not knowledgeable enough nor entitled as a foreigner to make recommendations (Kwintessential 1).

Conclusion

In her review, McIntosh provides a criticism of the Egyptian culture from a personal point of view. Basing on her educational level, it can be ascertained that the perception was well informed. However, as it has come out from the preceding analysis, it can be argued that the perception was biased. Seemingly, the author did not analyze the underlying reasons with respect to why the Egyptians behave in that particular manner. The inability to assume this objective approach can be attributed to a different value system that she assumes. Considering the fact that social values are intrinsic in nature and also obtained over a long period of time, it would require the author massive efforts in order to understand and acknowledge the dynamics of the Egyptian culture. In conclusion, the author’s review is not reflective of the actual situation on the ground, at least from a cultural, economic and environmental point of view.

Works Cited

McIntosh, Kerry. “Curing Egyptian Idleness.” Retrieved 19th September 2010 from www.thehoya.com.

Kwintessential. “Egypt- Language, Culture, Customs and Etiquette.” Retrieved 19th September 2010 from: www.kwintessential.com.

Georgetown University. Egyptian Culture. Retrieved 19th September 2010 from HYPERLINK “http://explore.georgetown.edu/sites/” http://explore.georgetown.edu/sites/

The Hoya. Americans Need to Find Time to Relax. Retrieved 20th September 2010 from: http://www.thehoya.com/opinion/americans-need-to-find-time-to-relax/

Counterterrorism Activities and Programs in Aviation Security

Counterterrorism Activities and Programs in Aviation Security

Student’s Name

Institution

Counterterrorism Activities and Programs in Aviation Security

Legal Issues

1. Research Hypothesis: Since the 9/11 terrorist attack, aviation security has been augmented through efficient counter-terrorism activities and programs

2. Research Variables

Notably, the variables shall touch on the three basic parameters of the research hypothesis, which are, terrorism, aviation security, and efficient counter-terrorism activities. Therefore, the main variables of the research would be:

Patterns or characteristics of behavior of the 9/11 terrorist attack

The safety of aviation services

Prosecutorial successes

3. Explanation

The three variables should provide the information qualitatively and quantitatively on the rise, decline, trend, and counter-measures concerning the 9/11 terrorism.

Patterns or characteristics of behavior of 9/11 terrorism attack-the variable helps to give the concept of the rise that is, it is a descriptive variable on the nature of the terrorism and its afflictions. It is measured by the damages that the terror caused.

The safety of the aviation passengers-this could be viewed as a pointer of how the airline passengers perceive their safely. Analogically, the variable can be measured by the number of flight passengers, their security confidence, safe take-offs and landing amongst others.

Prosecutorial successes –the variable is an indicator of the measures in place to counter the security threats, and the successes that come with them. As such, the idea of efficient counter-terrorism program can be analyzed.

4. Measurement of the Variables

Descriptively, the pattern or nature of the 9/11 terrorism can be measured by considering facets such as unemployment, GDP per capita, poverty, inequality, political rights, literacy level, and inflation. The parameters are highly affected by terrorism. However, all the factors must be related to aviation services.

The safety of flight passengers will be measured using the concept of the number of aviation fatalities related to terrorism per unit travel. Empirically, this calls for information on passengers per trip, flight miles, flight legs, and safety in take-offs and landing.

Prosecutorial successes in aviation security are used to determine the efficiency of the program used. Thus, it can be measured through the percentage of screening programs, legal provisions on counterterrorism, and intelligence services to counter terrorism.

Annotated Bibliography

Atkinson, M. P., & Wein, L. M. (2010). An Overlapping Networks Approach to Resource Allocation for Domestic Counterterrorism. Studies in Conflict & Terrorism, 33(7), 618-651. doi:10.1080/1057610X.2010.484028. From http://library.ashford.edu/index.aspx

Atkinson and Wein’s article provides a logical mechanism that security agents should use in relating terror and crime to intervention measures. In particular, the article will help the research in the formulation and solution of resource allocation problems using overlapping networks. Therefore, it informs the study on the interdiction mechanisms that counterterrorism strategies should adopt so as to ensure a proactive measure. In addition, the article frames a sequential notion of investigation in the case of terror, which is essential in recommending appropriate prosecutorial measure.

Byrne, D., & Roy, A. (2015). Improving the safety, capacity and efficiency of airport traffic management with AeroMACS. Journal of Airport Management, 9(1), 36-43. From http://library.ashford.edu/index.aspx

The article does well by touching on issues concerning management of the airport in terms of planning, operations, and training of the human resource. Notably, Byrne and Roy’s literature acts as supporting evidence for the claim of the study that, aviation security is dependent on the management of the airport. Therefore, the article serves as a concrete backup material for evaluating the relationship of the aviation security to airport management. Also, the acclaimed authors approach the management in a composite notion that entails multiple facets; each of them being integral for security interventions.

Lum, C., Kennedy, L., & Sherley, A. (2006). A Campbell Systematic Review. The Effectiveness of Counter-Terrorism Strategies, 2-36. From http://www.rutgerscps.org/publications/Lum_Terrorism_Review.pdf

This article is valuable because of the content and due to the reputation of the authors. Surely, (Lum et. al, 2006) will contribute immensely to the conceptualization of terrorism and supporting the idea of countering the menace. That is not all; the primary objective of the research is to identify and evaluate the effectiveness of counterterrorism strategies. As such, the evaluation will guide the research on how to strategize on the on the actions and to reach an efficient model of counterterrorism. In addition, it gives the limelight to all the entities involved in the formulation and implementation of counterterrorism strategies.

Jones, K. C., & Glisson, L. M. (2009). HOMELAND SECURITY VS. CABOTAGE: ISSUES OF TERRORISM OR PLOYS. Journal of Transportation Management, 20(1), 35-47. From http://library.ashford.edu/index.aspx

Undoubtedly, the article does a remarkable work by reviewing how the 9/11 terrorism happened and the tactic that US adopted to counter the Islamist-inspired terrorists. In addition, it provides the chronological aspect of changes that have happened up to now in the Obama’s administration. For example, it outlines the progress in the domestic security such as Disaster Declaration, border security, immigration policy, committee intervention, and transport security systems. In sum, (Jones & Glisson, 2009) informs the study of all the transformations that are in place since the 9/11 terror.

Bloch-Elkon, Y. (2011). The Polls—Trends: Public Perceptions and the Threat of International Terrorism after 9/11. Public Opinion Quarterly, 75(2), 366-392. From http://library.ashford.edu/index.aspx

Importantly, this article gives various reports concerning the opinions or perceptions of the American people about terrorism. The point of reference of the polls is the 9/11 terror; therefore, the article gives a supporting information of what people underwent, and the changes they have been noticed. Also, the literature provides the idea about the methodology that this research needs to adopt. Clearly, Bloch-Elkon’s work is very crucial for the study in analyzing and evaluating the changes in security; particularly aviation terrors and making a follow up of the real trend of terror attacks.

Eller, W. S., & Gerber, B. J. (2010). Contemplating the Role of Precision and Range in Homeland Security Policy Analysis: A Response to Mueller. Policy Studies Journal, 38(1), 23-39. From http://library.ashford.edu/index.aspx

Eller & Gerber, (2010) critically addresses the gaps that exist in the US homeland security and the reason behind the situation. But more importantly, the article uses a unique approach as a quest to fill the security gap. Security policy analysis as the approach is essential in this study so as to modulate on how to decide on the effective and efficient counterterrorism strategies. The authors make clarity to the previous work of Mueller and ascertain that in order to counter terrorism, a holistic view in necessary. It recommends that all hazard management and control systems should integrate their efforts to stop terrorism. Indeed the information is inevitably worth for the research.

