A sociological perspective Essay Example for Free

A sociological perspective Essay The term inner city life refers to the system of life of those people, who are underclass, cut off from the regular city life. Yet the elemental building blocks of their lives-work, family, community all exists, however in corrupted forms. A sociological perspective: Inner city residents are underpaid socially disorganised, where no one trusts the other and each has to struggle for existence in highly unfavourable conditions. The most precise way to explain inner city life in sociological terms is to consider 1. Criminality: The absence of proper means of existence leads to the demolition of the laws of the community and every member lives by preying on his fellow citizens. 2. Illegality: Due to the absence of proper family values, and absence of fathers in many cases, the young ones tend to grow up devoid of any values and ethics, unready to take the responsibilities of life and family which they have to undertake at a young age. In other words, they are improperly socialised. Moreover, financial, emotional and intellectual deficits aggravate the situation. 3. Schooling: A teacher has a significant contribution is shaping the lives of children. However teachers in inner city life differ from that of the city teachers on various grounds, teaching experience, certification and involvement with the students. In the inner cities there is a dearth of teachers leading to the appointment of less qualified teachers. The more a teacher spends time with her students, the more are they motivated to come up in life? Not only that, proper cooperation of the teachers help children gain confidence, getting a better idea about life. However, lack of cooperation from the teachers leads to a sense of helplessness among the students and leads them to question their own capabilities. 4. Community influence: apart from school, the time a child spends in his community also shapes his personality. Increased prevalence of poverty, exposure to violence and absence of parents at home leads a child to spend most of his after school time in his community. Absence of structured programs or opportunities is reasons enough for the children to go astray. For example, a black family living in a white dominated area has to face sneers and remarks against their race, which has a negative impact on the children. An economic perspective: The most important reasons which effect youths in inner city are: 1. Lower socio economic status: social disadvantage is associated with increased stress among adults throughout the socioeconomic gradient. One of the foremost reasons for this is the stressful working conditions of the youth. Most of the times, they are made to work under extreme conditions. They are made to do menial jobs and are highly underpaid. Most of the times they are unable to provide for themselves the bare necessities of life. Indulging in criminal activities thus becomes an obvious option. 2. Poverty: this is one condition of existence which hampers their growth. Living in poverty can lead to a deficiency in food, clothing, shelter which all people need to fulfil their growth needs. Poverty is the main source of stress, strain, anxiety and frustration among children which need to be overcome. In absence of the basic needs of existence, children often tend to move towards criminal activities. A psychological perspective: Social disadvantage is related to increased stress among inner city circles. One explanation for this is that as one goes down the socioeconomic order, they have fewer psychological resources to meet this stress because of such challenging circumstances. Because these are abilities and resources those individuals draw upon while stressed, to withstand the threats from the environment. According to Gallo and Mathews, the relative lack of resources is mainly due to depletion, with lack of replenishment of the existing resources and also due to a continuous interruption in the process of development. Economic instability, racism, adequate coping methods, negatively affects the psychology of the people mainly the youth. This is actually the critical period of development in which definite behavioural and psychological patterns are formed which exists throughout. This is termed as â€Å"reserve capacity† â€Å"Psychological† and â€Å"Environmental† perspectives are the two main categories in this field. The first emphasises on objective events and conditions, associated with effective adaptive demands, while the latter focuses on individuals’ subjective evaluation of oneself and one’s abilities to cope with the demands. It stresses that â€Å"stressors† are environmental events or conditions that impose stress on individuals and â€Å"stress† is a person’s appraisal to these conditions as taxing or threatening to their psychological makeup. Among the youth, this stress is subject to their level of optimism, adequacy of coping styles, personality traits and other factors.

Marketing strategy for Swatch Original watches in Vietnam

Marketing strategy for Swatch Original watches in Vietnam Statement of purpose Swatch (Swiss + watch) is a famous brand of the Swatch Group. In Vietnam, one of the main product lines of Swatch is the Original family which targets the young Vietnamese (aged, 18-25). In recent years, the brand faces not only fierce competition but also new opportunities. Thus, this report aims to introduce an approach for Swatch to increase the brand identity, sales volume and maintain customer loyalty in Vietnam market. Wrist watches industry in Vietnam: Back ground: Due to the limitation of available data, it is difficult to account the numbers of wrist watch brands in Vietnam market. However, according to an informal source, it is believed that there are about 400 brands have been recorded. They are classified to eight levels (website): Mass market Mid-end market US$150 -300 Premium market US$1.000 10.000 Low market US$10 50 Upper mid-end market US$300 -500 Super premium market >US$10.000 Lower mid-end market US$50-150 High-end market US$ 500 1.000 Focus segment: (US$50 -150) Currently, Swatch Original watches address in lower mid-end level, with the pricing vary from US$60 -80 (website) Players in lower mid-end market include: Casio, Endura, Guess, Ogival, Seiko, Swatch, Titan, Roamer, etcà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦. However, Casio is the main competitor of Swatch because these firms target the same segment, the young Vietnamese with extrovert lifestyle. Company and products: Swatch Swath is one of 19 brands which belong to the Swatch Group. This brand is famous for watches that utilising plastic housing, strap, etcà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦. with fresh and cool designs. Mission statement: Though Swatch hasnt announced its mission statement, it is believed that the brand implicit mission is to offer low cost, high quality and accurate watch with synthetic material (website) Products: Swatch has 5 product lines named: Skin, Irony, Original, Beat, Bijoux, in which the Original family is designed as youthful, witty and colourful. Distribution: Swatch watches are distributed in Vietnam mostly through Trading Development Company Limited (TDC Ltd.), the authorised distributor of Swatch. Following that, TDC Ltd. utilises 6 retail outlets (shop-in-shops, stores) and its website to deliver watches to customers (website). However, the website of the dealer is poor developed. The website provides poor contents in meager format. There are little details of Swatch watches specifications and the prices of most of the products are unavailable to check. Casio Casio Company Co. Ltd. is a famous company in consumer electronics field. Casio watches are designed as both digital and analogue watches. Mission statement: Casio Watches believe the beauty of time lies in precision with no compromise, no shades of grey and no half measures. Its all about accuracy and control (http://www.thewatchhut.co.uk/casio-watches.htm). Products: Casio has 13 different brands that target different segment. Among these, Casio Standard is competitor of Swatch Original. Casio Standard: This is the basic range of Casio watches. The concepts behind Standard are digital watches that are durable, long lifetime battery and affordable price. Casio standard target low to lower mid-end market with the pricing vary from US$35 -80 (website) In overall, regarding added functions, durability and battery lifetime, Casio watches are more competitive against Swatch (figure). Situation analysis: Internal environment analysis: Tangible resources: The Swatch Group is the world largest watchmaker corporation. Belonging to the Group, there are 156 production centers which are in charge of producing watches and watch components (website). Furthermore, there are 6 electric components and systems companies(website) which take response for manufacturing automotive, industrial electronics. Together, these firms form a system of interrelated values chains, so each parts of Swatch watches are produced with high compatibility and high quality. On the other hand, the Swatch Group has 6 general corporate companies (website) which specialise in RD, designing, etcà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦. Thus, Swatch watches are likely to be updated with the latest technologies and designs. Intangible resources: Considering branding, it is one of the most valuable assets of the Swatch Group. Firstly, the Swatch brand is well known in many places worldwide. Secondly, there is a solid reputation for the brand as Swiss made watches and cool design watches. Unique selling proposition: Overall the corporations intangible and tangible assets contribute to three exclusive points: The brand reputation for quality and creative designs Ability to produce a vast array of different watch collections Ability to develop and implement new technologies and new materials in watches External environment analysis: Political: Vietnam is a country which follows one-party political system, with the central role of the Communist Party. This entity is believed to put an end to a long time of internal conflicts and generally conductive to political stability. However, regarding wrist watch businesses, there is little support from the government, the tariff on imported watches is relatively high (20% imported tax) compares to other nations (5% imported tax in Philippine) (website). Economic: Over the last decade, Vietnam is one of the best performing