LinkedIn: Using Social Networking to Get Jobs Essay

LinkedIn is a social networking enterprise geared for professional networking. It differs from Facebook and MySpace in that it focuses on building networks to advance one’s career and demonstrating expertise. LinkedIn (as of March 2009) has around 36 million registered users representing 150 different industries in 200 countries. LinkedIn is all about connections: Those that know you directly (first-degree connections) and the people that each of those connection know (second-degree connections) plus the people that each of the second-degree connections know (third-degree connections), and so forth. So how do you build your network? Think about your friends, your parents friends and colleagues you’re acquainted with, your teachers, religious leaders, adult 4H or scouting contacts, neighbors, etc. Begin to gather e-mail addresses for these first-degree connections and invite them to join your network. If they are not currently on LinkedIn, invite them to put up a profile and then join your network. If you have 25 first-degree connections, each of which has an average of 25 first-degree connections, each of which have another 25 first-degree connections, you will end up with a way to connect with over 15,000 people in no time at all! LinkedIn is all about professionalism. You can’t contact someone unless you know them. People you invite to join your network can opt out if they feel they don’t know you. What you contribute to your profile and LinkedIn services (such as Answers) is expected to be related to careers and business-related interests. Use the information below (and at the recommended links given) to get started. Creating a LinkedIn Profile 1. The first thing you will need to do is to join LinkedIn, which is not only free, but offers complete security for your personal contact details. All messages are routed to you via LinkedIn; those contacting you never know  your direct e-mail unless you give it to them. To join LinkedIn, visit: https://www.linkedin.com/secure/register. 2. Next, start developing your own profile by first reading the material posted on LinkedIn’s New User Guide (http://learn.linkedin.com/new-users/), which covers these topics: Own a profile that truly represents you. Ensure your connections represent your â€Å"real-world† network. Leverage the power of your LinkedIn network! 3. Check out an extreme makeover of one person’s LinkedIn profile: see the â€Å"before† with critique at http://blog.guykawasaki.com/2007/01/linkedin_profil.html; view the â€Å"makeover† at: http://www.linkedin.com/in/guykawasaki. Searching on LinkedIn LinkedIn allows you to search profiles for diverse information and contacts. You can search for people, references of job applicants, and answers to questions on a wide variety of topics. For a complete â€Å"how-to† of LinkedIn’s search functions and advanced search tips, visit: http://learn.linkedin.com/linkedin-search/. Adhering to LinkedIn Etiquette Like all social networking activities, posting information on LinkedIn should be done with care and consideration. Remember, whatever you post online can be viewed by anyone. If there’s something you don’t want a client, family member, or employee reading, DON’T POST IT. Keep in mind the following when using LinkedIn: 1. Don’t invite someone to join your network unless you know them and they know you. 2. Don’t accept an invitation to join another person’s network unless you know them. Look at their profile if you’re unsure and see if the information gives you a clue as to how and where you met them. 3. Don’t post your e-mail address under your name on your profile. That way, you will only connect with people you know — a more secure and credible approach to using social networking. 4. Don’t apologize for inviting someone to join your network or asking for a recommendation. If you’ve carefully selected the recipient of your request, there will be no problem. Remember, everyone on LinkedIn is there to build a professional network; they understand the importance of connecting and recommending. 5. Remind people you contact how they know you. Make it easy for them to want to connect with you. 6. Try to keep your communication informal, yet professional — kind of like the conversation at a charity event with colleagues and casual friends from your community. Your knowledge and your personality are both important to convey. 7. Post only pictures on your profile that make you look professional. 8. Be very honest in your bio: your profile could be viewed by anyone and everyone. Making yourself look more qualified than you are will never work with a public profile. 9. Although it is nice to have people recommend you on LinkedIn, be sure to offer to do the same for others. If you say nice things about others, others will likely do the same for you. 10. Make sure everything you post on LinkedIn is correct in terms of grammar, punctuation, and spelling. Nothing makes a bad impression like typos and poor usage. Ask someone proficient in writing to edit your profile. When  answering or asking questions in LinkedIn Answers, first compose what you want to say in a Word document (and check spelling/grammar), and then copy and paste the text into the appropriate space on LinkedIn. Using LinkedIn Groups â€Å"LinkedIn for Groups† offers users the ability to set up a particular professional interest group (typically under a parent organization, such as an alumni group or professional organization). Then, interested members can join the group by either being invited to join or by asking for approval to do so from someone already involved. LinkedIn works to ensure that all groups are officially sanctioned by their parent organizations, including having permission to use the name/logo of the group and having relevant people involved. There are likely some 37,000 â€Å"groups† that have been set up by LinkedIn users, with some 500 of them listed in the site’s directory (www.linkedin.com/groups). Besides boosting your credibility and giving you a new avenue for seeking advice, others in the groups you join form a special sort of connection. You won’t have access to their extended networks for introductions, but you will automatically be considered a direct connection to each group’s members so that you can see their full profiles and they can appear in your search results. By joining just a few groups, you can add tens of thousands of people to your network without having to do so one at a time (and without having to be introduced one contact at a time). For more information, read the blog article at: http://blog.linkedin.com/2008/08/28/post-3-2/. The benefits of using LinkedIn Answers are many. You can increase your knowledge on any number of topics. You can offer answers to questions where you have good information to share. If your answer is rated the best by the person who posed the question, that ranking (called an expertise point) will show up in your profile and attract more people to learn about what expertise you have to offer. Learn more about using LinkedIn Answers at http://www.linkedin.com/static?key=answers_info&goback=.ahp. Getting Recommendations Having someone post a recommendation for your skills and work experience (whether they are clients, community organization leaders, or past employers) can really improve your profile. To ask for a recommendation, go  to your profile and click on the â€Å"Recommendations† tab on the left. Follow the directions to request a recommendation from someone in your network, and think carefully about the message you send that person regarding the recommendation you’re asking for. Be sure to: Pick someone who knows you well and can recommend you for specific work you have done. Give the person you are contacting some idea of what you want them to recommend you for (e.g., ask for one or two key skills you demonstrated on a recent project). If appropriate, offer to reciprocate with a recommendation of your own; for clients and employers alike, being recommended for one’s leadership and management skills is always a plus. Prefer quality over quantity: try to get those who recommend you to be brief. Be brief yourself when recommending someone. For more guidance, review this blog article on LinkedIn Recommendation Samples: http://www.aside.in/blog/networking/2006/10/02/linkedin-recommendation-examples/.