ZUREICK, A. (2012). The 9/11 Effect: Comparative Counter-Terrorism. 45(1), 385-390. From http://library.ashford.edu/index.aspx

The article comprehensively looks at the effects of the 9/11 terrorist attack to humanity, nature, and property. As such, it assesses all the damages and the subsequent responses that have been on the course. Therefore, the article helps the research in looking at how terror causes damage and the plausible proactive and reactive interventions that needed to halt terrorism. In addition, it provides the comparative approach of the parties and systems involved in combating terror.

United Nations, (2012). United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy: Activities of the United Nations system in implementing the Strategy. The United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy, 3-75. From http://www.un.org/en/terrorism/ctitf/pdfs/A%2066%20762%20English.pdf

The article is undoubtedly important in answering the research questions of this study; particular because it shows all the steps that world nations have taken to counter the terrorism. Notably, The UN Security Committee and General Assembly in conjunction with experts produced the article so as to show how terrorism inflicts pain and a lot of suffering to the humanity. In essence, the literature will help in giving the information about the global perspective of terrorism. Of interest, the article outlines the specific activities and a new phase of the approach that the UN system has put up against terrorism.

References

Atkinson, M. P., & Wein, L. M. (2010). An Overlapping Networks Approach to Resource Allocation for Domestic Counterterrorism. Studies in Conflict & Terrorism, 33(7), 618-651.

Bloch-Elkon, Y. (2011). The Polls—Trends: Public Perceptions and the Threat of International Terrorism after 9/11. Public Opinion Quarterly, 75(2), 366-392.

Byrne, D., & Roy, A. (2015). Improving the safety, capacity and efficiency of airport traffic management with AeroMACS. Journal of Airport Management, 9(1), 36-43.

Eller, W. S., & Gerber, B. J. (2010). Contemplating the Role of Precision and Range in Homeland Security Policy Analysis: A Response to Mueller. Policy Studies Journal, 38(1), 23-39.

Jones, K. C., & Glisson, L. M. (2009). HOMELAND SECURITY VS. CABOTAGE: ISSUES OF TERRORISM OR PLOYS. Journal of Transportation Management, 20(1), 35-47.

Lum, C., Kennedy, L., & Sherley, A. (2006). A Campbell Systematic Review. The Effectiveness of Counter-Terrorism Strategies, 2-36.

United Nations, (2012). United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy: Activities of the United Nations system in implementing the Strategy. The United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy, 3-75.

ZUREICK, A. (2012). The 9/11 Effect: Comparative Counter-Terrorism. 45(1), 385-390.

Country Reporting Kenya

Country Reporting Kenya

Introduction:

Like the other world, in last 25 years, Kenya has witnessed unprecedented growth in number of nonprofit and non-governmental institutions. As a part of global association revolution, the non-governmental organizations in Kenya are formed to harmonize state service in response to the dilapidating capacity of the government to provide public service and development. “Kenya has a rich tradition of philanthropy and voluntarism with roots in the communal relationships of rural African society” (Salamon 2004). the civil society sector in Kenya were formed to provide alternative to the government in health, economic activities, in education, in protecting the environment, improving local services, and generally in improving human welfare.

In last twenty five years the region of East Africa experienced a great deal crises including draught, famine, and civil wars. Although Kenya was not immune all of these troubles, it has the most stable institutions; therefore, Kenya became a hub for the major international and local non-governmental organizations that are working and responding to the widespread crises in the region such as Somalia and South Sudan.

Country summary:

Kenya, officially called the Republic of Kenya, is a country in East African bordered by Tanzania to the south, Uganda to West, South Sudan to the northwest, Somalia to the northeast, and Ethiopia to the north. Kenya also has long coast with the Indian Ocean to its south-east. According to Encyclopedia of Britain, as the most African nations gone through, Kenya had experienced a colonial exploitation. The roots of the Colonial history goes back to the Berlin Conference in 1885, when the continent of Africa divided into territorial colonies by the European powers, and subsequently, the British Government conquered most of the East African nations including Kenya. Although Kenya gained its independence in 1963, poverty, inequality, and corruption remain the greatest challenges to the retaliation of economic, cultural, social, and human rights (Juma Dan 2008).

About the non-profit Sector in Kenya:

During 80s, the country has witnessed a dramatic growth of non-governmental organizations carrying out a variety of nonprofit work. The nonprofit sector in Kenya includes a very diverse consortium of organizations ranging from small welfare and community based or localized traditional welfare organizations. The last three decades has seen unprecedented growth in number and activities of civil society originations. There are four primary types of non-for-profit organizations operating in Kenya; they call companies, societies, trusts, and no-governmental organizations. Several factors account for the growth of NPOs. First, the country’s rich tradition of philanthropic and voluntarism the roots in the communal relationship of an African society have great influence to this sector’s growth (Salamon 2004). Kenya has a well-known slogan when addressing self-help activities; Harambee (pooling together or resources to provide basic services) is an expression of this tradition and the spirit of voluntarism. This Harambee tradition is the foundations on non-profit initiatives in the country (Kanyinga & Mitullah 2000). Others factors include the decline of state capacity to provide basic services, and the donors shift their attention to funding NGOs instead of government institutions.

The constitution of Kenya guarantees freedom of association, assembly, expression, and movement. Also bars discrimination on the grounds of sex, religion, gender, race, marital status, social origin, color and age (The Constitution of Kenya, Articles 26-51). Therefore, non-governmental actions must ensure equality of opportunity for all.

Size and Scope:

Kenya has a sizeable and diverse civil society sector that include a number of indigenous grassroots organizations and self-help groups, healthcare center, schools, foundations, welfare groups, religiously affiliated organizations, secular non-government organizations, political parties, and business and professional associations (Salmon 2004). The Kenyan civil society organizations are larger than those in most other developing countries; yet the civil society organization workforce in Kenya is les far smaller than those in developed countries (Salamon 2004). According to Salamon (2004), the non-profit sector is a significant economic force in Kenya. In 2000, the sector accounted for about US$270 million in expenditure. This was equivalent to 2.5% of the Gross Domestic product (GDP) and the workforce either paid or volunteers represent over 290,000 full time equivalent workers with almost 39 percent of this number are volunteers.The civil society sector in Kenya employs about 43 percent as many people as the public sector (Salamon 2004). According to Kinyinga & Mitullah report, a review of evidences for the period between 1997 and 2005 discloses that there were about 350,000 registered non-profit organizations in Kenya. The estimate for total membership of non-profit organizations in Kenya was about 5 million members in 2000 or about 17 per cent of the national population (Kinyinga & Mitullah).

Country’s Tax Law:

Kenya’s tax law is complicated and in inconsistent form. Kenya exempts from corporate tax the income of certain non-governmental organizations that perform specific types of services. Kenya also subject certain services and goods to Value Added Tax (VAT) with a quite range of exempt activities. In order to exempt from income tax, an organizations must have established exclusively on charity to reduce poverty of the public, or for purpose to enhance education or religion.

Sector Sustainability:

In order to look the sustainability of Kenya’s non-profit sector, two important measures of the size of this sector are revenue and operating expenditures. However, because of inconclusive data we have regarding these two areas, people have been raising questions about whether the sector is sustainable. Although fees and membership charges are the main sources of the non-governmental organizations in Kenya, they also heavily rely on external funding. According to report by Kinyinga & Mitullah, in 2005 data shows that the total revenue of all the NGO’s in Kenya was about $285 million; of this amount close to 90 percent came from donors (mainly international), and about only 6 percent of this came for own sources; while the rest contributed by private institutions and individual donors.