economies in the world. Real GDP has grown on average by 7.3 percent per year during 1995-2005, reached 90.64 billions US$ in 2008. In 2010, GDP of the first nine months is predicted to increase by 6.52% as compared to the same period last year (Vietnam key country index WB). Considering the GNI per capita, it rose double from US$ 390 in 2000 to US$ 910 in 2008 (Worldbank). As the economy continues to grow, Vietnam has moved from poorest country list to lower-middle income group in 2010, with average income per capita reached an estimated US$ 1.200. (Ministry of planning and industry) Consumer Confident Index of Vietnam remains in the top score groups (14th out of 50) in the first half 2009 (figure). Likewise, Vietnamese customers showed a great optimistic about future prospect, with the trend went upward from 85 points in the first half 2009 to 109 points in the second half of the same year (figure). Thus, it is confident to say that Vietnamese will spend more in the next year. Overall, it is believed that Vietnam economic is still growing briskly in 2011 and customers are more willing to purchase luxury products as they are becoming wealthier. Thus, there are relatively high potential for wrist watch demand in the next year. Social: Population Vietnam is one of the largest population countries in the world (ranks 13), with the composition of population reached 87,279,754 in 2009 (Worldbank). Among that, 20% of the total population is at age 15-24 in which there are approximately 1.45 million males in Ha Noi city and Ho Chi Minh (Nielsen). The number of young females is roughly equal to young males. Lifestyle: Vietnamese youngsters (aged, 15-24) are identified in three categories: Regular (48%), In-betweens (27%) and Uber modern (23%) (Nielsen). Regular group is limited in social activity and traditional values whereas the Uber modern is more individual and has high demand for social and consumer activity. On the other hand, the in-betweens embody a combination of the Regulars daily routine and Uber moderns mind set. Thus, there is a large gap between how the three youngster groups prefer products features. Regular: they are conservative buyers who look for established brand watch. They prefer durability, products functions and value over cost. In betweens: they are trendy and fun loving who look for similar values as the Uber modern, however, their consumer activity is comparatively lower. Uber modern: they are extrovert, enthusiastic who look for cool watches which can reflect their style. They are also impulse buyers. Approaches to the young Vietnamese: (see more detail in appendix B) The main points that Swatch should consider are: High quality products Creative designs watches Innovative marketing campaigns Technology: Currently, the most remarkable technology trend in Vietnam is communication technology. It is estimated that by the end of September 2010, there was 142.1 million of cellular phone subscribers. On the other hand, in 2010, the numbers of internet users was 26.6 million (Ministry of planning). Among the composition of internet users, a large part is young Vietnamese. It is reported that 88% of aged 15-24 Vietnamese (in HN and HCM) uses internet more than once a day. Moreover, Vietnamese youth show great fascinated to cyber activities, with 49% of those surveyed by TNS Vietnam had responded that they engaged in social networking (TNS). On the other hand, a lot of Vietnamese youngsters are also TV user, as the research of TNS pointed out that one of teens main activities is watching TV and movie (TNS). In conclusion, TV and internet are very potential communication channels to approach Vietnamese young generation. However, telephones pose a deliberate threat to wrist watches as they are designed with clock capabilities as well. SWOT analysis: Strengths: Swatch watches value perceived is very high among young customers For a long time, Swiss watchmakers have built for their watches a solid reputation of quality and reliability which have been experienced by numerous Vietnamese. Through mostly word of mouth, young Vietnamese have been profoundly influenced by this perception. The creative and artistic appearances The Swatch watches of the Original family have long been favored for its design. Bering simply characterized by plastic housing and trap, those products can come up in vast array of different styles from the fresh and wittiness of Gent to the dandy and femininity of Lady. Weaknesses: Electronic commercial website is poorly developed It is believe that the distributors website with regards to a bridge connects customers and the firm is not well designed. The website provides poor contents in meager format. There are little details of Swatch watches specifications and the prices of most of the products are unavailable. By contract, the results for keywords such as Swatch Vietnam, dai ly Swatch give 242.000 addresses; however, the authorised dealers website is not among the top results. Thus, this is very inconvenience for customers to find the website. Few added values A part from branding and designing, there is few added values from Swatch watches as compare to competitors products. In terms of additional functions, durability and battery lifetime, Casio watches are move competitive over Swatch. Threats: Threats from competitors (High) A major threat which Swatch has to confront is the fierce competition of rivalry brands such as Casio G-shock, Casio Standard, Tommy Hilfiger and so on. Especially Casio Vietnam, this firm has built a wide and large distribution network, with roughly 36 stores in HCM and about 6 stores in HN. Threats from replica watches (Low) On the other hand, counterfeits of branded watches also pose an implicit risk. Firstly, they are cheap. Spending about US$25 US$75, people can have a replica of luxury watch which is difficult to be detected just by judging its appearance. Secondly, replica watches are selling in many places and in the internet without being banned by the government. Threats from substitute (Medium) The large number of mobile phones used in Vietnam is another threat to Swatch. However, mobile phones are vulnerable to water and their batteries are not last for long and must be charged daily. Threats from governments policy (Medium) Finally, the high imported tax on watches of Vietnam government increases the costs of the Swatch distributor and adds higher VAT to the end customers. Consequently, the profit margin for the dealer goes down while the retail prices rise up. Opportunities: The increasing Vietnamese household income There is a bright prospect for Swatch watches as Vietnam economic is growing relatively fast. There is an estimated 77% in HN households and 67.5% in HCM achieved middle income rank and above (Nielsen). Hence, increasing income can boost up the demand for quality wrist watches. The increasing of young population Secondly, there is a population of 3 million of urban Vietnamese who are at age 18-24 (Statistical yearbook). They are currently demographic targets of Swatch Vietnam and a vast major of them have not been converted to customers. Furthermore, it is estimated that in the next 1-3 years, there will be roughly 1.5 million young Vietnamese enter the target market (Statistical Yearbook). Marketing strategy for Swatch in Vietnam market: Poster generic strategies, the Differentiation strategy will be implemented for Swatch in Vietnam. This strategy will be designed to differentiate Swatch and the competitors, then conductive to the raising of the brand awareness. Furthermore, the strategy is also expected to boost up sales volume in the targeted markets. Overall, the marketing strategy will aim to emphasize strong points of Swatch watches that are the Swiss made reputation and cool designs. Segmentation and targeting: Segmentation: Variable Typical breakdowns Geographic North Vietnam Ha Noi Middle Vietnam Da Nang South Vietnam Ho Chi Minh, Can Tho Demographic Gender Male Female Age 0-10 10-14 14-17 18-25 26-35 36-49 50-64 65+ Psychology Life style Regular In-betweens Uber Modern Targeting: Regarding geographic variable, there are five key cities in Vietnam (Nielsen). However, only HN and HCM can be targeted markets. First of all, there are considerable high expenses to open a Swiss wrist watch store due to high stocking costs, renting and interest rate. On the other hand, Swatch should invest more in HN and HCM market in order to achieve sustainability and profitability. Males and females at age 15-25 will be the target group of the firm. Because the designs of the Swatch Original are shaped as youthful, witty and colourful, which are symbol of youth. Following that, the choice market is narrowed down to 50% of the young Vietnamese who are fashion seekers (In-betweens and Uber modern group). Positioning: In order to incorporate with the differentiation strategy, Swatch Original watches will be positioned based on its two main advantages: Swiss made quality and youthful design. On the other hand, the Original watches have higher value as compare to Casio Standard in overall (figure). Hence, the products should be positioned as more value more price. Objectives: Marketing objectives: Increase brand awareness in HN and HCM market by 20% by the end of 2011 Financial objectives: Increase sales volume by 15% by the end of 2011 Marketing programmes: Marketing mix Product policy: The product choice is the Original family which embody for youthful, artistic and outlandish. New designs should be developed regularly and new collections must be released each year because the young Vietnamese are well updated to the new trends of global youngsters Regarding quality, it is vital that Swatch watches must satisfy the customers expectation of the products. Basically, the watches have to be water-resistant (up to 100 feet) and durable enough to take certain levels of impact without being scratched or broken. Additionally, packaging should also be designed artistically in order to contribute to the brand image and satisfy customers expectation. Place policy: Push strategy In short-term, Swatch watches are distributed mainly through the authorised dealers retail outlets and its website. In long-term, as the Vietnam market grows mature, Swatch manufacturer should consider open Swatch stores which are decorated in artistic style and sell only Swatch watches. These selling entities will polish the brand image and become a channel to communicate the firms campaigns to customers. Furthermore, new Swatch stores should be opened in other