Graffiti and vandalism acts in our community Essay

Introduction Graffiti and vandalism are a major blight on communities. Vandalism can lead to important services, such as public telephones, being damaged so that they don’t work, or removed, for example bus shelters, to protect from further harm. Vandalism can make the environment untidy, and graffiti can be offensive. All of these things contribute to an air of decline, and can lead to people fearing crime more. Acts of vandalism can include breaking windows, smashing up payphones, and graffiti. Many incidents of vandalism and graffiti are not reported. This is often because it is against private property and the victims do not consider it serious enough to tell the police, or think that the police won’t be able to do anything about it, or find the culprit. Sometimes, the people who own the property (for example, the gas board) are based a long way away, and never see the damage to complain about it. Vandalism and graffiti are a criminal offence under the Criminal Damage Act 1971. The penalty for vandalism and graffiti is a maximum fine of 500 and/ or 3 months in prison if the value of damage is less than 000. The court can also make a compensation order. Possessing equipment with intent to cause damage is also an offence, and, if intent can be proven to the court, spray paint would be included as such equipment. Types of graffiti There are many different types of graffiti: Tagging: this is perhaps the most frequent type of graffiti. People have their own signs, or ‘tags’, which identify them. These are put in as many places as possible to show that the writer has been there, to mark out their territory. ‘Pieces’ are the larger pictures, more traditionally associated with graffiti. These can have some artistic merit in the correct context. Glass etching: sometimes also called ‘Dutch graffiti’. This is where people scratch into glass, for example on a bus or train, with a sharp implement like a stone or bottle top. Writing slogans: these are often just sprayed onto large walls, and are often designed to be offensive. They may be racist, sexist or homophobic. Other slogans may be political. Who vandalises or graffitis? Young people are associated with a great many incidents of vandalism and graffiti. The scribbling of names and more simple ‘tags’ are known to come from children and young people. Many use felt-tips, or other commonly available materials. Other people are also involved – telephone boxes may be vandalised by people trying to get money out of them; political activists may write their slogans on blank walls or conventional artists may use graffiti in their art. Why do people do it? Here are some of the reasons why people graffiti: Offenders gain pleasure from finishing a piece of graffiti without getting caught and then afterwards from the permanence of their work. The problem grows as other vandals follow and what started as a single ‘tag’ ends up as a wall covered in graffiti. Young people’s eagerness to mark their territory. This can take on a more sinister form when gangs use it to stake out a claim to an area or to intimidate the local community and potential rivals. It can be because people see nothing better to do, or they want to be daring. Peer pressure can lead to people, especially younger people, doing things they would not normally do. This is made worse by the use of graffiti in youth culture, for example in advertising and music. Spaces are built with little consideration for design, so that large blank walls become enormous ‘canvases’. Problems caused by vandalism and graffiti The problems of vandalism and graffiti go much further than the obvious costs of repairs and cleaning. It causes fear of crime and a sense of insecurity. There is evidence that people’s fear of crime is influenced by their impression of public spaces which are dingy and run down because of vandalism, litter and graffiti. Graffiti can make people feel threatened and vulnerable, particularly if it is racist, sexist or homophobic. The ‘Broken Windows Theory’, developed in America, suggests that if a broken window is not repaired, other windows will soon be broken in response to the message that no one cares. It is argued that more broken windows or greater vandalism will influence the way people perceive crime in the area and will assume that other crime is also on the increase. What can I do about it? Investment to tackle graffiti and vandalism has to be long-term. If it is cut back when the problem starts to improve, the problem will come back. What can we do about vandalism? As with graffiti, repairing the damage as soon as it is done can deter vandals from causing further damage. When the vandalism is to property, securing empty houses with metal screens over the doors and windows can be effective, but this does advertise the fact that the house is empty and can encourage vandals. It also adds to the  air of disrepair in an area, and makes people feel less safe. Video recordings of incidents can be used to alert parents and can be used as evidence in court. What can we do about graffiti? Research shows that the best way to deal with graffiti and stop it coming back is to clear it up immediately. However, there are a great many websites for displaying photos of graffiti so the perpetrators may not be that worried about their graffiti being removed, as they get recognition this way. Cleaning up graffiti is something your community could get involved in. Tenants’ and residents’ groups often have volunteer ‘graffiti squads’. If yours doesn’t, why not suggest it at the next meeting? Some councils offer free paint to people who want to paint over graffiti in their neighbourhood. You could suggest your council does this. Another idea is providing a legal site where people are allowed to graffiti. There are mixed views on such graffiti walls or zones. There is some evidence that they bring their own problems, as graffiti tends to spread out to surrounding walls. Also, it is unlikely to stop users doing illegal graffiti elsewhere. Young people are attracted to legal graffiti zones because they don’t have to rush and don’t have to constantly be afraid of being caught. They have time to produce a good piece of work. However, most young people prefer to tag whereas the owners of the wall or site usually prefer pictures. Another problem is young people graffiti-ing on their way to or from the legal graffiti site. One project got round this by providing all the paint on site. Innovative designs of walls, with more windows or unusual materials may help, as it reduces the amount of ‘blank canvas’ available. Even better is to have railings instead of walls where possible, as this not only limits the possibility of graffiti, but also increases natural surveillance, making people feel safer. Where large walls are inevitable, for example around an industrial site, using murals to decorate the walls may stop people putting their own ‘pictures’ there. If public art is not a possibility, using vegetation, for example ivies and creepers, can help with stopping people graffiti. It also makes the area look more attractive. Other ways to limit graffiti and vandalism in your neighbourhood include: Educating young people about the impact which graffiti and vandalism have on the wider community (e.g. making people feel unsafe, costing millions of pounds a year to fix and clean up) Young people are often unaware of the cost of cleaning up graffiti or repairing criminal damage. They need to know that it is unacceptable and is taken seriously. Helping find other things for young people to do [link to yp section] What can schools and youth services do? Schools or youth groups can ‘adopt’ badly vandalised areas, such as subways or playgrounds, keeping them clean and well looked-after. These schemes work best where young people can get involved in the design or creation of the area themselves, for example by creating a mural or planting trees. The same approach has been used successfully by targeting groups of young people who are thought to be responsible for some of the damage. Detached youth workers can make contact with the young people and establish what they would like to do instead. A practical construction project often appeals. There are many examples of successful projects where young people have taken pride in what they have created and ensured that it stays vandal-free. What can others do to help? Agencies owning buildings or utilities which are prone to vandalism can assess the location and design of these to see if vandalism can be reduced. Measures might include: Demolishing unused buildings, or finding a temporary use for them (such as a youth centre). Relocating services, e.g. phone boxes and bus stops, so that they are closer to other facilities where they may be less prone to vandalism. Better damage-reporting procedures and quicker repair. Target-hardening, e.g. better lighting, toughened glass, graffiti-resistant paint. Authorising graffiti in some areas, e.g. graffiti walls. Probation service community service schemes may be able to help with repairs and graffiti removal. Under the Crime & Disorder Act, the court can require offenders to repair damage done by imposing a Reparation Order.

Sentence Outline

The Sentence Outline Topic: Lifestyle Diseases Narrowed Topic:Obesity: The Global Epidemic Purpose:To inform the general public about the dangers associated with obesity Thesis:The increasing prevalence lifestyle diseases such as obesity is a major world health concern, since it affects the physical, mental and economic well-being of those affected. 1. Though obesity is not a typical addiction, its effects on physical health are just as serve as those of alcoholism. A. Obesity is a leading preventable cause of death worldwide. (Barness et al, 2007) B.Obesity increases the risk of many chronic conditions such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes and certain types of cancer. C. Research shows that a person who is 40 percent overweight is twice as prone to die early compared to a person who has average weight. 2. The mental health effects of obesity can be as damaging to your health as the physical effects, according to recent obesity research. A. Mental health struggles caused by being ov erweight include social discrimination low self-esteem, and even suicide. (Pawlik-Kienlen, 2007) B.Obesity may induce feelings of anxiety and depression. C. Obese individuals may develop anti-social behaviour. 3. Obesity is not only a health concern but also an economic phenomenon A. Employers may not want to hire obese people due to higher expected healthcare costs if the employers provide health insurance for their employees. B. The economic effects of obesity may be direct or indirect. C. Estimated medical costs connected to obesity and smoking each account for about 9. 1% of all health expenditures in the United States (Finkelstein, Fiebelkorn, & Wang, 2003).

Public Sector Finance & Control Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Public Sector Finance & Control - Assignment Example The council had declares a policy that was to restrict the ‘Council Tax Band D’ charge to 5% above the 2011/12, increasing the charge from 155 to 162.75, consequently, the general revenue being 45, 768, 880. An increase of the charge from the 2011/12 level by 8.2% could be sufficient enough to cover the 53,469,500 general expenditures. Alternatively, certain expenditures can be reduced from the books of accounts so that revenue generated from taxes match the expenditures. Theater expenditure, capita programme expenditure, and environmental and health expenditure can be arrived at through public-private partnership. In fact, expenditure should match revenue in the non essential services. Transferring of certain essential services to be catered for by the central government can be a better alternative to managing the council bills, particularly expenditure on education and health. Through the councilors, the council should rally the members to pass the adjustment so that the desired council tax band d for 2012/2013 is achieved, otherwise at the projected rate of 5% would not achieve the projected revenue demands. A marriage of geographical positioning of the Council Tax Band D equivalent, increase in the charge and reduction in expenditures or a private public arrangement can aid in matching expenditure to revenue. In the United States, water and sewer service, garbage collections have been privatized and these reduce the overall expenditure budget. The budgeting process consists of fundamental chain of activities which can be considered in the following guidelines: budgetary framework, budgetary methodologies, and allocation of resources to the budget activities. A budget framework, on the other hand is defined by certain critical factors namely: timeframe, in the case study, budget as prepared for the 2012/13 financial year, while the previous one was prepared for the 2011/12

Participant Observation (Business Research Method) Essay

Participant Observation (Business Research Method) - Essay Example 2006, p. 342). Participant observer is basically carrying out a naturalistic approach to conducting research and it seems to be a commitment that attempts to adopt the perspectives of studies shared in the day to day experiences. Participant observation has been described as an ongoing and intensive observing, listening and speaking with some explanations (Ely, 1991, p. 42). Many researchers use participant observation as an umbrella term for all qualitative data gathering and data handling. Participant observation includes going out or staying out in search for qualitative data gathering, and thus the observer may learn a new language in order to express the experiences about the lives of people that the researcher comes to know. With this type of research approach, the researcher is prompted to be immersing himself in a specific culture and also learning how he can get rid of the same immersion so that he will be able to intellectualize what he has seen and heard. He will express them in writing, speaking to others and will try to convince others (Bernard, p. 2006, p. 344). Participant observation is therefore more likely to be a fieldwork, but all fieldworks are in contrary not participant observation. ... sanctioned and socially approved answers for a survey research to provide socially desirable responses to describe oneself in terms judged as desirable and to present one-self favorably (Craighead and Nemeroff, 2002, p. 1557). Social desirability affects the accuracy of data to be gathered. It is mainly influenced by the way questions are prepared or asked. Many of survey research questions are more likely to create chances of social desirability so that respondents answer questions in a pre-made answer formats. Engel and Schutt (2005, p. 234) stressed that social desirability effects are more likely to occur when discussing issues that are of controversial in nature or when researcher expresses a view that is not popular or not widely accepted. When survey researcher or interviewer asks the participants with certain ready-made questions, especially when the questions have highly desirable answers, respondents feel conflicts between a desire to conform to the definition of good respo ndent behaviour and a desire to respond and appear to the interviewer to be in a socially desirable category. In surveys with pre-made multiple choice questions, social desirability is more likely to occur among the respondents. Operational Definition An operational definition, in the context of data collection and research, is an obvious, brief, complete and careful description of a measure. Social scientist uses operational definition as a measure to explain various conceptual terms (Sprague, Stuart and Bodary, 2008, p. 205). As different types of data were gathered, operational definition is very fundamental. The operational definition is a significant one in a situation at which the decision is to be taken about something regarding whether it is correct or not, or something having the

Common core standards for literacy Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Common core standards for literacy - Essay Example ards includes developing students’ ability to read texts and draw meaning from contexts, ability to â€Å"support arguments with evidence,† ability to â€Å"resolve conflicting views† in literature and the ability to â€Å"solve complex problems with no obvious solutions† (Wahlstrom, p. 4). I address the standards by providing avenues towards realization of the standards’ goals. One of the ways in which I address the common core standards is by promoting readership among students, as well as identifying, and monitoring the developed reading potentials. This motivates reading interest and identifies special cases for personalized assistance. I however rely on offering directions to develop writing skills that includes review of literature to comprehend its contents before writing. Instructing the students on selection of resources, exposing them to a wide range of literature and tailoring writing to achieve a communication role achieves this. I also address the standards by promoting teamwork, developing a â€Å"multiple perspectives† (Bunch, Kibler and Pimentel, p. 6) approach to encountered literature and instilling confidence in ‘self-expression’ within classrooms (p. 1- 8). Bunch, George, Kibler, Amanda, and Pimentel, Susan. â€Å"Realizing opportunities for English learners in the common core English language arts and disciplinary literacy standards.† Stamford University. N.d. Web. 29 July 2012. Wahlstrom, Deborah. â€Å"Common core standards.† Wordpress. September 2011. Web. 29 July 2012.