Conclusions

The civil society sector plays a significant role in political, economic, and the social fields in Kenya. It offers vital human services, especially in the country’s vast rural areas (Salamon 2004). Although Kenya’s civil society sector is growing in number and revenue in comparing with other developing countries, they are vulnerable and facing a huge challenges. Lack of funding is the major challenge that this sector is currently facing. NGO’s in Kenya are expressing difficulties in finding sufficient, appropriate, and continuous funding for their work. Lack of skills and poor governance was also recognized with in the sector; in particular, they extremely lacking skills such as management, mobilizations, project implementation, capacity building, and organizational sustainability. “The Kenyan government’s policy toward this sector has been somewhat ambivalent, however. Where the government views civil society organizations as potential partners in national development, it often reluctant to let these organizations operate without constraints” (Salamon 2004, p.108).

References:

Salamon, Lester M. ( 2004). Global Civil Society. Dimensions of the Nonprofit Sector

Juma, Dan (2008), Deputy Executive Director/Programmers Coordinator, Kenya Human Rights Commission. Report on Nonprofit Sector in Kenya.

Erica, Poff : Ohio University Center for International Studies

Encyclopedia of Britain (2010). World History

Kanyinga, Karuti & Mitullah, Winnie (2000). The Non-Profit Sector in Kenya. What we know and what we don’t know. Institute for Development Studies, University of Nairobi.

Country with high mortality

Country with high mortality

Introduction

There are countries in the world whose mortality rates are a bit higher in comparison to others, such as the first world countries. For this reason, it is possible to insinuate that the mortality rate in a country is subject to a number of factors that are preventable. In Ethiopia, for instance, some of the causes that are likely to lead to child deaths include preventable illnesses such as pneumonia, malaria, diarrhoea, neonatal infections among other causes. At one point in time, Ethiopia came into the international realm due to war, poverty and suffering that was a result of famine. On the other hand, there is a possibility of arguing that the high mortality might be due to the scarcity of health workers, nurses included. According to Deussom (2012), the health worker to residents ratio in Ethiopia is 0.84 to 1000, which is below the recommended 2.3 per 1000 World Health Organization ratio. This paper looks into some of the factors that are likely to lead to the high mortality rates in Ethiopia, focusing on the country’s health worker situation, the economy, health regulatory organizations working within the country, as well as other factors that increase the mortality rates in the region (Deussom, 2012).

Ethiopia is one of the countries near the coastline in north side of east Africa, whose specific location is at the horn of the continent. Countries that border Ethiopia include Sudan, which is to the west, Djibouti and Somalia to the east and Kenya to the south. Eritrea also borders the country to the northeastern side. With an estimated population of above 90 million individuals by the year 2012, it is possible to determine that a majority of the people that reside in the area subscribe to the Islamic religion (Bureau of African affairs, 2013). This population represents about 1.23 percent of the total population in the world. This population is spatially distributed, with an age structure that comprises young people as the majority. An approximation of the average age in the country is 17 years old (World Bank, 2012).

With the provisions of the 1994 constitution, the president of Ethiopia is the head of state, whereas the prime minister is responsible for heading the government. Additionally, the parliamentary system in the country is a bicameral system, with the House of Federation representatives elected by the House of People’s Representatives. However, the people popularly elect the House of People’s Representative members. Administratively, it is possible to determine that the division in the country consists of nine regions that are ethnically based, which also include Dire Dawa and the capital, the self-governing administrations (World Bank, 2012).

Economically, it is possible to determine that the country is poor, mainly depending on agriculture, which employs about 80 percent of the working individuals. The industrial sector of the economy is mainly run by the state, with restrictions to processing agricultural products. On the other hand, the transportation network in the country is at a miserable state, with only a single railway line connecting Addis Ababa to Djibouti. With some of its leading trade partners being the United States, China among other nations, various studies indicate that the value of its imports, in comparison to the exports is higher. Some of its main exports are inclusive of khat, oilseeds, coffee among other items, which are mainly agricultural. With all these considerations, it is possible to determine that economic situation in the country is bad (World Bank, 2012).

The state of health in Ethiopia

When looking at the health status in Ethiopia, it is possible to determine that some of the major health problems that affect the residents are preventable. The diseases affecting these residents are mainly communicable diseases, as well as nutritional disorders. However, a number of organizations, mainly those that focus on health issues, have been making major progress towards improving the health status of the residents in the country. Despite this consideration, a number of health studies conducted in the region indicate that the population in Ethiopia still faces high mortality rates, with the health status remaining relatively poor. The spread of diseases in the country is determined by a couple of factors, which are inclusive of a generally low education status, a poor economy and rapid population growth among other contributors (World Bank, 2012).

Since most of the diseases affecting the residents of the region are preventable, it is possible to determine that the low educational status of the people is a marker that has a significant influence on the spread of diseases. Coupled with the fact that a majority of the residents are poor, many of the residents in the area are not keen on seeking medical attention unless the medical situation in an individual worsens. Despite the poverty and education level of the people in the country, some of the other factors that contribute to their poor health status include the general poor performance of the country’s economy, as well as the rapid population growth rate, which exerts a lot of pressure to the existing health institutions (World Bank, 2012).

It would be possible to measure the total burden of diseases in the country by looking at the premature deaths that occur in the region.

Statistics indicate that in a year, the country witnesses close to 350 deaths per 1000 people, which is higher in comparison to some of the countries bordering it. The largest burden emanates from maternal and pre-natal conditions, nutritional deficiency, malaria, dirrahoea and acute respiratory problems among others. With this indication, it is possible to determine that some of the factors worsening the situation include poor financing systems that are meant to take care of the worker salary, including finances for the operations of the medical institutions (Morrison and Brundage, 2012). On the other hand, the country is experiencing a high level of inadequacy in the number of medical workers that can be able to take care of the medical needs of the patients. The other problem that the residents in the region face includes a couple of violent incidences, from which a large number of people might end up with serious injuries, some even leading to death. Consequently, the ineffective transport policies might be contributory factors that lead to the many deaths that occur due to road accidents.

Health care delivery system in Ethiopia

The health care delivery system in the country id decentralized, with the federal divisions controlling the nine administrative regions. The delivery system is inclusive of contributors from the government departments, as well as a number of non-governmental institutions. Some of the health facilities in the region include private clinics, hospitals, health centers and stations. Despite these numbers, a number of studies suggest that non-governmental organizations have been instrumental in developing the health care delivery infrastructure in the country. On the other hand, the governmental input has been decreasing over time, with most of the health stations decreasing over time. Included in some of the non-governmental organizations that offer a health care service is the Ethiopian Nurses Association, whose mandate is to improve the health situation in the country. The objectives that the association seeks to fulfill include the development of nursing services standardized and appropriate for Ethiopia. The association also seeks to stand by the rights of nurses as well as clients that seek their services.

It is possible to determine that the human resource personnel, who include the nurses and doctors in the country, do not have the capacity to fulfill the needs of the residents in the region adequately. Statistics indicate that, as at 2011, the number of nurses available to take care of the needs of the population was only 20,000. This number, in comparison to the total population was acutely inadequate to serve the needs of the residents, making it difficult to provide quality health care services (Ethiopiaforums, 2011). However, it is possible to determine that the education system or training that the nurses go through improves their capability of handling the medical cases that they come across. However, the nurses have to register with the Ethiopian Nursing Association, which is the umbrella body that takes care of the nursing requirements in the region.

Health priorities in Ethiopia

The government of Ethiopia has outlined a number of health priorities whose main objective is to improve the health conditions of the nation, which include the generation of knowledge through conducting a number of studies on public health. With this provision, it would be possible for the government, as well as the non-governmental health institutions to find ways that would be vital for improving the overall health situation in the country. One of the ways that can possibly ensure the overall improvement of the health situation in the country includes the development of a health plan, HSDP IV plan, which would ensure improvements of the health situation in the country (Morrison and Brundage, 2012). Even though the implementation of the plan is to be done in phases, the overall priority is to achieve the minimum health care delivery capacity, which requires that all the medical personnel should have the capability of delivery. This means that the ministry of health in the country, in collaboration with other non-governmental organizations should ensure that the middle-level and junior staff be equipped with skills that are likely to drive the operations forward. With this provision, it is possible to determine that different programs have to be taken care of at different levels; with the federal ministry of health no longer has the mandate to cover malaria and HIV/AIDS programs.