cities which have high household income such as Hai Phong, Can Tho and Da Nang, etcà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦.. However, these stores are required to locate in good location and well decorated. Pull strategy To adapt with customers expectation and to retain their loyalty, a pull strategy must be implemented in which customers can order their favourite watches through the authorised distributor, who in turn asks the Swatch manufacturer for those products. Regarding an important source of Swatch watches information, the website of TDC Ltd. should be improved. Actions that the firm should take are re-designing and working with a SEO (Search Engine Optimization) agency. These steps aim at raising the websites attractiveness and improving its accessibility. By contract, information about pricing, watches specification and new collections must also be updated regularly. Pricing policy: Pricing from the Swatch manufacturer to the distributor A cost-based value approach should be employed by Swatch manufacturer. The pricing to the wholesaler is set by taking total production costs plus desired margin. Thus, a fair price can be offered to the distributor. Furthermore, as businessmen are very price conscious, the firm should also leverage them by price promotion. Pricing from the distributor to customers Value-based pricing policy should be employed for Swatch watches. As Swatch watches quality and designs are highly evaluated. Hence, the price should not be low; otherwise, it may confuse customers about the watches value. On the other hand, the pricing also reflect the value of Swatch watches against Casio Standard. So the products price should ranged from US$60- US$80 On the other hand, a pricing relation policy should also be implemented. For customers who have purchased more than three watches, they will receive a loyalty card which offer 15% discount for next purchases. This policy is not only aim to incentive customers but also build a firm footing for Swatch community in Vietnam in future. Promotion policy: A promotion policy is built to retain customer loyalty and leverage them to re-purchase Swatchs watches. Two types of sales promotion that will be applied are loyalty card and free gift giving on special occasions. Marketing communication mix: In order to achieve to the firms objectives in 2011, it is vital that Swatch must employ different media channels to reach its targeted customers. Three approaches that will be applied are advertising, public relations and sales promotion. These media channels are not only being utilised to convey the brand message and image but also to introduce a fashion trend to young Vietnamese. Finally, product features such as quality and designs must be emphasised in the media message. Advertising: (see detail in appendix C) Advertising on magazines and newspapers for youth Advertising in social media such as Facebook, Twitter, etcà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦. Advertising in internet media Advertising in TVs Public relations: (see detail in appendix C) Holding flash mob events Sales promotion Where as advertising and public relations are implemented to increase Swatch watches awareness and sales volume. The promotion approach is used to retain customer. Two types of sale promotion are loyalty program and free gift offering. With loyalty card promotion, customers will be given a special ticket for each time they purchase a Swatch watch. Following that, they will get a discount card for 3 tickets that they collected. On the other hand, on special events like Vietnamese New Year Event or Christ Mast, a free gift will be giving to customers associating with the watch they buy. Conclusion: Because of Vietnamese average income is rising, it is believed that the demand for wrist watch will grow higher in next years. Hence, Swatch should invest more in RD, distribution and communication channels to not only increasing revenues but also to capture more market share. Appendix Appendix A Figures Figure 1 Vietnam quarterly GDP growth Source: Taking stock 2010 An update on recent Vietnam economic development Figure 2.1 1H Nielsen Consumer Confident Index (Source: Nielsen Global Online Survey Consumer Confidence, March 2009) Figure 2.2 _ 2006-2009 Consumer Confidence Index: Vietnam Source: Nielsen 2H 2009 Global Omnibus Study, September 2009 Reasons for favourite brand of Vietnamese youth 59% Top quality 39% Innovative, ground breaking 38% Well designed, easy to use 34% Affordable, good value of money 27% Great marketing and advertising Figure 3 Reasons for favourite brand of Vietnamese youth Source: TNS Vietnams shifting consumer landscape Swatch Original Product attributes Casio Standard 3 Materials 3 3 Lifetime battery 4 5 Cool design 3 3 Durable (water-proof, shock-proof, scratch-proof) 4 5 Reputable brand 4 4 Precision 4 3 Additional functions 4 Very low Low Normal High Very high 1 2 3 4 5 Figure 4 Value assessing between Swatch Original and Casio Standard This figure is designed based on my estimation from available data in http://store.swatch.com/ and http://www.casio-intl.com/wat/g_shock/standard.html Vietnamese youth top sources to get news and information Television 84% Internet 58% Magazines and newspapers 24% Word of mouth 13% Figure 5 Young Vietnamese sources of information Source: TNS Vietnams shifting consumer landscape Figure 6 Vietnamese youths digital life Source: TNS Vietnams shifting consumer landscape Figure 7 Vietnamese youths attitude toward brand interaction on-line Source: TNS Vietnams shifting consumer landscape Appendix B Approaches to Vietnamese youth The FCB matrix was invented by Foot, Cone Belding Advertising. The matrix is applied to explain customer buying behaviour and present approaches for media strategy. There are two directions in the FCB Grid: product involvement (high low) and product emotion (thinking feeling). Thinking Feeling High involvement Swatch Original watches Expensive products but decision making is driven by emotion Low involvement It is believed that a majority part of young Vietnamese who aged 15-25 spending a lot of their time for study and having little time for working. As a result, their financial availability is mostly depended on their parents. Which this in mind, wrist watches which cost them US$ 60- 80 will be considered as expensive products. Thus, Swatch watches are classified as high involvement products. On the other hand, Swatch watches are fashion accessories which youngsters can use them to express their style, make them feel cool and fresh. Thus, Swatch watches involve high emotional responses. Regarding reasons for favourite brand (figure 3), it is clear that products quality, designs have significant impacts on Vietnamese youth by 59%, 39% respondents respectively. In contract, these elements engage high emotional responses as they are mostly based on customers perceived value. Hence, quality, designs should be focus points in Swatch media campaigns. In conclusion, FCB Grid suggests that Swatch advertising campaigns should be creative and inspire customers by psychological benefits. Appendix C Communication mix choice Advertising: Advertising on magazines and newspapers for youth Newspapers and magazines is the number three source of information and news to young Vietnamese (figure 5). They use this channel to pull out information of various aspects which they concern include entertainment, fashion trends, news and so on. Thus, it is confident to say that printed media can deliver the brand image and message to a majority of Vietnamese youth. Advertising in social media This approach is absolute must in order to reach the targeted groups. Social networking is a new trend in Vietnam, with half of the online youngster engages in (figure 6). The advantage of this media channel is that information can be spread and shared quickly and widely as internet users are keen in communicating with others. On the other hand, young Vietnamese also pose a positive attitude toward brand interaction on-line. They accept to interact with the brands in many activities from e-mail to news and social (figure 7). Thus, a Swatch community can be built to provide not only information about the products but also to offer promotions and provide a fan space. Furthermore, through social networking, global contests of Swatch (CreArt, etcà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦..) can be introduced to Vietnamese. Famous cyber communities include: Facebook, Twitter and Youtube. Advertising in internet media Internet magazines or information portals for youth are viable mediums for Swatch. They are Vietnamese youngster favourite sources of information in which they rank number two among the others (figure 5). The advantage of this media include: low costs, wide market coverage. Popular websites include: www.hihihehe.com, www.kenh14.vn, www.hoahoctro.vn, www.zing.vn Advertising in TVs TV media should be considered as a channel to reach customer. It is reported that television is the youngsters number one source of news and information. Its advantages are wide reach (% of targeted customers who watch the advertisement) and high frequency (number if time each customer watches the advertisement). Hence, TV advertising can highly increase the brand awareness among young customers. However, there are relatively high costs (costs to produce television commercials and costs for booking TV channels) in utilising this medium. However, it is notable that the advertisements should be creative in order to impress the young audiences. Furthermore, advertisement must be launched at an effective frequency to maximise the effect while spending reasonable budgets. Public relations: Holding special events is an indirect way to advertise for the products to the targeted customers. Alternatively, TDC limited can also give aid to events that are attractive to young customers. It is noticed that special events must be creative and bring joyful to audiences. Consequently, the products image is expected to be benefited from word of mouth and news on magazines. Holding flash mob events Recently, there is a new trend of the youngsters, flash mob event. It is recorded that three big events (with over 1200 participants) and a lot of small ones has taken place in HN and HCM in 2010. Thus, TDC limited can contact with key members of flash mob groups to offer them sponsorship. In return, these members will indirectly promote for Swatch watches and influence the preference of the other event participants.