Treatment plan Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words - 1

Treatment plan - Case Study Example It is important to consider what a good group counseling can assist Sarah to cope with the death of her father and learn the importance of having friends. Also, to learn the importance of socializing and talking out issues affecting her. Group counselling, in the case of Sarah, mainly intends to heal the new family structure after the loss of her father`s life, who seemed to have been very close to her. Therefore, it is up to the group to assist her to know that her mother is now there with her to assist her and talk to her. The group is set to assist her manage the crisis situations in her life. The intention of group counselling is finding solutions to problems that are existent through sharing with one another. Sarah has the potential of improving in a group setting to help her deal with the trauma of losing her father, and also, assist with her other trauma-based problems like improving her personal communication and social skills. The advantages of group counselling for Sarah are fundamental for improving her social skills. Sarah has an awkward relationship with her friends because she withdraws from communicating with them, as well as a non-existent communication with her mother, and also, learning new ways from the members of the counselling group that assist her in coping with her acting out and fits of anger (Prout & Brown 2007). Sarah can benefit from group counselling as she is bound to realize that she is not alone. Group counselling is a great eye opener for Sarah to realize that there are others like her who experience the same problems as she is, and hence, develop a sense of understanding and coping with the problems. Group counselling gives the participant a better understanding and a wider perspective of the problem. The disadvantages in group counselling do not have effective leadership for the clients that are debilitating to the group members. It can result to

Barge Haulers on the Volga Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Barge Haulers on the Volga - Assignment Example This is because they are hauling the large boat upstream against the water currents and the sun is overhead. The figures of the men are positioned at the centre of the painting. At the background of the painting there are clouds seen from a distance and on the ground, there is water seen in the background where the men have pulled the boat from. Their landscape is also shown from a distance. The source of light is on top of the men as this is shown in their short shadows (Bolton, 2010). The shadows of the men are almost beneath them showing that the source of light was on top of them. The landscape in the background helps to prove and show the direction of the river and its currents. It clearly shows that the men are pushing the bought upstream. The tonal range of the painting is medium as their colours used are not so striking. The artwork has a blue tonal range because of the water and there is also some yellow standing out depicting the source of light. In the art, I see the eleven dressed in rags and they are also bound with leather harnesses. The painting brings out both the appreciation and celebration of men’s fortitude and dignity and at the same time, it highly condemns the people who sanctioned the inhumane activity. As much as the painting shows them to be accepting the men are defeated. Their faces and posture in the painting show physical discomfort. In the painting I only see one person coming out strongly. It is the youth who is brightly coloured and he seems to fight against the binds of leather and he appears to take a heroic poise (Cohen, 2008). He has raised his head to stare into the distance. This shows he has hope that there is redemption coming. The inverted Russian flag clearly shows that whatever is happening is not right or allowed. There is movement in the artwork and this is showed by the currents of water. The men also seem to be in motion hauling the boat. The artist has made the two-dimensional wor k to look as if in the third dimension by use of shades of colour.  

Code switching between English and other languages Essay

Code switching between English and other languages - Essay Example In bilingual or multilingual communities the use of language occurs in a harmonizing way as the speaker shifts between languages as to execute their function which can be either approaching economic need or developing a friendly relationship. Lets take an example of a dialogue held between two Indian speakers who are code-switching between English, Hindi and Kannada. Jayalakshmi, one of the speakers, before presenting her analysis of the conversation held with her friend with reference to code-switching introduces herself as a multilingual. India, a large part of south Asia, remained under British rule for almost ninety years and during this period English remained an official language so it was widely learnt formally. Even after getting independence English remained there as an official language and Hindi became the national language. According to Hewings and Tagg Language policy is introduced in a country by its politicians when a huge political change takes place e.g. after independence or a war. The official language of a country gets a high status and used at institutional, government and international level whereas the national language is marked for its national identity which possesses social and cultural values (Hewings and Tagg (edds) 2012). From Jaya’s commentary we come to know that she speaks a variety of languages which include Hindi as her national language, Kannada as her mother tongue, Bengali as her neighbours communicated in it and some other regional languages. When we hear Jaya’s conversation with her colleague on her workplace we apprehend that English has been used as an official language. Nitin speaks most of English while discussing an official problem and his switching less to other languages is an outcome of the influence of Jaya’s abode which is England. It is noteworthy that Jaya who is supposed to bring a solution to Nitin’s problem unconsciously switch to

Business - Executive presence Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Business - Executive presence - Essay Example This charismatic personality of the individual makes him attractive to people, thus the people follow him. Ultimately, people trust the leadership of the executive and they are assured of the sense of self. There are five classes of executive presence, which contain the sixteen executive traits. These classes include business intelligence, risk taking, interpersonal relationship, performance improvement, and self-development characteristics. The business intelligence characteristics include strategic vs. tactical, whole company perspective, and financial framework. Risk taking characteristics entail capitalizing on change and ambiguity, leaping ahead in one’s career, and going beyond the comfort zone. Interpersonal relationship characteristics include clear communication, managing vs. leading, and sharing the limelight. Performance improvement characteristics are composed of prioritizing an individual’s projects, developing solid thinking skills, and developing discernm ent. Lastly, self-development characteristics include knowing thyself, seeking feedback, gaining confidence, and training. These executive traits are important for the creating the executive presence in any organization. For instance, effective communication in a clear and precise manner is crucial for the development of executive presence. Executive Presence Executive presence is possessed by an individual who has a confident and a powerful persona. The charismatic personality of the individual attracts people and makes them follow the individual. Then, people trust in the executive’s leadership and they are assured of the sense of self. The individual is a strong force within the organization. The individual does not hesitate; he or she takes immediate action. He is confident and decisive with the choices and he is not wavered by anything. Even if the individual is wrong, his or her outward demeanor is not affected. He just tries again because taking risks is his part of th e natural approach (Garfinkle, 2011). The individual is assertive and constantly moves forward with what he wants. He believes in something and directs all his force and energy towards it. He is not forceful but very firm with his opinions and ideas. The respective with which the individual treats others prevents them from seeing his or her aggressiveness and assertiveness. The individual creates consensus with the others so that they feel included in the concepts that he or she encourages. When he or she leverages his expertise and the areas in which he is experienced, executive presence follows. As individual develops executive traits, he or she builds executive presences into an important component of the current state (Garfinkle, 2011).There are five categories of executive presence which encompass the sixteen executive traits. These categories include business intelligence, risk taking, interpersonal relationship, performance improvement, and self-development characteristics. B usiness Intelligence Characteristics Strategic vs. Tactical Having tactical skills (that is, the capability to manage day-to-day tasks and actions) is crucial to the success of the career. However,

Why Do People Like to Watch Horror Movies Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Why Do People Like to Watch Horror Movies - Essay Example The experts and scientists have propounded many theories and models to unravel the reasons as to why people find horror movies which obviously are the precursors and harbingers of such seemingly negative emotions, so interesting and riveting. People who do not prefer or like horror movies sometimes do wonder as to what makes people be so receptive to the blood and gore inherent in the horror movies? Some perhaps consider the experience of viewing a horror movie to be positively an excruciating ordeal. No wonder there is something really powerfully inherent in the horror movies that makes people view them. There are a range of valid and plausible reasons that could account for the peoples’ fascination with horror movies, the most salient of them being an avid desire to expose oneself to experiences that go beyond the mundane real life scenarios, a desire to go through and experience the enhanced emotional sensations that a horror movie facilitates and the immense social, person al and psychological relevance that a good horror movie affiliates to. To a large extent horror movies accrue such a fan following going by the adage that â€Å"normal is boring.† In the current modern civilization, human life is increasingly getting regimented and the individuals and groups tend to be involved in tasks and processes that are regular and repetitive, almost on a daily basis. Consequently, over the time the life gets increasingly boring and the human interest and inclinations do yearn for some sort of experience that is an anomaly, beyond the normal and very unlike the day to day social and individual experiences. Herein lays the relevance of extreme experiences like horror movies. Horror movies enable the viewers to satiate their need for intense and raw excitement, fulfill their innate urge to go through a roller coaster ride of emotions that are gripping, intense and scary and the yearning to get oneself exposed to such dramatical forms that are replete with violence and horror and tend to blatantly violate the regular social norms in a way that is seldom seen in the actual or real life (Weaver III & Tamborini 153). In other words, horror movies cater to the human liking for the bizarre and the extraordinary. While watching the horror movies on the one side people do get a chance to vicariously engage in something that is positively antisocial, sometimes obscene and violent, while on the other side allowing them to engage in evincing reactions and emotions that are more in consonance with the more tamed and socially relevant abhorrence for the antisocial and the violent (Weaver III & Tamborini 153). Since times immemorial human civilizations have been searching for the ways to escape from the grip of the ordinary and regular. For the Bacchanalians it was the indulgence in unrestrained narcotic pleasures, for the Romans it was the gladiatorial contests, and in the 21st century the answer to the human panache for extraordinary has found its full scope in the horror movies. Even a cursory perusal of the basic texts of psychology and neural physiology testify to the fact that the human personality has an indelible primitive side associated with it. There is a part of the human brain that is old and animalistic in its essence and that responds to the intense or threatening situations by resorting to the standard fight or flight mechanisms. In contrast the civilized human brain is more rational and is not that capable of experiencing such intense emotional highs. For instance when a person sees a rope lying in the dark, many a times the first human reaction is to mistake the rope for a snake accompanied by an