Conclusion

Ethiopia, as one of the countries in the Sub-Saharan region in Africa, is one of the most populous countries in east and central Africa, which has a high mortality rate. The high mortality rate is subject to a number of factors that include poverty, low education levels, as well as very few health workers in comparison to the population that they are meant to serve. With this indication, it is possible to insinuate that the country requires a high level of health infrastructure development, among other considerations that will improve the overall health situation in the country. Despite the required health infrastructure improvement, the country needs to improve its economy, which might be a contributory factor that is likely to intensify health development programs, thereby improving the overall health situation of the people of Ethiopia.

References

Bureau of African affairs. (2013). U.S. Relations with Ethiopia. Retrieved from :< http://www.state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/2859.htm>

Deussom, R. (2012). Nursing and midwifery education in Ethiopia: ensuring professional capacity and relevance. Retrieved from: < http://www.capacityplus.org/Nursing-and-Midwifery-Education-in-Ethiopia>

Ethiopiaforums. (2011). Ethiopia has only 20,000 nurses for 80mn people-official. Retrieved from: < http://ethiopiaforums.com/ethiopia-has-only-20000-nurses-for-80mn-people-official/>

Institute of Medicine (U.S.)., & Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. (2011). The future of nursing: Leading change, advancing health. Washington, D.C: National Academies Press.

Morrison, J., & Brundage, S. (2012). A report of the CSIS global health policy center. Advancing health in Ethiopia with fewer resources, an uncertain GHI strategy, and vulnerabilities on the ground. Center for Strategic and International Studies.

Oromoo, A. (2011). Federal democratic republic of Ethiopia. Ministry of health. retrieved from: < http://www.moh.gov.et/English/Information/Pages/Fact%20Sheets.aspx>

World Bank. (2012). The health workforce in Ethiopia: Addressing the remaining challenges ; edited by Berhanu Feysia … [et al.]. Washington, D.C: World Bank.

Country-Of-Origin Influence on Consumer Behavior of (British Airways)

Country-Of-Origin Influence on Consumer Behavior of (British Airways)

Table of Contents

TOC o “1-3” h z u HYPERLINK l “_Toc342563772″CHAPTER ONE PAGEREF _Toc342563772 h 3

HYPERLINK l “_Toc342563773″1.0 INTRODUCTION PAGEREF _Toc342563773 h 3

HYPERLINK l “_Toc342563774″1.0 Introduction PAGEREF _Toc342563774 h 3

HYPERLINK l “_Toc342563775″1.2 The problem statement PAGEREF _Toc342563775 h 3

HYPERLINK l “_Toc342563776″1.3 Significance of the Study PAGEREF _Toc342563776 h 6

HYPERLINK l “_Toc342563777″1.4 Aims and Objectives of the Study PAGEREF _Toc342563777 h 7

HYPERLINK l “_Toc342563778″1.5 Research Questions PAGEREF _Toc342563778 h 7

HYPERLINK l “_Toc342563779″1.6 Theoretical Framework PAGEREF _Toc342563779 h 8

HYPERLINK l “_Toc342563780″CHAPTER TWO PAGEREF _Toc342563780 h 12

HYPERLINK l “_Toc342563781″2.0 LITERATURE REVIEW PAGEREF _Toc342563781 h 12

HYPERLINK l “_Toc342563782″2.0 Introduction PAGEREF _Toc342563782 h 12

HYPERLINK l “_Toc342563783″2.1 Consumer Behaviour and the Buying Process PAGEREF _Toc342563783 h 12

HYPERLINK l “_Toc342563784″2.2 Country-of-origin effect PAGEREF _Toc342563784 h 18

HYPERLINK l “_Toc342563785″2.3 Regional in comparison to national labelling PAGEREF _Toc342563785 h 19

HYPERLINK l “_Toc342563786″2.4 Consumer behaviour toward imports PAGEREF _Toc342563786 h 20

HYPERLINK l “_Toc342563787″2.5 Impact of Marketing Mix on Consumer Decision Making PAGEREF _Toc342563787 h 21

HYPERLINK l “_Toc342563788″2.5.1 Pricing and Consumer Buying Behaviour PAGEREF _Toc342563788 h 22

HYPERLINK l “_Toc342563789″2.5.2 Promotion and Consumer Purchase Decisions PAGEREF _Toc342563789 h 23

HYPERLINK l “_Toc342563790″2.5.3 Effect of Branding on Consumer Purchase Decision PAGEREF _Toc342563790 h 24

HYPERLINK l “_Toc342563791″2.5.4 Culture Influence on Customer Behaviour PAGEREF _Toc342563791 h 27

HYPERLINK l “_Toc342563792″CHAPTER THREE PAGEREF _Toc342563792 h 29

HYPERLINK l “_Toc342563793″3.0 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY PAGEREF _Toc342563793 h 29

HYPERLINK l “_Toc342563796″3.0 Introduction PAGEREF _Toc342563796 h 29

HYPERLINK l “_Toc342563797″3.1 Research Strategy PAGEREF _Toc342563797 h 29

HYPERLINK l “_Toc342563798″3.2 Data Collection Methods PAGEREF _Toc342563798 h 33

HYPERLINK l “_Toc342563799″3.2.1 Questionnaires PAGEREF _Toc342563799 h 33

HYPERLINK l “_Toc342563800″3.2.2 Interviews PAGEREF _Toc342563800 h 34

HYPERLINK l “_Toc342563801″3.3 Research Procedure PAGEREF _Toc342563801 h 34

HYPERLINK l “_Toc342563802″3.4 Sample and Sampling Procedure PAGEREF _Toc342563802 h 35

HYPERLINK l “_Toc342563803″3.5 Data Analysis PAGEREF _Toc342563803 h 36

HYPERLINK l “_Toc342563804″3.6 Informed Consent and Privacy Measures PAGEREF _Toc342563804 h 37

HYPERLINK l “_Toc342563805″3.7 Chapter Summary PAGEREF _Toc342563805 h 38

HYPERLINK l “_Toc342563806″CHAPTER FOUR: PAGEREF _Toc342563806 h 39

HYPERLINK l “_Toc342563807″RESULTS AND ANALYSIS PAGEREF _Toc342563807 h 39

HYPERLINK l “_Toc342563808″4.0 Empirical Investigation: Results and Analysis PAGEREF _Toc342563808 h 39

HYPERLINK l “_Toc342563809″4.1 Restatement of Aims and Objectives of the Study PAGEREF _Toc342563809 h 39

HYPERLINK l “_Toc342563810″4.2 Descriptive Statistics PAGEREF _Toc342563810 h 40

HYPERLINK l “_Toc342563811″4.2.1 General Response Rate PAGEREF _Toc342563811 h 40

HYPERLINK l “_Toc342563812″4.2.2 Demographic Profile and Attributes of the Sample PAGEREF _Toc342563812 h 40

HYPERLINK l “_Toc342563813″4.2.3 Knowledge about the Country: PAGEREF _Toc342563813 h 46

HYPERLINK l “_Toc342563814″4.3 Inferential Statistics PAGEREF _Toc342563814 h 47

HYPERLINK l “_Toc342563815″CHAPTER FIVE: PAGEREF _Toc342563815 h 50

HYPERLINK l “_Toc342563816″5.0 CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS PAGEREF _Toc342563816 h 50

HYPERLINK l “_Toc342563817″5.1 Conclusion PAGEREF _Toc342563817 h 50

HYPERLINK l “_Toc342563818″5.2 Recommendations PAGEREF _Toc342563818 h 52

HYPERLINK l “_Toc342563819″5.0 Bibliography PAGEREF _Toc342563819 h 54

CHAPTER ONE1.0 INTRODUCTION1.0 IntroductionCountry of origin of a product or a company is important in the decision making of consumers (Shirin, 2011). Products from different countries in most cases have labels showing the countries where they are manufactured. Consumers will therefore, judge the products based on the country of origin of the products (Moore, Fernie, & Burt, 2000). The country of origin in has a significant impact on the success or failure of a company in market (Fan, 2002). British Airways has gained significant access to the Chinese market mainly because of the Influence of the country of origin of the airline (Johny, & Ilkka, 2005). The research study is aimed at determining how the country of origin has influenced the consumer behaviour towards British Airways in China.