Does substance abuse cause mental disorders?

Does substance abuse cause mental disorders? Dual diagnosis between drug abuse and mental illness is very common. The two problems affect and interact with each other. The number of people diagnosed with a mental illness and substance went from 210,000 to 800,000 between the years of 1998-2003. (Druss MD, Bornemann, Fry-Johnson MD, McCombs PhD, Politzer, Rust MD, 2006) Substance abuse is the most common and clinically important dual disorder among adults with severe mental illness. Studies show that fifty percent of people with mental illness also have a substance abuse problem. (Saisan, Smith, Segal, 2010) And more than half the persons with a substance abuse diagnosis also have a diagnosable mental illness. (Saisan, Smith, Segal, 2010) Clinicians believe that mental illness and substance abuse are biologically and physiologically based. Although substance abuse and mental health disorders like depression and anxiety are closely linked, one does not directly cause the other. (Saisan, Smith, Segal, 2010) Both conditions can mirror each. PROBLEM STATEMENT: More and more people are suffering from a combination of substance abuse and mental health problems. Alcohol and/or drugs are often used to relieve the symptoms of a mental illness, side effects from their medications or just to cure symptoms they are having at the time. Alcohol and drug abuse can increase original risk for mental disorders and can make symptoms of a mental health problem worse. Substance abuse and mental illness commonly co-occur due to genetic factors, environmental factors, a brain disorder and/or a development disorders. Co-occurring disorders, two disorders or illnesses occur simultaneously in the same person, they are called dual diagnosis or co morbidity. (Topics in Brief, 2007) Treatment for this dual diagnosis has not been well designed. Clients have to go a treatment facility for mental health treatment and a different facility for substance abuse treatment. This kind of treat is not successful because this leaves the client trying to cope/manger a disorder on their own. It is almost impossible for them to manger the other disorder because if they could quit on their own they would not need treatment. It can be hard to diagnose a person with a dual diagnosis of mental illness and substance abuse. One of the things that makes diagnose hard is denial by the patient. Substance abuse and mental disorders commonly co-occur because of overlapping genetic vulnerabilities, overlapping environmental triggers like stress, involvement of similar brain regions, and drug abuse and mental illness are developmental disorders. (Topics in Brief, 2007) Having a dual diagnosis put a person at greater risk for relapse. Violence and suicide attempts are also more prevalent among the dually diagnosed population.http://www.onlinerecoverysupport.com/wp-content/uploads/borderline.jpg BACKGROUND: The problem of dual diagnosis became clinically clear in the early 1980s. (Drake R. P., 2001) Substance abuse and mental illness hinders your ability to function, handle life and have a healthy social life. Mental illnesses are mental conditions that disrupt a persons thinking, feeling, mood, ability to relate to others and daily functioning. The World Health Organization has reported that four of the 10 leading causes of disability in the US are mental disorders. (National Alliance on Mental Illness, 2010) Some of the major and the most common mental illness that occur with substance abuse are manic depression, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder, panic disorder, post traumatic stress disorder, generalize anxiety disorder and antisocial personality disorder. It is reported that about 57.7 million Americans experience a mental health disorder in a given year. (National Alliance on Mental Illness, 2010) Substance abuse, also known as drug abuse, refers to a maladaptive pattern of use of a substance that is not need to sustain life or to make it better. One in four US deaths can be attributed to alcohol, tobacco, or illicit drug use. (Innovatory Combating Substance Abuse, 2010) The commonly abused drugs by people with a mental illness are alcohol, cocaine and/or marijuana. Substance abuse complicates some aspect of care for a person with a mental disorder. It provides challenges for the counselor to engage the individual in treatment.http://t0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:HOCEVK5RjjC51M:http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb156/elgangster214/marijuana-2.jpg About 50% of individuals with severe mental disorders are affected by substance abuse. (Saisan, Smith, Segal, 2010) Thirty-seven percent of alcohol abusers and 53% of drug abusers also have at least on serious mental illness. (Saisan, Smith, Segal, 2010) See the chart below. The risk of developing a drug abuse problem while having a disorder goes as high as 15.5% for antisocial personality disorder and as low as 02.1% for phobias. The mental health problems that most commonly co-occur with substance abuse are depression, anxiety disorders, and bipolar disorder. (Saisan, Smith, Segal, 2010) When a person has a dual diagnosis of substance abuse and mental illness the clinician has to determine what are the symptoms/signs of the substance abuse and what are the symptoms/signs are from the mental illness. Disorders with Increased Risk of Drug Abuse Disorder Risk Antisocial personality disorder 15.5% Manic episode 14.5% Schizophrenia 10.1% Panic disorder 04. 3% Major depressive episode 04.1% Obsessive-compulsive disorder 03.4% Phobias 02.1% Source: National Institute of Mental Health. (Drug Abuse and Mental Illness Fast Facts, 2006) At least 60% of people fighting substance abuse or mental illness are fighting both at the same time. (Bouchex, 2007) Patients with mood, anxiety or drug disorders are about twice as likely to be diagnosed with the other as well. Figure 1 (Topics in Brief, 2007) The prevalence of these dual diagnoses does not mean that one condition caused the other, even if one appeared first. The high rates show the need for better treatment and treatment centers able to deal with both at the same time. http://www.nida.nih.gov/tib/images/tib_large_images/comorbid02.jpg WORKING DIAGNOSIS: Substance abuse can cause mental disorders due to the fact that, drug abuse can cause a mental illness, mental illness can lead to drug abuse, drug abuse and mental disorders are both caused by other common risk factors all three can contribute to the establishment of specific dual diagnosis of mental disorders and addiction. (Topics in Brief, 2007) FRAMEWORK/METHOD OF ANALYSIS: I began my search using Google and searched using the terms Substance abuse and Mental Illness. This resulted in nine articles that were relevant to my topic all of which I used as references. I then went to the Pub Med Central database and searched using the term substance abuse and mental illness and found many articles. I used four of those articles as references. The other references were found on website such as National Institute on Drug Abuse and the National Drug Intelligence Center. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION (LITERATURE REVIEW): This review looks at progress made in understanding the relation between drug abuse and mental illness. Volkow found that the relationship between substance abuse and mental illness is likely to reflect common contributing factors and brain substrates. (Volkow, 2001) One of the main factors substance abuse and mental illness have in common is stress. A question that still remains is the role that drug abuse has on causing psychosis in individuals with no previous psychiatric histories. Stimulant drugs induce psychosis because they increase extracellular dopamine concentration in the brain. However it does not explain why psychosis can continue after the stimulant drug is no longer present in the brain.brain image Regier, et al, broke his study down into specific mental disorders. This review found that of people with schizophrenia forty-seven percent has some form of substance abuse problem. People diagnosed with schizophrenia have a 4 times as likely then people who do not have schizophrenia to have a substance abuse problem. (Regier, et al., 1990) The odds for people diagnosed with anxiety disorders to have a substance abuse proplem were more than fourteen percent. It is believe that substance abuse may trigger mental illness in vulnerable individuals. Evidence show a complex explanation in which well-known risk factors- such as poor cognitive function, anxiety, deficient interpersonal skills, social isolation, poverty, and lack of structured activities combined to render people with mental illnesses particularly vulnerable to alcohol and drug abuse. (Drake, 2009) People that already have a mental disorder probably appear to be extremely sensitive to the effects of alcohol and other drugs, due to having a form of brain disorder. Drake, et al, explains the term dual diagnosis as misleading because people with a dual diagnosis are diverse and tend to have multiple illnesses rather than just two illnesses. Drake discusses how researchers have established some identical finding. First, co-occurrence is common. Second, dual diagnosis is associated with a variety of negative outcomes, including higher rates of relapse, hospitalization, violence, incarceration, homeless and serious infections such as HIV and hepatitis. (Drake R. P., 2001) Third, the mental health and substance abuse treatment system delivers fragmented and ineffective care. RESTATEMENT OF WORKING DIAGNOSIS (Hypothesis): There is evidence that substance abuse can lead to a mental disorder but also a mental disorder can also lead to a substance abuse, it is not known which comes first. Like the saying which comes first the chicken or the egg. It is said that having one of the diagnosis makes you vulnerable to the other. http://t0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:2wcgJmOO5cR8aM:http://deepwarriors.