Spanish Piece on Youth Fashion Essay Example for Free

Spanish Piece on Youth Fashion Essay The twentieth century is known as the century of the technological age, the technology is present in the lives of the people who live in this century, devices such as computers, cell phones, digital cameras or terms as the Internet and social networks are very common and great importance in our lives. But the fashion is very important for people of twentieth century, the fashion became associated and changing according to different urban tribes. Membership of these groups is evident in the ideology, music, lifestyle and appearance. The use of certain brands of clothing, the use of certain items or colors, distinctive shape of the hair, makeup identifies the various tribes. Well were going to talk about urban tribes. The Emo, dye their hair red, gold or purple piers, wear their hair very smooth to cover one eye or the entire face. Their clothes leans towards dark colors, preferably black. The shirts are usually of smaller size than normal and varied impressions. The black eyeliner and lip piercings are also characteristic features. The use Floggers locks and long hairstyles with bangs that will cover their half of the face, and women makeup with strong colors. The look is completed with slim fit jeans, low cut shirts and jackets, all brightly colored sneakers, hats, crowns, and large sunglasses. The Darks are young people who dress in black, often wear clothes of aristocratic style of times past. They wear crucifixes, rings and pendants concerning bats, skulls and spiders. Makeup their face to look paler and painted her lips and nails black. The punk is not a recent trend. His hair is shaped like a pointy ridge and dyed in bright colors like red and purple, use a little torn jeans and jackets or leather Jean pointy and shiny accessories called taches. They paint their nails dark colors. The rappers and canis use soccer teams hats. Use shoes, prefer to use the tabs unleashed and out. They wear sweatpants, usually are broad, like t-shirts or sweatshirts. The Otakus like to dress like a character in the cartoons, especially the eastern anime.