1.2 The problem statementConsumer behaviour is a subject that has been studied over the years with an objective of developing a better and profounder understanding of how consumers behave given different circumstances. Generally, studies that have been conducted to explore consumer behaviour have established that consumer behaviour and impacted by a number of factors within the customer-business relationship and some of which go beyond this relationship. While there are many factors that consumer behaviour responds to including branding, positioning, customer care among other aspects, placed of origin has recently come to be one of the factors that research studies are turning to in the bid to bring out an even deeper understanding of the consumer behaviour subject. For instance a recent study by Shirin (2011), observed that Country of origin of a product or a company is important in the decision making of consumers. In fact, it is not uncommon to see that products from different countries in most cases have labels showing the countries where they are manufactured.

Consequently, according to Moore et al (2000), consumers will therefore, judge the products based on the country of origin of the products. These observations provide considerable evidence indicating that the country of origin is a key factor that can provide information on whether a business will be successful or not. As supported by the view of a study conducted by Fan (2002), as a significant impact on the success or failure of a company in market, country of origin therefore becomes an important factor that deserves to be studied (Fan 2002). British Airways has gained significant access to the Chinese market mainly because of the Influence of the country of origin of the airline (Johny & Ilkka 2005). The research study is aimed at determining how the country of origin has influenced the consumer behaviour towards British Airways in China. Globalization of business operations since the turn of the last few decades has made business competition to be a complex affair and business organisations must do all it takes to ensure they understand how the target customers feel about the product presented in the make to them and how they feel the level of satisfaction they get when they use the products. In the airlines industry, it is even more complex with the industry currently facing technical financial problems.

The intricate mode of behaviour of the consumer during the buying process shows that understanding consumer behaviour and “knowing customers” is never simple (Kotler 2004). Customers may say one thing but do another. They may not be in touch with their deeper motivations. They may respond to influences that change their minds at the last minute. Large multinational companies like British Airways stand to profit from understanding how and why their customers buy.

Focus on country of origin as an important determinant of consumer behaviour began to take foothold in 1965 with the first study conducted by Schooler (in Klein 2003), which established that the effect of country of origin actually exists. However, this study did not point out or investigate the strength of the factor and its directional relationship with consumer perceptions about products (Klein 2003). During this time, it had become accepted that most consumers found some non-US made products to be good alternatives to the US-produced goods. Schooler therefore followed the 1965 study with another study in 1969, which took a slightly different approach in a longitudinal approach study that investigated consumer perception about products with national labels versus those that bore regional label. The numbers of studies that have specifically focused on country of origin as a factor in consumer decision making have been building up though very slowly. Nevertheless, so far the studies that have been conducted clearly show that the image of the country of origin of a product is instrumental in helping consumers to make their purchase decisions since the consumers may attach a negative or positive image to the country hence the products from the country as well. However, while a number of studies have attempted to investigate the incorporation of country of origin as a factor in the consumer behaviour model of branded and imported products as well as other general products, especially within the American internal market settings, no study attempted to focus on incorporation of this concept into British Airways or any airlines company and focus on China given that China is an emerging economy that has the brunt of both positive and negative attributes.. The study therefore, endeavours to establish the specific effects that country of origin of British Airways as an air travel brand has on the consumers in the Chinese airline industry.

1.3 Significance of the StudyBehavioural scientists the world over have in the past mainly concentrated their efforts to studies of consumer behaviour by concentrating on the effects of price, cultural factors, gender of buyers, advertising, branding and positioning on the perception of consumers about the products and their intentions to purchase. Most studies have been on the effect of these factors on the consumer purchasing decisions and how businesses can use this information to better their interaction with the customers and survive in the competitive business world. However, a few decades ago, businesses started going global with the advent of globalisation and the global business environment and this has made the concept of country-of-origin effect even more important. Therefore, by the turn of the 1980’s scholars were getting more interested in focusing on the country-of-origin as an important area that requires scholarly attention in the field of behavioural science, and more specifically the area of consumer behaviour.

The findings of this study may provide resource material to be considered for inclusion by the airline companies in their arrangements and appropriations of consumer perceptions and needs as part of their business decision making to be used in bettering the business-customer interactions. Besides providing a contribution to the existing body of knowledge by expanding and renewing the understanding of consumer perceptions about the country of origin, this study may also provide a scientific understanding on how country of origin impacts on consumer choices of air travellers in the modern highly competitive air travel business world. The findings of this study may be useful in tracing the historical growth and development of the understanding of the country-of-origin effect from the early studies carried out in the early days of the birth and development of the idea in 1970’s to this modern world where most business aspects are highly complex.

1.4 Aims and Objectives of the StudyThe main objective of the dissertation is to explore the influence of country of origin on the consumer behaviour and focus on British Airways in China as the focus case for the study. The following are the aims and objectives of the research study.

To explore and examine consumer behaviour of British Airways customers with respect to its country of origin effect.

To examine the perception and attitudes of consumers in China towards the United Kingdom where British Airways originates.

Identify how consumer’s perception and attitudes of the United Kingdom are related to their behaviour towards British Airlines in China.

Identify the impact of the country of origin of British Airways to its growth in China.

1.5 Research QuestionsThe study attempts to investigate the topic and achieve the objectives by answering the research questions below:

How does country of Origin affect consumer behaviour of British Airways customers?

What are the consumer behaviour trends of British Airways customers with respect to country of origin effect?

What are the implications of country of origin on consumers of British Airways products?

How does country of origin lead to growth of British Airways in China?

What are the important factors that consumers consider when choosing British Airways?

1.6 Theoretical FrameworkThis research study employs the conceptual framework developed and used by Niels and Harzing (2003), which provided a clear view of the connection between the consumer and the product where they intersect at a point that is characterized by the country-of-origin effect. The model can be illustrated by the figure below, which takes a triangular shape with the consumer and the product being at the base of the triangle while the country of origin as a determinant of the perception the consumer would have about the product being at the top of the triangle as shown below.

Looking at the above model, it is imperative to note that country of origin is brought out and seen as a sign by the product consumer. This semiotic methodology is also used by Brijs (2003) to evaluate the country-of-origin effect as an important cue in determining the perceptions consumers have on the products produced from Europe and marketed kin Asian countries such as Japan and South Korea. This study is therefore well suit to use the semiotic model to develop a better and thorough understanding of the country-of-origin effect on the perceptions of consumers toward British Airways as a product from or “Made In” Europe and sold or marketed in China. This approach is even further supported by the fact that many researchers who have opted to study the effect of country of origin on consumer perceptions have demonstrated dissatisfaction with the standard traditional approaches that were previously developed and used since such models, as it is pointed out in the literature review below, had been based on many assumptions that could not stand vigorous scholarly scrutiny.