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/chicken-egg.jpg MANAGERIAL/POLICY RECOMMENDATIONS: Why people who are having a mental disorder are so prone to drug abuse raises a lot of questions due to the limited research done on the topic. The research so far is inconsistent and has failed to address a number of issues. There is a need for more research as well as more treatment center that are equipped to deal with dual diagnosis. The patient has two brain diseases that influence one another, and which both need treatment, at the same time. This is when dual diagnosis treatment is need. It is an approach used by clinicians to treat individuals affected by two co-occurring or coexisting conditions simultaneously. Dual diagnosis affects a person physically, mentally, spiritually, emotionally and socially. There is a need for an all-inclusive approach that identifies both disorders, evaluates both disorders, and at the same time treats both disorders. Many treatment centers now only treat one or the other. Substance abuse treatment are not recommended or designed to handle a ment al illness and vice versa. Awareness about the problem needs to be made public, so that people know the signs to look for and how to approach the person about their disorder correctly. Patients also need to be aware of the help that is available to them and support groups like Dual recovery Anonymous. There also needs to be better training for the counselors and physicians so that they will be able to better and accurately diagnosis patients. For recovery to be successful you must treats a clients addiction and mental health problem. http://www.bghealth.org/images/support%20group%20gif.gif Was Che Guevara a Successful Revolutionary? Was Che Guevara a Successful Revolutionary? The principal subject of historical debate surrounding Che Guevara is whether or not he succeeded as a revolutionary. The debate can become quite implausible as some regard him as a folk hero of mythical proportions. There is a sense of irony in that Guevara has become worldwide fascination as a commercial product, although Guevaras motive for the revolutionary uprising was to conquer capitalism. This thesis will argue the ways in which Guevaras legacy has been received and interpreted (listed below), as well as identifying the origins of his profound popularity. Description of Preliminary Research and Research Intentions: Main areas or issues you plan to discuss in your essay The overall focus is the interpretation of Che Guevara and his legacy over time. With this, the main topics of the debate are: The life of Che Guevara was one of controversy and thereby one must place emphasis into questioning the significance he holds in the pantheon of international revolutionary heroes and ideals. Herewith, the historian must evaluate Guevaras success from a political/empiricist perspective. The complete commitment to the revolutionary struggle to create a new man and a just/social order that continues to inspire those who struggle against social injustice. With this, one must investigate how these ideals impact on the post-Guevara population of modern-day society. To do this the historian must evaluate Guevaras success from a social perspective. Guevara has become a popular symbol while his image is too often dissociated from the legend that built it. With this, one must evaluate how and why his image has become a dominant face of contemporary popular culture. In relation to this debate, Guevara has ironically become an important image for money-wielding capitalists. Therefore, the historian must evaluate Guevaras success from a determinist/economic perspective. Project Synopsis The thesis explores specifically whether or not Che Guevara succeeded as a political revolutionary and a powerful icon in contemporary popular culture after his death. Guevaras life provides a significant historical debate as Guevara has often been criticised as a murderer, a hypocrite and a failure. His attempt to unite several Latin-American nations under a communist rule was unsuccessful, although he is often regarded as a hero to many of the inhabitants of these countries. The precise thesis question to be focused on is Evaluate the changing views on Ernesto Che Guevaras success and legacy following his death in 1967 to the present day. This question was developed as an investigation into how and why Guevara obtained an iconic status in society, and whether or not he is regarded as being a success or a failure. Originally, this question focused only on Guevaras failed attempt of uniting Latin-American nations and placed an inquiry into why Guevara became so popular. Through thorough research and academic critique, it was discovered that there were more sophisticated elements to the thesis question. The life of Che Guevara was one of controversy and thereby one must place emphasis into questioning the significance he holds in the pantheon of international revolutionary heroes and ideals. Guevara made a complete commitment to the revolutionary struggle to create a new man and a just/social order that continues to inspire those who struggle against social injustice. Herewith, one must investigate how these ideals impact on the post-Guevara population of modern-day society. Guevara has also become a popular symbol while his image is too often dissociated from the legend that built it. With this, one must evaluate how and why his image has become a dominant face of contemporary popular culture, as well as the face of marketisation. Different historians have produced varying answers to the specific question. In the thesis, the strength of these claims is explored in an attempt to resolve the issue of whether Guevara succeeded or not, but the sources themselves their motivation, influences and perspective are also explored to ensure that the different historical perspectives are not simply described, but evaluated. This focus question is resultantly a mix of history and historiography. Project Essay Ernesto Che Guevara remains a potent iconic presence in society, with his life the subject of new biographies, his visage on T-shirts, and his highly-regarded influence in the political spectrum. The Argentinean-born guerilla leader who helped Fidel Castro seize power in Cuba in 1959 remains one of the few unsullied heroes available to the political left. His thoughts (as evidenced in his book, Guerilla Warfare) on revolutionary strategy, bureaucracy, education, economics, the role of the party, internationalism, attitude to work and democratic centralism have been regarded as the force behind the Latin-American Revolutions. Guevara had an indomitable belief in the worth of education and was self-taught in economics and Marxism. Marxs concept that it is not enough to interpret the world, it must be transformed was at the heart of Guevaras life. Guevara strongly believed that key analytical concepts must be adapted and modified by practice. Guevara felt that the struggle against capitalism and the construction of a new socialist society required a new type of human being who would be willing to make personal sacrifices for the well-being of others. Historian Richard Harris states, His life as a revolutionary was a success as evidenced by the continuing significance he holds in the pantheon of international revolutionary heroes and ideals. The example he set of complete commitment to the revolutionary struggle to create a new man, freed from his alienation, educated and ready to struggle every day for his liberty and a just social/international order continues to inspire those who struggle against social injustice and oppression and seek to create a new social order based on the ideals of socialism. In this context, Che has in death succeeded more than he ever could have imagined. Historian Siles del Valle argues rather convincingly that Guevaras views on the new man motivated him, his comrades and the young Bolivian rev olutionaries who followed in their footsteps a few years later to sacrifice their lives for a new society and a new kind of human being. Many of the adherents of this theology of the new man established close links with popular revolutionary movements throughout the region. In Bolivia, after the failure of Guerillas guerilla movement, and in other countries such as Chile, Brazil and Peru, the most progressive sectors of the church, influenced by the ideals of liberation theology, associated themselves with Marxist and neo-Marxist revolutionary movements. In Bolivia, this tendency resulted in the participation of certain younger members of the Christian Democratic Party in a revolutionary guerilla movement that attempted to establish a base of operations in 1970 around the mining town of Teoponte, north of the capital of La Paz. Although the idea of guerilla warfare was no longer accepted as a viable form of resistance to the military regime at the time, important elements within the Bolivian people began to idealize and even venerate the guerillas. Historian Siles de Valle illustrates the importance of how Guevaras death, his concept of the new man, the ideals of liberation theology, and the political movements inspired by Guevaras example have influenced Bolivian popular literature and politics right up to the present. This influence is evident in that the first indigenous president of Bolivia, Evo Morales, is said to be re-launching