Influencing factors of consumer complaint behaviour in Malaysia

Influencing factors of consumer complaint behaviour in Malaysia INTRODUCTION If consumers experience dissatisfaction with products or services and are unable to obtain satisfaction from sellers or manufacturers, they may turn for help to a variety of consumer complaint agencies. Therefore, a third party can be the next step for consumers to improve their satisfaction if they still dissatisfied with the companys response. Few consumers actually complain directly to the manufacturer or service provider, so businesses may be unaware of consumer complaint actions (Day, Grabicke, Schaetzel, and Stauchbach, 1981; Stephens and Gwinner 1998). Franklin (1992) believes that consumer complaints is correlated with demands for more government regulation and intervention in the market place. From a managerial perspective, complaints represent potentially valuable information in guiding marketing strategy. Further, from a public policy perspective, complaints may aid the development and targeting of consumer protection and market regulatory programmes (Fornell and Westbrook , 1979). Hence, complaints can provide an alert to the distribution channel of the government regulation that needs correction in the business, and gives the company an opportunity to convince the customer to continue patronising their stores and buying their products. Thus, in the market place, effective complaint management must be a priority for every business, as the complaining behaviour provides companies with a chance to remedy the dissatisfaction and, ultimately, to retain loyal customers (Franklin, 1992; Davidow and Dacin, 1997). Balasubramaniam (1984) suggests that consumer protection may comprise polices and actions involving government intervention to ensure that all consumers obtain what they really want. The increasing demand for consumer protection is a modern phenomenon, and efforts are being made by governments to obtain greater enforcement from laws, however, these laws are not considered as particularly helpful to consumers for matters pertaining to trade descriptions (Financial services, housing, food, etc), door-to-door sales, distance selling, and safety of particular product; consumers should be provided more protection by statutes (Rachagan, 1998). Thus, several Asian countries, including Malaysia, Singapore, Brunei, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Indonesia and Papua-New Guinea, have enacted statutes specifically titled as Consumer Protection Acts/Codes for consumers to solve specific problems. Most research on consumer complaint behaviour is conducted in the U.S. (e.g. Bearden and Mason, 1984; Day, 198 4; Davidow and Dacin, 1997), Canada (e.g. Barnes and Kelloway, 1980; Lau and Ng, 2001), and European countries such as Norway (e.g. Gronhaug and Arndt, 1980), the Netherlands (Morel, Poiesz and Wilke, 1997) and the U.K. (Crosier and Erdogan, 2001). Based on the different cultural settings, complaint issues in Asian countries are insufficient (e.g. Phau and Sari, 2004; Keng, Richmond and Han, 1995; Lau and Ng, 2001). Thus, to understand complaint behaviour and consumer orientation in the marketing system of Asian consumers is extremely important for their survival. Based on previous studies, this report provides a basic framework for seeking redress to show the main determinant factors that influence the ultimate decision to complain to the firms, third party agencies and take court action through the intention variable. The purpose of this study is to investigate the motivation for seeking redress from the firms and the third party complaint process, especially from the Malaysian consumers perspective. LITERATURE REVIEW In fact, the intention can change over time based on the individuals provisional nature. Human behaviour can be considered under volitional control since the individual is prepared to exert maximum effort. Thus, intention can affect human actions, and the relation between intention and action can be seen as the goals and plans that guide behaviour (Ajzen, 1985). Singh (1988) proposes a two-stage strategy explaining that consumers usually engage in multiple complaint behaviour. The first step is consumer complaint intentions. He reports the unique dimensions that support consumer complaint behaviour responses due to the relative intensity of the different consumer complaint behaviour options (i.e. intentions). It should not simply be based on the behaviour that they did/did not engage in. In the second step, consumer complaint behaviour is explained as consumers taking action for their dissatisfaction for an independent situation. Kim, Kim, Im and Shin (2003) also argue that consumer complaint intention is an outcome of the consumers attitude perspectives, rather than complaint behaviour, as they noted that intention is much better predicted and explained by attitude than behaviour. Thus, complaint intention plays the mediating role to explain the consumers attitude and complaint action in this study. According to the previous studies, the current study attempts to investigate how the variables, such as the knowledge of consumer rights and consumer agencies, perception of business practices and responsiveness to complaints and the importance of the product, influence the complaint intention and complaint action. Knowledge of Consumer Rights and Consumer Agencies Referring to social behaviour, Ajzen (1985) suggests that information that is recognized by the individuals will ultimately influence their further behaviour; Ormrod (1999) proposes that reinforcement responses only increase while the learner is aware of the connection. Singh and Wilkes (1996) suggest that an individuals learning about mechanisms and options of complaining affect consumer complaint behaviour, such as knowledge of unfair practices, consumer rights, and complaint channels. Agbonifoh and Edoreh (1986) argue that market imperfections are one of the market factors that make consumers feel helpless when they face discontent. Hence, consumer protection is one of the reactions to change the consumers helplessness. Guiding the consumers to enjoy their rights and the awareness of the existence of regulations and provisions becomes important when they encounter frustration or depression about the dissatisfied products or services (Agbonfoh and Edoreh, 1986). Thus, awareness of consumers rights and consumer protection agencies is important for consumers making the decision to redress their dissatisfaction to firms or third party. Moyer (1985) found that complainers with relatively good information concerning their consumer rights and who are more aware of possible help from third parties are more active in seeking information and more likely to express their dissatisfaction to sellers. Day (1984) suggests that consumers knowledge about where to complain affects the consumers complaint behaviour. Based on Haefner and Leckenby (1975), and Tipper (1997), in the current study, knowledge of consumer rights and consumer agencies is defined as the individual awareness and understanding of consumer rights and consumer protection agencies in Malaysia. An individuals knowledge or information is the basis for influence on human behaviour (Ajzen, 1985). Day and Landon (1976) suggest that consumers who are less knowledgeable will rarely seek redress for their discontent with products or services. Moyer (1985) found that complainers who seek more information and have more interest in the consumer protection laws are more active in expressing their dissatisfaction to sellers. Tipper (1997) found that knowledge of consumer rights has a significant positive influence on third party redress. It can be viewed that American consumers with more knowledge about consumer rights are more inclined to utilize federal agencies and legal action as their third party redress options than other consumers. Ajzen (1985, 1991) suggests that intention can be used as a mediating variable between the information variable and specific action. Referring to the limited previous literature, the hypotheses on knowledge of consumer rights and consumer agencies wit h complaint behaviour can be stated as follows: Hypothesis 1a: Consumers with more knowledge of consumer rights and consumer agencies are more likely to have high complaint intention. Hypothesis 1b: Consumers with more knowledge of consumer rights and consumer agencies are more likely to take complaint action. Hypothesis 1c: Complaint intention will mediate the relationship between knowledge of consumer rights and consumer agencies and complaint action. Perception of Business Practices and Responsiveness to Complaint Keng, Richmond and Han (1995) determine that market factors should influence consumer complaint behaviour, such as a businesss reputation for quality and service, and the responsiveness of the business to complaints. Moyer (1985) found that complainers hold negative expectations concerning an organizations responsiveness to their complaints, they feel that third party actions are on behalf of the consumer. Granbois, Summers and Frazier (1977) delineate that consumers perception about a firms willingness to provide redress has the most significant correlation with complaint behaviour. Jacoby and Jaccard (1981) discuss that marketing channel factors affect consumer complaint behaviour. Richins (1982) points out that the efficacy of complaining and the retailers willingness to solve complaints can be a major factor in consumers complaint behaviour. If the customer responsiveness or firm-related failure from firms or business causes the individual dissatisfaction, consumers are more like ly to tell others about their unhappiness since they tend to perceive the firm to be at fault, and consumers may feel angry and desire to hurt the firms business (Lau and Ng, 2001). Crie (2003) suggests that buyers and sellers interaction frequency plays a part in the preference for verbal complaint action. Based on the previous literature review, the reputation of the business practice and the retailers willingness to address complaints causes consumers dissatisfaction and may influence the consumers complaint behaviour (Richins, 1982; Keng, et al., 1995; Phau and Sari, 2004; Lau and Ng, 2001; Crie, 2003; Liu and McClure, 2001; Weiser, 1995). In the current study, perception of business practices and responsiveness to complaints can be defined as the consumers perception about firms practices and firms responsiveness to their complaint (Keng, et al., 1995). To examine the complaint intention, Richins (1982) found that if consumers perceive that a business is willing to remedy the complaint they are more likely to make a complaint, they feel that complaining is worth the effort. Regarding predicting complaint action from business practices and responsiveness to complaints, Richins (1982) found that if complainers believe that business responsiveness is low, they are more likely to take complaint action. Phau and Sari (2004) found that Indonesian complainers have a negative perception concerning business practice and responsiveness to complaint. Referring to third party complaint actions, Tipper (1997) found that American consumers with a negative feeling about business practice and responsiveness to complaint are more likely to address their complaint to the Better Business Bureau, Consumer Agency, State Attorney Generals Office, Federal Agency and take legal action. Ajzen (1985, 1991) suggests that intention can be used as a mediating v ariable between the attitudinal (perceivable) variable and specific action. Thus, the hypothesis in this study proposes that: Hypothesis 2a: Consumers with a positive perception of business practice and responsiveness to complaint will be more likely to have high complaint intention. Hypothesis 2b: Consumers with a negative perception of business practice and responsiveness to complaint will be more likely to take complaint action. Hypothesis 2c: Complaint intention will mediate the relationship between the perception of business practice and responsiveness to complaint and complaint action. Importance of Product Generally, consumers tend to perceive that high quality products or services have a high price and if the quality of the product or service is below their expectation they will be discontent. Day (1977) suggests that the higher the price of the products or services, the higher the expectation will be performed, and luxury products can influence the consumers status. Keng, et al. (1995) define the consumers perception of the importance of the product as the price of the product, how socially visible the product is, and the durability and frequency of using the product, all of which may influence complaint behaviour. Therefore, the importance of the product can affect consumer complaint behaviour (Keng, et al., 1995; Phau and Sari, 2004). In the present study, the importance of the product can be defined as the price of product, used frequently, socially visible and used for a long period. Day (1977) found that if the actual performance of the product or service dilutes the consumers status, they will be more likely to make a complaint. Jacoby and Jaccard (1981) argue that consumers with higher information regarding their dissatisfaction are more likely to take complaint action. Phau and Sari (2004) found that products that reflect the consumers status, or are used frequently, or over a long period of time, and expensive unsatisfactory products, affect the consumers complaint action for Indonesian consumers. Keng, et al. (1995) found that if the price of the product is high, the more socially visible the product, or the quality of the product is defective, consumers are more likely to take complaint action. Ajzen (1985, 1991) suggests that intention can be used as a mediating variable between the attitudinal (perceivable) variable and specific action. Thus, the hypothesis is stated as the following in the current study: Hypothesis 3a: Consumers with a perception that the unsatisfactory product is expensive, is used frequently, seen by others and is used for a long period of time, are more likely to have high complaint intention. Hypothesis 3b: Consumers with a perception that the product is expensive, is used frequently, seen by others and is used for a long period of time, are more likely to take complaint action. Hypothesis 3c: Complaint intention will mediate the relationship between the importance of the product and complaint action. Complaint Intention and Complaint Action In both the TRA (Fishbein and Ajzen, 1975) and TPB (Ajzen, 1991) models, the intention construct is considered as the mediation role between the beliefs and the behaviour. Godin and Kok (1996) define the intention as the expressed motivation to perform some behaviour or achieve some goal (p. 94). Ajzen (1991) suggests that intention can be referred to the amount of effort a person exerts to engage in actual behaviour. Ajzen and Driver (1992) argue that intention can be assumed to capture the motivational factors that influence behaviour, it is indications of how hard people are willing to