Based on the above illustrations, this study hence uses the developed frameworks to achieve the set objectives founded on the evidence that products communicate meanings that are decoded by the consumers by information, not intrinsic in the products alone, but extrinsic and generated by other attributes, which the consumer associates with the product image as an understandable sign. These image attributes of the products are used by the consumers to create particular perceptions that relate to quality, emotional feelings, symbolic affiliations and hence influence the consumer to make purchase decisions. It is this relationship that creates a three-way correlation among the consumer, the product and the country of origin sign. As observed by Niels and Harzing (2003), some scholars extended this model and adopted it to create the product perception process where the product plays the function of being seen as an object translated from the Morris’ sign theory (Niels and Harzing 2003). Similarly, the country-of-origin effect operates as a cue that reminds the individual of the product attributes. The product attributes could thus have an attachment with specific utility measure to the consumer or could just have a social or psychological attachment with the consumer (Niels & Harzing 2003). The consumer is the equivalent of the interpretant from the Morris’ sign theory model. In the opinion of the researcher in this study, the model is best suit for this dissertation because it offers a better methodological approach to the study of how consumers derive meanings from country of origin as a coo-label on foreign products and specifically British Airways in the Chinese airlines market. Therefore, the model provides a better approach to understanding how consumers in the Chinese air travel industry signify British Airways as a product made in Europe or Britain.

CHAPTER TWO2.0 LITERATURE REVIEW2.0 IntroductionThis chapter presents an extensive review of literature as it traces the conceptual advancement of the of the country-of-origin construct as an important aspect that determines consumer behaviour. Generally, the value of literature review depends on its ability to provide a critical appraisal of the available research on a topic. Through the demarcation and evaluation of the existing knowledge base of a specific area, a review of the body of literature not only marks out the most important themes and concerns in the subject area but also points out and builds avenues for follow up studies.

In the specific perspective of the country-of-origin field, there has been an increased level of interests from the scholars who are interested in exploring the effects and impact of the aspect as an important cue thereby making the literature review timely and helpful for this study and future studies. This study may not have an extensive review of the literature based on the level of the study relevant and the expansive nature of the topic. However, all attempts are made to make sure that every relevant detail that can aid in achieving the objective of the study is included.

2.1 Consumer Behaviour and the Buying ProcessKotler (2010) undertook an extensive research and concluded that it is an important aspect of the business interaction, which is not only complex and diverse due its connection with the subject of human behaviour is also very important for businesses to understand how customers respond to the various mechanisms and marketing attempts so that they can make proper decisions in the marketing exercises. The study by Dada (2007) argues that the consumer buying process in the global airlines industry can be described in a five-stage process. At the first stage, consumers recognize a problem; for which a solution is needed to solve it via a perceived need. Continued or incessant marketing and advertisements efforts can arouse curiosity in target consumers and trigger decision making process (Dada, 2007). The second stage in the buying process involves information search. Here, the consumer seeks value through a number of ways; which include: scanning one’s memory to recall previous experiences with the particular airlines company, products or brands and inquiry from other sources such as other consumers. The risk of making wrong purchases is increased if the knowledge acquired during this stage is insufficient or if the past experience with the product is not sufficient. There are three basic sources of external information for consumers at this stage: public sources like exhibitions, personal sources like friends, and marketer-dominated sources, such as advertising, company websites, and salespeople or the airline ticketing agencies. With the advent of the internet technology, the sources of information have expanded to include the World Wide Web.

The third stage of the buying process is the alternative evaluation stage where the consumer assesses value in the particular product by using information gathered at stage two. The consumer’s evaluative criterion is governed by both subjective factors like prestige and objective attributes of a product. The consumer then moves to the decision making stage where the consumer chooses any of the three possibilities. The first possibility is choosing whom to buy from. Factors for the consumer to consider include; terms of sale, past buying experience with the seller or return policy. Another option that the consumer considers is when to buy the product under consideration. The last stage in the consumer buying process is the post-purchase stage where the consumer evaluates the value in consumption of the bought product or in use of a service. 

Another study that extensively analyzed the consumer buying behaviour is the study conducted by Huang and Radder (2008), which observes that when a consumer wants to make decision, the consumer goes through the consumer buying process by first establishing the problem that needs to be solved. Previously, a study by Bryant and Zelman (1999) had also observed that the consumer may also develop a perception of his ideal situation and actual position which may consequently trigger a decision (Bryant and Zelman 1999).

Since the airline travel is generally a high involvement product, the process of scanning ones memory may not be adequately sufficient and hence the consumer must seek for sources of information to curb the risk of making the wrong purchase decision. He therefore moves to the external sources for more information concerning the hybrid car. In the external sources, the consumer may consult personal sources like friends and family (Huang and Radder’s 2008). Product-rating organizations may also be helpful as external public sources for the consumer. The consumer also seeks information from among marketer-dominated sources such as advertising, salespeople and company websites.

The next stage in the purchase decision process is for the consumer to evaluate the alternatives through value assessment (Huang and Radder 2008). At this point, the consumer finds the information search to be important when it suggests the criterion to be applied in making the purchase of the hybrid car, the information yields brand names that might meet the suggested criteria and then it helps in developing the consumer’s value perception.

The consumer now moves to determining or making the real purchase decision so that he buys the values he desires. At this point therefore, the consumer must decide where he gets to buy the hybrid car. The choice of whom to buy from is depended on such issues as terms of sale (for instance if one seller offers discounts while the other offers after sales services), past experience of the consumer buying from the seller and then return policy (McDuffie & Helper 2000). The consumer also decides when to buy the high involvement product depending on time pressure, how pleasant the travelling experience was and the general airline’s atmosphere; probably how customer friendly it is.

The consumer lastly carries out a post-purchase value in consumption evaluation where he makes a comparison of the product with the expectations he had before purchase. Consumers are likely to experience the post purchase cognitive dissonance. The decision to purchase a product is likely to be affected by the family influence, culture and sub-culture and the social class in which an individual consumer belongs.

Perceptions of airlines customers on the value of air travel have affected the performance of the industry. Advanced technology and the introduction of the internet and web-based ticketing have enabled consumers of airlines products to put a lot of emphasis on price rather than travel time. Customers are in position to book flights for themselves ends are able to find lowest fares. This forces most airlines companies to reduce fare which in turn leads to low profits in the organization. Moreover, airline industry has for long experienced retarded market growth due to low returns because of the very factors discussed above. The factors put forward by Porter are directly attributed to the retarded growth of airline industry. Overhead and labour costs in this industry are more than the revenue earned hence affecting the shareholders wealth hence many potential investors run away from investing in this sector. This also has a far reaching influence ion the expansion programs of the company. Any strategic move towards development in the airline industry has been limited by poor returns from the investments made (Greenbelt, 2000).

2.2 Country-of-origin effectPrior to the 1965 study conducted by Schooler, there was no literature in the country of origin as a factor in the consumer purchase decision making process. In this pioneering study, Schooler found that the country of origin is a key factor that can have an impact on the consumer purchase decision making process and hence concluded that this significant aspect of the consumer behaviour should be put to more academic investigation (Frazier & Anta 2001). The studies that followed have cemented the observation that the country of origin is a key factor that modifies the opinion of the consumer about the product (for instance, Klein 2002). This implies that there are products that might be viewed as either positive or negative based on the country from which they originate. Nevertheless, most of the initial studies did not focus on exploring or establishing the direction of the relationship between the consumer perception and the country of origin of the products in question. The main objective of the studies was basically inclined on establishing whether the country-of-origin effect existed or not. Some scholars have argued that it is important to take into account the country stereotypes that exist before or when conducting a study that targets exploring the country-of-origin effect because this can significantly affect the ability of the study results to be generalised to other settings. For instance, in an extensive review of the literature carried out by Dinnie (2003) indicated that when country stereotypes and the nature of the stereotypes are not considered during the research study, then the results drawn from the entire study might be flawed.