Guevaras project of a peasants revolution in the country. Morales stated that he admires Guevara because, he fought for equality and for justice. He did not just care for ordinary people; he made their struggle his own. The Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Western Hemisphere affairs, Roger Pardo-Maurer IV, states, You have a revolution going on in Bolivia, a revolution that potentially could have consequences as far-reaching as the Cuban revolution of 1959. What is going on in Bolivia today could have repercussions in Latin America and elsewhere that you could be dealing with for the rest of your lives. Che Guevara sought to ignite a war based on igniting a peasant revolutionà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ This project is back. Herewith, Evo Morales could become the countrys first authentically politically leftist president. In contrast, Historian Jay Mallin provides the argument that Guevaras influence was ineffective in Bolivia. He states that, charisma is never enough when it comes to leftist movements. The fate of Che Guevara, who failed to foment a Latin American revolution and left no coherent societal model behind for his followers, should have taught us that already. Mallin also believes that Guevara had no purpose to be in Bolivia. Mallin affirms that, the peasants displayed little or no interest in aiding him [Guevara]. During the 1950s, Bolivia had undertaken agrarian reform, and most of the peasants now owned their own land. A high-ranking Bolivian official commented: What could Che offer them? Cabinet posts? Mallins comment indicates that although Guevara was attempting to eradicate the alienation of the individuals on behalf of the population, the peasant majority perceived him as worthless as they had already been benefiting from the capitalists agrarian reform schemes. Mallin considers Guevara to be a failure due to the fact that he was a leading theoretician and advocate of guerilla warfare, but he failed in an attempt to apply his own doctrines. Since Castro came to power in 1959, he and Guevara had launched or encouraged more than a dozen guerilla operations throughout Latin America. Not one of these has succeeded in overthrowing a government; several have been wiped out completely; and some still splutter along. Although much criticism of Guevara and his legacy emanates from the political center and right, there has also been criticism from other political groups such as anarchists and civil libertarians, Bolivian officials and right-wing conservatives, some of whom considered Guevara an authoritarian, anti-working-class Stalinist, whose goal was the creation of a more bureaucratic state-Stalinist regime. Mallins irrefutable argument is that Guevara was a man of considerable capabilities, but he chose to employ these talents in pursuit of violence as a means to a political end. A doctor by profession, Guevara chose not to serve humanity selflessly, but rather to serve communism selflessly. And this indeed he did, relinquishing power and position in order to begin, literally, from scratch once again, to risk his life a new time in obedience to his tortured ideas. Therefore, Guevara can be considered a failure when evaluating his legacy within a political context. Although his attempt at unifying the Latin American nations provided him with an iconic status, the contemporary effort by politicians to follow in Guevaras footsteps has been deemed unsuccessful (except for Cuba as it still survives and was a critical reason for the Bay of Pigs Invasion in 1961), especially with the Bolivian president Evo Morales, who has little hope of fulfilling the expectations of his followers. Called the most complete human being of our age by the French philosopher Jean-Paul Sartre, Guevaras supporters believe he may yet prove to be the most important thinker and activist in Latin America since Simon Bolivar. The most important factor of Guevaras legacy after his death was his status as a popular icon, symbolizing revolution and left-wing political ideals among youngsters in Western and Middle Eastern Cultures. A dramatic photograph of Guevara taken by photographer Alberto Korda soon became one of the centurys most recognizable images, and the portrait was simplified and reproduced on a vast array of merchandise, such as T-shirts, posters, coffee mugs and baseball caps. When Guevara died, millions mourned his passing. Poets and philosophers wrote impassioned eulogies to him, musicians composed tributes, and painters rendered his portrait in a myriad of heroic poses. Marxist guerillas in Asia, Africa and Latin America anxious to revolutionize their societies held his banner aloft as they went into battle. And, as the youth in the United States and Western Europe rose up against the established order over the Vietnam War, racial prejudice, and social orthodoxy, Guevaras defiant visage became the ultimate icon of their fervent protest on influencing government policies. Guevaras body might have vanished, but his spirit has lived on; Guevara was nowhere and everywhere at once. As Jorge Castaneda so aptly states in his evaluation of Guevara, Many of us today owe the few attractive and redeeming features of our daily existence to the sixties, and Che Guevara personifies the era, if not the traits, better than anyone. Latin-American Historians Castaneda, Anderson and Taibo examine the extent to which Guevara was committed to both fomenting socialist revolution on a truly international scale and personally putting into practice his thesis that it was possible for a small but committed guerrilla fighting force to ignite a full-scale popular revolution in Latin-American nations saddled by oppressive regimes and U.S. imperialism. His commitment to these beliefs was shared by most of his closest friends and comrades as well as many admirers and sympathizers around the world. Guevara exemplified the principles of individual sacrifice, honesty, dedication to cause, and personal conviction in his beliefs. In fact, the example he created by the way he lived his life and met his death has transcended time and ideology to nurture and inspire new generations of fighters and dreamers. Guevaras defiant visage, as Anderson believes, has become the ultimate icon of revolutionary spirit and commitment in the late twentieth century. Guevara was truly a man who died for his beliefs, and because of his almost mythical self-sacrifice for his revolutionary ideals he has been the single most important figure of veneration for revolutionaries and guerilla fighters around the world. Historian Castaneda links Guevaras legacy to what he sees as the legacy of the international youth revolt that took place in the 1960s: à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦This is the lasting legacy of that decade. It is also what made Guevara the perfect fit, the supreme emblem of that cultural revolt a man whose politics were conventional but whose attitude toward power and politics attained epic and unique dimensionsà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ This component of Guevaras legacy can be evidenced through the increased involvement of the New Left youth revolts during the 1960s. The New Left sought to modify, rather than overthrow capitalism. It sought to make capitalism more inclusive and better share the massive wealth the United States enjoyed in the postwar period making the New Left relevant as this was a constituent of Guevaras ideologies. Castaneda supports his argument by stating that Che can be foundà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦in the niches reserved for cultural icons, for symbols of social uprisings that filter down de ep into the soil of society, but while there is truth in this assertion it is also clear that Guevaras legacy is greater than this. Bolivian literature, as exemplified by Harris, is testimony to the influence on Bolivian society of Ches guerilla mission and death. Though he is seen by many as a hero, opponents of Guevara, including Cuban exiles, think of him as a killer and terrorist. They point to what they see as the less savoury aspects of Guevaras life, taking the viewpoint that he was enthusiastic about executing opponents of the Cuban Revolution. Some of Guevaras writing is cited as evidence of this tendency, as quoted in an article by Alvaro Vargas Llosa. In his Message to the Tricontinental, Llosa writes of hatred as an element of struggle; unbending hatred for the enemy, which pushes a human being beyond his natural limitations, making him into an effective, violent, selective, and cold-blooded killing machine. Critics in the United States assert that Che Guevara was responsible for the torture and execution of hundreds of people in Cuban prisons, and the murder of many more peasants in the regions controlled or visited by his guerilla forces. Contrary to Guevara supporters, these critics also argue that Guevara was a blundering tactician with no recorded combat victories. While supporters point to the Battle of Santa Clara as a major victory of Guevara, historian Alvaro Vargas Llosa writes, his greatest military achievement in the fight against Batista taking the city of Santa Clara after ambushing a train with heavy reinforcements is seriously disputed. Numerous testimonies indicate that the commander of the train surrendered in advance, perhaps after taking bribes. They believe that Guevara murdered individuals on dubious grounds and took their property, seized private manors for himself, and distributed property among communist bureaucrats rather than the peasants. The critics also st ate that he helped institute forced labour camps when communist volunteerism had failed. Herewith, his