try, of how much of an effort they are planning to exert, in order to perform the behaviour (p. 208). Hence, the more an individual intends to carry out, the more likely he or she will do. Ajzen (2001) suggests that intention plays an important role in guiding human action and it can perform a goal-directed behaviour in a specific context (p. 47). Ajzen and Driver, (1992) suggest strong intentions of individuals to engage in behaviour or to achieve their behavioural goals. Hurbes and Ajzen (2001) found that intention contributes significantly and gives a positive prediction of hunting behaviour. Singh (1988) found that consumers with private and third party complaint intention are actually more engaged in private and third party actions. Richins (1982) also suggests that a propensity to complain is significantly related with actual behaviour. Therefore, the stronger intentions from consumers to engage in complaint actions, the more successful they are predicted. The proposition between complaint intention and complaint actions shows as following: Hypothesis 4: Consumers with a higher intention of seeking redress for complaining are more likely to take action on their complaints. In accordance with previous studies, this study prefers to treat each factor as separate concepts that can influence the consumers intention and actions in the research framework (see Figure 1). H3b H2b H1b H3a H2a H1a H4 H1c / H2c / H3c Importance Of Product Complaint Intention Complaint Action Perception on Business Practices and Responsiveness to complaint Knowledge of Consumer Rights and Consumer AgenciesFigure 1: The Research Framework METHODS OF THE STUDY The data in this research was collected by a survey involving self-administered questionnaires. The population and sample were Malaysian citizens residing in Kuala Lumpur, Peninsular Malaysia. To provide an adequate level of confidence, this present research used 700 as the target sample size. In order to capture this targeted sample size of respondents, 1,200 respondents in three shopping malls, the Tribunal for Consumer Claims in Kuala Lumpur and the National Consumer Complaints Centre were intercepted and requested to participate in the study from February 2007 to the end of April 2007. Finally, a total of 834 survey questionnaires were found to be usable in this study. The constructs used in the questionnaire were derived from previous research based on the literature review. The questionnaires were produced in three languages English, Chinese and Malay. The final research questionnaire consisted of four parts. The first part included 7 statements to measure the knowledge of consumer rights and consumer agencies variables, which were adapted from Haefner and Leckenby (1975), and Tipper (1997). A 7 point Likert-scale from 1 = very poor to 7 = excellent were used in this section. The next section concerned 10 statements on the respondents perception of business practice and responsiveness to the complaint variable, which were adopted from Kim, et al. (2003) and 4 statements on the importance of product variable, which were adopted from Phau and Sari (2004). Seven point Likert-scales from 1 = strongly disagree to 7 = strongly agree were used in the second part. Another 10 statements of the complaint actions that consumers intended to take were adopte d from Singh (1988). Seven point Likert-scales from 1 = very unlikely to 7 = very likely were used to measure the complaint intention variable in part three. The last part included 5 statements which measured the complaint actions that consumers had taken (Yes/No) by using the Guttman scale, this variable was adopted from Singh (1988). FINDINGS OF THE STUDY As discussed in the study of Garver and Mentzer (1999), the Structural Equation Model (SEM) is a powerful technique that combines the measurement model (confirmatory factor analysis) and the structural model (path analysis) into a simultaneous statistical test and provides a measurement theory and a structural theory (Hair, et al., 2006). In this report, the SEM was used as the main statistical analysis tool to purify the measurement items and AMOS 5.0 was used for testing the hypothesis relationship. Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) According to Anderson and Gerbing (1988), and Hair, et al. (2006), the first assessment should be any structural model that exists with an acceptable goodness-of-fit. Thus, it could begin by fitting a CFA model that includes covariance between all pairs of latent factors. In this paper, the overall fit for the base measurement model were poor GFI=0.886, AGFI=0.861, TLI=0.873, CFI=0.884, RMSEA=0.057 and CMIN/DF=2.693. In order to improve the model fit indices, items PBR4, PBR7, KNLEG2, KNLEG3, and KNLEG4 were deleted from the base model due to the lower factor loading and high modification indices. After deletion, the overall fit for final the measurement model in the calibration sample was excellent, with GFI=0.928, AGFI=0.913, TLI=0.917, CFI=0.927, RMSEA=0.045 and CMIN/DF=2.693. Testing the Hypotheses Once an acceptable measurement model is available, the structural model evaluation should be able to start. The results of the structural model show that the model achieved a good level of fit, à Ã¢â‚¬ ¡2 = 902.067, à Ã¢â‚¬ ¡ 2 / df = 2.693, GFI = 0.928, AGFI = 0.913, TLI = 0.917, CFI = 0.927, RMSEA = 0.045. The result also reported that 13.6 per cent of the variance associated with complaint intention was accounted for by its three predictors: knowledge of consumer rights and consumer agencies, perception on business practices and responsiveness to complaint and importance of product. Accordingly, it was determined that 35.3 percent of the variation in complaint action was accounted for by its four predictors including complaint intention. Testing the Hypotheses on the Complaint Intention Examining the relationship between the independent variables and the complaint intention, Hypothesis 1a, (see Table 1) regarding the knowledge of consumer rights and consumer agencies on the complaint intention, was supported (P = 0.000, ÃŽÂ ² = 0.295). It explained that if consumers with more knowledge of consumer rights and consumer agencies, they would be more likely to make complaints. This result approved the suggestion from Day and Landon (1976). The result did not support Hypothesis 2a (see Table 1) about the perception on business practices and responsiveness to complaint (p = 0.370, ÃŽÂ ² = 0.039). This means that consumers perception on business practices and responsiveness to complaints has no significant relationship with the complaint intention. This result was consistent with the study of Halstead and Droge (1991). Referring to Hypothesis 3a (see Table 1), the results show that the importance of product significantly influences the complaint intention (p = 0.000; ÃŽÂ ² = 0.219). This result indicates that if consumers perceive that the product is expensive, is used frequently, is seen by others and is used for a long period of time, they are more likely to intend to make a complaint. This result is proved in the study of Day (1977). Table 1: Hypotheses Test on Complaint Intention ÃŽÂ ² S.E C.R. P Support H1a CI KNLEG 0.295 0.018 5.715 0.000* Yes H2a CI PBR 0.039 0.071 0.897 0.370 No H3a CI IP 0.219 0.032 3.429 0.000* Yes *: p Testing the Hypotheses on the Complaint Action To test the hypotheses on the complaint action, Hypothesis 1b (see Table 2), regarding the knowledge of consumer rights and consumer agencies on the complaint actions, was supported (p = 0.000, ÃŽÂ ² = 125). It could be explained that consumers with more knowledge of consumer rights and consumer agencies are more likely to take complaint action. Referring to hypothesis 2b (see Table 2), the perception on business practices and responsiveness to complaint showed a negative marginally influence on the complaint action due to p = 0.000, ÃŽÂ ² = -0.063. This result is consistent with the findings from Richins (1982) and Tipper (1997). It could be explained that Malaysian consumers with a negative feeling about business practice and responsiveness to complaint are more likely to take complaint action against the firms or the third party. Testing hypothesis 3b (see Table 2), the importance of product showed a negative significant relationship with complaint action to the firms or the third parties (p = 0.000, ÃŽÂ ² = -0.211). This result does not support the hypothesis due to the negative relationship between the importance of product and the complaint action. Regarding the relationship between complaint intention and complaint action, the results (see Table 2) support hypothesis 4 (p = 0.000; ÃŽÂ ² = 0.552). This means that once the complainers have a strong intention to seek redress, they will definitely take action to get further satisfaction on their dissatisfied products or services from the third parties or the businesses. These results confirm the suggestion of Ajzen (1985, 1991) and Singh (1988). Table 2: Hypothesis Test on Complaint Action ÃŽÂ ² S.E. C.R. P Support H1b CA KNLEG 0.125 0.008 2.980 0.003* Yes H2b CA PBR -0.063 0.029 -1.829 0.067m Yes H3b CA IP -0.211 0.012 -4.575 0.000* No H4 CA CI 0.552 0.041 6.883 0.000* Yes *: p m: marginally significant Testing Hypotheses on Mediating Effect A mediating effect is created when a third variable/construct intervenes between two other related constructs that explain how or why each predictor variable influences the criterion. Testing the mediation effects, Hair et al. (2006) suggest that if the indirect effect of the variable is higher than 0.08, it indicates a mediating effect. If the p-value of the independent variable and mediating variable, mediating variable and dependent variable, independent variable and dependent variable, are significant, partial mediation will be proved; if the p-values of the independent variable and mediating variable, mediating variable and dependent variable, are significant, full mediation will be proved. Table 3 shows the hypotheses on the mediation effect in this study. Regarding Hypothesis 1c, the finding in Table 3 shows that the indirect effect of the knowledge of consumer rights and complaint agencies on the complaint actions was 0.163, which was higher than 0.08, and the p-value for knowledge of consumer rights and consumer agencies and complaint intention, complaint intention and complaint action, knowledge of consumer rights and consumer agencies and complaint action were all significant. Thus, complaint intention fully mediated the relationship between the knowledge of consumer rights and consumer agencies and the complaint action. Following the same procedure, the indirect effect of the perception on business practices and responsiveness to complaint showed 0.022 ( Table 3: Direct and Indirect Effect on the Mediation Variable Direct Effect Indirect Effect Total Effect Hypothesis Supported Type of Mediation H1c: KNLEGà ¢Ã¢â‚¬  Ã¢â‚¬â„¢CA 0.125 0.163 0.288 Yes Partial Mediation H2c: PBRà ¢Ã¢â‚¬  Ã¢â‚¬â„¢CA -0.063 0.022 -0.041 No H3c: IPà ¢Ã¢â‚¬  Ã¢â‚¬â„¢CA -0.211 0.121 -0.090 Yes Full Mediation DISCUSSION AND IMPLICATIONS Most previous studies in the consumer complaint behaviour have focused on the two-group typology, which consists of complainers and non-complainers (Kim, Kim, Im and Shin, 2003, Keng, et al., 1995; Phau and Sari, 2004). This study offers a broader classification, which is consumers making complaints to the firms and third parties. The framework in the present paper has provided valuable information concerning the consumers motivation for seeking redress based on the consumers understanding of consumer rights and consumer protection, market factor and importance of product or services and level of dissatisfaction. Hopefully, the development of this model provides a basis for future research on exploring consumer complaint behaviour. Although a third party complaint agency is one approach to assist organizations handling the dissatisfaction with consumers together, it is unfortunate that many organizations never realize the importance of complaint handling. Consequently, for improving a complaint handling management programme, business, policy makers in governments and consumer organizations must understand how these factors influence complaint behaviour, and develop strategies for influencing variables and complaint behaviour as follows. According to the knowledge of consumer rights and consumer agencies, it contributed an important value to predict consumer complaint behaviour. The practical implication for policy makers in governments or consumer organisations is that they should provide more approaches to educate consumers about their rights and responsibilities as consumer education concerns the necessary skills, attitudes, knowledge and understanding to become an effective consumer (Brennan and Ritters, 2004). This education can help consumers to obtain the skills and knowledge needed to make adjustments to their choices and improve the consumers confidence to take action in their life. Thus, consumer education along with effective regulations and access to good quality advice and information from government or consumer organisations are essential components against the irresponsibility or unethical business in the marketplace. Referring to the market factor, the results show that consumers perception of business practice and responsiveness to complaints is not an important factor in examining the complaint action. Thus, as business managers and executives, they should realize the importance of complaint handling. Organizations can educate consumers by focusing the complaint process on removing the fear of confrontation and intimidation factors. Firms can offer some compensation to the disgruntled consumer and should not complain about the extra effort or cost involved, and consider each customer as a prospective buyer when they make a complaint. For consumers who perceive a higher cost of complaining when they are unable to contact the organization, the company can offer a generic booklet that is distributed to consumers explaining how to effectively get in touch with the organizations to increase consumer confidence and purchase intention (TARP, 1986). Businesses may encourage consumers to make a complain t by adopting strategies that shift the blame away from the consumers, such as by replacing the product or service with which they are dissatisfied for free. Therefore, the way of complaint handling can develop a good image for the firms and help enhance marketing effectiveness in the long run. Keng, Richmond and Han (1995) found that complainers are more likely to resort to complaint action if the price of the product is high or the quality of the product is defective than the non-complainers. This research found that consumers intended to making complaints if they feel dissatisfied with the product or the product was expensive, was used frequently, seen by others and was used for a long period of time. Thus, the firms should pay special attention to complaints concerning expensive durable products; the seller should be trained to handle complaints well, and the firm should not raise consumers