In their model, Niels and Harzing (2003) argue that globalization cannot be ignored when developing the point of convergence between cultural, political and economic aspects of the life in the countries under consideration because these factors create a point of convergence that multinational companies such as British Airways sail in and therefore the multinational company is prone to be seen as a harbinger of the global customs and traditions. In addition, knowledge in the modern business environment moves extremely fast across organizational limitations and restrictions such that it is expected that a multinational organization can easily adapt to the new operating environments in the foreign country and know exactly how the consumers in the destination country perceive the organization and parent country of the multinational. However, organizational culture is an important factor in the day-to-day operation of the multinational and therefore it can’t just be assumed that given the complexity intermarried with internal differentiation of the multinational it would be a simple endeavour that has no difficulty at all.

Looking at the above model, it is imperative to note that country of origin is brought out and seen as a sign by the product consumer. This semiotic methodology is also used by Brijs (2003) to evaluate the country-of-origin effect as an important cue in determining the perceptions consumers have on the products produced from Europe and marketed kin Asian countries such as Japan and South Korea. This study is therefore well suit to use the semiotic model to develop a better and thorough understanding of the country-of-origin effect on the perceptions of consumers toward British Airways as a product from or “Made In” Europe and sold or marketed in China. This approach is even further supported by the fact that many researchers who have opted to study the effect of country of origin on consumer perceptions have demonstrated dissatisfaction with the standard traditional approaches that were previously developed and used since such models, as it is pointed out in the literature review below, had been based on many assumptions that could not stand vigorous scholarly scrutiny. Due to the biases that were identified by later studies, the previous models were found to be insufficient in establishing a conceptual framework that would be used to better understand the consumer’s product evaluation process (Brijs 2003). It is therefore not coincidental that the semiotic model is chosen to be used in this study as the most appropriate model for understanding the consumer perceptions of products based on the effects of the country of origin. It is not coincidental because even the research study carried out in the 1990’s by Denzin established that human beings attach meanings to specific signs and hence develop their own perception constructs of the objects based on how they perceive the objects (Denzin 1992). Similarly, another follow-up study by Holbrook and Hirschman (1993), reiterated the findings established by Denzin (1992) and further argued that products carry and transmit meaning to the consumers and potential customers hence marketers must be wary of this fact. Moreover, both studies by Brijs (2003) and Niels and Harzing (2003) use the sign theory developed by Charles Morris inn early 1940’s that has become an instrumental illustration of the use of semiotics in understanding human behaviour.

Based on the above illustrations, this study hence uses the developed frameworks to achieve the set objectives founded on the evidence that products communicate meanings that are decoded by the consumers by information, not intrinsic in the products alone, but extrinsic and generated by other attributes, which the consumer associates with the product image as an understandable sign. These image attributes of the products are used by the consumers to create particular perceptions that relate to quality, emotional feelings, symbolic affiliations and hence influence the consumer to make purchase decisions. It is this relationship that creates a three-way correlation among the consumer, the product and the country of origin sign. As observed by Niels and Harzing (2003), some scholars extended this model and adopted it to create the product perception process where the product plays the function of being seen as an object translated from the Morris’ sign theory (Niels and Harzing 2003). Similarly, the country-of-origin effect operates as a cue that reminds the individual of the product attributes. The product attributes could thus have an attachment with specific utility measure to the consumer or could just have a social or psychological attachment with the consumer (Niels & Harzing 2003).

2.3 Regional in comparison to national labellingThe studies that were conducted prior to 1990’s were very instrumental in developing a profound conceptual framework for investigating and comprehending how the consumers perceive the international products by comparing regional and national labelling of the products (Klein 2003). According to Klein (2003), some of the breakthroughs in understanding the consumer perception of the international products made it more appealing for companies to give a general label to their products so that the goods would not be identified with a particular country but rather a general region such as the Latin America, Asia, Africa among other regionally appealing labels. This implied that based on this notion, a product made in Singap

COURSE CONTENT REACTION

Running head: COURSE CONTENT REACTION

Course Content Reaction

Name:

University:

Course:

Tutor:

Date:

Course Content Reaction

Introduction

Conflicts are a part of our day to day lives. At the work place conflicts arise especially when employees have different goals. Conflicts can improve the performance of the entity as they provide avenues through employees comprehend each other better and expand their knowledge about the issue. They also develop leadership skills through dealing with issues that generate the conflicts. Contrary to this, conflicts can also leave employees disgruntled and unsatisfied. They can deter relations among employees and promote poor attitudes. For conflicts to be advantageous to an entity, they have to be settled in a proper way. Conflict resolution is a process which should be enhanced by the management and the employees themselves. Consequently, all students should be equipped with skills which enable them to resolve conflicts amicably so that when they enter the workforce, the do not escalate conflicts rather, they find ways of curbing them.

Learning goals

I would like to gain to be equipped with not only managerial skills but leadership skills too. These skills will help me to understand different types of conflicts and anticipate what might lead to their escalation. I would also like to get proper insights on what generate conflicts among people. This will enable me to set proper strategies will prevent confrontations with other people. Whenever there are conflicts between people, the affected parties can sit down and work out their differences, but if they fail to come up with solutions or totally fail to discuss the issues that face them, a third party has to be involved.

In my career journey or as I interact with people, there are chances that we will not agree on everything. This may lead to conflicts. I would not like my relationship with others to be deterred, neither would I like my performance to dwindle due to conflicts. This course is supposed to aid me in proper conflict management process in that, I do not have to wait for a third party to settle issues. Additionally, I would like to take lead in the conflict resolution process. This course is supposed to help me know how to approach others in way that will not negatively impact on the conflict.

At times the intensity of the conflicts may be very high to the point that a third party has to be involved. Such matters may be accompanied with emotions leading to a dawdling conflict resolution process. Whenever I am caught up in such situations, I would like to apply methods that will not make my emotions to compromise the situation. I would like to learn how to keep my emotions intact irrespective of the issue at hand. Even when I feel offended, this course is supposed to empower me to look beyond my feelings and learn how to accommodate others.

At the peak of my career, I wish to be a manager and also give directions to people. I wish to be the most effective manager who motivates people to realize their goals. In this position, with reference to Eddy (2008), I comprehend that my subordinates will be challenged with issues which will lead to conflicts amongst themselves. Poor conflict management may lead to a failed workforce. I would not like to lead failed personnel. I would like to lead a very motivated workforce and proper conflict management boosts employee motivation. Though this course, I will be equipped with leadership skills that will be of use in enhancing the conflict resolution process. Through my intervention, the conflict will be rested for good never to erupt again.

Perspective of Conflict Resolution

Initially, I thought conflict was a negative thing and should be avoided. I was amazed when the lecturer said that conflicts are important and good for an organization. I felt like objecting but choose to listen further. During conflicts, approaching others which are in conflict with me might face a lot of challenges. The other affected party may lush bitter words at me while others may get more violent and resolve to picking up fights. In addition, where emotions are involved, the other party may get too emotional hence the conflict evaluation may be prejudiced. On the other hand, the third party in the conflict resolution may not be fair and may favor one side.

Through the first two weeks and the reading assignment, I realize that yes, conflicts are important. It only depends on how they are dealt with. When I reach the zenith of my career as a manager, I realize that not all will like the way I carry out my duties. I may try to come up with the best strategies according to myself, which I think will put the conflict to an end, but the solution might just end up to be the genesis of another problem. I also think that solving a problem between parties which carry attitudes is very multifaceted and almost impossible. But in the midst of all this, I have to create proper channels for resolution of conflicts.