social legacy has proven to be notorious as early followers of Guevara have had to transcend hate in order to be attain freedom. A corresponding element of Guevaras legacy is his success and veneration within an economic context. Guevara believed that the revolutionary regime needed to promote the development among Cubas working class of a new communist consciousness based on moral rather than material incentives. He also believed strongly that the regime needed to adopt a centralised budgetary system for the equitable allocation of resources between different sectors of the economy in order to build socialism in Cubas corrupt and underdeveloped economy. He was vehemently opposed to what has today become the market strategy in the remaining few socialist countries marketisation, material incentives, and enterprise financial self-management. Anderson believes that Guevaras image is lionised by commercial profiteers around the world. Entrepreneurs have used and abused Guevaras visage in a variety of ways including ice-cream flavours, revolutionary tacos and is even the public face of Cuba in relation to tourism . Although Guevaras Marxist and economic ideologies were systematic and meticulous, he failed at managing the Cuban economy, as he oversaw the near-collapse of sugar production, the failure of industrialisation, and the introduction of rationing. In a broader sense, some critics, such as Che-Mart (author unknown), have merchandised their dislike of Guevara by marketing burlesque T-shirts at both Guevara and his supporters, casting aspersions, for example, on what they perceive as an irony. The irony can be evidenced in that Guevara was a motivated communist who lived the last years of his life as a revolutionary figure, in order to abolish American capitalism throughout Latin America, but is now one of capitalisms hottest selling images. The creator of Che-mart.com has written, Che has marketed his brand name brilliantly over the years, selling to specific niche in the market: young people who have no clue what Che has done or what he stands for. The cash continues to flow as most coll ege dorms world-wide are being adorned with his face. This comment eradicates Guevaras initial purpose and ideals of a world free of capitalism. Herewith, Guevaras legacy in an economic context is an ironic one, as what he fought against for so many years has allowed market oligopolies to take advantage and use his well-known visage to achieve what entrepreneurs love most: large profit margins from effective market capitalism. The complex facets of Che Guevaras revolutionary movement have created a mixture of interpretations through the passage of time, causing a distortion in the Guevara legend. He is singled out from other revolutionaries by many young people in the West because he rejected a comfortable bourgeois background to fight for those who were deprived of political power and economic stability. However, as evidenced in the thesis, Guevara was unsuccessful in his fight against peasant exploitation and Western capitalism. It is for this reason that Guevaras legacy is considered as rather disproportionate and can be regarded as a failure, when evaluating his political and economic success as a revolutionary. Paradoxically, Guevara can be considered a success as he has become a popular symbol while his image is too often dissociated from the philosophy that built it. It is the vulnerability of Guevaras spirit that makes him a contemporary hero although he might have failed as a revolutionary, he ha s somehow retained a powerful hold on the popular imagination, seeming to transcend time and place; his legacy continues to influence not only those who were inspired by him then but also those who are discovering him today.

A Comparison of Classical Management Theorists and Contingency Theorist

A Comparison of Classical Management Theorists and Contingency Theorists The management field is characterised by a wide variety of theories, schools and directions. This essay examines the classical and contingency schools of thought -- the approaches to organization that have had the greatest impact on management today. Firstly the essay delineates and criticises the important theories propounded by classical writers. The essay continues with an account of the contingency school, and finally evaluates its impacts on managerial thought. Up until about the late 1950s academic writing about organisational structure was dominated by the classical management school. This held that there was a single organisational structure that was effective in all organisations. (Clegg & Handy, 1999). According to Holt (1999), the classical school is characterised by ?being highly structured, with emphasis on the formal organisation with clearly defined functions and detailed rules, autocratic leadership, a rigid chain of command and control by superiors? (Holt, 1999, p.137). The three greatest proponents of classical theory were Taylor, Fayol, and Weber. Each identifies detailed principles and methods through which this kind of organisation could be achieved. Taylor (1947) developed a systematic approach to called ?Scientific Management?, which focused on efficient production. Through the study of task movements, or ?time and motion studies? as it was known, he recognized matching the correct worker to the task was crucial to increasing work efficiency. Under this so-called Taylorism, emphasis is placed on power confered to those in control. According to Morgan (1997), this approach to work design is found in traditional forms of assembly-line manufacturing and in production processes. Another major sub-field within the classical perspective is ?Administrative Management,? set forth by Fayol (1949). While Scientific Management took a micro approach, Fayol saw the macro concepts, a body of knowledge which emphasised broad administrative principles applicable to large organizations. In Fayol?s account, management is conceptualised as consisting of five elements, namely planning, organizing, command, co-ordination, and control. He also developed 14 principles of management or organisation, the best-known being division of work, unit... ...ure. Academy of Management Journal, 25 (3), 553-566. Luthans, F. (1973). The Contingency Theory of Management: A path out of the jungle. Business Horizons, 6, 67-72 Meyer, M.W. (1972). Size and the structure of organizations: A causal analysis, American Sociological Review, 37, 434-441. Pugh, D., Hickson, D., Hinings, R. & Turner, C. (1969). The context of organization structures. Administrative Science Quarterly 14:91-114. Pugh, D. & Hickson, D. (1996). Writers on organisations. London: Penguin. Robbins, S. & Barnwell, N. (2002). Organisation Theory: Concepts and cases. Victoria, Australia: Pentice Hall. Taylor, F.W. (1947). Scientific Management, Harper & Row. Watz, T. (1996). Technology rules OK? A review of technological determinism and contingency theory. Creativity and Innovation Management, 5(1) 13-21. Weber, M. (1947). The Theory of Social and Economic Organization. A.H. Henderson and Talcott Parsons (eds.). Glencoe, IL: Free Press. Woodward, J. (1980). Industrial Organization: Theory and Practice, second edition. New York: Oxford University Press --------------------------------------------------------------------- [1] Pugh et al.

Free Glass Menagerie Essays: Realism :: Glass Menagerie essays

The Realistic Feel of The Glass Menagerie Tom Williams in the play The Glass Menagerie writes about a time when his family struggles.   Many people can relate their problems one way or another with Williams.   Though the play had a very realistic feel to it, many people enjoy fairytale endings. The play is very well written, but I would change the ending.  Ã‚   The ending was depressing.  Ã‚   The whole family worked so hard on preparing for the gentleman caller.   Amanda, Tom's mother completely redecorated their home and picked out beautiful clothes for Laura and herself.   The whole play led up to this moment, of Laura meeting a nice gentleman caller.   Conveniently it was the boy she had a crush on all through high school.  Ã‚   Whom, she always fantasized about being with.   At first it seemed he was interested in her also.   They should have had him and Laura become romantically involved.   Eventually get married and have kids.   This would have been a much happier ending.   Not only would Laura be happy, but Amanda and Tom would be too.   Amanda would finally not have to worry about her daughter anymore, because she would be taken care of.   Tom would be happy because he too, would no longer have to worry about his sister.   This is more l ike a fairy tale ending, but it would have been much more interesting and inspiring if Laura did become married to the gentlemen caller.   Laura had such a rough time with her life, this would have given her hope that she never had. The entire play is a family struggling which can be compared to many of our own lives.   The play isn't fantasy like at all.   It is realistic, and that's what is good about it.   Tom was struggling to taking care of his mother and sister, which can be compared, to the way families live today.   Laura is disabled and very insecure of it.   Amanda is just like any mother, she tries hard to help her children have a secure future.   Another hardship for Tom and his family is that their father is no longer in the picture.   He abandoned the children at a very young age.   These examples can be compared to our own lives.   Instead of the play being about people with no problems, it's about "real people."   Everyone has problems and struggles, maybe not exactly as Tom's family does, but we can relate with similar problems.