Alternative Mating Strategies of Animals

Alternative Mating Strategies of Animals Animal Behaviour Essay Reproductive success can be defined as a mechanism which allows the passing of genes from one generation to the next in such a way that the offspring will too successfully pass on these genes. When male reproductive success depends on male-male competition and aggression, as is usually the case in polygamous species, individuals who are at a competitive disadvantage sometimes adopt an entirely different constellation of reproductive behaviours. In most cases, individuals practice only a single reproduction option throughout their lifetime (Kelly R. Zamudio, 2000). However, when such alternative mating patterns are practiced as part of a developmental sequence, they can be considered parts of a single lifetime reproductive strategy (Kelly R. Zamudio, 2000). Alternative Mating strategies have long fascinated behavioural biologists. A system in which not all males are equal in physical attributes (phenotypes) and have therefore developed an alternative strategy in order to pass on indiv idual genes by producing offspring (Kelly R. Zamudio, 2000). We hear of sneakers, satellites, mate guarding and more. Alternative mating strategies shed light on fundamental evolutionary processes (Kelly R. Zamudio, 2000). How can sexual selection overcome the combined forces of natural selection on males and female who oppose it? Highly modified male phenotypes are well known to impose great survival costs upon the males that possess them (Kelly R. Zamudio, 2000). How is it that these extreme male variants, as well as the females that mate with or produce them, are not simply eliminated by natural selection outright (Kelly R. Zamudio, 2000). Alternative mating strategies invade a population when relatively few conventional individuals secure mates. There are two types of alternative strategies exist. First, phenotype differences through polymorphism and second, genetically determined alternative strategies (Kelly R. Zamudio, 2000). The side-blotched lizard, (Uta stansburianathe), is a small common territorial lizard that is widely distributed in North America. Males of this species are highly territorial and their mating system has been described as resource-defence polygyny, with large territory holders gaining access to females whose home ranges are included within their territory (Stanley F. Fox, 2003). Some populations of this species in the coastal range of California exhibit a curious combination of alternative states that has been described as a rock paper scissors game (Stanley F. Fox, 2003). Three alternative strategies interact in a system that has no single winner; instead each male has strengths that allow it to out- compete one other strategy, but weaknesses that leave it vulnerable to tactics of the third (Stanley F. Fox, 2003). Orange-throated males are aggressive, have higher levels of testosterone, and vigorously defend large territories, which presumably affords them access to larger number of females (Stanley F. Fox, 2003). Blue-throated males are also territorial but mate guarders and stay with their females after copulating. Mate guarding may prevent their female from copulating with other males, however this behaviour interferes with territorial defence, and potentially limiting access by blue males to additional mates (Stanley F. Fox, 2003). Yellow-throated males are non- territorial of other mates and copulate with their females. In order to do this sneakers not only behave surreptitiously to avoid detection, but also rely on female mimicry, their throat and dorsal coloration are most similar to patterns found in females (Stanley F. Fox, 2003). Each male has specific behavioural attributes that allow it to out compete only one of the other males orange-throated males are able to outcompete the blue-throated mate guarders through aggression (Stanley F. Fox, 2003). On the other hand mate-guarding of blue males allows them to out-compete yellow sneakers, effectively d eter sneakers from copulating. Yellow throated sneakers have been most successful at mating with the orange throated females in that territory (Stanley F. Fox, 2003). This is a genetically based system requires very specific evolutionary conditions (Stanley F. Fox, 2003). Previous behavioural estimates of fitness found that the three males exist in an evolutionary stable state. Negative frequency-dependent selection maintains each phenotype in the population and all three males may have equal fitness (Stanley F. Fox, 2003). Fitness of sneakers will be highest when orange males are present in large numbers, because this should offer sneakers ample opportunity to sneak copulation from within territories of these males (Stanley F. Fox, 2003). Long term fitness of strategies must average the frequency-dependent fitness of each morph at all stages of cycle and across the entire population (Stanley F. Fox, 2003). This requires long term paternity data sets. Analysis for local frequency-dependent processes that underlie these patterns provides a more rapid assessment of the focus maintaining alternative strategies in this population (Stanley F. Fox, 2003 ). Demonstrating frequency-dependent selection provides a better estimate of the global stability of the system is maintained by negative frequency dependence in which rare morphs have a fitness advantage (Stanley F. Fox, 2003). The scale at which these behavioural interactions occur is the level of competing groups of neighbouring males, in that the exact composition of males within a neighbourhood is expected to determine the fitness of all males within that group. For example the success of any one male should depend on the number of the other two males that come in direct competition with him (Stanley F. Fox, 2003). Another species that exhibits alternative mating strategies within species is the fallow deer. Males of this species may adopt alternative mating strategies within single populations (Thirgood, 1990). There are several explanations for this; Thirgood declared that first, a particular strategy may be optimal under certain environmental or social conditions (Thirgood, 1990). Secondly the best strategy for an individual to adopt may depend upon the strategies adopted by other males in the population (Thirgood, 1990). Third, males may simply be making the best of a bad situation, because they are incapable of competing with other males to gain maximum access to females (Thirgood, 1990). Fallow deer follow three types of mating strategies the first of which is the pursuit of a non-territorial strategy. The second strategy is to defend one single territory which may or may not contain resources desired. The last strategy is to defend multiple or what are known as lek territories (Thirgood, 1990). Lek breeding is an uncommon mating system that has only been described in five ungulate species, including the Uganda and white-eared kob and the fallow deer (Thirgood, 1990). In lek breeding species males conjugate on small clustered mating territories, which females visit solely for the purpose of copulation (Thirgood, 1990). Males do not provide paternal investment other than gametes and their territories do not contain resources required by females other than the males themselves (Thirgood, 1990). Lekking rarely appears as a pure strategy within populations, but usually as an alternative to single territory defence. Most studies of lek breeding ungulates have suggested that males holding territories on the lek have much higher mating rates than those holding single territories away from the lek, and that these latter males are simply poor competitors (Thirgood, 1990). Fallow deer in the Blackensford region of the New Forest form part of a managed population of approximately 2000 animals inhabiting an area of mixed deciduous and coniferous woodland, heartland, bogs and grasslands (Thirgood, 1990). Mating is highly seasonal, taking place largely in the half of October, although occasional copulations have been recorded before and after that time. In the New Forest population, adult male and female fallow deer are spatially segregated for much of the year (Thirgood, 1990). A small lek of three to seven mature males would be situated on the boundary of two distinct woodland habitats. A lek was observed and copulations were recorded (Thirgood, 1990). Permanently defended single territories were established in areas close to the lek. These territories occurred in a single variety of woodland habitats ranging in resources from plentiful to absent, and are representative of the great variability of single territory defence in fallow deer (Thirgood, 1990). Non-territorial reproductive behaviour has been described previously from a number of wild and enclosed fallow populations (Thirgood, 1990). At Blackensford this consisted of males simply following groups of females, or behaving as satellites by intercepting female movement (Thirgood, 1990). The estimated mating success on a single territory was higher than that reported for other lekking populations of ungulates (Thirgood, 1990). Data suggests that within a given year successful lek males attain higher mating success than single territory males, who in turn get more mating than unsuccessful lek males (Thirgood, 1990). Males are not limited to one strategy, and are capable of switching strategies as mating opportunities dictate. It was concluded that because fighting is more common on the lek, lower costs of single territory defence may result in a longer reproductive life (Thirgood, 1990). Another species that displays alternative mating strategies is a type of Bee known as Centris Pallida. Dimorphism is common in the male mating behaviour, of a large anthophorid bee (John Alcock, 1977). Bees of this genus have been relatively little studied, although previous studies have found males of various species established territories primarily by orchids or around flowering trees in tropical, central and south America and in Jamaica males of C. Pallida dig up buried females and males, mating with the former (John Alcock, 1977). Mate-location, techniques, size variation, and the fitness of mates as well as the parental investments of their mothers are intimately related to one another (John Alcock, 1977). Males of this Bee fall into one of two classes when searching for females. They are either patrollers, cruising rapidly near the ground in areas in which females are emerging, or they are however, poised at aerial stations around shrubs and trees (John Alcock, 1977). Patrolle rs search for sites at which a buried virgin female is about to emerge, upon finding such a spot, the male is capable of digging through 1-2cm of soil to the hidden female, which is usually mated by the male that uncovers her (John Alcock, 1977). Patrollers often attempt to appropriate a digging spot that another male has discovered or to separate a male from a freshly captured female (John Alcock, 1977). The second group of males, known as the hoverers, wait at sites peripheral to open emergence areas, generally by plants, whether these are flowering or not (John Alcock, 1977). Alternatively they wait at flowering shrubs or trees located well away from major emergence sites. These bees hover in the air with their hind legs dangling and held higher than the abdomen (John Alcock, 1977). They dart off rapidly in pursuit of all passing insects about their size and then almost always quickly return to their hovering station, although they may drift rather slowly over an area 1-2m in dia meter (John Alcock, 1977). These individuals do chase neighbouring and intruding however commonly but they almost never make physical contact. As a general rule, 1m or so separates hovering males (John Alcock, 1977). It is difficult to say whether this spacing stems from aggressive interactions among males avoiding one another, seeking unoccupied scanning locations (John Alcock, 1977). Hoverers will pursue females that are collecting pollen but rarely grasp these individuals, which implies that they seek to secure only virgin females and can discriminate these from already mated bees. Hovering bees apparently are waiting for virgin females that have avoided capture by patroller-diggers (John Alcock, 1977). It has long been known that males in a wide variety of animal populations practice alternative mating strategies in order to maximize their reproductive fitness. This is especially common when there is male-male competition for access to mates. In cases where such alternative strategies are as successful at obtaining mates as the predominant strategy, a coexistence of different mating strategies will evolve. The importance of alternative mating strategies is widely underestimated and often misunderstood. Polymorphic mating phenotypes provide quantifiable examples of intense frequency dependant sexual selection and its rapid evolutionary consequences. in the case of the blotched- lizard it has been shown that frequency-dependent selection arising from local competition can promote conditions that favour each individual male, and thus preserve all three strategies of the rock-paper-scissors cycle in the long term. Condition-dependent behaviour in the context of mating may result from c hanges in resource availability and intra-sexual competition for mates. When competition decreases, the expression of alternative behaviours also decreases. Changes in mating behaviours, especially among alternative males, have been documented in insects, fish, and amphibians upon removal of dominant males. Additionally, the availability of mates and resources also affects the expression of alternative strategies within a sex. The gain or loss of territory has been shown to affect mating approaches among insect species, while the receptivity and spatial distribution of mate’s impacts tactics used among insects, fish, and mammals. Mating behaviours are also affected by an individual’s size and age, as smaller or younger individuals are more likely to attempt reproduction through alternative means, including mimicry or sneak tactics. As a result, the ability to choose a behaviour that maximizes fitness under certain circumstances evolves.