Sensory Evidence of Achieved Success

Through my academic journey I would like to achieve my goals which will enable me to be exemplary when carrying out my duties. In the field of conflict management, I will be able to tell that I have achieved success and that I can be able to effectively handle conflicts if I am able to instigate the conflict resolution process when in disagreement with my peers, my family members and any other people that I interact with. Through the resolution process, if I will be able to control my emotions and apply more of thinking and coming up with the best solution, then I will have ascertained that I have gained proper conflict management insight through this course.

After the other affected part and I sit down and come up with proper solution, if I feel peaceful at heart and am able to look at the issue from a positive perspective then I will conclude that I have been equipped with conflict management skills. Additionally, after we refer to the matter as solved, if I will be able to relate to other party well like nothing happened, and I we will both sit down share a meal and talk as friends, there will be no doubt I will have achieved my goals. Furthermore, I will be sure of the success when I realize that am not affected by what other people say about the conflict once solved.

Class Setting

The class is quite with not so much disruption from the outside. It is conducive for learning and does not give room for the swerving of the mind. The lecturer is audible enough and does not elicit problems with hearing. The lectures elucidations are detailed and do not contribute to confusion rather perks up on the knowledge. My fellow students are also a booster to the learning process. They do not engage in annoying activities like opening sweet wrappers which might deter attention, rather, they are calm and very attentive.

The lecturer is approachable and answers questions asked. Additionally, the lecturer also delivers information with a lot of enthusiasm and cracks a lot of jokes. The usage of example and real life stories make the class lessons interesting. There is no doubt; this will be one of the most interesting classes. With regard to my fellow students, they are friendly and willing to share. With this, I am sure that we will manage to complete group assignments together without many difficulties

Reaction to Class Activities

The class interactions are very vibrant and provide a lot of information. They also help in knowing how other people think. I find this very positive because at the work place, I will meet people who think differently and yet have to come up with what has to apply for all of us. The interaction also boosts on how I may react to my boss without losing respect. This is enhanced through interacting with the instructor. Furthermore, the score cards which are issued are very helpful in self evaluation. They have helped me know my strengths and weaknesses. Through them, I am now working to improve my weak points and turning them into strengths.

I have also learnt through demonstrations on the proper ways to protect myself during conflicts. I have learnt that through the whole process, I should not compromise my safety and personality. Demonstration and visual equipment used in the study are very effective in driving the point at home. It is hard for me to forget what I have seen.

Some terminologies may look like they are common knowledge in this field and the lecture may use them with the knowledge that we students know them. This makes learning a bit challenging and I may not comprehend what is taught. Moreover, several subtopics may be covered during one lesson. At the end of such lessons, I may be left confused instead of being knowledgeable. Lack of understanding of the information being delivered leads to disgruntlement. Hence I look forward to the best coverage of the course which will enhance my comprehension of the topic. To improve on understanding, I anticipate for related topics should be covered in one lesson. This will evade the disruption of the mind from its line of thought.

I like the class the way the introduction has been covered. Visual accompaniments as a way of delivering information may be well received. I look forward to more of this and real life experience through. I hope that managers or employees from different companies will be invited to talk to us on the real issues on the ground. What is in the books may not apply directly to what we will come across but people in who work in our society have the experience of all arising issues which we are likely to be faced with.

Reaction to Reading

I did not know the kind of reading material to employ in this field. I had no idea that conflict resolution is covered in academic journal. Hence I was so prepared for volumes and volumes of books. In accordance, I was shocked the lecturer said that academic journal articles and newspaper articles will form a part of our reading material.

Reading materials have provided me with a foundation of knowledge about conflicts resolution. Some of the reading are very interesting and have acted as an eye opener to the kind of knowledge I expect in this field. Some of the readings I have employed include how conflicts resolved, how conflict resolution techniques work and the role of leadership in conflict resolution (CDR Associates, 2007 p. 89). Reading materials have also analyzed the pros and cons of utilizing these methods and how reconciliation can be achieved after resolving issues (Bar-Siman-Tov, 2004 p. 39). Reading materials have also provided real life experiences especially newspaper articles which have enabled me to know the kind of conflicts that are experienced in the present society (Stevens, 2013). I always thought conflicts were negative but through reading, I have comprehended on the significance.

I have realized that reading assignments will not only build on what I have been taught in class by clarification but will also enhance my comprehension of the information delivered during lectures. Reading has been very paramount especially with regard to overview of the conflict resolution process. What I do not like about the readings given is at times the amount of reading materials. At times they are too many to be read and comprehended in a short span of time.

Conclusion

I appreciate this as a method of interaction with our lecturers. Through this, I will be able to know where I am going wrong and rectify in time. This also gives us students venues to raise our issues and if they are tackled, our learning experiences will be boosted.

References

CDR Associates, (2007). Conflict resolution for managers and leaders : the CDR Associates training package : participants workbook. San Francisco: John Wiley.

Bar-Siman-Tov. (2004). From Conflict Resolution to Reconciliation. New York: Oxford University Press.

Eddy, W. (2008). It’s all your fault! : 12 tips for managing people who blame others for everything. United States: HCI Press.

Stevens, H. (2013, July 9). What do your battling friends have in common? You. Chicago Tribune .

Course Project EISA

To assess your ability to:

organize the major components of the current state of an enterprise information system architecture for an organization in terms of business processes that it supports

organize the detailed components of the current state of an enterprise information system architecture for an organization in terms of a specific business process that it supports

Course Project—EISA:

The EISA diagram is very important in analyzing the business process in the company some of the main contribution it has made to the company include the ability of the organization to analyze the production trends in the company and develop a proactive measures of dealing with the problems. It is also important in determining the optimal process and procedures that the organization can follow to leverage its competitive advantages and realize its productivity. The organization also relies on the EISA diagram to map the pathway to sustainability, profitability and optimality.

However, the current EISA has a number of limitation on the general productivity and efficiency and profitability because of the inherent weaknesses and limitation it has on the marketing processes.

Reporting structure:

The company is reporting structure is marked by numerous levels that hinder immediate execution of financial plans. The financial planning and execution structure of the company is laborious and bureaucratic, making the release of funds and execution m of the planned marketing activities in the company very slow. This interferes with the timelines and the bottom lines of its activities.

Marketing gap

The pillar of the organization in question is operational excellence, however this has been so hard to meet considering the fact the process model in use is not optimized for excellence. Some of the factors that contribute to this limitation include the decision making model used within the company and the performance evaluation system. The company in the service sectors is experiencing problems with the decision structure. The company is mostly composed of poor decision structure in which the upper echelon personnel (C-level) who are not in touch with the line managers and middle level members only make the decision. In all organization, the middle level Managers are the only people with facts on the marketing system within the organization and are always in constant contact with the customer. All the queries and customer complaints pas through them and they are the people who operationalise4 the plans developed within the company. Therefore main decision team should be integrated with the midlevel managers and customer focused team to ensure that the decision made within the company take into consideration the input of the low cadre managers. Additional the company needs to leverage its business synergy to fit the strategic fit that will enable it to achieve the objective of operational excellence.

Operational excellence.

The main advantage that the middle offers is operational excellence as the company process o determining and assembling the right input (resources) and converting them to the output that that the customers want, makes it’s the most optimal process in the industry. The production process is very efficient with minimal resource wastes and time lags despite the slow decision process. Once the company has made decision, the execution process is often very fast.

Reduction of cost of IT, and the general complexity

The current enterprise information system architecture is vary useful in reducing the general, complexity within the organization, it details the reporting structure and the way the cost of information technology in the organization can be reduced thereby contributing to the final cost reduction strategy by the company. It also provides newer ways for re-purpose in addition to re-use as it helps the organization to link its process to the new technologies and skill. While this is true, has one weakness as it relies so much on IT. However, this is overridden by the fact that the architecture is closely connected to the business need and strategies. The main challenge may lie on the extension of the integration to all the aspects of the organization and its process across all the complex and multi-partner enterprise