Steppenwolf : The Disintegration of Harry Haller as it Relates to Music

Steppenwolf : The Disintegration of Harry Haller as it Relates to Music      Ã‚  Ã‚   Among the many themes present in Hermann Hesse's 1927 novel Steppenwolf, two stand out as basic threads around which the story is constructed: the isolated nature of the artist and the duality of existence (Benà ©t 471). Harry Haller, the protagonist of the novel, is portrayed as an outsider to society and to modern life; he must struggle with his own outmoded ideals and bestiality to embrace humanity and reality. His Zerrissenheit, or disintegration (literally translated, "the state of being torn apart" [Benà ©t 1142]), culminates in the Magic Theater at the finish of the novel. Here, he finds himself a changed man, with a clearer understanding of human and social relations. Harry Haller's progress to this point can be traced through his changing perception of music and the role it plays in his life: as he becomes increasingly disenchanted with his former lifestyle and actively interested in his new one, his understanding and acceptance of new and old music undergoes a significant change.    The preface to the novel establishes Harry Haller as a great lover of music. In it, Haller's landlord remarks on his habits and characteristics. One of the most striking encounters he has with Haller takes place at a symphony one night:    First some Handel was played, noble and lovely music. But the Steppenwolf sat absorbed in his own thoughts...After the Handel came a little symphony of Friedemann Bach, and I saw with surprise how after a few bars my stranger began to smile and abandon himself to the music...for about ten minutes [he was] so happily lost and rapt in pleasant dreams... ... the seriousness and spirituality of the piece.    Haller's Zerrissenheit culminates in an understanding that humor, love of life and passion with a sense of restraint are essential to spiritual health. To live comfortably and yet fully need not be an unattainable standard of life. One may be original without pretense, whole with many parts; it is certainly possible to understand the holy pain of a long, complex movement and yet still take pleasure in the fast step of a fox trot.    Works Cited   Benà ©t, William Rose. "Hermann Hesse." Benà ©t's Reader's Encyclopedia. 4th ed. New York: HarperCollins Publishers, Inc., 1996.   Benà ©t, William Rose. "Zerrissenheit." Benà ©t's Reader's Encyclopedia. 4th ed. New York: HarperCollins Publishers, Inc., 1996.   Hesse, Hermann. Steppenwolf. New York: Henry Holt and Company, 1927.   

Partnership working in services for children and young people Essay

1.1 Explain why working in partnership with others is important for children and young people. Agencies working with one another in partnership is important as it enables information and concerns to be shared, this helps with the overall development of the child. It can be used to keep a child safe from harm,(every child matters Victoria Climbie no agencies involved in her care shared information which resulted in her tragic death).It can identify if a child has any special needs the child can then get support and help. It promotes a good relationship with parents/carers and helps them to feel more confident with the setting and its staff. It also help colleagues share information and observations leading to a greater understanding of child and their development which helps the child receive consistent level of care. Overall working in partnership ofers positive, improved outcomes for children and their families. 1.2 Identify who relevant partners would be in own work setting. Parents ,social services, carers, senco, speech therapist, ofsted, gp ,health visitor, physiotherapist, nursery, colleagues, psychologist, paediatrician and police. 1.3Define the characteristics of effective partnership working. For a partnership between a number of organisations’ to be effective characteristics such as good communication, trust and respect and confidentiality maintained at all times .All partners should have a clear aim that is agreed to ensure the needs of the child are meet. Parents and children should be treated fairly and with respect so that trust can be maintained. 1.4 Identify barriers to partnership working. There are many potential barriers, these can be inconsistency between  professionals. An information barrier, language barrier, incorrect information given, incorrect knowledge, personnel barrier, misunderstanding, poor communication, cultural and or religious attitudes to disability .A parents own education, previous experience, individual practitioners lack of knowledge of other professions, poor staff morale and poor morale from partners. Poor understanding of the aims of partnership and a lack of attention to the development skills of individuals. The wrong or insufficient partners involved and continual shifting of organisational structures and not planning in advance when things go wrong. 2.1 Describe why clear and effective communication between partners is required. Clear effective communication is not only required, it is necessary to achieve the best outcome for all those involved. The key principles of partnership are openness, honesty and agreed shared objectives. All documents should be clear and concise, well written and dated. Any face to face meetings should have minutes taken, an agenda and a plan of action agreed that is sanctioned by all those involved ,all telephone conversations should be recorded ie written in dairy, date, time and with whom and what was discussed. This should then be confirmed by email outlining the conversation. If a breakdown between all partners involved in the Childs care, there may be an emotional, physical or intellectual impact on the Childs development. Identify polices and procedures in the work setting for information sharing. All policies regarding information in the setting are based on the Uks government guidance, these are European convention on human rights. Human rights act. Common law duty of confidentiality. Data protection act 1988 Every child matters. Children’s act 2004. Working together to safeguard children 2006 Information sharing guidance Safe guarding vulnerable groups act 2006 The children’s plan 2007. Criminal records bureau guidance. I have included several polices all of which make sure that the staff know they have a professional responsibility to share information with other agencies in order to safe guard children. The manger will disclose any information on a need to know bias only. All staff aim to ensure that parents and carers can share information with confidence and it will be used to enhance the welfare of their child. All development records are confidential and only staff and parents have access unless it deemed necessary to share with partners, personnel records and welfare requirements are also confidential. Each child has a key member of staff ie a named person who is the parents main contact with development and safe guarding issues. We also have clear polices about sharing information and confidentiality, which describe the principles and boundaries of confidentiality and when to share information . 2.3 Explain where there may be conflicts or dilemmas in relation to sharing information with partners and maintaining confidentiality. If you believe or have concerns that a child in your care may be suffering or may be at risk of significant harm, you may be unsure weather your concern constitutes a reasonable cause to believe that this is happening. In a situation like this your concern should not be ignored and you should approach your manger. You should not discuss the matter with anyone who does not need to know and protect the identity of the child and family involved. If you do have concerns it is not advisable to discuss the matter with the family until appropriate partners have been informed and agreed plain of action has been agreed. Sometimes a person may not specifically ask a member to keep information that they have given about themselves or another individual confidential and would of course assume that this is implied, the person may then share this information with others, who are not part of the setting partnership. Sadly there may be a child in your setting, who is believed to have a physical or learning disability. Sometimes a parent may find it hard to cope  and would rather with the not acknowledge the situation and refuse to co operate with the setting. .4 Describe why it is important to record information clearly accurately, legibly and concisely meeting legal requirements. All information must be clear ,accurate and legible. The data protection act states that you should take reasonable steps to ensure the accuracy of any personnel data you obtain. Ensure that the source of any personnel data is clear. Carefully consider any challenges to the accuracy of information, and consider weather it is necessary to update the information. All information must be correct ,not used for any reason other than the reason it has been collected unless permission has been given. Not usually passed on without permission. Not to be kept for longer than necessary and to be secure. Under the data protection act parents can ask to see information that is held about their children and correct it if necessary and to know how the information is being used. 2.5 Identify how communication and records are recorded and securely stored meeting data protection requirements. We hold written records the purpose of which are to comply with legislative requirements. These demonstrate that statutory and policy have been meet .As tool to provide evidence of work that has been undertaken. That demonstrate accountability in decision making , and to give an account of the children’s history, significant issues and involvement in the setting. Help us analyse and make assessments to help see if goals and aims have been achieved. To provide a reference and a reminder to key worker communicate information to co workers and partners. Show how decisions have been made and in what order. Provide information for responding to complaints. We keep personal details such as name address contact numbers medical details including medical contact numbers. All files are kept in a locked cabinet in the management office, which if left unmanned by management is locked, and locked at all other times only management have access to the keys, so there is no way that anyone can have access unless they first ask management. Only when managements permission has been given, can a person have access to records however they must first sigh and date they have been allowed access and this will need to be counter sighed by a manger. No records are to leave  the building. Only safe guarding officers are able to do this and this applies when there is a need to share information with our partners. Any use regarding safeguarding issues is at the discretion of management. No one is allowed in to be alone in the building other than staff, and no one is allowed alone in the office alone other than management .No pictures of the children are stored on the computer, which are taken for the purpose of their file are printed placed in profile and locked in cabinet. The photos are then deleted from the computer and camera right away.