How does Hitler’s Seizure of Power in Germany help us define Fascism? E

Hitler’s regime in Germany is commonly referred to as Nazism, and is identified in the theories of both Sternhell and Payne, which they conclude to be completely divergent from Italian fascism. If this is the case, then Paxton’s five stages of fascism are proven to be invalid; as, like Mussolini in Italy, Hitler’s regime in Germany shows direct resemblance to these stages, as the latter parts of this chapter will show. With the signing of the armistice, that formally ended World War One, on November 11 1918, Germany respectively lost the war. Six months after the signing, the representatives at the Paris Peace Conferences, were finally able to conclude the peace treaties, which was signed on June 28 1919. The Treaty of Versailles was to have dire effects on Germany, effects that arguably completely altered the nature of her future. As part of the terms of this settlement, Germany was radically changed; in terms of: legal and military restrictions, territorial changes and also, as a result of Article 231, Germany were blamed for starting the war, which formally became known as the war guilt clause, which stated: ‘The Allied and Associated Governments affirm and Germany accepts the responsibility of Germany and her allies for causing all the loss and damage to which the Allied and Associated Governments and their nationals have been subjected as a consequence of the war imposed upon them by t he aggression of Germany and her allies’ . The sum, was later determined in 1921, to be  £6000million. In terms of legal restrictions, articles 227 to 231 tried many German officials, including Emperor Wilhelm ll, as war criminals. Furthermore, Germany saw its military, in all forms, air, land and sea, vastly restricted. The German public w... ...orship. Works Cited Allan Todd – The European Dictatorships – Hitler, Stalin and Mussolini – Cambridge university press (2002) Stanley G Payne – Fascism: Comparison and Definition – University of Wisconsin Press – 1980 Walter Laqueur – Fascism: Past, Present and Future – Oxford University Press – 1997 Roger Griffin – Essays in the 20th century World History – Heinemann London 1999 A.J Gregor – Young Mussolini and the intellectual Origins of Fascism – California Press 1979 Martin Kolinsky – Continuity and Change in European Society: France, Germany and Italy since 1870 – 1974 Palgrave Macmillan Martin Blinkhorn – Mussolini and Fascist Italy – third edition – Routledge 2006 Sharma, Urmila. Western Political Thought. Atlantic Publishers and Distributors (P) Ltd, 1998. p. 66. Philip Morgan, Fascism in Europe, 1919-1945, New York Tayolor & Francis 2003

Alienation in Kafkas The Metamorphosis Essay -- Kafka Metamorphosis E

Franz Kafka's The Metamorphosis In German, the word Kafka uses to describe Gregor Samsa's transformation is ungezieter, which is a word used by the Germans during his lifetime in reference to the Jews. The literal English translation is "monstrous vermin." Kafka uses Gregor's family to show how inhumane society can be. In The Metamorphosis, Kafka uses his experiences to create much of Gregor's life. He indicates that Gregor's family only saw him as a means of survival before the change and took advantage of him. After the change the family is unable to communicate with him because they are blinded by his outer appearance. Kafka's life of alienation directly relate to his development of Gregor Samsa, the outcast son who Kafka symbolically turns into a huge, repulsive creature.Kafka pulls much of his personal experience into the writing of this book. Kafka was a German-speaking Jew in a society where Jews were oppressed. He pulls this into the writing of the book showing Gregor's employer expecting more of him because he is a Jew. The company does not trust him, even though he has not missed a day of work in five years, and a chief clerk comes to check on him . Had this been a German employee, the company would not have so quickly questioned his absence. Kafka also had a rough time dealing with his family because he renounced his Jewish heritage and did not live up to the expectations of his domineering father. Kafka implies that Gregor's father to father feels the... Alienation in Kafka's The Metamorphosis Essay -- Kafka Metamorphosis E Franz Kafka's The Metamorphosis In German, the word Kafka uses to describe Gregor Samsa's transformation is ungezieter, which is a word used by the Germans during his lifetime in reference to the Jews. The literal English translation is "monstrous vermin." Kafka uses Gregor's family to show how inhumane society can be. In The Metamorphosis, Kafka uses his experiences to create much of Gregor's life. He indicates that Gregor's family only saw him as a means of survival before the change and took advantage of him. After the change the family is unable to communicate with him because they are blinded by his outer appearance. Kafka's life of alienation directly relate to his development of Gregor Samsa, the outcast son who Kafka symbolically turns into a huge, repulsive creature.Kafka pulls much of his personal experience into the writing of this book. Kafka was a German-speaking Jew in a society where Jews were oppressed. He pulls this into the writing of the book showing Gregor's employer expecting more of him because he is a Jew. The company does not trust him, even though he has not missed a day of work in five years, and a chief clerk comes to check on him . Had this been a German employee, the company would not have so quickly questioned his absence. Kafka also had a rough time dealing with his family because he renounced his Jewish heritage and did not live up to the expectations of his domineering father. Kafka implies that Gregor's father to father feels the...

Surprising Similarities and Striking Differences :: Free Essay Writer

Surprising Similarities and Striking Differences Daniel Defoe wrote Moll Flanders in 1722, almost one hundred years before Charlotte Bronte finished Jane Eyre. Despite the difference in the times of writing, they bore apparent similarities. Nevertheless the writers adopted different techniques to portrait two heroines. The two novels were both growth novels, to a certain extent, which depicted the changes of the heroines as they grew up. In order to illustrate the changes, the authors employed similar plots and writing skills. The two novels both started from foster families and ended with happy marriages. Perhaps the authors wanted to cast some light on the fact that a broken family had a far-reaching effect on a child’s life. Jane Eyre became rebellious and self-isolated in her struggles at Gateshead while Moll Flanders’ childhood foreshadowed her helplessness and powerlessness throughout her life. In fact the two foster homes differed greatly. Gateshead was a hostile place, which cultivated a strong and independent-minded Jane, so that she could overcome various difficulties in her life on her own. Moll Flanders was not so lucky. Her foster mother was impoverished but extremely kind. Therefore after she died, innocent Moll was thrown into an unfriendly world suddenly. Soon she was seduced, which marked the beginning of her miserable life. Both authors carried a strong sense of family. Jane took after her mother to be a stubborn lover. At despair she appealed for her mother ‘s help wh en she was praying for Mr. Rochester. In the end it’s her family that saved her from the edge of death and treated her with enthusiastic hospitality, quite in contrast with the hostile family of Gateshead. Family had a special meaning for her. Interesting enough it’s her family again who made her rich and in some way made it possible for the reunion of the couple. As to Moll Flanders, she went through what her mother did in almost the same way: from a decent woman to a shameless whore then to a thief, at last experiencing a narrow escape from the gallows. Like Jane she met her family at last quite unexpectedly in an exotic place. Despite all the suffering they had born, the endings of the two novels were happy. They could marry their beloved ones and lead tranquil and rich lives. It seemed that a happy marriage and a rich life were the best endings an author could come up with for a woman at that time.

Goblin Market by Christina Rosetti Essay

Goblin Market by Christina Rosetti I believe this poem tells a story, a story about temptation and lust, about the desire to obtain something the narrator clearly is not meant to take or have. It has similarities to the Story in the bible about the Garden of Eden. Adam and Eve have been told â€Å"You are free to eat from any tree in the garden; but you must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, for if you eat you will surely die. † When I read the poem by Christina Rosetti it makes me think about that story because of the opening lines â€Å"I ate and ate my fill, Yet my mouth waters still;† The narrator, like Adam and Eve, felt discontented with what they were getting. They were always going to want more, never satisfied. There are subtle hints that the narrator should not be eating the fruit, but this makes the fruit taste better and more appealing. The words that have been used are double edged for example â€Å"Cherries worth getting† On it own this sounds innocent and appears to be about fruit! The double meaning here, I believe, suggests that something or someone is desired. Wanting to taste but not being quite sure; this also links with virginity, ‘untouched’ and this is where the lust comes in I think the words Christina Rosetti has chosen are extremely clever because you have to read the poem time and time again to get the true meaning; this keeps the reader interested for longer. Every time you look at this poem you find something else you didn’t notice before. I feel that to try and pull out the striking words would not be of benefit, as they are all seemingly striking and without the rest of the poem attached they would not appear as exceptional; I believe this would not be doing justice to the poem. For example the word â€Å"Pellucid† to me is very striking but alone, without the rest of the sentence, it makes no sense and the feeling is not the same. The line â€Å"Pellucid grapes without one seed† To me has much more of an effect and shows a lot more about the narrator’s emotions. I think the tone of this poem is unpredictable as there are different meanings. When you first read this poem and you see that it is about fruit, one may start to feel that the narrator is babbling, as it does not make a great deal of sense. For example â€Å"To-morrow night I will buy some more; and kissed her†. This, in the context of fruit, seems out of place and somewhat irrelevant. It is only when you read the poem again, this time realising that it is not quite as ‘innocent’ as it first seemed, that the tone changes; it becomes more exciting and profound. I would say that the mood of the poem changes when the realisation of the poem’s true meaning sinks in. While the poem just seems to be about fruit I found the persona offered no excitement or anticipation. This changes quite dramatically when you realise that the poem is actually quite unconventional as it is hinting at a sexual relationship between two women. For example â€Å"Cheek to cheek and breast to breast Locked together in one nest† At this point the voice then seems to become playfully mischievous. There are a lot of similes in this poem, for instance â€Å"Like two pigeons in one nest† I think Christina Rosetti wanted the reader to really visualise what was going on; also I feel that she used simile to create a feeling of anticipation, using a familiar image of closeness. â€Å"Like two flakes of newly fallen snow† Is very clearly talking about two people who are having a sexual relationship, but also telling us that it is the first time and in actual fact they are both virgins. Snow, when it has just fallen, is untouched and perfect in everyway thus symbolising purity. â€Å"Not a bat flapped to and fro Round their nest† Is an example of the use of metaphor in this poem. People do not sleep in a nest and yet these two people are being likened to animals. This I believe creates a feeling of peacefulness, nothing moving. This is representing that they have reached a climax and they are now enjoying the serenity of the moment. An illustration of the use of personification in this poem is â€Å"Wind sang to them a lullaby† The wind of course cannot sing but the image is used to create a peaceful atmosphere. I image it would be really calming and relaxing to have the wind singing a lullaby. Alliteration is not strongly used in this poem I could only find one example which is â€Å"And sugar sweet their sap† I feel this is to heighten the readers’ experience, making them almost taste the sugariness, thus allowing the reader to really get in touch with what is happening in the poem. This poem uses a lot of run on lines an there are only two full stops in the poem. I think this increases the anticipation as well as the feeling of expectation as you can never see how it is going to end. The metre is quite smooth and sinuous and it is used by the narrator to keep the sequence of events told in the poem flowing. The tempo and manner of the poem, as I said earlier, changes when you realise its true meaning. I feel that this happens to keep the suspense. This poem has a sporadic rhyming style because some lines rhyme and others don’t but I feel that this is in keeping with the rest of the poem’s style as it is all rather unconventional.